Chapter Text
“Are you sure it’s the right thing to do, Merlin ?”
“Yes, it is what I must do. My destiny has been fulfilled, and Arthur is the king he was destined to be. I am not useful here anymore, especially since he took in another manservant, and you became Court Sorcerer. I must go, this is what it tells me to.”
“Camelot will miss you, you know.”
“I do, and I will miss Camelot too. I will come back, someday. I promise you.”
“When will you leave ?”
“Tomorrow, after the sunset. I won’t say goodbye to everyone, I won’t be able to.”
“Even to Arthur ?”
“Especially to Arthur.”
Gaius sighed. He didn’t even have the strength to raise his eyebrow. He bid Merlin goodnight, and turned himself around. Merlin had grown up to be such a fine adult. He was proud of him, of everything he did, for Camelot. For Arthur. He had given up everything for him, and now was the natural time for him to leave. To live his life. But still, he was worried. Merlin was still young, and Gaius had raised him ever since he came to Camelot, all those years ago. He felt like his son was leaving the family’s house.
***
After bidding goodnight to Gaius, Merlin went into his room. It was messy, as usual. But this time, he had to pack, for good. He took his old bag, the one he arrived in Camelot with, and put whatever he thought he needed into it. Books, some clothes (mostly Arthur’s old clothes, they were of much better quality than Merlin’s), the new dixie he bought a few days ago, and other things that were scattered across the floor. He would take a waterskin and steal some food from the kitchen, he thought.
When he finally sat on his bed, the night was dark. It was his last night in Camelot, and it felt like the stars were mourning for his departure. Merlin turned his back towards the window, and tried to sleep.
He already felt nostalgic of his life in Camelot. His friends, their adventures. They lived through so much together. But he felt like leaving was the right option. He knew everything there was to discover about Camelot, and his mission there was accomplished. Now, he needed to learn about the world. About magic. Maybe, one day, he will come back. For sure, he would visit his friends and Gaius.
But he needed to see Hunith first, though. It has been so long since he last saw her. Surely, she missed him too. And, maybe she wanted some of Arthur’s news, too.
***
The sun was shining beautifully on Camelot. Merlin took a small break between two deliveries to bathe in the sunrays' heat, and relax. The Lower Town’s noises had become somewhat soothing over the years, and he would miss it. In fact, he would miss Camelot’s people, that he came to know well over the years he had spent there. But it wasn’t enough to halt his decision. He would leave today, no matter what.
“Merlin !” A voice said, behind him. He had the pleasant surprise of seeing his good friend.
“Gwen ! What are you doing here ?”
“I was on my way to buy some iron, for that big order we got yesterday. We didn’t have enough in the smithery. What about you ?”
“Just running some errands. For Gaius.”
“I see. See you later, then !” And off she went, disappearing into the crowd of the busy people.
Merlin followed her shortly after, lost in his train of thought.
***
Since the day’s weather had been clear, the sunset was beautiful. Merlin stopped where he was, to admire its colours. Arthur silently approached him, so as to not disturb his daze.
“Merlin.” He said, softly.
“Arthur.” Merlin answered, with a soft, sad smile.
“Is it the sun, putting you in this state ?” said Arthur, mockingly.
“You could say that, yes”
“Well, I hope you’re ready for tomorrow, Merlin.”
“Tomorrow ?” answered Merlin, confused. “What happens, tomorrow ?”
“Merlin, you’re so forgetful. There is a tournament in Camelot, and I’m participating. You’ll be cheering for me, right ?” Arthur said, with a bright smile. Merlin laughed, and then smiled. Arthur seemed satisfied with this answer, as he began to walk towards his chambers, bidding Merlin goodnight.
Merlin stood there, for a good minute. Then, he departed towards his room. This would probably be the last time he saw Arthur before long.
***
Merlin’s bag was ready, on the floor. The food he stole earlier was safely wrapped in the bag, and he checked for the last time if something was missing. He toured his room, and covered himself with a grey cape. He had to buy a new one again, as Arthur kept stealing his.
With his backpack on and his hood covering his face, he left his room, as if no one ever lived there to begin with. Gaius wasn’t there, to give him some privacy, he thought. He opened the door, and swiftly walked in the corridors, using the shortcuts and secret passages he had learnt during his time as Arthur’s manservant. He hid himself around the patrols and the guards. He passed the castle’s doors, unseen, and headed towards the Lower Town.
He couldn’t use magic to escape, since he put himself wards that record any spell used in Camelot (on papers, so that Arthur and Gaius could easily access it). He could easily find his way without being detected, though. He avoided the early night’s crowd, and saw Gwaine among them. He thought he would have a fun night. Or, he was on patrol or some mission.
Merlin would miss it. Camelot’s buzzing atmosphere, especially the one that appeared after Arthur had overthrown the ban on magic. But, now was not the right time for doubts. Tomorrow, maybe. But today was for running away.
And that’s exactly what he did. He managed to get out of Camelot without drawing anyone’s attention. He found a hidden spot, and casted the last spells he researched to protect Camelot. To protect his friends. To protect Arthur.
A wave of nostalgia hit him. When was the last time Merlin and Arthur had crossed these gates together ? Not that long ago. Even if Merlin wasn’t his manservant anymore, Arthur always insisted on taking him, and him only, for some hunts. Merlin hated hunts, actually, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the time he spent with his friend.
He sighed, and began walking towards the forest. He looked up, towards the stars. They were shining bright tonight. He hoped his friends looked at the sky, too, and thought about him, even though they wouldn’t know until tomorrow that he disappeared. This was his cheer for Arthur, he thought. Not only for the tournament, but for his entire reign and life. A thousand stars, shining brightly in the dark night’s sky.