A/N: :/ A day later and a few hours of sleep achieved, I'm now unhappy with the previous chapter's dialogue.
Rewrites rarely work out well for me, however, so it will stand.
At least there was a healthy dose of bromance so it wasn't a complete wash...

So here we are, at the end. Thank you all for taking this little journey with me :)
I'll probably be starting something new in a day or two despite my intentions to return to Bound Together- but we shall see.

Merlin's recovery accelerated after Gwen made the observation that the nightmares rarely occurred when someone stayed with him (preferably holding his hand)- though the servant was rather embarrassed by the number of volunteers, particularly amongst the female castle staff.

In the end a rotation was set up, most of the shifts being handled by Guinevere, Gaius, Arthur, and Daegal though Mordred and Gwaine also made frequent appearances.

The exhaustion fell away, the nightmares ended, and his shoulder healed; though he wound up being on a strict 'no talking' policy even after he was able to get up out of bed and start resuming normal activity. Gaius had had little sympathy as he made the pronouncement, stating that Merlin only had himself to blame.

But really, how was he supposed to avoid speaking when the queen was in need of healing and comfort?
And it was hardly his fault that Gwaine had made him laugh so hard he coughed up blood (something that had the knight beside himself with guilt).

"Your mouth and throat were severely damaged Merlin. Such injuries are difficult to treat and heal without having the added problem of you exacerbating your condition. Now stop giving me that look and drink your broth."

The limited diet he was forced to follow certainly wasn't helping his weight-loss problem and the poor man found himself subjected to all too many pitying looks on the occasions he was allowed out-and-about.

Therefor it was with great joy that he was now treading the familiar path across the castle, tray balanced precariously and no other servants in sight.

Food settled on the table, he turned and flung open the curtains with gusto.

"Rise and Shine!" He crowed, smirking in satisfaction as Arthur jerked awake and all-but fell out of bed.
This was the first time he'd been able to speak normally for almost a month- it's only right that it incur a special reaction.

Guinevere, who had been getting dressed in her adjoining chambers returned upon hearing her friend.

"Merlin" the king whined "are you even allowed to be here?"

"As long as you haven't sacked me and not had the decency to say so, Sire."

The blond sighed, rolling over and burying his face in his pillow determinedly.

"Good morning, Merlin. It's good to see you back to normal."
Gwen said, taking her place at the private dining table and smiling at the servant.

The Arthur-lump made a snorting noise.

"Thank you, Milady. It's good to be back."
His tone turned from warmly polite to vaguely commanding.
"Now get up, clotpole. I'll not be blamed for your lateness today."

"Merlin... Merlin!"

The manservant dragged his king from the bed as the queen laughed at them both.

"Good. Now come get dressed, your clothes are on the screen."

The royal glared up from his place on the floor as Merlin ignored him to continue setting out breakfast.
That done, he stoked the fire before taking up his customary place behind Arthur's chair; pitcher at the ready.

"Come Merlin, join us for breakfast- you look half starved."

"Oh, ah... thanks for the offer, Milady, but I simply couldn't."

"Gwen. Call me Gwen." Her expression softened.
"Should I send for some broth?"

"No, it's not that, I just-"

"Shut up and sit down, idiot."
Arthur said, coming out from behind the screen and sitting at the table.
He gave the neighboring chair a significant look.

When Merlin still hesitated Arthur pulled the seat out and forced the thin man into it.
"Now eat, you're making me feel fat."

The king sat next to his friend, setting precedent for what would become commonplace between them.

A grin replaced the look of doubt.
"Well that's only because-"

"Shut up Merlin."