The last thing Merlin remembered before the world turned black was not his body sinking, or the water filling up his lungs, but a single word.
Arthur.
He didn't even notice that the spell he cast was beginning to take effect.
Earlier that day…
Perhaps it is for the better that Morgana is a seer.
Of course, he had his suspicions of Aulfric and Sophia and their intentions for Camelot, as he always has. Ever since Merlin had found out about his destiny, he was always weary, especially of newcomers, but it was only after Morgana's nightmare that he was certain the two meant ill for Prince Arthur. And sure enough, following Aulfric to the Lake uncovered his true purpose – to sacrifice the prince to the Sidhe, in exchange for Sophia's immortality. Merlin would never let that happen, and he would use every means necessary to insure it, even if it means pseudo-spontaneous human – or rather, Sidhe – combustion. Lucky the staff was left behind.
I had another dream… I saw Arthur lying underwater, drowning... and there was a woman standing over him, watching him die… and she's here, in Camelot…
But it is not over yet. Merlin has got to save Arthur from his other enemy at this moment – the water. Maybe he was too late after all? Merlin waited silently for the familiar blond hair to float to the surface.
Nothing.
The Lake is as calm as Arthur must be, drifting unconscious under the water.
Merlin took off his jacket as he ran towards the Lake, screaming for Arthur at the top of his lungs, although he knew he would not get an answer. Stumbling, breathless, soaking wet, the servant searched for his prince but to no avail. He dove under, but he couldn't see anything beyond the murky waters. Afterwhat felt like hours, Merlin was on the verge of giving up. But he would never. Not before they can fulfill their destiny together.
So he dives again.
And again.
And again.
His head was throbbing. His lungs were aching. But he would never, ever, let his prince, nay – friend, die.
And with his last breath, Merlin whispers, "gæst estmere*".
The gold in his eyes then fades, so does his mind.
In this endless, silent abyss of water, one single word remains.
Arthur.
Until Merlin starts to breathe.
A/N: Thank you for reading! This is the first time I upload a fanfic, I hope you enjoyed the little cliffhanger there :) I would LOVE to hear your thoughts!
until next time xx
"gæst estmere" = loosly translated as "breathe underwater" in old english.