That's The Spirit! [Elyan]

[em]

Elyan was certainly on top form tonight, especially with the comment that he was now making about Arthur's belt! Merlin felt himself now laughing very loudly! He certainly knew how to wind Arthur up about his weight, but hearing it from someone else was all the more amusing. "Better not tell him that, you know what he's like about his weight." Merlin winked. Of course he hadn't been making his belts bigger, but it was fun to make anyone believe that he had been.

Merlin could see that Elyan's opinion differed to Merlin's - almost as though he could see from both the perspectives of Gwen and Arthur. Merlin knew that Lancelot had certainly not been Lancelot at the time, and that he had also been a part of it - but he refused to believe that Gwen would just suddenly fall back in love with a man who had seemingly returned from the dead. What was done was done though, and now it was up to Arthur and Gwen to decide how their futures both lay. Merlin said nothing to Elyan, instead just nodding and looking at the floor, brows knitted together.

"Have any of the knights said...anything?" Merlin looked back to him, thinking slightly as to whether he'd overheard any conversations involving Elyan's name. None came to mind. "Nope" he shook his head, "Although I think Sir Lucan was thinking about coming to see if you were ok as well.I was only speaking to him the other day, saying I was a bit worried about you, but I haven't said anything else." he told him. Of course he wouldn't speak about Elyan's troubles out of context and certainly not in a bad nature.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan continued to chuckle with Merlin while they teased Arthur without his knowledge. He knew he should probably feel a little guilty but it was all in good fun. Despite everything, Elyan still saw Arthur as a brother of some sorts, or a friend. So, was it so bad to joke about him mercilessly behind his back? Nah, it's alright. "I'm quite sure us teasing him isn't really going to help," he said grinning. "But is that really going to stop us? Nah." He patted Merlin on the shoulder in jest and continued to laugh. It seemed laughing at the expense of the man you almost killed did wonders in making you feel better. The ridiculous thought amused him.

He frowned at Merlin's silent response, and wondered if maybe he shouldn't have voiced his thoughts. "I hope you do not think any less of me for what I have said." After everything Merlin was doing for him, just being there as a good friend; he'd hate to jeopardise it with a few words. "I do of course wish every single day since she left, that she would come right back, safe and sound." He wished everything between his sister and the king would go back to normal, but sometimes things, especially love weren't always fair. He did not, however, want to take back his words if he could. He spoke the truth and honestly felt a lot better after saying it out loud. He just hoped Merlin did not think him a horrid brother because of it.

He instantly felt relieved at hearing Merlin's response. He never usually thought much about what others might think or say about him, it never really bothered him. But after the possession he'd hate the other knights, his fellow brothers in arms, to think him weak. Or after his attempt on the kings life, they could've thought of him as disloyal to the crown and the kingdom. That was most definitely not true. If Elyan knew one sure thing about himself, it was his loyalty to Camelot and Arthur. "I must say, that is a relief to hear," he said letting out a small sigh. His face broke into a warm smile at hearing one of the other knights, Sir Lucan had asked about him. They weren't particularly close, but he appreciated it greatly. "I will be sure to give him my thanks for his concern." It was the least he could do. "Oh and thank you for not talking too much about what happened, it makes me feel much more comfortable," he admitted. He knew Merlin wasn't the type to gossip and talk, but he felt the need to thank him nonetheless. "Although I'm sure there must be a few rumours and bits of gossip around the castle," he said with a sombre face.

[em]

Elyan's humour was certainly brightening Merlin's evening. He hadn't laughed like this in a while, and when the subject came down to just joking around about Arthur - it was certainly a nice way to bond a little more. As much as Merlin had come to know Elyan within the last year, he still felt as though there was so much more that he needed to know about it. "Why would we stop when it's fun?" he asked innocently, "besides, Arthur spends most of his time throwing things at me so I have all the more reason to want to make the odd joke here and there."

"I hope you do not think any less of me for what I have said." Merlin frowned and looked at Elyan at this. "I wouldn't think any less of you if it were me you were speaking of." he told him, "everyone has their own views and opinions, yours is just as valid as mine, or Arthur's or anyone elses." he clasped his hands together and put them in his lap, "besides, you're a knight...you have to speak the truth."

Merlin shook his head at Elyan thinking that there was gossip around. "Things happen, people soon forget about it and move onto the next thing to talk about." he told him. He hadn't heard any of the Knights speaking ill about Elyan - they were all like brothers, and even if they made jokes about one another on the field, they were not harsh to one another at all in any way. "I will be sure to give him my thanks for his concern." Elyan was now speaking of Sir Lucan. Merlin nodded at this and smiled, "he'll most likely be beating the life out of a poor dummy on the training field tomrrow, so you'll probably catch him then."

Then the subject turned to gossip. "It's not my place to talk...." he told him at the mention of there being rumours of such, somewhere around the castle, "some things are best kept secret." and boy did Merlin know about those!

[cherryblossom131]

Merlin's words concerning what Elyan said about Guinevère comforted him and truly made him feel like he wasn't a rotten brother. He missed Gwen beyond all measure, but she was still human and a mistake was a mistake, no matter the consequences. "besides, you're a knight...you have to speak the truth." Elyan quietly chuckled at that. "Ah yes, the knights code and everything. Honesty, nobility, honour." He let his voice fade out while listing the things required of a knight of Camelot. Was he so honourable, however, when he let his sister leave without him? He sighed, he shouldn't dwell on what happened. What's done is done, as they say. However he knew his mind would not be at ease until he saw her again, safe before his very eyes.

Merlin continued to reassure Elyan that there was no gossip going round about his previous situation. Elyan had to admit he was very relieved and he smiled at Merlin. The experience was already going to be difficult to get over without the irritating knowledge that people were whispering about him behind his back. "he'll most likely be beating the life out of a poor dummy on the training field tomrrow, so you'll probably catch him then." Elyan chuckled at Merlin's words. Although he didn't know Lucan well, he knew Merlin's words were most probably correct. "Let's hope he'll be beating a straw dummy." And not a real dummy. He chuckled. Elyan knew Lucan was skilful on the training field and he felt bad for the poor soul who got onto his bad side.

Elyan simply nodded at Merlin's words. "some things are best kept secret." He let out a sigh. "I definitely agree with that." Elyan hadn't kept a whole lot of secrets in his life, but like anybody he has his fair share. "I guess I should be grateful things didn't go badly." He said quietly. "Or even worse, I should say," he smiled weakly. "Worse things have happened to many people and this is not the worst thing to happen to me." Not by a long shot. At least nobody had actually died.

[em]

"Ah yes, the knights code and everything. Honesty, nobility, honour."

Merlin smirked at this, "Beating the seven bells out of one another for no apparent reason?" as knights did during tournaments - just to see who happened to be the winner. Merlin still couldn't see the point to them but knew that it was just another thing that came with the duty of a Knight. He laughed at Elyan's words about Sir Lucan. "I'm very sure that it'll be straw." Lucan wasn't the type to throw objects or run at poor unsuspecting servants with swords and maces. Merlin came out on top form when it came down to being beaten over the head with weapons. "Have you come up against him in training?" he asked.

"Worse things have happened to many people and this is not the worst thing to happen to me."
Merlin nodded at this. It was only natural for Elyan to feel some form of a little bit of guilt as well as soem relielf. "Well they do say that things happen for a reason." he tried to make the situation sound a little more 'happier' all around. "You never know, there might be some good that will come from it?"

After all, who knew what the future held? The past couldn't be re-written, but it could form a new path for what lay ahead.

[cherryblossom131]

"Beating the seven bells out of one another for no apparent reason?" Elyan chuckled. "It's a show of strength and capability of being a knight, turns you into a man," he said in what he thought was a fairly manly voice and pushed Merlin's shoulder playfully. As they spoke of Lucan, Elyan agreed with Merlin. Despite not knowing him a whole lot, he knew Lucan was most definitely not a bully in any way. "Have you come up against him in training?" Elyan thought for a moment. "Well, yes in training, and I must say he is rather skilful with a sword." Elyan had come up against most of the knights in the various exercises Arthur would set out for them, and Lucan had been one of those said knights. His skill with a sword had been exceptional though, and although they weren't particularly close, Elyan knew him to be a good knight.

Merlin spoke wisely yet again. Elyan had to believe that everything that had happened, not only the possession, but every bad thing ever, had happened for a reason. Otherwise what was the point? "You never know, there might be some good that will come from it?" Elyan smiled warmly at Merlin. He genuinely appreciated how he was looking at the bright side of everything; it's exactly what he needed. "I think you're right," he began. "I may not see it now, but in time this will make me stronger." He had to believe that and have faith. "I just didn't want the whole situation with the druid child to change me, but maybe that is not such a bad thing?" Maybe he would change for the better, he didn't know. "What do you think?" He was coming to value Merlin's opinion greatly.

[em]

Merlin put his hand to his chest mockingly "ouch...now that stung" he smirked, knowing full well the abuse he had about not being deemed as manly as he should be. He was just as manly as any of those Knights - just because he barely picked up a sword it didn't mean to say that he wasn't as strong. In fact he had pretty darn good reflexes from dodging things Arthur aimed at him.

So had Elyan come up against Lucan? The answer was yes. Well, yes in training, and I must say he is rather skilful with a sword." That was true, Merlin had seen him - then again all the Knights were skillful with any type of weapon (with the exception of Percival who could push over boulders) so it wasn't a surprise on hearing Elyan's answer. "Perhaps I need to work on my swordcraft a little more" Merlin smirked to himself. "The maybe i'll be more manly"

Speaking about the positive outcome that could emerge from his possesion, Merlin nodded at Elyan's words as well as his question. "You could learn from it?" Merlin offered, "After all - now you can be more aware of surroundings and suspicious places when you enter them." suspicious, being deemed as the druid camp. "I think that it will make you stronger than before - not that you could get any stronger" he half laughed, "basically what I'm trying to say is that you should welcome any change, no matter how good or bad - because things happen for a reason". Merlin shrugged and smiled at Elyan, that was the only possible explanation that he could muster at the moment.

[cherryblossom131]

"ouch...now that stung" Elyan chuckled at Merlin. He knew Merlin was manly underneath, just not in the typical sense of the word. To him, Merlin was a more of a lover than a fighter. But who knows he could be wrong about him, he could be a warrior in disguise. The thought amused him. He probably didn't have the muscles for it, the man was too skinny for his own good. But he probably had a lot of strength, maybe not totally physically, but in his heart. Merlin had proved that on many occasions, and Elyan wasn't stupid enough to dismiss it, or underappreciate it. He was more than glad to have Merlin's friendship whether he was a manly knight or a loyal servant.

All the knights had skill, and Elyan was honoured to be a part of the knighthood of Camelot; the most noble knights he had ever encountered. "Perhaps I need to work on my swordcraft a little more" Elyan laughed. "The maybe i'll be more manly" He grinned at Merlin. "Oh I'm sure you're manly enough already, my friend." He said punching him lightly on the arm playfully. "I mean you're Arthur's manservant, you probably have to have a heck of a lot of strength," he said laughing, teasing Arthur once more. It seemed he was quite good at that, though maybe not quite so good in front of Arthur himself.

Elyan was beginning to look on the bright side of what had happened; thanks to Merlin of course. "You could learn from it?" Elyan listened intently as Merlin continued. He chuckled slightly when he mentioned how it might help him in the military sense. He'd certainly never step foot in any place that looked even the least bit suspicious. One look at a weird looking piece of cloth tied to a tree and he'd be running for the hills, not to mention he'd probably never drink straight out of a well again. "I think that it will make you stronger than before - not that you could get any stronger" He chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment." As Merlin continued, Elyan smiled at his words. "My thoughts exactly, although it had better be a darn good reason," he said laughing. "Well, we can't change the past anyway," so there was no reason to dwell on it. "No matter how much we want to."

[em]

Merlin hadn't really thought himself as manly as some of the knights could be - but then again he was his own version of manliness - and he couldn't actually believe that the coversation had turned to this. "Being Arthur's servant is a strength itself, I don't know about also having a lot of it" he grinned, "Mind you, I have better reflexes than you or the Knights when it comes to flying jugs, shoes...well - anything that's thrown at me in a moment of annoyance." The look on his face was a triumphant one, and Merlin loved nothing better than to get under Arthur's skin about subjects that he was embarassed about.

Elyan was right. The past was the past. You couldn't go back and set it a different course. There were many things that Merlin himself had always regretted, even now - but he knew that he couldn't change it, and that it was only making him a stronger and hopefully a better person himself. He then turned to Elyan "If there was one thing you could change...one thing at all" he asked softly, "what would it be?..."

Merlin already knew what he would change if he could, and that was many, many things that had gone wrong or silly mistakes he'd slipped up on, that had cost him (and others) so dearly. He now tried not to think about his father, Freya, Lancelot, or anyone who had come so close to the fire and was burned for it. It always made him wonder, who - just who would be next? And how could he stop it before it was too late.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan couldn't help but laugh at Merlin's 'triumphant' face. But he was fairly certain that Merlin was in fact right. Most of the things Elyan has seen Arthur throw at or around Merlin's head seemed pretty solid. Unless Merlin constantly got concussions, he had to have amazing reflexes to dodge all of those objects every single time. It was actually rather commendable. "You know what Merlin, I think you deserve a medal, or some kind of award after putting up with Arthur so long," he said teasingly. He was quite sure Merlin himself wouldn't disapprove of finally gaining some credit for everything he does. He didn't know if he could take 'mucking out the stables' half the times Merlin has.

Elyan didn't really enjoy dwelling on the past. He knew the only thing that would accomplish is causing pain, but sometimes, like everybody else, he just couldn't help but think 'what if'. So after hearing Merlin's question he paused for a few moments in thought. "Umm," he paused again. "I'd like to say I would never have left my father or Gwen all those years ago." It had been a difficult decision to leave. "But I cannot bring myself to regret everything I experienced." It had been absolutely incredible, the places he went, the people he met and of course all the trouble he got himself into. He couldn't tell Merlin that if he could go back he'd change that decision, because Elyan wasn't sure he really would.

"Sometimes, though, I feel like if I had never left I could have prevented my father's death somehow. It haunts me to think that it was my fault." Despite all of the conflict between himself and his father, he loved him dearly and when he found out about his death it hit him hard. He had ran harder and faster than before, and far away from Camelot without thinking about going back to take care of Gwen. He knew now how selfish that had been. So maybe that's what he would change, he would have taken better care of his sister. He remained pensive for a few moments before speaking. "If I could go back, I would be a better brother to Guinevère; she deserved better." A brother who would care for her properly. "What about you? What would you change if you could?"

[em]

"You know what Merlin, I think you deserve a medal, or some kind of award after putting up with Arthur so long," Elyan's words made Merlin's smile broaden and he looked away at the floor. "Nah - I'm just a servant, the only reward i've ever been given with reguards to Arthur is being given this position" he told him, "despite all the throwing and yelling - which he had got better at by the way - he's a good friend, in fact...don't tell him this, but he's my best friend really." Merlin shrugged as though it was no big deal. "I don't need any other award than that."

It seemed there were quite a few things that Elyan would say that he wanted to change, and Merlin could only tell by the expression he was now sporting before he'd even spoke. When finally he did state what he would have liked to have changed, Merlin listened. He spoke about how Tom's death still haunted him. In all honesty that still haunted Merlin, but that was years gone now. "Is that why you never came back to Camelot?" Merlin asked, "because you thought it was your fault?"

Merlin shifted slighty on being asked about what he would change. "Ther are too many to count..." he admitted, "I guess..." he paused for a few moments to think. "I guess I could have - it doesn't matter" he sighed. "Just...many things, that's all..."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan could only smile at Merlin's words. They were just proof of the extent of Merlin's friendship and loyalty to those around him and those he cared about. "I don't need any other award than that." He grinned at him. "You are a very loyal friend to Arthur and he should count himself lucky." For friendship and unwavering allegiance like that did not come cheap. It had to be earned. Elyan truly felt honoured to be considered Merlin's friend "But you are never 'just a servant,'" he continued, referring to Merlin's previous words. If they were true, then Elyan would be 'just a blacksmith,' for they were equals in every sense of the word really. "You are most definitely one of us, with an invisible Sir before your name," he chuckled. "You're a knight in disguise."

His father's death was a topic he rarely spoke about, even with Gwen. Whether that was right or wrong of him, he did not know. "Is that why you never came back to Camelot?" He creased his eyebrows and looked at Merlin as he continued his question, before pausing for a moment in thought. "Well I guess, at first yes." He hadn't intended to stay away from Camelot and travel for four years. Things had just...escalated. "But then I think I got a bit carried away, before I went to Escetia for a little while and then got captured." The vivid memory of that experience; getting captured, reuniting with his sister, and eventually escaping, were engraved into his mind; but not in a bad way. "The rest is history." That was when he had first met Merlin. Not exactly a very conventional meeting.

He awaited Merlin's answer and didn't fail to hear the hesitancy in his voice. He'd already thought Merlin had an unusually large weight set on his shoulders, but the way he answered further clarified that thought. "Just...many things, that's all..." Although he acted like it sometimes, Merlin was not some happy-go-lucky boy. Elyan wasn't ignorant enough to think otherwise. Merlin was a man hardened by the trials of life, just like everyone else, maybe even more so. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry." He didn't know a great deal about Merlin, but he could tell that he had lost someone too. "But what about your father? I've never heard you speak of him." His curiosity hadn't gotten the better of him.

[em]

Merlin gave a rather loud snort at the thought of being considered one of the Knights. "Sir Merlin..." he pondered and then nodded, "I think I rather suit a Sir..." he looked at Elyan in approval, "and im sure that Arthur thanks his lucky stars every day that he has me" he joked, "secretly we all know that he can't live without me - his socks would suffer so much if I wasn't there to wash them." A small smirk spread across his lips.

Merlin decided not to speak of Tom to Elyan anymore - by the way Elyan was speaking and the words 'the rest is history' had now come into the conversation, it seemed that it was well and truly over for that part. But no, Elyan had other ideas.

"But what about your father? I've never heard you speak of him."

So it now was that the subject of fathers was to be the new topic of the evening despite what had been said. Merlin shook his head.
"I never really knew him, he left my mother before I was born and i've only met him once - but he's dead now, so I guess that's why I never really talk about him - I hardly know anything about him either so there's not much to tell." That much was true - but even though he hadn't known him for that long, it hadn't stopped the tears from falling when he died. At least he still had part of Balinor left with him. The gift of the dragonlord.

[cherryblossom131]

"Sir Merlin..." Elyan chuckled and nodded slightly in approval. "It certainly has a ring to it." He couldn't really imagine Merlin as a knight though. Not just because of his different build, but because Elyan had never seen the man kill anyone. It was yet another thing about Merlin that he was curious about. He kept his mouth shut for now though, but the thought was planted into his mind. Elyan continued to laugh as Merlin spoke of how Arthur's socks needed him. "I'm sure it's more than just Arthur's socks that need you," he began. "Other than Gwen," he paused for a moment, "you are his closest advisor." Merlin was Arthur's best friend and everyone saw that. Now that Gwen had been banished, Merlin was left to be Arthur's closest confidante. "Despite the fact that you talk a lot sometimes, you are very capable of wisdom; wisdom that Arthur needs as a new king."

The topic had shifted to fathers. Not only Elyan's, but Merlin's too. He hadn't really meant to ask the way he did; so forward and brash. It had just sort of blurted out with the topic of their conversation now. He didn't want to make Merlin talk about something he didn't want to and he probably shouldn't have asked. He had just been a little too curious, that was all. But it was too late now, the question was out there. It had already left his lips and now, he merely awaited Merlin's response.

When Merlin said that his father had died and he never really knew him, Elyan instantly felt horrible for asking the question. "I'm so sorry Merlin." He knew how painful losing a father was. "But I'm sure he was a good man, like you." He smiled weakly. He felt horrid though, because although he had lost his father, at least he knew him. They may have been at odds with each other more often than Elyan was proud of, but he loved his father with all of his heart and he knew his father loved him, despite everything. Merlin hadn't even gotten to know his father. Hearing that he had died meant that Merlin no longer had the chance too, which Elyan was sure must hurt. Maybe Merlin's pain was stronger than Elyan's then. "I didn't mean to ask the question like that, I shouldn't have." His stupid curiosity was always problematic. It seemed now was no different.

[em]

"Despite the fact that you talk a lot sometimes, you are very capable of wisdom; wisdom that Arthur needs as a new king." Was he? Was he really? Merlin knew that some of the times he'd given Arthur advice it had proved effective, but it was Arthur himself who needed to trust his own judgement, and lately he'd been doing quite well with it.
"Arthur is capable of of having that wisdom without asking me" he replied, "Even if sometimes I think it's the wrong thing to do, he knows what is best - that's why the people love him..HEY! I don't talk that much!" he put an annoyed look on his face but failed to do so when he laughed. Merlin sighed shortly after. "Gwen is better at giving advice than me, I hope that she'll be able to offer that again to Arthur soon."

Merlin shifted uncomfortably when Elyan apologised, "You don't need to apologise" he smiled and shook his head, "I didn't know him that well, but from what I saw of him, he was a good man - even if others didn't think the same."
Once again Elyan felt bad, but Merlin smiled weakly, "honestly, its ok - I don't really have a chance to talk about things like this, not to Arthur anyway, and Gauis always has me running some errand. It helps to actually get things off my mind - I don't mind people asking questions like that."

[cherryblossom131]

"Arthur is capable of of having that wisdom without asking me" Elyan nodded slightly. That was partially true. Arthur was after all king now, although a particularly young one he still had to be wise. But there are something's Arthur does not know and he needs friends like Merlin to tell him. Elyan listened intently as Merlin continued and couldn't help but laugh with him at the look of mock annoyance on his face. "Merlin I have travelled to many places for many years," he began with mock seriousness. "I can honestly tell I have never met anyone who talks like you," he ended with a chuckle, although it was actually true. He'd never met anyone like Merlin, he was unique in his own way which was refreshing. "Gwen is better at giving advice than me, I hope that she'll be able to offer that again to Arthur soon." Elyan smiled weakly. "She's not better at giving advice, she's just...different." He nudged Merlin's shoulder playfully. "Hey, she'll be back soon enough. I just know it." He had to believe that.

He felt relieved that Merlin was alright with his questions. He certainly had been worried that he'd mindlessly caused him some sort of pain. Elyan knew how hard it was to talk of people that have passed on. He was glad to hear that Merlin thought his father was a good man. "In the end I guess it does not matter what people think, but what you think," he smiled. It didn't matter if others didn't like his father, as long as Merlin did. He supposed parents who have passed away was also a particularly sore subject for Arthur, which is probably why he wouldn't talk about it much. "It helps to actually get things off my mind - I don't mind people asking questions like that." Elyan smiled warmly at Merlin. "Well, if there's anything else, any secrets or anything you need to get off your chest, don't hesitate to tell me." Elyan knew what it was like to bottle things up, and it did not feel good, because eventually you just explode.

[em]

Merlin smirked, "Well at least I can say that I talk about interesting things...I think" he looked ahead and frowned at his own words, before turning back to Elyan, "anyway Gwaine is just as bad! Who would you rather be stuck in a cell with, me or him? Because im pretty sure that my ears would fall off within hours." Gwaine did talk more than Merlin, and no one could ever get him to shut up.
Merlin nodded in agreement with Elyan. "I hope so" he sighed, "and she'll be alright, she's strong enough to defend herself."

"Well, if there's anything else, any secrets or anything you need to get off your chest, don't hesitate to tell me."

Merlin could've launched into a thousands secrets that could have been shared, but those had to be kept quiet for his own sake and Arthurs. He smiled and didn't look at his friend, Elyan was most likely expecting him to say something along the lines of, "sometimes I can't be bothered to wash Arthur's socks so I just put them to the back of his cupboard until they are used again..." or there was always the forbidden secret which he could just come out ever so bluntly with and have Elyan pass out. "Did you know I can make mops move on their own, oh by the way I have magic and can talk to dragons."
No, that was defiantly not an option! Instead he just gave a little nod to himself. "Im sure if I think of anything i'll tell you," he grinned, "but that's all there is really, nothing else. Just me...little old Merlin..."

Yes just him, and only him. Nothing out of the ordinary about Merlin.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan couldn't help but laugh at Merlin's words. Of course Merlin spoke of interesting things, he did call him wise after all. But that's not to say Merlin doesn't speak about interesting things...a lot. He continued to chuckle when Merlin asked who he'd rather be stuck in a cell with, him or Gwaine. He already knew the answer to that and couldn't agree with Merlin more. "If I was stuck in a cell with Gwaine for any amount of time, I'm not very sure I'd be able to bear it." Gwaine talked even more than Merlin did, and most of it was hardly interesting or even relevant at all. It was like he talked merely for the sake of talking. He'd probably have the worst luck imaginable if for any reason he would be stuck in a cell with Gwaine. He might even turn suicidal, he thought over dramatically. He hoped they weren't jinxing it. Elyan smiled weakly at Merlin's words about Gwen. He knew Merlin was right and nodded in agreement. "Yeah I know," he sighed. "I just really wish she didn't have to." He hated the idea of his little sister having to defend herself for any reason. It was supposed to be his job to protect her and he wasn't really doing a good job of that.

As they spoke of secrets Elyan awaited Merlin's answer. He wasn't really sure what he was expecting Merlin to say. He had no idea of the nature of the secrets that Merlin could keep in that strange mind of his. But he had made the offer for a reason. Although he didn't really have any huge secrets he knew what a burden they could be. Sometimes, he would notice small moments when Merlin was looking elsewhere; he'd have a look on his face so beyond his years, like he held the responsibility of the whole world on his shoulders. He'd always wondered about that, but had chosen not to pry too much, although he was pretty curious. Elyan narrowed his eyes slightly at his words but just nodded. "but that's all there is really, nothing else. Just me...little old Merlin..." He chuckled in disbelief. "I don't think you could ever be 'just little old Merlin,'" he began. "There is a reason you are such a friend to Arthur and to all of us really. You may not be a knight, but there is nothing ordinary about you, Merlin." If he had to describe Merlin, ordinary is word that wouldn't for a second even cross his mind. "In fact if I had to describe you, I'm pretty sure I'd say...extraordinary," he smiled.

[em]

Merlin pulled a face at this, "I don't think anyone could bear it with the way he goes on about absolutely everything and anything that comes into his mind." With a small laugh he smirked at Elyan, "and I wouldn't wish that upon anyone." As much as Merlin liked Gwaine, he didn't like him enough to spend days on end locked in a room with him. He'd already made a journey with him to the perilous lands, and it wasn't just the lands that lived up to the name. Gwaine's mouth hadn't really closed for the duration of the journey. At first Merlin had been thankful for the time that was passing, slowly realising that perhaps next time he should look up a gagging spell before ever setting out on a long journey with Gwaine again.

"There is a reason you are such a friend to Arthur and to all of us really. You may not be a knight, but there is nothing ordinary about you, Merlin." The warlock frowned slightly at this. What exactly did he mean? "In fact if I had to describe you, I'm pretty sure I'd say...extraordinary," Merlin looked at him blankly. "In a good way or a bad way?" he asked. His mother had always said that he was special, Gauis had implied it once or twice and had made a few comments about the brilliance of his magic, but hearing praise from someone who had exactly no idea who Merlin really was or what he was capable of was enough to realise that he was being recognised for something that he was doing right without the aid of magic being the main key of praise. This made Merlin smile warmly.

"Thankyou anyway," he began - "hearing that from...well, from someone other than my mother or Gauis shows that im doing something right in being Arthur's dogsbody". Shooting a sly glance at Elyan, he sat back further and shifted more to make himself comfortable.

[cherryblossom131]

"In a good way or a bad way?" He laughed at Merlin's expression. "I most definitely mean it in a good way." Merlin had a very unique and cheery personality which was something Elyan admired. He always had a sort of mystery about him, like there was something more and deeper, something beneath the cheery and happy surface. He was probably just over analysing things. He did that a lot and more often than not he'd just be wrong, which was probably the case now. Merlin didn't seem like the mysterious, sombre type, but as they say always look out for the ones you'd least expect. He smiled inwardly at the thought. "Besides, being ordinary is hardly good fun at all is it," he nudged him playfully while smiling with his eyebrows raised.

"Thankyou anyway," He grinned at Merlin and laughed at his next words. "Aww, come on," he nudged him. "You are much more than Arthur's dogsbody. In fact I'm pretty sure you're his best friend," he smiled. "A best friend that does his laundry, polishes his armour, dresses him, mucks out his stables," he let the list trail off and replaced it with laughter. They had an odd relationship, but hey it worked. Who was he to judge? "Now then, I'm going to ask you a very serious question Merlin," he said in mock seriousness. "In one word, I've described you as extraordinary. So, how would you describe me in one word?" He tried to keep up the serious approach, but the idea sort of shattered as soon as a grin stretched across his face. He was genuinely curious, and awaited Merlin's answer.