The Adventures of Merlin

A Vaction

   Upon returning to Camelot Cenred was forced to sign a peace treaty, swearing not to attack Camelot and giving up 10% of his land. Cenred loathed the treaty, but he had no other choice. He was escorted back to his castle the next day. No one wanted to deal with him anymore. The rest of the knights returned and the battle was officially over. Giaus was swarmed with soldiers, luckily the majority only had small wounds that even Merlin could help take care of. The two of them worked together, they made a good team when it came to taking care of people. Merlin's leg wound would heal fine. With his magic he prevented infection and started the healing process. Giaus was impressed, he couldn't get mad at Merlin for practicing healing magic. Giaus seemed more worried about Merlin's secret than Merlin. So he almost had a heart attack when he saw Merlin use magic to get a book from across the room in front of Arthur. Merlin explained that Arthur knew, and reassured the old man. Giaus was glad Merlin had this burden lifted off his shoulders, but he was skeptical of Arthur's acceptance. 

    Things soon went back to normal. At least as normal as normal could be. Arthur now knew of Merlin's magic, but didn't really know what to do with that information. Merlin didn't know what to do about it either. He was glad that Giaus would stop telling Arthur that Merlin was in the tavern and could just tell the truth, well most of it. There were still secrets to be kept from Arthur, like Morgana. Merlin thought it would be best not to tell him she had been influenced by Morgause or about her magic. That would be dealt with discreetly. Arthur did treat Merlin a bit differently, he was nicer. He was far from perfect, but he wasn't being a complete prat all the time. He would thank Merlin more and lessen his chores. Arthur was still Arthur and some mornings, before he had had his breakfast, he would throw something at Merlin. Even with the nicer treatment, Merlin was swamped. He would rely on his magic from time to time to speed things up. It still hadn't sunken in for Merlin yet that he was accepted. He would always be scared of who he was, he expected others to be too. He was reminded of this fear when he would treat Morgana.

    He saw glimpses of the evil Morgana and her sister were capable of. All the horrible things they did and discussed, he wondered how they could be filled with such hate. Night after night he had to live in Morgana's mind, it was making him doubt magic. It just seemed so dangerous. He shook away these thoughts as he made his way back to his chambers, absolutely exhausted.  The physical pain was just as bad as the mental torment. As he went about his day he would catch himself falling over more, getting bloody noses and blurred vision. Giaus would beg Merlin to take a break, but there was no use. Merlin felt like it was his fault. He couldn't leave Morgana the way she was. "Merlin, you can't go on like this." It had been two weeks since the battle and Merlin had just stumbled his way home after another night of helping Morgana. "You're not changing my mind Giaus." Merlin made his way for the stairs. "Merlin!" Giaus followed him and sat down on the stairs motioning for Merlin to join him. Merlin plopped down rubbing his tired eyes. "You need to stop and think about what you're doing to yourself." Giaus spoke with a calmer voice, he put his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "Even with all your magic, you can't erase a whole year of memories without consequence. Not in such little time." Merlin was to tired to get mad, "Are you saying I should give up?" Giaus sighed, "No, but take a break. Morgana isn't going anywhere. I know it will be hard for us all to have her so close yet so far... But  please Merlin, take care of yourself."

    Merlin sighed and smiled softly, "Maybe you are right." he gulped, "Goodnight, Giaus." Merlin got up and went to his room closing the door behind him. Giaus stared at the door a moment before he too went to bed. The next morning Merlin made his way to Arthur's chambers to wake him for the day. His vision got hazy on the way but Merlin shook his head and went on, it  soon returned to normal so he ignored it. "Rise and shine!" Merlin drew back the curtains letting in the beautiful morning sun. Arthur didn't find it so pretty, he grunted and covered his face in his blanket. Merlin went to shake he prince and fully wake him up but he paused. He took a deep breath and tried to take a step forward. His chest was rising and falling faster and uneven. He put his hand on a chair to lean on it. His eyes rolled back and his lashes fluttered shut, "Arthur..." He whispered before falling to the floor. Arthur grunted again and rolled over, "What was that?" He pulled the covers off his face and looked to see what that thud was. "Merlin?" He threw off his blankets and ran over to Merlin on the floor, unconscious with some blood dripping from his nose. Arthur shook Merlin's shoulders, "Merlin? Merlin!?" He quickly picked him up and ran to find Giaus.