Chapter 2.

Merlin upon arriving back at Camelot had gone straight up to see Gaius the Court Physician and his mentor. Gaius hadn't seen Merlin smile for weeks since the king's death. But every time Merlin entered the room Gaius looked up hoping to see Merlin's handsome smile on his face again. Again Gaius was refused the smile. "Where have you been?" Gaius asked.

"Nowhere." Merlin replied glumly.

"Where's nowhere?" Gaius asked, already knowing the answer.

"The lake of Avalon." Merlin answered still in the same glum tone.

"Merlin. You must understand this. Arthur's never coming back." Gaius said consolingly.

"I know. I do understand. But it's hard. I j-just w-wish that there w-was s-something I c-could have d-d-done." Merlin replied, tears rolling down his cheeks. Gaius got up and hugged him. "I know. I know."

There was a knock on the door. Gwen came in the room. "Hello Merlin. Hello Gaius."

"M-My Lady." Merlin stammered, tears still rolling down his cheeks which were red with embarrassment at the Queen having caught him in this state.

"Whatever is the matter Merlin?" she asked, having noticed the tears.

Merlin furiously rubbed his eyes to get rid of the tears. "N-Nothing my lady." he said, but the traitorous tears betrayed him by flowing down his cheeks.

"Well I can see it's something. Tell me." Gwen replied.

"I-." Merlin started but the words got stuck in his throat. He tried again. "I just wish there was something I could have done. Some way the save him. I just miss Arthur so much." he sobbed.

"We all do." Gwen said, patting Merlin on the shoulder consolingly, "None of us could have done as much for Arthur as what you did those past few days before he...... died."

Merlin smiled sadly. "It wasn't enough."

"You did all you could, and I'm sure Arthur was very grateful for that." Gwen replied. "Gaius there is to be a council meeting in a matter of minutes. But I could excuse you if you wish." she looked at Merlin with sorrow in her eyes.

"No. No. I'll be there." Gaius replied, "Will you be alright for a while on your own?" he asked Merlin.

"Yeah. Yeah, I think I'm going to get an early night anyway." Merlin replied.

"What about supper?" Gaius asked.

"I'm not that hungry." Merlin replied going to his room.

"That's when you know he's really upset." Gaius said to Gwen.

"I wish there was something I could do to help." Gwen said, looking at Merlin's closed bedroom door.

"So do I." Gaius said. They left the room to go to the council meeting.