Llama~Chan: I hope lots of you reviewed last time. ^^ A crying Merlin isn't something people would want to be guilty of.

Arthur: Yeah…and I'd rip apart any who did.

Merlin: -blushes- …A-Arthur… (:

L~Chan: Erm… great Arthur, you…you do that… O_o

Uther: Llama~Chan doesn't own Merlin or any of the characters, which is good seeing as she's making a mockery out of my son. ¬_¬

L~Chan: =B heh, heh.

Morgana: Enjoy! ;)

Fatum Specto: Chapter 3

Merlin was upset. No matter how much he tried to deny it himself, he was miserable. His second day on the job and as quick as he'd gotten it,

POOF!

He'd lost it. He'd run away from Arthur's chambers, leaving everything behind and trying to forget what had happened between them with every pound of his footsteps against the cold, stone floor. His vision blurred, reminding him of the tears that had yet to fall from his blue eyes. He was confused. So, so confused, he didn't know what to do anymore. Merlin didn't think this was included in the destiny the Great Dragon told him about…well, whatever this was. His heart pounded in his chest as his blood rushed around his body and pulsed in his ears, his loud pants the only thing he could hear.

"Without you Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there'll be no Albion." The words spoken by the Great Dragon echoed in his head. He didn't want to do this anymore, he no longer wanted to carry the burden of his great destiny. Merlin wanted someone else to take it, stuff all this destiny rubbish, he wanted out. He wished he was back home and that he had never met Arthur.

"None of us can choose our destiny Merlin…And none of us, can escape it." Merlin stopped running and rested outside Gaius' chambers. Maybe he couldn't escape his destiny or even choose it, but Merlin could just as easily ignore it, like he never knew of his task. He would turn his back to it all, to Arthur, just as the Prince had done to him. Merlin straightened his back and blinked away the tears, he would no longer care, he'd carry on with his life as normal.

Merlin breathed out nervously and walked through the doors. Gaius was sat at his bench reading when he looked up at Merlin with curiosity in his eyes, Merlin felt the tears brimming up again as he looked away from the old man's kind face. However, Gaius seemed to notice something was wrong. After Merlin closed the door he ignored Gaius' stare and walked towards his bedchamber,

"What's that on your face?" Asked Gaius as he put his book down on the bench, his glasses perching on the end of his nose. Merlin felt his cheeks and sure enough there were wet trail marks of his tears as they ran silently down his face. He looked further away in shame,

"Nothing." He croaked out as he began to stride towards his room once more.

"What's wrong?" Asked Gaius.

"Nothing." Merlin said quickly as he escaped into his chamber and shut the door behind him. Tired from the running Merlin couldn't be bothered to walk over to his bed and just simply slouched against the door and slid down its surface and landed in a crumpled heap on the floor. He buried his head in his hands and let the tears flow free. Why? Why was he cursed with magic, and such a cruel destiny? A sob escaped him as he wiped away the tears. 'Come on Merlin.' He thought, 'It's not the end of the world.' He calmed himself and soon enough, the tears stopped.

Merlin sighed. Arthur was a stupid, stupid, attractive prat. There was no reason for Merlin to be crying over him, after all Merlin was just a mere servant, Arthur was free to fire him if he so chooses. So then…why did he do that?

Merlin groaned.

Why did he stop? Arthur had confused him so much, at first Merlin had hated him, then he tolerated him because of their entwined destiny. But then…things began to get more strange, Merlin felt attracted to women and occasionally some men, Arthur was one of those men. But his attractiveness paled in comparison to his incredibly large ego…so, why did Merlin like Arthur so much? Merlin sighed once again and ran a hand through his hair.

It was because of the person who Arthur was underneath all that royalty which made Merlin feel attracted to Arthur. He'd only caught glimpses of the true Arthur but even so, they were wonderful. Merlin knew that as a Prince, Arthur had a tough life ahead of him and he had to make good impressions on Nobles and Knights for his Father and for Camelot. But the jealous side, his somewhat arrogant side and even his drunk side were all beautiful in their own unique ways.

Merlin scowled and covered his head with his arms as he leant his chin on the tops of his knees. He was beginning to have a headache with all this deep thinking about Arthur. He stood and walked over to his bed and flopped down on it with a sigh, he was hurt at the dismissal tonight. He thought he'd done something wrong or that possibly he'd moved an object with his magic while he was… preoccupied. But no, Arthur had just realised what he'd been doing, with Merlin, his manservant, instead of some pretty chambermaid. Merlin's pride had been crushed not to mention his feelings too.

Merlin's eyes fluttered closed, well now he was going to forget about Arthur and his destiny. Merlin had enough, he was giving up at the first hurdle. Besides, this way would be easier for him to forget any feelings he had possibly felt for Arthur Pendragon.

However, no matter how easy it was to say he was going to forget Arthur, his mind was plagued by him nearly half the night, preventing Merlin from getting any sleep. Sitting up in bed Merlin yawned, if this happened from now on he'd be dead before he could forget the Prince's name. There was only one thing Merlin thought he could do at this point, he needed any type of guidance or advice, but seeing as Gaius was asleep…

It was time to visit the Dragon once again.

At the cave…

Now that he was stood there Merlin was beginning to think it wasn't such a good idea to come visiting again. For one thing it was absolutely freezing and there was no sign of the Dragon not matter how loud he called, the torch he held flickered as he squinted out into the darkness.

"Where are you?" Merlin called out desperately. "Just let me tell you, whatever you think my destiny is…whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do…You've got the wrong person!"

He was met with silence.

"That's it," Said Merlin as he edged back the way he came, he surveyed the cave desperately but there was still no sign of the Dragon. "Goodbye." He turned his back and walked away quickly, disappointment settling in his stomach, what was he to do now?

"If only it was so easy to escape one's destiny." Boomed the Dragon as he flew down to land in front of Merlin, stopping him in his tracks as he turned quickly.

"How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me?" Asked Merlin as he cringed at the memory of him and Arthur in the Prince's chambers.

"A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon, you shall learn that." Replied the Dragon as it settled into a seating position.

"Ah great. Just what I needed, another riddle!" Merlin shook his head, he really, really didn't need all these fancy words and predictions from the Dragon right now.

"But your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth."

Merlin paused.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked puzzled.

"You know young warlock, this is not the end…it is the beginning." Merlin stared at the Dragon in thought and before he could ask anymore the Dragon flapped its big leathery wings and soared back into the air. The thick chain jangling as the ankle it encased moved vigorously,

"Just give me a straight answer!" Shouted Merlin as he watched the Dragon fly away. In low spirits Merlin left the cave knowing the Dragon would speak to him no more that night, he didn't know why he'd bothered to visit him. Now, Merlin was left even more confused than before. His and Arthur's path was entwined? In what way? Merlin's head protested, he needed sleep and all this thinking about such complicated subjects wasn't going to help him.

But now Merlin knew one thing for sure. It was going to be even harder to ignore his destiny and Arthur from now on.

In the morning…

"Merlin! For goodness sake boy get up!" Shouted Gaius as he stormed into the room in a flurry of brown robes. Merlin startled a wake and sat up in bed, his head ached and he groaned immediately laying his head back down on his pillow as he ran a hand through his messy hair.

"What time is it?" He asked.

"Time for you to get to work, that's what time it is." Said Gaius. "Arthur will have you thrown in the stocks if you don't get up now. Your far too late as it is." Merlin cringed at Arthur's name and closed his eyes.

"There's no need."

"What?"

"Arthur fired me from my job as his servant yesterday."

"Good Heavens! Why?"

Merlin fell silent and didn't answer.

"Well get up. I need you to help me with some chores today." Said Gaius as Merlin groaned. Couldn't he just stay in bed for once?

However, Merlin never got his lay in and was up and about taking Nobles medicines for this and that or collecting mushrooms from the nearby forest. A few times Merlin would stop near the arena to see if he could see Arthur fighting but he never did. But he did see Valiant showing off his talents once more, Merlin was about to walk off when he saw a flash of green strike Valiant's opponent, striking him down to the floor. The crowd cheered as Merlin stared at Valiant's bright yellow shield, he could of sworn he'd seen one of the three snakes, that decorated the shield, come alive. Merlin shook his head, he was just tired that's all and as he was about to once again move away he saw Arthur walk into the arena to face an opponent.

Arthur's face was set into a hard mask and his lips were pressed into a hard line. He looked how Merlin felt, but no matter how abrupt the Prince had been to him Merlin couldn't help but stare a moment longer than necessary as the Sun shined down on Arthur. It made his hair glow like a golden halo was placed on his head, or even a golden crown.

"Huh…Arthur is the once and future King who will unite the land of Albion." For a moment Merlin believed what the Dragon had said about Arthur's destiny of being a once and future King. He even glimpsed the man Arthur would be in the years to come, as he stood proud and strong looking at his subjects as they cheered him. Arthur's opponent had yet to step forth, maybe he was still being fitted into his armour, but because of this Merlin could see Arthur become sort of restless as if he wanted this over and done with. And then, Arthur turned his head…

And their gazes met.

It was like the banquet all over again. The same jolt of electricity shot through Merlin nearly making him drop his basket of mushrooms he was holding, his eyes widened and Arthur mirrored the action, as if he'd experienced it too. Merlin blushed and looked away breaking the connection, no more…he promised himself no more of this foolishness. He was going to forget Arthur, and god so he will. Merlin closed his eyes briefly and walked away in a hurry, he could feel the Prince's eyes boring into his back, but he didn't turn to look at him.

However, for Merlin the temptation became too much so he glanced back and met Arthur's gaze once more, he felt a tingle of electricity through him again but no where near as powerful as the first. Arthur's expression had changed to one that almost made Merlin believe the Prince was longing for him but he disbanded that thought and walked away backwards. Not willing to looking away just yet. Arthur saw this and took a step forward as if to follow him but the roar of the crowd grew louder as Arthur's opponent finally made an appearance. Arthur turned to look at the man he'd be facing and upon seeing him turned back to look at Merlin, but the boy was no where to be seen.

He had gone.

Merlin had run away yet again. Ashamed Merlin hid in a small alcove, away from prying eyes and unwanted attention…and just so he could compose himself. What in the Gods had just happened? His hands shook making the woodland mushrooms tumble around in the basket he held. He breathed out slowly to calm himself as his heart beat fast and loud in his chest. Merlin's eyes watered, why was it so hard to forget Arthur? He closed his eyes tightly and wiped away the tears with a free hand. Feeling slightly less shaken Merlin ventured out of his hiding place nearly barging into someone, after apologising he walked briskly back towards Gaius' chambers.

Once there he used his back to open the doors as his hands were full and saw Gaius looking after a knight, upon further inspection Merlin identified him as Sir Ewan. Gaius looked up quickly,

"What's the matter with you?" He asked. Obviously Merlin hadn't composed himself quite enough if Gaius still knew something was wrong, then he came to the conclusion that no matter how much time he spent composing himself Gaius would still be able to read him like a book. Gaius had eyes like a hawk for a man as old as he was.

"Nothing." Said Merlin, "I got you them mushrooms you wanted…What's wrong with him?" He indicated to the sick looking Ewan laid down on a bed.

"Ewan sustained an injury during his fight with Valiant this morning."

"Oh? What is it? Anything serious?"

"A snake bite."

"Oh, a snake bite…wait," Merlin paused. "Did you just say a, snake bite?"

Gaius nodded grimly, a slight confusion evident in his knowledgeable eyes. "Yes, I'm afraid so."

"That doesn't make any sense." Said Merlin puzzled as he set down the basket of mushrooms on one of the work benches. He joined Gaius where he sat next to the bedside of the ill knight. "Is it curable?"

"Yes if I find the snake who bit him I can make an antidote out of its venom." Said Gaius as he inspected the wound.

"How'd you think it happened?" Asked Merlin.

"I don't know. Unless…" Gaius trailed off and gave Merlin a knowing look. He stared at him quizzically and blinked a few times and things began to make sense,

"Unless it was magic." Concluded Merlin triumphantly. Gaius nodded at him and turned his attention back to the knight. Unfortunately Merlin's stomach chose that to moment to growl its own opinions and demand it had food, now. Gaius chuckled and pointed to a plate on one of his work bench's,

"Eat that." He said with a smile. "And then take my medicine's to the Nobles I've written on a list for you." And with that Gaius turned back around to tend to his patient. Merlin sighed at the work load he had to do and stood up to grab the half eaten sandwich from the plate and looked through the list of Nobles. Lady Morgana was the only name he recognised as he finished off the sandwich and grabbed the bright red apple from the plate. He put down the list gulped down water from the cup sat beside the plate and shined the apple on his cotton shirt. He took a bite and then gathered up several bottles and the list of names, he walked towards the door and paused before he tried to open it with his full arms,

"Thanks." He said as he escaped through the door. How Merlin managed to get the door open without dropping anything, he didn't know.

An hour had nearly passed by, Merlin still nibbled at the half eaten apple as he'd been too busy to finish it just yet. The only name on the list he had to visit now was the Lady Morgana, though he'd never spoken to her he'd seen her as well as that little miss hap the first day at Camelot at the banquet. He wondered if he'd see Gwen with her, as he vaguely remembered Gwen telling him she was her maid. He nibbled at the apple again as he gripped the medicine with his free hand along with the list. Hunger was no longer a problem now but he ate the apple anyway, very slowly.

Merlin walked past the armoury and stopped at the dark chuckled he heard. The door was slightly ajar, so Merlin hid behind the door and peeped into the room, Knight Valiant was sat on a stool with what seemed to be a cage of mice. They all squeaked in fright as he opened the cage and lifted one of them out, he smiled to himself and put the cage down next to him, reaching out he leant towards his shield. Alarmed, Merlin watched as the three snakes on the shield came to life and hissed at the delightful meal they were receiving, "Dinner time." Said Valiant happily as his hand lowered the mouse down towards the wiggling snakes. Disgusted and a little frightened Merlin backed away from the door, not before tripping over his own feet of course and dropping his red apple. The fruit rolled speedily towards the door and banged into it with a thud and rolled inside the armoury.

"Uh oh…" Merlin whispered as he got to his feet in a hurry. He heard the familiar whooshing sound of a sword being drawn out of its sheath, scared now he turned and fled down the corridor and straight into the castle not once looking back. Merlin panted as his lungs burned for more air, he tightened his grip on what he was carrying , he ran up some stairs and came to a grinding halt in front of a large window. Merlin looked out and saw a view of the courtyard and sure enough he saw Valiant striding through the courtyard with his sword drawn out, looking for someone, for him. Merlin sighed in relief and remembering the Lady Morgana turned around and went in search of her room.

Once there he knocked lightly on the door, "Come in!" Shouted a feminine voice. He took a deep breath and walked inside, closing the door behind him he quickly surveyed the room. It was nicely decorated and better than any room he'd seen, apart from Arthur's, and he couldn't see Gwen anywhere. The woman from that banquet walked out of nowhere slightly startling Merlin, he bowed and said politely,

"I've brought your sleeping draft My Lady." He looked up at her and saw her smiling slightly.

"You're staying with Gaius?" She asked, Merlin nodded. "What is your name?"

"Merlin, My Lady."

"Nice to meet you Merlin, I'm Morgana the King's Ward." She walked forward as Merlin stood up straight smiling at her.

"Likewise, My Lady." This seemed to please her as she held her hand out for him to give her the medicine. When he handed it over to her she said,

"You're nicer than Arthur. It's good to see his arrogance hasn't tainted your good nature." Merlin blushed happily at the compliment and held back a laugh at Arthur's insult.

"I assure you, My Lady, I will not let him taint me in anyway." He smiled and bowed again as she laughed happily, he left with a small wave and made his way back to Gaius. Outside the afternoon sun burnt brightly as Merlin, happier than he'd been before, walked into Gaius' chambers.

"I've just seen one of the snakes on Valiant's shield come alive." Said Merlin bluntly making Gaius look up quickly. "He's using magic."

"Are you sure?"

"The snake ate a mouse, one swallowed straight down." Gaius' eyes widened slightly.

"So our assumptions were correct?"

"Yes, I believe so." Said Merlin, as much as he hated to say it, it was something he needed to do. "I have to tell Arthur."

"Wait, you can't go accusing a Knight of using magic without proof. The King would never accept the word of a servant over the word of a Knight." Merlin stopped in his tracks,

"So what I say doesn't count for anything?"

"I'm afraid it counts very little as far as the King is concerned, that's the way it is." Merlin sighed, although he was a little grateful for not having to visit Arthur now. He heard a noise and glanced over at Ewan,

"Gaius!!" He called, as he pointed to the Knight. Ewan was shaking and trembling, he whimpered as the venom within him ran its course. Gaius rushed over to settle him but it was no use, within a few minutes he was dead. Merlin stood there shocked and horrified as Gaius sadly closed the Knight's eyes and murmured an apology, he looked at Merlin who was as white as a sheet.

"Go outside Merlin, get some fresh air." Merlin looked at him, "I can handle the rest." Merlin looked at him gratefully and escaped outside into the courtyard, he sat on some nearby steps, situated at the entrance to the Castle and put his head in his hands. He'd watched a man, die and did absolutely nothing. He breathed out shakily and looked into the sky, it was a cheerful afternoon, the sky nearing a red colour as the sun began its descend behind the hills he had walked over when he first arrived in Camelot.

"Hello Merlin." Said a soft voice. Merlin looked up at Gwen,

"All right?" He asked half-heartedly. Gwen sat next to Merlin and the pair sat in silence for a few moments,

"How is Sir Ewan?"

"He's dead."

Silence reigned once more.

"Are you okay Merlin?"

"I'm fine Gwen." He smiled at her slightly. "You needn't worry." He looked away, Valiant was cheating in the tournament with magic and killing people on his way to the top, soon he might even be facing Arthur in the final, he was the only to save Arthur but he can't. "How's the tournament going?"

"Arthur will be facing Knight Valiant in the final tomorrow." She said proudly. Merlin cursed in his head, what was he to do now? He looked away from her once more and his eyes landed on a white, medium-sized dog statue, the object suddenly gave him and idea as he remembered the spells in that spell book Gaius gave him. Merlin stood and walked towards it, "Where are you going?" Called Gwen as she followed him.

Merlin clicked his tongue in thought as he looked at the statue before bending down and deciding to carry it, but he wasn't the strongest of men and couldn't lift it at all. Gwen stood beside him and watched bemused, he turned to her, "Do you have a wheelbarrow?" A few minutes later he wheeled the dog statue into Gaius' chambers making the physician look up in puzzlement as he tidied away the bed covers, Merlin looked at where Ewan had been resting and sure enough the bed was tidy and empty.

"What're you doing with that?" He asked.

"I'm going to let everyone see the snakes for themselves." Replied Merlin with a grin as he managed to steer the wheel barrow into his room up some steps. Once in his room Merlin closed the door and retrieved the spell book out from underneath a loose floorboard, he sat on the bed and flipped through the pages. He paused and pointed out the right spell to himself and mumbled it quietly, he practised saying it a couple of times before allowing himself to pull on his magic and succumb to its warm embrace. However, when he directed the spell at the statue it didn't work, so he tried again and it still didn't work and the time after and the time after that. Merlin was beginning to get really tired as the sun outside set and darkness crept in through the window along with the moonlight.

Merlin didn't even pause for a break or for food, he just chanted the spell over and over, directing his hand towards the dog statue, spreading his finger wide as if his magic would spill out from the tips of his fingers. He sighed and rolled his eyes, he knelt next to it and whispered the spell into the dog's stone ear, as if somehow it would hear him and come alive as if from a long sleep. As you could probably guess that technique didn't work either, Merlin simply stared at it suspiciously as if it would turn real as soon as he turned away. Standing up he chanted the spell once more, when it failed he groaned and launched the book onto his bed, it bounced slightly and nearly fell off when he joined the book on the bed. Flopping onto his back Merlin sighed deeply, this was hopeless, 'Why am I doing this anyway?' He thought, 'I promised myself I wouldn't care about Arthur and here I am…saving his life, again.'

Merlin was beginning to become desperate, no matter how hard he tried the spell would not work. He was exhausted and worried, he was the only one who could save Arthur besides himself, and that's when it hit him. Maybe he should visit Arthur and warn him about the fight tomorrow, maybe the Prince would listen to him and take him up on his word, and maybe…pigs could fly. Like Gaius had told him, a word of a servant meant nothing but, Merlin had to give it a try, so he snuck out without a word to go visit Arthur.

Outside Arthur's chambers…

Merlin was scared. He was stood outside Arthur's chamber door and couldn't move, he trembled as he withdrew the hand he had settled on the door handle and clenched it into a tight fist beside him. 'I can't do this.' Thought Merlin, 'I can't face him.'

"I no longer require your services." What Arthur had said to him that night repeated in his head over and over. "Yes, now get out of my sight!" He sighed to himself and stepped away from the door before stepping forward once more, he had to do this to save Arthur's life, if he died Merlin would never forgive himself. Merlin heard movement beyond the door and imagined Arthur pacing around his chamber or even lightly swinging his sword around in thought and for some practise. Merlin leant against the rough wood as if he was trying to feel Arthur's presence,

"Arthur…" He whispered to the wood, silently hoping Arthur would hear him. All sound of movement ceased to exist making Merlin stiffen in shock, had he been heard? He held his breath, the door in front of him shuddered as if another body was also leant up against the wood. Which was true as Arthur leaned against the door with his ear against the wood, he'd heard someone, he'd heard Merlin.

"Merlin?" Arthur whispered back. He heard an intake of breath as Merlin panicked, Merlin stepped away from the door and spun on his heel just as the door opened, Merlin pounded down the hallway and didn't look back. "Merlin!" Shouted Arthur as he stepped out into the corridor. Merlin stumbled at the sound of his name and risked a glance behind him before bolting around the corner and back towards Gaius' chambers. Arthur stood rigid with shock, why had Merlin paid a visit to his chambers only to stare at the door? Had Arthur hurt him that much? And then he remembered earlier when he'd seen Merlin carrying that basket and looking towards him timidly and that bolt of electricity running through his veins like liquid fire. And how Merlin had run away as soon as Arthur had looked at him. Yes, it was his own blasted fault that Merlin couldn't bare the thought of facing him, let alone speak to him ever again. He walked back into his chambers and closed the doors and stood in front of the grand fireplace, he placed a hand on the mantelpiece and leant against it heavily. His head full of thoughts of Merlin, Merlin, Merlin Valiant, Merlin, Merlin, Merlin , sleep. Arthur yawned, it was a big day tomorrow as much as he hated Valiant he silently wished the man good luck, he needed it if he was going against himself. Arthur undressed and climbed into bed.

One thing hadn't changed, Arthur's arrogance was still as annoying as ever.

In the morning…

To say Merlin was tired was an understatement. He was absolutely exhausted. He'd stayed up all night practising that spell…all night. Merlin lifted his head up tiredly and warily stared at the statue through his lashes as his eye lids drooped. The statue however, was still a statue despite how hard he tried he had failed, not only himself but also Arthur and not to mention the whole of Camelot. Needing sleep Merlin couldn't help but droop his head to stare through blurred eyes at his magic book in his lap. He was sat down leaning against his bed and couldn't help but close his eyes and he mumbled the spell to himself, the sound of his own voice and his tiredness lulled him into a state of relaxation. 'Just a few minutes.' He told himself as he yawned, 'Rest for just a few…minutes…'

And just like that, with one last mumble of the spell…he was asleep.

Outside Arthur had just started his fight with Valiant, the Prince's death getting closer and closer with every swing of his sword, and only Merlin could save him. Outside his bedroom door, Gaius waited for him so they could rush and save the Prince. In sleep Merlin felt he was forgetting something, mumbled words echoed in his dream the words becoming clearer until they formed a spell. It all rushed back to him then, Arthur, Valiant the snake shield that wasn't what it seemed.

Merlin awoke, and together with the faint voice in his head chanted the spell, as if they were the only words he knew, the only words that ever existed.

"Bebeode pe arisan cwicum. Bebeode pe arisan cwicum." He was aware that he was slurring the words, the sounds of his voice blending together turning his chant into a magic mantra. His magic blossomed forth and glowed within him, making his skin prickle with the warmness of it, he felt his eyes burn gold even though they were closed. Merlin suppressed a shudder as the magic flowed through him and stopped, as a low growl made itself heard.

Confused, Merlin hesitantly opened his eyes, not wanting to see the cold statue staring back at him reminding him of his failure in front of him. However, the sight that met his eyes when he looked up wasn't of an immobile statue but that of a living breathing, Doberman dog. Again the animal growled, louder than before fully awakening Merlin out of his sleepy haze. He stood up quickly and reprimanded himself that maybe choosing a dog statue wasn't the brightest idea he ever had, and quickly escaped his room just as the dog began to drool as it observed him like food. Closing the door behind him, Merlin sighed gratefully as a light fuzzy feeling of euphoria overtook him, Gaius stood up impatiently,

"Well?" Snapped Gaius.

"I, did it…" Said Merlin in a daze. "I did it!!" He grinned happily as dog barking sounded out behind him from his room. Merlin looked at Gaius sheepishly as muffled sounds of the dog scratching the door was heard.

Gaius smiled at the boyish expression, "Arthur's fighting Valiant." He told Merlin, meaning: 'Get yourself down there right now before I make you.' Turning serious Merlin nodded and walked towards the door,

"I know, I'm on my way." He walked out before backtracking into the room. "Whatever you do, don't go into my room I'll deal with it later." And with that he'd gone, his destiny pulling him with such force there was no time for slowing down. When Merlin arrived at the arena, he saw that Arthur had the upper hand in the fight against Valiant, the crowd cheered happily as every swing of his sword pushed Valiant back to the far side of the arena. Knight Valiant wasn't going to give up too soon however, as he twisted out of the way of Arthur, making the Prince 's sword have a mind of its own. The sword ripped Valiant's jerkin as the crowd gasped and watched on, Arthur's sword was wretched out of his grasp, by his surprise at the sudden movement, and clattered to the ground.

Seeing his chance, Valiant lunged forwards and rammed his snake shield into Arthur's shoulder, making him stumble backwards and lose his breath. The crowd began cheering Valiant's name, making Merlin as well as Morgana and Uther scowl. However, Arthur had said he had been trained to kill since Birth so he recovered quickly, he dodged Valiant's attacks, seemingly light on his feet for such a big build. In a few moments Arthur lunged for his fallen sword and brought it up in time to meet Valiant's as the Knight had planned to charge him from behind. A few more parries and Arthur brought his sword up to Valiant's chin, making the man's neck fly back with a loud, and quite sickening, crack, effectively fetching off Valiant's helmet. The crowd applauded ecstatically as Valiant nearly toppled over, but he soon regained his balance.

Merlin watched in horror as Arthur also removed his helmet and chucked it to the ground, the crowd gasped, as did Morgana, at the noble gesture. Merlin readied is magic, gathering it up within him but not yet tapping into it, he needed to wait for the right moment… it wasn't long before, a couple more of well handed blows and shoves began to back Arthur into a corner. The Prince tried to twist out of the way but Valiant stamped on his foot and swung his shield up with brutal force, hitting the side of the Prince's head. Arthur staggered and went down, he tumbled to the floor with a crash as Valiant neared the Prince with his sword held high.

In the stands Morgana tensed and clutched Gwen, nearby Merlin waited in panic. Had he waited too long? But Arthur rolled out of the way as Valiant's sword buried itself in the earth. He growled as he yanked it free and circled the Prince who was now without both shield and helmet. Their swords clashed in an almighty frenzy as desperation began to settle in, because of this Arthur swung his sword too wide leaving himself open, Valiant lunged and sent Arthur's sword spinning away to hit the ground. Without a pause Valiant bellowed and slammed his shield into Arthur, swinging his sword down. Arthur blocked Valiant's sword arm instinctively which left him more open than before as he was slammed backwards into the walls of the arena. Merlin's eyes widened as he saw red eyes glowing from the shield, he was too late! The shield was facing away from the King so the snakes wouldn't be able to be seen. But Arthur had also seen the red eyes and with all his might pushed Valiant away from himself, Valiant spun and was about to renew his attack with the shield now facing the Royals.

Merlin grinned, this was his moment. Lifting his arm up he stretched out his figures, turning his palm towards Valiant's shield as he let his magic flow freely within him. Yes Arthur had been a prat, yes he'd hurt Merlin's pride. But Arthur was also his destiny, he was the only one able to protect him, it was his duty to Arthur, to Camelot and also himself. The words left his lips before he even thought them, so familiar now that they rolled of his tongue easily.

"Bedeode pe arisan cwicum!" He chanted as is his magic spiked happily as the last syllable was spoken. For a moment Merlin thought it hadn't worked and was expecting failure but, the snakes eyes flashed a bright red and sprung forward off the shield. All three of its heads hissing wildly as they looked at Arthur, who in turn widened his eyes at the sight of the snakes. Valiant panicked,

"What are you doing?!" He shouted, "I didn't summon you!" Uther sat up straight in his seat, amusement no longer shining in his eyes,

"He's using magic." He said, "Guards, seize him!" The guards barged their way through the crowd but there was just too many frightened people to walk through. Arthur smiled humourlessly as he circled Valiant,

"And now they see you for what you really are." He said.

"I guess that means I won't be going to the feast." Replied Valiant as he tightened his grip on his sword, "But neither will you, kill him!" The snakes leapt forward and Arthur felt panic rise up within him,

"Arthur!" Called Morgana. He turned just in time to see her throw a sword at him, he caught it effortlessly and spun round to face the snakes. Quickly he stepped forward and sliced the heads off all three of them, Valiant scowled and lunged towards Arthur. But an armed Arthur is a dangerous Arthur, Valiant's anger made him careless and it seemed all too easy for Arthur to step forwards and slip his sword straight under Valiant's breastbone. Shocked the Knight stumbled and leant on Arthur, the Prince leaned forward and whispered in his ear,

"Looks like I'm going to the feast after all." He wrenched his sword from Valiant and stepped away, now with nothing keeping him upright Valiant crumpled to the ground and faded into nothingness. Arthur stood triumphantly and faced the crowd as they cheered for him, but he couldn't find the one face he was looking for, no pale complexion nor big ears in sight. Arthur turned slowly and stopped as he glimpsed the boy he'd been looking for, Merlin met his eyes without any fear or regret. They stared at each other for a moment before Merlin's face broke into a huge and happy grin, his face laced with relief. He'd done it, by God he'd done it.

The feast…

The feast was just as boring as the reception in Merlin's opinion, as he stood quietly by the buffet table. Since the tournament he hadn't seen or spoken to Arthur though he did feel himself wanting to, just to reassure himself that he was actually okay and him winning was not a figment of Merlin's over active imagination. He poured himself a goblet of wine, now that he no longer had to serve Arthur he was here at his own leisure with Gaius who had wandered off somewhere when Merlin wouldn't pay attention to him. As Merlin's head was just full of Arthur, Arthur, Arthur, Arthur, and ooo! was that goat's cheese? but mostly Arthur.

"Can you believe Morgana?" Merlin froze and looked up at Arthur timidly, "She says she saved me, like I needed any help." Merlin tried to suppress the smile that crept up onto his face at Arthur's horror of being aided by the King's Ward and a woman no less! The amusement died however and its placed settled an awkward silence as Merlin sipped at his wine, eyeing the goat's cheese appreciatively and occasionally sneaking peeks at Arthur out of the corner of his eye. If Merlin had observed more carefully, he would of noticed Arthur doing the exact same thing to him. "I wanted to say… I made a mistake." Said Arthur as he too poured himself a goblet of wine. "It was unfair to sack you." Merlin blinked slowly, taking in all that Arthur had said.

Well…this was as close to an apology he would get. Merlin smiled warmly, his hurt pride seemingly healed as he looked at Arthur glowing in the candlelight, his Crown settled in his golden locks. "Don't worry about it." He said, "Buy me a drink, we'll call it even." A trace of what seemed like consideration crossed Arthur's face before the Prince met his eyes and frowned,

"I can't really be seen buying drinks for my servant." He said. Merlin nodded, that was true but then it settled in… wait what?

"Your servant?" The surprise evident in his voice, "You sacked me." Arthur grinned,

"Now I'm rehiring you." Merlin smiled gratefully, "My chambers are a complete mess, my clothes need washing…" The list went on as Arthur walked away from the table, drink in hand as Merlin followed him in disbelief. The both of them had walked out of the hall before Merlin knew it, walking a little way down the corridor before Arthur, unexpectedly, pushed Merlin into a dark, tiny alcove hidden in shadows.

"S-Sire?" Merlin asked breathlessly as Arthur leaned forward. Whispering in his ear, Arthur said,

"Tonight, meet me in the stables in an hour." Merlin made a confused sound, "And don't be late." With a quick kiss to Merlin's ear lobe Arthur marched away back to his chambers, abandoning the feast in the Great Hall, while Merlin blushed happily as he smiled.

Now that wasan apology he could live with.

Hope you liked this chapter! :3 See you all soon!

Love you xx

P.S: Sorry if Merlin seemed a bit OOC, but his pride was hurt by our dashing Prince Arthur. ^^

P.P.S: Please review before the slash dragon eats you. =D