Merthur Oneshots

Do I really mean that less to you?

Part 2

3 years later

It was a dreary day. The grey skies seemed to reflect Merlin's mood as he watched the bodies of soldiers wrapped in white shrouds go up in flames. Beside him, Gaius was staring blankly at a patch of floor peeping out from between the flames, his mind clearly elsewhere. The flames reflected in his eyes, and they seemed grey too.

Across the courtyard in front of the main castle, Arthur was standing too, with a grim look in his eyes as he too stared at the burning corpses of men who willingly laid down their lives for the Camelot.

A group of Odin's men had snuck in the citadel the day before last, and had launched a surprise attack from the inside itself. It shouldn't have been that difficult to tamp down on it, but they had also somehow managed to capture a sorcerer, and Merlin's heart had ached when he saw the emancipated body, clad in chains, being dragged along. When a spear had pierced his heart, Merlin had turned away, unable to see one of his kin killed, even though he understood that he would go to somewhere much better than where he was now.

The attack had been easy to disband after that. The King had the barbarians buried at the back of the citadel early in the morning, while Merlin watched out of the window of Gaius' chambers.

Arthur was a much better king than his father, that much Merlin knew. Even though it had only been a year since he had ascended to the throne, the difference in ruling was quite perceptible. Whereas Uther would have had the bodies burned as a spectacle for the people living in Camelot, Arthur had chosen to give them a solemn funeral, with only a few council members, as to preserve the dignity of the individuals, even in death.

Magic was still banned, of course, but really, it was too much of a far fetched thing to even think about. However different Arthur might be from his father, a lifetime of prejudices were hard to get rid of, even though he had stopped the burning of sorcerers.

Merlin watched as Guinevere sidled up to Arthur, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Without a word, he put his hands around her, hugging her tight.

Merlin looked away, unable to bear the sight. He knew that both of them had been getting closer lately, but it still hurt, knowing his soulmate was in love with someone else.

Merlin should have said something, told him the truth, but hadn't been able to pluck up the courage. After that fateful day 3 years before, when he had told him what he really thought of sorcerers. They had barely conversed since then, only talking when it was really necessary. It pained Merlin, to be away from someone who was supposed to be his other half, but it had eased as time passed. He only wished him happiness now, no matter with whom it was.

He felt Gaius' hand on his arm, and allowed himself to be led away, from the awful sight.

*****

Merlin was walking down a corridor in the castle. It was near midnight, and the son of some visiting lord had fallen sick, and Gaius was up in their chambers, tending to him. He had sent Merlin to get a bowl of cold water and a potion to reduce fever from his chambers. Merlin was tired, and did all he could to keep from dozing off while walking.

He was shook out of his stupor with the sound of a door being unlocked. Merlin looked around. He was on the floor where Arthur's chambers were, and he had no idea how he had gotten here.

He frowned and looked around, and a door swung open to his left. A giggling Gwen walked out, and in the soft yellow light inside the room, Arthur was looking at her with a fond look on his face and a grin on his face.

Merlin's eyes widened. This was clearly a private moment, but his heart couldn't help but clench at the sight. He tried to walk away quietly, but before he could do so, Gwen spotted him.