The candles flickered in the cool breeze of Merlin's room. He was lying on his cot, every breath felt heavy and he was partly aware of a figure sitting in the corner of his room. He didn't open his eyes, they hurt. He suddenly realised that something. Someone had moved him to his cot. However, he was too weak to think straight for long without his head hurting. That attack had definatley been the worse one so far, and now his secret was out. Merlin suddenly became very curious about who the figure in the corner was, and he opened his eyes to see.
"Morning." The figure said. It was Arthur.
Merlin couldn't speak. His mouth was dry and it didn't want to move for him.
"Don't worry. I've managed. I'm not completley useless, you know."
Merlin managed a smile.
"There we go!... So, are you going to tell me what happened?"
He nodded slowly.
"When? It's okay if you can't yet. Want some water?"
Merlin nodded again. It felt wierd having Arthur care for him. It felt wierd having anyone care for him , now that Gaius was gone. Gaius would be back soon, but it was still strange. Merlin still wished that he'd told Gaius about the voices before he'd left.
Arthur trudged of to get the water. Merlin tryed to make his mouth work. He found he could speak to an extent. Which was just as well, seeing as he'd have to explain everything to Arthur. Arthur appeared with some water. He handed it to Merlin, and helped him to sit up so that he could drink it.
"Thanks." Merlin said, in a raspy voice. He coughed a bit and Arthur looked at him, strangley.
"Right. Go."
Merlin gulped.
"Voices."
"Voices?" Arthur took a seat on the end of the cot and looked at Merlin, carefully. It wasn't normal to hear voices, well, as far as Arthur was concerned.
"Yeah...In-in my head."
"What sort of things do they say?" Merlin rubbed his head. He wasn't sure how to answer.
"They... I-I'm not sure. They all... sp-speak at once." Merlin's voice was juttery, he found it hard to speak, and he felt bad lying.
"I see. How many do you think there are?" Arthur was entrigued.
"I don't know!... I'm tired." Merlin suddenly realised.
"You would be. I don't get it though- we'll talk later." He got up to leave.
Merlin fell asleep.
