Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 18 - A Choice

Merlin's POV

I head out to the waterfall after my talk with Morgana. I need a quiet place to rest. So much has happened in these past two days that I can hardly comprehend it all. First there was the the Griffin, then the Knights of Medhir, then Kilgharrah, and now even Morgana as well.

I let out a deep sigh as I trudge on through the forest. I pull my cloak tighter around myself as I feel a cold breeze blow by. I shiver at the stinging wind and glance up at the sky which is obscured by bleak, grey, clouds. I can see faint rays of sunlight filtering through but they offer no warmth to the icy wind. Winter is coming soon it seems. Hopefully the snow won't fall for at least a short while longer.

I follow the small path into the clearing. When it opens up I see Arthur pacing back and forth anxiously in the grass. He also has a cloak draped across his shoulders today and he has a pair of leather gloves on as well. His nose and cheeks seem a little red from the cold indicating that he must have been here for some time.

I approach him with a questioning look. "What's wrong?" I ask.

He jumps a little at my sudden voice. Clearly having been occupied with his thoughts to not even notice my presence. "What makes you think something's wrong?" He asks.

"You're pacing."

He looks down and seems to finally notice what he's doing. "Oh..."

I give a chuckle. "So what's got your britches in a twist?"

He doesn't respond immediately. Instead, he stares at me for a moment, his lips pressed in a thin line. His eyes dart around the clearing. He's nervous. About what I don't know. There's a slight tremble in his hands and he seems unable to keep still. Despite having stopped pacing, he still continues to shift his weight from foot to foot. I raise an eyebrow at him, prompting him to speak but he remains silent.

I sigh and take a step closer to him. He takes a step back. I frown. Did I do something to him too? "Arthur, you can tell me. I'm not going to be mad at you," I try to reassure him. I take another step closer to him and place a hand against his cold cheek.

It seems to work. He lifts up a hand and cups my own in his. A bit of the tension leaves his shoulders. I can feel him lean against the warmth of my hand as if eager for more. I smile at him warmly and he smiles back. "I... I brought you back your sword," he starts, holding the sheathed sword out to me. "Where did you get it? A sword like that would be useful."

I chuckle as I remove my hand from his cheek. I can see his slight look of protest at my action though he keeps quiet. Instead, he grips my hand tighter in his, refusing to let me untangle it from his own. "My sword is... special.," I say, "If you really like it you may keep it."

His eyes widen in surprise. "Are you sure? You said it's special. Should you be giving it to me?"

I smile at him. "Consider it a gift then. I can get another made easily."

"Then tell me how to make one so I can go make my own. I can't possibly take yours."

I snicker. "Unless you have a dragon handy then you won't be getting one anytime soon."

I try not to laugh as his eyes widen even more at the blade in his hand. "You're sure?"

"Positive."

He smiles and grips the sword tightly in his hand. "I'll take good care of it."

"You better, and it's name is Excalibur."

"Excalibur..." He whispers the name in awe.

He sheaths the blade in his belt before turning back to face me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I guess I should give you something in return shouldn't I?"