In this Fic Mordred is not dead, he is to hot to die. And in that light of reasoning neither is Gwaine. XD

Merlin lived for moments like these, not the grand ones spent saving Arthur and the knights, or the ones spent fighting Morgana. He lived for the tiny moments, the small moments filled with Will, Freya and Balinor…..his father. He lived for the moment happening before him right now as they sat around the camp fire. Percival, Gwaine, Leon and Elyan wore their normal tunics and trousers, like Arthur, just like himself. They weren't talking about anything in particular, just being old friends. These moments, spent as equals. That's what Merlin lived for, but today was not one of those days where Merlin spent his time enjoying life, today was a day Merlin spent fighting for it. In this case, his own instead of Arthurs.

Gaius couldn't explain the illness that had befallen Merlin, as they and their Queen gathered around in the midst of Gaius's books and potion tables. Barley able to fit, as they one by one filed into Merlin's bed chambers.

Percival was the first; he knelt by the small frail man, getting ever paler by the hour and took his hand. "Merlin" he whispered, voice cracking. "I remember the first time I met you, Lancelot was beside me and you were in a ditch running. But more than anything, I remember the Dorocha, I remember carrying you to your horse, so that Lancelot could bring you back to Camelot and save you. I remember being sure it was the last time I would ever see you alive, any of us in fact. I remember that fear more than anything, it's the same fear I feel now, brother. You are braver than I, and if I could give my life now to insure yours I would. You have proven yourself more than a mere man, more than a servant, but a loyal friend. You are now, and forever will by my brother in arms. We will find who is responsible I promise you this, Merlin."

Percy bent forward and kissed Merlin's brow and stood, reigning in the fear and sadness that seemed to try and pull him under and using the anger and rage to pull him up. He will find who did this, with the help of his brothers. They will pay, in more ways than can be dealt with by blood.

Elyan came in next, after Percival exited. The gentle giant seemed frail and the anger in his eyes was clear. He knelt by the young man's side and took a knee, studying what he saw. He skin grew paler against his raven skin. His eyes were red and refused to open. "More than anything Merlin, I owe you a debt, a debt for saving my sisters life from those bandits when they made her act as Morganna. I wish I could repay that debt now, but I have no skill for healing. But I have seen a man in you Merlin that makes it his duty to protect people and to always be kind. I have seen the way you look out for Arthur; you have my vow that in your stead I shall look after him with my own life just as you have. Fear not Merlin, Arthur will remain safe." Elyan stood and bowed deeply and respectfully.

Leon entered next and stood silent for a long moment. "You've done so much, maybe not in big ways like winning wars, but you've done so much. Taking poison, curses and beatings, you've done far more asked of you than any other servant has ever been, or done. You have my greatest respects Merlin; no man could deny your honor. I wish, Merlin I regret not getting to know you better, I hope you can forgive me in my short comings." He too, bowed to Merlin in respect, allowing Gwaine to enter next.

When Gwaine entered it was clear he was drunk, though by looking at him you could tell it was with grief and not the usual over drinking of mead. He practically collapsed next to Merlin's bedside, taking his friends hand. "Merlin" he cried pressing his hand to his head. "My dear, dear friend. I cannot describe the rage I feel for whoever has done this, though I can tell they all feel the same way as I. Who could ever harm you, I will make them pay. Now amount of blood could compare to the brotherhood we have Merlin." He squeezed the man's shoulder, and stumbled from the room. Percy took the man's shoulders and guided him to a close by chair, allowing the only man around them strong enough to shed his tears.

Gwen entered next, sobbing her eyes out, the only reason she was able to make it to his bedside was because Arthur guided her. Remaining strong for his Queen.

"Merlin!" she gasped. "My closest friend, you have the kindest soul and the most forgiving heart." She kissed Merlin's hand and leaned into Arthurs embrace.

"Arthur you must do something." She pleaded looking up to her King. "You MUST SAVE HIM!" she began to sob again. Arthur could only watch her exit the room, throwing herself into Elyan's arms.

He knelt beside his manservant and grasped his hand, like those before him. "Merlin, you are the…." He looked away. How could he describe the appreciation he felt for his friend. "You've always been there, in the oddest of ways and in the most dangerous of places or situations. I don't know why you're stupid enough, or maybe I do. It's a bond we share, we're different in so many ways but we're also the same. We would go to the ends of the earth to protect a friend, and that's what I must do now Merlin. I will find the man or woman, warlock or sorcerer responsible for this. They will pay in blood Merlin, I assure you. And I know what you would say, you would tell me not to shed more blood Merlin because that's what kind of person you are. But this time I cannot listen. I take any harm to you as I would take any harm against my own flesh and blood. An act of treason that will be paid with by their life." He stood and left the room, as stoic as when he had entered.

When the king entered, he watched his knights look up and into his eyes. But his eyes went directly to Mordred.

"Mordred, tell me there's something we can do. Anything" he took his place among the Knights, speaking in hushed tones so not to disturb Gaius and Gwen as they tended to Merlin's fever.

Mordred remained silent, as if he were scared to speak.

"Mordred, Merlin's life is at stake. Now is not the time to be dancing around your druid heritage. Now, can magic save Merlin?"

The knights looked alarmed at the revelation of their young knight.

But he nodded. "Yes, there is. There is a lake; a lady resides there, in the water. She will heal him"

"But at what price?" Gwaine asked. None of the knights seemed the least bit disturbed by the idea of using magic. They were all willing to go that far.

Mordred held his tongue. "I reveal why my lord, but I know she will do it. No price will be asked."

Arthur was confused but nodded anyway. "We will take him, now." He walked into Merlin's room and quickly explained what they were going to do. Gaius and Gwen seemed relieved he chose to do this. It was becoming clearer and clearer, that where Merlin was concerned there was no black and white. There was only saving him, at whatever the cost and everyone understood that.

The men, quickly wrapped Merlin in a blanket, handing the frail man over to Percival to carry. They walked without being stopped by any guards, through the citadel and lower towns. Even the villagers were in mourning, lit candles led them through the streets. A vigil fit for a king, was now in honor of their kings beloved manservant. At the foot of the forest, just before they entered Mordred stopped them.

"Leave your swords, along with your prejudice." Mordred warned placing his sword into the soft ground. "And after this is done, remember the words you spoke to Merlin on his death bed. You will learn many things, and they won't all be pleasant."

With the druid's cryptic warning, the Knights set out on the most important journey of their life, not important because they needed to save hundreds of lives, or cure their king of an illness. Important because they had to prevent the toll it would take on their hearts, their very soul if they were too loose such a friend, such a man.

Please review! XD