A/N: I FEEL SO BAD FOR ABANDONING YOU! GAH! :( I'm sorry, I made this chapter extra longish for you to say sorry... Life got in the way, again. But I know exactly where I am going and have written half of chapter five, so expect the next one in 3 or 4 days :) Enjoy~
Gwaine knelt beside Merlin, his sword discarded to the ground. His hands nimbly danced across Merlin's face and body, checking for any new wounds. Contented with the results, Gwaine gently lifted Merlin from the ground and ambled over to where Arthur stood, silently fuming. "My Lord, we should return to Camelot." A gesture from Arthur quietened Gwaine as he moved closer towards the horses. "Why would she attack Merlin? He has had nothing to do with her!" He stabbed Excalibur into the ground, "He only stands with me, never leaving my side." Arthur shook his head fervently and mounted his horse, sitting Merlin in front of him with help from Gwaine. As Gwaine mounted his horse with haste, Arthur propelled his horse forward, holding Merlin tightly against himself, one arm wrapped around his waist.
They rode back with such haste; Arthur never stopped to think until he reached Gaius' chambers and laid Merlin upon his bed. Gaius and Gwaine bustled in behind him, Gauis, holding his medical bag aloft and his eyes wide and Gwaine, trailing behind slowly. Arthur stepped to the side and pulled Gwaine with him, allowing Gaius space. When Gaius was satisfied, he stepped back, sighing gently and turning to the King. "It's just a sleeping enchantment," He began, "And whatever she did, Morgana healed him completely." Arthur hesitated, "She what?" Gaius nodded and pulled a face, "Yes sire, I think it wasn't voluntary though." He pursed his lips, "But I'll give him a day or so in bed and I think he can return to his duties." Both Arthur and Gwaine nodded, relieved that Merlin was fine and yet also healed. "Keep me updated Gaius; I want to know when he awakes." And with that, Gwaine and Arthur left the room in search of the throne room, their minds set on ordering new patrols at first light.
Merlin returned to his duty not three days later, a new grin upon his face and taking his teasing up to a new level. Arthur was not pleased in the slightest but as Gaius had told him, "At least this way you can keep an eye on him and he will be occupied." So under the scrutinising eyes of Arthur and Gwen, Merlin had returned to his duties. He sat on the floor on the chambers, his hands dancing over the armour, shining it into a mirror. Merlin sighed and placed his cloth on the floor gently and wiped his brow, clambering to his feet. He glanced around the chamber, his eyes searching for any form of life and let a small smile grace his features as he realised no-one was there.
With a flick of his wrist, Merlin locked the door and sat upon Arthur's bed, his hands splayed out, fire dancing within them. He closed his eyes and allowed his magic to flow through him and whip around the room. The air went still as Merlin opened his eyes and took in a deep breath. Smiling, he went to unlock the door but hesitated as voice called out to him. "Merlin." It whispered, enticing him to the corner of the room where Arthur's wash bowl sat. He glanced into the water and let a small gasp escape his lips as he noticed a slender face staring back up at him. "Freya!"
Arthur shook his head and rolled his eyes as the knight before him droned on about border patrols. However, as King, he had a duty to listen to them, never mind how boring they may be. Gwen sat beside him, her hand gently resting on his thigh. Arthur let out a long, deep sigh as his thoughts turned to Merlin, a pout on his face. Lucky fool, he thought, brow furrowing, getting out of these ridiculous meetings. Gwen noticed his facial expression and cleared her throat. "Gentlemen," she began, "Perhaps we could adjourn for the day?" Her eyebrows raised in a way which stated, dare you go against me? With no objection from the other members of the room, Gwen dragged her husband to his feet and pushed him towards the door. "Go on," she said with a grin, "Get out of here!"
Arthur could hardly hold himself back from running to his chambers, to see that his idiotic friend with that grin on his face and pulling faces. He pushed down on the door handle and was confused as the handle bounced back up and left the door locked. "Merlin," Arthur called, his brow knotting together, "Merlin!" He called out, more insistent this time.
The sound of his name roused Merlin from his deep gaze into Freya's eyes. He turned away in shock and shook his head, "No," he murmured. Arthur called his name again and this time, Merlin noticed, it was louder and full of concern. Jogging towards the door, Merlin stroked the small dragon bracelet unconsciously, allowing its feel to calm him. He unlocked the door, plastered a goofy grin on his face, tilted his head and opened it, revealing his King. "You called Sire?" He enquired with a mocking tone, once again stroking the bracelet, his fingers lingering over the head of the dragon.
Don't hurt me! *Dodges knives* I wont kill him, I love him far to much for that!
Off topic... but is it sad that I am getting Emrys on the back of my Senior jersey? R&R as always! :)