A few hours later, the pain had subsided a small amount. Merlin knew that you should put burns into cold water - but he also knew that it was small ones you do that for - like if you spill hot water on yourself or something. Also, he had no water, much to his distress. He was so thirsty... Even more so now, since he had probably lost a lot of it through his tears.

Under normal circumstances, Arthur would have called him a girl for tearing up, but he couldn't, because... Well, A -he was also crying - with sympathy, and B - who wouldn't cry after that? Arthur wished he could comfort the man, but he wasn't sure how to - plus, he couldn't reach that far across, due to his restricting chains. They rubbed on his wrists, causing them to go red and blistered.

How could somebody do such a horrible, inhuman thing to another being? Arthur pledged to ban branding once he returned to Camelot... If he returned...

But he couldn't think like that. He needed to get back for his town, his people, his queen. He wondered how Guinevere was coping, suddenly being the only ruler. Arthur hoped she was not too distraught about his kidnapping... He hated to think of her upset. Gaius would help her as much as he could. Of course, he would. He had a soft spot for Gwen.

Gaius would be missing Merlin greatly - was he okay? Surely it was bad to put so much strain on the old man's heart... Guinevere and he would have to help each other.

Did Guinevere have a search party looking for him? She probably had three. Or more. Hell, she would have probably have gone to find him herself if she had not got so many duties.

Or what if... No, surely she wouldn't have come to look for him. She wouldn't be that stupid, would she? No... She would get hurt, or worse...

Arthur's heart ached. He had had the worst weeks of his life here. If Quin kept up much longer, he would eventually kill one of them... And it would probably be the kin? He would likely start attacking Arthur soon. Arthur would, in his position. The evil man would kill the king to get his servant to tell him how to be immortal.

Idiot.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Merlin's arm stung. It was still red and raw, but it had stopped oozing. A good sign... Right?

He twisted his neck to get a look at his new tattoo. It had a bird - and he was sure it was a Merlin. Hilarious... Not. It had a round border, double lined, with criss-crosses filling it in. It was an alright image to have printed on his arm for eternity, considering.

"That looks sore," Arthur commented.

"No, it feels quite refreshing," Merlin rolled his eyes sarcastically.

"You know what I mean," Arthur replied. No 'shut up, Merlin', or 'idiot'. He must be feeling sorry for him.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Merlin lied. It was agony... But he didn't want Arthur to worry. It embarrassed him somewhat.

"Now is not the time to be brave, you idiot. Just accept my sympathy and be done with it."

"Uh, alright. Thanks...?"

Arthur shook his head, briefly, with a sigh.

Merlin's eyes were heavy. They were sore from tears, and all he wanted to do was sleep. Arthur seemed to pick up on this fact and shot him a rueful half smile.

"It'll be better tomorrow," He told him, but Merlin was already out.

Arthur looked at his unconscious friend regretfully. It should be him there, being tortured that much. He just didn't understand how anyone could think that a man so honest, so silly, so amazing, could possibly know where such an awful artefact was. He really wished somebody could come and save them... He even almost hoped that Merlindidhave magic, at least then he could break them out.

But for the moment, he was exhausted. He knew, logically, that he should stay awake and keep watch, but he reasoned that Quin would not return for another day. He arrived in a pattern - every 24 hours, ish. He had no idea how long it actually was. He had nothing he could possibly tell the time with.

Arthur was falling asleep sitting up. His eyelids drooped, and he could not keep them open, no matter how much he tried. Eventually, he gave up trying, simply allowing exhaustion to take possession of his body.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Arthur awoke to darkness. Merlin was still passed out in a heap in the corner. Arthur watched for his chest rising and falling, just to make sure the man was breathing. He was.

He wished for a drink - oh, how thirsty he was. He almost wished for Quin to come back, but then realised that when he did, it meant another torture session for Merlin. Only a matter of time before it was his own pain they were planning... A lot less time than Arthur had expected...