Another Way Out

Back to Camelot

It was just before sunrise when Merlin had awoken, fully energised from what could be described as the best sleep he'd had in a while. He thought back to the nightmares he had of poisoning Morgana which led him to think of her. Maybe he should wake her up or at least make sure that Aithusa and her are well rested. With that in mind, he got dressed and freshened himself up a little before setting off for the barn.

The door to the barn was old yet looked as if someone had tried to make it look new. It was clean and had a nice design carved onto the wood, Merlin thought. He slowly and quietly made his way into the barn, careful not to make a sound lest he wake them up.

Morgana lay there among the hay, looking like a fallen angel with the light from the upper window hitting her face and creating a heavenly light. Her body was slightly balled together in a protective manner suggesting she didn't feel all that safe. Merlin understood what she might be feeling so he didn't mention it to her. In fact, he didn't say anything to her at all. He simply watched her and the young dragon sleeping soundly next to each other, and smiled.

Turning on them, he walked out of the barn and told his mother that he'd be leaving soon but he'd be back as soon as possible. After leaving his mother with some money to buy herself some things and extra to buy Morgana and the dragon food, he slowly but surely set off towards Camelot.

Galloping speedily on one of his borrowed horses, Merlin dodged and weaved his way through a number of pathways and forests. Soon he found himself on a grass-covered hill that towered over the lower town of Camelot. He could see the castle from here and wondered if he could make it on time to get the medicine and start riding back towards Ealdor.

Within 15 minutes of riding, Merlin was finally at the gates of Camelot. The guards recognised him instantly and let him through without any questions, and for this he was grateful.

Originally, Merlin had planned to find Gaius and ask him about the medicine without making a fuss and letting anyone else know about his arrival but apparently, fate had other plans for him. As soon as Merlin stepped onto the castle grounds, he was almost knocked down. He looked up with a startled expression. Gwen. She looked happy yet slightly embarrassed and he wondered why.

"Sorry about that, Merlin. I was in such a hurry, I didn't mean to knock you over. I didn't even know you were back. I'm glad. I'm sure Arthur was about to throw a hissy fit", she replied hastily. He smirked slightly at her, "you would know that how? Spending a little too much time with him I see."

The blush on her face grew even more deep and she resembled a rose, growing in the sunlight, the sun's rays bouncing off her face. "I don't know what you might be insinuating, Merlin. If you'll excuse me, I have to see to my duties", she smiled while saying this so he knew she was only joking and wasn't taking it seriously.

Walking away, she turned suddenly and said, "it's good to have you around, it's been getting boring without you."

Even after she went, Merlin was still beaming at the compliment. He never got complimented but when he did, he knew they came from the heart. What he didn't realise was Arthur sneaking up behind him like a predator waiting to strike. "What's gotten you so happy?" Merlin turned around in shock. "-Arthur? Didn't expect to see you here...where you live...", he blushed in embarrassment.

"Catch you by surprise, did I? I didn't know that you'd be back but now's not the time for that, I asked you a question and I expect an answer, it is your job after all." Restraining himself from rolling his eyes, Merlin replied, "it was Gwen." This seemed to get the Prince's attention. "What do you mean Gwen?", his jealousy seeping through his voice.

"Oh it's nothing", Merlin noticed the Prince's reaction and thought he should play with him a little. " We just had a quick little chat, you know? She complimented me, and basically said that I keep her boredom-free." "Is that so?", questioned the Prince, "what was the rest of this conversation about?" "nothing you'd be interested in", and with that Merlin sped away from Arthur and towards Gaius' chambers, leaving the Prince feeling slightly curious and insecure about Merlin and Gwen's little chat, wondering how long they've been having these little chats. She couldn't like Merlin, could she?

With no time to waste, the young warlock dashed through the hallways of the castle and burst into Gaius' room.

"Merlin, you're back already?", questioned Gaius. "I have to bring my mother some medicine, if that isn't much trouble. Then I'll be back on my way to Ealdor." Gaius stumbled on his words slightly, "oh, but of course, what is it she needs?" "She needs a blood replenishing potion and some healing salve. Could you make a little extra to last her a while. Just in case anything happens again?" Gaius chuckled, "only if you pass me the ingredients from that cupboard over there."

Almost 2 hours later, Gaius was done and both medicines bottled. "Thanks, Gaius. I won't forget it", Merlin hurried off.

As he was rushing down the stairs, Merlin bumped into Arthur...quite literally. "Merlin, you idiot! As useless as you are, I'd at least expect you to be able to watch where you're going. Why are you in such a hurry anyway? You'd better not be meeting up with Gwen or something",he grumbled, annoyance laced into his voice. "Sorry, sire. I'll look where I'm going next time!"

It was only then did Arthur realise Merlin had bags with him. "I'm going back to Ealdor, I know I have a duty here, Arthur, but I have to look after her, she's my responsibility." Arthur's face dropped, "you mean you're going back? She can't be that ill! I need you here,Merlin." A grin settled itself on Merlin's face, "you need me? Arthur I'm flattered that you think so highly of me but I must be going." Blushing slightly the prince replied,"that wasn't a compliment. I..I just think that George is boring. You keep me on my toes, even if you are an idiot. And if you really wish to go to Ealdor, let me come with you." "No!..I mean no, you have a lot of duties here...in Camelot." Arthur pondered over why Merlin was acting so shady but he dismissed it. "Fine, be back soon", he spoke reluctantly. "I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone", said Merlin. Arthur hoped what Merlin had said was true since he did miss his manservant dearly when he was gone, not that he'd ever admit it. "You'd better be, Merlin. You'll have a lot of catching up to do when you're back!"

Merlin smiled one last time and left the Prince without his presence. He dodged through all the servants in the castle and made it to the stables where his horse was. Making sure he had everything he needed, including the big load of extra food Gaius had packed for him, he settled himself on the saddle and made way for his village.