A/N: This first chapter is just a short, introductory piece to set the scene of the rest of the story. There will be more chapters to come, don't worry, there are no major character deaths. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
"If I can't use magic, I might as well die." - Merlin 1x01
The arrow comes out of nowhere and Merlin is unprepared. Arthur cries out as it flies past him.
He turns and stares with unbridled horror, expecting to see it lodged in Merlin's chest. His stomach flips and he is relived to see it instead piercing the bark of a tree behind his friend. Then, he sees the blood.
He takes a moment to observe the darkness clinging to Merlin's clothes; The arrow had grazed his arm.
Arthur rushes to his friend's side, part of his brain alert to the danger around them. No one has sprung from the forest as of yet and Arthur is no longer in a hurry to confront the enemy, now that Merlin is hurt.
Merlin's shirt is torn off him, revealing pale flesh. Arthur doesn't notice this, nor does he take in Merlin's pained moans, instead his gaze focuses straight on the wound.
"It's just a scratch, you'll live. Drama queen." He means it to be reassuring but, as always, it comes out as a snide remark.
Now he allows himself a moment to notice the moonlit skin, especially now that it's getting closer.
Arthur's eyebrows raise as Merlin falls into his arms.
They aren't far from Camelot, he realizes with a calm mind that edges itself towards panic as he observes Merlin's limp limbs, his closed eyelids, his quick breathing, the whiteness of his face.
A hand on his shoulder.
He clutches Merlin close to him and whirls around, one hand on his sword ready to run the stranger through. It's Gwaine.
"We could find no trace of them, Sire." Ah yes, his knights.
He had forgotten, in his momentary terror, everything but Merlin and how to help Merlin and god he needs Gaius something has gone wrong.
He hears a voice speaking his thoughts and realizes he's speaking out loud.
Gwaine's eyes widen as he notices Merlin in Arthur's arms. He blends in with the darkness so well, thinks Gwaine.
The knights get him onto Arthur's horse and silently promise his unconscious body they won't discuss how undignified he looks slung over Arthur's lap. They head towards Camelot, towards Gaius.
They don't reach him in time.