At first it was easy to follow the trail of blood. But when the snow started to fall, it covered any traces of the trail they were following.
Arthur felt numb.
He had lost his opportunity. He had lost his closest friend, who had stood by his side for years.
All because he had let his anger control his heart before he had allowed himself to realized that Merlin was… Merlin.
Merlin, kind Merlin.
Merlin, who willingly sacrificed himself for the sake of his friends.
Merlin, who even hated hunting.
That was why it was hurt so much to know about Merlin, but it didn't justify his own stupidity.
Arthur had been stupid.
And now, he had lost everything.
The other side of his soul was missing. Lost in the forest.
"Do we go back to the Camelot?" Leon asked and Arthur looked his knights around him. How long had they been just standing there? They all looked tired and… sad.
Gwaine didn't look at Arthur, and he knew that Gwaine didn't intend to return with them. The knight had taken off the colors of Camelot and stood there dressed as a normal man, as he had before his days in Camelot. What Arthur had done had hurt Gwaine deeply. Gwaine had believed in Merlin and because of him he had found his place as one of the knights. Now that Arthur knew that Gwaine actually was a noble who followed his own heart and will, Arthur felt jealous.
Arthur wanted to do same.
"Arthur, for god's sake, you are the king of Camelot, you don't have to ask my advice about this." Merlin's voice echoed his mind.
"No, I don't have to." Arthur smiled.
"Sire?" Leon looked confused.
"You and others, go back, rest. I can't give up now. Because of me…" Arthur's gaze met Gwaine's, who finally looked him. "Because Merlin is my friend."
"Sire…"
"I'm not alone. Gwaine is with me. And, maybe it's better like this. I should have thought of it earlier. Leon, please, just go."
And they left.
"Now where? It's going to be dark soon, and the snow…" Gwaine asked.
"I think I know where I have to go." Arthur said, remembering the time of his greatest turmoil. The time when Merlin was gave him hope to continue. He clenched his sword's hilt.
"I know where he is."