[Merlin exhales.]

I'm glad you feel that way.

Because I'm thinking of binding mine. For awhile, anyway.

Binding?

W-what does that mean?

It means it would be rendered useless. If I can't remove it completely.

Merlin - why?

Because Arthur believes I'm more than just my magic. And I...don't.

Oh Merlin. Do you really think your worth lies in magic?

I've never known life without it. The times that it's failed me...I felt like I might as well not exist.

I want to prove this to myself. I want to prove Arthur right.

[Even if it terrifies him to his very core.]

Are you sure? it seems like a...drastic thing to do.

I tried to just not use it once. And I couldn't do it. It's like breathing to me, hard not to do unless I'm simply not given a choice.

Don't tell Arthur. I'm still working on the spell.

Are you certain about this Merlin? For you it is...so different than it is for me. I might as well cut off my right arm.

Not really.

[He laughs, a little of his fear lacing the sound of it.]

But I feel like I need to see who I would be without it. If I'm different at all. Who knows? Maybe I'd like myself better without it.

[Not that he could leave it behind for good. Destiny doesn't give him that option.]

How will you...if something bad happens, could you take your magic back?

I could get it back if it were really necessary.

...Well. I suppose if you think it will help you understand your worth then you may try.

Be careful, though, Merlin.

Me? Be careful?

[Her offers her a touch of a smile though.]

As much as you can, being you.