Just a little story I wrote testing out my new Zenwriter which has really helped me. It's amazing and you should check it out. Anyway, it's only a small sad story that popped into my head.

Warnings: Contains minor character death

Don't own anything apart from Bran

Is it Justified?

The days are getting shorter and the nights colder when Arthur returned from battle. His armour weighed heavily on him. Funny how it hadn't felt so in battle but now in Camelot it was crushing. The chamber door creaked open, letting a sliver of light pass into the room. The occupant in the room was obviously lost in thought, body not even moving when the door opened.

Arthur placed his sword on the table and knelt in front of the thin and delicate figure.

"Merlin?" he breathed, cupping the pale face in his hands. Merlin's sorrowful eyes came up to meet him. Arthur sighed, tracing the dried tear tracks with his fingers. "What happened?" he asked, as the man refused to meet his eyes.

"I couldn't save him. He died in my arms Arthur... he just... he just died" Merlin whispered, hands tightening to a death grip on Arthur's shoulders. Merlin shifted closer to Arthur, coming to rest on his lap in front of the fire.

"There was nothing you could have done Merlin" Arthur soothed, stroking Merlin's back. The gasping breathing began again as Merlin vehemently denied his tears from falling. "I came as soon as I heard my love, I'm so sorry" he breathed, burying Merlin's face into his neck. could have saved him Arthur. I should have known. It's my duty and responsibility to know. Bran was 7, he didn't deserve to die like that. He died in that cold water Arthur. How can the Gods justify that?" Merlin sobbed, letting go. Bran had always been adventurous when he was exploring. Arthur shook his head, having no answer to the grieving man in front of him

"My Love, can you magic my armour off? Then we can go to bed" Arthur wondered quietly. Instantly Merlin nodded, uttering something quietly before the weight around Arthur's neck, chest and arms disappeared. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur's neck as he was carried over to the bed. m so glad you're here Arthur. I don't think I would be able to cope without you" Merlin whimpered, eyes once again red and puffy. Arthur nodded, pulling Merlin's tunic up to reveal a skinny chest. Obviously Merlin had stopped eating because each one of his ribs was countable. "Pass me the sleeping draught Gaius made. He said it would help" Merlin muttered. to sleep love. I'm right here, I promise nothing will be able to touch you" Arthur soothed, tracing Merlin's shoulder with his fingers. Merlin pushed himself further into Arthur's arms, not letting go of any warmth and comfort that Arthur provided that night.

"I should have saved him" Merlin breathed, as his eyes finally closed.

Arthur eventually pulled away from Merlin and got out of bed. The castle was quiet, it seemed to reflect Merlin's emotions as the corridors and rooms were poorly lit for this time of year. He entered the tomb quietly, unable to believe the news that had reached him.

Bran had been Merlin's son from a tryst with a serving girl in one of Merlin's drunken hazes. The serving girl had died in childbirth, leaving Bran in the care of Merlin, his father. Arthur had been so angry when he had found out. How dare Merlin have a child when they were together?! Of course, as Merlin explained the boy was conceived at a time when both men thought that their relationship was that of close friends. Arthur knelt next to the body, stroking the boy's dark hair away from his face.

Bran was like a mini-me of Merlin. Dark hair that curled slightly behind the ears, which fortunately wasn't that large as they had been his mothers. The boy was pale, paler than anything Arthur had ever seen... well except when Bran was like he was now. The blue eyes that once were open had shown an incredible blue eyes that were similar to the shade of the sky on a clear day. Arthur had dearly loved him like Bran was his own. Technically, Bran almost was his child. He was Merlin's.

Arthur had been resting from his victory when he had taken Merlin's squire into his tent. He had been stumbling and stuttering, unable to get his words out to the point where Arthur threatened to throw him out. "Bran passed to the other side today, Your Majesty. He was playing on some ice when it cracked and he fell through. Merlin himself was unable to save him. It was too late" the squire informed him. Arthur had felt his body go numb and cold. Bran was dead? The little boy who he saw as a son was dead? How was this possible? The squire held out a letter in Merlin's scrawl.

Merlin!

Oh Merlin, what must he be going through all alone while he was stuck in battle. Thankfully the battle had been won. He would go to him immediately, Camelot and most importantly Merlin needed him. The prince had died and now nobody knew what to do. Arthur grabbed his horse, not even informing his men on where he was going. They would leave him once they knew he was heading safely towards Camelot.

"Goodbye my son" Arthur cried, letting the tears fall down his cheeks. Bran had always been special to him. Not only because of his magical talent, but for everything that he had brought into Arthur's life. He had finally had a family to take care of and love while being loved in return. Now one accident had ruined their family life. "May the gods look after you" he breathed, kissing Bran's head.

Arthur turned, walking out into the pouring rain. "Is this what you want?! Revenge for doing battle? Fine you take it out on me but not them. Why did you have to use my son in your viscous game? Is my suffering justifying the pain you've caused my love and the pain his son went through? Is your work justified?!" Arthur yelled to the sky, hoping the Gods were listening. The sky rumbled and it sounded like a laugh to Arthur.