Hello dears! Uploading already written chapters in one row! This is the chapter corresponding to The Mark of Nimueh, and I'm going to post until The Gates of Avalon. After that, I don't know how long I'll take to write the next chapter ^^"

Pairing: Merlin/Arthur.
Warnings: Nothing more than the Mark of Nimueh. And Merlin and Arthur being fluffly~


Our Past.

The Mark of Nimueh.

"My next story starts days later. Maybe weeks. I don't remember clearly. However, I remember when Gaius and I went to investigate on a dead man-face down into the street. I asked Gaius if he wasn't scared to catch whatever it was; but he replied it's his job. For my part, I stayed away."

Arthur smirked. "Afraid to catch whatever it was?" Then he frowned in worry. "Wait. Could you? Catch a sickness?"

Merlin shrugged. "I'm not sure to be honest. I'm pretty sure my magic protects me. But I have no idea how much. However, it is true that I don't remember myself falling ill. Unless something magical hit me."

Arthur nodded. "And even then, your magic would still protect you?"

Merlin thought back of when he saw the Cailleach; when he suddenly felt cold. "I pretty sure it did." Merlin gave a small smile of reassurance when Arthur caught that it happened in the past. "I'm still here."

Arthur tightened his arms, pushing Merlin's waist closer to his. Merlin blushed as he felt Arthur's heart beating from behind him. "It doesn't mean I have to like that you were in danger."

Merlin took one hand and raised it to his lips-giving a soft kiss. "I know. I don't like you in danger too."

Arthur's lips stretched into a fond smile. "Go on, love."

A pause and flaming cheeks. The warlock was not used to this. "So, Gaius then proceeds to turn the man and is saying that most of the time there's nothing to be scared of. Only to see the man's face was half-white half-blue with blue veins visible. And his eyes…" Merlin shivered. "Completely white-blue."

Arthur frowned. "I think I remember when this sickness spread into Camelot." Then the King's memory supplied more details; and he winced. "The one where Gwen was almost executed?"

Merlin looked down guiltily. "Yes. This one."

Arthur narrowed his eyes, trying to understand the raven-haired's guilty look. Then it clicked. "Someone healed her father and she was accused. You confessed it was you but no one believed you." Arthur's heart stuttered in sadness. "You… This day you told everyone you were a sorcerer."

Merlin could hear Arthur's realization that Merlin had told his secret all these years ago. He could feel Arthur tense at the knowledge he could have known for so long-and help Merlin. "Arthur. It's fine. It probably wasn't the time."

Arthur nodded-though he still felt sad. Merlin smiled softly before launching into the rest of the story. "Gaius knew then we had to keep people from seeing, or else they would panic. I covered the man with a nearby cover."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You stole a cover?"

Merlin smacked his arm. "I borrowed the cover. I'm pretty sure Gaius gave it back to its owner. Anyway, we crossed path with Gwen as we were taking the body back to Gaius' workroom. Gwen asked us what we were doing; and I was like "Err moving something'!"

Arthur laughed. "You are not a good liar, right?"

Merlin blushed and looked away. "I'm better at hiding."

Arthur frowned and growled slightly as he noticed the edge of self-loathing in Merlin's voice. "Merlin… People need to hide something often. Stop blaming what you needed to do!" Before Merlin could protest, Arthur turned him in his laps.

Merlin blinked as he found himself face to face with his King. He blushed at heated look in the blue eyes staring into his. "I know… I just…"

Arthur sighed. He brushed his fingers to Merlin's cheek with tenderness. He leaned down and kissed Merlin softly. "Merlin… Please. No more suffering."

The warlock's eyes brightened. "Alright. Alright."

Arthur pushed Merlin closer, navigating his body until Merlin's head was tucked under his chin and his body lay sideway on his laps. He huffed out a laugh as he felt Merlin snuggling his chest.

Merlin couldn't help it. He pressed his ear to Arthur's heart, sighing as the soft heartbeat soothed his mind. "I tried then to make Gwen think of something else. So I asked if someone gave her the purple flowers she had in her hands. Said no, gave me one."

Arthur smiled fondly and chuckled. "It sounds as if Gwen had a crush on you?"

Merlin blushed. "I didn't realize it until she kissed me, but apparently yes. Though after this accident it seems like she understood I saw her as a sister. And well, you two fell in love."

Arthur's eyebrows rose. "She kissed you? When?"

"Will be in the next story." Merlin chuckled at his love's grumble before continuing. "Gaius examined the man and concluded right away it was magical. Then you were just outside our door and calling for me. Had to stop you from entering." Merlin chuckled. "Looked in a bad mood."

Arthur grinned. "I was getting used to how bad of a manservant you were." He teased. Then a shadow of doubt flickered on his face.

Merlin kissed his mouth as he opened it to talk. The blond stared at him. "Don't worry; I know you never meant it in a bad way. Anyway, you soon change to perplexed. I guessed you didn't expect me to have a purple flower in my neckerchief." Arthur snorted. "Then you proceed to tell Gaius your father wanted to see him. Couldn't understand why you didn't do it yourself." It was Merlin turn to snort. "Gaius told me it was because I was a servant."

Arthur looked away in embarrassment. "I guess I really was a prat."

Merlin chuckled fondly. "You still are sometimes. Though, not as badly." He teased. "So, I started saying that if you know who I was, and he finished by 'you would be a dead servant'."

Arthur shook his head. "No, never. I couldn't…"

"I know, Arthur. But at this time… Both of us can't know what would have happened." Merlin chuckled. "Gaius lightened the mood a bit. When he told me to cover the body and I teased him by saying I'm not his servant; he retorted I was his dogsboddy."

Arthur barked out a laugh. "Seems like Gaius has some mouth too. Maybe you learned after him?" He teased.

Merlin pouted. His magic flared, and Arthur yelped as he was pushed down again. Only, he took Merlin with him on the furs. Merlin blushed-he hadn't thought of that! Arthur grinned and kept his arms around Merlin; glad to feel him resting on his chest. "Keep on. This is nice."

Merlin's face would have shamed a tomato. Yet, he also felt good like this, and simply snuggled comfortably before keeping his story going.

"So, your father called because someone else died from the plague."

"Yeah, I remember being here." Arthur paused. "And Gaius didn't tell him it was magic right away."

Merlin shook his head. "I guess he didn't want your father to react badly. Though your father seemed to guess Gaius hid something. Gaius had to tell him."

Arthur's eyes softened in sadness and he let out a sigh. "Gaius seemed so hesitant…" It pained him to know his father had inspired such fear. He hated the fact his father hadn't open his eyes while still alive.

Merlin stroked his chest in circle, reassuring. Once Arthur glanced down with a small smile, Merlin kept talking. "Your father ordered then the search. He really seemed scared." The warlock paused as Arthur sighed softly.

The king could remember his father's words; and even then he had felt like his father had been overreacting. The plague had been bad yes; but Arthur didn't like how his father would lose reason as soon as magic was involved. "My father was afraid that people would turn to magic to cure the plague more than anything else." He finally voiced. Arthur had obeyed at the time, but he had still wondered. Why be afraid that people would heal others with magic? At the time, he had thought that maybe his father was afraid these people would then turned corrupted. But now…

Arthur knew there was nothing wrong with that. Magical healers could even save lives. He glanced at Merlin. Arthur felt sure Merlin had healed him at least once. He smiled softly, gesturing for Merlin to continue.

"While you were searching the lower town, I saw a man still alive but affected. I… I wanted so much to heal him. But Gaius warned me against it. Told me it wouldn't be safe; with everyone suspecting everyone. He dragged me away. Then he analyzed… something; to try finding how it spread. However, Gaius knew already it was magic of the darkest kind. I didn't understand why someone would use magic like that."

Arthur smiled softly. "Of course you wouldn't. You want to use your magic for good. You are good. No matter what you had to do or what you think." He added the last part with emphasis as he saw the look crossing Merlin's face.

Merlin nodded with a shy smile to Arthur. His king's word really soothed his mind-and his soul. "Gaius told me magic corrupted and people used it to wrong hand. I told him that not all magic was bad; and he agreed it was not magic but how you used it." Merlin sighed. "I guess it's the same with any kind of power. Political, strength, magic. If you have it, you have to be careful of how you use it."

"And this is why you use it for good. You know it would be easy to do as you want; but you also know not to." Arthur didn't say; unlike his father. His father might have done well into his reign too, but it couldn't erase the bad.

"Thank you." Merlin whispered. "Then you barged in with the guard for the search."

Arthur smirked. "Is this the moment you told me? Where I almost found your magic book?"

"Yes! Gaius and I tried to stay as calm as possible. Well, Gaius was better at that. Though we both froze when you called for me and told me to look at what you found after you went into my room-just after Gaius asked what I did with my magic book! Imagine my relief when I realized you were talking of the cupboard!"

Arthur half-groaned and half-snorted. "I am as bad as the guards that abandoned their post for a rolling dice!"

Merlin chuckled. "This is quite true!" Arthur smacked his back lightly. "What? You did pass right by evidences quite often!" He stuck out his tongue. As a punishment, Arthur slapped his butt slightly. He enjoyed the little squeak and the red on Merlin's face. "Go on, keep talking." He gestured with his hand, overly magnanimous.

Merlin murmured, "Prat!" before really continuing. "I saw my magic book on the ground; and while you were distracted, I used my magic to make a shirt fall on it. It is after that moment that I decided to put it under the loose floorboard."

Arthur sighed. "I'm quite glad I did not find it. That would have been bad."

Merlin blushed. "I know. Believe me, I felt enough scared at that time! Well, I have to admit, Gaius wanted it hidden while I wanted to use it. I wanted to save people." Arthur smile fondly. Of course Merlin would. "If it wasn't for tricks, like Gaius said; then I wanted to find a good use. But Gaius called me mad to want to try that with the King hunting for sorcerers."

"Gaius was right." Arthur shivered at the idea of Merlin arrested. "Though… It would have been better if you could have healed people freely. Lives would have been saved." He smiled down as Merlin rubbed his arm. Arthur rubbed Merlin's arm back. "But now you can. I will change the law as soon as I know everything." He added.

Merlin nodded with a bright grin. "Gaius told me I had this great destiny; and so I should protect my life."

"Good point."

Merlin gave a half-hearted glare. "I replied that how was I supposed to be this great warlock if I didn't practice."

"Also a good point." Arthur conceded.

"Gaius retorted that a time will come when my skills would be recognized. I couldn't help but ask when. At that time, I wanted to show who I really was so much. It is with time that I learned to be patient."

Arthur smiled softly-and a bit sadly. "The moment has come, Merlin."

Merlin couldn't help the shy smile. He might have grown into his powers; he might have learned things during all these years; but with Arthur today-with the knowledge Arthur had now-Merlin felt himself drop his barriers and show his vulnerable heart. Shy, still unsure; and most of all: hoping for better time. He understood now why Arthur said Merlin was still kind and innocent. He could feel it now.

And Merlin knew it was all thanks to Arthur. Arthur healed the wounds of his burden, of his past. Like Merlin had carried Arthur during all these years, like Merlin had helped Arthur when his own burden were too much; Arthur did it now.

The warlock's heart sang with joy at being able to share this with his love. His soul rejoiced that both of them could open their heart fully and bath into the warmth and the relief the other gave.

"I know… Still, at the time I felt like sitting by and doing nothing was wrong. I knew I could cure the man we saw. Gaius tried to placate me. Told me he knew it was tempting to use the way I find easiest. I felt like it was easy-not just looking like easy-because I could save a life. Gaius told me it was no good saving one person; that we needed to discover how it spread. I pointed out you were out there looking for the sorcerer but he affirmed a sorcerer this powerful wouldn't be found searching the town. I felt angry but I wanted to trust Gaius. Mom sent me to him to help him; and so I knew I had to listen to him. I asked what could we do; and he just said hoping that science could find the answer."

Arthur saw Merlin scratching his cheek in slight embarrassment. He chuckled and took a guess. "However, there are times when you still didn't listen to Gaius?"

Merlin flushed. "Yeah." He coughed. "So, after that, we saw the corpses rising." He continued sadly.

"And we hadn't found anyone." Arthur supplied-equally sad. So much of his people had died because his warlock couldn't help them as he wished. "Father ordered the curfew; and asked to cut off the lower town." The King frowned; as displeased as he had been back then to do that to their citizen.

Merlin kissed his jaws, a small soothing gesture before talking again. "Gaius made me analyze one victim, asking what was different." The young man scratched his neck in his usual embarrassed manner. "First thing I said was that they were a woman."

Arthur chuckled. "I guess that was not what Gaius wanted to hear!"

"Nope. Told me he sometimes wondered whether your magical talents were given to the right person!"

Arthur laughed hysterically. "I was right; your cheeky attitude comes from Gaius!"

"Hey! I was cheeky before coming to Camelot! He just helped along." He retorted cheekily. Arthur laughed a bit more before gesturing for the rest of the story. "Then I noticed she was a courtier. Gaius told me courtier rarely went into the lower town. I said it meant she hasn't spoken to townspeople. Gaius made a face but he agreed it meant the disease wasn't spread by contact. Then I said they ate different food, that they didn't breathe the same air. Gaius came to the question then: what did they share?"

Arthur blinked before realizing. "Water?"

Merlin nodded. "Gaius sent me to take some water." A sad look crossed his face. "I was doing just that when I saw Gwen in tears; rushing toward Gaius' workroom."

Arthur's eyes saddened. "Her father."

Merlin nodded. "At that time he was all she had. It is much later that we met Elyan after all. But Gaius said he still had no cure. She left after that. Gaius was hoping the water would help him; but I knew-and Gaius too-that it would be too late for her father."

Arthur bit his lips in sadness. "Is it when you decided to save him?"

"Yeah. I couldn't just do nothing. I left Gaius to his examination to go into my room. I waited the night-and for Gaius to be asleep-before finding a spell to cure her father. I went to her house to plant the poultice." Arthur knew it was the same poultice he found later-and he soothed Merlin's guilty look with a kiss into his hair. "While going there I had to hide from guards. One was coming toward me; so I used a spell to open a door. It creaked and the guard went to see. When he was close enough, I close it and it knocked him out."

Arthur chuckled. "Oh you… I bet your magic is as sneaky and tricky as you are." Merlin smirked at Arthur. The King gulped then. "Not that you need to show me, you know?"

Merlin smirked some more, enough to make Arthur sweat, before he felt merciful and just kept talking. "With the guard down, I managed to go into Gwen's house. I went to put the poultice under the pillow-and froze when a board cracked. But thankfully Gwen and her father stayed asleep. When the poultice was safely under the pillow, I cast the spell. It was quite nice to watch, you know? It was the first time I saw a healing spell."

Arthur raised a curious eyebrow. "Describe, please?"

"A soft golden-white mist enveloped Gwen's father, and his skin went back to normal. I went outside and watched a bit. He woke up and then called stroke Gwen's hair. Gwen was so happy when she opened her eyes and saw him well!"

Arthur smiled fondly. This was Merlin in his purest form; this was magic as it should be. Goodness and happiness. He pushed Merlin closer, brushing his lips to his cheek. "Good work, my warlock." Arthur smiled softly as Merlin flushed. He would never grow bored of this sight.

The king continued the tale a bit then. "I guess this is the morning after you healed Gwen's father; Gaius showed us the flower. No more than a few hours in the water and it was dead. Gaius told us it came from the water supply the people used. We couldn't stop using it, as Gaius said. We couldn't survive without water. My father immediately said we had to find the sorcerer. I told him I didn't believe they were inside Camelot."

Merlin nodded grimly. Then he smirked. "So you do have a brain!"

Arthur whacked him upside the head before talking again. "I told him I couldn't search the entire kingdom when he said to extend the search. He said he couldn't stand by and watch our people die." Arthur smiled faintly. "On this point we agreed."

Merlin nodded. "Your father cared for the kingdom and his people. And for you too. I guess he just didn't know how to show it."

Arthur sighed. "Yes. And he became blind when magic was involved." He frowned. "And there were these stupid rules about servants, about how to treat the people."

Merlin smiled up. "You have changed that when you became king. And you will change the remaining unfair laws." He spoke with confidence in Arthur's fairness-but also hope.

A smile stretched the blond's lips before he looked down with tenderness. "What would I do without you?"

Merlin blushed. "I don't pretend everything is thanks to me. You have done much good all alone."

Arthur shook his head. "I knew I had someone that cared for me. I knew someone supported me."

Merlin blinked in astonishment. Arthur used the opportunity to bend down and capture Merlin's lips. Merlin closed his eyes with a sigh. How blissful it was! He felt Arthur moving his lips against his own; and he swore his magic exploded inside him in pure bliss. A small gasp from Arthur alerted him that his magic did react to the kiss.

It was flowing between them, happy. And it made both of them all the more aware of the other-and sensitive. Arthur decided to test this. He nipped at Merlin's lips; and was rewarded with a shudder of delight from his love. Merlin's tongue darted against his lips; and Arthur shivered in pleasure.

Conscious that Arthur wanted Merlin to continue speaking, the king gathered his self-control and parted. Merlin whined, but understood. He wanted to share all of their past with Arthur during this night. The story was long, but Merlin knew he would finish it somewhere into the night.

Merlin realized something then, and grinned. He planted a last kiss and whispered. "Happy birthday again. Midnight hasn't passed yet."

Arthur chuckled-though his eyes were glazed with bliss. "You gave me the best present ever. Or should I say, presents."

"Anything to please you, my King." At Arthur's suggestive look, he blushed but added, "Not yet, clotpole."

Arthur took noticed of the implication; and he grinned but wisely shut his mouth. He needed to let Merlin finish his stories.

"I found Gwen in Morgana's chambers in the morning. Couldn't help myself and asked how her father was, if he felt better." Arthur chuckled but stayed silent otherwise. "I know, even she noticed. She told me I didn't seem surprised. She asked me how I knew he was well. I replied because she was smiling. But she still wondered! She hadn't told anyone, but I knew. I had to find a distraction. I said, yep, all right. Then proceed to say I could read mind."

Arthur laughed. "Good one Merlin! Did she fell into your distraction?"

"I think I can say yes. She laughed and denied it. I confirmed and she asked me what she was thinking. I said that she thought I wasn't a psychic. She laughed some more and called me strange."

"So true!" Arthur snorted. Merlin smacked his arm.

"Though she started babbling, saying she didn't mean it in a bad way. Just that I was funny"

Arthur chuckled. This was pure Gwen. "You are funny." He admitted.

Merlin smirked with pleasure. "I do my best!" Then he chuckled. "She finished by 'I like that'. But I really didn't understand it like she really meant."

Arthur laughed at Merlin's embarrassed look. "Poor, poor innocent Merlin!"

"Oh shut it you! You are as innocent as I am!" Then Merlin bit his lips and frowned. "I mean… You know…"

Arthur blushed but hid it with a smirk. "I would have recognized the sign of a crush. Though if you mean it this way, yes I am. I felt it wasn't proper to do more than kissing until marriage."

Merlin bit his lips and cocked his head up. "What does it mean for us?"

Arthur fixed Merlin with a soft-but heated-gaze. "It means we won't rush into anything. But I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want me to wait until marriage."

"Of course I don't want to wait this much!" Then something clicked. "Marriage?"

Arthur suddenly glanced away. "… I'm sure I can marry who I want; it's just a matter of getting the council to agree."

Merlin blinked several time. "Are you proposing?"

"… Maybe." Arthur glanced back at Merlin, suddenly shy. "… If I am?"

Merlin's eyes softened. He smiled fondly-and Arthur caught his breath. "The answer is yes, dollophead. I-I didn't think it was possible; but I did… think of it."

Arthur suddenly grinned blindingly; and swooped down to kiss Merlin lightly on the lips over and over. "You little idiot. I had started planning for dinner and candles. But you had to throw my plans out the window, did you?" He growled with affection.

Merlin chuckled. "Not like you seem to mind, cabbage-head!"

Arthur laughed. It seemed like their banter would not vanish. Hell, it felt like it was a part of them; of their relationship. Arthur didn't mind; and Merlin didn't seem to mind too.

Merlin smiled sunnily at Arthur before managing to open his mouth again. "She was suddenly all shy. I understand why now. Then she thanked me. I didn't understand why. She just said she didn't know; for asking."

Arthur shrugged. "She might have sensed you helped her."

"Maybe. Who knows? I told her I didn't like to see her upset; then I said I have to go."

Arthur sighed. Merlin stopped and looked at him, curious. "She was so happy. And then Father and I ruined this. I heard that Tom was working again. Told him that I heard he had been sick; and he just answered not anymore. I wondered if he had been suffering from something else; but he denied. He said it felt like death itself. I asked what happened, and he replied that suddenly it was gone and he felt fitter than before." Arthur grinned. "Good job you did Merlin." Then he noticed Merlin's wide eyed look. "What?"

"Fitter? Oh my, I think my magic went a bit crazy. I told you, it's hard to put the right amount. Even with spells."

Arthur barked a laugh. "So you wanted to only heal him; but in the end you made him even better than before?"

"You summed it up well."

Arthur shook his head fondly. "Only you, Merlin. Anyway, once he told me that, and that only Gwen was with him; I… I suspected something was up. I wished I didn't. Though, it would have reached my father's ears. Maybe… If only I had found the poultice myself, maybe I could have hid it…" The question was; would his past self do that? Arthur didn't know.

Merlin rubbed his arm gently. "Arthur… it's the past now. Gwen was saved. It's okay."

Arthur relaxed his jaw-he hadn't realized he was clenching it. "I know. It can't stop me from realizing what I did wrong."

Merlin frowned. "What did you told me? You would forgive me so I can forgive myself?"

Arthur finally relaxed after a sigh. He smiled down at Merlin. "Thank you. As you might have guessed; I and some guards went to search her home. As I said, one of them found the poultice."

Merlin winced. "I should have removed it." He muttered.

"It's in the past now." Arthur mimicked-though gently. "You know, it was glowing a bit. I can guess how the mist looked like." He remarked with wonder. Then he sobered. "It was the 'proof' that leads us to arrest Gwen."

Merlin shivered. "I remember."

"Morgana defended her. She looked horrified to see her being taken. And I couldn't turn a blind eye." Arthur knew he would feel the same if it had been Merlin. And after he had fallen for Gwen, he had thought back if this day. Even today, he still couldn't believe how cold-hearted he had looked. How he had acted.

Arthur snapped out of his self-loathing by a gentle kiss. He blinked down at Merlin. The raven-haired smiled at him before taking the lead. "I heard her pleas and I instinctively went to help. Gaius had to stop me and take me away. Once we were safely in our rooms, he asked me what I had done. He said I thought I was doing good. I answered that I couldn't let her father die when I could cure him. He pointed out it would be suspicious, curing one man. I said that all I had to do was cure everyone. But Gaius told me it was too late. They thought Gwen caused the disease."

Arthur shook his head, sad. How many time Merlin only wanted to help? How many innocents had been sentenced? Arthur could see a bit what Merlin endured. Having to hide and watch people die. Being berated when he tried to help but more problems erupted. Arthur did not like that. He felt glad he could change it.

"I exclaimed that she didn't; and Gaius simply said how can I prove that? I left then. I wanted to be here as they lead her to your father."

Arthur winced. He remembered the interrogation. It had been horrible to watch. Morgana had been the only one really standing up to his father. All he did was look away; and try once to reason with him.

Merlin smiled faintly at Arthur. It had been hard for both of them. She was a great friend to both of them; and being reminded of this day…

"I tried to talk to him. I could see the difference between the evil of the plague and the love of healing." Arthur felt obliged to say.

"I know you would, Arthur." Merlin whispered soothingly. "It's fine now. Gwen is alive. She forgave you. I just hope she will forgive me too."

"Merlin… you saved her father. I don't think she could hate you for this, don't you think?"

"Yeah, alright." He noticed Arthur still had something on his mind. "Arthur?"

"My father told me I would understand making such decision once I would be king. I'm glad I never really did. I thought then that punishment should fit crime; and I still do. No matter what was used to commit it."

Merlin smiled and kissed his neck. "I talked with Gaius after. I told him I thought I was doing good, that I was saving life and helping her. He warned me that a simple solution was like a light in a storm. Rush for it at your peril. I could see it. I started understanding why he warned me of the responsibility of being a warlock."

"I thought only Kilgharrah knew this term?"

"I shared the term with Gaius. Though I didn't tell him I was seeing Kilgharrah."

"He didn't question the term?"

"I told him someone I crossed path once called me that." Merlin shrugged his shoulders. "I think he always suspected that I talked with Kilgharrah. Anyway, I went to see her. I didn't really know what to do, but I needed to see her."

Arthur smiled. Merlin was such a loyal friend.

"I saw Morgana leaving, you know? She was crying…" Merlin shook his head. "I miss this Morgana."

"Me too, Merlin. Me too."

"Gwen looked so happy to see me. She thanked me for coming. I said sorry-I had to-but she said it wasn't my fault." He paused. Arthur stroked his hairs and kissed his temple. "She said not to worry about her. That there was no point crying about that. Then she babbled about not meaning I would cry." Merlin chuckled fondly, but his glistening eyes betrayed the sadness of recalling this event. "I told her I couldn't have that happen. All she asked… was to remember her." A tear did fall from Merlin's eyes. Arthur wiped it with his thumb. "It was too much. I assured her she would not die; that I wasn't going to let that happen. This was the moment I decided to reveal myself."

Arthur sighed. "And I was the one who stopped you without knowing. It was a great entrance though. I couldn't believe my ears! And now that I think of it; Gaius looked kind of worried. Not that I don't understand, my father didn't hesitate in arresting you. I'm glad I stepped in to stop that."

"You honestly believed I had a crush on Gwen?"

Arthur blushed. "Yes! Only you were blind!"

"Oi!" Merlin smacked his arm. "And you looked so shocked! You couldn't believe I am a sorcerer. You had it all wrong!" He teased.

Arthur glared. "Technically, you are a warlock!"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean, prat!"

Arthur glared for some seconds, then his eyes softened and he sighed. "Go on."

"But admit it, you thought on the excuse on the spot."

"… True."

Merlin snorted. "It worked though. There was this one moment when he said perhaps she casted a spell on me; but thankfully he was joking. Gaius followed me to berate me. I said you were the idiot, but he told me you did the right thing."

"Of course I did!" Arthur exclaimed, indignant.

"I know, I know. But at the time it seemed so simple. But as Gaius said, you saved me from my own stupidity." Merlin half-glared at Arthur at the choked laughter. "I didn't know what else to do to save Gwen. Gaius told me I didn't prove her innocence by jumping into the flames; but by finding the cause of the disease. I told him I don't think you would find it; you know, because you didn't spot that I was a sorcerer. Gaius said it is hard to spot." Merlin chuckled. "I said I should go around wearing a pointy hat, and Gaius said I would not find one big enough."

Arthur laughed. "I would have liked to be there!"

"We went to see the water supply, to try and find what contaminated it. Just after I took a sample, the Afanc emerged and roared at us! It scared us very much!" Merlin shuddered. "I felt the dark magic coming from it. My magic didn't like it at all. We searched in books what it was; and that was then we found it was named an Afanc. Now, we had to find a way to defeat it. But Gaius had so many books; and he didn't know where to start looking. He asked me if I had a better idea; and I did."

Arthur frowned in confusion. Merlin chuckled. "Kilgharrah, Arthur."

"Oh. I guess I should expect to hear him often?"

"Yeah. He did help me a lot. I went to see Gwen once more before going to Kilgharrah. She was asleep; but still. I told her I was going to get her out of here. Then I went to see the Great Dragon. When I asked to know how to defeat an Afanc-and if he would help me-he replied that I had to trust the elements that were at my command."

Arthur blinked. "Like… Controlling the elements?"

Merlin nodded. "I didn't understand right away. But along the years, I noticed I have a good affinity with Fire and Wind. I can control Water and Earth too; but I like to go first toward Fire and Wind when I have a choice."

Arthur nodded; his eyes showing how much he was interested in gaining the knowledge. Also; it impressed him. Controlling time; now controlling the elements… The King was starting to grasp how powerful Merlin was.

"Anyway, Kilgharrah really loves to talk in riddles. I asked what it was that I had to do; and he just answered I could not do this alone; that I was only one side of a coin." Merlin smiled-which was returned by Arthur. Together, they were the coin. "Kilgharrah did tell me you were the other side. Though, I still didn't understand what I had to do. But sneaky dragon flew off!"

Arthur laughed good-naturally. "It does sound like he takes pleasure in acting like that."

Merlin snorted. "Agreed. He even had the nerves to tell me he had when I asked him to help me; and disappear while laughing!"

Arthur chuckled some more. Then he remembered. "We searched more but I returned to my father with nothing else. He said we couldn't delay much longer and to execute Gwen the evening. I could only obey…"

Merlin smiled faintly at Arthur, trying to give comfort with his eyes. He could only guess Arthur had his own burden and guilt. He just felt grateful they could share it fully now; and heal from them. They would go forward now-together.

"Meanwhile, I was searching a book about elements. I asked him how they could help me defeat the Afanc. He told me it was made of Water and Earth, two of the four base ones. I asked about the other two; and he realized that perhaps they could destroy it. He told me I needed fire. Wind and Fire. He asked how I knew, and I just told him it was part of my powers." They both snorted. "Same as being a Warlock. But I guess he had started understanding who I was seeing. Still, he asked me what else they said; and I replied that I was one side of a coin-the brightest side."

"Oi!"

Merlin stuck out his tongue. "And of course, that you were the other. Morgana arrived then, telling us Gwen would be executed in the evening. We needed to prove her innocence. She asked us how she could help. I told her we needed you. I explained there was an Afanc. She first thought of telling your father; but Gaius said it was forged by magic. Your father would only blame Gwen."

Arthur sighed sadly but did not voice anything.

"Morgana understood that telling wasn't an option, so she asked what to do. I replied we needed to destroy it. The plague would stop and it might make your father see sense. Morgana agreed that was why we needed you. You were our best chance."

Arthur smiled. "I'm glad I let her convince me. In any case, I didn't like what was happening. As soon as I knew something could be done, I came. I knew she had something when she said that none of the men around were able to stand for what was right."

Merlin grinned. "So she did convince you from disobeying the king."

Arthur shrugged. "It wasn't against any order to go and defeat a creature of magic."

"So we went into the water supply. I think you remember us looking for the Afanc-and hearing it. And Morgana and you bantering!"

Arthur chuckled. "Yes, I do. The search was quite…"

"Scary?"

Arthur grumbled. "… Yes. All shadows seemed to hide it. It was also very annoying. I could hear it but as soon as I dodged it vanished. It was really quick!"

"I remember. We finally faced it. I told you to use the torch-though you seemed to have noticed it recoiled from or a bit."

"Yes I did." Arthur realized then. "That was the Fire part!"

"Yes. I cast a spell to bring wind when you used the torch so it could burn it."

Arthur smiled. "It had been strange, this sudden gust of wind. But I kind of forgot it after. But Merlin, this was good work."

Merlin grinned back. "We did a good team work!"

Arthur nodded. "And the plague stopped. Father had no reason to keep Gwen." He noticed then the wondering look on Merlin's face. "What?"

"Do you remember… Nimueh?"

Arthur thought for some seconds, frowning. "Ah! Yes. Why?" Then his eyes widened. "Don't tell me..?"

Merlin nodded. "I pretty sure it was her. I remember that Gaius found something in the water supply. I guess it bore a clear mark it was her; and that was why your father accepted that Gwen had been innocent."

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "So even then she had already started attacking Camelot!"

Merlin sighed. "Yes. I guess she waited for a long time before attacking."

Arthur frowned, confused. "Waited? Why?" Merlin starred at him. It clicked for Arthur. "Oh! She was angry about my father banning magic after Mother died…"

Merlin nodded. "Though she turned bitter. Sometimes I wonder if she really had no control over the price…" He sighed. "We will never know."

Arthur blinked. "It's true that we never heard about her again…" He looked at Merlin suspiciously. "Was it you?"

Merlin winced. "It is a story for later. But yes."

Arthur nodded; knowing he just needed to be patient. Merlin had waited years; so he could wait a bit more.

"So; Gwen was finally free. Her father and she were so happy. She thanked Morgana but Morgana told her I was the one to be thanked." Merlin blushed. "It felt good; but even then I was not used to being thanked."

Arthur brushed his lips to his ear and whispered, "That will change."

Merlin shivered in pleasure. "Morgana almost gave me a heart attack! Told me my secret was safe with her!"

Arthur widened his eyes. "She can't mean-!"

Merlin chuckled. "No. She said me to not pretend; that she saw what I did. I thought she meant my magic at first. She said she understand why I wouldn't want anyone to know. She asked if I minded her talking about it. I said no; that she had no idea how hard it was to keep it hidden."

Arthur waited; as he sensed the twist would come now.

"Then she said I can continue to deny it; but Gwen was very lucky!"

Arthur snorted before dissolving into fits of laughter. "She too thought you were in love with Gwen!"

Merlin blushed. "Apparently. Anyway, at dinner I was a bit… afraid because we were eating fish."

Arthur kept chuckling.

"Gaius told me it had been the work of a very powerful sorcerer; and he hoped I hadn't come to her attention." Merlin frowned. "Wait… I never realized he said her until now!"

Arthur barked out a laugh. "Let's say you were tired!" He joked. Then events came into his mind; and he paled. "Oh. Your next story wouldn't happen to be about when you got poisoned?"

Merlin gave Arthur a faint smile. "Yes, it is. Apparently, I did come to her attention… And to think back then I doubt I had! I mean, my skills weren't appreciated."

Arthur tightened his grip protectively. "They are now."

Merlin smiled. "I know, Arthur." Then he laughed slightly. "Gaius told me one day people would not believe what an idiot I was!"

Arthur shook his head fondly. "Oh, Gaius!" Then he grinned teasingly. "You can still be an idiot!"

"Oi! Stop it if you want the next story!"

Arthur wisely snapped his mouth shut.

To be continued…