MerlinMorgana1597: Yep, magic-less, but only for now...

Alaia Skyhawk: He's danger prone... *Laughs* Thank you!

Patiku: Glad it's original, at least! :) Thank you for reviewing - and, here 'tis...

48 HOURS EARLIER

"Gestepe hole! Þurhhæle," Merlin whispered, holding a hand over the infecting wound. He could see the color returning to the child's face, and the wound starting to close. He nodded, and pulled the blanket back over the young boy, standing up. "If he doesn't wake by tomorrow, I'll be the same place I'll always be," Merlin smiled. The same place would be the castle, by Arthur's side.

The woman was crying, and covering her face with her hands. She all but jumped forward, thin arms wrapping around him. He returned the hug. Her shoulders shook her sobs.

"Thank you," she choked out, pulling back and dodging around him, wiping madly at her face. She kneeled besides the bed, stroking her son's forehead, while trying to hide her silent crying.

Merlin smiled, and didn't turn around, just started walking backwards. "You're welcome," he said, and turned around, only for his boot to get stuck on a piece of wood that stuck out from the poor flooring structure. He stumbled, and caught his balance, coughing awkwardly. He spun to face the door, hastily walking out.

Arthur stood at the steps of the castle, just above the courtyard. He watched Merlin coming back from the lower town. The young warlock had been busy over the past months. Now that magic had been allowed, people came to be healed often. Merlin, Morgana, Flynn and Kalian spent quite a bit of time healing injured or sick people.

Still, there were others who had not accepted magic. Arthur understood that and did his best to keep the peace between everyone. So far, so good.

It had been almost exactly a year since his father's death, and since then, much had changed. Of course, there were the things that never changed-one being, Merlin. He was still very wise at times, and quite clumsy at others. As it turned out, Merlin was right, it was part of his charm-though Arthur would never admit that aloud to his friend.

Merlin reached the stairs that led to the castle, after leaving on of the closer houses within the city. He took them two at a time, quickly getting to the top and walking with his head down, until he stood directly by Arthur's side. The sun shone down brightly, and several knights got back from a patrol, while commoners hauled wheelbarrows about. Red capes fluttered across stone, boots thudded against stairs, servants took the horses.

Arthur thumped a fist against Merlin's shoulder, thinking he looked a little worn-it always cheered the knights up. "How is the boy?" he asked. He'd heard that there was an injured boy in the lower town, and he knew that Gaius hadn't been able to help him-so he assumed that was where Merlin had been.

King Arthur nodded to the knights. He would speak to them soon, after he talked to Merlin.

Merlin pulled a face, and mouthed 'ow', rubbing his shoulder. "He's going to be all right," Merlin replied, his voice light. "How's Gwen? She must not be well, since you're not with her..." Merlin said slyly.

Arthur huffed a laugh. "Since when is that any of your business... MERLIN?" he asked, smiling and blinking rapidly. He put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and squeezed. "She is fine."

"Good to hear," Merlin said, and snickered softly. He coughed, expression straightening out. "Sire, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?" he asked, 'formally', or something resembling it.

Arthur shrugged. "I've a meeting with the knights. They're to report activity in Cenred's kingdom. Beyond that-I plan to ride out with Gwen-don't you say a word, Merlin."

Merlin didn't hide a grin. "I'm assuming you want me to get everything ready? Or, would you rather it be private... Right. Not a word."

Arthur rolled his eyes and laughed. "Yes, you're getting everything ready-and yes, private. You'll work something out, I'm sure."

"Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed. "I don't need you baby sitting me!" He couldn't believe it. He wondered how many times Merlin had been there, hiding in the shadows, watching him... for his protection, as Merlin liked to say. Still, Arthur appreciated the gesture.

Merlin went back to grinning. "Think so?" he said, his voice going slightly higher and losing a bit of tone to it. He looked sideways at Arthur.

Arthur glared darts. "Yes, Merlin, I think so. You'll be in the stocks if you spy on us." His blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

TIMEWARP ~ Merlin watched as the King and Gwen mounted their horses, and started riding out of the city. Gwen wore a simple white and yellow dress, and had her hair braided back, with flowers placed near the top of said braid. Arthur wore black pants, boots, and a red shirt with a brown belt.

The young warlock turned around, his crossed arms falling by his sides as he walked inside of Camelot's castle. He avoided a group of nobles that were discussing among themselves. He wandered the castle aimlessly; Though, he had some intention of following Arthur and Gwen later, he didn't have any feeling that something was going to happen. They'd be fine, he was almost completely positive.

Morgana spotted Merlin walking the halls. Though she had been headed to her room, she changed direction. Her heels clicked against the floor, echoing through the hall and announcing her presence. The skirt and sleeves of her red velvet gown rustled as she sped up. She quickly caught up with the warlock.

"Merlin?"

She reached out carefully, putting a delicate and pale hand on his shoulder and halting.

"Morgana?" Merlin turned around, blue eyes meeting greens. "Gwen and Arthur just left - but I assume you already know that...?" he smiled, eyes momentarily narrowing before widening again, voice changing on the last word.

She nodded. Her silver earrings shimmered and jingled quietly as she did so. Her dark hair hung in loose rings over her shoulders as she turned and glanced around for a moment, then spoke.

"The meeting-Arthur spoke of missing sorcerers," she began. She clasped her hands and composed herself. "Many have gone missing-and, I heard him say Kalian and Flynn were also-missing?" she asked, blinking rapidly. Her voice rose ever so slightly as she spoke, but she was calm enough.

"Yes," Merlin replied simply. He cringed subtly. "I'm sorry. But we're going to find them." Flynn and Morgana were close, he knew that. Anyone could see it.

She nodded and put on a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm sure-I'm glad Arthur is searching for them." She shook her head and then smiled for real, trying to put away her worry. "Merlin-how are you? I've not had the chance to speak with you outside of court in some time."

"Great," Merlin replied through his teeth, a half-smile. "-Though I'm not sure it's fair Arthur still insists I stay as his servant as well as my other duties... And how are you?"

Morgana laughed. "My brother couldn't dress himself if the world were coming to an end!" She had since told Arthur of their relation. He'd been surprised, but accepting. She was glad. "I am sorry, Merlin," she added, still smiling. It was good to talk to him. He understood her, and he'd always been kind to her... especially when she'd first learned of her magic.

Merlin barked a laugh, then put a fist to his mouth, "No," he agreed. "That hasn't stopped him from trying on occasion," he said, a teasing tint lacing in his voice.

Morgana's light, elven laugh echoed through the hall. "I've noticed as much." She couldn't help much let out another small laugh. "Thank you, Merlin. You always brighten my day."

Merlin's eyes sparkled. He still remembered the things that had happened in the past - the things that the dragon had said. Speaking of the dragon, how long had it been since he had promised to release him, anyway...? Well. He had no idea how to do it anyway. But that hadn't stopped the nights where Kilgharrah had called the entire night, screaming his name in anger.

Merlin shook his head to derail the thoughts.

"Just doing what I do best," he laughed.

Morgana smiled. "You have many talents it seems." She knew he did. He was kind-and it showed. But he was also wise, and patient, and of course... he had magic.

"Thank you. As do you, Morgana."