Soooo...

Let's just say I am posting this chapter in a mild state of PROTEST!

Here's the thing... I adore Merlin. My friends say I have an unhealthy obsession with it and obviously I love it or I wouldn't be writing this fic. Buuuuut...

Is anyone else feeling a little down about the new episodes? I mean... it feels like we're meandering around. I love Guinevere as a character, and Morgana even more as a villain, but I'm kinda bored with the show kinda circling around the two of them whist sacrificing one of the main reasons I love the show... you know... Merlin and Arthur. Merlin's all serious and such and I could do without the comedy, but now we're losing the bromance! I am so sadpanda! The episode released today was (without spoiling anything) retreading an old concept- that Merlin supports Arthur despite the fear that he would be killed if was he found out. Either way, I've done enough ranting. I'm posting this one in PROTEST!

No, I don't really know how that works. I think seeing the show not doing what I want it to do is making my brain throw a tantrum and I want to write what I want it to do instead. Sorry for my whining, all. I'm sure I'm not the only one impatient for a reveal. Maybe it's because between Tumblr, Facebook, and Fanfiction, I think Merlin's magic reveal has covered most of the ways it could happen, so I'm more looking forward to seeing how the reveal affects things more than the reveal itself. But I digress...

Back to something relevant!

I've kinda been writing like a madwoman lately. But I suppose in view of the story as a whole, I've barely started into the central point of the plot. There has been PLENTY of foreshadowing, but we're barely started. Lol

I hope that's a good thing. Oo

Thank you so much for your reviews! I really enjoy hearing from you guys and it really fuels the momentum of my uploads. Please keep it up and tell me what I am doing right or wrong!

Hanyou-demoness: As a writer, I find that it is difficult for movies and tv shows to surprise me. Generally you can tell what is going to happen by the way that things are set up in the beginning of the story. My like and respect for a movie or show shoots sky high when they can take me by surprise, and so when I write something like this, where a lot of the elements are hidden, I try to do what I can to write something that might surprise me. Lol

Reviewer Responses

WE-ARE-SHER-LOCKED: First one to get them right! :) Except the eagle, but the eagle doesn't count. The eagle isn't a character from the show. Lol

CaptainOzone: Ahh, Merlin!Whump. Fun times. And that was one thing I loved about season four. You saw the knights, Arthur, and Merlin developing a brotherly bond. I loved they way they play tricks, pick on each other and the like. I wanted to have at least one of those brotherly scenes in here. Thank you!

Jossy99: Sure. Trying to get this story out as quickly as I can while the inspiration is kicking me in the pants. XD

GeorgiaEmrys1D: Awww, thank you! :)

Lady Willamina: Don't be scared! XD And yeah, she's cryptic. How cryptic is she, on a scale of 1 to Kilgharrah? Lol

That-is-illogical: Thanks! :D

Healed535: Foreshadowing is like... half of my planning at the beginning of each story. Partly because I like it when movies do it, or games or shows. Something seemingly insignificant proves to be important later on, just to say, "how well were you paying attention?" Lol

shadow visor: Will do! *salute*

Ash9: Me? A writer for the show? *Squee/blush* Thank you!

This chapter is a little short because after writing what I thought was going to be the next chapter, I realized that the chapter was freakishly long, so I had to cut it in half. Or thirds... Chapter six is still preeeeetty long.

I don't own Merlin, and here we go!

The days passed quickly. Nearly a week went by with Merlin juggling between his normal duties and helping Gaius care for the small sleeping druid. His mind had become oddly silent. The screams had stopped entirely.

Merlin thought he would have been relieved at their absence, but he found he was just as anxious as he had been awaiting the next assault on his mind. The evil that had roamed the northern tribes swept through each tribe, leaving no life still flickering (from what Merlin had heard) now suddenly stopped. Had they achieved whatever wicked end they had sought? Now that the terror appeared to be over, was there a fresh threat on its way to Camelot?

Even though his body badly craved the sleep lost during the druid attacks, he found that it took a day full of physical labor to exhaust him enough to sleep. Following days when he was simply running errands, he found himself lying awake until all hours of the morning, falling asleep-it seemed- just before the sun began to light the night sky.

It was a rare morning that he would be on time, even according to Arthur's standards. The sun's rays had only just begun to creep across the horizon when Merlin crawled out of bed and readied himself for the day. He took a moment to check on the druid girl and then headed out to fetch the king's breakfast.

As he carried a tray in each hand down the hall toward Arthur's chambers, he passed Guinevere in one of her more simple dresses with a young (excessively perky) servant with blonde hair.

"Good morning, Gwen," said Merlin, making a conscious effort to not nod his head or bend his knees toward her. He smiled at the blond. "Elde."

Gwen's smile was a little forced and she nodded at him. "Arthur's already up," she said. "He's going to need you at your best today, Merlin."

Merlin's smile faded as well and he gave her a somewhat perplexed nod as the two women headed briskly down the hall. Merlin wobbled into the king's chambers to find the man pacing back and forth in front of his bed, wearing only the trousers he had slept in. A hand was held to his mouth in concentration and his posture was tense and jittery. He didn't seem to notice that Merlin had entered.

"You're up early," said the servant, setting the large table.

Arthur's head snapped up. "And where have you been?" he asked with a wide sweep of his hand.

Merlin looked to the door and then back to the king. "Um… getting your breakfast?"

Arthur begrudgingly accept this excuse but his irritation continued. "You're late," he grumbled.

Merlin smiled. "Actually, for once I'm not. You're early." That the normally hungry king ignored the set table in favor of continued pacing concerned the servant.

"I'm the king of Camelot. You're late if I say you are."

Merlin shrugged and the two fell into silence. He was about to comment when Arthur spoke first.

"How's the druid girl?"

The warlock was taken aback by the question. For nearly a week the druid girl had slumbered on a cot in the physician's chambers, and Arthur hadn't shown much interest until now. "She's alright. She was very weak when she arrived so her wounds are taking a long time to heal. Gaius says it could be some time until she awakens… if she does at all." Again, Arthur failed to acknowledge his servant or his breakfast.

Merlin crossed the room to the wardrobe and began selecting clothes. Arthur remained silent, barely aware that he wasn't alone in the room. Finally Merlin dropped the clothes onto the bed and threw his hands up. "Alright, what's wrong, Arthur?"

The king looked up and placed his hands on his hips, finally halting his pacing. He sighed. "Two druids arrived in Camelot late last night. They wish to speak with me."

Merlin's eyes widened. "Why didn't you tell me? Is something wrong?"

Arthur shook his head. "No, doesn't seem to be."

The idea that it could be a coincidence that not even a week after a druid girl had stumbled into their city, two druids arrived in Camelot without warning was immediately dismissed in his mind. Did they have information on the attacks that had just recently stopped? And with the arrival of more druids, Merlin's fear of one of them slipping and calling him Emrys increased. "Why did they come here?" he asked, attempting to keep his mind from thinking too far into his fear and sending him down the road of panic again.

A smile attempted to take over Arthur's mouth but his caution stifled it for the most part. "They seem to be here to discuss peace." He clicked his tongue and stopped his pacing again, moving to the window that overlooked the courtyard.

Merlin smiled, but it immediately vanished as he saw the agitation in Arthur's movements. "I don't understand, Arthur. Shouldn't this be a great opportunity?"

Arthur nodded. "It is. But I hardly know how to approach it." Merlin rounded the bed and stood a few feet behind him. "More than anything, I want this kingdom to be peaceful and united Merlin. And that includes the druids." He leaned one shoulder against the wall. "They are far better people than I if they can forgive us after the wrongs this kingdom has inflicted on them."

Merlin smiled. So often would Arthur exhibit the same sternness that had dominated Uther's rule. But when he broke away from those ways, Merlin couldn't help but feel his chest fill with pride. "The fact that they are here proves that they desire to try as you do, Sire."

Arthur turned sincere and worry-filled eyes on him. "But how do I do this, Merlin? How do I even begin to heal all of the damage that has been done over the past twenty years?"

The anxiety and helplessness that shone in his eyes weighed heavily on Merlin and he retreated to straighten the bedclothes. "Just trust yourself, Arthur. The sword you pulled out of the stone is proof that you will lead us into an age of prosperity. Talk to them and I know you'll do the right thing." It was no secret that Merlin believed in Arthur more than the king believed in himself, but Merlin had difficulty reassuring him. Just as Arthur couldn't quite put his finger on what it was about Merlin he couldn't understand, Merlin had difficulty pointing out what part of Arthur the king could fall back upon to lead him in the right direction. It wasn't simply a single aspect of Arthur that made him a great king... it was the man as a whole; the combinations of all his strengths and weaknesses to create a strong and understanding king. Merlin could hardly put such a concept to his own words, even if he knew how.

Arthur pursed his lips and nodded. He then seemed to shake off the sentimental moment by grabbing an apple off the table and taking a large bite out of it. "You do now and then say useful things, Merlin." He fell into a seat and reclined it a little, hefting his bare feet onto the table. "Even if you are a shabby-looking twig-man."

Merlin rolled his eyes and as Arthur finished off his apple, he stood and gave a yawn that lasted until he had walked over for the servant to begin dressing him.

"Another late night at the library?" Merlin asked, throwing Arthur's tunic over his head. He forced a smile onto his face and hoped the king had simply been kept up with his worry over the druids' arrival.

"Yes," said Arthur, dashing Merlin's hopes. "But it seems I am finally making some progress."

There was an almost audible plunk as Merlin felt his heart drop into his stomach. Although he really didn't feel like finding out, he asked, "Oh? In that scroll you found in the vaults?"

Arthur vanished behind the changing screen. "Yes. It seems the first scroll I found was more dedicated to prophecies and visions. It's where my father found the two prophecies he believed to be connected to Emrys. The scroll from the vault seems to be focusing more on Emrys himself."

Plunk.

Merlin was glad Arthur couldn't see him at the moment. He had to catch his breath, leaning on a bed post. But he quickly straightened as the king reemerged. He didn't want to know how close Arthur was to his secrets. He wanted to plug his ears and ignore the entire situation, hoping the king would get bored or stumped and give up the search. Since that was likely not the case and Gaius had told him to keep an eye on his research, he needed to know. "So what have you found?"

"I've only just started translating." Arthur shrugged. "I'm not the best at deciphering druidic runes. The bits I've managed to translate so far have referred to the greatness of Emrys's power. From the way they spoke about him, it's possible he may even surpass Morgana."

Merlin scrunched his nose. Of course he was more powerful than Morgana. Wasn't he? His fear made his confidence suddenly falter and Arthur continued, pulling his jacket over his broad shoulders. "Druids write in such circles it's difficult to be sure, but I think they were referencing items that can be used to identify Emrys."

PLUNK!

Merlin busied himself with tidying up the room, almost frantically. Until now, that no scroll could point a finger directly at him had been adequate to hold back his panic. It seemed as though that comfort was also evaporating.

"Seems a little dangerous, don't you think?" asked Merlin, hoping Arthur wouldn't notice the quaking in his voice. "I mean, hunting someone who is supposedly so powerful?"

"No more dangerous than facing a dragon with nothing but shields and swords," answered Arthur. "Whether he proves to be an enemy or an ally, it is imperative that he is found; Either to stop him, or to make peace with him."

Merlin stopped and almost dropped the basket of clothes he had collected. An ally? Had Arthur truly just said that? He tried to hide his hopeful smile. "An ally, sire?"

Arthur swung his cape over his shoulders. "It is a strange concept, I know. But he was significant enough to Morgana for her to mention him. If he is truly as powerful as the scrolls are indicating, wouldn't he have toppled Camelot by now if he had ill intentions? To possibly become allies with a sorcerer is an unlikely ideal, I know. If anything, it would be wise to at least make peace with him."

Merlin almost smiled. Arthur's mind remained closed for the most part. But almost as though looking through the keyhole, the warlock began to see a sliver of light.

Arthur sucked in a deep breath and set his shoulders, eyeing himself in the mirror. He jumped a little when Sir Leon stuck his head in the door. "The druids are ready for you, Sire."

Arthur motioned to Merlin and the servant dropped the basket and followed the king to the throne room.

The doors yawned open in front of the king. The room was lined with servants and nobles from around the castle and Merlin recognized several council members in the mix as well. The two druids were at the front of the hall, already kneeling before the empty thrones. Arthur stood in front of his throne and Merlin took his place in the left corner behind him.

"Please rise," Arthur commanded.

The druids quickly obeyed. There was a man and a woman, dressed in traveling clothes, and their forms hidden beneath large capes. The clasp on the man's cape boasted a beautiful red oval gem, which glittered in the sun streaming in the windows. The woman was elegant and beautiful, her raven hair swept behind her and held in place by and intricate pin that resembled a vine. The man was heavy-set and rugged with a healthy beard, his large frame lined with muscles that spoke to his experience in the wilds.

Each movement they made was closely followed by the guards, their hands instinctively twitching toward their swords a few times. As she rose, the woman's deep green eyes locked with Merlin's blue. Something rose in the pit of his stomach and he felt suddenly ill. But, when she looked at Arthur, her eyes were kind.

"Sire, my name is Edlyn, and this is my brother Morven. We have travelled from the southern lands, and from the Druid tribe of Wyllt," she began.

Arthur contemplated them for a moment before answering. "Very bold of you to enter the city like this, considering Camelot's history with the Druids."

Merlin stared at Edlyn, but it was not her beauty that drew his attention. Something about the two of them set him off-balance, as though there were a large mass leaning against his senses. He shifted his weight a little and a glint off of the red gem on the man's cape caught his eye. He stood transfixed for a moment before his eyelids began to droop and he forced himself alert to listen to the ensuing conversation.

"We come to extend the hand of friendship, your majesty," said Morven. As he spoke, he gestured to the king with his own hand, revealing the druid symbol just below his elbow. Again, Merlin stared. His brow furrowed, but next to him Arthur smiled.

"It gladdens me that you've decided to make this journey, Morven and Edlyn. But it is no secret that my father has greatly persecuted your kind for many years. I would be remiss if I didn't question your motives," Arthur said, attempting to make his words as gentle as possible.

But Edlyn smiled. "It is understandable Sire. But many tribes have also come to believe that you are the king that will lead this land into prosperity. You are a wise man, and we wish to live as a part of your kingdom, and not merely in it."

The druids and the royals continued talking, but Merlin's mind was held by that gem and the image of Morven's druid mark. When he stared at the gem, it was as though the world around him grew hazy. It almost felt like walking through a dream and his eyelids once again became heavy. In what seemed like an instant the meeting between the druids and the king had ended. Merlin was snapped back to reality by Arthur's movement to shake Morven's hand. Merlin felt his stomach toss and turn as he watched the handshake as though he expected the druid to use it to kill the king. Nothing of the sort happened, and the room erupted into subdued applause. Arthur gestured to the druids.

"Please, stay in Camelot as our guests. I hope that soon, we may begin peace talks between the druids and the kingdom of Camelot," announced Arthur. The same nervous applause followed the king out and though he probably expected the servant to follow him, Merlin ran toward Gaius' quarters.

~ooOoo~

"What's all the excitement?" asked Gaius as Merlin flew into the physician's chambers. Gaius held in his hands the elixirs and potions meant for his rounds. "Everyone seems to be anxious."

Merlin paused in front of the door to speak. "Some druids have come to Camelot seeking peace," he answered passing Gaius and eventually sitting at the side of the druid girl's bed.

Gaius paused in his preparations. "Really? Well that's wonderful." He watched the boy tense up on the stool. "Why do you seem upset?"

It was not lost on Merlin that a conversation almost identical had occurred up in the king's chambers less than an hour before, though now he was the one who needed reinforcement "Something's wrong," said Merlin, putting a hand on the girl's forehead. At last sweat had begun to appear on her brow as the fever broke. His eyes were soft; as though the girl lying on the cot were an old friend. Perhaps it was his inability to save so many others that made him desperate to see this girl open her eyes again. "I can't... put my finger on it." Gaius could see Merlin struggling to put words to his feelings. "Something feels wrong."

"How do you mean?" asked Gaius, putting the last of his supplies into his medicine bag and moving to stand at Merlin's side.

"When I saw the man's mark... just... something about it felt off. And he wears this gem on his cloak," Merlin motioned to his neck where the gem had been set on Morven's. "It makes me feel... heavy. Almost suffocated," he explained, his voice softening as he recalled the feeling.

Gaius pondered the words for a moment. He had well learned by now that ignoring Merlin's instincts was a mistake. Even so, he was having difficulty convincing himself that Merlin's disturbance at the arrival of the druids had nothing to do with the anxiety he had been riddled with since he discovered Arthur's research.

"You have been under a lot of pressure lately, Merlin," offered Gaius, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Could it be that you're just worried that one of the druids will use the name Emrys?"

Merlin shook his head. "No. There was something there, Gaius. I just can't..." he trailed off. "'Beware the one with the corrupted mark'," he whispered to himself. Gaius didn't seem to hear him.

A feeling of helplessness came over Gaius. In most cases when Merlin sensed danger, there was little he could do but provide knowledge as best he could. Here, even simple knowledge seemed useless. He resigned to simply patting him on the shoulder and heading off to do his rounds.

Merlin sat in silence for a while, his fingers interlocked in front of his mouth and his breathing steady. So many questions and worries were swirling in his head like a powerful winter storm. He didn't know what he should worry about more; his feelings about the druids or how close Arthur was to the name Emrys. Were there truly items that could tell Arthur of Merlin's true nature? Would it be better to tell Arthur now instead of having him find out on his own? There certainly was no guarantee that these items even existed, much less were within Arthur's reach. If that was the case, it would be very possible that Merlin would reveal all for no reason.

It was going to hurt. There was no doubt in his mind about that. Ignoring his blatant violation of the law, he had been lying to Arthur for near on a decade now; a man who had become his best friend (not that either party would admit that). So many opportunities to tell the truth had come and gone. Each time, Merlin had been frightened into inaction, worried that the revelation of his magic would take him from the one place he most desired to be; at Arthur's side.

He was startled out of his musings by Gwaine sticking his head in the door. "Hey Merlin," he said with a smile.

Merlin turned on the stool and smiled weakly back at him. "What is it, Gwaine?"

If Gwaine noticed the lack of familiarity in Merlin's tone, he said nothing about it. "The king has ordered a hunt with the druids. He wants you to prepare the horses and supplies, and to make sure there is an extra horse for Morven." Gwaine ducked his head back out the door without waiting for an answer, but immediately swung back inside as he remembered something. "And Arthur wants you to meet him on the training field once everything is prepared."

Merlin groaned but nodded. "I'll be right there." Gwaine smiled and vanished again. The warlock rolled his eyes. All of the knights seemed to enjoy a good hunt. Merlin did not.

Emrys...

Merlin turned back to the cot and broke into a broad smile. With her initial cry about Myrddin, there was no way for the warlock to mistake the young girl's voice.

I'm here, he replied, taking her small hand into his. Rest, you're safe now.

He could almost feel her relax a bit, but he could also feel her mind was exhausted simply from the brush with his.

Dayla... The voice in his mind was like a whisper; barely audible.

What? Merlin physically cocked his head to one side.

My name is Dayla.

With that single declaration, Merlin felt her mind slip away and she was fully asleep once again. He grabbed the nearby rag and dabbed at her forehead. He couldn't say he minded that there had been no additional information to be had from the mental exchange. One girl had survived. Even if it was only one, Merlin wanted to save someone from the horrors that he had been privy to.

Even though she was far from awakening, she had the strength to speak into his mind. At last, she was gaining strength.

Lemme know what you think and I'll see you soon! :)