His Majesty and His Knights

Recovery

The first time Merlin woke up, it was only for a few moments. He could hear people talking about him. "He drained himself," a gruff voice said. "He's very powerful, but even he has limits. He's lucky to be alive." Merlin opened his eyes to try and find the source of the noise.

"He's waking up," said another voice. This one was more feminine and soft. Everything was blurry, but Merlin could see a woman with light hair standing over him. "Merlin," she said, "are you awake?"

Merlin wanted to answer, but was pulled back into the realm of dreams.

The second time Merlin woke up, he tried to get out of bed, what was held down. "It's okay, Merlin," someone, a man with brown hair, said. "Rest. Everything is alright."

Merlin was confused and disoriented, but did as the man said.

The third time Merlin woke up, it was longer than before, but still very brief.  A woman with long brown hair was wiping his forehead while another woman with wavy black hair was holding his hand. "Mgana? 'Lizabet?" His voice was rough from disuse.

"We're right here, Merlin," Morgana smiled. 

"How long?"

"A week," Elizabeth told him. 

"Oh."

"Get some sleep, Merlin," Morgana said, placing the wet towel next to her and running her fingers through his hair. 

"But..."

"Merlin."

Merlin closed his eyes and did as he was told.

The forth time Merlin woke up, there was no one else there. Slowly, Merlin moved into sitting position and then stood up. He looked around the infirmary.  It was very similar to Gaius' room. Merlin saw who he assumed to be the head healer fast asleep in a chair. Quietly, he crept out of the room, careful not to wake her. He was surprisingly not tired.

Merlin made it exactly four steps out the door when Lancelot came running at him. "Merlin! What are you doing out and about? You should be resting!"

"But I feel fine! I don't think I could sleep if I tried!" Merlin protested. "And I'm starving," he added.

Lancelot ran his hand through his hair, which was slightly longer than normal, Merlin noticed. "I'm going to be in so much trouble for this. C'mon. Everyone's meeting for lunch."

They had barely stepped into the dining area before Merlin was bombarded with questions on how he was feeling and why the Hades was he out and about and Lancelot what in the blazes were you thinking letting him out of bed. 

Morgana came and stood by Merlin's side and waved everyone back. "He's obviously fine, seeing as he walked all the way here from the Healer's chambers. Let's just all sit down and eat before we put Lancelot in the stocks."

Lancelot's eyes widened. "Put me in the what."

Balinor laughed. "Lady Morgana is correct, I suppose. Come on, son. We have some catching up to do."

Merlin nodded wordlessly as he was led to an empty chair to the left of his father, who sat at the head of the table. Morgana sat next to him, and Elizabeth next to her. Selene sat on Balinor's right, with Lancelot next to her and Gwaine beside him.

"So... What happened?" Merlin asked.

"You drained all of your power," Selene said. "Your magical core was nearly empty."

"We were very lucky that you survived," Morgana added. 

"Well, I feel fine," Merlin said. Morgana put a hand on his cheek and closed her eyes.

"Your magic feels strong." Morgana opened her eyes. "We were worried that you would never be able to use it again after the battle."

Merlin raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"We were lucky that you survived," Elizabeth said, speaking for the first time."

"You really had us worried there, mate," Gwaine grinned.

"We're just glad you're okay," Lancelot said, looking sincere.

"Where's Arthur?" Merlin asked, just noticing the missing presence.

"He went back to Camelot," Balinor explained. "He has his duties to attend to, but wanted to be sent for as soon as you were fully healed."

"I'm fully healed," Merlin said, gesturing to himself.

"Then I suppose we'll send word to King Arthur."

"I can do it, my lord," Morgana spoke up. "I was planning to leave for Camelot tomorrow anyways."

"Maybe I could come with you?" Merlin asked. "So that then Arthur doesn't have to come all the way here."

"I don't see why not."

"We were planning to have your official coronation in a few days, though, Merlin," Selene said, "as Crown Prince."

Merlin thought about it. "Then I'll deliver the invitation myself. Uh, is Arthur invited?"

Selene laughed. "Yes, King Arthur is to be invited, as well as anyone else from Camelot that you would like to attend."

"Does that mean I can go?"

Selene and Balinor exchanged glances. "Alright," Balinor said. "But you must take Sir Gwaine and Sir Lancelot with you."

"Of course, sire," Lancelot said.

"That goes without question," Gwaine added.

Merlin grinned at his two friends and then thanked his parents profusely. Throughout the rest of their meal, the group informed Merlin of everything that he had missed in the weeks that he was unconscious.

-

Arthur paced his room. It had been just over two weeks and he had yet to get word of Merlin's survival. He was very worried for his friend. He never should have left his friend. Camelot would be just fine without him. 

Arthur was interrupted from his thoughts by the sound of horses galloping into the square. He walked over to his window. Outside were four people climbing off of their steeds. One was Morgana, and the rest were men. It was a bit difficult to see from far away, but he guessed that two of them were Gwaine and Lancelot.

The last one to get off of his horse was dressed like a knight, similar to Lancelot and Gwaine, but... was that a neckerchief? Arthur knew only one person who wore a neckerchief.

Arthur ran down to the square, meeting the group at the top of the stairs. "Merlin!" He shouted.

"Arthur!"

Arthur slowed to a jog and stopped in front of Merlin. He put  a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You're alive!"

Merlin glanced down at himself. "Yeah, I guess I am."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Oh come here." He pulled Merlin into a brief, totally manly hug.

"Yeah, I missed you too," Merlin laughed. He handed Arthur a folded up paper. "Here's word that I am alive." He handed Arthur another folded up paper. "And this is an invitation to my coronation."

Arthur read it. It was in a little under a week."Already?"

Merlin shrugged. "I had no say in the planning."

The group began to walk into the castle. Arthur had servants prepare rooms for Merlin and his knights. "I have just one last question," Arthur said.

"What's that?"

"Who the blazes wears a neckerchief with chain mail?"