Rating K+

Word Count: 300

Challenge Given: Choose the pairing you love the most, then write a drabble that captures the essence of why that couple appeals to you so much. If you don't have a definite favorite ship, please just choose a pairing you really like from the show.

(A/N = Okay, so we all know Mergana is my favourite, but I wouldn't describe the pairing as 'lovely' so I looked for something else.)

~o~0~o~

There is no Other Way

"Who is it?" Alice asked the cloaked figure outside her door.

"Gaius. Please, let me in."

"What are you doing here?"

The king's physician entered and lowered the hood to reveal his face. She threw her arms around her beloved and he pulled her close.

"I've seen Uther's latest list, Alice, and you're on it." She felt him shake as he held her more tightly.

"Me? But I'm a healer, I only use magic for good."

"All practitioners Uther's saying now. Alice, I took your name off the list but it won't be long before you're mentioned again. You have to leave."

"You're coming too, of course."

"No, I can't. I have to stay here."

She pulled away from him abruptly. "You can't, we're to be married next month."

"I know, but I need you to be safe."

"But I thought Uther pardoned you because you were a healer?"

"No, he pardoned me because I swore never again to practice magic, and to help him in his quest."

"You can't! Gaius!"

"It's the only way I can help. If I leave, Uther will kill them all anyway. If I stay, there's a chance I may be able to save some."

"But … I love you."

"I love you too." He managed a weak smile. "I'm sure this is just temporary and Uther will change his mind."

"He won't. He's mad!"

"Alice, that's not fair. He's my friend, he's grief stricken and I cannot abandon him any more than I can watch you die. This is the only way."

"Find another way!"

"Alice ..." He embraced her again.

"Please come with me."

"When this is all over I'll send for you, I promise. I'll get Uther to change his mind. I have to believe that my old friend is still in there somewhere.

xoxOxox

A/N: The Purge story has fascinated me since the first time it was mentioned. If 'filler' films are made, I hope this is one of them. Writing this has now inspired me to write my own Purge Fic. The hints we've been given about Uther and Gaius reminds me of Arthur/Merlin gone wrong. :(

OT A/N:

1) I've just started writing the sequel to "An Unexpected Job"! :D Fingers crossed this inspiration lasts.

2) If you want to show off your Merlin fanfiction somewhere else, do come and join us at .com. I've found a great photo that goes with this chapter there!

xoxOxox