Gwen was the first person I saw that morning. She smiled. "Hey, I heard you've
found yourself a girl, Merlin."
"Yeah, I guess."
"So, what's she like?" Her grin got wider.
"Nice… and pretty."
"Is that all?" I blushed.
"She's amazing! I've never met anyone like her!" Gwen laughed.
"Arthur and I will have to meet her one of these days. Well, I should get going."
"Right." It wasn't long until I saw Leala again.
I ran up to her in the hallway as she carried a basket of laundry down to wash, which
I obviously offered to help with. I couldn't help but notice she wasn't quite like herself, speaking
slowly and tiredly. It seemed as if she could hardly keep her eyes open.
The next several days went by like that, and I figured her workload was just weighing
down on her. However, on that day, I noticed her face was as pale as the ash in the fireplace,
and her cheeks were developing the slightest flush. I tried to overlook it, convincing myself I
was overreacting.
As we walked down to the kitchens, going to fetch Arthur's breakfast, she began to lean
heavily against the wall. Her steps became uneven, and before I could comprehend, she was
sliding down the stone. I quickly wrapped my arm around her waist to help her stay standing. "I
got you." I muttered, and she leaned into me. "What's wrong?" She just shook her head.
"We're going to Gaius."
"I'm-I'm alright." She said, despite the fact she couldn't stand on her own.
"Just tell me what's wrong."
"I-I don't know."
"Okay, you're going to be fine. Gaius will know." We went slowly, with me holding her
up by the hip the entire time. At the door, I shouted for Gaius, who came quickly and opened
the door. The sight of us put him off a bit, but he was able to swiftly assess the situation.
"Put her on the bed, Merlin." She sat down on the edge, gripping the sheets.
"Do you want to lie down?" I asked. She shook her head no.
"Leala, I need you to tell me what you are feeling, so I can help you." Gaius said
smoothly.
"It's hard to explain. I feel... weak. And, dizzy. I don't know. It's… different."
"It seems like exhaustion to me, maybe dehydration. Have you been eating well?"
"I believe so."
"How long have you been feeling unwell?"
"Perhaps a week, maybe less. I'm sure it's nothing."
"A week's a long time when it comes to your health. Why didn't you come to me?"
"I didn't want to bother you."
"Nonsense. Anyway, the first thing I want you to do is get some rest, understood?"
"I couldn't possibly take another day off."
"It is my order, young lady. I'm sure Merlin would be happy to do your duties for you." I
nodded.
"But Merlin, it's so much-"
"Not to worry. I just want you to get better, okay?"
"And Leala, if you're not well by the day after tomorrow, please let Merlin know, and
he'll tell me. Alright?" Gaius cut in.
"Yes Sir."
"Take her home now Merlin, make sure she gets straight to bed."
"Alright." She put her arm around me and I did likewise to her. Her knees wobbled, but
in the end we made it to her house just fine. I made her lie in her bed while I poured her a cup
of water, then left. I would need as much sleep as possible for the work that was coming
tomorrow.
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