not just a servant [is being edited]

Chapter 2

The midday sun streamed in from the grand windows into the chamber where the two brothers had reunited. Although the warmth of the sun, there was a cold distance between the two men that was hard to bridge. The last time they had seen each other was when the older was running into a battle that could have taken his life, if not eventually both of theirs. The last time they had both been boys. Seeing each other again, they were instantly reminded that the battle was still not over. They had both grown into their roles as the years passed by, now young men who knew what war meant. 

"Elianora and I escaped to a small village," The younger broke the silence. "It was one in the outskirts of Dorham. We were fortunate to find a place to stay, as the people were kind enough to let us in. After some time, I could not just stay there and do nothing... I went looking for the other knights or other allies from our kingdom. As you might have seen, I found some of them." Arijae's eyes were searching for his brother's, but to no avail. A shameful expression had been painted on the older's face whilst the younger spoke. 

"I-" Merlin tried to formulate himself as best as he could, and finally met Arijae's gaze to show the sincerity behind his following words. "I am sorry. I am so sorry, Ari. I should have been there helping. I should have stayed with you, or at least done SOMETHING against Gabriel sooner." Merlin's face was heavy with the guilt he bore. "It is not what you were ever supposed to face, especially not at your young age. You were never supposed to take responsibility for my childish actions. I have acted so selfishly, hiding away."

"Merlin," Arijae said, looking straight into his brother's eyes, his own eyes wide in genuine surprise at the heartfelt nonsense the other was spewing. He took a deep breath to add some leverage to the words, as he could already sense the excuses that Merlin would keep stating. "You kept yourself safe. I should thank you for that. Don't you dare say anything against that." His words channelled all of the emotions that he had borne when he did not know if his brother was dead or alive. "I know you are the goddamn heir of the throne, but you are still the heir of the throne and the wisest, bravest and kindest person I know. We need you as the king, one day. And I only followed what I knew you would have done, sooner or later."  

"Det är verkligen du. (It really is you.)" Merlin spoke in their mother tongue. Even though it had been years since he last spoke it, except for some quiet curse words, it did not feel any less foreign in his mouth than before. "This discussion is not over, but we are only putting it on hold. I am sorry. Now, how is Elianora? Where is she?" Concern was once again hovering over his words.

"She is in the forest, not far from here. She didn't want to come to Camelot, I am not certain as to why, but I will send after her. She is well." Arijae looked up at his brother with a sad smile. " Jag har saknat dig. (I have missed you.)"

"Och jag dig. (And I have missed you.)'' The older brother answered.

"So, what are you doing in Camelot?" Arijae asked, which was met by a giddy grin. 

"Well, why don't you guess?" Merlin said slightly childishly.

"Umm.. perhaps a Knight?" Merlin shook his head with a chuckle. "No? Then... No, magic is outlawed here, and you are inside the castle... No, you can't be a servant..." Merlin's grin widened, and so did Arijae's eyes. "Really? You? A servant?"

"You're talking to his royal Pratness, King Arthur of Camelot's very own manservant," Merlin said with an overly extravagant bow, mischief clear on his face. "Is that truly so farfetched?"

"I guess I could never see you doing something such as scrubbing someone else's shoes... You would think you would have some sort of rank, a man of your talents. Does Arthur know of your magic?" Merlin shook his head shortly, his eyes carrying a heavy sadness. "Do you believe he will help us?"