Doing it Over

You're Back!

            Merlin walked into Arthur's chambers the next morning to help the prince get ready.

            "Rise and shine Arthur," he said, opening the curtains, "It's a wonderful day out, no time to stay in bed." He turned and dropped the tray he was holding. Arthur shot upright in bed, rubbing his eyes.

            "Merlin! What on earth are you doing?" he exclaimed.

            "Sure! You're back!" Merlin smiled widely.

            "What do you mean I'm back?" Arthur asked, "I never left."

            "Well not really. You were still you, but you weren't you, you are a different version of you and-" Merlin rambled.

            "Merlin?" Arthur cut him off.

            "Yes sire?" Merlin said.

            "Shut up and find me some pants."

            "Of course," Merlin hurried over to the wardrobe and pushed the children's clothes out of the way, grabbing some clothes Arthur had worn before he had been changed.

            "It's good you're back to normal sire," Merlin said, "I'm sure your father will be very pleased. But how did you do it?"

            "Do what?" Arthur asked, confused as to what Merlin was rambling on about.

            "Change back," Merlin said, "When you went to bed last night you were five years old."

            "I-" Arthur was about to tell Merlin he didn't know what he was talking about when it all came rushing back. The bandit in the woods, his nightmare, training with the knights, getting sick, his father being attacked...

            "Where is my father?" Arthur asked urgently.

            "He's fine," Merlin assured him, "The sorcerer fixed him, remember?" Arthur nodded slowly as his memories trickled back. He looked up as Merlin placed the clothes on the end of the bed and then turned away so Arthur could get dressed. Arthur fumbled with his clothes, his hands felt big and awkward and it took him longer than usual to get dressed.

            "Alright," Arthur said and Merlin turned back, "Let's go find my father." They walked out of his room and down the hall.

            "So, you don't know how you managed to turn back?" Merlin asked.

            "No clue, but I'm glad to be back," Arthur said. They reached the door to Uther's chambers and Arthur knocked. They waited a few moments and then Uther opened the door. The king stared at them in shock for a moment, not believing what he was seeing.

            "It's really me father," Arthur said and Uther's face broke out into a grin.

            "Arthur," he said and then pulled his son against him, "But how...?"

            "I don't know," Arthur admitted, "I woke up this morning and I was back to normal."

            "Well this is good news," Uther said happily and then looked at Merlin, "Go fetch Gaius, I want him to make sure my son really is back to normal." Merlin nodded and left at once and the king turned back to his son, clapping him on the back.

            "Oh my son," Uther said, pulling Arthur to him again, "I am so glad to have you back."