Hi everyone sorry it's taken soooooooo incredibly long to update I've never really being this busy before.

Chapter Ten

Dellarux stood where he was for a long time after Merlin left, just staring blankly at the place where the warlock had been. He wanted to go after him, to bring him back and get rid of that prince, but Merlin's words circulated in his head. He replayed them over and over until at last they sank in. Dellarux was suddenly seeing visions of his past, while Merlin's last words to him played in the background. He saw his birth, his mother and father holding him. His elder brothers and younger sister playing while he watched, and then, when he was seven, finally allowed to go out and play. Next came the catastrophe of his father finding out what he been up to, and slapping him. Then his final disownment from his family and seeing his mother's disappointed eyes. Dellarux felt his insides collapse inwards with guilt and he fell down with it, curling up and sobbing softly.

*

Merlin pulled the horse's reigns to a halt and jumped down. They were a day's ride away from Camelot, and both Merlin and the horse needed rest. Arthur had stopped crying some time ago, and had remained quiet ever since. Merlin started a fire and smiled at Arthur as he slipped out of the bag.

"How are you?" he asked, concerned.

"It doesssn't hurt anymore," Arthur admitted.

"I'm so sorry, Arthur…I'm sorry I failed you. I…" Merlin's voice broke off.

"How have you failed me?" Arthur asked, surprised at Merlin's outburst.

"I couldn't protect you from him…and I couldn't get you restored," Merlin looked away as tears glistened in his eyes. In truth there was more than that. He felt like he had failed himself and his destiny – something Arthur didn't know about. He also felt as though he had being failed by Dellarux, something that he couldn't explain. Arthur slithered over, around the fire.

"You've never failed me, Merlin, and you haven't now. There may be no way back for me, but it doesssn't matter. I'll manage and I have you to help me," Arthur said reassuringly. And Merlin felt like Arthur meant it. He pulled on a smile and turned back to the snake that was now curling up his leg.

"Thanks, Arthur," he said.

"Oh, and, Merlin, if you tell anyone what I've just said I will make your life a living hell. And yes, I mean more than I already do."

"Uh, thanks!" Merlin laughed.

*

Dellarux stood slowly, once he had seemed to regain composure. He didn't know what to do anymore. What did one do after living for centuries in the way he had? How did someone make amends for what they had done? Wiping his eyes on his sleeve, Dellarux seemed to realise that he would never have a companion, and what's more, understood why. There was only one thing he could do to try and make amends for present actions.

He crossed over to the hearth and bent his head over the fire, the flames reflecting in his unusually blue eyes. He smiled slowly and muttered a curse under his breath, a reversing curse. His eyes flashed once more and he knew his words had been cast. Dellarux crossed over to the bed, and lay down on his side. His eyes gazed out of the window as he began to drift asleep. The last thing he saw as his eyes shut was one small star glittering brighter than the rest seeming to gaze at him.

*

"Merlin, what are you looking at?" Arthur asked, as the pair lay down to sleep.

"That star, isn't it beautiful? Almost magical…" Merlin breathed gently.

Arthur cast his gaze to the sky and saw the one Merlin was talking about. He had to admit it was beautiful, more so than the rest. There was something magical about it, but Arthur couldn't place it. Instead he curled up next to Merlin, and said, "Oh, ssstop dreaming thingsss, Merlin, it' sss not your place to dream!"

Merlin had to agree with that, but even after he heard Arthur's snakey snores he continued to gaze up at the mesmerising star. He felt safe watching it, and a wave of comfort seemed to seep into his veins. Eventually, however, even he fell asleep.

That very same night Morgana was also looking at the star, and she smiled.

"You know, Gwen, I think everything is going to be well, and Arthur will be back soon."

Gwen, who had being making the bed ready for her mistress, crossed over to where she was, with interest.

"I hope so, my lady. Uther's on the verge of sending the entire kingdom out to search for his son. And Merlin, is missing, too…"

"They will be okay, Gwen, I know it!" Morgana said comfortingly, and turned her gaze back to the light.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, more soon!