Arthur looked up, and he felt a feeling of euphoria wash through him at the sight of Merlin. He actually came. He risked the consequences and came... He watched, a mixture of emotions tumbling though him, as he witnessed the stone shattering, the men falling unconscious, the reassurance from Merlin that they were fine, and the silent exchange that seemed to travel between the sorcerer and the witch, ending in Morgana fleeing the hall. He met Merlins gaze, and was pleased to find no anger or bitterness there. He was ashamed, however, to see the fleeting look of fear that seemed to pass through him before he managed to hide it, yet also grateful. He was afraid, yet he still came to Arthurs side when he needed it. He saw him turn and vanish, and ran out of the hall, motioning for the others to stay, and ran up the stairs to meet him. They met about halfway down. Arthur held a hand out to stop Merlins speedy descent, so that he didn't fall on top of him, then pushed him back a few steps. "Merlin," he said, but got no further as Merlin interrupted him.

Merlin an down the steps, sometimes two at a time, so was unable to stop his speed when he rounded the corner and came face to face with Arthur. Arthurs hand came out and stopped his descent, before shoving him back a few steps. He just managed to keep his balance, and wouldn't let Arthur get any further than his name.
"Arthur," he interrupted, "I'm sorry I lied to you... I was afraid to admit it, even to you... especially because of Uther... and..."
"Merlin, I'm sorry." Arthur butted in, stopping Merlins voice in its tracks.
"What do you mean... I thought that you... " Merlin felt hope rise in his chest.

Arthur felt guilt swamp him again at Merlins words.
"You thought that I hated you..." he finished for him. "Merlin, I'm sorry. I... I was..." he sighed, and caught sight of a trickle of blood running down Merlins hand. He snatched it up, pulling back the sleeve, and was struck silent at the mark running down his arm. The mark he put there. Merlin snatched his arm back.

He muttered a quick spell over the cut, that had burst open due to all the stress Merlin had put it under, and looked up to gauge Arthurs reaction. "See," he ventured, cautiously, "Its fine..." He saw that Arthur still looked guilty, and changed the subject. "You don't mind that I'm a sorcerer?" he enquired, still speaking cautiously. Arthurs reply sent his spirits soaring.

"Merlin, I don't care. After you left, I... You are my friend, Merlin. And in truth, the only person I ever truly trusted. If II were in your position, I would have done the same... Damn it, you are much braver than you look aren't you? No matter." He sighed. "Merlin, I've done a lot of thinking. And the only things that bother me are that you didn't trust me... and that, for my entire life, it has been drilled into me that Magic is evil." He was about to say more, but Merlin interrupted.

He accepted it. The magic... but Merlins relief was marred by sorrow that Arthur believed magic was evil.
"Arthur, the only reason your father told you magic was evil is because he used it without knowing the price. That time that you talked to the spirit of your mother? She was telling the truth." Merlin saw an expression of shock cross Arthurs face.
"But you said... you told me that..."
"I couldn't bare to see you in so much pain. I had to say something..."

Arthur felt confused... then indescribably, inexplicably angry.
"You lied about that, did you lie to me about anything else? Did you lie about the lies? Are you going to lie and say the death of my father was not your fault as well?" He had made Merlin back up several steps, and at the last question, his face showed so much guilt that it stopped Arthur still.
"I...Arthur, I..." The anger returned as Merlin started to make excuses.
"You what? What excuse are you going to use this time?" He saw a spark of understanding fill Merlins eyes.
"Arthur. You read the scroll, you know I didn't mean to..."

Merlin couldn't continue, as the breath was knocked out of him as Arthur pinned him to the stairs.
"Arthur..." he managed to gasp, "The crystal... you can fight it... this isn't you...". He took a deep breath as Arthur let go, and he rolled over, out of his reach. "Our destinies are entwined, Arthur, you can fight the stones effects where it concerns me. And probably Gwen too."
He flinched as Arthur reached out to him, before he let him help him to his feet.

Arthur heard Merlins voice through the the cloud of anger in his head, and realized that he could fight the effects of the stone. His head cleared and he realized that he was choking Merlin. He immediately let go and jumped back. He waited for Merlin to catch his breath and held out a hand to help him up. Yet again, he felt shame when Merlin flinched away before accepting his help. He looked at him and a question popped into his head.
"Merlin, why didn't you use magic to protect yourself?" The look on Merlins face made him backtrack. A mix of disbelief, pain and anger.

Merlin knew that his expression matched the feelings he had, as Arthur immediately stopped talking.
"Because unlike some people, I dont lash out and hurt anyone in a fit of anger." He immediately regretted the words, as he realized how much Guilt Arthur felt.
"Arthur," he said in a calmer tone of voice, but still full of the emotion he felt, "I would never hurt you. I have risked my life to help you countless times. I would never use magic against you... How dare you even think that I would... ?" He stopped as they heard a commotion at the foot of the staircase. He glanced at Arthur, and, by silent agreement, made their way down the staircase. Just before they reached the foot of the staircase, Merlin spoke again. "Arthur, There is one thing that will ensure you know I'm telling the truth. The truth Stone. Will that make you happy?" Before Arthur could do anything more than open his mouth to reply, they reached the hall and a scene of utter chaos.

Arthur could see in Merlins eyes that he was offended, no hurt by the thought, and Arthur was about to apologize, when they heard a commotion below them. They both raced down, him a few steps in front of Merlin, and had nearly reached the bottom when he heard Merlin speak. He couldn't believe his ears. Merlin would use the stone that he was so afraid of, just to make him feel better? And he had ever doubted the intentions of the Sorcerer? Ever considered him evil?
He was just about to reply, when they rounded the corner of the staircase to a scene of utter devastation. And he realized, he had never truly doubted Merlin... and with that revelation, he resolved to make everything right between them. No matter what it took. He turned and saw his thoughts reflected in Merlin, but was unable to do more as they were swept into the chaotic scene.