Was it Worth It?

7. In The Hearts of Men

This chapter title is also the name of a fanfiction? I think it's a Merlin/Harry Potter crossover but I'm not sure. Also possible Gwaine x Percival if you think hard enough.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Arthur was back inside of the cave, staring blankly into the fire. He wished Guinevere was there, she always seemed to know what to do. He was surprised that Leon and Elyan followed after him, he assumed that everyone would be going to comfort Merlin. The knights sat on either side of Arthur, neither one knowing what to say. 

"Sire, I think that you should avoid talking to Merlin until we get back to the citadel." Leon said hesitantly. Arthur nodded numbly, he was far too confused to respond properly. They sat in silence until Elyan dismissed himself to gather everyone's bedrolls. 

Merlin didn't acknowledge Gwaine or Percival when they sat down. He just stared into the water, watching the small minnows swim around. Gwaine was the first to talk.

"Mate, what happened to you?" Gwaine said sadly, he wanted to know how to make his best friend better. Merlin sighed, he didn't know what to say. Words couldn't describe how he felt, so he didn't use them. He lowered his head and let the tears fall. Percival gently wrapped his arms around Merlin, pulling the sobbing boy to his chest. Gwaine watched his once bubbly friend cry for what felt like hours. When Merlin stopped he still stayed in Percival's arms, they were comforting. Gwaine was a little jealous but he shoved it away, Merlin needed comfort and he knew how nice being in Percival's arms felt. When Percival let go the warlock sighed and stared back out into the lake. The sun was going to rise soon. 

Merlin stared at the water intensely, the knights watched him in confusion. Suddenly, his eyes glowed gold and the water started to rise up. They watched in awe as it formed a lion, an elk, and an eagle. The elk was lying on the ground wounded, the lion stood in front of it, clearly protecting it, and the eagle was circling above, prepared to dive at any oncoming threats. Merlin smiled sadly as it quickly disappeared, he was too tired to use his magic like that. His friends looked at him in concern but he just waved them off and stood up shakily. They followed his actions, and slowly made their way back to the cave. By the time they got there the others had already fallen asleep in their bedrolls. Percival and Gwaine's were set out next to each other, while Merlin would have to sleep on the tattered rug. As the knights were settling down Merlin restocked the fire by hand, and laid down on the coarse fabric. As soon as his head hit the ground he was asleep. Gwaine and Percival scooted closer to the fire and fell asleep as well, their minds busy with the events of that night.

Morning came sooner than anyone wanted, Merlin was the first to wake. He quickly relit the fire and went to gather more food for everyone's breakfast. By the time he came back Leon, Elyan, and Percival were awake. Their heads turned to look at him, he had found some herbs and spices, along with fruits and vegetables. He also killed a rabbit for the meat. He did it as quickly and painlessly as possible, he never got used to killing for food. Merlin filled the pot with water from the creek and floated it over the fire so that water could start to boil. Gwaine woke up to the smell of the food while Merlin had to wake Arthur up. He focused and summoned a pot and pan from somewhere, he stood over the king and smirked mischievously. At the moment he didn't care that he and Arthur weren't on the best terms, he needed something fun to do to brighten the mood.

He started to bang them together while yelling loudly, "Rise and shine, sire!" As soon as Arthur bolted from his bedroll Merlin made the pot and pan disappear and smiled innocently. Arthur's head turned frantically trying to find the culprit, and when his eyes landed on Merlin they narrowed accusingly. Merlin just shrugged and smiled, going back to tend to the stew. Once everyone ate some food they got on their horses and rode the rest of the way to Camelot. Gwaine was back to telling tavern stories, but everyone was only half listening. Merlin was trailing behind the group, considering running way while he still had the chance. He had more dread this time than any other. Arthur was considering what would happen once they made it back to the citadel. He would definitely have a long talk with Guinevere before he made any serious decisions, no matter how hard he tried he just couldn't get his thoughts together.