Pairing: Merlin/Arthur.
Warnings: Nothing more than Lancelot. And Merlin and Arthur being fluffly~~
Our Past
Chapter 5: Lancelot
After sharing their soft kiss, Arthur shifted back, lying again on his back. Merlin followed, resting his head on his chest-right above his heart. The young Warlock wrapped an arm around his King's waist, smiling faintly as he felt Arthur's arms wrapping around his shoulders.
"So… Now I'm going to tell you about Lancelot." Merlin grinned.
Arthur smiled back. He felt curious to know more about Lancelot, the man who had stolen the heart of Gwen-and not in a bad way. The young King could see how happy both were, and he remembered fondly their marriage. Then a thought entered his mind, and he had to ask.
"Wait… What is his link with your magic?"
Merlin wriggled a bit with slight tenseness. "I… He knew. About my magic. It is part of this tale."
Arthur blinked. "So Gaius wasn't the only one?"
Merlin glanced up, apologetic. "Lancelot and Gaius were the only one to know. And my mom, of course."
Arthur nodded. Merlin felt a bit better, seeing no anger or disappointment in Arthur's eyes. He had feared his lover would have not liked the fact someone else had known-someone so close to him as one of the Knights of the Round Table-but once again, the raven-haired was surprised by how Arthur reacted.
Merlin felt immensely grateful of Ygraine and Uther; as he had no doubt the quiet moment Arthur had passed with them earlier was the source of Arthur's good reaction.
"It was one normal day; I was picking up mushrooms when I heard a screech. Imagine my surprise when I turned and the Griffin was charging at me!"
Arthur smirked. "You mean fear?"
Merlin threw a half-hearted glare. "Anyway, I ran away but I… tripped and fell quite soon." Arthur barked out a laugh. "Oi! If Lancelot hadn't arrived I could have been hurt!" That did sober Arthur. The blond frowned, pushing Merlin closer.
Merlin chuckled. "But as I said, Lancelot saved me. The Griffin-though at that time no one knew what it was-had been about to scratch me when he charged and slashed with his sword. It didn't hurt the Griffin; but it did step back. Well, until Lancelot's sword broke. Then he started running away and screamed at me to do the same."
"We ran until we managed to jump behind some fallen trees. Thankfully, the Griffin just flew off then. I thanked Lancelot for saving me; and we introduced each other. But soon after he passed out; and I notice his wound. I brought him back to Gaius'. He reassured me, saying it was superficial and that the fever would pass."
Arthur listened silently, not really surprised to know the first thing Lancelot did was saving Merlin-and getting hurt doing so. "I can guess it is the morning after my father and I rode to see the damages the Griffin had done. Though, like you, we had no idea what it was."
Merlin continued then. "When Lancelot woke up, he told me that ever since he was a child he dreamed of coming to Camelot, to become a Knight. It was sad, how he immediately he belittled himself. He thought he expected too much, that he was nobody-even if he didn't say it this way."
Arthur sighed. "I'm glad I did change that as soon as I could." He smiled slightly. "Tristan and Isolde are very good knights, even if they didn't believe they would." The King could remember their faces, when he had announced he wanted to knight them. Not only they were the first commoner Knights after Lancelot, Elyan, Gwaine and Percival; but Isolde had been the first woman knighted.
Arthur never regretted his choice; and felt even proud.
"I'm glad too you did that. I felt so happy to see that you had started ruling differently than your father-no offense. Anyway, I reassured him right away, telling him the people would love him, and that he could even shame you."
"… True." Arthur agreed. "The people do love him, and he is a one of my best Knight."
Merlin grinned. "So, I told him I would talk to you right away." He snorted. "I think he couldn't believe his luck; that I knew you."
Arthur chuckled. "It's true he had been lucky, saving you out of all people. You did come right away, at my testing session right?"
Merlin looked up, smiling. "With Lancelot, yes. You were downright desesperate for good Knights." He teased.
Arthur rolled his eyes-though not denying anything. "Well, when they didn't last more than ten seconds…" Then realization hit. "Oh! You are the one who started the lie, right at the beginning!"
Merlin blushed. "I didn't think! I wanted Lancelot to have his chance, so I could think of at the moment was to agree he was a noble!"
"Only you, Merlin. Only you!"
"Well, Lancelot was so happy when I told him you would meet him. It was worth it! Of course, I had to ask about any seal of nobility he could have after that…" He scratched his face, while Arthur laughed. "Gaius had to explain the first code; and then it looked like it was over for him… Later, I asked why he wasn't to be a knight. His village was attacked by raiders when he was a boy; he alone escaped. He vowed then never to be helpless again against tyranny. He spent all his day, his life, to swordcraft and the art of combat."
Arthur smiled slightly. "That's our Lancelot."
"And hearing that, I promised him I would make this right. I'm the one who went to the library, to seek records of seals. I used a parchment and magic to created Lancelot's seals."
Arthur raised his eyebrows. "That's why it looked so real! My father said once the only way he guessed it was false was that he felt suspicious of the mysterious fifth son."
Merlin sighed. "Maybe I should have been more careful…" He shrugged. "But who knew what might have happened if I did something differently?"
Arthur stroked the raven hairs slowly. "Things are good now, so let's be happy with that."
"I guess you're right. As you might guess, Lancelot was too happy with the idea of lying; but I convinced him to accept the false seal."
"Of course." Arthur shook his head fondly. "Wait. Did you use magic right in the middle of the library, where Geoffrey might have seen or heard at any point?"
"… He didn't, so everything is fine?" Merlin yelped as Arthur cuffed his head. "So! I convinced him by saying it was just getting his foot in the door. The rest would be his skill only."
Arthur sighed once again. "That was thanks to Lancelot I realized the First Code was wrong, you know? I hadn't thought before-not really-that we could miss good knight simply because they weren't noble."
"Good thing we met him, then? Oh! Speaking of meeting, Gwen met him then. We asked her to measure him and make his clothes."
Arthur blinked down at Merlin. "I… do remember seeing Gwen with you at his test." He turned thoughtful. "Did… Did they show… interest back then already?"
Merlin searched Arthur's face, and when he saw mainly curiosity, he nodded. "I didn't really register back then, but now I can see they… connected right away." He chuckled. "They were both so… awkward. I did find it cute back then."
Arthur felt a grin form. "I can picture that."
"Lancelot even asked if we were… you know." They both laughed. "It is funny, remembering how awkward he was." Merlin glanced up at Arthur, mock-angry. "And you weren't exactly nice when you met him."
Arthur had the decency to blush. "I was tired of the failures! I had to test him…"
Merlin chuckled and raised himself a bit, kissing his jaws. "Well, at least you did give him a chance."
"I was a bit impressed by his tenacity. I wanted to see then if it would last."
"Hence mucking out the stables?" Merlin grinned. "It kind of gave out what I did to Gaius. He was comforting me about Lancelot, and being impressed I was taking it very well. Then Lancelot entered, smelling quite the part. You should have seen the look he was giving me. I did manage to lie and say he found work at the stable; but after saying 'I see' Gaius demanded the truth before he lost his temper."
Arthur let out a laugh, deeply amused. "You and Gaius make quite the pair!"
Merlin groaned. "Of course, I said Lancelot was trying out for the knights. You can guess he wasn't too happy. He asked me what I had done, and I replied I bend the rules-the unfair rules. Gaius was angrier I used magic for that. Even if it was more of a trick."
"Trick you had done with Geoffrey in the same room."
Merlin stopped, pouting. Arthur nudged him slightly, kissing his hairs. After feeling Arthur's breathe on his hairs, and a slight nip on his ear; Merlin relented.
"I argued I owed him my life and I repaid him the only way I could."
Arthur allowed a small smile on his face. Moment like this showed him how noble and good-hearted Merlin truly was. "What you did was good. I went to see him as he worked; I felt… happy I guess to see him persevere. He did what I gave him without complain; even proposing sweeping when I threw him a broom. His face; you should have been here when I told him first to kill me."
Merlin choked. "What? Can you please not invite anyone to kill you? I have enough trouble keeping you alive like that!"
Arthur went into fits of laughers, amused by Merlin's indignation. However, he felt less amused when his face was suddenly drenched in water-Merlin strangely dry. He glared down at him, only to feel a heat on his face before he was dry again.
If he had not been on the receiving end of the prank, Arthur would have been impressed by how Merlin did all that with glowing golden eyes and a smirk. His eyes, though, felt attracted to Merlin's mouth, as he saw it moved while Merlin whispered his spells.
Fascination replaced the annoyance. "You needed spells?"
Merlin blinked, startled by the sudden change. "Err, yes. I manipulated elements, it was better to clearly say what I wanted. I could have tried without spells, as it wasn't a big use of water and fire, but there was the risk my magic went too… happily."
"Yes, you do not want that." Arthur replied dryly. Though, he still sent a small grateful look, warmth in his chest at knowing Merlin had chosen the less dangerous path. "Back to Lancelot; he fought well enough with a broom. I told him he made basic training."
Merlin chuckled slightly. "Your way of saying he had good material to be a knight?" He sing-songed.
Arthur grinned sideway. "It was just after that the people attacked by the Griffin came inside Camelot."
"I remember, me and Gaius were helping the injured. Lancelot arrived and asked what happened; and we both knew what the 'winged monster' that attacked the villagers was."
"It was worrying my father, and he guessed it was heading for Camelot."
"Gaius sought into the books what the creatures could be, but he couldn't find it. I think you were preparing the Knights meanwhile?"
Arthur nodded. "That was when I decided to test Lancelot. I needed him; I could see he was good. And I have to say, it had been a great battle."
Merlin beamed. "Yeah, impressive. We had to hold our breath with Gwen! His trick at the end is what got him a knight, right?"
"Yes. He did put me under his sword, after all."
"Though, you got him and we scared, with how furious you looked. For a second I thought you would run him through!"
Arthur frowned faintly, glancing down at Merlin-perplexed. "That was how it looked like?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow. "You didn't realize?" Arthur's only answer was to blush. "Well, in any case: Lancelot became Sir Lancelot after. Though your father already suspected something, didn't he?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "Yes, he did. I didn't see back then; I focused on celebrating with Lancelot."
Merlin smiled a bit fondly. "I told Gaius Lancelot deserved this moment. He warned me he did, but I played god and set him on a path of my choosing. We did not know what the future may bring. I just retorted the invitation said celebration."
Arthur just smiled, amused.
"Gaius did agree and just told me to not come back late."
Arthur chuckled. "It was a celebration, after all." Then, he winced slightly. "I remember talking with Lancelot about Morgana, asking if he found her beautiful. Thinking of it now, I think he was talking of Gwen when agreeing."
Merlin wrinkled his nose; grinning in amusement. "And for my part, I teased Gwen that Lancelot had eyes for her. I asked her to choose between you and him." Then, he stopped, biting his lips. He had just realized how close to home it hit.
Arthur's eyes saddened a bit; however, he felt only a small pang. He had Merlin in his arms right now, and in all honesty, all he felt was sadness that Gwen had to choose.
Wouldn't have it been so much easier, if Merlin and him realized long ago their love; and Gwen wouldn't have had to choose?
Merlin seemed to guess his thoughts. He snuggled closer, tucking his head under his chin. "Things are great now, so let's not regret the past, shall we?" He offered, echoing Arthur's words.
"Indeed. Though, I do feel curious: what did she say?"
"That she didn't have to and never would."
Of all things, it made Arthur laugh. "Oh, the irony."
"I know." Merlin smiled sadly. "The morning after wasn't so jovial. Lancelot and I woke up with a hangover, and I assure you, the potion Gaius made for it would be enough to prevent us to ever drink again!"
Arthur made a face, knowing the potion too. "And yet it didn't stop us to drink again."
Merlin remembered the night Lancelot proposed, where Lancelot, Gwaine and Merlin had been drunk enough to dance on the table. "True."
Arthur smirked; but quickly it fell. "Lancelot was arrested then, right?"
"Yeah. The guards came not even a minute after we downed the potion."
Arthur sighed. "Of all things, I wasn't angry he lied-not really. When Geoffrey announced it had been a forgery, all I could think of was that we were losing such a good knight. I did try to talk to my father, but he told me…" He hesitated a bit, knowing how the words could hurt Merlin. But Merlin fixed his eyes on him, piercing.
If Merlin shared, Arthur had too. They had agreed. "My father told me how I could trust a man that lied to me."
And as expected, the King saw the moment the words hit Merlin. His face crumpled before he looked down-away from Arthur's gaze. "Merlin. This is not true, you know that, right?"
Merlin smiled faintly. "I know. You have always been different-better, if I can say. You were willing to trust Lancelot, you did in the end. I had the same chance. It doesn't change… the fact I feared for so long I would lose your trust."
Arthur tightened his hold, nudging Merlin's hairs until he had his cheek close to his mouth. Arthur kissed Merlin's cheekbone, tender. "I'm sorry for that, I truly am. But don't forget Merlin; things are good now. I know, and I don't hate you. You didn't lose my trust."
Merlin beamed, pleased. "Thank you, Arthur. You know, I went to see him, in his cell. I didn't know what to say; but he told me I was not to blame. He refused to let me think I pushed him. He assured the choice was his and that the punishment was his alone. When I said I wish I could do something, he answered I could stop blaming myself."
Arthur smiled faintly. "Lancelot, always so noble." Then he gazed down pointedly at Merlin. "Though, I bet you did not stop blaming yourself."
Merlin's reddening cheeks were reply enough. He coughed, before talking again. "If things were bad then, well it got worse. Gaius found what the beast was-in books of myths and legends, not living creatures of the kingdom. And then the Griffin attacked Camelot."
"I remember that. I also remember very well the moment my lance broke against its body." Arthur commented sourly.
Merlin smiled in sympathy. "It's like Gaius told your father later. Only magic could kill it."
Arthur frowned slightly, thoughtful. "Of course. It was you, right?"
Merlin nodded. "But that is for later. As you know, since you were here; Gaius had to warn your father about the Griffin."
Arthur sighed. "But as soon as he heard magic, he wanted to hear nothing." He frowned. "I don't understand; he battled against magic, but he refused to hear it had been the source. Wouldn't have it been better?"
Merlin couldn't help the scoff. "Like Gaius said, magic would have been needed. We are just lucky he didn't feel suspicious that the Griffin had been defeated seemingly without it." Then he softened. "You believed us; but like us you couldn't argue against him."
Arthur just nodded, feeling as sad. It had hurt, knowing even as his son, Uther Pendragon didn't even listen to Arthur. The only soothing fact was to know his father was all well, and with his mother.
To Merlin, it also helped calm the slight anger he had accumulated during the years; but mainly the pity. As surprising as it could be, Merlin had known long ago-especially after Morgana's betrayal had been exposed-that Uther brought sadness to Merlin's heart. He understood why the old King had been like that, even if he hadn't like his reactions.
"So, Gaius and I went back to our room. There, he asked of me something I wouldn't have thought-and I still don't, most of the time. He had always been wary of me using my magic, but in some cases…"
Arthur widened his eyes. "He actually asked you to use magic?"
"Yes. He said you would die. My first thought was to make your father see reason; but Gaius said when it concerned magic he was blind to reason." He paused; a bit apologetic-but Arthur nodded, agreeing. "Gaius then said magic was our only hope, and I started guessing what he meant. I thought I couldn't go against that thing. I didn't even know back then how powerful I am-or I am supposed to be."
Arthur didn't comment, knowing from some of the things he said earlier that Merlin still didn't know the extent of his magic-though he did know he was the most powerful warlock ever.
But like Merlin, Arthur wondered: How powerful can the most powerful be?
"Of course, Gaius knew what to say to sway me. If I didn't do it, you would die. I did not want that; but I really thought I had not magic so powerful. I feel ashamed of how I reacted; I started accusing him of not caring what happened to me… He told me he cared only about me in all this world."
Arthur smiled fondly. "He is like your father, right?"
"Of course. I didn't know my father until it was too late. Gaius is the closest thing I have to a father now."
Both realized what Merlin said. Arthur blinked several times, knowing he had the confirmation to what he had guessed: Merlin had met his father. "Later, I guess?"
Merlin nodded with a small grateful smile. "He also told me he would give his life for me without a second thought, but he couldn't save Arthur." His face saddened. "I can't believe how close it passed to make his word true…" He shook his head when Arthur opened his mouth. "Later."
Arthur closed his mouth, petulant. At least, he knew Merlin would tell him. However, he didn't like the sound of that-had Gaius been close to death?
"After that, I could only say sorry. Then, I knew we had only two hours to find a way to kill the Griffin."
"I guess it's around the same time I went to see Lancelot. I… did yell on him a bit-that he didn't sound or look like a knight, I should have known. But as I said, he fought like a knight. I-and Camelot- needed a knight like him, though I couldn't finish that sentence. He asked about the creatures, and I confirmed we couldn't kill it. He said he faced it too, and that he didn't know how it endured his strike. I told him some people believed this Griffin was a creature of magic, and that only magic could kill it. He asked me if I believed that. I told him it didn't matter, as magic was not permitted."
Merlin gave him a strange look, and Arthur raised an eyebrow in question. "Arthur… You sound like… I don't know, like you regretted magic couldn't be used."
Arthur gave a small sour smile. "In all honesty? Yes, I allowed myself to think what if Gaius was right, and I cursed that we didn't know anyone that could help. But I didn't know back then there was someone."
Merlin blushed, pleased beyond words. It felt good, knowing Arthur had thought of having magic on his side back then.
"I'm not sure if Lancelot told you exactly what happened, but I told him there was a horse outside. He thanked me-I think he believed I was allowing him to fight. But it was so he could leave…"
Arthur didn't say it had been banishment, but both knew it. "He told me." Merlin confirmed.
"But he refused. He said it wasn't his freedom he sought; he only wished to serve with honour. I knew, of course; but I couldn't let him. My father would have had his head. I didn't tell him I released him; it was all I could do for Lancelot."
"And it was honorable, Arthur."
Arthur grinned, feeling pleased that Merlin complimented him. He bent down, catching his mouth by surprise. Merlin opened his mouth in a soft gasp, then moaned softly as Arthur's tongue stroke his. Much too soon, Arthur withdrawed.
Merlin allowed a pout to be directed to Arthur, enjoying how his lover tensed with the will to let him continue the tale. Eventually, Merlin took pity and stopped, talking again.
"We found a spell, but I had never cast a spell so powerful before. Gaius told me nothing less would kill it. He made me try with a knife, assuring me he knew I had it in me. Sadly, it didn't work the first time."
Arthur hummed. "You did tell me that you still need to master spells, even if you take less time."
"Exactly. In fact, I could feel my magic… coil from the enchantment. But I couldn't direct it. I needed more training at controlling so much power."
"But you did manage, since you killed it."
Merlin scratched his head. "Yeah…"
Arthur chuckled. "But?"
Merlin grinned sheepishly. "I was still trying-and falling to cast the spell when Gwen barged into our chambers."
Arthur interrupted. "You tried for two hours straight?" His eyebrows shot up.
"Well, it was nothing compared to the whole night I spent to reveal Valiant's snakes, right?"
Arthur hummed in acknowledgement, but he still felt awed-and more importantly, touched. If he was honest with himself, he loved knowing how much Merlin had fought for him. He didn't like the dangers and trials, of course; but how could he not feel warm at knowing Merlin didn't hesitate to spend hours to make sure Arthur would live?
"Anyway, Gwen came to warn us Lancelot was riding out to kill the Griffin. I had to run after him then. I didn't really care I still hadn't managed the spell; both of you were in danger."
Arthur's mouth twitched in a smile, stroking Merlin's hairs as the ocean blue eyed man shifted closer, twisting his hand in Arthur's tunic. The red bracelet Merlin gifted Arthur brushed his arm as Merlin moved; and he loved to feel the reminder that he owned Arthur as much as Arthur owned him-even if it was a simple gift.
Merlin knew Arthur cherished the bracelet. He had saved money for it, long before he knew he would let Arthur see his parents. He had been glad to see how pleasantly surprised Arthur had been.
"So, I told Lancelot I would come with him, but he said I'm not." He grinned. "I think it was one of those times he realized how stubborn I can be. I actually told him to try and stop me. He argued I was not a soldier; but I replied you needed all the help you could get."
"Which include a Warlock." Arthur added amusingly. "You really are stubborn; but I guess I have to be grateful for that."
Merlin smirked. "You bet. We rode then, to look for you. We heard you all shouting, and the fight. When we arrived, you were passed out; and a lot of knights were dead. We heard the Griffin coming closer then. Lancelot went back to his horse and prepared to charge. I tried the spell three times; and it was only at the fourth time it worked." He smiled, a bit fond. "I… loved how the spell worked. It wrapped around his lance in blue flames, and it made the lance pierce the Griffin's chest. It killed it right then."
Arthur returned the fond smile. "I would have liked to see that." He confessed. "It does sound like your magic is blue, you know." He added, remembering they had wonder about that-the blue ball, blue flames…
Merlin glanced away shyly, a pleased smile betraying how he loved hearing that. Then, his eyes landed on Excalibur, resting on the table. "I could show you." He admitted, gesturing to the sword.
Arthur widened his eyes. "You are sure? I mean, does it need a target?"
Merlin shook his head. "The spell only wraps a weapon with my magic. It's a sort of cooperation, you can say. Look."
His eyes went to Excalibur. "Bregdan anweal gafeluec!"
Arthur shivered at the sound of Merlin's voice as he casted-feeling the power behind it. He first stared into the golden eyes of his love-mesmerized-before a blazing blue caught his look. He gasped as his eyes followed, awed by Excalibur lifted into the air, surrounded by blue flames. It looked so beautiful; he wondered how anyone could see it as evil.
"It's… so beautiful, Merlin."
"It's magic; in its purest form." Merlin watched the sword, musing. "It's gold and blue."
"Uh?" Arthur managed to stop staring at his sword, glancing at Merlin.
"My magic. If you look closely, you can see sparks of gold with the blue. I never had the occasion to simply watch my magic."
Once Arthur gazed back to the flames, he saw what Merlin said. The blue was a light shade, and if one watched closely, they could see it wasn't white that made the blue lighter, but gold. "Do you think it has a meaning?"
Without thinking, Merlin answered. "Blue is purity, and Gold power." Then, he blinked. "I… don't know how I knew that."
Arthur stared back at Merlin, as the Warlock finally stopped the spell without even a thought. The sword went back on the table, the flames vanishing. "It happens often?"
Merlin frowned. "Not really; but I did notice I tend to… I don't know, have a sort of… knowledge. It's like; it just there, but I can't really touched it. The last few weeks, this feeling has become stronger and stronger; but I don't know why." He shrugged. "The only event I can think of is my 25th birthday, in some months."
Arthur hummed. "Well, sounds like you know it is special; if your mind focused on that." He offered. I need to find a present, he also thought.
Merlin blinked owlishly. "Said like that… Maybe. Anyway! As I said, it worked on my fourth try. I admit I was getting desesperate for it to work; so I think it made my magic obey. Once the Griffin was killed; and I heard you waking up, I left so you could see only Lancelot."
"You wanted him to have the glory of this." Arthur realized.
Merlin smiled softly. "Of course. After all, I couldn't explain how I did that, right? And Gaius' happiness was enough. I couldn't hope for more back then."
Arthur's eyes saddened. "I'll make sure you have all the glory you deserve, Merlin." When Merlin blushed and opened his mouth, he cut him. "I know you don't want it, I know. But you deserve it. You deserve my gratefulness, and the one of everyone else."
Merlin grinned, happy. He cuddled-actually cuddled-and sighed in bliss. "But you should know only you matters." He confessed. "I mean, I would still feel happy if it was Gaius or my friends; but…"
Arthur silenced him with a kiss. He bit his bottom lips, then pulled back. Merlin whined, all babblings forgotten. Seeing how Merlin seemed lost in Arthur's sky blue eyes, the blond chuckled and decided to talk a bit.
"I went to my father when we returned. As soon as he congratulated me, I refused it and announced it had been Lancelot. I thought he… I don't know; that he would be happy. But immediately he got angry and ordered him to wait outside. He then started to yell at me. I confessed I released him, but I felt persuaded his actions changed things. My father didn't agree-of course." He added the last bit bitterly.
Merlin winced, sad to see the pain in Arthur's gaze that his father hadn't been able to see the goodness in Arthur's action-or better, the rightness.
"I kept defending him; he had laid down his life for me and served with honour. He said that under these circumstances, he could offer a pardon. It was enough for me. He deserved to be at his rightful place-as a knight of Camelot. But of course, 'the law is the law'; and I told him the law is wrong." He calmed down a bit, as Merlin stroke gently his bracelet. He still felt sour to have lost Lancelot back then. Even if he did knight him later, it would have been good to have him as a knight for all these years Arthur didn't know where he was.
"That's when I found Lancelot. I asked him what you were doing, and he replied 'deciding my fate'." Merlin decided to continue the talking, wanting to soothe Arthur with his voice. It seemed to work, as he felt Arthur relax under him. "I felt sure Lancelot could have his knighthood restored; I didn't really wonder what your father would think. As I said, he killed the Griffin. That was then he said that he didn't."
Arthur stayed silent, guessing where this was going. And like Merlin had hoped, it had shifted his focus on Lancelot and Merlin-not his father anymore.
"I felt some panic as he said I did. I laughed, saying it was ridiculous. But he wouldn't have it; he actually dare start to say the spell, saying he heard me, and saw me. I think he saw then on my face how scared I was, because he told me not to worry, that my secret was safe with him." He chuckled. "It is so true. He didn't even tell Gwen, even though they married."
Arthur felt glad for such loyalty; he guessed how hard it might have been for Lancelot, not telling the love of his life a secret so big. It would have hurt Arthur; to hide something from Merlin-like he knew Merlin had hurt from hiding his magic.
"Lancelot then said he couldn't take the credit for something he didn't do. He wanted no more lies, no more deceit."
"Oh! That's when he barged in?" Merlin nodded. "I was surprised my father did let him speak; and I even think his speech impressed my father."
Merlin smiled. "Lancelot does have this effect."
"As do you." Arthur blurted out.
Merlin snapped his eyes up, wide eyes watching the blush form on Arthur's face. "Thank you, Arthur." The young Warlock felt his own cheeks heat up.
He still felt unused of how open Arthur was with him now, even more than before. He felt Arthur tap his ear lightly, a quiet way for the King to banter like they usually did. On any other day-or for anything else-Merlin held no doubt Arthur would have cuffed his head; but they were quite serious right now, and none of them felt the need to hide their feelings behind banter.
Eventually, Merlin finished this tale. "Gaius and I watched Lancelot go. I thought aloud he had been right, that I played with his fate; but he disagreed. He said Lancelot needed me and I needed Lancelot. I wondered if he would ever return, and Gaius said he couldn't know that." Merlin chuckled. "He did, in the end."
"That he did. Now, please go on the next story?" Arthur pleaded.
Merlin let out a laugh. "Alright, Alright you prat; don't even let me breath!"
To be continued…
