Author's Note: Sorry, sorry... It's been a few days. And unfortunately updates will continue to be a bit more spaced out. I'm writing frantically but I'm not ahead a few chapters, as I have been until now. I hope you all stick with me!
Merlin's eyes felt heavy. He could feel a layer of feverish doom over the room like a stifling blanket. The Round Table group was situated in a circle in the room.
Gwen was seated in a chair between Merlin and Arthur, who were both sitting up weakly in their respective cots. In chairs forming the rest of the circle sat Leon, Gwaine, Percival, Elyan and Gaius. An empty chair sat in honor of Lancelot, as was tradition for all round table meetings.
Merlin smiled when he thought about the reaction of the court when Arthur had insisted on having such meetings. The noble advisers had been shocked at Arthur's tenacity in including his servant in the proceedings, as an equal, much less the horrific thought of including Gwen, a woman.
But Arthur had been firm. When they met as a group, they were equals. All opinions were respected.
Gaius had insisted on gathering them all for this discussion. Weakly, from his spot on the bed, Arthur spoke.
"You have an idea, Gaius? Something to – " he broke off, coughing. Gwen and Merlin flinched at the sound.
"You have something to help us?" Merlin finished. Arthur's coughing died down, and he nodded, grateful, to Merlin.
Gaius seemed hesitant. "Well – it will be dangerous." He glanced nervously at Gwaine and then away. "I can create a potion to cure you both."
The room brightened slightly. "Really?" Merlin's voice sounded skeptical.
"Yes, but – I'm in need of… Well… Water from the Isle of the Blessed."
"No!" Merlin and Arthur spoke simultaneously.
"The journey is far too treacherous," Arthur said.
"Besides, Gaius, if you want to save us with the Isle of the Blessed, a human sacrifice is necessary." Merlin said, his voice stubborn.
Unconsciously, everyone in the room turned to look at Lancelot's empty chair.
"Not necessarily. I think I've found a way – "
"When I tried to give myself up for Arthur when he was bitten by the questing beast – "
"You what?" Arthur and Gwaine cut off Merlin in unison.
"Not now, Arthur," Merlin said. Arthur looked affronted at this dismissal, but allowed Merlin to continue.
"There's no way Arthur or I are going to let someone die for us," he said, voice authoritative.
"I agree," Arthur said sternly. "It's not an option."
Gaius stared at the two stubborn young men, sighing. He cared for both the king and the warlock very much. "There is an old woman in the village – she… she is very close to death."
The room was silent for a moment. Then, Leon spoke up, his voice quiet.
"You want this woman to give her life?"
Arthur was already shaking his head. "It's not right."
"Well… why not me? I mean… I'm dying anyway. Then we can save Arthur – "
"Merlin, if I weren't completely sapped of strength, I would throw something at you," Arthur cut across angrily. "Apparently you've already tried to give your life for me once – "
"Oh, more than once," Gaius said wearily.
"What have I been missing?" Arthur said, glaring at Merlin.
Percival didn't speak often, but when he did, it drew attention. "At the end of the day, we need to save Arthur and Merlin."
The room remained silent, and Percival continued, his voice slow but sure. "If this dying woman is willing to give her life a bit early to save her king… I say we let her have that honor."
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