A Marriage that Started a Legend

by IJustShowedUp

Follows canon but with my own arranged marriage spin on it. What happens when Hunith makes a mistake and is forced on the run with her infant son? What happens when Camelot knights find her twenty years later? What happens when Arthur learns he's betrothed to a peasant boy? Will Merlin be able to stand among royalty? Will these two different boys survive each other? Review!

223. Chapter 225

This chapter is dedicated to Karen17795, who wanted Merlin to realize that he could perhaps start using Arthur and his obsession to get things done his way. To start thinking about Arthur as a sort of tool to get his agendas going. So I hope they like the way Merlin comes to this conclusion ;p

X

The morning after everything went down was a surprisingly somber affair. It was as if there was a dark cloud that hovered the estate that was unseeable to the people residing there. It could have been for many reasons… the fact that several it the men had to kill an other man the day before, his blood still fallen and splattered across the tree-line just outside the main gates. The fact that Ronald, Ginevra, and Luna had stayed locked away in one of the study rooms while everybody else had been picking away at their breakfast, nobody really knowing quite what to say now that leaving day was here. The fact that Arthur had sat in a chair during that breakfast that was as far as it could possibly be from his consort, who still bore the fading evidence of everything he endured the night before. The fact that Lancelot had taken his usual seat near the dark haired consort but hadn't uttered a word, something that wasn't usual for the normally friendly man. Not even the Camelot Knights seemed to know how the gloomy atmosphere could be broken, everybody staying in their own bubbles in order to not shatter something that seemed delicate and unsure. But not a single person in that estate, could have felt as gloomy and unsure about their odd situation other than Merlin Pendragon.

Merlin has not had a good night at all; it was certainly not a night that Merlin ever wanted to remember again. It had been a stressful evening for the young consort, though the only evidence of that night was the bags beneath his eyes that indicated how little sleep he had actually gotten. But the bags were going unnoticed, for the most part, considering the rest of Merlin's face, which now looked even worse in the daylight. Merlin had done his best to clean himself up before needing to face the rest of the estate, but there was only so much that he could do to hide the red rimmed beneath the whites of his eyes. As Merlin had already stressed about… his night had been endless, only broken up when the sun had finally surfaced in the sky. His uncle had stayed with him for most of the time though, letting Merlin cry as his body shook as he tried to get hard to get himself together. His body had felt fraught with the cold encasing in his bones… it had been the first time that Merlin had ever sacrificed a life in order to keep his secret hidden. To keep the secret of others hidden. And it felt as if it was so wrong, knowing that Jacqui had died sprouting the truth. Like a seed of despair had embedded itself beneath Merlin's skin, and Merlin would never be able to wash it clean. It had been… quite a while… since Merlin had felt as if he was in a bad spot emotionally.

Merlin didn't know what to do with himself now that it had been done.

Just like he didn't know what to do since Arthur was actively avoiding his eye.

And he didn't know how to behave when Lancelot talked only when Merlin was trying to talk to him, and it felt more like pulling teeth to get him to speak.

Merlin eventually quieted down when it became clear that nobody, just like he was, was in the mood. And the end of breakfast couldn't have come faster for all of them. By the time Hermione had come to start cleaning the plates, while the many writing utensils she had in her bushy mane of hair holding it up kept bouncing every time she moved, many of the people had jumped up. Ready to leave this place behind and get the show on the road so that they could return home. It had, evidentially, been a long three days. Derrick and Tristian pushing each other out the way in order to get to the door first, while Leon and Justin tried corralling them and everybody else to keep order. Christian and Markus looked as if they were mainly on their own, permanent stink expressions along their faces as they were forced to snatch up their bags—as opposed to having a proper amount of servants who could do the brief manual labor for them—by themselves from the large but ever shrinking pile of belongings waiting beside the door. Merlin was one of the last to stride forward so that he can pick up his own bag, the poorest looking one of the lot that seemed to have be half of the size the other ones were. Merlin had to dodge around Dorian, who was waving his hands in the air as he tried to explain some obscure tradition Camelot had when leaving new places so that he could follow the rest of the group to where their horses were already waiting in the front of the house.

Merlin pretty much ignored the going-ons around him as he carefully tied back his bag onto his still unnamed horses rump, the horse neighing the entire time as his tail flicked in Merlin's direction. But Merlin kept himself focus, tying the knots as securely as he could, knowing that he wouldn't want to stop if it was his bag that held them up when it ultimately fell loose at some point during the day's journey back to Camelot. Or maybe Merlin just wanted to do something to keep his hands busy, so he could ignore the ominous way that it felt as if his estate was staring down at him. If one looked closely, the way the windows on the front of the manor—even with one of them now boarded up and in need of a new glass—were aligned really did make it resemble eyes. But of course, the consort couldn't keep fiddling with his bag the entire time his group was trying to get settled and say their goodbyes to Hadrian and Draconis, and Merlin felt it was impossible to ignore the way the house behind him was drawing him in.

It had only been three short days since Merlin had first arrived at this manor… a short three days in which he had walked through those metal gates and just three days in which he had first seen the stone manor and black archways and the crows that lived beneath them in the upper rims. Three short days since he had first seen that large tower jutting into the sky high up above the rest of the manor where he had slept. It didn't seem as if three days was long enough for everything to have happened. Merlin had nearly died in this manor, and he had all but accused his husband of planning it out. He had gone and discovered an entire coven filled with both magic users and not, and even helped one realize that she was a magic user… sort of. He had met a… somewhat seer in Luna and he had made friends with Hadrian and Draconis. He was even entrusting them to see to getting his project up off the ground now that everything's finalized for the most part. And he had also sacrificed his first man, even murderous as he was, in order to save his own kind… Merlin still wondered if it was going to hurt like this if he was ever forced to make a similar choice again in the nearby future. Or if he would eventually grow use to it and allow the commonness of it to numb him on the insides… Merlin wasn't sure if that would be better of it it'd be worse for him. He hoped he never had the opportunity to find out.

It was difficult leaving, but… Merlin figured it would be even more difficult for him to stay.

Too much had happened here too soon.

Even if Merlin hadn't already decided to leave the estate, it probably would've still been for the best.

"It's really something else, isn't it? This place? With all of its dark tunnels and mysterious hallways that just seem to connect to every other. It has this aura, does it not, that just pulls you in despite everything that is telling you to leave while you still can? Strange… how some places are able to do that even when it is habitable, isn't it? It's definitely not the type of place that I would've hung around in the old days, but… a place like this has its charm. I suppose it makes sense in some strange way, that it belongs to you now. And soon, everybody is going to know about it and want to come check it out once the construction on the new road finally gets going."

Merlin stopped the staring that he had been doing, turning his head around to marvel at Lancelot not standing beside him, the warrior gazing up at the aged building as if it was going to be something special someday, just because it is now underneath Merlin's control. Merlin's mouth opened and closed for a few brief seconds, wanting to speak up but having no idea what words would even come out if he did. The last time he had seen Lancelot had been only the night before, but everything seemed so different since then. As if their relationship was fragile and relying on something that neither of them knew in order to get it patched back up together. Lancelot had been the one leave after Merlin had just gotten brutally assaulted, but it was also Merlin that had allowed his own pride to get in the way of doing the smart thing and speaking up. Either one of them could be the tipping point that completely shattered the truth that these two had built up over the remains of a griffin. And Merlin… Merlin just knew it's going to be him that tipped the scales in the favor that was less Federico's. He just… he wanted his friend back. And he was terrified that this was going to be the moment in which Lancelot took the family seal that Merlin had given to him so many weeks ago, off his collar so that he could give it back. Resigning from his duties as Merlin's first knight… officially.

"What happened yesterday, when the house started to shake… it wasn't just an earthquake, was it?"

Merlin's already tender heart felt so frail when Lancelot asked this question, not even looking at Merlin when he did so. Merlin's fingers tightened into the mane of dark hair going down the back of his horse's neck, pressing his lips in a thin line before he followed the warrior's—was he still Merlin's warrior—gaze back to the house. He supposed it shouldn't be surprising that the knight had somehow managed to figure out that the earth shaking—was it the earth or did it simply move the house—was due to something that was not natural. And the warrior would, of course, probably assume that Merlin had something do with it considering the state of distress he had been in when Jacqui had came after him. Perhaps Merlin should explain that it hadn't been his magic lashing out in defense, but that of somebody else who was less practiced at it than even he was. But… this was one secret that wasn't Merlin to tell. And while Merlin knew he was already shaking on thinning ice for keeping things from his loved ones …there were just some thing's that weren't his to tell. The people who lived at this estate and were planning to stay for many years to come had trusted him with such delicate information. And so, Merlin spoke the truth, allowing for the warrior to believe whatever it was that he would assume.

"No."

If Lancelot simply assumed that Merlin had been the one to cast the magic, it went unspoken, as the warrior nodded, turning around so that he could brush his hand delicately through the mane of the other horse that was standing by him. Merlin watched the interaction with a heavy heart, something inside of his stomach going tight as he saw the animal. Lancelot had prepared a horse all of his own, and he even had a bag tied onto the horse's rump as if he was leaving as well. But he certainly wasn't coming with them. Lancelot was never going to be able to get within ten feet of the city gates before the knights guarding the entryway would alert Uther that the 'fraudulent man' had returned despite the fact that his banishment was still standing. He would end up in the same boat he had been in weeks ago… locked in one of the cells deep below the castle. It was looking more and more likely that the horse meant that Lancelot's actually going to leave him over this. If he wasn't going to Camelot, then he was clearly going somewhere that required him to pack up everything that he owned and leave the one place he's been able to work under Merlin's name.

"You know… Gaius came and spoke to me while everybody was gathering their belongings up in preparation for us leaving this place. I admit, it didn't last for a particularly long time. Only just long enough for him to tell me a few things… like the fact that you believe I'm planning on resigning from my post after the events that happened yesterday." Lancelot finally spoke up, turning back so he could look at the consort, one of his hands rubbing down along the thick snout of his horse, but this time, it was Merlin that looked away from him, feeling the shame as it hit him hard in the chest. There were tears that were burning hot in the rims of his eyes… he couldn't understand why Gaius would speak to him of the fears that had been plaguing Merlin's heart ever since Lancelot had walked out of the room on him. Merlin had… he had told Gaius that in confidence! And now Lancelot knew what he was thinking… this was Lancelot preparing to give him his resignation. "And I suppose, that this is what most people would really be doing. I mean, there's no point in working beneath somebody that does not trust you to do the job that you are there for. Really, I'm already packed up and everything. I could leave this very minute and never look back. Travel to some other part of Camelot where my skills will probably be appreciated more than they are here."

Merlin's heart thundered beneath his ribcage like a thousand galloping horses that would not be stopped, and his entire body started to shudder and feel as if it was growing cold. He wanted to scream, and tell Lancelot that he was the one man here that Merlin probably appreciated the most, barring his uncle. He was the one man that Merlin trusted with everything! He had told the other all about why his marriage was a failure and how it had even came to be to begin with, and he had told him all about the magic that sings in his soul but is kept tightly beneath the surface no matter how often it tried to surge forth. Merlin's never spoken about those two topics to anybody! Barring his uncle, of course, but that wasn't the point. Merlin had shared INTIMATE details about himself to another man. That was… that was not something that was just done willy nilly. It was something that SHOWED that Lancelot was far more than just a soldier who happened to work for Merlin. It proved that Lancelot was his friend. And it proved that Merlin trusted Lancelot, on some deeper level inside of him that's always been untouchable no matter how many people Merlin tried to let in on certain parts of himself. It meant that Lancelot was his friend. And that was a bond that Merlin had shattered beyond belief… he just knew that it was going to come to this! He had known it! Lancelot was never meant to be his friend or stay with him or be a confident. Lancelot's always been meant for bigger and better things, and Merlin… Merlin was so stupid for believing that he could be allowed to keep him for one second more than the fates dictated.

"I suppose, since I'm not allowed in the city, I'll just have to write you a report to let you know how the trip to your mother's go."

Lancelot's tone was so casual and conversational, that it took Merlin so much by surprise, and yet, it was the words themselves that had the consort raising his head back up… his mother's? What did Lancelot mean by… writing about a trip to see Merlin's mother? Why was he going to see Merlin's mother? It's not as if Lancelot had any reason to go and see Hunith once the warrior no longer worked in Merlin's name. Lancelot had no reason to be traveling to even travel all the way across the border and into Ealdor. Hell, the only reason that he may travel over the border was if Merlin was such a bad person, that it caused him to give up on Camelot completely and Esstier was the next closest kingdom in which he might be able to find a place to settle down at. But eventually, when Merlin had been staring for far too long and with no idea how he was supposed to take Lancelot's words, the warrior finally looked over at him wearing a funny little smirk that looked out of place on his usual kind and opened features.

"Don't you remember a few weeks ago, Merlin, when you had me kneel before your feet so that you could bestow your knighthood onto me? Time has passed since then, but it's definitely not a memory that I think I will forget about for as long as there is breath in my lungs." Spoke the warrior, which only succeeded in making Merlin's face grow dark as the blood rushed into it. Yes, of course he remembered the impromptu knighting ceremony he had done for Lancelot on a dirt road heading out of the city. It was not the kind of ceremony that Lancelot should have gotten, but it had done the job, even if only for a short period. The man had carried Merlin's family crest with pride, and even now, it shined on his chest as if it was a new coin. It had also been the first time he'd ever knighted a man and that wasn't something that was so easily forgivable. Though what it had to do his mother, a woman that Merlin craved to see so much that it made an ache in his chest. "Perhaps you should remember one of the things that we talked about when you knighted me. You wanted me to travel to Ealdor so that I could check on your mother. It was practically the first thing you ever asked me to do… an entire world of things that you could have asked me to do after the knighting ceremony, and the only thing you wanted from me was to make sure that your mother is okay. The only reason I'm not there right now is since I figured you could use somebody who could watch your back now that you're not in the city…"

Lancelot left that last statement open ended, his eyebrow raised as if waiting for Merlin to catch onto what he was saying. And though it took him far longer than it should have, sometimes Merlin had to wonder how slow he really was in these situations, he did catch on. And it was like being hit along the head with a sledgehammer going faster than a human should have the strength to swing at him with. But Merlin's heart was flying into his throat, and it felt like he had an explosion going off in his chest… Lancelot was really going to do it. He was really going to honor that request Merlin had made on the spur of the moment so many weeks ago just because Merlin had asked him to. And he was doing it because he was a knight… Merlin's knight. There was no reason for Lancelot to travel all the way across the fucking border, risking himself if Cenred found out a knight stationed in Camelot, even a nomadic one like Lancelot, had gone and waltzed into his kingdom without a care in the world.

"No way! Lancelot! You mean it! You mean you'll go there, and you'll go there as my knight? You'll… you'll really talk to my mother? Find out how she's been and if she needs anything and let her know that I'm doing okay. I… you'll really do this? Even after I…" Merlin was very much aware that he was rambling since his tongue had a bad habit of getting away from him when things got to be too exciting. But Lancelot's face only softened when looking down at him, nodding his head as if that was the only answer Merlin needed. And honestly… it was. It was the only thing Merlin ever needed. His friend. Merlin found that he was not able to contain all of the excitement threatening to burst out of him, and there was only one sure fire way to relieve the pressure inside him. Merlin moved his feet forward until he was standing right in front of the other man, and the dark haired boy was throwing his arms around Lancelot's shoulders. Tugging on the warrior until Merlin could hug him properly, burying his face into the cold little links of Lancelot's chainmail top, his voice a low murmur that could barely be heard even as Lancelot wrapped his arms around his waist. "Thank you… thank you for everything. I… I've done a lot of thinking during the night. And I know it must have really hurt you, my not coming forward when I had the chance. I did have my own little talk with Gaius too, and… I know that I really do not want to be alone anymore. I've got problems with letting people help me, because that has gotten me into this strange habit of making me feel incapable of handling things by myself. Being Camelot's Consort and dealing with Arthur… I felt as if I had to do so much on my own or I would come up short in their eyes. Seen as nothing more than a failed experiment for the crown. But… maybe I want to see things different. Maybe… Maybe admitting that you need people can make you stronger than you ever thought possible."

Merlin knew that there was many people in the world that would oppose that statement, and many of them were probably closely tied to his husband's little circle of people. But Merlin couldn't see what he was saying as anything other than the god honest truth. He felt… vulnerable and raw and open as he spoke about his feelings with Lancelot. They weren't excuses for risking his own life by not warning people about what was going on in the background, but Merlin figured they were at least reasons to explain why he had behaved like he had these past few days. But… it took a certain type of strength for Merlin to speak about any of this at all. Maybe it wasn't the kind of strength one needed if they hoped to swing around a sword and not cut off their own head, but it was still a strength all the same. A gentler and more subtle sort of strength. It's hard to imagine opening himself up and calling it being weak. Merlin quite knew from experience that admitting you need others was one of the most difficult things somebody could do. And how could anybody do something so difficult, when most people kept others at an arms length in order to avoid getting hurt, and it not be called strong? Merlin didn't exactly see himself as being strong, but if he wanted to be a consort and a peasant and a sorcerer, then… he needed to have a strong group of people to surround himself with.

"I hope that you remember that during the coming days. If your future is going to be anything like what these past few days have been, then… you need to be able to watch your back. And sometimes, that is something only other people are able to do for you. But Merlin…" Lancelot stopped short, pulling away with Merlin's hands still on his shoulders and his hands still lightly holding onto the consort by his waist, as if he was afraid Merlin might disappear if he released him. "Not telling me the truth… it was a mistake but I'm your guard, whether I am able to actually be by your side or not. And I'm your friend. I'm not going to bail at the first issue that's come up between us since my knighthood, but I do want to know everything. Even if you think it's actually nothing next time, then I still want to know so that I can decide for myself. Your life means… a lot and I want to be able to keep you safe. Even if I'm traveling Camelot, I want to know what is happening in the city. Keeping my ear to the ground might be the only way that I can actually find anything out, but if there's a chance to send me a letter, just so I can hear from you properly, then I want you to take it. It makes me… anxious having to send you back. And it makes me anxious with you here even if the threat has been taken out. It's…"

Lancelot stopped and shook his head with a heavy sigh, as if he didn't know quite what to say anymore, but Merlin got it. It was difficult to hear, but Merlin really did get it. There had been so many times where he had to do something because he was a consort, and people had dismissed him even when he would prove that he was more than just a simple face in the crowd listening to all the things he was being told to do. He had the skills to be something that was far better than where he had been born, proud as he was of his home and where he had came from, and Lancelot was the same. So far above the station where he had been born. So yes, at the first opportunity he had, he would write all of the letters that he could to Lancelot. Details upon details heaped on the thick parchment until there was practically no more room to write. He would write of the new people he had in his life in case Lancelot wanted to check them out or about the adventures he might have gotten caught up in, or even about all the issues that Arthur might have caused him. Considering not a month had gone by since Merlin had arrived in Camelot without some kind of trouble following him, he was sure that he would have plenty to write. Lancelot, even when he's forced to keep his distance, would still have a chance to prove himself proper.

"So," Lancelot cleared his throat roughly, though he also sounded as if he was as choked up as Merlin was, but somehow able to hide it far better than Merlin could. The consort was rubbing at his red rimmed eyes as the knight squeezed his hips one more time before stepping back and releasing him. "If I am going to go visit your mother during the next few weeks, then what are your plans to be? I'm assuming since you've got your horse all packed up, that you decided to actually return home. I know that you wanted to stay here, but… I suppose it makes sense that you wish to leave after everything that happened yesterday. I might have questioned what you were thinking if you decided to still planned to stay here despite the trouble that's happened."

Merlin cleared his throat roughly to try and regain just a little bit of his dignity, even though he had to contain the excitement brimming under his skin. This is really happening… Lancelot was really going to go see Hunith. He would have the opportunity to see her and talk to her and tell her all the things that Merlin wasn't able to from Camelot. There was so many things that Merlin knew he'd want to tell her if he had the chance, but he wouldn't even know where to start from. He wanted to do what he had been doing with his friends, and keep them shielded from the true problems that's Merlin been having. But if there'd been one thing that Merlin's learned from this whole experience… keeping his mouth shut about secrets that could hurt him only hurt others he cared about. Maybe it was impossible for Merlin to tell the other people in his life about what really started his marriage and about the magic that's burned in his since before he took his first breath, a sign that he had been doomed right from the start. But those secrets could only harm him if they got out. And then there were clearly other secrets, like what happened with Jacqui, that would only cause him hurt BECAUSE he didn't tell anybody. Merlin would need to learn how to distinguish the difference between the two the next time something happened, but… there was so much that he wanted his mother to know. And so much that he did not.

"Yeah, well… plans change and things happen and suddenly my entire future is shifting until there is something else enstore for me. It's true that I planned on staying here and making a life and never seeing Camelot again for as long as I could get away with it. But… Lancelot… I can't stay here if I actually want to be able to make a real difference in the world." Merlin explained as carefully as he was able too. He had learned that some secrets were bad, but he knew he had no right to tell the secrets of others. Just because Merlin trusted Lancelot with everything that he had, didn't mean that the people living here were able to do the same. Merlin hadn't even told them his own magical secret, so who was he to tell theirs? "I'm still not entirely sure what I can really do, but staying here is only going to make me feel like i'm hiding out. Keeping myself in isolation until something happens and I'm dragged back into the public's eye. I think that I'd rather make the choice to return, and see what I can do. I mean, being consort has to be good for something, right? And I can't make the world… better by me or for people like me if I'm staying here. The road being built will be able to get a real change going around these parts, but… there's an entire kingdom that'll need to change one way or another. Or at least have somebody who is able to look after it. Look after the little people that nobody wants to acknowledge are really there."

Merlin finished what he was saying, feeling quite foolish when he was done. He was sure that many people would have asked… who was he to actually believe that he could do something about the land they lived in? Who was he to really believe that he, only one single person, could help anybody that didn't already have a foot towards freedom anyway. And if this had been weeks ago—or hell, if it had been only days ago—then Merlin would have wholeheartedly agreed to the sentiment. He was JUST Merlin, and Merlin had never been anything truly special when one compared him to other people. But Merlin was done trying to compare himself to others with a measuring tape that he never could even out with. And Lancelot was looking at him with a hint of pride brimming in the dark coals of his eyes, which only caused Merlin to stand up a little straighter. Just maybe it was true, and maybe Merlin wasn't anybody important. But he hadn't been anybody important when he had stopped Arthur from being killed off the day they had married, and he hadn't been anybody important when he worked his magic down to the point of exhaustion just so he could prove to everybody that Valiant was an actual snake charmer. Nor was he important when he found out what was poisoning the waters of the city and when he had drank from the goblet that had almost taken his life. He wasn't important either when he had met Lancelot, and subsequently helped the man defeat the beast that'd been trying to exterminate the city one person at a time.

Maybe he still wasn't important.

But Merlin was still fucking Consort Merlin Pendragon.

Peasant heritage and all.

And he was going to make his mark on this bloody kingdom by doing what he had always done…

Standing tall.

"Hmmm, oh good, Consort Merlin! There's still a little time before you and the rest of your group is ready to leave for good, so I am so glad that I caught you before. I have been running the numbers all morning between my other duties and checking the books… the last lord really shouldn't have left the numbers work in Jacqui's hands. It's so easy to tell where he was getting all the gold in his room once I had a proper look around the papers." Suddenly said Hermione as she appeared almost out of nowhere, popping up right on the other side of Merlin's horse, and causing both Merlin and Lancelot to jump in surprise with her sudden appearance. But the brown haired girl hardly seemed to notice as she rounded around the horse, looking the exact same way she had looked as she had been cleaning up their breakfast. Only now, she was holding this large looking ledger in her hands, the paperwork already open as she jotted away at some of the notes she had been making in the margins, corrections that would need to be made to get everything back on track. "As it turns out, he was not just sneaking little pouches of gold every now and then. It seems as if Jacqui had also been stealing from the household funds. A little off the top to put in his pocket, so small that nobody would have noticed if all the evidence wasn't in his rooms. But looking through all this, I can see where he was fudging the numbers to keep the former lord and lady satisfied with the… lack of resources and funds that have been coming into the manor. It'll take a bit longer than the time I've had so far to get things cleared up, but I should be able to do it. And now that the manor can claim everything Jacqui had been hiding away, we will even have a head start on getting the road set up now that we have something substantial to work with. I should be able to send you everything I have about it in a few days, a week at the most."

Hermione had spoken very fast, so fast that Merlin could hardly keep up with her as he watched the way her hair bounced loosely around her face now that she only had one writing utensil holding it up instead of the two that she had started the morning off with. But Hermione seemed intensely focused on her work, and Merlin had to marvel at the way she had managed to do so much in her brief look over through the books in-between her normal duties of keeping up with the kitchens and preparing their last breakfast. But Merlin shouldn't be surprised by how much work she's already done… that was why he had chosen her specifically to take over Jacqui's former duties. Because she had shown to Merlin when he had first arrived here how much she knew about the estate, as well as the people who lived here, even Jacqui, and the way that she talked to him had made it very clear how much she loved her home, even is the state it had been left in. And that was very much what Merlin needed when he could not physically be here at the estate. Somebody that loved the place, all of the horrors that had happened within its walls and all, and wanted to nurture it and see it grow into the splendid place that it had always been meant to be. Merlin had only just approached Hermione that morning before breakfast to offer her the job, but she had taken to it well. Merlin was sure that he was going to leave the manor in safe hands until he could come and visit again.

"You should take a moment and let him breathe, Hermione. Merlin isn't exactly used to your brand of hyper-focus. He's liable to get just as lost as the rest of us usually are when you throw yourself into one of the many research projects you like to keep yourself busy with." Spoke another, Ronald, as he came out of the woodwork from behind Hermione, dropping a hand down onto her shoulder with a cheeky and playful grin flashed in Merlin's direction. Merlin blinked with surprise at the red head's sudden appearance, his gaze dropping lower to the second red headed person following behind him. This was the first time Merlin had been able to see either Ronald or Ginevra since the two had vanished after the incident with Jacqui the day before, and if he hadn't know what happened really, then he probably would have never guessed that Ginevra has now joined the rest of them who were hiding a secret so large it could get them taken out on the spot. She was actually looking relaxed. Her hair carefully brushed back along her shoulders and wearing another dress that had no rips or tears in the fabric, and even a little smile playing on the corner of her lips. But Merlin was able to see the little lines of tension forming in the corners of her eyes as she casually glanced around, taking in all of the potential dangers around her that could prove to be a threat. The many knights that weren't members of the little family she had here… Merlin hated to admit it, but one of these days, it would be second nature for her to look over her shoulder like that. One couldn't ever be too careful… when they were as dangerous as them. "But I'm sure that your new best friend here will be able to keep up if you can slow it down and have it all written out for him. It's easier when your information is all written out since your format is more concise and to the point… like an essay. When you start to talk though, you do tend to have a habit of jumping from one point to the next before anybody can really comprehend the first part."

Merlin glanced up only when Hermione slammed the ledger she was holding in her hands shut, a solid clap of parchments slamming against parchments just before she was smacking Ronald on his shoulder blade with the book, already complaining that there was nothing wrong with the way she would explain the information she's dug up. Ronald had a little grin on his face though as he was rubbing the sore part of his shoulder as he did nothing to stop her from all the fussing she was doing… Merlin was pretty sure the man had a little thing going for his new steward. And if he did, well… Merlin hoped Ronald wouldn't end up being stupid enough to do something to hurt her. Because Merlin was positive that she would be able to plan out a murder without any problems cropping up that would get her caught. But then… Merlin's eyes returned to Ginevra, who'd been waiting to catch his eye. And Merlin watched as the red-headed woman dipped her head quite similar to a bow… a nod of solidarity, it was. Mouthing a 'thank you' to him, as if a simple thank you would be enough to express all her gratitude for Merlin keeping her secret. But it was the only thank you that the consort needed, Merlin thought as he nodded his head in return to her. It was all that was really needed between the two of them. A little secret that would remain a secret. Ginevra had magic running through her veins, and Merlin was able to feel the budding twist of it in the air… or maybe that was his own magic trying to make a connection with somebody else's. Merlin had a feeling that it was going to be Ginevra's destiny to become a very powerful with one of these days. Merlin only hoped that she would be able to live long enough, that they all would be able to live long enough, to see a world in which that didn't need to hide their gifts.

And speaking of gifts…

Merlin yelped in surprise, as did Lancelot still standing by his side after he was nearly ran over, when there was a little tornado of bleach blond curls that tried to tackle him. The woman standing at virtually five foot nothing and was barely able to reach the top of Merlin's chest had to stand on her tip toes just to wrap her arms around his neck. Merlin's back throbbed as he was forced down in an angle to accommodate the spirited seer, Luna, as she hugged him goodbye for what might be the last time. Though, Merlin thought as he glanced awkwardly at Lancelot who also didn't seem to know what to do about the threat that was not actually a threat, he supposed that Luna would know if this would really be the last time he got to see them all or if he would actually be able to find some point in the future to come back and visit. To see how the road looks when it is finished, at the very least. Merlin had just barely managed to get himself back together enough to wrap his arms around her delicate waist to hug her back in return when she was finally letting go and taking a step back, allowing for the dark haired consort to catch a look at Luna's bare feet wiggling around in the dirt. Luna's aversion to wearing shoes was… most definitely going to become the most memorable thing about the blond. Even more than the fact that she was apparently chosen by the triple goddess and saw what future was already decided before the people themselves actually made the decision that led to those paths.

"You don't need to worry about any of us while you are gone, Consort Merlin, I know that we are all going to be just fine. The road will lead to many things in the coming days, and will become a trail of hope for those of us who may need to escape when times get dark. But the sun will always be there to keep a light shining for us to follow on the wings of a bird that does not fly." Spoke Luna in her usual odd and cryptic way that had Lancelot frowning at her with this deep confusion, but Merlin understood… sort of. He straightened up… that was Luna making one of her predictions, wasn't it? Just like when she had warned him of his life being in danger. Merlin had made his assumptions about it being Arthur but… she hadn't been wrong. Which meant… Merlin's heart started to beat fast in his chest… the road really was going to be a trail of hope? But what did that mean? Hope for what? What dark times was she talking about? Did he need to know something? What did Luna know that Merlin didn't? What was this about the sun and the light and… the wings of a bird that did not fly? Was she talking about Merlin? Merlin was a bird… or at least he had been named for a bird, the same type that his mother used to feed as they flew over the little hut she had been tucked away in during the last months of her pregnancy. And it wasn't as if Merlin could fly, so it did make some sense in some roundabout kind of way. "It's best not to think too hard about the things that I say, Consort Merlin. I do what I do but more often than not, some people just aren't ready to hear what shall come until it's already come to pass. I simply wanted you to know you've got nothing to worry about, not yet at least. You still have much time before it comes to pass. Much time before any of us will be needed again. Much time to wait before the rest of our friends know the secret that brims underneath your skin."

Merlin held back a sharp gasp threatening to escape from his lips, eyes going wide, and even this time, Lancelot was wrapping a hand around his elbow as if tempted to pull the consort away from the mentally deranged sounding young woman, who kept smiling at them as if she had done nothing wrong. Lancelot didn't need to know what was happening, or needed to understand what Luna was going on about, but even he must have caught onto the same thing Merlin did. The very last thing that Luna had said… much time to wait before the rest of our friends know the secret that brims underneath your skin. It meant that Luna, with all of her gift in foresight and what the future would bring, knew of a day that would come where Merlin could no longer hide what he was. Did it mean only the people who lived at the estate, or did she mean the entire group of people standing in the front yards of the estate. But a better question… one that Merlin already knew the answer to when he saw the glinting of knowledge and knowing in Luna's misty silver eyre… was how did Luna know about what he could do? Had Luna seen him using magic in one of her visions? Had Luna known the truth about him this entire time? Had she known when she warned him about his life being in danger? So many questions, so little time, and he'd probably never know the answer to any of them, Merlin realized as the young woman stepped forward and hugged him one more time. Lancelot's grip went tight on his arm, though he didn't quite pull him away either… Luna's lips were right up against his ear. Giving her the perfect position to whisper something into his ear…

"Be wary of the dark witch. Her power grows, and soon, her choices will make her Camelot's biggest threat."

Merlin's pulse thundered in his neck like the wing of a hummingbird, dropping his arms from around Luna and jolting back as a sudden strike of terror worked its way down to the tips of his toes. Luna simply smiled at him once again, as if all was right in the world even as Merlin's mouth dried up from fear, and he did nothing as she happily skipped away to be on her merry way. Merlin wanted to call out after her and demand to know what she had meant, but she had gone and already joined with Hadrian and Draconis who were on the far side of the field saying their goodbye's to both Leon and Justin. She… Merlin didn't know what to think, didn't know how he was meant to process one word of what she had said. What did Luna mean when she called somebody a… dark witch. Who was the dark witch supposed to be? What powers did she posses that grows… were her powers stronger than Merlin's? What was she going to do that made her Camelot's biggest threat? Merlin had seen all manner of evil since he had came to Camelot… people able to look like other people and monsters living in caves and in shields and even creatures that defied logic. How evil and dark is this woman if even Luna thought she was stronger than all of that? Would she attack Camelot, and if she truly did… when would she?

"Merlin, what was all that about?"

Merlin didn't even flinch as he heard the heated whisper by Lancelot near his ear, too busy staring at Luna as she smiled again and nodded happy at what Leon was saying… nobody would have ever been able to guess what she could do. He looked at Draconis and Hadrian, who stood so close together that they might as well have been fused together at the shoulder, as Hadrian moved to clasp hands with Justin. Nobody would know of the power that brimmed under their skin, so similar to his own. And then there was Ronald and Hermione, the two normal ones in the group, arguing with each other still, as if there was not going to be a tomorrow for them to argue on. The ones who knew of the truth behind the estate and the many secrets that it guarded. And finally, to the girl, to Ginevra, who stood watch over them all like some kind of vigilant guardian… her red hair the flames of a backdrop against the drums of war that might be sounding far sooner than any of them realized. They were his friends… the new friends that Luna had been talking about the last time she had been so cryptic with him. The ones that would be there come the future, and whatever horror it was going to bring to them all.

"Nothing. It was nothing." Merlin's voice was so low as he answered Lancelot's question that it could barely be heard at all. And Merlin had been content with leaving it at that, until he saw Lancelot giving him an unimpressed look. A way of silently reprimanding Merlin for not telling him the truth after everything the two had said about not keeping secrets. Merlin sighed… this whole not telling secrets thing was going to be much harder than he thought it was supposed to be. But he reached out and grabbed onto Lancelot's hand still clenched along his elbow, "Please, Lancelot, don't ask me that question. I'm not going to lie to you, but you heard what Luna said… I'm not in any danger because there's still time before anything happens. I just… she's got her own secrets and me telling you without her permission isn't right. Just… don't ask me. I cannot betray her confidence any more than you would betray mine."

Merlin watched as the conflicting emotions on Lancelot's face showed exactly how troubled he was about not knowing something that could cause potential damage in the far off future. But it wasn't as if Merlin really knew anything that he could actually tell him… what did Merlin know about any dark witches? He's as in the dark about all of this as Lancelot was! But, if there was anything that Lancelot understood, it was the importance of keeping secrets to keep others safe. It was the exact thing Lancelot was doing with Merlin. He had known the many different truths about Merlin—his magic and his marriage—for long over a month and hadn't broken or been tempted to speak of it to anybody. Though it would be so easy to hand Merlin over. There were certain people, like Uther, who would pay a pretty penny for a sorcerers location. Even more probably, if that sorcerer turned out to be Camelot's Consort… it was only when Lancelot finally nodded in agreement did Merlin start to relax. Only for the clopping of a horse's metal shoes to make him tense up again.

Arthur.

Arthur Pendragon was already sitting on the back of his horse, with his hands loosely holding onto the reins, his metal armor shining underneath the glint of the sun. The tension in Merlin was visible as he clenched his hand tighter over Lancelot's, especially when he saw the way that Arthur, sitting high above the both of them now, was looking at it. But… Merlin narrowed his eyes… there was something off about Arthur. Just like the others, it was the first time that he's seen Arthur since everything had went down the night before. The first time he had seen Arthur since he had accused the prince of trying to finally end him. It would usually be the time that Arthur freaked out on him and get crazy insane on him for doing something he didn't like. Which today, happened to be Merlin holding onto another man's hand. But today… Arthur was blank. No expression on his face or in his eyes. Not even a twitch that would have given away what it was that he was thinking about the situation. Arthur was never blank, but there was nothing said about what Merlin was doing as the prince turned his gaze to look at the horse he had gifted Merlin so many days ago, his bag tied onto the back of it.

"…So, I see that you have decided to return to the city with us."

Arthur's voice was different as well. Merlin didn't want to say that it sounded as if it was cold, but there was definitely a distance there that's never actually been there before. Even during their worse moments, the blond never sounded as if there was a wall between them that could not be knocked down. But that was very much what it felt like… like it wasn't just Merlin that had slapped up a wall and built over it with as much crap as he could muster. The Consort's lips went thin… it seemed as if Merlin believing Arthur wanted to kill him had finally been the last straw for Arthur. Was that it? Had Merlin's accusations finally got through to Arthur? Had Arthur decided to move on with his life… not by killing the consort but by leaving him be… no. Merlin didn't believe that. Arthur's the one that beat the crap out of Jacqui until he was nearly dead. Merlin was sure that the knights who had taken Jacqui had hardly needed to do anything to get rid of him after what Arthur had done. And if Lancelot could forgive him for not coming to him, then it would take a lot more than Merlin accusing the prince of trying to murder him for something as strong as his obsession to finally break.

"Well," Merlin said slowly, drawing out the word as he pushed aside all of the thoughts and worries he was having about Luna's prophecy to focus on what was happening in front of him. The consort glanced over at his own horse that had started grazing, eating some of the flowers that were growing beside the gate, before ultimately returning his gaze back to the steady eyes of the young prince. "It was a hard decision to make, but considering everything that's gone down, I did assume it was in my best interest to return to the castle. After all, I might have been in danger this week, but I swear, it's you that needs me since you often seem to be a target for attacks yourself. We wouldn't want you to go dying on us just because you didn't have me around to protect you."

Perhaps it was silly thing to say considering Merlin's face was still marred by the bruises from his face and his throat was still quite raspy when he talked a lot, but it was worth it when he saw the subtle moving of Arthur's muscles in his face and his jaw that started to twitch. As if he was struggling to not shout out about Merlin's 'skills' as any kind of protector when compared to a trained knight. But perhaps, that was also exactly what Merlin wanted. The ideas were starting to connect in his mind, as he eyed Arthur with a calculated expression in the depths of his eyes. Perhaps Merlin wanted to… to break Arthur just like the prince had once tried to break him. The only difference was, Arthur spent so much of his time in the early days trying to make sure Merlin knew how little he was worth. But Merlin… maybe Merlin could use this. All this time, Merlin's been pushing and prodding at Arthur, shoving him away with every little bit of strength he had. But what if things were different… it had been many months since Arthur had last hurt him physically. Almost two months to the day since Arthur had smacked him that first time. Maybe it was time for Merlin to pull the prince closer. Keep him close. Use him and his anger like a tool. It would keep his magic from being discovered if he kept Arthur like a shield. Or a sacrifice. An added layer of protection. It wasn't like Merlin NEEDED Arthur to keep him safe or anything of the sort. But it was time for Merlin to stop avoiding Arthur all the time, and if he was going to do that, then it was about time that Merlin channeled the prince's energy into something more… productive.

"Besides, I suppose returning to the city will be better than listening to all the many excuses that you'll make for why you are making the trip out here every other week to come and check on me. I figure this way, it'll be saving us both from having to listen to it before you make a fool out of yourself by doing it at all." And then Merlin waited, watching with half lidded eyes as the muscle that lived in Arthur's jaw started jumping violently once again. It was hook, line, and sinker, when Merlin noted the obvious fact that came when Arthur didn't try to protest against what Merlin had said. They both knew, even if Arthur did try to deny it, that the prince would be back here at the estate at every chance he'd be able to get away with. Perhaps, if Merlin could read Arthur that well, then it would not be so hard to maneuver the prince however he wanted him. Merlin is not entirely sure HOW he wanted him, but he was sure he would figure out just how to use Arthur once he did. But for now, the consort turned his back to the prince, a feigned expression of disinterest on his face as he whistled. It took a second before his horse lifted up its head, a mouthful of yellow plants sticking out of its mouth, before it trotted over. And Merlin placed his hand on the top of its snout, rubbing at its nose while it chewed and swallowed up the flowers in his mouth. "And to be honest, I believe that Buttercup here is going to need to be around other horses since I know that you won't be taking him away from me upon our arrival. It would make me… greatly upset if you did do something that included making me bond with this creature only to take it away from me. And that isn't something you would do, is it, Arthur?"

Outwardly, Merlin was everything that he's always been when it came to Arthur during the last two months or so. He was distant and cold with more than just a touch of anger and defiance. But emphasizes on being distant and detached, even while he watched the prince out of the corner of his eye. Watching Arthur as the prince's grip grew tighter around the reins of his horse and eyed Merlin with suspicion in turn. Arthur had always tried getting closer to him, whether it was throwing him against the first flat surface he found and crowding him into it, or always finding a reason for why he had to stand beside Merlin. Merlin was sure Arthur was the type of man that wanted more whenever somebody wasn't interested in them. Merlin didn't really get it, but some people wanted to have possession of things that they couldn't have. Hell, maybe that was the reason Arthur had still been chasing him after all this time, even when the consort had made his feelings for the man clear. Maybe Merlin was being manipulative with this, but… if Arthur wanted to hang around, even after walking out on him only the day before, he might as well make him useful. Besides, it was almost fun to do this, probably the most fun Merlin's had since they left the city. Knowing for a fact that Arthur would jump if Merlin said jump. So desperate and greedy the prince was to get anywhere near him.

"No."

And once again, outwardly, Merlin behaved as if he didn't give two shits about what the prince had said, as he ran his fingers more purposely down the nape of his horse. He had known it, though. Arthur could have walked out on him in a fury of anger that was like nothing even Merlin had ever seen before the day before, but the prince would still return to his side… like a pathetic little puppy that followed around a master that mistreated it. Arthur might even continue to put on this little show that he was doing, being the distant one when that had always been Merlin's job. But give it time. If Arthur was already seeking him by this point, then he would probably be back to normal in a few days time. Merlin was Arthur's addiction, after all, strange as that was. But Merlin didn't need to understand what Arthur's fascination with him was. Addictions were a struggle to get through with, and even then, there was always an itch beneath the skin that made you wish to go back to it. Merlin was beneath Arthur's skin, and the consort knew that much. He knew he could use it, instead of trying to beat the prince down. Arthur was this ball of violent rage who, if Merlin really did figure out how to channel it properly, do some good in this world. Perhaps it was able to even help Merlin when he tried doing what he could to protect this estate or any other magical being he came into contact with that needed help. He would simply need to keep the… magical aspects of why he wanted Arthur to do what he wanted a secret, but… Merlin was used to those. Or perhaps Merlin may be expecting too much when it came to Arthur Pendragon, but, he supposed that only time could tell if he could move things his way or not.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, and all that.

Arthur could be a valuable asset… in his own way.

He could come in handy if, and only if, Merlin needed the assistance.

"…Buttercup…?"

Arthur's sudden questioning, tense as his voice was, about what he decided to name his horse had Merlin's hand faltering in the mane of his horse. Merlin had not been expecting Arthur to try speaking with him again, though he should've known it was coming. Hell, Merlin might not have been expecting it, but it was something that proved Merlin's original assessment. Arthur was going to follow him to the ends of the world. But that didn't mean Merlin had to acknowledge that the prince had spoken. In fact, Merlin continued to pretend that he hadn't heard him… he knew how infuriating it was and how desperate it could make a man when they were purposely ignored. It had been done often enough times for Merlin to know what that anger tasted like. And as if purposely stroking the fires he was sure was brewing in ArthurMs stomach, he actually allowed for his friend, for Lancelot, to help him get on top of his horse. The knight grabbing a hold of his waist when he put his foot into the stirrup to try and pull himself up onto the saddle, giving him the boost that he needed to swing his other leg up onto it. And it was only after Merlin was settled on the saddle, did he meet the prince's eyes…

Merlin tried to force the blush from his face when he saw the prince's narrow- eyed stare full of suspicion. Perhaps letting Lancelot help him had been going a move too far. Even Arthur, with as much as the prince watched him, knew the consort was stubborn and willful. And it wasn't like this was Merlin's first time riding the horse and didn't know what he was doing. He might have been really unaccustomed to riding horses, but he DID know what he was doing. But even Arthur would have known that Merlin would have preferred struggling to get on the great beast for hours before giving in and allowing somebody to help with such a simple thing. Or maybe he would have preferred struggling for hours on end then allowing Arthur be the one to help him. Arthur would have ate it up if Merlin had allowed him to do it but letting the prince touch him on his neck the day before had only been a one time deal. Not even Merlin was ready to be so vulnerable as to turn his back on Arthur and let him touch him so freely. But as for now, the consort simply cleared his throat and tried to pretend that he still did not feel the ache from his bruises as he gave the reins a little shake to get his horse trotting forward to the gate, where a vast majority of the people were now starting to climb onto their horses, soon joined by Lancelot who would be needing to split off from them an hour into the ride if he planned on following through with his plan to see Merlin's mother.

Besides, Arthur didn't need to know why Merlin had decided to name his horse after a flower, the same flower that happened to grow beside the gate and was being eaten by his horse. It only made sense for Merlin to name it that since he seemed to like eating them so much. And Arthur also didn't need to know that Merlin was finally comfortable enough to name his horse after all these days. It had been something, the one thing, that Merlin had been avoiding because the consort had been convinced that Arthur would take the gift away from him as soon as they returned to the city and he didn't need it any longer. But Merlin had started to learn the system. Started figuring out what made Arthur tick. If he's so obsessed with making him 'happy', especially once they really got past the whole… Merlin accusing Arthur of cold blooded murder… then there wasn't one chance of Arthur trying to take this great beast for him. All Merlin needed to do if Arthur had even tried, was the exact thing Arthur's been telling him to do whenever he wanted something.

Just tell him.

Which was definitely something Merlin might try to play around with later on if he ACTUALLY needed something more than the shiny baubles Arthur had once liked to throw in his face. But as for now, the consort maneuvered his horse to where his spot in the lineup was, the entire group that didn't live in the estate moving themselves into the most 'strategic' positions in case they managed to get attacked at some point on the road. With of course, Arthur situated as the first in the lineup to lead them home. On either side of Arthur but a good step behind him as well, were Leon and Justin. And on the right of Merlin was riding Dorian and Tristian. And on the left of him was Lancelot and Derrick, and that left Christian and Markus to take care of the rear. Keeping Merlin and Gaius in the center of the little bubble that had been created, where they would get the best protection at. Bandits would have to go through ten knights before any of them would have been able to reach Merlin… it was a concept he may need to finally start getting used to if he ever took anymore trips out of the city. But of course, only if his uncle ever allowed him to leave the city after the events that had transpired yesterday. And speaking of his uncle… Gaius was turning to him on his horse.

"It's nice to know that you have ultimately decided to return to the city. For a second there, I honestly that you would decide to stay here long term. I would not blame you, of course, if that was the path that you decided to take. But I'd be quite difficult for me to move all my belongings and equipment this far from the city limits. Uther would have been a hassle to deal with, but I suppose that every place could use a proper healer or two. That's the one good thing about the career choice… everybody will always want to have you around. Your new friends here could certainly need one if these last few days have been any kind of indication as to what sort of trouble they much get into on the daily."

Gaius had barely finished what he was saying before Merlin's whipped around his head to stare at him in slack jaw surprise. For one, his uncle must've been the third person to marvel at the fact that Merlin really was returning back to the city. Hell, Merlin was still surprised by his ultimate decision to return back to the one place that had tried to kill him, though… the estate didn't seem as if it was very much different in that regard. But at least Merlin knew why he was returning. His hope for a better and brighter future for, if not him, then for his kind at least, was stronger than what trouble his future would bring him. Even more-so now that he knew there was some kind of… dark witch that was going to come rolling up to Camelot's gates one of these days. But the fact that the other man apparently KNEW about Merlin's original plans, was definitely a big shock factor that could not be denied.

"You knew that I was planning on leaving the city?!"

Merlin couldn't contain the wonder in his face, unable to stop staring at Gaius as if he was a street jester that was about to pull out a dozen rabbits from his hat in order to wow the crowd. Perhaps Merlin was just really bad at keeping a secret though, or any secret really, since everything he tried to keep buried in the dark seemed to emerge at some point or another. Even the secrets about his marriage and his magic hadn't stayed buried, since Lancelot had managed to discover the truth about him. But… had Merlin really been that transparent about what he had wanted? Ever since Arthur had first explained to him that it wouldn't be odd if he decided to stay here for as long as he needed in order to work out the kinks of his plans, it had been a thought that stayed with him until it had started to look feasible to him. Of course, things had been changed ever since the consort had figured out the truth behind the people that lived here at the estate. But before that… Lancelot had been the only one that Merlin really explained what he wanted. The knight was just always so easy to talk to and it was never a worry of Merlin's that the man cast judgement on him. He had not known how to tell Gaius that he had wanted to stay, though apparently, he had not been about to stay if what his uncle said had any merit. Which knowing the man like he did… Merlin was wholly confident that his uncle would've picked all his belongings up and carted them down to this isolated place in the middle of nowhere's.

"Merlin," Gaius scoffed as he gave the consort a deadpan stare, as if it's Merlin that was being ridiculous for asking such a stupid question. It caused a spot of color to rise to Merlin's cheeks… he must have really been bad at hiding things if his uncle could spot them a mile away. "I know that these last few days have been difficult, but I am your uncle and I know when you have something that is on your mind. Of course, perhaps if I didn't already figure out that you wanted to stay here, I might have realized there was something else on your mind and discovered what you were really hiding from us much earlier and prevented all the chaos that came from yesterday. It's not exactly the first time that I've saw you expressing an interest in leaving Camelot behind should the situation ever turn dire there again. And now you have got this estate suddenly being placed in your name? It practically fell into your lap, giving you a destination in which you could escape to the second that you need a break. I don't believe that it'd take a particular genius to figure out where your mind would have gone."

Merlin's face somehow managed to grow redder, embarrassed because of how easy it was for his uncle to read him. He supposes it 'did' make sense that the consort would have taken off to this place, especially if there would have been no repercussions from the king. Hell, most people would have taken a chance and ran as fast as they possibly could to the estate and not looked back. But it wasn't something Merlin was going to do. Nope. Not him. Because Merlin had a higher calling, a destiny, a drive to help others who could not hide behind the same position of power that Merlin was able to. Running away just wasn't in his blood. Not if he knew there were people—more people out there than just all of the people at the estate—who may need him. People that would be lost among the flames if he gave into the selfish choice and stayed behind. Somebody had to look out for the people, after all. Even the people who weren't magic had no chance if they ended up in the crosshairs of the royal family. How many people would die if Merlin didn't do something? How many people would die if Merlin did do something? It wasn't as if he was an expert an anything?! But hey, if not him then who? Arthur?

"And yet… you knew I would choose to return to the city… didn't you?"

Merlin lolled his head over in the direction of his uncle and giving him this wry look, ignoring the way that Arthur and Leon and Justin were discussing if they should go a different route than the one they had arrived on, or risk going the same way. Let them hash that out while Merlin stared at his uncle. And try his hardest to figure out how Gaius knew that he would return when Merlin didn't even know he'd be returning until about twenty four hours or so ago. But Gaius didn't answer him at first. The old physician looked as if he was thinking hard on the subject, running over what he wanted to say again and again before he actually did say it. Now, Merlin might not know WHAT Gaius was about to say, but he did know, when the older man got like this… it was usually best to listen up. Because Gaius was either going to give him some damn good advice that'd be best taken with him wherever he went, or he was about to say something so heartwarming and touching that Merlin would be forced to ask himself how the man, out of everybody in the kingdom, could have been his uncle. Who always knew the right thing to say even when Merlin felt like the world was trying hard to implode on him. His world, at least.

And for this time… it turned out to be the latter.

"Merlin… I knew that you would return to Camelot simply because I know that it is the only option that your heart would allow you to go with. Your heart has to be one of the biggest things about you. Not even your… other talents, I do believe, could compare to it. And perhaps most people would go after the one thing that will get them somewhere in life, but I figured you, who knows what it feels like to be surrounded by people who care about you would rather choose returning to them over any opportunity that might come your way. The city has your friends, and I know that they will always mean more to you then a couple of bricks and statues, no matter how successful this area will become later on down the line. You would rather be with the people you love, instead of trying to escape your problems and leave them behind. I both admire that trait, and I hate it just the same."

Merlin sucked on the inside of his cheek, mulling that over in silent thought. It was obvious to him what his uncle meant. That Merlin, led around by his heart, would follow it straight into trouble. That if Merlin thought he saw something that was wrong, then he would be the first to jump into the fray, even if it was detrimental to himself. Hell, that was what Merlin was doing right now. Merlin has certainly not wanted to return to the city, where he still wondered when it was that his newfound luck was going to change and the people would begin to turn on him again. It was Merlin's heart that was telling him that was where he was needed. Where Merlin would be able to make the biggest difference to others. This road they were building… Luna had called it a road of hope. A trail of hope, perhaps, for those who needed sanctuary behind the stone walls that came with the estate. Now, Merlin was still a little unsure if Luna simply spoke what she thought was going to happen, or if she had seen something like that in one of her visions. But this one fraction of the kingdom where the road was going to connect was such a small part of Camelot… it didn't feel right, simply knowing that there was bigger battles he could be facing. But honestly, Merlin had started to wonder if he even had a heart these days, or if Arthur had been able to blacken it into something that resembled coal. Merlin would have never considered 'manipulating' Arthur and turn his obsession into something that'll work for him instead, before he had came to Camelot. He would've never been able to sentence a man to death without looking for alternative means before he had spent so much of his time struggling to adapt to his new reality. Merlin wanted to ask Gaius if he thought he still had a heart, even when he had been a witness to Merlin all but condemning Jacqui to death. But he was interrupted before the first word could escape him.

"ALRIGHT, MEN! LET'S MOVE OUT."

Arthur's voice from the front of the line, apparently done with discussing their route, rang out like the sounds of a bell. And all at once, the knights flicked at their reins, urging their horses forward and out the gate. And Merlin was quick to do the same before the knights situated behind him could run into him, and his horse moved forward with the rest of the line. Heading out of the large and grand gates situated in the front of the manor, and it was only when the group was reaching the forest did Merlin dare to look back. The sweat slicking up his hands were causing the reins to slide, but Merlin didn't let that stop him from craning himself around just so he could catch one more sight of the dark tower coming out of his estate that looked as if it was trying to disappear straight up into the clouds. At the faint cawing of crows as a few of them flew somewhere above them. At the group of six people—Hadrian, Ronald, Draconis, Hermione, Luna, and Ginevra—standing in front of the gates and waving goodbye at them and their departure. Merlin's chest felt uncomfortably tight, and the tears that came when saying goodbye to the one place he had felt really 'connected', was starting to burn at his lashes. But Merlin ignored them as he turned back so he could watch as the trees of the forest swallowed them whole.

Merlin really hoped he wasn't making a mistake by returning.

But as of right now, Merlin had one very important question that he needed to ask his uncle before he forgot.

"Hey, Uncle Gaius, do you know what nargles are?"