Merlin was forced to remain in his bed for the next week. He was told that Arthur suffered the same fate. Whenever he could, Merlin pestered Gaius for information concerning the King's health. Unfortunately, Gaius was so busy in dealing with the aftermath of the battle, that Merlin rarely saw him.

It was lonely being confined to his room again, but at least now he was allowed to get out of bed. He even made it downstairs to where they ate their meals. Another healing spell had done nothing for Merlin. Quite the opposite. He had done so without Gaius' consent, which did nothing but weaken him, making it easier for his body to become infected. And despite Gaius' treatment, the wound did become infected and Merlin had to suffer a maggot treatment.

It had probably been the most vile thing he had suffered to date. Luckily, Merlin didn't have to be alone so much anymore. Gwaine had quickly recovered after the battle and was now well enough to pay Merlin daily visits. Sometimes he brought Percy, other times Leon stopped by.

Today it was just Gwaine, which was fine by Merlin. As they sat at the kitchen table, Gwaine's fingers skimmed Merlin's bandages, his fingers just ghosting over them.

"Your first real battle scar." Gwaine joked lightly.

Merlin smiled and shook his head. If only Gwaine knew of the wounds he had truly suffered in battle. Instead, he just put his shirt back on, with Gwaine's help, and picked at a bowl of berries that had been left out.

"And what happened to you again?" Merlin asked with a smile, "Oh right, you tripped over a body and hit your head on the ground."

"Hey!" Gwaine said indignantly, "that was after I was stabbed. We almost have matching battle wounds."

Merlin laughed. "Maybe Arthur will make me a knight now. I get injure like one, why not." Gwaine laughed. "And for once," Merlin added, "I wasn't the one who tripped and injured themselves." He had, but he wasn't going to tell his friend that.

Gwaine just shook his head. "Princess has been asking for you."

Merlin straightened up. No one had spoken with him about the extent of the King's memory loss. They didn't want to let anyone know in fears that the wrong people would find out and hope to take advantage of the situation. Merlin tried to act casual, "Has he? He needs someone to polish his armour, doesn't he?"

Gwaine laughed. "He has George for that." Gwaine's face pinched in disgust. "Have you met that man? No wonder Arthur wants you back."

Merlin had to smile at that. "Soon enough. How much does Arthur remember?"

Gwaine hesitated, then snorted. "Don't tell them I told you, but it's you. What damage could you cause with this kind of information?"

Merlin smiled. "With everything I know? There are much more important secrets to tell than this."

Gwaine cocked an eyebrow. "More important than this? Like... what?" he asked jokingly.

Merlin laughed. "Get on with it."

Gwaine gave him a cheeky smile, then sobered up slightly. "Arthur only remembers pieces. He remembers getting a note from a magician, but not much else. He says there are flickers, like riding, a big circular room, small pieces of battle, but nothing else. He doesn't remember meeting anyone, or what happened."

"Nothing?" Merlin said, biting his lip thinking of the... better... parts of that trip.

Gwaine must have mistook his expression for something else because he patted Merlin gently on the arm. "Don't worry Merlin, he has been told of all that happened there."

"He has?" Merlin squeaked in surprise.

"Oh course, and he is very pleased with all that you have done." Gwaine said.

"He is?" Merlin asked.

Gwaine gave him a funny look. "Don't worry Merlin, I'm sure Arthur will want to thank you all over for your valour."

Merlin had almost forgotten of the false story they had made up to insure the kingdom didn't find out about the truth of what had happened. He tried a laugh, but it sounded slightly broken in a way. "I'm not worried."

Gwaine smiled, flipped his hair back and popped some berries into his mouth. Gaius choose that moment to make an appearance for the first time that day. He looked shocked by the sight of the two of them sitting in the middle of their small home, but soon recovered enough to get on Merlin about having told him to spend the rest of the day recovering in bed.

Gwaine winced, but Merlin smiled, simply missing Gaius' presence the past couple of days. "I'm feeling fine." Merlin told him reassuringly.

Gaius raised an eyebrow at him.

Feeling the tension in the air, Gwaine rose abruptly. "I'd best be off then."

Merlin made to protest, but Gaius cut him off. "I think that might be best for today. Give Merlin a break."

Merlin frowned. "I want to see Arthur."

Gaius opened his mouth to disagree, but Gwaine cut in first. "I can take you there on the way to the armoury. He's been asking for you and he's well enough to take visitors."

Merlin stood up. "Perfect." He made it a couple steps before Gaius's voice stopped him.

"I don't think that's a good idea for today." he said, not unkindly.

Merlin stopped, his hand on the door, and turned to face the old physician, sighing deeply. "It's been a week Gaius. He's not just my King, he's my friend."

Gwaine stood awkwardly off to the side, eyeing both of them.

Gaius hesitated, then nodded. "If Gwaine will see you there safely, it's fine by me."

Merlin smiled and flung the door open, quickly exiting with Gwaine close behind before Gaius could change his mind. He was walking excitedly at a quick pace when Gaius' voice called to him. "Oh and Merlin?" he said. Merlin turned to find Gaius sticking his head out of the quarters they shared. "Prepare yourself for what you are about to find." Gaius told him warily.

Merlin nodded gravely.

They continued on in silence. Gwaine tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but Merlin found himself not really listening. Gwaine had told him what to expect. It was only a matter of seeing how much the King truly remember, things he wouldn't tell his court about, and try and restore the rest of his memories through the bond they shared.

Merlin figured it would be easy, a small touch and memories and emotions would link them, a simple thought could be the key to restoring all that he had lost.

When they reached Arthur's chambers, Gwaine left him with an easy smile and murmured reassurances. Merlin almost felt confident as he knocked on Arthur's door. That is, until the door swung open and he caught sight of the slightly pale and glowering face of Arthur, who stood in the door frame.

It felt as if a stone had dropped in Merlin's stomach, and he was about to beg his leave when a smile broke out across Arthur's face. "Merlin!" he exclaimed, pulling Merlin into a one armed hug. His other arm was wrapped around the shoulder and set in a sling.

"Arthur." Merlin said, nearly collapsing at the sight of his King in one piece. His legs were shaky with nerves and excitement. Inside, he saw Gwen sitting at the long table where they shared their meals. She smiled from where she sat, stood up and exited the room.

"Where are you going?" Arthur asked.

She smiled, a little sadly, and said "I'll give you some time alone to talk. You two need it."

Arthur nodded and turned, entering his chambers. Merlin lingered in the hall, taking in the warning written plainly across Gwen's face as she walked away. But she didn't know the extent of their bond.

Merlin closed the door behind him and joined Arthur at the table where he was sitting, taking the seat opposite of where Gwen had sat just seconds before.

"How are you? No one told me you were well enough to visit." Arthur said, frowning slightly. This had Gaius written all over it, trying to separate them for a while. Merlin didn't blame him.

"And nor they of you. I'm recovering. I didn't know you suffered an injury to your arm." Merlin said, eyeing the bandages.

Arthur shrugged. "They tell me I dislocated my shoulder in the fall." His face darkened slightly.

"So you don't remember much then?" Merlin asked, trying to be casual.

Arthur shook his head, dismay written across his face. "But don't worry, I was told of all you have done for Camelot, Merlin. It seems we all owe you a great debt." he said gravely.

Merlin tried a smile. "You were so grateful you promised me a week off."

Arthur snorted. "Don't be ridiculous Merlin, I would never promise you anything like that."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Ever the prat, aren't you?" he said with a sigh.

"You are the one who ought to be called a prat, you left me with George all this time!" Arthur said indignantly.

Merlin couldn't help but laugh. "Your suffering will soon be over, I'll be back in your service shortly."

"Well," Arthur said, "it's been nice having it be just Gwen and I for a little bit."

"Has Gwen..." Merlin hesitated, then decided to push through, "Did Gwen tell you of what happened to us, with Blythe?"

"Of course she told me. I am truly sorry for what happened to you Merlin, I'm ashamed of what had transpired there and the part I played in it."

Merlin let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. "I blame you for nothing, you must know that." he said as he reached over and took Arthur's hand in his and smiled reassuringly.

Arthur's eyes flicked down to look at their hands and Merlin gasped as Arthur pulled his hand away, giving Merlin a queer look. It didn't matter that they had been touching for only seconds, Merlin felt it all right away.

"Well yes, umm, if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, just say the words." Arthur said, not looking at Merlin.

Merlin felt a growing sense of emptiness inside of him. He had felt it all in that small touch.

Nothing. There had been nothing. It was as if there had never been anything at all, just the briefest brushing of skin on skin.

There hadn't been a connection. There hadn't been a bond. All there was, was an empty place where there used to be such a sacred relationship that had been built off of the gift that Blythe had given them.

All Merlin's plans, all of his hopes had been crushed in that second. "What did Gwen tell you exactly?" Merlin said, his voice empty and flat.

Arthur looked at him oddly, probably confused by the sudden change in his body language and tone. "That Blythe demanded I owed him a favour for the future, and beat you to show me what I would suffer should I refuse his deal. You know this Merlin, you were there."

Merlin nodded, face expressionless.

Arthur sat up straighter, his face becoming stony. "I will tell you this," he said, his voice hard, "I will not let this sorcerer go unpunished. He thinks he can do this to us, curse our lands, starve my people and hurt those who I care for and suffer no consequences? He shall pay."

Merlin said nothing, eyeing his King warily, unsure of what to say.

Arthur pressed on. "Morgana was probably in league with him. From what I heard, she struck when we were weak. She and this... Blythe person," he spat out, "must have been working together to take us down." He looked over at Merlin expectantly.

Merlin nodded. "It's possible." he said in a small voice.

Arthur frowned. "What is it Merlin? Is it your wound?"

Merlin nodded weakly, but it wasn't his wound. He had been so sure that he would be able to make Arthur see that they could be together. Gwen was alright with it, Arthur had started to accept his magic on the battle field and Merlin had been sure he'd be able to restore Arthur's memory with a mere touch. All of that had been knocked aside with a simple action.

Arthur reach over and rested a heavy hand on his good shoulder. "I promise, I will fight magic more than ever now. You suffered for me, and I will push to fight for a magic free realm in which we all dream for."

Merlin forced a smile, but didn't think he quite managed it. "Thank you Sire, if you'll excuse me, I really should be returning to Gaius before he worries."

Arthur nodded and stood, leading Merlin to the door. "I expect I'll see you back soon?" Arthur said as he pulled the door open for his servant.

Merlin nodded and bid the King good day.

The second Arthur closed the door behind him, Merlin's pace increased. Soon, a second pair of footsteps fell in sync with his own.

"I felt it would only be right if you were the one to tell him." Gwen said, keeping up with his long strides.

Merlin shook his head. "It didn't work. Whatever had been there is now gone."

Gwen stopped abruptly. "What?" she said, an expression of genuine shock crossing her face.

Merlin stopped and faced her. "It's gone Gwen, it's gone. And there is nothing I could do. I felt it there, but it was completely severed."

Gwen opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. She closed it again and reached over, pulling Merlin into a deep hug right there in the middle of the corridor. Merlin felt too empty to cry or scream. He just wanted to curl up in bed and go to sleep.

"Is there nothing we can do?" She asked him gently.

Merlin shook his head. "We couldn't find anything on this spell to take it off to begin with. Well, now it's off. He got what he wanted." Merlin said bitterly.

Gwen shook her head. "There must be something. We can both go and talk to him. He'll listen to both of us. Maybe we could call for Blythe?"

Merlin shook his head. "If you'll excuse me my Lady, I need to get back to Gaius now."

Gwen bit her lip, then nodded and let him by.

The walk to his and Gaius' chambers went by without his noticing. When he got inside, he looked around their open living quarters, taking in everything but seeing nothing. All of these books had not been able to help them in the end. He wanted to rip them from the walls and burn them. But he wouldn't do that to Gaius. Instead, Merlin sat down in one of the chairs by the fireplace and with a flick of his fingers, used a spell to light a fire. Because despite the warm summer air outside, he felt nothing but cold and empty.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when Gaius finally entered the room, but it was now dark outside. He looked somewhat surprised to see Merlin there. Wordlessly, he walked over to Merlin and put a heavy hand on Merlin's shoulder and looked into the fire.

"The bond is broken." Merlin said, voice flat.

"I figured as much, or else you'd probably be with him until the morning, talking about what had transpired."

Merlin nodded. "There's nothing we can do, is there?"

Gaius was silent for a moment, "Not that I have found."

Merlin just nodded again. "Then I will continue to help Arthur until there comes a day when I can tell him all of what has happened in these past few weeks."

"That day will come, Merlin, you need not doubt it."

That thought brought a small smile to Merlin's lips. After all, they had all lived.

...

Several Years Later

...

As Merlin pushed the boat which held Arthur's lifeless body into the lake of Avalon, many thoughts crossed his mind. Now, as he watched as it faded out into the distance, he thought only of the loss of his friend.

He wasn't even truly surprised when a hand came to rest on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." Came a voice that had become a only a memory throughout the years.

Merlin looked behind him at the forever unchanging face of the sorcerer he had once hated and secretly thanked. "You are out of your palace." Merlin said, not truly asking.

"It is my time to be welcomed into the halls of my home, to be amongst my people."

Merlin nodded. "Your task here has been completed."

Blythe stood next to him then, looking out across the water as the boat containing the body of a great king winked out of sight.

Merlin looked at him, eyes still filled with tears. "You knew when you gifted us of what would happen. You knew we'd lose the bond."

Blythe nodded, his unearthly green eyes boring into Merlin's. "The only other option was to do nothing, and allow Morgana to ruin your friendship forever. Camelot would not have become half the place it is now. Look back at all you have done together, is that not worth more than the alternative?"

Merlin nodded. "Thank you."

Blythe laughed, his ever present quarter smile turning up into an all out grin. "You'll have to forgive me, it is not often I hear that."

Merlin's lips curled up slightly at the corners, tears still present in his eyes. "I thought you had said that I would see you again. After you slept, I believe is what you said."

Blythe nodded, a smile still on his face. "You can join me whenever you please in Avalon. The fae will welcome you with open arms. The powers you wield are far greater than the people of this world could possibly imagine, and we could teach you how to use them."

Merlin shook his head. "The Great Dragon told me Arthur would have a second coming. I will wait for him here."

"If that is your wish." Blythe said. "The Great Dragon is wise, and we will meet again, Emrys, but until then, you know where my castle is. I have cast a spell so that it will accept you into its halls if you wish to stay there. It is yours for as long as you need."

Merlin did smile at that. "That is a great gift. Thank you."

Blythe nodded and continued. "Today the world has suffered a great loss, but has also come to gain a lot with Morgana's passing. You have done a deed that shall be passed on in story throughout the generations. Arthur will come to know you again in legend and in body, fear not young Merlin."

Blythe reached out with his right hand. Merlin didn't hesitate in taking his arm and giving it a shake as Blythe's long fingers curled around his forearm. Without another word Blythe let go of Merlin, turned and started walking into the water. Not once did he turn back or say anything. He simply walked out into the lake, the water moving his clothing around him gracefully, until the water slipped over his head and he was lost from view.

Merlin sat down in the grass, looked out over the water, tears streaming silently down his face. Today he had lost more than he ever imagined he could have, and for now he was going to stay here until the weather and hunger forced him to return to his home, where ever he decided that may be.

The End.

AN- This was the ending I was set on from the second I had started this fic. Thank you all for the love and support in writing this story. It was a pleasure to speak with so many of you, and I will forever cherish and remember the kind words that were said. If you are reading this now, or have even decided to skip this little Author's Note, my response is the same; Kisses duckies! 3