Boy From The Woods

I'll See You Again

The rest of their journey went much smoother than the beginning. It felt easy and light. They pair stopped at great waterfalls and cliffs to observe views and watch the sunrise and sunset. They stayed up late into the night, admiring the large moon overhead and sharing stories. Gailyn was dead, and Merlin was free to discuss his past. Arthur heard about the sad moments, moments of anger, times of fear, and also, quite surprisingly, the moments of joy. 

"Then he tripped and fell into the horses troff of water. I thought he was going to kill me just with his glare alone so I used magic and continued to splash him in the face. Eventually, he actually started to have fun. It's one of the few moments I think we could have counted as something remotely close to an actual family."

"I guess everyone has a soft side."

"It's harder to find in some than it is to find in others."

Arthur chuckled. "True! I didn't think my father had a soft side until I caught him practicing for a formal dance a rather beautiful courtier from another kingdom would be attending. He was so flustered, but after he calmed down he taught me how to dance as well."

"Eghh," Merlin said. "People in castles dance all formal and stiff."

"Oh, and I suppose you know better than the royalty of Camelot?"

Merlin grinned. "I believe I do, your highness!" He began to move his arms and legs in wild directions, moving around Arthur in uncontrollable zigzags. Eventually, he tripped over a root and stumbled into a bush.

Arthur tried and failed not to laugh. "Really, Merlin, how is it your magic chose someone so clumsy! I wouldn't be surprised if one day you sneezed and all the trees turned pink. 

They both laughed and their laughter continued to carry them far. 

A five day journey felt like nothing and when Arthur spotted the first sign of smoke rising from a nearby druid camp he froze, not wanting to go any further. 

"What's wrong?" Merlin asked him.

"We're almost there."

"Oh," Merlin said, a little warily. "That's great."

Both observed the rising smoke with sadness. 

"Are they nice?"

"I assume so," Arthur said, unsure.

"It's kind of their thing, taking in people like you."

"They also have magic?"

"Many do, yes."

Again, they continued to stare at the distant smoke, both not wanting to be the one to take the first step.

"Arthur?"

"Yes?"

"Do you plan to return to Camelot."

Arthur couldn't help his voice from breaking. "I have to. I owe it to my people. I owe it to my father."

"I understand."

"In a perfect world, Camelot would be a safe place for you to live."

"In a perfect world..." He smiled to himself. "Then I will wait. I will wait until you become king."

"That might be a long time from now."

"Then you'd better make it a habit to come through these woods."

"That I will, if my father ever lets me leave the citadel again."

Merlin brought a hand to his mouth. "Oh, he must be more than worried."

"He must be," Arthur said in a tone that showed he couldn't care less. "Even if he never lets me leave again, I'll still come. I can promise that." Arthur couldn't help himself. He grabbed Merlin's hand and leaned in. He was close now, so close. "Merlin, I-" but he didn't need any more words. Merlin understood what he was trying to say, he understood better than Arthur could have hoped. He leaned in as well and kissed Arthur, just once, on the lips. He took a step back, nervously eying the prince. 

"Do you have to leave right away? or do you have some time?"

"I have some time. I can help you get settled."

Merlin beamed and reached out taking the prince by the hand. "And after that?"

"And after that?... I don't know how long I'll be, but there's one thing I know for sure: I'll see you  again. Soon."

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