Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
Missing a brother
It had been 3 years since the incident with Arthur had occurred. Gwaine and Merlin had been able to keep their distance from him for the most part. But now 12 year old Gwen had not been so lucky. Working in the castle had its perks, but the bad out weighted the good. On most days Gwen would see Arthur, and he would comment on her hair, or her dress and how messy it was. Or he would ask if she had picked flowers for Morgana in a while. But Gwen wouldn't let it faze her, not again.
Like always at midday Guinevere was carrying Morgana's laundry to her room walking through the main halls.
"Well if it isn't little Guinevere. Are you ready for another taunting?" It was that voice that Gwen couldn't stand hearing. The voice of the Prince.
"May I help you with anything Sire." Gwen asked like she always does, turning around and curtsying.
"Well for starters you could maybe not be so rude when addressing me." A small smirk was entering his little arrogant face.
"Sire I am sorry, I don't know what it was I said that was so rude. Please tell me so it won't happen again." Sweat was starting to snowball down the poor girl's face.
"Arthur leave Gwen alone. If I didn't know any better it would seem that you like her." Morgana had emerged from behind Arthur, and Gwen couldn't help but laugh a little.
"I DON'T LIKE HER MORGANA!" Arthur yelled a little too quickly, loud and defensive for Gwen. ' Does Arthur like me? No NO way. EWWW' Gwen thought
But her thought was broken by a frantic Merlin running up to her side. She couldn't read the expression on his face, but she knew it wasn't good. "Gwen! I don't know what to do!" Merlin was almost in tears, as his eyes were swollen and red.
"What happened?" Gwen was not sure if she wanted to know that answer.
"Arthur lets go. They need a moment alone. Gwen, Merlin I wish you both my best." Morgana dragged Arthur away, but Gwen and Merlin just looked at each other. It suddenly dawned on Gwen.
"Merlin. Where is Gwaine?" When Merlin didn't answer Gwen took off with the young wizard on her tail. In moments they were outside Gwaine's house.
Gwen thrust the door open, to reveal a horrifying scene. The Lothian boys, Orkney, Gaheris, and Gareth, and Mordred, were huddled together holding each other and crying in each other's arms. But one was missing.
"Gwen? Merlin?" Orkney the oldest said, upon seeing his brother's friends. "He is wi…with… mother and father."
Nothing more was said as the two 12 year olds ran to Gwaine's parent's room, slowly opening the door.
Little Gwaine was kneeling by the side of the bed, holding on to his mother's limp hand. Both Gwaine's parents laid still on the bed. Pale as a piece of parchment.
Gwen burst into silent tears at the sight of her friend's family, her family. Darla was like a second Mom to Merlin and Gwen. They slowly approached the small boy.
Gwaine didn't need to look up to know who was standing behind him. "They were murdered by King Cenred and his men. Mom and Dad were out taking their nightly walk. Orkney, Gaheris, and Gareth, and Mordred covered up their wounds, so I could see them…" Gwaine no longer had tears coming down, as he was completely drained.
"What kind of monsters would do this?" Gwaine's anger was building; the vain in his head was popping out. "Who would kill innocent people? Kill them just to kill? WHY?" Gwaine finally looked up at his friends.
"I don't know. I am so sorry. What will King Uther do? He must be angry that Cenred was in his land. The knights of Camelot will get revenge for your parents." Gwen herself was balling up with anger, as was Merlin.
"Uther? Uther will do nothing. He is a terrible excuse for a person! I wish it had been him out there! When Orkney when to Uther to tell him what had happened, Uther, 'The all mighty King' turned my brother away. My father and Uther when they were young were dear friends. My father was his manservant for a longtime. Till my grandfather acquired the fields. Then when Uther heard of his death he was not even fazed. No… Uther will not help. But I will get my revenge."
"Gwaine, what are you going to do?" Merlin asked terrified of the answer.
"I'm leaving, Merlin. I am almost 13, I can make it on my own. I will practice fighting, and I will become strong and when the time comes I will strike down Cenred. And throw his body to the dogs. For all the families who have had to suffer like mine will rejoice as his blood is spilled." Merlin and Gwen didn't know what to say, Gwaine's mind was set. And there was no changing that.
"When do we leave?" Gwen asked in a stern voice, causing both Gwaine and Merlin to look at her.
"Guinevere, I am going alone. I won't let you and Merlin put your lives at risk." Gwaine finally stood dropping the hand of his mother.
"That's not for you to choice. WE are coming." Merlin's voice was stern, and he looked from Gwen to Gwaine.
"Gwaine. I am coming with you. You two are my best friends. I will not lose either of you two. And if that means following you for the rest of my life I will." Gwen had never been more confident in herself. She was going to protect the people that matter most to her.
Gwaine looked from Merlin to Gwen, both set on coming with him. Gwaine knew what he had to do, but he had to make them think they were coming. Or they would not let him out of their sights. "Fine we leave tomorrow before midday. Pack food, and a weapon. WE don't need more cloths then the ones on our backs. Gwen pack medical supplies, Merlin pack your spell book. I love you both, and thank you for always being there for me." After their big group hug Merlin and Gwen left to pack the things Gwaine told them to pack.
Little did they know Gwaine had already left. He had packed his things right after the news had reached his house. He snuck past his brothers, leaving two notes and two small boxes on the ground in front of the front door. By midday 12 year old Gwaine was outside the borders of Camelot in the neighboring kingdom of Cornwall.
Gwen and Merlin didn't know what to do. They had shown up at Gwaine's only to find Orkney handing them a piece of folded paper with two small packages, and saying that Gwaine had not been seen since last night.
As the two kids opened the paper they read the message inside:
Dear Merlin and Guinevere,
There are too many dangers for the two of you to be with me. I don't know what I am going to do but hey, I am 'Gwaine the magnificent', or as according to you, Merlin 'Gwaine the stupid'. But I need you both to know I will always be thinking about you, until the day I die. Whether that be in 40 years or before our next meeting. Merlin I want you to have my ring, which I have left for you. Keep it close to you, and know that you will always be my favorite brother. And Gwennie. I have left you my mother's locket, given to her by my grandmother, and her great grandmother. I can't think of anybody better to give it to then you. Keep it close to your heart and know I will always be there to protect you.
Well I have to go, as some would say my destiny awaits. Or at least let's hope so. I love you both, and will miss you terribly.
Love your favorite person,
Gwaine
They did not hear from Gwaine for another 6 years, not when Merlin became Arthur's manservant, not when Gwen's mother died of a mysterious ailment, not even when Merlin and Gwen shared their 18th birthday. They had never gotten a letter from him, or any proof that he was still alive. But still the two kept hope that one day their friend would return to them, and 8 years later he would.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LITTLE GWAINE? I hope you liked it. See the story is picking up!:) I hope you all read and review!
