Well, time for the next chapter :) It's a bit shorter I'm afraid, but it ended in the right spot, so I didn't want to force any more in. Hope you like it :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin :'(

Chapter 9

Merlin knelt on the hard ground, breathing heavily and feeling like he had just sprinted for several miles. But at least the ringing in his ears was fading now, and he could make out Arthur's worried voice as the Prince reached him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Merlin? Are you alright? What happened?"

He smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. Just tired, that's all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it'll pass soon enough."

"Good," Arthur joked, "because I really don't fancy dragging a lump like you back to the castle."

"At least I'm less of a lump than you, you clot pole."

The two laughed nervously, petering out when Arthur spoke.

"Merlin?"

Their eyes locked together. "Yes Arthur?"

"Have you noticed something?" There was a barely recognisable shake in the Prince's voice. One that few but Merlin had ever been privilege to hearing.

"What?"

"It's gone quiet."

And as soon as he'd said it, Merlin realised it was true. Up until now he hadn't noticed, but with the ringing now gone he became aware of the fact that there was a distinctive lack of noise surrounding them. In fact, apart from his own breaths, and his conversation with Arthur, he realised that he hadn't heard anyone else make a noise since the battle had ended.

The boys broke their interlocked gazes simultaneously, instead turning their heads away to take in their surroundings.

It was with shock that they saw that every single man left on the field was now staring at the pair of them. Nobody was moving.

It was then that Merlin remembered what came next.

He turned his apprehensive gaze back towards the city, gulping down the lump of fear which was threatening to rise up his throat. He turned to Arthur, noticing as he did that the Prince's face mirrored the same expression of dread he was sure his own features held.

"We better go." It was barely a whisper, but Arthur heard.

"Yeah." He stood, offering his hand to Merlin as he did. "Come on- I'll help you." Merlin took it gladly and Arthur helped him to his feet, before finally addressing his men. Even if his voice was lacking a good portion of it's usual authority. "The battle is over. We have won. You may all return to the city."

It was like a spell had been broken. The men unfroze, and there was a flurry of activity as almost all of them rushed towards the city as fast as they could, sending Merlin wide-eyed glances as they passed. It was only once almost all of them had left that the two friends began to walk. Merlin staggered slightly but didn't fall, due largely to Arthur's supporting arm.

It was only when they were nearing the city gates that the pair became aware that they were being followed. A quick glance out of the corner of their eyes showed it to be Leon. He was keeping his distance, true, but the look on his face made his intentions clear. He was there to ensure that no-one interrupted them on their journey.

The boys were silently thankful. There were things both wanted to say, and while Leon's support was appreciated, they were grateful that he was giving them this time alone to prepare for the ordeal they knew would meet them back at the castle.

They passed a lot of the journey in silence, unable to find the right words to express what they wanted- Merlin especially. He could tell by the guilt he could see in his friend's eyes that Arthur was blaming himself for this. He couldn't take that- he had made the decision himself. It was his choice to do what he had done today. He didn't want Arthur to bear the burden he had created. The problem was how to make Arthur understand that without coming across as some kind of Martyr. They were nearing the entrance to the castle courtyard when he finally made his decision.

Merlin gave Arthur a playful nudge, an attempt at his usual teasing grin spread across his face.

"How many times does that make it now, eh? That I've saved your life?"

A mock affronted expression appeared within moments. "You? Save my life? Don't you get all cocky just because of one teeny-tiny piece of magic Merlin. If you were there with just a sword, you'd have been screeching like the girl you are within seconds."

"Yeah, well better to be a girl than a royal prat."

It was but a shadow of their normal banter, but the tension in the air had cleared considerably. Job done, Merlin could finally muster the courage to sort out a couple of things before they entered into hearing distance of the wrong people. His brow furrowed slightly, and his tone grew serious.

"Arthur?"

"Yes?"

"Can you promise me one thing?" He knew Arthur would probably do it anyway, but he needed to make sure.

"Of course." The Prince's composure was beginning to crack.

"Make sure Gaius doesn't tell Uther he knew. I don't think I could bear it if something happened to him because of me. Not again."

A small nod. "Of course."

"Thanks." He paused, halting momentarily, forcing the Prince to face him. "And Arthur?"

"Yes Merlin?"

"Whatever happens, don't blame yourself. Revealing my magic was my decision, and my decision alone. None of this is your fault."

For the first time in a long time, Merlin saw tears in the Prince's eyes. And for the first time that day, a genuine grin spanned the young warlock's face. Arthur had always said that no man was worth your tears. For the Prince to consider him enough of a friend to be on the verge of going against his own words meant more than anything either of them could have expressed out loud. Through silent consent, they continued their walk. No more words were passed, because they no longer needed to be. And, as they drew near to where they knew the king would likely be waiting for them, Merlin could honestly say that, for those few short moments, he was content.