Arthur and Merlin had been walking for hours. Merlin was fascinated that his feet weren't the slightest bit sore. Arthur still refused to talk to him which left Merlin alone with his thoughts. He wondered if Arthur would ever forgive him. He wondered if they would be able to stop Morgana. Would there ever be a way for him to get back into his body? What about Arthur? Surely there must be a way since he was the Once and Future King. How were they going to do anything when they couldn't even communicate with those still living? At the moment what Merlin was most wondering he shared aloud, "Are we going to walk the whole way back to Camelot?"

Arthur stopped walking and turned to face Merlin. Merlin took a mental note that he didn't look angry anymore which should have felt like a good thing, except his current expression seemed worse. He looked betrayed. "Did you have a better suggestion?"

Merlin shuffled his feet. He hesitated before responding. "Magic."

Arthur's eyes hardened. His face became a cold mask. "Out of the question."

Merlin lost his footing for a brief moment and stepped back a pace.

After Arthur had died Merlin had spent a lot of time remembering their last days together. He remembered Arthur's expression when he had told him that he wouldn't be joining him at Camlann. Arthur had looked truly disappointed in Merlin for the first time.

When he had first confessed his secret to Arthur, Arthur had been a bit terrified then. Merlin chuckled at times remembering that expression and mused that he would have to tease Arthur about it one day when he saw him again.

Along their last journey together to Avalon lake, there had been more looks of disappointment and mistrust. But then had come admiration and acceptance.

The reaction that Arthur had just given shook Merlin to his core. He had never seen that look directed at him and he never wanted to again. He swallowed and searched for the right words to say. "Arthur?" Was all he could manage.

Arthur didn't like how he had been making Merlin feel but he couldn't help it. He was angry and sad. He could not stop thinking about Merlin holding the woman he loved. To know Merlin felt something for her just seemed too much to accept.

But he had just watched as fear crept across Merlin's face and his heart softened a little.

Merlin cleared his throat, not because it was necessary, but out of habit because had he still been alive his throat would have been dry at a time like this. "Arthur," he began again. "Why would you say that?"

Arthur couldn't take that expression and knowing he was the cause any longer. "I don't know Merlin," he said tiredly.

"Do you hate me?" Merlin's voice was guarded.

"No, Merlin. Of course not." Merlin didn't look like he believed him. "I'm... hurt," Arthur continued. "I just need time." Arthur was glad to see hope cross his friend's features.

"OK."

They stood in silence. Arthur rolled his eyes towards the sky and gave a sigh. "What sort of magic did you have in mind?"

Merlin hesitated a moment further before he let relief wash over him. When he started to think of his magic he couldn't help but feel excited, which came out in his tone. "Well... I was thinking some form of teleportation spell."

Arthur's eyebrow raised. "Do you know a spell like that?" The way Merlin had said 'some form' had given Arthur cause to be skeptical.

"Not exactly. But it shouldn't be too hard," Merlin hurried to add.

"Fine."

Merlin forced down a smile and nodded. He closed his eyes and searched for the right magic. He found a spell he thought might work. He opened his eyes so he could see Arthur's expression when he spoke the ancient words.

He had expected awe. Maybe even a little misguided fear. But Arthur simply looked bored. This distracted Merlin so it took him a moment to realize nothing had happened. "I must have said it wrong." He tried again which led to the same result. A disturbing thought entered his mind. He held out his hand to push Arthur back a step with his magic. Perhaps that would wipe that bored, annoyed look off his face, Merlin thought. But nothing happened.

Arthur was about to tell Merlin that they were wasting time.

"I can't use magic," Merlin spoke softly.