[His hands clench involuntarily into fists, and a shiver runs through him. How straightforward and cold of Arthur is it to say that? And yet, perhaps what bothers Merlin the most is that he understands those words perfectly. Because he, too, subscribes to that school of thought.

As much as it had hurt to offer Morgana the poisoned water, it had meant saving innocent lives. It was Morgana's life against the lives of everyone else in Camelot--the choice was a painful, but easy one to make. And he would do it again, if it came down to the same decision.

Doesn't that put him in the same position as Arthur? Knowing he's taken someone precious away, but knowing there was no other way to save the people being hurt?]

I...I understand. [More than he's willing to say right now.] You don't have to explain.

[Merlin bows his head.] I did love her then. She was special and.. [He sighs] she made me feel like I meant something. I still care about her a lot, but it's...it's been over two years.

[It had hurt more than he could say when he lost her, but Merlin had a duty to Arthur and the kingdom, and a destiny to fulfill. With Camelot constantly in danger, he simply couldn't afford to let himself stay down. If he loses someone, he forces himself to get over it, and continues like nothing had happened. Lather, rinse, repeat. What else could he do?]