Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin (unfortunately)
I know I really should be updating for my other two stories. But I've got writers block on those at the moment (please don't hate me). This idea came to me though and it's a little different to what I've done before. My previous stories have obviously been based on episodes, whereas this one is a young Merlin and Arthur story. I hope you enjoy it, and I promise I'll get my but in gear for "The son he never knew he had" and "I'm not going to lose you".
A problem of the 'little' kind – Chapter 1
Hunith hurriedly carried her seven year old son through the crowded streets of Camelot. He was wrapped up in a warm blanket, huddled tightly to her chest. Hunith was scared; things were so out of control. All she could do was hope that her old friend could fix this.
For two days she had been traveling from her village just outside the great kingdom. She was looking for the only man in the world who could help her, to tell her what to do. She had to find Gaius.
Merlin stirred in her arms, he had been sleeping up until now. The long journey had taken its toll on the small boy.
"You must keep quiet, Merlin." she hushed, "Stay still for me, baby."
Merlin was everything to her. He was special; she had known that since the day he was born. She should have known what to expect, his father being who he was, she just hadn't known things would start to happen only minutes after he entered the world. It scared her, knowing her so had magic, it was petrifying. The very thought of being discovered sent chills down her spine, and now she was entering the very city where it all started... Camelot.
Once she reached the castle, she realised she had no idea where to go. "Please," she said urgently to the nearest guard, "where can I find the court physician?"
The guard, immediately concern with the bundle in the frantic woman's arms, quickly pointed in the direction of the nearest tower. "That way, miss."
Hunith quickened her pace and raced up the stairs, her arms aching with holding Merlin for so long.
"Gaius!" She yelled as crashed through the door to the chambers.
"Hunith?!" cried Gaius in alarm. What was she doing here? "What's the matter?" He continued, noticing a young boy in her arms. Merlin.
"You have to help him, Gaius! Please, I don't know what to do?" She rushed, laying her son down on the cot in the main room.
Gaius immediately came to boy's side. He tried not to panic as he saw golden iris' flickering at him. The physician could tell the boy was in discomfort from the pained grimace on his face. He could also make out the beginnings of a fever.
"When did this start?" he half questioned, half interrogated as he picked up a cloth, wet it in the bucket and placed it carefully on the small boy's forehead.
"Two days ago. Gaius, his magic… it's…" Hunith didn't know how to describe it. "It's got a mind of its own! I didn't want to bring him here, Gaius, but I couldn't go to anyone else." She brushed her hand lovingly through her sons hair as he twisted and turned in his slumber. "Why is this happening? Is there anything you can do?"
As if to prove a point, some of the spare vials on the shelf behind them seemingly shattered of their own accord. Gaius was stunned.
"Merlin is someone special all in himself. I have never seen this before." explained the physician. "The only thing I can think of is that his magic is just growing. Merlin is struggling to control it, so it's leaking out where it can." The old man turned to his books and began flicking through the pages hurriedly. "I suppose I can create a potion to suppress the magic until it is settled. Then you won't have to worry about things happening in public. He will still have to learn control though. I can only assume this power will grow and grow. It really is remarkable."
Hunith's eyes welled at the prospect of a solution. All the panic melted away and she threw herself into Gaius' arms. "Oh thank you, Gaius!" she sobbed, "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Gaius grabbed a piece of parchment and quickly scribbled down a list. Passing it to Hunith, he said "Go to the market, and get me these herbs. I'll stay with Merlin."
The mother reluctantly nodded, kissed her son on the cheek, and headed for the door.
When Hunith returned, Gaius had everything ready. The only thing he had left to do was to add the herbs he had asked Hunith to get. She looked towards her little boy as she passed the newly bought items over.
Merlin was still asleep on the cot. He was now snuggled underneath a blanket, but you could still see his eyes flickering open, the golden iris' glowing through.
Hunith moved to the chair beside the cot and bent down to her son. "It won't be long now, Merlin, and you'll feel better again."
Gaius was now making his way over with a vial of murky brown liquid inside. He knelt down beside the boy, grimacing for him as he knew this wouldn't be a pleasant taste. "Wake for me, Merlin." he said, softly shaking his shoulders.
Merlin moaned in response, his bleary golden eyes finding the old man. A slightly confused look crossed his face, wondering what was happening. Luckily, looking around, he found the face of his mother and immediately relaxed. However, he jumped when a pile of books suddenly fell off the shelf beside them. Merlin quickly sent a guilty look the unknown person beside him.
Gaius ignored the fallen books. "Sit up, my boy. I need you to drink this." the physician instructed.
Merlin eyed the glass vial in the old man's hand suspiciously. "What is it?"
"It'll make you feel better."
After looking to his mother for confirmation, he begrudgingly took the vial. Merlin eyed the contents more carefully. It looked disgusting. "I don't want to."
"Merlin!" his mother scolded, "You do as Gaius says."
"No!" he yelled as he folded his arms and frowned. Another set on vial, this time full vials, smashed to the floor. The liquid bubbled and fizzed as it made contact with the stone.
Gaius suddenly had an idea. "Merlin, if you don't drink it. I'll make you clean my leech tank."
Merlin looked scared. "What's a leech tank?"
The physician then pointed to the other side of the room where a large cylinder was on top a table. It was very dirty and had these black slug-looking creatures inside.
Merlin followed the old man's finger with wide eyes. He then quickly proceeded to down the contents of the vial he had in his possession. He spluttered and coughed afterwards and Hunith placed a calming hand on her son's shoulder.
The young boy suddenly went all sluggish and fell back onto the cot. "I feel all weird." claimed Merlin.
Hunith looked at Gaius in alarm. "Gaius?"
"It okay." the physician reassured her, "His body is just adjusting. It's best to let him sleep."
Hunith bent down to cover her small boy with the blanket and tuck him in. "Sleep well, my son."
"You're quite welcome to sleep in the small chamber through that door if you wish." Gaius said with a smile. "I'll let you know of he wakes."
"Thank you, Gaius." said the woman gratefully, she gave her child a kiss on the forehead and made her way up the small set of stairs.
Hope you all liked it! If you see any mistakes please let me know. Oh, and let me know what you think.