Gwaine

Gwaine fixed his eyes on the orb that appeared in front of him. It was just like in his dreams, but damn it to hell, this was definitely real. His eyes were drawn then to Merlin's hand, where there was an identical orb that had appeared there.

Merlin… he had magic. While Gwaine should have been more surprised, he wasn't. Gwaine always suspected that Merlin was different than any servant to Arthur and now it was simply confirmed.

It also meant that if Merlin was still able to cast this spell, he must still be alive. But why are you so cold then? There was no pulse, at least none he could feel. Perhaps it was Merlin's own magic sustaining his lifeforce. Looking at the faintness of the blue orb, Gwaine realized that its dimness may be equivalent to how much longer Merlin could hold on.

The other orb seemed to start to move forward. Merlin, you want me to follow it. Okay, lead the way. Gwaine quickly took off his cloak and wrapped it around Merlin's thin frame and also the orb on his hand. Let's keep your magic secret just a bit longer, mate. Hang in there, Merlin, he said softly as he lifted his friend up from the ground. I'll get you to help.

Merlin was light in Gwaine's arms, and held no sign of life. It felt like a moment of deja vu when for Gwaine. He remembered how Percival had carried Merlin after the Dorocha had attacked him. How Merlin had survived... Gwaine understood now. All those that had in contact with the creature had perished immediately. Merlin had been close to death, but he hadn't died. Merlin would be okay, if he could survive something like the Dorocha, then this, this was a piece of cake. Piece of cake, right Merlin? He said glancing down at his unresponsive friend. His heart beating in his chest, Gwaine quickened his steps on the stone steps leading out of the Crypt.

Gwaine had initially thought the orb would have led him to Giaus's quarters - which was silly of him since Gwaine would have done that by simple logic. So it somewhat made sense (or not) that the orb was leading him away from Camelot, and deeper into the forest to which Gwaine and the other Knights had passed through not too long ago. A part of Gwaine wanted to take Merlin to Gaius, but he trusted Merlin. Merlin must know what he was doing. Or so Gwaine hoped.

The orb's light was fading fast, Gwaine saw how quickly it was dimming each running step he took. While it was faint in the Crypt, it was barely visible now, even in the darkness that shrouded around them in the midnight forest. Gwaine had a feeling that casting the spell itself was taking the last bit of energy Merlin had.

The orb finally made a complete stop at a clearing in the forest, near a body of water. Gwaine wasn't sure what to do, but the logic part of him took over and laid Merlin on the ground. Gwaine looked around him, expecting... something but unsure of what exactly.

"Merlin, were here... What do you want me to do?"

Still on the ground beside his friend. "Merlin?"

And suddenly, the orb disappeared. Gwaine's heart dropped. No. Was his friend gone?

Instead, to Gwaine's surprise, Merlin spoke with his eyes close and in barely a whisper, "O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes."

And then there was silence as if he had used his last breath.

"Merlin?" Gwaine questioned worriedly. "Merlin." He called again gently touching the boy's shoulders.

Silence, at least from Merlin. Minutes passed. Gwaine felt lost and he decided then for his friend, he was taking him to the royal physician. But just then, above Gwaine, he heard what sounded like something large flying overhead.

Gwaine's jaw nearly dropped as a dragon landed but a few feet from him.

"Move aside, Knight of Camelot."

The dragon speaks! Gwaine stared in awe for a second before complying to the dragon's request and watched as the creature approached Merlin. The ancient creature wasted no time. It used its one front claws to pull away the cloak that Gwaine had wrapped around Merlin. The creature seemed to wince at the sight of the wound, and if not for the dire circumstances, Gwaine would have chuckled at the sight. Magical creatures like dragons were never said in Lore to be so full of expression. At the moment, however, it was no laughing matter. Gwaine watched with deep anxiety as the dragon took a deep breath and then instead of fire that came from its mouth, a blue stream of light breathed out.

A spell then? Thought Gwaine. While Gwaine had only known dragon's to breathe fire and burn villages, this was indeed something different. But whatever it was doing, Gwaine prayed it to save Merlin. Gwaine let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding once the dragon's completed the spell. The creature too looked concerned, with its head almost leaning over Merlin now.

Merlin for the most part looked the same. Still ashen pale and unmoving. The dragon tried again and there was still no movement from his friend. If a dragon's magic couldn't save Merlin... then...

No wait. Something was happening. The dragon turned to Gwaine and with it... a smile on its scaled face. So that's how a dragon looks like when it's happy. Gwaine had never seen a magic creature like it to smile, but it was something he was sure to remember for a long time. Turning his focus back to Merlin, he saw with awe as Merlin's ashen complexion returned to a warmer one that definitely contained life. There was even the more noticeable rise and fall of Merlin's chest that showed his breathing was normalized. To finish it off, it was seeing Merlin's sharp blue eyes open that brought Gwaine a wash of relief. His friend was alive!

"Kilgarrah," said Merlin, his voice sounded parched. The young man rose from the forest ground slowly, grimacing in pain still.

Was the wound not healed? Gwaine honestly couldn't tell, there was so much blood on his existing tunic.

"Young Warlock," the Dragon with concern, "that had been very close."

"Thank you," and Merlin and to Gwaine's chargin, his friend did not check on the state of his wound. So Gwaine asked.

"Merlin, you're okay now, mate?"

And there was the smile that Gwaine knew well. Even after nearly died, the boy still didn't want anyone to worry for his health.

"As good as I can be. Thanks, Gwaine." While Merlin's words were read simply as a thanks, there was unsaid words in his friend's eyes. Magic. Merlin was worried about Gwaine's discover that he had it. But Gwaine's concern wasn't that. Far from it.

"Your wound, is it healed?" He probed more specifically.

It wasn't Merlin, however, that answered Gwaine's question.

"Merlin's wound, I am unfortunately unable to heal completely. The blade to which had caused the wound has been enchanted with an ancient spell of the Old Religion that I cannot break. While it is healed now, it will again reopen unless the one that wielded the blade to harm him is killed."

There was absolute silence for that moment.

Gwaine stared between the Dragon and Merlin, unsure what to say. The two were simply staring at each other.

"Okay, mates, then let's go kill whoever tried to murder Merlin." Trying to break the uncomfortable atmosphere.

Again, neither Merlin or the Dragon spoke. Perhaps... a private conversation? Thought Gwaine. Awkward as it was for him to simply stand there, Gwaine didn't care at the moment. Just simply seeing his friend sit up right and talk to a dragon that was suppose to be dead... it worked for him.

It was only a mere half hour ago Merlin was lifeless like a ragdoll in his arms as he raced through the forest following a blue orb. Gwaine wanted to ask Merlin more about his magic and also why in hell was he in Camelot when the practicing of Magic was prohibited and punishable by death. Worse yet, he was literally working next to the very person who could sentence him to being burned at the stake.

Gwaine shook his head. Those questions would need to wait for another time. He watched with patience as the two Magical Beings silently looked to each other. Definitely a private conversation. And… it looked to be finished. The Dragon was not happy. In fact, pretty damned furious.

Merlin smiled, "You have my permission to roast her if you're up to it."

It was a quip, but there was certain truth to his words. Who was this "her" that Merlin was referring to?

The only person that Gwaine could come up with was Morgana.

Morgause was dead. And that really left Morgana to be the only person with a great a vendetta against Arthur and Camelot.

"Be careful, young Warlock," said the Dragon. "Call upon me at your time of need. You need not fear for my well being."

"You were right about Morgana," said Merlin softly, "But I did not have the heart to hurt her then. And it was my folly that has led to this day."

"Merlin," the Dragon seemed to suddenly sound like Gaius thought Gwaine, "While I may give you the insight to what lies ahead, even I cannot control fate. It was destined that she live so far. It is not all of your doing."

Merlin looked at the Dragon, and Gwaine saw him smile, "Not all, but some. Thanks for trying to make me feel better though."

The Dragon reacted to that with what sounded like a snort, and then "Always." It then looked at Gwaine with narrowed eyes, and a more serious tone took over it, "Take care of Merlin, Knight of Camelot. He will need your strength in this time of need."

Gwaine nodded, though he was taken slightly aback by the choice of the dragon's words. Especially the emphasis on strength. He had heard it before. On a quest with Merlin to help Arthur with a quest. A person of magic by the bridge had said, Arthur would need both Strength and Magic to complete his task.

Nevermind it all, even if the Dragon had said nothing, he was going to watch over Merlin regardless.

The dragon seemed to cast Merlin one last glance before it lifted off and glided away from them.

This night was definitely proving interesting.

"Let's get back to Camelot," said Merlin breaking Gwaine's stare at the retreating image of the magical creature.

"Alright," Though he felt reluctant instantly when he saw Merlin try to hide a wince as he took a few steps forward.

Merlin saw Gwaine's concern and shook his head, "I'm fine. Let's go."

There was that classic Merlin grin that he gave to show that he was 'fine'. Gwaine shook his head knowing full well his friend was anything but fine but he followed Merlin nevertheless. After what the dragon had said, Gwaine was even more skeptical and fearful for saving his friend. How were they to defeat an all-powerful high priestess like Morgana? But then again, Gwaine knew he shouldn't underestimate Merlin either. Especially since his friend just summoned a damn dragon to his side with a just one sentence. Things were getting much more convoluted by the minute. But at least Merlin was alive and damn it all, he had magic. Plus one point for the good guys. Now… to figure out what was up with Arthur, break the spell and kill the wicked witch. Sounded easy enough, but now Gwaine only hoped it really was that easy.