It took three days for them to get back to Camelot. During that time, Merlin's bandages were changed four times, as well as the wounds being cleaned and having Percival's makeshift, but effective, burn salve applied.
They passed empty town after quiet village after deserted dwelling. Nothing but animals ran free around. The group only hoped that the majority of the house owners were safely somewhere else.
Merlin could feel the passive magic of the Druids everywhere, removing protection wards from around their camps spread through the forest. Merlin was glad they were safe.
On the final night, only hours ride from the castle, Merlin and Arthur had situated themselves away from the rest of the knights. They watched the stars through a break in the trees above them, a flask of something, let's say stronger than water, between them. The last empty village they had come across before coming here, Gwaine had found a few bottles of wine that, with Arthur's begrudging permission, they had brought with them.
Warmed by the fire beside them and the wine in their blood, the two sat in peaceful silence, their legs covered by both Arthur's cloak and Merlin's newly acquired blue coat.
The other knights had turned in for the night, besides Leon, who was standing guard for now, beside the other fire the knights had set up, which began burning down to its embers, not that anyone noticed.
Merlin glanced around subtley before taking the other man's hand in his left, interlocking their fingers beneath the covers. Arthur looked over with a soft smile on his face and whispered, "I was beginning to the think you had forgotten."
Merlin leaned his head on his partner's shoulder, reminiscent of the first night.
"Never."
YOU ARE READING
To See You Smile - Merlin
Hayran KurguMerlin offers to sacrifice himself in the place of his King. After being wounded, the Knights and his King rally round to support their best friend, their brother.
