Chapter Eighteen

Drinks in hand, they sat down at a table. Leon looked haggard and took long drinks from his mug.

"Leon," Gwaine began. "You look awful. What brings you so far from Camelot?"

"It's a long story." Leon sighed. "Gaius has sent me looking for Merlin. A lot has happened in the two months since you've left." He looked at Merlin intently. "Uther was killed, not two weeks after we heard you were gone. Arthur was crowned king one week later. He's taken up with Gwen, and he's being less than quiet about it. He parades her all over the castle, showing off.

"Now I wouldn't be judging the king's decision if it wasn't for the fact that he was clearly miserable. He asks, frequently, if there is any news of Camelot citizens outside of the kingdom. He never mentions your name, but everyone knows who he's talking about. But the worst part, if you ask me, is he has one of your old scarves that he carries with him wherever he goes. When he thinks no one is watching, he pulls it out and just holds it, staring off into nowhere. You have to return to Camelot, Merlin; if not for Arthur, then for the kingdom. He needs to see you." Leon took another long drink when he was finished.

"That's ridiculous." Merlin blurted. "Leon, I'm sorry, but Arthur and I weren't even together for very long and - hang on, how do you even know about that?"

"Don't be daft." Leon laughed. "Everyone assumed you were together long before you were, anyway. But if you must know, I heard the specifics from Gaius. In my concern for the king, I asked Gaius if anything could be done to improve his humor. Gaius said the only remedy he could think of was your return. I pressured him for the specifics, and then on his advice left in search of you. Luckily, Gwaine tends to leave a bit of mark wherever he goes." Gwaine made a face at Leon.

"Regardless," Merlin began. "I can't see why my leaving could have had such an effect on Arth- the king. We weren't involved in that way for very long at all. Maybe he just doesn't know what he wants. He has to have time to move on."

"You don't understand, Merlin. You weren't romantically involved for very long, I'll give you that, but you two have been together for a very long time. You spent all of your days with each other, and you had a truly special bond. That doesn't just go away." Leon took a deep breath. "Look, it's not my place to say, but he loves you, Merlin."

At this point, Gwaine sighed, and mumbled something about getting a refill as he left the table.

"You can't just say things like that, Leon, especially when they aren't true." Merlin mumbled.

"I would never make something like that up, Merlin. You need to come back to Camelot. The king needs you. Arthur needs you, Merlin." Leon pleaded.

Merlin stared at Leon for a moment, judging his eyes for any hint of deceit. Not finding any, he heaved a sigh. "We can leave in the morning."