Heavy is the Head ▻ Merthur

SIX - The Last Stars

Three days had passed.

Arthur's leg had healed sufficiently enough that Gaius approved the journey the Prince was to embark upon; however, he still gave Merlin strict instructions to keep an eye on the wound, and convince Arthur to stop if necessary - as if Merlin could.

Nonetheless, Merlin had nodded and waved goodbye to his mentor as he mounted his steed and waited upon Arthur, bidding his uncle farewell.

Dawn had broken over the horizon, shell pink and faintly gold as the division left Camelot; Arthur in the lead, followed by Merlin and the knights. The castle walls were lit by the first rays of the day, shining through a thin layer of grey cloud like a stain glass window, throwing a soft, golden hue over the group of men as they headed into the forest, Nottingdale bound.

In the brisk autumn morning, the steady, rhythmic harmony of hooves beating the ground was uplifting to the knights as they joked and jested. Finally, they could return to pursing Morgana; and moreover, it was heartening to have their Prince recovered and reunited at last.

The trees overhead were a riot of colour, as auburn leaves pirouetted down invisible spirals of breeze, spinning through the air as they fell around the trotting convoy. Under shafts of faltering light, hindered by soft-spun cloud, a lonely wanderer might have been surprised to see Prince Arthur leading a group of knights through the forest - but alas, there was no one around to notice.

A bright sky and steadily-rising sun promised a fine day of travel for the seven companions.

The day progressed with ease; as evening began to draw near, a chill crept into the air and twilight cast an eerie glow over the trees.

Enough ground had been covered that Arthur felt it acceptable to stop and make camp, as the sun dissolved behind the hills and the woodland birds whistled their final songs before retreating into thickets and shrubs.

"Do you think we'll find her in Nottingdale?" Sir Elyan inquired later that night, looking over the dancing flames at his comrades in the darkening dim. There was no need for anyone to ask whom the woman in question was - it was understandably kept reserved, as even her name struck discomfort within the knight's hearts.

Arthur shook his head and Merlin looked up from the blanketed forest-floor where he knelt, feeding the fire with the abundance of fallen leaves that surrounded them.

"No? Then why the hell are we out here?" Gwaine ridiculed humorously, throwing his hands in the air to indicate the encircling trees and the charcoal sky above - already beginning to twinkle with the first few stars, who inquisitively peered down at their camp. Leon was relieved that Gwaine had kept his word; there had been no more reckless quips towards Merlin or the Prince about their lawless love.

Arthur rolled his eyes and grimaced at Gwaine, tilting his head so his jawline protruded handsomely - at which Merlin struggled to drag his gaze away. His cheeks burned; though with embarrassment, desire, or the warmth from the flames, he wouldn't tell.

It had been incredibly difficult - for Merlin and Arthur alike - to act themselves around the knights. Both struggled to relax and enjoy the company, fearful that one or the other might let something slip; even something as simple as a friendly joke or an overly warm word which might hint at their affections for one another.

Merlin found it easiest to cope by not saying much at all - concerning the knights, who wouldn't admit that they missed the servant's relentless, mindless chatter - whereas Arthur feigned complete nonchalance; laughing and mocking, even teasing Merlin like usual.

All of the knights were seemingly oblivious to Merlin and Arthur's turmoil - as well as their conspicuous attempts to conceal their yearning for one another - or so the couple thought.

In fact, it was quite the opposite; unknown to the duo, the knights regularly shared knowing, impish glances with one other whenever they noticed Merlin staring longingly at the back of Arthur's head. Gawain would secretly grin at Percival every time he caught Arthur glancing over his shoulder at Merlin, or nod to Elyan when the Prince spoke in a soft voice to his servant.

Unwittingly the fools, Merlin and Arthur desperately worked to keep their passion from the very people who knew most about it.

"Though I doubt Morgana herself will be in Nottingdale, I do believe that she would have passed through, leaving evidence and sightings for us to investigate." Arthur retorted firmly. Gawain nodded despondently and Elyan looked glum; noticing this, Arthur smiled reassuringly and continued. "But I am certain we will find... something. This trip won't be a waste - we'll be on Nottingdale's borders this time tomorrow."

"And Camelot-bound only days later." Leon added, holding his hands out before the flames.

"Hopefully bearing news of Morgana's whereabouts." Lancelot finished - to which Gawain raised his flask with a hearty cheer. His optimism was infectious, and soon everyone else joined in, grins etching their faces as they swayed in time to Percival and Gawain's merry, drunken chorus.

Merlin watched from afar, his eyes flickering over the ruddy faces - lingering on Arthur's, just for a second - his own heart drunk on content as he enjoyed the comical sight. He loved Arthur with all his heart, and the knights were loyal and true friends.

Afterwards, in the depths of the night - as everyone else slept soundly beneath the constellations, sprawled around the glowing embers of the campfire - Merlin crept out of camp to relieve himself. On his way back, he paused and stared up at the sky in wonder and awe.

The sight was dazzling; a full-moon shone silver and luminous, a brilliant orb of white radiance unfettered by clouds, hanging in the sky like a pearl necklace. Stars twinkled and danced about the inky blackness - so deep and impenetrable, without a cloud to scratch the flawless expanse - scattered like freckles, forming faint patterns that Merlin could sit and identify for hours.

However, - the cold creeping into his bones - Merlin dropped his head and returned to the camp, his heart light with joy, his mind at peace as he slipped underneath the blankets, smiling to himself in the darkness.

Had Merlin known that that was the last time he might ever see the stars, he would've taken a second longer to appreciate their beauty.

Alas, a blind man cannot see what is to come.

a/n - oooh,,, foreshadowing,,,,,,,

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This chapter was the last of the calm; next chapter is kicking off all the fun ;)

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