Aithusa is such a sweetheart. I am so glad she is recovering with Merlins help. Loved Aithusa picking Percival as the favourite knight too. Priceless.
I was always frustrated that Merlin never used the teleportation spell in the show. As the most powerful warlock to ever live, he should well have been capable of this spell. Yes, I understand that he had no one to teach him, but still it would surely be plausible that with his power he could still do this. How much time would be saved!
Finally caught with Aithusa. Just how will Arthur manage this mess? Should be interesting.
Thanks, enjoyed the chapter.

Awesome update. Really enjoyed reading this chapter. Looking forward to reading more.

Especially enjoyed those last two paragraphs! XD
Thanks for the update! Excited for more!

Good job keep it up

Laughter! A very fun chapter, and not at all just a fill! I loved the desicion of proclaiming Percival the BEST!

Arthur drugging Merlin for the sake of sleep is exactly the kind of control-freak, I'm-the-king-and-I-can-do-what-I-want, well-intentioned overstepping that I love. And I love Merlin pushing right back. BECAUSE FRIENDS DON'T DRUG FRIENDS. But it's cute when Arthur tries to be a good friend and just kind of misses the mark...this is why he needs Merlin to keep him in line.

Sigh. As a general rule, I don't read fics that aren't finished, mostly because I have a terrible memory and I often just can't remember enough of the story if I have to wait between updates. But I knew what I was getting into when I started this...I just liked your other stuff enough that I couldn't resist. And now I have to be patient and wait. :*( I hope you update soon!

I freaking love Arthur trying to be a good friend, but also struggling to understand that despite all his power, he can't just fix all of Merlin's problems. I love the nuance of it. Great chapter!

Okay, should I remember this knife from an episode? Or is this something unique to your story? It's driving me crazy trying to place it!

Ohhh, I so wanted a confrontation between Arthur and Lucian! I get Gwen's logic, but I feel like it would make sense for Arthur to set a zero tolerance policy for bullying other members of the round table...

Your interactions between Merlin and Arthur continue to be my favorite scenes. You just capture them so well!

So I felt slightly wary of Merlin branching out in life until I saw the direction you took it (truth be told, I was afraid you were setting it up to give him an OC girlfriend). But I love the the idea of Aithusa providing some balance! I can't wait to see the second part of Arthur and Merlin's conversation. The first part was great!

Woohoo! Merlin at the round table! And I loved Percival's insight into not forcing Merlin into more attention than he's ready for.

"Disappear like that again and you're going to find a tracking spell placed on every item of clothing you own."

His smile upon seeing her quickly morphed into a frown. "He wouldn't."

"I'd be greatly surprised if he hasn't already. And if not, he would if I asked him to."

"And if I told him not to?"

"He was my friend first."

bahaha! I love it! Both the tracking threat and the friendship brag!

"You've carried destiny long enough old friend. Let us ease your burden as you've eased ours all these years."

This... series five Merlin needed this SO BADLY! The poor man was a worn out mess! I love the idea of Arthur recognizing that and stepping up.

Love this start! It resets that disaster of a finale, but without being cheesy! And yay for Gwaine being alive too!

With artistic freedom you still could have had! Very cute meeting - thanks and thanks!