It would take a blind man not to notice the sombre mood that had descended upon the Pendragon brothers. Both of them showed signs of sleep deprivation, Merlin spoke less and less and Arthur seemed to be constantly jittery, unable to sit still for more than a few seconds.

Arthur tried to make himself calm but he seemed to be in a constant state of worry. Sometimes he would have nightmares about their trip to the Isle, except when he woke Merlin was dead. His ghost floated in front of the older prince berating him for his own weakness.

"Why didn't you protect me Arthur?"

"Why can't you take care of yourself? It's always me who gets hurt!"

When he woke from those dreams he was filled with doubt, once or twice he'd secretly travelled to Merlin's room to check on him. Just to make sure he really was still breathing. When he'd given his brother the seal that had belonged to his mother he'd had various reasons. Firstly he wanted something to give Merlin in exchange for the stone bear, which lived around his neck permanently. Another, slightly softer side of him hoped that it would mean his mothers spirit would look out for him. He'd never known his mother, save the illusion conjured by Morgause, but he'd been told by many people she was kind and loving. He hoped that somewhere she was watching him and Merlin both.

He could tell Merlin was being buried by his guilt over Lancelot's death. Nobody blamed him but himself of course. All the knights had been sincere, they were not angry but Merlin continued to feel inadequate. Like he was a failure.

Arthur had never felt so frighted when he'd first woken up on the Isle of the Blessed and seen Merlin curled over himself. He'd also never seen Merlin cry so much, it was the uncontrollable sort of sobbing that meant he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. Once again the future king felt helpless to help his brother through the pain.

…

Arthur's eyes flew open just in time to meet the stone that made up his floor before he slammed into it. He'd had another nightmare and ended up falling out of bed apparently, that was embarrassing. Pulling on a shirt he made his way over to Merlin's room, he knew he wouldn't be able to calm himself until he did. He was the future king dammit! How could he be so fearful?

"Merlin?" Arthur called as he entered the room.

His brother was sitting on the fur rug by his fire, staring at it.

"Evening." He muttered.

His face crinkled with concern when he laid eyes on Arthur.

"You've not been sleeping." He noted, Arthur nodded.

"Now I know how annoying it is to suffer from nightmares." He joked darkly sitting on the floor by Merlin. What would the people say if they could see him? A future king, sitting on the floor like a child.

"It's not like you can talk, I know you haven't ben to bed for two days." Arthur continued.

"I know." Merlin sighed, "I'm tired, I just don't fall asleep."

"We're a pair huh?" Arthur elbowed him, Merlin smiled slightly.

"Two sides, same coin." Merlin quipped.

"Don't you go all dragon on me!" Arthur exclaimed, "Wise Merlin is a pain, he is such a know it all!"

"Well, you got the brawn," Merlin joked, "One of us has to have the brains-"

He got cut off then when Arthur grappled with him until he was in a headlock, rubbing his fist into the top of his brother's hair.

"Ah! No Arthur quit it!" Merlin complained.

"You give up?" Arthur dared, stopping his torture momentarily.

"Never!" Merlin grinned, taking his chance and slipping out of Arthur's grip and smacking him in the face with a near by cushion.

Dazed for a few seconds Arthur quickly fought back, grabbing the cylindrical pillow from Merlin's bed and swinging it like a mace. He landed a few good hits before all the other pillows in the room seemed to think it was unfair and floated up into the air and began to pelt the older prince.

"Merlin! That's cheating!" Arthur cried through giggles.

"Is not!"

Arthur made a grab for the warlock but ended up tripping and pulling himself down along with Merlin. Both princes fell into a heap on the rug, laughing manically. It had been so long since they'd done anything so silly, or so fun. Arthur couldn't even remember the last time he'd had a pillow fight, he must have been very young. Yet here he was, a fully grown man, beating his brother with cushions while feathers flew everywhere.

"We must never speak of this." Merlin grinned, "Gwaine would have a field day."

"Anybody would have a field day with this." Arthur replied, "I feel sorry for your servant, he's got to clean up all these feathers."

"I'll help him…tomorrow." Merlin yawned.

"Come on, oh mighty Emrys," Arthur poked him in the side, "Time for bed."

They hauled themselves onto their feet and Merlin promptly collapsed under his blankets, seemingly not caring that he had no pillow. Arthur, yawning as well made his way back to his room just in time to reach his own bed before falling into a deep restful sleep.

Neither of them dreamed.

Who knew pillow fights were such a good way to get rid of nightmares?

I told myself I wouldn't but I started yet another Sherlock story! Agh! Don't worry this story wont stop though.

I'm trying to figure out what episodes to do from season 4, suggestions?

Reviews = Inspiration and faster updates :P