Prompt by ExcaliburMaiden: something where Merlin finally discovers his true worth after 5x13. I'd like him to see that his value isn't connected to Arthur or destiny.
He kicked a rock down the dirt road, only vaguely aware he'd been doing so for the past mile or more. Arthur had been gone for a little over a month now and Merlin was no closer to understanding why he'd been left behind. What was a servant with no master?
Yes, Gwen had needed support, but Leon had been able to offer far more aid than he.
Gaius had tried to offer advice and a shoulder to cry on, but all his tears had long since mingled with the lake of Avalon. Now he just felt empty and directionless.
Staying in Camelot hadn't been an option. Each day of rising only to mope around the physician's chambers was just another needle to the heart. He'd left less than two days ago, setting out with only the barest of supplies and no particular destination in mind.
Ealdor... it was tempting, but he felt the need to be on his own for a bit. Perhaps then he'd start to learn who Merlin really was apart from Emrys.
It was several moments before he realized he'd stopped in the middle of the path, staring vacantly into the sky.
"Out of the way, simpleton," a cart-driver called, not even slowing as Merlin scuttled off the road, coming to rest under a tree and letting the memories wash over him.
His brown study ended with the displeased gurgling of his stomach. Taking a shaky breath, he dug some bread and cheese out of his pack and nibbled them absently, letting the nature sounds occupy his attention.
Wind rustled the leaves and birdsong filtered down to his resting spot. It wasn't too bad, really- until the screaming began.
Leaping to his feet, Merlin ran toward the disturbance, only slowing once he was close enough to spy on events from behind a bush.
The screaming had subsided into gasping whimpers, coming from a man who lay beside an overturned cart. Next to him his mule was trying to kick itself free of the wagon and its tack, dangerously close to hitting its owner, who didn't seem able to move any further away.
Seeing no attackers Merlin approached, holding up his empty hands to show he meant to harm.
"May I be of assistance? I have some training as a healer."
"P-please," the man choked out, and Merlin could see his leg was badly broken.
The warlock hastened to calm the mule first, unhitching the cart and tethering the animal nearby where it could graze. That danger gone he picked up two sticks to use as a splint and returned to his patient.
"I have more supplies in my pack, but I'm going to set your leg before going back for it so the pain is a bit less. Is that okay?" He looked into the man's dark eyes, speaking in a level, soft tone to reassure him.
His patient nodded, biting down on the folded-up neckerchief Merlin offered him.
He screamed when Merlin reset his leg, but that was only to be expected.
The physician's apprentice reclaimed his scarf, shaking it out and tearing it into strips to secure the leg in a splint.
"Make sure you hold very still; I'll need to bind this more strongly when I return with my supplies. Will you be safe here? No one attacked you, did they?"
The man shook his head. "No, just a careless driver- ran me off- off the road." He took a deep breath before locking eyes with his savior. "Thank you..."
"Merlin."
"Thank you, Merlin. I'm Dellin," he offered his arm and the two clasped hands.
"I do what I can," the former servant replied, rising to his feet. "I'll be back soon."
"We'll be right here," Dellin gave a wheezing laugh, gesturing at his mule who was now happily cropping the grass.
Merlin took off at a lope, grinning to himself.
This was something he could do.
He didn't know just how far he would go with this. Would he eventually return to Camelot and take Gaius' place? Would he settle in Ealdor or some other village? Right now he was content just to help the person in front of him. It may not be some grand work advising kings or defeating evil sorcerers, but it was fulfilling, and that is what he needed right now- purpose.
As he retrieved his satchel and began the return trip the sun seemed to shine a little brighter and the birdsong sounded more cheerful.
Yes, this was the start of a new journey.