The next time he woke, he was drowning in heat. As soon as was conscious, sweat beaded up all over his skin and he became aware of a weight on his chest. Opening his eyes, he found Caradoc at watch by the fire.

Which was banked low.

Confused, Arthur looked down at himself. He was buried under a mound, a veritable mountain, of blankets and cloaks. Peeking out from the base, was a mop of dark and messy hair… Merlin.

Arthur shifted the pile off and sat up slowly, keeping a hand on Merlin's back to avoid jostling him. He glanced from the pile to Caradoc, who was still smirking. "Every time he so much as shivered, a new layer was donated," Caradoc explained.

Arthur smiled. It was as good a gesture as any that his men had accepted Merlin. He carefully slipped Merlin out from under his shirt and fastened his little shirt closed. Merlin coughed and snuffled, stirring slightly in Arthur's lap to cling to him. He wrapped Merlin in several blankets and kept him in his lap. Checking his forehead, Arthur found the expected fever. He hoped it was only the strain and not related to his cough. "What time is it?"

He looked around, recognizing the snores echoing around the room. Most of the men were still asleep. "Not sure, Sire. The sky lightened not too long ago but it is completely grey."

Arthur frowned at that. He had hoped the weather would normalize after the witch failed to find them. "Are the horses alright?"

Caradoc nodded. "They passed the night quite comfortably, it seems. Merlin's ward kept out the cold and with all the horses in there together the space was warm. But there's an awful stench now. We will need to air out the space soon, and muck it out."

Arthur studied Caradoc, surprised by his comment. "You don't think we'll be leaving today?"

"The snow is higher than it was last night. Even if it weren't, it's probably not a good idea to head out so soon after last night. I don't think someone with so much power will give up after only one search. We'd be in the open too many nights," Caradoc said quietly.

Arthur considered that. "We'll need to ration out provisions. Maybe hunt." He looked around the fireplace. There were swinging hooks in place which meant there must be kettles around. It would be easier to cook with those than the small pot and pan they brought.

"I was thinking about that, Sire." Leon sat up, joining the conversation. "We could send a few men to that last village we passed. We could buy additional provisions and maybe some medicine. Bohrs' leg will need more bandages as well. Perhaps someone there has seen the searcher."

Arthur agreed, cheered at the prospect of riding out into the freshly covered landscape. "It's a half day's ride, at least. We need to leave soon." Leon pursed his lips and Arthur thought he would object.

Lancelot sat up. "I'll go." Everyone shot him a suspicious look and he shrugged. "I know what the witch looks like, to stop you from going in if she's there. I'll know what to look for, and can stop us from leading her back. And, the villagers know you are knights of Camelot. If they see you again, and the witch comes looking, they might let slip that you are still in the area. They don't know me."

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. Lancelot had a valid point.

"What? You don't trust me? I have no reason to betray you. I won't leave until I talk to Merlin – among other things, he'd never forgive me." Lancelot sounded genuinely concerned about that.

Arthur rolled his eyes. "It's not that. I had hoped to talk to you more today. I still have questions, but your point is valid. Alright, Caradoc, Lancelot and I will go. We need to get going."

Leon coughed to draw his attention and Arthur groaned. He'd hoped Lancelot's interruption had distracted Leon. "Arthur, there's no reason to send you out. I'll go. Stay with Merlin."

Arthur sighed. He knew Leon was right but he'd hoped to get out. It was selfish, perhaps, to want to ride out but it was true that Merlin would be more nervous if Arthur left him. After everything Merlin did for them last night, Arthur couldn't really justify leaving him behind. He handed Merlin to Leon. "Fine. At least hold him for a bit. He's been putting pressure on my bladder all night!"

Caradoc stood with him and Arthur looked askance at him. Caradoc shrugged apologetically. "We may as well check the conditions outside. What do you think, Lancelot? Is it safe to do so?"

Lancelot crossed his arms. "I don't know. I keep telling you, I am not an expert."

Arthur heard Leon reassure Lancelot as he stepped out. "You know more than us. That makes you the expert."

It really did stink in the stable – between the horses and men relieving themselves, the enclosed space smelt awful. Arthur hurried to relieve himself. Caradoc was still struggling with the door when he finished. In the end, it took four of them to open the door and for good reason – the snow was higher than the tallest of them. Arthur held his hands out and took a hesitant step forward.

He felt it the moment he stepped beyond Merlin's ward. The snow was actually quite soft, not having had time to settle and harden. A few steps away from the building, the height greatly decreased. He slowly pushed through the cottony soft drift until his head cleared the top of the snow.

But the air.

Arthur could not remember it ever having been so cold in his lifetime. His nose hurt sharply with every breath and he was forced to blink twice as often, maybe thrice as often, to keep his eyes from freezing. Behind him, he could hear Caradoc cursing at the cold. "This is not normal winter weather, Sire."

Arthur snorted and regretted it as his throat stung. "Yes. I think we established that last night. Do you still propose to ride out?"

"I think it more urgent now. We'll not find wildlife for hunting in this cold."

Arthur was sure he was right – the forest was silent. There were no birdcalls, no squirrel squeaks, not even the sound of wind in the trees. Arthur stepped a little further out and found that the snow was only about shoulder height now. The horses should be able to get through. And looking to the woods, he could see that the snow was shallower under the shelter of the trees. Nodding, he turned back to the shelter.

A sudden explosion drove them down under cover. Caradoc rushed out further and pulled Arthur behind him but Arthur resisted. They waited in silence for a few moments before Arthur risked peering out over the snow.

Nothing looked out of place. The snow was undisturbed everywhere he looked and there was no sign of movement. He signaled the men out of cover and continued to study the forest. Nothing seemed out of place, and moreover, there didn't seem to be any damage for the noise. Arthur was starting to wonder if he'd imagined it when it happened again.

This time, he saw it only because he was looking in the right direction to see the puff of snow. A tree had split, releasing the great pressure built up inside – which could only mean that even the trees had frozen completely solid! The outer bark was split open and the insides looked more like they'd been clawed. Some of the splinters had broken off with such force that they'd embedded themselves in nearby trees. He walked closer to inspect the tree and Caradoc followed. "I've never seen trees explode like this."

Caradoc hummed as he leaned closer. "Nor I. I always wondered how trees survived the winter but I have never heard of such a phenomenon."

Arthur looked around and noted just how many trees appeared to have split. He wondered how widespread the storm had been… Anyone caught in it would surely have perished. He walked back inside.

As soon as he passed through the ward, the air became instantly warmer. Leon was standing in the doorway, still holding Merlin. Arthur took him, laughing a little when Merlin shrank away from Arthur's cold skin.

"You'd better hurry. I don't want you riding in the dark. Take my coinpurse as well. Buy as much as you can." He hunched a little closer to Leon. "You can probably guess what more I wanted to ask Lancelot, particularly in regards to Merlin's fears. And what we discussed about Merlin's exposure. See what more you can learn from him."

Leon nodded and moved away to prepare.

Arthur watched a little longingly as they departed. He knew that Leon was looking out for him, and Merlin, but he still wished he was riding out with them. Feeling restless, he made a nest for Merlin out of the donated blankets and cloaks. He settled Merlin in and covered him lightly. He begrudgingly left Bohrs in charge of Merlin – whatever reservations Bohrs may have, Arthur didn't think he would hurt Merlin.

He gathered anyone else that was awake and gestured them out. The stables needed to be mucked out, the horses exercised, and the snow needed to be cleared. If the weather improved, they might try hunting in the afternoon (…later, he corrected himself, glancing at the still grey sky).

They worked slowly and steadily to clear the snow first. Once they had a suitable track cleared, they led the horses out and cleaned out the stables. Lamorak used his enchanted axe to dig a latrine. In an unusual show of good humor, he made a joke about the snow forming a natural sort of outhouse. Arthur pretended not to hear but he found it amusing that Lamorak could be so cheered by an enhanced weapon.

It was while they were gingerly clearing the horse dung that Arthur heard his name being called urgently by Bohrs. He rushed inside to find him struggling to hold little Merlin back from the doorway. "He's just outside, Merlin. Calm down! Arthur!"

Seeing Arthur, he released Merlin, who ran straight to Arthur and clung tightly to his chest. Arthur rubbed his head, a little exasperated. "I'm right here, Merlin. We're just working outside. Don't be silly now." He continued to hush Merlin until he calmed. Arthur pulled Merlin away, wanting to check him over. His cheeks were pinked by the slight fever and his nose runny, but, overall, he looked well rested.

"We're just working outside, Merlin. Mucking the stable so it doesn't stink."

Merlin studied him closely, looking him over as if to make sure he was truly alright. Can I go? I won't get in the way!

Arthur shook his head. He gestured for a blanket and Bohrs tossed it to him. He wrapped it about Merlin and used a corner to wipe Merlin's runny nose. "No, Merlin. Of course, you are not in the way – it's simply too cold for you. You wouldn't want to get me in trouble with Gaius for letting you get sick, would you?" Merlin reluctantly shook his head. "Besides, there's plenty of work to be done in here. You can help Bohrs since he can't walk." That got Merlin's attention. He turned away, walking to Bohr's side. Arthur noticed that his gait was a little odd.

Bohrs had stretched out beside the fire to be near Merlin. Merlin stiffly sat beside his leg and clumsily unwrapped the bandages. Bohrs protested, but Merlin persevered. Arthur watched curiously.

The injury looked bad, hopefully looking worse than it actually was. There was a deep gouge at the top of his ankle where it had most likely been caught on the griffin's talon as it dropped him on Caradoc. On top of being painful, they were keeping him off it in case the damage ran deeper. An ankle injury could easily end a knight's career.

Merlin laid his small hand right on top of it. Bohrs winced and looked to Arthur for help. Arthur could tell he was still uncomfortable with Merlin and decided that maybe it would be best if he kept Merlin away from Bohrs for a while. But before he could step in, Merlin's eyes glowed and light emanated from the injury. Bohrs yelped but it only lasted a matter of seconds. When Merlin removed his hand, the gouge was healed. The surrounding bruising and swelling was still there, but the cut was healed – the skin looked as if it had never been cut. Bohrs hesitantly raised his ankle and rolled it in both directions. "That's amazing!"

Arthur let Merlin lean on him, watching him yawn anew. "Does it still hurt?" Arthur rubbed Merlin's back and gave him a smile. He checked Merlin's temperature and found him still feverish but no warmer than before.

"It's still a bit sore but nothing like before." Bohrs stopped moving his ankle and leaned closer to Merlin. "Why did you do that, Merlin?"

Merlin looked up at him with a curious pout. He glanced at Arthur before looking back at Bohrs. "You were hurt," he whispered.

Arthur chuckled. Everything seemed so simple through Merlin's eyes. Merlin, who packed oats for his pony because Tidbit liked them. Merlin, who raced to help Arthur because he knew Arthur would need him.

Merlin, who healed Bohrs because he was hurt.

Bohrs gave Merlin an awkward hug, obviously thrown by the show of kindness. Arthur hoped this won him over. "Well, until Gaius can look at it, keep your weight off it as much as possible. But, now that you are mobile again, I'll leave you in charge of the lodge. Merlin, you'll help Bohrs, right?" He fiddled with Merlin's shirt to tighten the sling portion, ignoring Merlin's pleading tug.

Merlin nodded slowly but ducked his head. Arthur was sure his eyes were tearing up. He bowed his head to Merlin's eye level. "Someone has to help him. I've given everyone else a job, but I'm trusting you with this one. You can do it, right?"

Merlin nodded, standing more at attention. Arthur laughed gently to see the brave attempt and ruffled his hair. "I'll be right outside, Merlin. Trust me, it smells better in here." He caught Bohrs' eye. "On that note, see if you can get that window open. I'll clear it from outside. You and Merlin can reach snow through there to boil for water." He paused once more, digging through his pack to find one of his trail rations. He handed it to Merlin. "Eat some of that, Merlin, and drink some water while it's hot." He gave Merlin one last pat before returning outside, leaving the door open to reassure Merlin.

They worked steadily for what felt like a couple of hours or so – the sky gave no indication of the passing time. When the outdoor tasks were finished, Arthur and the men decided to warm up before trying to hunt. He was sure Caradoc was right – not many animals would be out – but he wanted to try. Arthur led the way inside and was pleasantly surprised to find the lodge completely tidied and aired out.

Bohrs stopped them from entering with a warning. "Boots off! Merlin worked really hard to clean the floor so don't muck it up!"

Arthur looked down to see that the floor was surprisingly clean. Their store of firewood had been straightened and the piles of armor were bundled neatly in the same corner. The bedrolls had been shaken out and straightened. The clothes that had dried overnight were (somewhat haphazardly) folded on top of their respective owner's bedroll. All of their waterskins had been filled and were placed on top.

Carrying his boots to the fire, Arthur found his hardest little worker sound asleep on his bedroll, thumb hanging out of his slack mouth. Bohrs was sitting beside Merlin, awkwardly tucking the blanket. Arthur couldn't help but smirk. "Tired him out, did you?" A quick check showed that Merlin was still a little flushed and warm. Arthur would have to ask Lancelot about Merlin's fevers.

Bohrs snorted. His voice was overly gruff as he answered. "He tired himself! I was hard pressed to keep him busy in here to keep him from chasing you outside. By the way, I think he healed Galahad too, but we'll have to wait until he wakes to check." Arthur saw that Galahad was still snoring away in his corner. "But more importantly, he's very saddlesore and I think he might have hurt his back last night. I had him lie down flat to see if it'll help." Bohrs sounded regretful. "Didn't think he'd take too kindly to anyone but you rubbing his back."

Arthur nodded, serious again. "That tree really bent him over. It probably doesn't help that he spent the past few days straight in the saddle."

Lamorak sat beside him, stretching his bare feet toward the fire. "He would have had to ride hard to catch up to us on his pony, aye."

Owain joined them. "That's a good pony. Have you heard what Merlin named him?"

They all shared a laugh, sitting close around the fire to warm up. They passed around dried meat from their trail rations to stave off their hunger. "Tidbit. There has to be a story about that."

Lamorak added, "Hopefully a happy one." Count on Lamorak to bring down the mood.

Geraint leaned over, checking that Merlin was still asleep. "Arthur, last night, with the trousers, is that why…"

Arthur nodded. "Actually, I'm surprised I got his shirt off without a fuss. I think it helped that several of you were shirtless. On that part, it's his scars he's ashamed of. He thinks they mark him as a bad boy, disobedient and stupid."

Owain interrupted him. "I didn't see any scars."

"They're fading. And right now, he's got bruises covering them, but they're there. I keep telling him that we all carry scars, but he hasn't listened before. Maybe he was just too tired to care."

"But the trousers were too far." Lamorak said it in a matter of fact tone.

Arthur nodded. "The trousers were a bit much." He sighed. "He's made a lot of progress, but he has little tics – small things here and there that reveal how deeply he was hurt."

Lamorak nodded. "Nightmares and flashbacks?"

"Sometimes, yes. Some days he can't even stand to be touched. Every little sound, every little shadow has him panicking. They were happening less often but they might happen more for a while. Did you hear what those boys did to him? The ones Uther invited to play with him?"

Bohrs answered. "Urien told me they locked him in a dungeon. He feels pretty badly about it."

"Among other things, they locked him in the dungeons. Left him there in the dark for hours. He was so scared he was sick on himself. His nose bled. His heart felt like it would give out. It didn't normalize for a whole day after that."

"They couldn't have known, Arthur." It came from Galahad.

"No, but they would have seen. And it's not them I'm angry about. I know Urien will take them to task. It's Merlin. Knowing what you know now, aren't you worried about how it might set him back?"

Lamorak shook his head. Arthur looked at him incredulously. "Children are more resilient than you think, Arthur. And he has you now, someone he can count on to save him. It makes all the difference to be out of the harmful environment that shaped them," Lamorak paused, perhaps bracing himself. He didn't speak much himself, not since his capture. It was something he had in common with Merlin. "Arthur, as soon as you were in trouble, he jumped on his little pony and raced to get to you, despite whatever fears he has. It reflects how much you mean to him and it's a good sign he's willing to keep overcoming his fears."

Arthur was aware of just how much Merlin loved him, the degree to which it was unconditional disturbed him a little but it was also why he responded so freely to Merlin's cuddles. He knew Merlin found him reassuring but he hadn't considered that that in itself would be helpful to Merlin. He hoped Lamorak was right – that Merlin's love for Arthur encouraged him to be brave. Lamorak patted him on the shoulder. Arthur couldn't stop himself. He asked, "Did you see many children there?"

Lamorak didn't answer right away. He stared into the fire with the same stoic expression he always bore. Arthur began to regret his impulsive question.

"Not as young as Merlin though I think some of them had been there a while." His tone was closed off and Arthur thought that was all Lamorak intended to say. But he continued, "They got Merlin out in time, Arthur."

"What do you mean? How can you know?"

Once again, Lamorak thought for a moment, though this time his eyes rested on Merlin. "They always had a look about them, in their eyes."

Arthur knew what he was referring to. "He gets that sometimes. An empty, haunted look like he's gone away to somewhere unpleasant?"

Lamorak gulped and nodded. "During flashbacks?"

"Yes, and after some nightmares and… I call them quiet days."

Lamorak nodded. "They had that look permanently. Imagine every day was a quiet day." They sat quietly for a moment as Arthur processed that. "But he's not like that." He met Arthur's eyes. "They got him out in time and he found you in time."

Arthur felt awkwardly complimented and the silence stretched after Lamorak seemed done talking. Geraint leaned out to catch his eye. "And now he has all of us! We'll show him a good time!"

Owain flicked a crumb at him. "You're not allowed to take him to the tavern just so you can go on the pull!"

The debate took off and Arthur reluctantly stood up. "We should go before he wakes up. Otherwise he'll want to go with us. It's too cold for to take him with us."

They followed his lead, standing up and gearing up for the hunt. This, at least, was normal for them. He left Bohrs and Galahad with Merlin, still wary of their conditions. "We won't be gone long. I don't know how much daylight we have left." He pulled out another little sack of his trail rations. "See if you can get him to eat some of that. He packed food for his pony but not for himself." That drew chuckles from everyone.

It was still cold outside, but not like the morning. They headed away from the lake into the woods where the snow wasn't so deep.

The woods were unnaturally still and the experience with the exploding trees had them all on edge. Nothing stirred. There were no birdcalls, no squirrels chirping. When they ventured into these woods to get to the lake, they were full of wildlife. Now?

Nothing.

They found no tracks. No sign that anything was moving about besides themselves. They wandered as far as they dared on foot. With the persistently grey sky, there was no reliable way to tell time. When the light began to fade in earnest, Arthur judged the venture a failure, but just before they decided to return, they found something that halted them in their tracks.

An entire herd of deer – frozen solid in some kind of eerie tableau of deer family dynamics. The does were huddled together around a pair of fawns, a single stag (Arthur counted eighteen points) poised over them protectively. They stood in shocked silence for long minutes until Lamorak stepped forward to prod the stag.

"Gods, we should be dead. Would have been, without Merlin." Geraint's voice carried an edge of fright that on any other day would have been met with teasing remarks.

Not today.

His sentiment was echoed around the solemn group. Owain looked spooked. "First, exploding trees and now frozen animals. How far did this storm extend? Nothing seems to have escaped to alive!"

It was a fair point. "I wonder if Leon will find the village whole."

Lamorak, ever the practical and unwavering type, stooped to check the does over. "Do you think it's safe to eat them?"

Arthur huffed, masking his unease with feigned annoyance. "I don't see why not. Frozen meat can't spoil, can it?"

Field dressing the deer proved near-impossible; only the spelled axes were capable of cutting into the frozen-solid carcasses. They took three does and the stag, some unspoken sentiment persuading them to leave a single doe with the fawns. No one looked back, or spoke, as they dragged their take back to the lodge.

It was a solemn group that returned to the lodge. Luckily, they found that the others had returned, dragging a makeshift sled. It looked like they'd taken a barn door and tethered it to the horses. Bundles sat on it, and bales of hay. They were passing bundles through the window when Arthur's group trudged in. Leon caught Merlin as he awkwardly climbed through the window, trying to get to Arthur (without even his boots on, Arthur noticed). Arthur gave him a quick, tight, hug and passed him back through to Bohrs. "Help get our supplies in, Merlin. I'll be right in." Lancelot intercepted him and Arthur let him have Merlin. He kept a wary eye on them long enough to see that Lancelot didn't intend to run off with Merlin.

Leon came to him. "Sire, we bring supplies and news." His serious expression demanded all of Arthur's attention, as did Caradoc's urgent step forward.

Caradoc added, "Gruesome news."

Arthur gestured at the deer they had dragged in. Lamorak and Geraint were stuffing three with snow and burying them. "If it's anything like what we found, I can guess why."

Leon raised a brow. Arthur explained. Leon nodded as he listened, eventually adding, "The village too, Arthur. Every single inhabitant was frozen through."

"No survivors at all?" Arthur tried not to think what that must have looked like – the frozen deer had been startling enough.

"None, and worse, we weren't the first to get there. Someone passed through and didn't bother to look in the houses, only the inn. They didn't take anything, or touch anything."

"You think it was the witch?"

"Lancelot thought so. There didn't appear to be any wards or traps, but he admits that only Merlin would have been able to see certain kinds. We took what we could and left. I didn't want to come back – our tracks will lead them right to us but Lancelot insisted we bring the supplies back. I know we need them, but to compromise our position? I don't know, Arthur. Maybe we should risk running."

An exclamation from Lamorak got their attention. Lancelot was holding Merlin, facing in the direction Leon's group had come from. Arthur had to squint in the low light but he couldn't see what had gotten Lamorak's attention. Then it hit him.

The tracks left by the horses and sled were completely gone.

Merlin was beaming happily at Arthur. At a word from Lancelot, he waved his little hand and Arthur turned to look behind him.

Arthur's group's tracks were gone too. In fact, any disturbed snow outside the clearing had been resettled as if it had just fallen. Arthur strode angrily over and brusquely took Merlin from Lancelot, glaring at Lancelot. Merlin whimpered in his hold, crestfallen, and Arthur forced himself to readjust his hold more gently. "I'll thank you not to use him like a tool." Although his hold had become gentler, his voice revealed the edge of his anger. Arthur guessed this was why Lancelot had not been concerned about their tracks which meant he had planned to use Merlin from the beginning. The nerve! After all that talk about making sure Arthur wasn't out to use Merlin, he goes and does it himself.

Lancelot was defiant. "I'm not! Those tracks could have led Morgause right to us! Right to Merlin. Is that what you want?"

"Of course, not! But I'm trying to prove to him that we don't mean to use him, to use his magic, and that's exactly what you are doing!"

"It's for his safety, and all of ours! We needed those supplies! Besides, it's not like I made him do it. It didn't even drain him!"

"That's beside the point! Do you honestly think he felt like he had a choice? You may as well have forced him!"

Merlin started to cry, effectively ending their argument as their focus was drawn to him. He curled into himself and Leon stepped forward between them holding his arms out. Merlin leant into them and Arthur reluctantly let him go. Leon let Merlin cling to him as he faced down the both of them. "Lancelot, try to understand that we want Merlin to feel like a normal boy, as much as possible. He doesn't have to hide his magic from us now, but neither do we mean to rely on it." He turned to Arthur, his tone less diplomatic. "And you, don't scare Merlin! It was necessary. Those tracks could have lead someone right to us."

As if to prove his point, a thundering clash sounded in the distance – in the direction of the village. Lights flashed in the sky and a great whirlwind appeared. It was over in an instant. A column of smoke began to rise. In the gloomy dusk, Arthur could just about make out circling lights similar to those from last night. Merlin reached out to him and Arthur took him back from Leon.

He cradled Merlin's face away as he sharply said, "Let's get inside. Now!"

Everyone hurried to gather supplies and carry them in. The stable was sealed (which appeared to reactivate the ward) and Caradoc lingered with the horses to distribute the hay. Inside the lodge, Arthur carried Merlin right to his bedroll, only just remembering to remove his boots at the entrance. He pulled a blanket over Merlin as he heard Bohrs warn the others about their muddy boots. Arthur held Merlin tightly and ducked his head close. "I'm sorry, Merlin. I didn't mean to frighten you. I wasn't angry at you."

Did I do the wrong thing? Was I bad? He kept his face buried and resisted Arthur's attempt to turn him around. He was trembling and his knuckles were white where his hand clenched on Arthur's shirt.

"No, Merlin. You didn't do anything wrong or bad. I just thought maybe you felt forced to use your magic and I didn't think that was fair to you. It should always be your choice." Arthur rubbed his back urgently, wanting Merlin to be soothed and feeling sorry for making Merlin think he'd done something wrong.

Merlin fiddled with Arthur's cloak clasp, still not meeting his eyes but no longer hiding away. Don't want to use me?

"Exactly, Merlin. You're a boy, not a weapon, not a tool. I want you to believe that."

Merlin remained stiff against Arthur but stopped crying. Arthur watched as Merlin wiped his eyes and nose while taking deep breaths. Why can't I be a boy and use my magic? Merlin hiccupped and coughed again.

"You can, Merlin. I just don't want you to feel that your magic is all we want you for. We care for you because you are Merlin, not because you have magic. Your magic just endears you to us more."

Merlin seemed content with that and relaxed against Arthur. Arthur held him tightly until Merlin looked up on his own and offered him a small smile. Only then did he take stock of the room, grateful for the privacy he'd been given while talking to Merlin.

Geraint and Lancelot were preparing some kind of stew in the larger kettle. Bohrs and Galahad were unwrapping bundles and organizing their supplies. Everyone else was resting. Lamorak, Owain, and Caradoc had struck up a game of cards. Leon was watching Arthur and moving his eyebrows suggestively.

Arthur sighed, knowing what he had to do but not wanting to do it. "Lancelot, I should not have shouted at you."

Lancelot glanced up, surprised, and looking a little guilty himself. "Not at all, Sire. I should have consulted you before asking Merlin to use his magic."

Arthur groaned. "Not like that. Merlin doesn't need my permission to do anything. But do tell us, if you know something or plan something like that. I just want to be clear to Merlin about our intentions. I want it to be his choice."

Nodding, Lancelot met Merlin's gaze. "I'm sorry for upsetting you, Merlin. Will you forgive me?"

Merlin nodded shyly and snuggled against Arthur, stifling another set of coughs in his shirt. Arthur felt his forehead and found it worryingly warm. "Leon, did you find any cough or fever medicine?"

Leon jumped up. "No, Sire, but we took what we could from the healer's stores. Perhaps something in there can be of use?" He handed Arthur one of the wrapped bundles.

Arthur inspected the various herbs inside and found a sizeable supply of willow bark. "This is good, Leon. It will help with his cough and fever." Arthur caught Lancelot's eye. "Lancelot, do you anything about Merlin's fevers?"

Lancelot paused his stirring to give Merlin a thoughtful look. "He gets them fairly often, especially after using a lot of magic." Sounding guilty once again, he added, "I don't think anyone ever treated them."

Arthur swallowed and nodded his appreciation for Lancelot's honesty. He guided Merlin's arm to a more secure hold and stood. Soon enough, he had appropriated one of the smaller kettles to boil a tea for Merlin. As he watched Caradoc stretch, he was reminded of Bohrs' earlier comments. "Merlin, are you in pain?"

Merlin gave him a pitiful nod. Arthur carried him away from the group to a quiet corner. "Are your thighs sore, from riding?" When Merlin nodded, nervously glancing around the room, Arthur sat him on Bohr's bed. "It's alright, Merlin. We've all been saddlesore before. I am just going to rub arnica into your legs." Arthur let Merlin settle while he fetched the balm jar. Merlin gingerly lay back, his hands fisted tightly in his shirt and his face horribly empty. It looked like Merlin was resigned to a terrible fate, like he was about to lie back and think of Camelot. Arthur pulled him up and waited until Merlin met his eyes. "No, Merlin. I would never touch you like that. I won't touch you now, if you're afraid that's what is going to happen."

Merlin's face crumpled but he held back his tears. I trust you. I dunno why I'm scared. He buried his face in Arthur's shirt again.

Arthur rubbed his back soothingly. "I know why, Merlin, and it's not your fault. Think of this like the first time I washed you. You were afraid then too, but you trusted me. Trust me one more time." He took one of Merlin's hands. "Would it help if you held onto me?" He guided Merlin's hand to his sleeve. Merlin clenched his hand on it and nodded. Arthur helped him lay back and after removing his trousers, laid them over Merlin's groin in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture.

He decided to start with Merlin's lower legs first, to give him time to relax. As soon as he touched Merlin's skin, however, Merlin whimpered. Arthur patted the small hand holding his sleeve. "Merlin, open your eyes." He was sure Merlin was remembering awful things and wanted to ground him. "Keep your eyes on me. Remember, I will never hurt you. Can you say it?"

Merlin was trembling but he did as Arthur asked. You will never hurt me. Arthur began, every so often checking to make sure Merlin was still watching him. Merlin (eventually) tensely let him massage his thighs. Arthur talked him through it, talked like nothing was wrong, to lighten the heavy moment. "It happens more than you think, Merlin. At least you didn't chafe! That's about as awful as it gets! There was another squire in training with me – he'd never ridden a horse before. On our first patrol his skin was rubbed completely raw. He swore up and down that he would never ride again. He walked the whole way home! Ask Caradoc for the story."

He rubbed a little higher each time Merlin relaxed. "One day, I'll teach you to do this for yourself, so you won't need me anymore." Merlin pouted and Arthur gave him a friendly wink. "You will be all grown up then. You won't even want to talk to me anymore." Merlin shook his head vigorously.

When he was finished, Arthur pulled up Merlin's trousers and his oversized stockings. "Now, Bohrs also mentioned your back seemed tight. Mind if I take a look?" As expected, Merlin let him look, but he needed Arthur's help to turn over, having stiffened while he lay for so long. Arthur found no new bruises on Merlin's back, but he knew that meant little. He palpated along Merlin's spine, imitating Gaius. Merlin was most sore in two places, between his shoulder blades and on his lower back. Arthur gently massaged him, but it brought Merlin little relief.

Lancelot appeared beside him. "Merlin, do you want to try stretching your spine?"

Merlin nodded a bit tearfully, obviously desperate for relief. Arthur stepped back, letting Lancelot take over but watching with keen interest. Lancelot moved Merlin to the floor. "Alright, roll first, Merlin."

Merlin hesitated. Wanting to encourage him, Arthur joined him on the floor. "Go on, Merlin. Show me what to do." Merlin glanced around, unsure of continuing.

All around them, the knights laid down, joining them. It seemed to reassure Merlin enough to begin.

Merlin sat on his ankles and leaned forward over his legs, stretching his arms out. Arthur copied and watched as Lancelot gently pulled his arms out further and pushed Merlin down. Despite his whimper, Merlin seemed at ease. After holding it for several long minutes, Lancelot helped Merlin up and back, laying him flat on his back. Around the room, everyone copied the motion.

Arthur smiled encouragingly at Merlin as Lancelot spoke. "Keep your hurt arm up, Merlin. I'll help you up. On the count of three."

Everyone copied him as Merlin planted his feet down and reached his one arm back, palm flat on the floor. On three, Merlin arched and lifted himself up, with Lancelot keeping him balanced. He raised himself until he formed a perfect bridge. Three pops sounded as his back arched. A fourth when he aligned his head.

Around them, the chorus of groans drew a nervous laugh from Merlin. Arthur himself laughed disbelievingly.

Bohrs spoke up loudly. "The only way you can bend me that way is to break my back."

"I think I got it!" Geraint called out. Except, when Arthur looked, Geraint was barely holding his hips up off the floor.

"Well, I give up. I'll never be as flexible as that." Owain laid back to watch. Lamorak was watching, grinning, reclined with his hands behind his head. Arthur tried the stretch but found it impossible to bend like Merlin. It was disorienting, and he was a little fearful for falling and breaking his neck. He gave up.

"Wait, wait! Now I have it!" Geraint collapsed as stockings and boots flew at him.

The banter worked. Merlin was at ease now, as he held his position. Lancelot smiled gratefully over him to Arthur. He let Merlin hold it for a few moments, helping him increasingly as his arm began to tremble. "Alright, tighten up, now, Merlin. Come down, slow and controlled."

When Merlin was once again flat, Lancelot helped him sit up. Merlin pulled up one knee, and bracing himself against it, twisted until he was very nearly facing the complete opposite direction. His back popped once more.

Arthur tried this one, and though his back was stiff at first, he was rewarded with a pop of his own. Releasing it, he felt amazingly better. Around the room, several others groaned and pops sounded. The chorus of skeletal popping was somewhat disturbing.

Merlin repeated the stretch in the other direction and finished in the first curled position. This time, when he sat up, he did so unassisted. Beaming, he jumped up and bounced on his toes. He ran a lap around the room and came back, jumping into Arthur's arms. Arthur laughed and said, "Someone's feeling better!"

"Not me. Send help!" Geraint spoke through gritted teeth, still attempting the upward bridge. Laughing brightly, Merlin ran to him and pushed him down. "Oh! Oh, thank you, Merlin. I thought I would be stuck like that forever! No thanks to you, you great useless lumps!"

He ducked another volley.

Merlin walked his way back to Arthur, still a bit stiff, but obviously feeling better. "It's good to know you feel better, Merlin. I hope you feel up to…" he grinned innocently, "…a tickle chase!" Merlin gasped and danced out of Arthur's reach. Arthur chased him around the room, pretending to tire to lure Merlin within reach. After a good long tickle, even using his scruff to tickle Merlin's belly, he let Merlin escape. The knights joined in, picking sides. Some hid Merlin from Arthur while others captured him and held him until Arthur was close. Eventually, he flagged, out of breath with his coughs, and Arthur settled him down to wait for their supper. He helped Merlin drink some of the willow bark tea while Lamorak named Merlin official taste tester, which had Merlin bristling with pride. Every time Lamorak pulled out the spoon, Merlin jumped up to perform his 'duty.'

In the lull that followed Merlin's playtime, Leon got all of the uninjured men up and began leading them through an exercise routine. Merlin watched them with wide eyes, looking forlorn after a few minutes. Not liking that look, Arthur found ways to involve Merlin and soon all of the men were making (un)helpful suggestions.

When they did squats, Leon made Arthur lift Merlin up over his head with each repetition which had Merlin giggling in no time.

Doing footwork, Leon held Merlin while Arthur poked Merlin on each of his lunges. It was Lamorak that gave Merlin the wooden spoon and though Merlin didn't really try to hit Arthur, he was surprisingly good at parrying Arthur's attacks.

When the time came for press-ups, Geraint gleefully sat Merlin on top of Arthur's back. Despite his slight weight, by the end of the repetitions, Arthur could feel the additional strain and would have stopped early but for Merlin's joyful clapping each time Arthur came back up.

Eventually, the stew was ready. "Bowls out! Now, you brutes have to love this stew. Love it! Because Merlin says it's delicious, right, Merlin?"

Merlin nodded eagerly.

"Any chance of bread?"

"Aye, you need bread for stew!"

Arthur knew Leon was going to betray him even before looking at him. "Yes, it's not stew without bread, right, Arthur?"

"You know, Leon, I have stories too! Stories involving sweets, and Merlins, and-"

Leon cringed. "No, no, we're talking about stew now."

"Wait! I want to hear that story!"

"Sounds like a good'un!"

Arthur brought up the story for Merlin's benefit, but the boy in question was distracted – trying to pull out his saddlebags from under Arthur's. Arthur helped him, asking, "What is it, Merlin?"

Merlin opened the side with his clothing and unceremoniously dumped out the pack. Under that was another sack and he pulled at it until it came out. Looking somewhat nervous, he handed it to Arthur who looked inside.

"Oh! Merlin! You genius!"

"What?"

"What is it?"

Arthur dug out the coil of sausages first, handing them to Lamorak for hanging. Then he pulled out four whole loaves of bread, hurriedly closing the sack. The loaves were untouched, except for a single small, Merlin-sized bite. The men cheered.

"Merlin, you're my hero!" Geraint theatrically swooned and planted a sloppy kiss on Merlin's forehead. Merlin giggled but sidled closer to Arthur.

Arthur gave the loaves to Lamorak and gave the sack to Bohrs with a quiet word to dispose of it. Merlin had brought cheese too, which had spoiled during the trip. He didn't want to spoil Merlin's happy surprise by mentioning it.

Everyone presented their bowls for filling and Merlin happily passed out the slices of toasted bread. Leon tried to give Merlin his bowl, but Arthur was having none of it. "Merlin can share my bowl, Leon. Right, Merlin? You'll let me have a spoonful here and there, won't you?"

Giggling, Merlin shook his head. Arthur feigned a wounded heart as the knights laughed. He then proceeded to try to feed Arthur a spoonful of stew, only to take the spoon away and eat it himself. The men laughed raucously around them. He was glad that Merlin was in a playful mood – he seemed to lift up the general morale. It was hard to resist Merlin's dimpled smiles and whole-hearted laughter.

Unfortunately, the day had worn him out. They were on their second helping when he began to lean heavily against Arthur. Arthur persisted, feeding him a few more spoonfuls of stew. Having seen the state of Merlin's 'provisions' he was convinced that Merlin had eaten very little the past few days. Reminded of that, he turned to Bohrs. "Did he eat any of the rations?"

Bohrs laughed and rummaged around until he found the little sacks and tossed them to Arthur. "He picked out his favorites."

Arthur emptied one sack on his hand. All the bits of dried meat were gone. Laughing, he dumped the handful into the stew and finished it off. Leon took the bowls and headed out to wash them.

All around, the men quietened and settled in for the night. Arthur wrapped Merlin with a blanket and let him snuggle up where he wanted. He caught Lancelot watching them, that same wistful look on his face. "What is it?"

Flushing, Lancelot realized he'd been caught. "Nothing." He turned away and settled down.

Arthur couldn't help but wonder if it was jealousy he'd seen in Lancelot's expression.

Hi everyone! I meant to post on Friday but the part that I was working on was being difficult and then I realized that I would have been posting out of order! The shuffling means the fluff got pushed a little back but I tried to sprinkle some in this chapter. On the upside (sort of) the next chapter is written but I need to build up the courage to edit the unfluffy bit of it. I'm traveling this week so it probably won't be Friday, but sometime next weekend!

Anyways, thanks for the birthday wishes! I count your reviews as presents so it was a fruitful birthday after all :) I have a few replies for you:

mersan123 - Thank you! Cenred definitely has it coming to him. Maybe I should make an original character to take him down? :P

TN Sarah - Thanks again for catching that. I fixed it in the doc but I won't be able to reupload for a few more days.

SweetangelSeve - More fluff is coming!

Krishnaa - Thank you! I can kind of understand. I like rereading the fluffy chapters :)

thejammysod - Happy (belated) birthday! I hope yours was as good as mine!

Mikonator - Kid!Merlin just seems like a Disney princess sometimes. He needs all the animal sidekicks he can get!

OechsnerC - Tell me about it! Someone just needs to bake ALL the cookies for Merlin until he's not so skinny anymore.

Thanks to all of you reading along and especially to reviewers. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!