2 Weeks Later

Merlin ran through the castle courtyard as fast as he could, ducking through a procession of knights and under a string of greenery the maids were hanging on the walls. He yelled an apology as he dashed through the halls avoiding the decorators as he went, Samhain preparations were well underway. The kitchen was full of steam and bustling people, swiftly he nicked a bun from a plate the head cook was carrying with a grin.

"Don't think that you can steal my food when ever you feel like it!" She snapped mockingly, she was never afraid to stand up to the princes.

"My parchment, I left it in here earlier-" He started noticing the scroll sitting on a counter near several cooked birds. He went to pick it up but was distracted by a hook being lowered from a vent. He looked up to see the smiling faces of Gwaine and Percival, they indicated for him to stay quiet, Merlin laughed. Discreetly he hooked it under one of the birds and gave the rope a tug for them, how they got it through the bars was a problem for them to figure out.

Finally he made his way up to his brother's room, where he was sitting at the large oak desk by the window looking frustrated.

"Still trying to write a speech?" Merlin asked

"Thank the Lords you will never be king Merlin," Arthur groaned, "It's a challenge."

"And you don't want any help?" Merlin probed.

"No." Arthur said stubbornly.

"You won't be wanting this then?" Merlin grinned offering him the parchment, "Worked all night."

His brother snatched it from him looking sour and glanced over it.

"Needs a polish." He said jealously, Merlin was always the better writer of the two of them. Merlin just laughed good-naturedly, he had no doubt he'd be writing more speeches for his brother in the future.

"Prince Merlin!" Will called coming into the chambers, "You're needed in your father's chambers."

Merlin sighed, he got this summons at least twice a day, he'd been hoping he would be spared today so he could help Arthur.

"Alright, I'm coming."

…

Since his return there were good days and bad days, on a good day Uther would simply want to talk and catch up with his younger son. On bad days he wouldn't talk at all and just hold his hand for hours on end or something along those lines. Gaius was sitting with Uther when he entered, the king was shakily placing his goblet back on the table, the tremors were terrible. Bad day then.

"I'm here Gaius," He sighed, "How is he?"

"His mental state is still weak, however he is slowly recovering." Gaius replied, he said something long those lines every day.

Gwen joined them after collecting the king's, still fully stocked, lunch plate. Merlin gave her an appreciative smile, she was doing a wonderful job as his nursemaid.

"You're so good to him Gwen." Merlin thanked.

"I don't do it for him, I do it for you and Arthur." She nodded sternly, "I'll stay with him tonight, he wont be going to the feast."

"I'd better go." Merlin sighed, The others gave him a nod of approval before departing leaving him and his father alone.

"You've not eaten father." He noted dryly, he hadn't called Uther sire since his return, he never responded to it. Uther gave him a glance but his eyes were blank, he was going to be here a while.

...

Ever since his fathers mental decent Arthur had been acting as regent, the work load was imense, he ddn't know what he was going to do when he was king. Right now he was standing facing the latest patrol of which only Leon and Elyan remained.

"The rmors are true sire," Leon reported, "We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria."

"Was she alone?" He asked.

"There was smebody else," Elyan shook his head, "We coudln't be sure, they were in a cart."

"Morgause." Arthur said flatly, he'd hoped the witch had died in the fight but Morgana had taken her before they had the chance to check.

"Where was Morgana heading?" Came a deep voice from the shadows of the room.

"We believe, the Sea's of Meridor. The Isle of the Blessednis there." Leon replied

"I'll send out patrols at first light." Announced the man from the shadows, Arthur smiled.

"Thankyou Agravaine." Arthur smiled

"Sire, you should know," Leon continued, "Her powers have grown."

"Keep me informed of any developments." Arthur dismissed them, leaving him alone with Agravaine.

"For months nothing, why now?" He asked.

"She couldn't stay hidden forever, today tomorrow what does it matter?" Agravaine asked, "We musn't live in fear Arthur. Camelot is strong, is Morgana were to attack, we'd be ready for her."

"You're right Uncle," Arthur smiled, "I don't know how we would of gotten through the last few months without you."

It was true, when he thought Merlin dead the prince had been sinking just as his father had, to a lesser degree. The added pressure of being regent had been a heavy burdan and it felt like salt on open wounds. When his uncle had arrived it had been a blessing to have somebody to advise him again. Merlin's return had been a God send and the prince was so happy to have his regular advisor back with him, Merlin's wisdom was unique. However Agravaine had the years of expirence neither prince had gaind yet and even now he was a great help to the elder prince.

"I made a promise to your mother," Agravaine said as Arthur exited the room, "I'd always be there for you."

Arthur chose to ignore the fact that Merlin was not part of said promise. His uncle didn't seem to like his brother all that much. Oh he was respectful and polite to the younger prince but he spoke only when it was needed and there were no kind words or advice like with Arthur. Agravaine often spent time helping Arthur with his workload or simply talking with him, his time spent with the younger Pendragon was only nominal at best.

"Arthur, where is Merlin?" Agravaine added before Arthur could leave, "Why is he not here for the announcment? I know his ordeal must of been tiring but he has only been to a handleful of meetings since his return."

"He's with father, it takes up his time." Arthur defended.

"If you say so My Lord." Agravaine bowed and Arthur finally left. He had to prepare for the feast tonight, it was the first celebration since Merlin's return. Initially he'd just announced it to the people, Merlin insisted there was no need to hold a feast of any kind, esspecially since the holiday was so close. Modest as always.

Just a reminder that I am only writing from Merlin, Arthur or Uthers point's of view in this story. So Morgause and Morgana still do all their stuff but I don't write it.

Later on I might write Agravaine because it could be nessisary.