Merlin himself remained bed-bound for a matter of days due to the harm that was caused that night. The pain. The agony. A great amount of loss he, and many before him had suffered. His body may have seemed at peace from another's perspective as he lay in recovery, but his mind raged inside; flooded with thoughts and memories of the man Camelot had lost. He could not begin to fathom what he had caused. By facing the druids alone that night- he in turn began a battle which may have won on the kingdoms behalf, but the great Camelot had indeed lost a mighty hero. Gaius.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Merlin..."
"Oh! Hunith's son!"
"Yes..."
With a little shudder he rattled the memories out of his head. He was surprised he wasn't in a coma or something to that extent- since the past week had been quite literally like hell for him. With Arthur coming back to life; Merlin returning to Camelot after one thousand five hundred years; reunited with the knights and Gwen; the druids attack and the death of-
No.. That's enough. He lay perched and still while sweating the remains of poison out of his system. Without warning, the chamber door swung open to see a bold figure slowly stepping towards him. As his focus began to clear, he could make out dark blond hair and a cream tunic. It was Arthur.
"Ah so you're finally awake," The king sat himself on the edge of Merlin's small bed and sighed while looking him up and down, "It's about time!" He teased, though not receiving much humor in return.
"What happened?" The servant let out with a grunt.
"You... You don't remember?" He asked looking solemn.
Merlin immediately realized what Arthur was implying, "Oh... I didn't mean about.. Him. I meant how did I get here?"
"I'm sorry Merlin." Apologizing? This is a change, "After he died I told you he had gone- by which time you sort of.. Passed out."
"And?"
"I carried you to the horses and stopped by a physician to check you over. She said all you needed was rest and then bandaged your wounds, that's all."
"What about Gaius? What, did you just leave him there?" He said rather forcefully. He didn't care how aggressive he sounded.
"Don't worry Merlin. We took his body back too- the knights are awaiting my orders to prepare a funeral." Arthur then reached for a wooden stool, and arose from the bed to sit beside him, "I'm leaving it down to you to decide what to do..."
"Thank you.."
"Merlin, I know it's hard for you. And I can assure you that we are all suffering greatly from his loss. But I want you to know that I'm always here for you. No matter if I'm with Gwen, or training with the knights. If you need me, do not hesitate to ask."
"I know.." With great force he heaved himself upwards and lent backwards onto the stone wall, "Arthur, I'm so sorry.. I shouldn't have gone in the first place.."
"There's no need to blame yourself. It was the druids fault, and theirs alone. Don't carry another burden upon yourself. I'm not sure you could take it." He lifted the quilt from Merlin's frail body and folded it down the bed. "Bloody he- Wh- what did they even do to you?" He exclaimed, clearly with shock from the sight.
"Um.. I can't really remember. Just shackles, burning, I'm not entirely sure. I've had much worse anyway."
"Worse than this? Are you sure mate?"
"Are you actually worried?"He said with a deviating smirk, "Honestly, a lot of those are old."
"Well.. Remember that feast I was talking about? We're having it after the funeral."
"Arthur.. That's not necessary."
He pointed toward the warlock's stomach, "Really? Take a look Merlin."
"Oh shut up, just because the royal prat is-"
"No. You're going to kill yourself, you need to eat."
Of course.. He wasn't immortal anymore. But... "Why couldn't they kill me... The druid said they tried everything but kept failing..."
"What?"
Then all of a sudden it dawned on him. "Of course! They couldn't harm me because of their oath!" Arthur remained silent, continuing to pull a vague expression of confusion, "When druids are sworn to protect someone in the name of prophesies, their magic no longer works on them and I'm therefore protected! Obviously they thought that I had broken the prophesy by your death, and thought that protection magic inside me would no longer exist..."
"Merlin I have absolutely no idea what you're bumbling on about."
He chuckled, "Oh I'm such an idiot!"
"Glad we agree on something."
"Dollop head."
"Now.. Merlin the funeral?"
Blazing torches lining the lake surrounded the area. A dozen knights stood tense behind Arthur, including Sir Leon and Sir Percival. A small crowd of villagers, all of whom patients Gaius had once saved the lives of grouped by the trees. And of course Gwen stood beside the King, grasping his hand tightly in her palm. Before them, lay the old man, embedded in a small, intricate woven boat. Peaceful and in final resting. It was close to sunset as the low light shone gently upon the shimmering waters, casting the skies with calming reds and oranges, setting the mood of gentle happiness. It was indeed a memorial day for them all. Tears would shred before long, but this man would never be forgotten.
After a few minutes of waiting, the rustling of leaves could be heard behind them. The group all shifted to identify the sound, when Merlin, the tall, weak yet thin man came limping painfully through the bushes. He had made great effort to arrange this funeral. He always knew exactly how he wanted it to be, had he have the time and expense. And certainly, the setting was as perfect and as beautiful to be expected.
The struggling warlock made his way though the crowds toward Arthur. He felt his knees buckle at that very moment his battered body took its toll. The king instantly took hold of Merlin's side and heaved him up straight once more. With a reassuring nod from the both of them, he left Gwen's side and continued forward- still keeping the Court Sorcerer stable in his right arm. The two then stood still beside the boat, staring aimlessly at the Physician who lay in silence within.
"This is what you did with me isn't it..." Arthur let out weakly after realizing the painful memories it brought back to life, "All those years ago.."
Merlin merely nodded slowly with his eyebrows slightly folding in. His eyes clearly showed the pain deep within them. But it had to be done. This was for Gaius. "Yes. Yes I did this with you... But that time has passed and here we are."
"Are you sure you can do this Merlin?"
"Yes. My lord." He replied with a limp smirk.
His lifeless body swayed a little before steadying himself away from Arthur's hold. He looked directly into Arthur's eyes with reassurance and took a few steps toward the boat. He then prompted himself beside it and looked down at the dead body before him.
"Gaius..." Tears already began to stream down his cheeks just as they had done many, many years ago in the same situation. He shook his head in a failed effort to compose himself.
"There are many things I wish I could have said to you. To thank you for taking me in all those years ago." He said between sobs, "T-Thank you.. For everything. You've been like a father to me. I-I will never forget you..." His face now dripping with tears and intensity.
"Merlin..." Arthur whispered gently.
He was right. It's time. He once again peered down at the peaceful old man before him. This was it.
"Ohn... Ohn Sibbe Yarest" The warlock uttered the spell which pushed the boat smoothly into the shining waters. Beams of light shone down into Gaius's body, as if the heavens welcomed him. He fell onto his knees as his eyes flashed a metallic gold once more and it burst instantly into flames.
Everyone around him shed a tear; but one by one they left. Walked away into the darkness after bidding their final farewell to the Kingdom's finest physician. But Merlin stayed. He remained at the lakeside for many hours to come. With both Arthur And Gwen sat by his side accompanying him in these dark times. Gaius taught him that he had friends here. He was right. And his memory of him would stay with him for ever.
"Merlin.. Merlin wake up."
"W-What?" He said in a confused tone, curled up in a ball upon the damp turf.
"It's a new day." Arthur whispered gently whilst heaving his body up straight.
Gwen reached over and carefully patted him on the shoulder, "It's ok Merlin there's no need to rush. Take you're time. When we get back we shall have that feast Arthur was talking about, ok?"
"Um.. Yeah alright.." He groaned. It took great effort for him to pull himself up off the ground. His face smeared with dry tears appeared rather blotchy and sore.
The king accompanied him on their way to the noble horses awaiting them.
"How you feeling?" He queried.
"Like hell. You?"
"Bad. Not as much as when my father died, but bad."
"I can't believe I'll never see him again.. I.. He's the reason I came to Camelot in the first place. If it wasn't for him.."
"It's ok Merlin I understand." He helped his servant clamber up onto the horse and then joined him sat perched at the front, "Listen... If you want to, I'm not saying you have to... But we're fine to welcome you to sleep in the royal chambers with us anytime. I mean, I know that remaining in Gaius's room may be disturbing for you, so we can always make up an extra bed."
"Thank you Arthur.. I really appreciate it." He strapped his feet neatly into the saddle, "You know, It's odd to hear this coming from you. Like, compared to all those years ago."
"Excuse me Merlin? I can always take back the offer-"
"No! Sorry I didn't mean-"
He just grinned in return and sharply kicked the side of the horse in an intent for it to begin galloping.
"Oh, you're joking. Well.. Thanks I guess" He replied equally with a weakened smile. It was going to be a long day.
The hall was lit with numerous candles and flames along the intricately decorated stone walls. The room shone slightly with glistens of torches and brass plates placed neatly upon the all too familiar feasting table. Packed with all those who were closest to Gaius over the years, all sat around the piles of luxury food in the middle. As King and Queen took their seat at the very end, he found himself searching for Merlin in the room. Until he noticed, amongst the many servants floating about gathering drinks, there he stood. He looked so pale, scrawny and dull. Bags drooped beneath his blue eyes and patches of red smothered his face.
"Merlin!" He called desperately. Sulking, the Warlock began to stroll slowly towards him.
Gwen quickly leaned in and quietly spoke, "Arthur look at him. He looks like he's about to faint..."
"It will soon pass Guinevere, he will be his old self before we know it."
"No, for him it's been over a thousand years since he has been his old self. I'm worried about him.."
"We can change that. This is Merlin we're talking about. He's my.. Our closest friend Gwen, I'm not just going to give up on him. Think of all the things he's done for us."
"Sire?" Merlin coughed, making it clear he was stood beside them.
"Oh, Merlin there you are!" Arthur replied rather awkwardly, "What are you doing?"
"Doing my job, what do you think?"
"Not any more you're not. Here, sit." He pulled out a chair around the table and practically forced Merlin to collapse into it. "C'mon then, tuck in!"
A small smile emerged across his face. "Thanks Arthur."
He too began to grin in return, "My pleasure."
About an hour had passed and all members around the table were evidently completely stuffed. Funnily enough, Merlin was the most so. He had managed to cram practically as much as he possibly could inside his mouth. He knew he may not be able to keep it all in however, due to him being malnourished, nevertheless he enjoyed and savored every bite.
Both Gwen and Arthur continued to glance at each other thankfully, knowing Merlin was actually enjoying this long awaited meal. Such a relief it was. The three of them laughed and joked as the night went on. Perhaps taking in a little too much ale in the process.
Finding himself light-headed, the king stood above all others at the end of the table and shouted in announcement.
"Excuse me. I would like to say a few words." At this point all in the room ushered to a silence almost immediately, while Merlin still remained stuffing another leg of chicken into his mouth.
"We all know why we're here. In remembrance of our lost court physician, Gaius."
Merlin stopped in his tracks and slowly dropped the food and sat up straight in an intent to listen carefully.
"It is indeed a great loss we have suffered. This man saved many lives which I witnessed myself growing up. He was always there for the kingdom, and served our family well. I would go so far to say he is the best Physician I, and many of us have known in time. He not only saved lives, but advised the court when in great need, and was always the man whom my father first confronted. Gaius," Once again tears trickled down Merlin's face as he wiped them off with his sleeve, "was like a father too all of us. He guided us all in the darkest of times, and of course gave us hope. Gaius... Will never be forgotten. Thank you."
Merlin was the first to stand and rejoice in an applause, when the entire room did the same. This truly showed the impact this man had on Camelot it's self. It was true, he would never be forgotten.
Later in the night, he made his way up to Arthur's chambers, stumbling along the way. He was still as clumsy as ever, but being partially drunk made all the difference. As he strolled into the room, he found Arthur stood in the center, peering directly at him.
"Ah Merlin! Feeling better?" He smiled cheerfully.
"Just about," he sniffled, "Thanks for tonight Arthur, It really helped."
"Well, you certainly stuffed your face."
"Oh shut up! So did you-"
"Maybe now you can finally put some weight on."
"Just because you're a pig!"
"You absolute dollop head." The two laughed and swayed a little as the ale started to take its toll.
Arthur took hold of Merlin's shoulder and dragged him toward the desk, which they both sat around almost tippling over in the process. "You know now the position is free, I'm appointing you the temporary Court Physician."
"What? So you expect me to do that on top of all my other duties?" He chocked out, "I'm honored and all, but I don't think I can do that..."
"Don't worry It's only temporary. Don't doubt yourself so much. You are an insanely skilled Physician, possibly better than any man I know. That one thousand five hundred years served you well!"
"Well.. Thank you..."
The atmosphere suddenly became dismally lit and foretelling, almost as if the future was being written. Like time itself was changing. Things were returning.
"Merlin..." The air grew warm and welcoming, "It's time for everything to be how it used to be. Back in the old days. Before any of this happened. You know when I'm talking about?"
Merlin's eyes appeared slightly watery as he slumped back into the chair, "It will never be the same Arthur, Gaius isn't here."
"No. But you know who is staying this time?" He smiled eternally.
"Who?" He gasped insight-fully. Trees blew forcefully through the window and beams of light shone through the panels.
"I am."
Well that's it guys! (Sorry It took so long to post, As I said It's exam season and I was going crazy, and I hope everyone did well) I hope you enjoyed reading. I know you're probably mad with me for killing Gaius off, but I believe he needed a good send off. And he had to go eventually... As always please review and whatever ;) Thank you for reading xx
