« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.
The Coming of Arthur
Merlin was in a fog, her mind in a scary place between the living and the dead. She was scared.
She realised dawn had come because she could see Arthur's sad eyes when he tied her to her horse, and she guessed he must have decided to send her back to Camelot with Lancelot, who was already on his mount.
« Take me with yo, please », she begged not quite able to hear her own voice. Take me with you Arthur.
« Merlin », he said and if his eyes were sad, his word was final. He wouldn't let her die, even for the sake of Camelot.
When Merlin woke up again, she was in the Valley of the Fallen Kings, near a lake, and Lancelot was speaking with some kind of faeries. Gathering her remaining strength, she let her hand fall in the water, feeling better all of sudden.
« Prince Arthur is riding to the Isle of the Blessed he intends to heal the veil », the knight was saying.
« He will need help from both of you », the Vilia replied.
« My friend is sick », argued Lancelot, « I need to get her to Camelot ».
« Merlin is stronger than you give her credit for. The young warlock has great powers. And her journey has been writen since the dawn of time. Do not worry. Even now, my sisters begin to heal her. You are tired sir must rest. »
« I need to find shelter », replied Lancelot.
« You are safe here ».
« But...the Dorocha ? »
« We will stay with you, and protect you through the night », the Vilia told him.
Suddenly, little bubbles of light began to float around them and Merlin allowed sleep to claim her once more, smiling.
They were gathered around the fire, Gwaine making them laugh with his antics but Arthur couldn't bring himself to partake in the friendly banter, his mind occupied by Merlin and Gueneviere in Camelot. Were they fine ? Would they be fine once he'd be dead ? Preoccupied, he did not immediatly realise someone was there. Only when a noise was heard did he tense and ordered the knights to keep quiet. In unisson, they stood and drew their swords, ready to defend themselves and the camp. A minute passed and then the intruder stepped out of the dark, his chainmail bright, his red cloak floating behing him.
« Lancelot », gasped Arthur, confused. There was no way the knight could have made it to Camelot with Merlin and back to the Isle, unless... But no ! He wouldn't think about it. He would wait for Lancelot to confirm his worst fear had happened. « How's Merlin ? ».
« Bad news », sighed the man and Arthur's breath caught in his throat. « She's still alive. »
And then Merlin appeared, a silly grin writen upon her face and Arthur laughed because the world was suddenly much better and he was happy. Elyan shouted « Merlin ! » and the girl smiled broadly while the knights gathered around her, hugging her, touching her as if to make sure that she was real. Arthur let them have a moment, thanking Lancelot with all his heart for keeping her safe, smiling for once when Gwaine kissed Merlin's cheek, before stepping out and pressing her shoulder.
« Good to see you Merlin », he said, not quite sure how to react.
« It's good to see you too », she replied, her eyes so bright they were like stars.
Finally not able to resist the tempation he hugged her and she accompanied him towards his spot around the fire, staying closer to him than strictly necessary, happy to be reunited with him one last time. With each passing moment though, she noticed his melancholy growing and she couldn't help herself :
« It's going to be fine », she said, « everything will be alright ».
« I'm just tired, » he lied.
« You dont have to sacrifice yourself », she added, not buying his lie.
« I have to save my people ».
« I will take your place », she promised even if he didn't know it yet. « What is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince ? ».
« Well, good servants are hard to come by », he joked.
« I am not that good », she laughed.
« True. One thing Merlin... Look after Gueneviere, I hope she is happy with her life she deserves it. »
« Don't worry. I'll make sure of it ».