*wiggles fingers* mmmyes. This is a new story. No, I have not abandoned any of my other fics. Yes, I am working on the rest as well. (I'm a multitask-er. Bare with me.) No, I didn't eat gayaberries. Yes, I am nuts and NO, I didn't drink Your coffee... Anyways.. (It's full moon soon, so what did you expect from me?) ~ I am leaving again for another three days, but I didn't want to leave without posting something, and while "Resemblance" chapter 31 is coming along well, this little story has been buzzing around and has a finished plot-plan. So I thought, why not?.. Hope you will like reading it.. Have a nice weekend folks~

NOTE: this is 'T' for now, will be marked 'M' for a reason, there shall be mature content in it. No spoilers.

On with the fic~ Enjoy~

.*.

It started with the dreams.

He would startle awake with a jolt, as if falling from somewhere – occasionally indeed falling off his cot, - but then remember nothing, but the color white.
Other times he would wake screaming with fear of the fire he'd seen in front of him, - flames curiously white – and lacking an explanation to present to his concerned guardian; forgetting rapidly of what he's seen in the dream.

"It's probably just.." he trailed off, sitting on the ground with his back against his bed and rubbed the remains of his sleep out of his eyes. He hated to admit it. - He had no idea what it was; but he couldn't stand looking at his worried guardian standing in the doorway in his nightclothes, feeling somewhat ashamed that he woke the old man yet again with his hysterics.

He tried not to give it much thought at first, figuring Arthur was just probably working him too hard, and having to watch the king's back, and keeping his secrets hidden was starting to take it's toll on him. Gaius agreed to that conclusion and concocted some calming tonic for his ward, and decided to ask children from the lower town instead, whenever he needed herbs or any errands run.

Merlin wasn't completely happy about that decision. Though he didn't mind 'someone else scrubbing the damn leech-tank for once', having to pick herbs was always a good excuse to take a trip out of town, to the fields or forest nearby and spend some time in silence and in nature and just.. picking herbs and relaxing. However he said nothing, as he didn't want to upset the elderly physician more then he already was; and just gave in, sticking only to the chores the king gave him, and obediently taking the medicine.

Yet the dreams persisted; and intensified with each passing night.

"I see fire. White flames. Just.. white. White everything.. shapes. Up close.." He said tiredly one early morning, as he sat staring at his breakfast; his stomach grumbling and protesting at the idea of him attempting to eat it, so he pushed the plate aside with a sigh; resting his face against his palm, looking at nothing in particular. Gaius looked up at him, eyeing his pale ward with concern. It's been a rough night again, after waking up three times, and even a sleeping draught having no effect, Merlin decided to go for a stroll through the castle. He eventually got back to his cot and exhaustion granted him some sleep, but waking up felt like not having slept at all.

"It could mean anything. The color surely has some significance.." The physician said confused. It was the first time the young man actually said anything of the content for his dreams, and he didn't know what to make of it. He noticed the warlock's deep breaths, and noted at least the calming tonic had effect, but this new information was puzzling.

"If it has to do with fire, I don't care what color it is, it can't be good.." Merlin said hoarsely.

.*.

Let me know what you think...

And I also have a recommendation this time: "Stitches" from DRACON1US. Be warned however: it's dark, has gore, angst, whump in it. But it's brilliant.