chapter thirty-two!
032. two sides of the same coin

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    ODETTE WAS tired. She was tired, and she was so hungry. She had forgotten what it was like to be this hungry. And she thought she could handle it▬give what she could to those who were less fortunate than she was. But in the end, she found herself lost. She couldn't steal food from the kitchens, Morgana didn't have anything she could secretly pass over to her young handmaiden from her breakfast platter, Guinevere had no smoked pigeon sandwiches. Merlin had no strawberries to sneak away. Most girls her age had someone to go. They had a roof to hide under from the harsh weather, a bed that was their own to sleep under▬whether it was thin blankets or silk sheets. They had a father who would give them his food instead and kiss her forehead, telling her that he was proud of her for her generosity. They had a mother who hugged them and tried to defy the heavens, begging the Lord to take their hunger from them; to suffer so they could not.

    She had nowhere to go▬she didn't have a specific home. Four walls that had a bed that was always hers, and food on the table. Odette called the castle her home, and it was, but at the same time, it was not. She worked it. She scrubbed the floors and nearly dropped to exhaustion as she woke up into the early hours of the morning whenever Morgana had a night terror. She was always working▬she never stopped.

    And yet, somehow, she always seemed to find herself back here. Outside of Gaius's chambers. When it got too much, Odette found herself here. 

    She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, feeling herself ready to drop. Odette reached out and knocked on the door. 

    "Come in," she heard the voice echo from inside. 

    Odette took a deep breath and pushed the door ajar. She peered inside. Meeting Gaius's gaze who glanced up, she pursed her lips. He frowned, stepping away from his worktable, "Odette?" asked the physician. "What is it? Are you ill?"

    She shook her head. "No ... I just ..." Odette stepped inside, fragile. "I'm just ... sorry. I'm sorry, I'm just ... I'm tired and ... and this was the only place I ..."

    Gaius's frown lifted. Odette often used to think that she annoyed the court physician. She had been this little girl that was passed off to him when her mother couldn't look after her, no matter how hard she tried. Even now, here she ended up, passing herself off to him▬hovering around▬, when she couldn't look after herself, no matter how hard she tried. 

    "I'm sorry," she said again, growing emotional. "I tried▬I didn't want to▬I should be with Morgana but I just ... I'm so tired ..." Odette slumped, ashamed, "... a▬and I'm so hungry ..."

    The physician pursed his lips. He gazed at this young handmaiden in his doorway, and all he saw was girl who believed all she had in this world was herself. 

    A hard shell around Gaius's heart always softened when she showed up at his door. 

    He sighed and stopped everything he was doing. Odette watched him, hesitant as Gaius made his way over. She frowned until he held out his arms and her brows lifted. The young girl hitched a small sob and let herself fall into Gaius's hug. The physician rocked her, rubbing her back. And Odette relaxed. 

    She didn't realise she had fallen asleep until she woke up and found her head resting on a pillow. Odette frowned. She was sluggish, but she shifted underneath the thin woollen blanket. Her heart jolted, startled as she thought the worst▬that she had drifted off for too long. But when she tried to get up, a wave hit her that made her light-headed, and her eyes became a vision of a grey snowstorm and she fell back against the pillow, weak. 

    Then heard something creak beside her. She glanced over and watched Gaius sit down beside the cot. With him, he carried his physician bag. "Here," he murmured to her. He passed over a vial remedy and helped Odette to sit up. "I'm afraid food is as scarce here as anywhere else, but ... this should give you some strength."

    It tasted quite disgusting, but she forced it down. "I'm sorry," Odette mumbled again once she did. 

    The physician shook his head, taking it back from her once she finished, "You have nothing to be sorry for," he told her sternly and she hung her gaze. 

    "Thank you," mumbled Odette. She managed a sheepish smile. Gaius matched it and squeezed her shoulder. 

    "Have a rest," advised the physician as he stood back up. Immediately, as she went to protest, Gaius set a steel eye on her, "Rest, Odette. I will explain to Morgana."

    The young handmaiden pursed her lips. She wanted to argue and object, but her exhaustion got the better of her. Odette welcomed the feeling of lying back down and falling asleep before even a gentle breath escaped her lips▬and amongst the soft boil of Gaius's potions over a small open flame, the sound of him shuffling around, the echo of the castle bell in the distance ... Odette felt safe enough that she fell into a deep, calming slumber. 

    Odette dreamed she was running through the castle hallways. She heard the laugh of her younger self, nearly tripping over her own two feet as she ducked fast around the corner. Her heart paced with excitement▬pounding against her chest as she glanced over her shoulder and gasped with delight; she pushed her little legs to run faster, giggling as she rushed down the stairs. 

    "Stop!" she heard Ronyn call after her, sounding just as giddy. Even though he was thirteen by now, chasing after a nine-year-old, he was filled with a childish glee as if he hadn't aged a single day before her. "Odette▬!" he jumped down two steps at time. "We'll get in trouble!"

    "When have you ever▬" Odette danced around on her toes, shooting Ronyn a mischievous glance, "▬cared about the rules?"

    "Since you decided to steal from the kitchens!" he caught up to her, long-legged and lanky▬he was thin for a boy who was learning to fight with a sword. Odette remembered the days when Ronyn looked so awkward, still growing into his legs and his arms. 

    "It will be fun!" declared Odette, and it bewildered her to hear how similar her voice sounded back then to how it did now. "And we will get to eat pies!"

    She held her own wooden sword, shaking it with determination as if she was leading armies into battle. "We shall have a feast fit for a King!"

    Ronyn matched her rushed jog, puffing out in exasperation, "If we are caught, you will surely be flogged."

    "Don't be silly!" scoffed Odette, not holding a single bad thought about this world. "No one will see us."

    "You might lose a hand."

    "Please, that is dra▬" she stopped in the hallway, her lips pursing together as she tried to pronounce the new word she heard Arthur call her the other day. "Dra ..." Odette huffed, growing easily frustration. "Drama▬ugh! You know what I mean."

    They had reached the door of the Prince's chambers. Odette skidded to a stop eagerly right in front of it, holding her breath and reaching out to rap her knuckles on the door. Ronyn glanced around them, making sure that no one passed them in the hallway. 

    "Arthur!" Odette called through the door, impatient. She knocked a few more times▬quick and urgent. "Arthur...!" She tried to peer through the cracks in the wood, fingers spread out against the oak. "Arthur!" she demanded into the glimmers of light inside. "Arthur▬ah!"

    The nine-year-old squealed when the door opened and she fell forward, her palms smacking on the stone floor. Ronyn snickered at her misery. Her sword skittered out of her fingers and landed at in the shadow of Arthur Pendragon's boots.

    He peered down at her through low hanging strands of blond hair. At thirteen, the Prince of Camelot was already growing into a boy quite handsome. "Seriously?" he grumbled at her, exasperated. "It is early in the morning▬what do you want, Odette?"

    Odette scrambled back onto her feet, "Arthur!" she greeted with a bright grin, her heart pacing all over again to be close to him. "Arthur▬we are going on a quest!"

    "To the kitchens," added Ronyn dryly. 

    Arthur made a face. "Odette," he said in the posh voice he always put on these days. Setting his hands on his hips, he jutted out his chin in a chiding manner to the young girl in front of him. "I am a Prince, I cannot go on childish adventures to the kitchens with a girl. That would be gross and not at all royal etiquette."

  She had no idea what etiquette meant, but she knew he was disagreeing just by his tone. Odette pouted and crossed her arms. "Please?" she asked him with her best sweet, innocent and pleading stare. 

    He turned up his nose, as if disgusted by the very sight of her. Though at the way the Prince's gaze kept darting back and forth between her and the wall, she knew she was going to get her way in the end. "No," he stated stubbornly. "Boys▬Princes▬do not play with girls. I am going to start training to be a knight, soon! I will be too old for such foolish things."

    Odette slumped, "Arthur..." she whined. "You need to be the knight that leads the quest!"

    "Why can I not be the knight?" Ronyn frowned, suddenly upset. "I am always the stupid bumbling poet..."

    "Because," the young girl turned to her friend sternly, "that is the way it has always been. You are the poet who retells our adventures, I am the princess and Arthur is the heroic knight that succeeds in his quest. We need you, Arthur. It will not be a quest without the knight."

    Arthur stared at her blankly, "To steal food from the kitchens?"

    "Yes," stressed Odette, "because the evil sorcerer has stolen the grand feast of the King, and so we must rescue it and bring it back before the banquet!"

    She stared up at him pleadingly once more, and in the end, Arthur relented with a grumpy sigh, "Fine," he threw his arms up and dragged Odette outside. She followed with a grin and a little skip to her step. "But this is not my idea of fun!"

    Odette woke up yet again. This time, there was a breath of smile on her face. She was in Gaius's spare chamber now, tucked up in thin blankets on Merlin's bed. She sighed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes▬she already felt better after not just the remedy the physician had given her, but to finally let herself rest.

    When she glanced over, her brows furrowed▬but then they lifted, pleasantly surprised to see Merlin sitting there, waiting for her to wake up. 

    Odette's heart lifted and she was gifted with enough energy to smile, "Merlin." She sat up, hugging the pillow to her chest and resting her back against the stone wall. Her hunger forgotten, the young handmaiden greeted her best friend with delight. "You are back."

    He frowned at her, concerned. The warlock leaned forward in the seat he had taken from the main chamber, "Are you all right, Odette?"

    "I am better," she admitted, giving him a sweet tilt of her head, "now that you are here."

    Merlin gave her a sad smile in return. "You were going to drop eventually." The attempt at a chiding tone fell away, and all that weighed down on his tongue was genuine worry. "At some point you have to think of yourself. Especially right now."

    Odette sighed a little, closing her eyes and shaking her head. Quiet, she told the young sorcerer a breath of truth: "I have no time to stop and think of myself. I have ... I do not have anywhere where I can think of myself."

    "That is not true," her friend shook his head. He took her hand and squeezed it, "Odette, you always have here▬" he nodded to the chamber around them. "You are welcome to call this place home whenever you need it. You always have here to come back to. And you have me," then added Merlin, determined. "You will always have me. If you are not prepared to look after yourself then I must look after your wellbeing instead."

    The maid chuckled, light-hearted until she felt something rise up in her throat. She swallowed the harsh feeling down and clutched on tighter to Merlin's hand. Odette pursed her lips, pushing back tears. She has had many miracles in her life▬people who have given her second chances, and have taken her under their wing; had tried to take care of her. And she appreciated them more than anything. She owed her life as it was now to Gwen, especially. But not since her mother died did Odette feel a breath of▬well▬home until she met Merlin. Of family. 

    You will always have me, Odette found it absurd that she anyone would stay around her for so long. She had been given not even a week with her parents, she had lost her real mother too young, she had been cast out and pushed in the shadows. She had been left, gazing out of a window for the greater good. She couldn't imagine how someone like Merlin, whose destiny was far greater than her own▬was the making of a legend, she very much knew ... could ever want to stay at her side; promise it. 

    She knew that he will have to leave her, one day, like everyone else. But Odette realised she did not want him to. She took a deep breath and mumbled, truthfully: "You will always have me."

    Because he will. For as long as she will live, Odette had made that promise. Whether it be at his side, or from afar▬the young handmaiden was always going to be there for Merlin. 

    Odette shuffled along and Merlin understood. He squeezed onto the bed with her, pressed shoulder to shoulder, but never feeling more comfortable. 

    She felt him sigh against her, crossing his arms and slumping his head onto her own that rested on his shoulder. "You did not tell me where you and Arthur rode out to this morning?" Odette then asked him. 

    Merlin slouched with a breath of sadness, "I fear it does not bring good news. Arthur and I searched Anhora out▬I thought we had managed it. But ... but Arthur ... he failed the second test. And now▬and now Anhora said that Camelot will be cursed forever. There is no saving it."

    Odette's breath hitched. There were many troubling thoughts that went through her mind. But in the end, every worry narrowed down to one, stomach-churning question: "How is Arthur?"

    The Prince's manservant shook his head against her own, "Not good." He sighed again. Solemn as the air that settled around them, Merlin muttered: "I know Arthur's stubborn and pigheaded ... and annoying, but he cares about his people. More than he cares about himself. And this ... it has destroyed him."

    She agreed. Odette shuffled closer to her friend and murmured, "Underneath it all ... he is a good person, and he has a good heart. He is fair▬he is loyal. He is caring and he is kind. The last thing Arthur would ever want to do is to hurt any of us. He is ... he is quite a loveable person, when he is himself. I do not care what Anhora has said, or what he might believe: Arthur will make a great King one day. And he will have a kingdom to rule over▬he has not lost his quest, not just yet. He will do anything to help his people."

    Merlin just pursed his lips, "The mood he is in? I am not sure what he will do, now..."

    "He will do the right thing," said Odette without any hesitation. "I know he will."

    The young warlock shifted his head, lifting it to stare at the young handmaiden▬his gaze glinted with a curiosity that was shrouded with mystery; for such a clear blue stare, Merlin held a depth of unknown waters in his eyes. She supposed that was what made him seem so wise and yet so young. "You really believe in him."

    It wasn't a question, and yet it wasn't a statement either. Merlin breathed out a realisation▬one that made his own view of Arthur change from that day on. For here Odette sat beside him, and she believed in Arthur Pendragon. She believed in him knowing is flaws, understanding his troubles and keeping his secrets that Merlin was not privy to. Odette believed in her Prince by seeing between every single crack and past every single stone barrier▬she caught onto every smile, every chuckle, every good part of Arthur that he tried to hide, and trusted it to show when the kingdom needed it▬for him to show compassion, and kindness, and humility as well as courage, and diplomacy ... Odette saw a King where there was still a boyish Prince. She saw this without the promise of a legend from some Great Dragon, like Merlin had forced himself to focus on every time Arthur made him grit his teeth and want to give up. She saw this without knowing whether he will be all she believed ... she just had unconditional, beautiful, undying hope. 

    It was not the Great Dragon, now, that gave Merlin knowledge on what he was fighting for to see Arthur become. It was Odette that made him sure; that finally made him truly believe in Arthur Pendragon, too. 

    Merlin didn't need to change Arthur, like he originally thought. He was already who he needed to be, he just needed someone to show him that he was capable of it. He needed Odette just as much as he needed Merlin. Perhaps even more. 

    It made the young sorcerer say, "You should speak with him."

    Odette frowned at this, "Me?" she asked.

    Merlin nodded. He was sure. "He will listen to you."

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    WHEN ODETTE felt a little bit more strength, she took Merlin's advice and made her way to Arthur's chambers. She didn't know how she felt, seeing that strange, glimmering look in the warlock's eyes when he said to her: he will listen to you, like he knew and understood something she didn't. Odette always had that feeling around Merlin. She wasn't sure whether it was his magic, or it was just him who gave off this belief that he has been on this earth far longer than he truly has▬but it made him seem so knowledgeable; so wise. It made Odette believe whatever reason he held and listened to it, feeling as if though Merlin represented some higher power▬that his magical gifts held an understanding of this world, and all those who live in it, including her, far greater than she could even begin to know. Or maybe it was how Odette knew he would have talked to Arthur▬he would have advised him and been there for him in a way that was more than his manservant, more than a loyal subject: a friend. But instead, he seemed to decide that she was who he needed in this moment. 

    And that left her a little uneasy. Because no matter their little moments in the shadows, and her doomed feelings, Odette didn't understand what this meant. 

    But she pushed past them and knocked on the servant entrance to his chambers. She barely heard his answer▬it sounded distant and meek. Odette gently pushed open the door and found him sitting at his table, slouched and upset. He played with his quill absent-mindedly, scowling at the feather with a gaze shrouded with guilt. When he heard her step inside, he glanced upwards. 

    Odette held her breath for a moment before she muttered: "Merlin told me what happened..."

    Arthur hung his head again. He dropped his quill onto the wood and leaned forward to set his elbows against his table. He rubbed at his brows, tired. Then, the Prince took a deep breath and met her gaze, "I failed."

    She shook her head but he scoffed, "I had a chance to break this curse," said Arthur miserably. "I had a chance to end my people's suffering and I failed▬because my pride was more important." He sat back in his chair, defeated. "I failed all of you. The curse will never be broken, now."

    Odette stepped towards him. Her hands were shaking, but she clenched her skirts to hide it. For once, she had to be brave for Arthur▬she couldn't show her fear for what was going to happen now. "I do not believe that."

    He sighed, "It does not matter what you believe and what you do not, Odette..." the Prince picked at the edge of his chair arm; fingers brushing along the brass knob. "We must all face the truth. What comes to pass is entirely my fault. I failed to protect this kingdom, and you will be the ones that will suffer for it."

    "There must be another way to break the curse," the young handmaiden stubbornly told him. He closed his eyes, not believing her. "This cannot be the end▬you cannot give up. You will have a kingdom to one day rule▬"

    "And what King will I be?" Arthur looked up again, a breath of frustrated anger huffing from his lips. Odette faltered, feeling some part of her stagger to see such a broken look in his eyes. Arthur Pendragon swallowed the lump in his throat. "A King is wise, he is a statesman. He is understanding▬he is strong and he protects his people. Me?" he scoffed lightly. "I am a fool. What future King puts his own pride before his people? What future King endangers the life of his people▬is the reason they suffer?"

    "You are not a fool," the handmaiden crouched down beside her Prince, resting her hands on the arm chair. It was something so gentle▬so intimate that was beyond the boundaries between them. But Odette did not think of it, she did not care, she just set herself under his gaze▬giving him no chance to refuse to meet it. "No great King becomes such without learning from his mistakes. He becomes great, he is not born great."

    "You are right," Arthur pursed his lips. Then, he shook his head once more, "but I am not that. Every time I try to do the right thing ... all I ever seem to do is just make things worse. And now, the worst is not even yet to come▬" he set his jaw; he looked ashamed▬as if he had disappointed her, and that hurt him almost just as much. "My father is going to stop distributing food to the people ... you will all be left to starve ... it is ... it is all my fault ... I'm sorry, Odette."

    Her brows lifted, not sure what to say. He apologised to her, not just his people. But in a way, apologising to her was the same thing. He was her Prince. One day, he will be her King. And she will be his subject▬she was the struggling mother desperate to feed her child, she was the elderly beggar on the street. He looked at her and he thought of everyone he had to protect ... or failed to protect. 

    She knew his people thought highly of him▬believed in the change he will make; believed in the promise of hope he held without even realising. They believed and loved him, even if he did not think so of himself. 

    Odette set her jaw and grasped his hand. Her fingers latched around his knuckles, small but with a tight grip. He blinked, staring at the movement with a hitched breath. In this moment, she did not care who they were▬she just wanted him to listen; to know that he capable of the responsibility thrusted upon his shoulders. 

    "You have not failed," she told Arthur. "And you will not fail. When there is still breath in the body of the people of Camelot, there is still hope. If you want to save your people, Arthur, you will."

    Arthur gestured to her, "Did you not listen?" he said▬stern but he held no energy for anger. "I failed the test. There is none more. I do not get a second chance."

    Odette shook her head. She squeezed his fingers, determined, "You and I both know that magic is not that simple. There is always an alternative in the mind of a sorcerer. You just need to ask Anhora for it."  

    The Prince sighed, "If he had wanted to lift this curse, he would have done it by now. He does not care for the people of Camelot."

    "He said it was in your power," Odette urged. She started to see something shift in Arthur's gaze. "Perhaps this is the real test all along▬when all has seemed to have failed, you still refuse to give up on your people. You never give up on your people, Arthur. You care for them, you love them▬you would do anything for them. Show the sorcerer that."

    Her grip softened, eyeing the fresh determination in his gaze. Odette bit back her smile. She brushed her thumb along his hand, not even thinking. "Okay?" she added, soft and sweet.

    She started to pull her fingers away, but then Arthur brought his other hand towards her own and gently covered hers within the warmth of his left palm. Odette stared at it, her heart picking up a jolting pace that left her chest fluttering with a wonderful feeling. She could feel his gaze bore into her, and slowly, she lifted her own up to meet it. 

    Odette caught her breath, not sure what was going to happen next. Whether she will walk away or stay▬and if she stayed, what would follow then? Why did she want to risk it?

    She pursed her lips. With a careful breath, she managed to slip her fingers away. "I should be with Morgana," said Odette. She walked away, leaving him be▬as she knew she always must. 

    But instead of returning to Morgana's chambers, Odette ran back towards the Court Physician's tower. She was breathing heavily, her heart racing as she sprinted through the servant hallways. Once she reached where she needed to be, she burst out the door and took the rest of the journey up the winding staircase▬she did not stop once she was in front of Gaius's rooms. Odette didn't even knock. She pushed open the door and rushed into the chambers.

    "Merlin!" she called, startling Gaius by his worktable. 

    The physician nearly dropped his crushed herbs. "Odette!" he chided the handmaiden for her sudden entrance.

    She heaved, shuffling in further▬Odette set her eyes on the antechamber. "Merlin!"

    The sorcerer stumbled out almost immediately. He struggled on his leather jacket, "What?" he demanded, distressed at the tone of her voice. Merlin met her in the middle. "What is it? What's wrong?"

    Odette grasped his arm and tugged him closer to the hallway, "You must find Anhora and demand him to give Arthur another chance. He will prove himself worthy now, I am sure of it."

    Merlin nodded. He looked a little breathless, but without another word started towards the exit. Odette thought of one other thing, "Merlin, wait▬!"

    The warlock skidded to a halt and glanced back. Odette took a breath, settling herself to mumble a soft, desperate plea, "Look after him."

    Merlin frowned, but soon, he gave her a slight grin that told her everything will be okay. "You know me," he promised the young handmaiden, "I will."

    Odette nodded as well. She smiled and set her dearest friend a thumbs-up▬a gesture of good luck. Be safe, she mouthed to the warlock. 

    Then, with another smile, Merlin ducked out into the hallway. Once he did, closing the door behind him, Gaius slowly turned onto Odette with a piercing brow raised▬demanding the same thing as he always did with them: answers.

    And as always, Odette was never sure what answer to give. Instead, she breathed a sheepish chuckle and shrugged her shoulders. Gaius sighed and turned back to his work with a slight shake of his head. 

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    AS SOON as Merlin got Arthur his final chance to save his people from their suffering, the Prince was on his feet. He had never seen him so eager▬so determined to do something; snapping at him to be quick with his armour. He didn't ask for it to be polished, or for his chainmail to be cleaned. He put on as it was▬no pride, no shine; he had been humbled, and now, Arthur Pendragon was going to do everything he possibly could to make it up to his kingdom. 

    The only thing, Merlin didn't want him to go alone. As soon as he finished the final strap, he tried to stop the Prince in his immediate march to his chamber door, "Arthur, wait▬" he rushed after him, "▬let me come with you, you don't know what form the test will take. I might be able to help▬"

    "You are not coming," stated the Prince, curt. He turned to his manservant who shook his head, stubborn. "Merlin," he walked back up to him, "I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it or die trying."

    Merlin scoffed at this▬his chest jolted with a sudden fear. "Oh, a▬and how does you dying help anyone?"

    Arthur stammered. He clenched his gloved hands, "I▬" he knew Merlin was right, but he wasn't going to admit it. Nor was he going to listen. His people meant more to him than his own life, despite the fact that his own life is important to keep for the good of his people. "I will die knowing I did everything I can."

    Merlin was not going to let him sacrifice himself. Not just because it was his destiny to keep Arthur safe▬but because he didn't want his friend to die. "I am coming with you."

    "Merlin," said Arthur again, growing annoyed. The sorcerer pursed his lips, huffing a frustrated breath. "You are to stay here and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?"

    He waited for Merlin to answer. He knew his servant was more stubborn and impulsive than a young bull. But what he didn't know was that Merlin was very good at lying, even if he did his best to make it seem if he was not. He nodded, sighing and stepping back. Arthur set his jaw. Satisfied, he started off at a storming march out of his chambers. Merlin heard his chainmail and armour echo down the corridor. 

    He waited a few moments before following. 

    The manservant kept a good enough distance from the Prince as they left together in the blazing afternoon. Arthur had no idea that where he went▬the pathways he cantered and the slopes he descended towards the Labyrinth of Gedref, Merlin took them just a few moments after. The warlock rode into whatever battle they were going to face without a sword, or without provisions▬just his courageous heart and magic to guide his way; to make sure that no matter what test Anhora had placed upon the Once and Future King, he would return home to live the next day. 

    Merlin had made a promise to Odette, he had made a promise to Fate▬but he had also made a promise to himself. To Arthur▬even if he might never understand, or know it. 

    The Labyrinth of Gedref was located far down the slopes at the shores of the Great Seas of Meredor. It was a day and a half ride without stopping▬and neither did either of them stop. They raced their horses through the Darkling Woods, following the mountainous pastures surrounding the White Mountains and descending, far through the gorges where they followed the river beds all the way towards the ocean. Merlin was tired, he was hungry and he could feel his stomach twisting painfully as the hours continued on. His horse was similar▬the gelding he had taken from the royal stables grew irritable the longer they trekked. Most of Arthur's steeds were trained with the stamina for long trips, but when hungry like the rest of them, even pacing between a walk, a trot and a canter, Merlin's horse was getting weary. 

    But he wouldn't let them stop. He pushed through the exhaustion, the desperation and the want to drop onto the river shore and let the water drift him away. He pushed on, letting his stubbornness guide his determination to reach the end. 

    When he finally trekked up the final slope in ferocious wind and spitting rain, Merlin saw a valley shrouded in storm clouds. At the foot of the mountains, stretched a maze with no end; twisted and turning further and further out to where a hazy, blue stretch of ocean played at Merlin's stare▬glimmering in and out of existence. He could smell the ocean air even from here; drifting out with the wind to sting at his nose until it filled his lungs with something fresh and remedial. It reset his senses and his mind, giving him a taste of the endless freedom instead of the four-wall bustle of the city. 

    Merlin noticed a dot walking down the sloping pathway to the maze. The glint of armour and chainmail told him it was Arthur. 

    He waited until he had disappeared within the maze before he made his way down. He tethered his horse beside the Prince's mare and wandered to the towering stone entrance; eroded with age. Merlin took another deep breath of the ocean air. Then, he stepped forward into the winding hedge corridors. 

    Merlin wandered the twists and turns, trying to use more than just his eyes to tell him where he should go. But there was something distantly magical about the Labyrinth of Gedref▬as if the hedges that blocked not only a straight pathway to the other end, but also his ability to see through the leaves. When he tried to charm them to tell him where he must go, they did not listen. His spells fell dry off his tongue. 

    He clenched his hands and continued on, realising he would have to find Arthur without any magic▬but his own mind. He tried to gaze up and follow the sun, keeping to the left of the hedge maze. Merlin listened to the roar of the distant ocean and tried to feel the wind ... and without realising, the servant and the Prince walked side-by-side▬one in the light of the sun, and the other in the gleam of the moon: they were two sides of the same coin. The man who will one day become King, the head that will wear the crown ... and his loyal subject: the young warlock who will follow him at this tail, wherever he may go. 

    Merlin was cut short from his winding pathway when he noticed something strange out of the corner of his eye. Instead of taking the left turn, the warlock spun to the right, and livid anger billowed within his chest to see a figure draped completely in white. 

    He gritted his teeth, seeing the blade Anhora held. Furious, he stormed up to the ancient sorcerer▬he brandished a finger, "You said Arthur would face a test," snapped Merlin. "And here you are preparing a trap for him."

    Anhora slowly turned to face him. He lowered his blade until it pointed a stiff line to Merlin's heart, "The trap is not for Arthur," he said in that even, quiet voice. "It is for you."

    Before Merlin could act, a spell slipped from Anhora's lips and the next thing he knew, his back hit the leaves of the maze wall. Merlin struggled, trying to kick his legs and free his arms from the roots that wrapped around him, tightening with a grip he could not fight▬slowly swallowing him into the green ferns.

    He shouted a spell▬it wouldn't work. He didn't feel the burn in his gut that told him his command had been adhered to; instead, Merlin grunted and tugged ... until the maze around him turned into nothing but blackness, and he was enveloped into the enchanted hedge. 

    Merlin didn't know how long he had been out. He came to at the wisp of an ocean breeze. His cheek scratched wood; he frowned, slowly pushing himself up to find himself sitting a small table at the end of the maze. He glanced around, seeing the rock shores of the sea; the waves crashed against the pools around him, spraying him with salt water and foam. 

    He was not tied, but in the corner of his eye, he saw Anhora standing still on the ledge above. He stared him down, holding his twisted wood staff instead of a blade, but Merlin knew that the sorcerer did not need restraints, or a sword, to keep him where he wanted. 

    He gritted his teeth in frustration, setting his gaze forward. Only then did he notice the two goblets sitting in front of him. They were brilliant to the eye▬shaped by expert hands into a gleaming, gold surface and jewelled brim filled with rubies and sapphires. One sat in front of Merlin. The second sat directly opposite him, where lied an empty seat. 

    Merlin heard heavy armour and chainmail step towards him on the rock. He glanced up and held his breath, a little ashamed to see Arthur staring right back at him. He was supposed to be the one to make sure the Prince stayed safe▬instead, here he was, in need to be rescued. 

    Arthur set his jaw, "Merlin?" he let out, surging forward angrily. His brows furrowed at the table and the two jewelled goblets. Then, he noticed Anhora's shadow. He clenched his grip tight around his sword hilt.

    "I'm sorry," was all Merlin could manage to say.

    Arthur narrowed his eyes. But any words he wanted to say▬or curses▬to Merlin left his mind as soon as they came. With a short sigh, he turned to the sorcerer standing guard and demanded: "Let him go. I will take your test, but not until he is released."

    "That is not possible," said Anhora. "Merlin is part of the test. Please, sit."

    The Prince gritted his teeth once more.

    "If you refuse the test you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed."

    Arthur took a sharp breath through his nose. He sat himself down opposite his manservant who peered at him▬sheepish▬underneath his low-hanging black hair. He angrily set his blade between them. 

    "I thought I told you to stay at home," he grumbled at Merlin who only pursed his lips, looking down at his fingers. Arthur rubbed at his brow, leaving him be. "All right," he told the ancient sorcerer. "Let's get on with it."

    Anhora took a step towards them, "There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet▬a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet."

    Arthur made a face. He glanced at Merlin who was hauntingly still▬and realised that this sorcerer had dragged his manservant into a test that would end up with one of them dead. He clenched his jaw▬for once, he wished for a servant who would just listen and do as he was told. "What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?!"

    "What it proves is for you to decide," said Anhora calmly. "If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted."

    The Prince rubbed at his brow once again, at a frustrated loss. He couldn't let Merlin die▬not for him. 

    His manservant leaned forward, frowning at the goblets set out between them. "Let's think about this," he murmured. "What if I drink rom my goblet first?"

    "If it is poisoned you will die," Arthur grumbled. 

    "And if it is not then you will have to drink from yours and you will die," Merlin sighed. He scratched the back of his neck, looking as though he wanted to knock both goblets off the table in fury. He soon pressed his hands on either side of cheeks, staring down the clear liquid at both rims. "There must be a way around it."

    Arthur rolled his eyes. He sighed to himself. He watched his servant brooding carefully, and couldn't explain the feeling in his chest to see him so determined to get Arthur out of here. He remembered when Merlin had drunk that goblet back at the feast with Bayard of Mercia, knowing it was laced with poison to save Arthur's life▬and here he was again, willing to do the same. The Prince knew he didn't deserve it. 

    "It is perfectly simple," he muttered. As he did, Arthur realised there was only one outcome he will accept. He knew what he must do▬Merlin must be the one to live. Arthur couldn't sit here and let him risk his life and die, not again. "One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. Then, I will drink it."

    Merlin's eyes widened. Immediately, he objected. "No," he said strongly. "I will be the one to drink it."

    "This is my doing," Arthur grew stern. "I am drinking it."

    "It is more important that you live!" Merlin raised his voice, upset. "You are the future King. I am just a servant."

    "This is no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really does not suit you."

    He let out a frustrated sigh, tugging at his cheeks. Merlin shook his head and pointed a stubborn finger down onto the table, "What if I drink from mine first?" he refused to listen. "And if that is not poisoned, I will then drink yours."

    Arthur eyed the sorcerer out of the corner of his gaze who was watching on, silent. "He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet."

    Merlin scowled. He tapped his fingers on the edge of the table, glowering at the goblets in thought. Arthur's own scowl lifted, that feeling returning. He pursed his lips, not sure whether he should be grateful, or should warn Merlin to find someone else to serve as loyally as he has. His loyalty will only get him killed if it was placed onto Arthur. He was young, and he was naive▬he had many years ahead of him. He couldn't waste it away, dying still young for a foolish Prince. 

    Arthur hung his gaze, that thought striking painfully in his chest▬he recognised it, now. It was that realisation of how Merlin has unwillingly become an annoying, meaningful part of his life. Arthur realised he could not imagine not having him around. Not just his servant, not just his friend ... Arthur gazed upon Merlin and saw a boy that he needed to protect; a boy who was everything the Prince imagined having a younger brother would be like ... and he had clung onto his heart as if he were so. 

    "I had no idea you were so keen to die for me," murmured the Prince, watching the servant carefully. 

    Merlin scoffed under his breath, "Trust me," he muttered in the same tone, "I can hardly believe it myself."

    And just like that, a chuckle burst from Arthur's lips. He shook his head, looking down▬something lifted off his shoulders, and despite the situation they were in; despite the fact that one of them would not make it off this beach alive, Arthur was relieved to know that if he was spending his last moments here, Merlin was the one sitting opposite. 

    Soft and kind, the Prince sent the manservant a shy glance, "I am glad you are here, Merlin."

    He missed the way Merlin's scowl lifted▬and for a moment, held a gentle stare at Arthur until he pursed his lips and had to look away. Then, it struck him.

    Merlin gasped. His hands flew up in victory, "I have got it!" he exclaimed. "Right▬we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk it will be from a single goblet."

   Arthur stared at him for a second. Slowly, a surprised grin tugged at his lips, "You never cease to surprise me," he scoffed in his disbelief. "You know, you are a lot smarter than you look."

    Merlin's brows shot up. He sat back, startled. "Is▬" he chuckled, "▬is that actually a compliment?"

    Arthur frowned. He took a sharp breath and made his decision. He pointed wildly over Merlin's shoulder, "Look out▬!" he fell for it, spinning around in his seat. Arthur grabbed the goblets and poured the other's contents into his, his heart pounding. 

    Merlin realised and his face dropped, "No▬!" he cried, leaning forward as if to try and stop him, but it was too late. He grew frantic. "N▬No! Arthur! I will drink it▬!"

    Arthur scoffed, setting the empty goblet down and holding is up. His grip was shaking, his heart was racing▬but he would not back down. He was scared, but he was willing to die; not just to save his kingdom, but to also save Merlin's life. "As if I would let you."

    "You cannot die!" the manservant's voice hitched in the back of his throat, desperate. "You▬this is not your destiny."

    "It seems you are wrong again."

    "Listen to me! Please▬!"

    "You know me, Merlin," Arthur flashed the young servant a final, mischievous grin. "I never listen to you."

    And as he downed the goblet, ignoring Merlin's heartbroken plea, there was one other person on Arthur's mind. A name▬a pretty name. And he just hoped that she would know that what he did today, was also for her, as well. 

    The world spun. Arthur's vision dotted with black▬and just like that, the last thing he remembered was Merlin's horrified cry as he hit the ground. 

    "NO▬!" Merlin dropped to his knees at Arthur's side. He grasped at his armour, tugging it down to try and feel the pulse at his neck. But he couldn't. He hiccuped, feeling tears sting at his eyes. "Arthur." He shook the Prince's shoulders. "A▬Arthur ..." he didn't move. His head lolled to the side. "Arthur!" He clutched his chainmail, trying to think of any spell that could save his life ... but Merlin knew none. "Come on," he pleaded. "Come on, come on, come on."

    He forced back a sob and turned to Anhora▬he begged on his knees, "Please!" he cried, desperate. "Please, I beg you. Just▬just let me take his place."

    Anhora stared at them▬he held no change in his expression. Merlin wanted to scream. "This was Arthur's test, not yours."

    "Please!" Merlin shook the Prince's body, leaning towards him. He heaved a breath that was heavy in his chest. "It▬it is my destiny! I was meant to protect him! You▬you do not understand. I▬I cannot lose him! He▬" Merlin hiccuped again, unable to see through his tears. "He is my friend!"

    The ancient sorcerer pursed his lips, watching Merlin tug at Arthur's armour, as if it would somehow bring him back. "He is not dead."

    Merlin froze. A few more tears dropped down his cheeks and onto Arthur's chainmail. At first, he thought he had imagined the words. He stared at Anhora, sick to the stomach. "W▬what?" His voice was stuck in the back of his throat.

    "He has merely consumed a sleeping draft," said Anhora. "He will come around shortly."

    Merlin was shaking. He shook his head, still not fully comprehending. He glanced down at Arthur and then back at the ancient sorcerer, "I▬I do not understand, I▬?"

    "A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart." Anhora gestured his staff towards the Prince of Camelot. "Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart." 

    And then, for the first time, the ancient sorcerer smiled. "The curse will be lifted."

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    THEY RETURNED TO Camelot the next day side-by-side. The sight made both of them smile in heart-twisting relief to hear laughter. Children were running around in the streets they rode, grasping apples in their arms. Guards were sharing their meals with the elderly. Knights toasted to the end of their hunger amongst the lowborn stone masons working the Upper Town bridge, exchanging any food given without care of what was appropriate to status. Women were helping each other carry baskets filled with vegetables, meat and bread▬anything they could get their hands on. There was plenty to go around. More food than any of them have ever seen before. Merlin and Arthur rode past Morgana who waved at them, crying out, "The crops are better again!" as she held a newborn babe in order to let her mother eat the first meal she has had in days. Guinevere and her father had opened shop not just for metal, but to hand out smoked pigeon sandwiches. She happily gave both Merlin and Arthur one each, and the two of them scoffed the food down, welcoming the taste and how good it felt to have something in their stomachs. There stood Ronyn with his sister, Adelynn and their mother, celebrating the taste of fresh plums. Gaius joyously declared the great news at the drawbridge. He held an entire wheel of cheese. As they dismounted, Arthur was congratulated by his father, and he smiled▬but what made his chest swell was not his approval, but the knowledge that his people were safe▬they were happy. He had saved them. 

    As they made it to the citadel, a young handmaiden glanced up from where she was sharing slices of apples with a group of children she seemed to know quite well. When Odette saw them, her face it up in a lovely smile.

    "Merlin!" she gasped and ran towards him. Arthur watched her embrace his manservant with a happy laugh, delighted that he was okay. Merlin grinned, chuckling at her excitement. "You did it!" she pulled away and turned to Arthur. 

    Hesitation passed between them. Odette didn't waver in her smile, but she held her breath. She nodded at him. "Thank you, Sire."

    Arthur pursed his lips, wishing there was a world where she'd be running to greet him instead. But he knew it could never be. He bowed his head to her. He managed a smile, "You can have the next hour off, Merlin," he told his manservant▬and the gratitude he held for the boy beside him was far greater than it has ever been before. "Enjoy a good, lasting meal."

    Merlin thought about it. Then he shook his head, "Nah," he joked, "I think I will just steal food from your plate out of the kitchens." He turned to the handmaiden smiling at them. "Do you want some?"

    Odette grinned, "Oh, I would love to have some!"

    Arthur made a face, realising what they were doing, "Okay▬hang on▬!"

    But they were already off, running towards the servants' door that would lead them to the kitchens. Arthur breathed a chuckle, and deep down, he was glad for the company he had the next hour, eating in the privacy of his chambers and retelling his adventurous tale to Odette. And for a fleeting time, it was as if they were the same▬for a fleeting time, as Merlin poured Odette a drink, there was a glimmer of another life. In the next hour, it would be gone, but right now, in this one, that glimmer was enough. 

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    a/n: posting this before I head into workkkkkk.

    i love this episode tbh. I just love merlin and arthur's friendship; their brotherhood <3.

    they are happy, that doesn't happen much. that won't happen much for much longer omg we are getting closer to the end of season one. omg Gwen's happiness literally dies next chapter oh no-

    also odette, gaius and merlin being a little family <3