That's The Spirit! [Elyan]

[em]

Merlin had decided to let all the specuation about Elyan die down. It was done. The spirit of the druid that had possessed him was well and truly gone (after so quite astonishing circumstances, that Merlin was not about to mention to Arthur anytime soon) and it was time to just move on.

He had decided to pay a visit to Elyan one evening after he'd finished up the last of his chores for Arthur. He hadn't really had the time to see him beforehand, let alone talk properly to him. Then again there was a chance that Elyan might not be there - for all Merlin knew he could be at a tavern with Gwaine. Hmmm, he didn't seem the sort to live up to Gwaine's standards - then again no one could ever compare with Gwaine when it came to ale mixed with women.

Merlin took a chance, arriving at Elyan's quarters and knocking on the door. If he wasn't there, then he would just go and see him tomorrow evening. "Elyan? It's Merlin - are you in there?" he called through the door.

Tagged: Elyan
Timeline: A couple of days after Herald of a New Age
Setting: Elyan's Quarters
Notes: The best I could come up with lol

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan was sitting on the edge of his bed in his chambers with his head in his hands. He had been nursing a small headache since the possession ordeal. He could honestly hardly remember most of it, which was probably the reason behind his headache. He had been trying hard to remember being possessed but it's almost like he had been asleep the whole time when the child took over him; like he had just switched off. The thought unnerved him and sent shivers up his back. He had yet to apologise to Arthur; the King about almost killing him, which he had apparently tried to do when the child was controlling him. He had apparently done many things under the child's control. Despite having most of his memory of the entire experience gone, he couldn't forget the child's face, the pure fear he had felt in his heart when it began to torment him. He feared it would be with him forever.

He wished his sister could have been here. She would have known exactly what to say and do to make him feel more at ease. She always did. But she wasn't here to comfort him, and he missed her dearly. He decided to sit up slightly and think of something else, maybe that would ease his mind. It turned out that thinking of something random after a potentially traumatising experience was very difficult indeed. He let out a groan of frustration and put his head back in his hands. Maybe he should talk to someone. But he doubted anyone would wish to talk about this. His head looked up when he heard his name being called from the other side of his door. Was that Merlin? He faintly recognised his voice, though it was fairly muffled by the door being in the way. He stood up and made his way over there and opened the door to see that it was in fact Merlin. "Merlin," he smiled at him. "What can I do for you?"

[em]

Merlin smiled as Elyan opened the door. He looked a lot better, well - better than he had done when he was possessed. Merlin had never thought such things as possible, only beliving them to be of legend, but after seeing what Elyan had been through (and all because of disturbing a druid's shrine) he now knew that he wouldn't be going back there ever again, and he doubted that his friend would be either.

"I just came to see if you were alright" Merlin answered as Elyan asked what he could do for him. "You know, after...all that happened and everything" he shrugged. Merlin didn't really know how else to approch the subject without making Elyan feel uncomfortable. He just hoped that it would be easy to talk to him now.

"I can always come back if you're busy, or were just about to head off somewhere?" he added, not wanting to keep Elyan from any duties or training that he might have scheduled. Merlin had a long 'to do' list of Arthur's but that would take a week anyway, so it didn't really matter when he started.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan smiled warmly when Merlin revealed he was just checking up on him. It was refreshing to know that he had a friend. "Thank you, Merlin," he began sincerely. "That means a lot." It truly did, knowing that despite everything he had apparently done, even though he was possessed, Merlin came to check up on him anyway. Only a few of the knights had come before, and it was extremely brief. "I'm about as good as anybody would be if they had just been possessed." He tried to be light-hearted in his words but it came out weaker and had almost the opposite effect he had been hoping for. It left the atmosphere with a slight awkwardness, with Elyan's evident failure at lightening the mood after having a pretty much traumatic experience.

"I can always come back if you're busy, or were just about to head off somewhere?" Elyan shook his head quickly. "No, I'm not busy, and I'd love some company." He stepped aside and opened the door wider so that Merlin could step inside the room. He didn't want Merlin to leave. His constant cheerfulness always left a smile on everyone's faces. After everything that's happened, Elyan could really use it. He just wanted someone he could maybe talk to for a while, or just take Elyan's mind off things. Merlin was always the one you could talk to if you needed cheering up, and Elyan definitely needed cheering up now, or just anything to get him out of this depressed state. He hadn't spoken to anyone about what happened. Maybe he could talk to Merlin.

[em]

To Merlin, it appeared that Elyan was trying to sound chipper than before, but he could see that the experiance would be one that wouldn't leave him for a long time - especially after some of the things that he had done whilst possessed. He was now making a light hearted joke at which Merlin smiled weakly.

He walked in as Elyan stood aside to let him pass. He turned back to his friend as he closed the door behind him. "I know...that the whole thing - hasn't really been pleasant" Merlin began awkwardly, "and I know that you did things that were out of character due to 'that' - but I just came to say that if you ever felt like talking, about it or about anything - then i'm more than happy to listen. He shrugged.

It was hard finding the right words to say, but Elyan had a friend - and right now it seemed like he needed to get some things off of his chest. For a start Merlin could see that he needed cheering up after everything, and he was sure that he could help in some way or another.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan would have almost thought it was comical, the way Merlin was trying to word his sentences. But then again it probably was a little difficult. How would one broach the subject of being possessed? He noted the way Merlin wasn't using any words that would specifically refer to what happened, instead settling with saying 'that.' Elyan wasn't exactly going to break down into tears and sob all over the floor if Merlin dared to say the word 'possessed,' but he appreciated the gesture none the less. He strongly appreciated everything Merlin was offering. It was exactly what he needed; just someone to talk to. He just wanted to get everything off his chest, whatever that was.

"Well thanks for coming, that's exactly what I need." He sighed. As Elyan began to think of what he wanted to say and get off his chest, his mind went blank. Not blank exactly, it was like there were so many things and questions in his mind, he couldn't pick one out to form a coherent sentence. It was overwhelming. He moved towards the edge of the bed and sat with his head in his hands. He could feel the headache getting worse. Moving over slightly, Elyan left room for Merlin to sit should he wish to. He looked up and said the first thing that came to his mind; the first thing that could coherently come out of his mouth. It was what he had probably thought about most since he had been 'exorcised' and regained consciousness. "What exactly did I do while he was in control?" He felt like he needed to know, for he'd only really been given a vague idea. "Because to be honest I only really remember bits and pieces." He could hardly explain it. It was almost like when waking up for a few minutes while sleeping, and not really being sure if you're awake or still dreaming.

[em]

"Well thanks for coming, that's exactly what I need."

He was glad that Elyan was grateful to him coming to see him. He thought he would be at least a little apprehensive at Merlin approaching him. Then again Merlin just wanted to make him feel
a little better than he had been during the last couple of days. "Good" he smiled, "To be honest, i've been a little worried". He knew Elyan wasn't the type to have some emotional breakdown, but he still wanted to make sure he was ok.

Merlin sat down next to Elyan as he dared to ask the dreaded question. What did he do? Well, did Merlin actually want to go into it? "Well...you - errr, attacked Arthur, or at least tried to." he admitted. Did he remember that? Merlin could only remember the events all too well. "I think he seemed to be your main target."

He felt, somewhat, uncomfortable telling Elyan this - it wasn't nice to go into the details of what he'd tried to do whilst under possession. It certainly hadn't been nice witnessing them.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan smiled at Merlin's concern for him. It was comforting to have someone there for you. "There's no need to be worried," he began. After all the worst was over. At least he wasn't possessed any more, that was always a positive at least. "My heads just a bit out of it; which isn't too bad considering." Considering the spirit of young apparently vengeful child had taken over his body. Yeah, he was absolutely fine and dandy. He just guessed the whole experience got to his head and that annoyed Elyan more than he'd care to admit. It was like trying to remember a dream, and having no success whatsoever. It frustrated him out of his mind; almost literally.

As Merlin answered his question Elyan groaned at the horridness of his actions. How could he have done that? He'd been told about it before but still, hearing it being confirmed again was terrible. He had already asked that question of himself and decided there was no point in making his headache worse than it already was. "Since when is Arthur not someone's target?" Elyan attempted to jest. But it was a viable question. The man or rather his father has more enemies than anyone Elyan had ever known, and Elyan had known quite a lot of people. It would've almost been amusing had Arthur's life not been in constant danger. "Did I...was he hurt by...me?" If Arthur had been hurt, spirit or not, Elyan would still feel hugely guilty. He genuinely hoped no harm had come to the king, despite everything he was still a good man.

[em]

At least he didn't have to worry. Sure Elyan would need some time but he was holding up well, and that was all that mattered. Then again he was a Knight and Knights did have to be strong both physically and emotionally. "Are you sleeping alright? If not I could ask Gauis to make you a sleeping potion?" he offered, not knowing whether Elyan was losing sleep over it. He most likely wasn't but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Since when is Arthur not someone's target?" Good point. All these years Merlin had spent trying to keep the King out of danger when it was really inevidable that he would be a target for many reasons. Merlin smiled at him, "Ever since I came to Camelot, something to someone has been out to get him. Then again when I first met him I could see why." A small smirk formed across his lips, remembering the first run in with Arthur.

He shook his head at Elyan's question. "No" thankfully. Had no one had got there in time then Elyan may have suceeded. "You were thrown in the dungeons though, do you remember that?" he asked. Merlin could - he had been the one to get him out so as he could 'exorcise' the spirit. That hadn't gone well at all, resulting in Elyan knocking him out in the middle of the forest. He wouldn't tell him that part though.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan shook his head gently when Merlin offered to get him a sleeping draught. "No thank you, I don't need it." He doubted a sleeping draught would help if he had been having trouble sleeping. After everything that had happened nothing short of a good old fashioned knock round the head would be able to make him sleep soundly. His mind was just too noisy, with all of these constant thoughts about what happened. A sleeping draught wouldn't do him any good. He needed to work through his thoughts anyway. That way he could move on from this whole experience. It would just take a little time that's all. He only needed a bit of patience. "But does Gaius have something for headaches?" He could surely use a remedy for the pounding in his head at least.

Elyan genuinely chuckled at Merlin's remark. He'd heard all about Arthur's prattish pompous days, but it seemed they were mostly in the past. "It's a wonder that he's still alive." With the amount of times Arthur has been attacked, Elyan wouldn't have expected him to still be breathing. "It's almost as if someone is watching over him, as ridiculous as that sounds," he chuckled. But a guardian angel seemed to be the only explanation Elyan could think of. "Maybe he just has a ridiculous amount of luck." That was a slightly more rational explanation for Arthur's ability to cheat death on multiple occasions. "I can't say I'm not glad, he is our hope for the future after all," he said matter-of-factly.

Elyan felt a wave of relief wash over him when Merlin answered his question. He was extremely glad no harm had been done. At Merlin's question, he tried to remember. "Sort of, it's kind of like trying to remember a dream or a really old memory. It's a bit fuzzy, but I think I remember." He could remember bits and pieces of before the child completely took over his mind, but he couldn't recall anything afterwards. His mind was wiped of the memories of when he was physically possessed by the spirit. "It's all a bit frustrating really." He wiped his hand over his face. "Although I don't think I'll ever forget the torment, or the pain in the child's eyes. It was the most horrid thing I've ever seen." He looked at Merlin next to him. "I fear it will be with me forever." He paused for a moment. "Have you ever wished you could just unsee something or undo something so badly it hurt?" Quite literally for Elyan by the looks of the headache that was only getting worse. He was more thinking out loud than actually directing the question at Merlin.

[em]

He knew that Elyan would turn down the sleeping draft but a headache one? Merlinw as sure that he could rustle up something. He nodded at the question. "Im sure he does, I could make some up for you and being it to you this evening if you want? I know pretty much how to make a few drafts thanks to Gauis." Merlin had learnt quite a bit about remedies after spending those years living with the physician. It certainly was an advantage, especially when Gauis was seeing to someone in the town and Merlin was around to help anyone in the castle that needed something.

Merlin nodded in agreement with Elyan's words. Yes...yes it was... so many times they'd come so close to death and always avoided it. Thank goodness. "Even I wanted to kill him when I first met him, but I suppose that he has some redeeming qualities." he smirked, "Im only joking, he's my best friend and I didn't even think that he would become that when I first started working for him. Then again I suppose you shouldn't judge people to quickly." Merlin shrugged. "Luck" Merlin repeated, "Yeah...he certainly has a lot of that!" Yes....'luck'.

"Perhaps you'll remember more as time goes on, then again I don't know if that's a good thing or not." he replied. He felt sorry for Elyan - having the memory of the child staying with him. There were many things that haunted Merlin even if they'd happened years ago. He knew that within time, everything would soon work out. "I know...but it will get better - i'm sure." he smiled weakly.

"Have you ever wished you could just unsee something or undo something so badly it hurt?" Elyan's words were quite haunting actually. Merlin's brows knitted together as he nodded, "What is it Elyan?" he asked, not knowing whether he'd missed something after the child had left Elyan's body.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan smiled gratefully when Merlin offered to make him a remedy. "I'm sure your just as adept as Gaius at this sort of thing. I trust you won't poison me at least." Elyan jested. He knew Merlin had a lot of experience in medical science. He must have learnt a thing or two while living next to the court physician. "If you could bring that to me this evening that would be great." The sooner the better. "I've just been nursing a terrible headache since the whole ordeal; it would be nice to get a little relief in that at least." Maybe then his mind would clear up a bit.

Elyan laughed as Merlin joked about wanting to kill Arthur. It seemed Elyan came dangerously close. "Thank goodness for those qualities then, because I'm sure you would've beaten Arthur one handed otherwise," Elyan joked. As odd as Merlin and Arthur's friendship was, it seemed to work. Underneath all the teasing, they cared about each other; they were brothers at heart. "He's a good man underneath all that arrogance, although I think he has changed for the better in these past few years." From what he had heard from his sister, Arthur had become considerably more kind-hearted. Elyan had no doubt Gwen might've had something to do with that. The thought almost made him smile.

"I'm not sure if it's a good thing either." He said in reply to Merlin's words. He wasn't even sure if he really wanted to remember the child possessing him. It was just that blank space in his head when he tried to think of it infuriated him. "What is it Elyan?" He was aware his question could be a little...disturbing to say the least. He had just been thinking out loud. "It's just..." he paused. "It's just the image of the tormented boy in pain, dripping and wet and," he took in a breath. "I'm afraid it may be one of those experiences that change you forever. Have you ever had that?" He let out a breath and wiped his hand over his hair. "You're right, I'm sure everything will get better, I just need a little patience." He smiled weakly.

[em]

Merlin chuckled slightly as Elyan mentioned about not poisoning him. "It will come in handy for when I want to though". It was certainly useful to know that kind of stuff, especially when it came down to learning for Gauis.

Him? Beat Arthur. Yes Merlin could do it with his hands tied behind his back. But he wouldn't - because he knew the danger that would be. He remembered Arthur saying that he could take him down with one blow, Merlin had said that he could take him down with less. Back then he'd been so sure of himself, and everything had been going smoothly until he saw Gauis watching and then had a broom smacked round his head. Merlin still had things thrown at him, only that had got less as the years went on - that and he'd become a professional in the art of ducking when objects were launched his way. "He has" he agreed with Elyan, "certainly from when I first met him anyway. I think it's because now he's grown up and recognised just how much responsibility he has to have - then again, I think even back then he knew. He cares for his people a great deal, but I guess he liked to put on a front."

"I'm afraid it may be one of those experiences that change you forever. Have you ever had that?"

Merlin couldn't exactly say that he'd had a druid boy haunting his dreams. Well, there had been Mordred but he hadn't exactly had nightmares over him. However Merlin had seen things that he would never forget. He nodded at this. "Too many to count..." Everyone had skeletons, everyone had done something that they regretted and never forgot. It was only human, and he said exactly this to Elyan. "You're only human. I'm sure worse things have happened to others though, and when you think about the situation that you were in, it could have got out of control but thankfully it didn't." He really didn't know where this was going or if it was even helping matters.

"I guess what i'm trying to say is that you were lucky...that it wasn't as bad as it could've been" he added.

[cherryblossom131]

"It will come in handy for when I want to though". Elyan chuckled. "Then I guess I'd better be extra nice to you in the future so that you never want to," he jested. Merlin could never poison anyone of course. As far as Elyan knew, it just wasn't in his kind nature to ever do such a thing. He enjoyed joking with Merlin, it made him feel a lot better. Like since he could still joke with someone then it wasn't the end of the world, as dramatic as that sounded. Everything was still normal and he could move on. That's why Elyan had been glad to see Merlin, because only he could genuinely joke with and cheer up Elyan at a time like this and get away with it.

"I guess greatness is always inside someone, it just takes the right person or people in Arthur's case to let it out," he said in response to Merlin's words. He was referring to all the people that had most probably helped make Arthur the man he was today. Merlin, of course; Gwen despite everything; himself and the knights. He had no doubt they would continue to help Arthur reach his potential of becoming the greatest king Camelot has ever seen. Arthur is a great man, and a huge part of the reason why Elyan is so loyal to Camelot; why he wouldn't hesitate to lay down his life for her, should she ever require it of him. "I guess he represents hope for the people of Camelot." Hope for the future. "I'm just glad I didn't kill that hope." He didn't know what he'd do if he had killed Arthur while possessed, but he decided there was no point in dwelling on it now. He should just be thankful no harm came to the king and move on.

"Too many to count..." Elyan creased his eyebrows. It seemed even the happy-go-lucky Merlin had regrets and bad experiences. Elyan had always noticed the slight hunch of Merlin's shoulders sometimes, like he had the whole weight of the world on them. Maybe he also felt a lot of guilt and regret. Elyan listened intently as Merlin spoke on. It was probably exactly what he needed to hear and he was thankful Merlin had said it. "You're right," he said sincerely. "Things could have been a lot worse I guess, I mean I could have killed the king!" A lot lot worse. "I know I'm lucky to have come out of this with my sanity but, it's not something you can prepare yourself for or move on quickly afterwards." He had never in his wildest dreams thought of something like this happening. "I wish Gwen was here, for as long as I can remember she always managed to make everything better," he said more to himself than to Merlin. He missed her so much. "But thank you for all that you are doing for me."

[em]

Merlin was glad to see Elyan joking around with him - at least he was doing something right, and hopefully now the mood had lightened a little. It was a difficult subject to approach, but Merlin had made sure to do it with such care that it would not affect Elyan badly. After all - he didn't want to make it worse.

Elyan's next words made Merlin smile broadly, the idiotic grin that he used when he was right. But in this case it was because Elyan had just happened to hit the nail on the head, and Merlin couldn't have put the statement any better himself. "Arthur represents more than hope - he represents what is to come. The greatness, the future...everything that binds Camelot together" Merlin shrugged, "It's his destiny." That it was, and Merlin had helped him with that a little, as had Gwen (despite the circumstances). Everyone had. It had all shaped Arthur for a reason, and there was no doubt that there was more obstacles for him to come up against. There always was when you were a King. No matter what, Merlin would be there every step of the way.

"Things could have been a lot worse I guess, I mean I could have killed the king!" Merlin chuckled at this,trying to make Elyan see a lighter side of it. "We all want to kill Arthur sometimes, but it's over now, you didn't" he smiled at Elyan weakly."I wish Gwen was here, for as long as I can remember she always managed to make everything better," Gwen always made everything better. She had the attitude as well as the right words to say in even the most complicated of situations. "Gwen always makes everything better, sometimes I don't feel like I deserve a friend like her." He didn't - not really. He spoke of her as though she wasn't gone - because she wasn't, not to him anyway. Merlin missed her too, wishing he could've at least done something - but this was something that Arthur and Gwen had to figure them out themselves. Not even magic could correct it.

Merlin looked down into his lap, "At least you know you have someone to talk to - I didn't want you thinking that just because Gwen's gone, that you now had no one."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan listened intently as Merlin spoke of Arthur with such high words. It seemed despite the banter and insults that were thrown back and forth between those two; he was extremely loyal to Arthur. They reminded him of brothers. "It's his destiny." Elyan smiled at Merlin while raising his eyebrows in quiet surprise. "Those are very wise words for someone so young." Merlin talked...a lot, most of the time. But sometimes he'd really say something way beyond his years. Merlin was always full of surprises like that. Elyan knew there was a lot more to the boy than meets the eye, but he wasn't going to pry. Everyone had secrets, even Elyan, and everyone deserved that privacy.

Elyan smiled slightly when Merlin tried to see the lighter side in his attempt on Arthur's life. He was glad Merlin was making an effort, because it was surprisingly working. He always wondered what Gwen would say, because she always knew how to say the right thing. It was one of the many reasons Elyan loved his sister, despite her very few flaws. Nobody was perfect, not even his little sister. But he would see Gwen again, he was certain of that. He furrowed his eyebrows at Merlin's words. "Why say that? I know for a fact that Gwen adores you. You're practically her best friend." He spoke in the present tense because she wasn't gone, not really and she was still the same person even with her mistakes. Merlin couldn't have done anything to prevent her banishment; he had no reason to feel any guilt over what happened.

Merlin's words caused Elyan to genuinely smile. "I cannot thank you enough for what you're doing for me." He knew he would repay him sometime in the future; it would be his goal and he wouldn't forget this. "I can't tell you how reassuring it is to know that I still at least have someone to talk to." He was glad he didn't have to go through this alone. That was no way to do anything. "You're a true friend Merlin," he said with conviction in his tone. He really meant it.

[em]

This wasn't the first time that someone had told Merlin that he was wise. Arthur had mentioned it once before, but Merlin himself had never thought himself of that. He just said how he felt and offered advice and his thoughts should anyone need them. "It's just...how I feel really." he shrugged it off, "I've seen Arthur's change and even though I won't tell him myself - because quite frankly his ego is already big enough...im proud of him." he smiled warmly. He was proud of Arthur, of his achievements and of his ever budding future as King of Camelot.

They were still speaking as though Gwen was still there, in Camelot, with them. Merlin knew that it was hard for Elyan - after all his sister was everything to him. Merlin just looked at the floor. "I just wish I could have one something - to make Arthur see that it was all wrong...I could've at least helped her somehow." All Merlin had managed to achieve was watching her as she dragged her cart away from the town and from him and everyone she loved. Now that had hurt. "I just hope she's alright", a small sigh escaped him as he looked back to Elyan.

He smiled at Elyan's gratitude, at least he was actually helping and not making the situation any worse. "Im glad" he nodded, "I just didn't want you to feel as though you had no one to talk to - it hasn't exactly been a great time for you." He felt a small smile tug at his lips, not expecting to have heard that. "Oh...er, thanks" he said with warmth and not really knowing what to say. "You're a true friend too Elyan..." he carried on, "im happy that I have both you and Gwen to call my friends."

[cherryblossom131]

"It's just...how I feel really." Elyan watched him shrug with an incredulous look on his face. He listened on as Merlin continued to speak and even chuckled slightly when he mentioned Arthur's big ego. "I think the whole of Camelot will agree that his ego does not need any more inflation," he jested. It probably hadn't slipped anyone's attention that Arthur could be a bit arrogant sometimes, but he most likely just couldn't help it. He was royalty after all. Although, Elyan knew he was becoming more and more humble as his responsibilities grew. Plus, his friends like Merlin here, were keeping him grounded. "But I also think they are all proud of him, of everything he has achieved and everything he will." He smiled. Elyan's faith in Arthur had not wavered, despite Arthur's choice to banish his sister. It was better than alternative, and Elyan didn't blame Arthur.

As they continued to speak of his sister, Elyan couldn't help but feel a sting in his heart because she was gone. She had always been a constant in his life, the person he would turn to when he would get into trouble. While he never blamed Arthur, it still hurt. He creased his eyebrows after Merlin spoke. "I'm sure you did all you could, and I am very grateful and Gwen surely is too." He tried to smile warmly at Merlin, but it faded as he continued. "It had nothing to do with magic for once. It was between Arthur and Gwen, and there was nothing anyone could have done." In contrast to his words, Elyan still felt guilty that he hadn't gone against her insistence that he stay in Camelot and gone with her anyway...to keep her safe. But, he did not want Merlin to carry any of that guilt, for he did not deserve to feel that way. "I just hope she's alright," Elyan looked at Merlin beside him and sighed. "I'm sure she is. Gwen is strong, she'll be fine," he said to reassure both of them.

He smiled at Merlin and couldn't help but shake his head, when he mentioned it 'not being a great time for him.' Merlin was definitely excellent at phrasing words. "It certainly hasn't...been a great time, but I think things will be looking up soon." At Merlin's awkward thanks, Elyan felt himself grin. It turned into a quite smile as Merlin continued. "Well, I'm happy that you actually took the time to sit with me and listen to my insanity," he chuckled. "You're very patient...sometimes," he grinned.

[em]

"I think the whole of Camelot will agree that his ego does not need any more inflation," a small snort escaped from Merlin upon hearing this - Elyan seemed to have this down to a tee! "Im glad that someone sees this from my point of view" he replied smugly, "I'm going to have to find a bigger helmet for him if this carries on." This was actually quite enjoyable, and Elyan seemed in good spirits enough to make harmless comments about Arthur's ego.
For Merlin, it was enough to know he had someone to joke around with when times were dark. "But I also think they are all proud of him, of everything he has achieved and everything he will." At this he nodded in agreement, "I know they are, Arthur has a different approach and methods when it comes down to being King - the people trust him, I trust him...I trust him with my life..."

Merlin shifted a little uncomfortably. He knew it pained Elyan about Gwen. It pained Merlin too - but the love of a brother was far different and deeper than the love of a friend. "I know Arthur regrets it" he said suddenly, "I just wish he'd see what a mistake he's made." Another sigh. He wanted so much to just have Arthur go and bring Gwen back to Camelot - to have everything normal again. Now everyone was just hurting, and Merlin didn't like it at all. He gave a small nod in agreement at Elyan's comment of Gwen being strong and looked at his shoes, "She and Arthur are the strongest people I know..."

"I have to listen to Arthur talk about all sorts of things all day - when it comes to patience, Im a professional" he chuckled slightly, "and you're not insane, just a man who is a mixture of emotions. We all have that from time to time, but we still go back to normality one way or another."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan outright laughed at Merlin's smug reply. He imagined Merlin must have taken a lot of the King's arrogance and from what he'd heard about the King in his much younger days, he was surprised Merlin had taken it for so long, it seemed they must have become 'friends' pretty quickly. "I'm going to have to find a bigger helmet for him if this carries on." He continued to chuckle. This joking between them almost made Elyan forget about the possession...almost. But he still could not be more grateful for what Merlin was doing, with cheering him up and all. He couldn't imagine a better person for the job. "For some reason, I don't think Arthur would much appreciate that," he said with jest in his tone. "We all already know you've been making his belts bigger too," he said in a mock whisper and carried on chuckling. Elyan listened as Merlin continued speaking. It seemed Merlin was extremely trusting and loyal to the king, more than Elyan had previously thought. "You are a very loyal friend to him, he'd be a fool if he didn't appreciate it," he began. "But Arthur is no fool so I'm sure he does... beneath all the insults, " he chuckled softly.

He missed Gwen, more than he could even begin to express. This was different than when he left, this time there was no option, no choice. He turned to look at Merlin when he suddenly spoke of Arthur's regret. "I just wish he'd see what a mistake he's made." He sighed, he almost agreed with Merlin. He nodded to Merlin's words of their strength, he couldn't agree more. Pausing for a moment, Elyan began to speak hesitantly. "I wish I didn't have to say it but, I'm not sure it was such a mistake," he winced at his own words. "Of course I wish she never had to leave and it hurts my heart that she's gone but," he paused. "But what she did was her own doing. She betrayed Arthur." There was no denying it, as much he wanted to. "Arthur's heart must be broken and if he needs her gone to help it heal then...that is his right, I guess? Even though my heart breaks with him." It was painful for him to admit that even his seemingly perfect sister, was as human as the rest of us. "But of course I still hope every day that Arthur will allow her back." He thought about her every day and he missed her every day.

He laughed at Merlin's poke at Arthur. He was sure Merlin must enjoy complaining about Arthur, and Elyan would be more than happy to listen to the hilarious goings on that seemingly occur on a daily basis. He nodded in agreement at Merlin's next words. "Well I have to say I can hardly wait till I feel like my old self again." He hoped that would be sooner rather than later. "It will certainly be awkward at first though," He still hadn't gone training with the other knights yet, and he was sure all of them knew of what happened to Elyan. "Have any of the knights said...anything?" He hoped Merlin would understand what he meant by that.