Author's Note: Okay, after reading lots and lots of fics I have finally gotten off my butt and started writing one. Since I want to post it right away and see what you guys think, I have decided to post as I write, which could lead to slower updates, but I will try to settle on a schedule if I can.

Also, I'm sorry if the chapters are a little short. I just prefer frequent, short chapters is all…

And I'm sorry if it's a bit rushed or out of character, I'm sure I'll get better once I get used to this type of writing. :)

Okay, now I'll stop apologising and get to the actual story...

Rating: Definitely T, I may change it later to M… We'll see though. I do guarantee it to be heavy, though.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way shape or form own Merlin, or its characters.

Synopsis: Uther still loved Morgana too much to blame her for her actions after her betrayal. He decided that those who had magic weren't evil, they merely had a wicked disease. With this idea in mind, he found a pair of men who were determined to find a cure…. A cure for magic.

Asylum

Prologue: The Idea

Dawn rose on a broken city. It had been two weeks since the traitor Morgana, who had taken over Camelot and killed hundreds of innocent citizens, had been overthrown and the great city was rebuilding. At this time of the morning the people were just beginning to stir in their homes and get ready for another long day of renovations. However, there was one man who did not stir at all.

Merlin, the manservant and secret warlock protector to the prince of Camelot, was still sleeping soundly, as he usually did at this time of the morning. He had been up practically all night finishing up things Arthur needed done, and studying the magic book Gaius had given him. He was just as overwhelmed with the repairs as everyone else and felt he needed some time to himself. Of course, Arthur wasn't in the mood to agree with his servant as he burst through the doors to the physician's chambers.

"Merlin!" The prince yelled, irritated. Gaius looked up at his dramatic entrance.

"I'm sorry sire, he's still sleeping. Shall I fetch him for you?"

Arthur was saved a reply as Merlin himself dashed down the stairs, looking frazzled. He ran over to Arthur, pulling his customary brown jacket on as he did.

"Sorry, I'm late again, I know. You know it would be easier if you could learn how to fetch your own breakfast instead of counting on me all the time. I really can't imagine-"

"Merlin, shut up. It wouldn't normally be such a big deal, but my father has called an emergency meeting in the throne room, and I'm expected to be there immediately. How will I look to him if I can't even keep track of my own servants?"

Merlin had the decency to look a little sheepish. Arthur turned and strode out of the room.

"Come on, idiot."

As the servant followed, Gaius was sure he heard a muttered, "Prat," follow his ward out the door.

"Ah, Arthur," the King greeted his son distantly as the pair entered. Merlin surveyed the King's condition carefully. Uther had been badly shaken by Morgana's betrayal, but he had regained most of his sanity with help from Gaius. Merlin wasn't entirely sure if he was happy about this fact. He was glad Arthur wasn't so worried about his father anymore, but he couldn't help but be disappointed that the tyrant's reign would last a little longer.

As Arthur took his place on the throne, Merlin crossed to his usual place in the shadows beside his mentor, who had arrived just after the boys. His gaze was drawn to the pair of men that were standing in the middle of the room, waiting to be addressed.

Uther spoke to the court.

"It has come to my attention that I have made a grave mistake." Merlin frowned. Was the King actually admitting he was wrong about something? He noticed the same frown on Arthur's face.

"I have persecuted magic users for over twenty years, believing I was creating a safer world in doing so. I was wrong, for I have realized that these so called evil-doers are as much victims of magic as we are."

Merlin's frown deepened as he listened to the King's speech. What could he be up to? He glanced over at Lancelot, who stood with the other knights, and met his worried gaze.

"I have thought long and hard about this, and I have come to a decision. I have enlisted the help of these men, Oren and Regis," he gestured to the men in the middle of the room, "to find a cure. A cure… for magic."

AN: Sorry it's so short, it's late and I must sleep. I will update more when I can.