Author's Note: A lot of people noticed a fairly serious flaw with the plan… Don't worry, it will be addressed, but not yet! I hope I'm still keeping people's interests!
Arthur and Merlin's protests were getting feebler the more they discussed the issue. Finally, with a grin, Gwaine synched the plan.
"Alright, you two. You're both at our mercy. You're far too weak to make it to the Isle yourselves." He paused. "Agreed?"
Merlin and Arthur glanced at one another, and sighed. "Agreed," they said together.
"Right," Gwaine continued. "Merlin, you aren't going to let Arthur die, are you?"
"Never," Merlin said, sighing in resignation.
"And Princess. I mean, Arthur. I mean Your Highness." Gwen giggled at the look on Arthur's face. "You won't let Merlin die, will you?"
Arthur glared, first at Gwaine, and then at Merlin.
"Apparently, the idiot attempts that enough without my help."
"Right, so. I'm going to go to the Isle of the Blessed now. Who's with me?" Gwaine slapped his hands against his legs, standing up as if about to head off.
"Sounds like fun," Percival said gruffly, standing. Leon and Elyan followed suit.
"Wait! Wait." Arthur's voice sounded vaguely panicked. He caught Merlin's eyes, which were widened in alarm. "Gaius? How does this work? Do they just – scoop up a vial of water and come back? How do we know who's going to die?"
Gaius sighed. "You won't be all that reassured, I'm afraid – it is through the power of naming and intention."
Arthur looked merely perplexed, but Merlin looked upset.
"That's less than comforting, Gaius," he said, a frown on his face.
"What does that even mean?" Arthur was surprised to find his gaze drawn to Merlin. For some reason, he understood that Merlin would know the answer.
The young man leveled Arthur with a serious stare. "The energy of the world is supposed to maintain balance in these sorts of situations. Theoretically, if the knights present the spirits with this woman's name, the world will discover the intention of her sacrifice." He paused, turning to glare at Gaius. "However, I know from very personal experience that it's no guarantee."
"Yes, why don't you clue me into the details of that one," Arthur said, glaring.
"I offered my life for yours," Merlin said, shrugging.
"But why?"
The rest of the room was silent, staring with some amusement at the angry expressions on Merlin and Arthur's faces.
"It's not important, right now, Arthur."
"Like hell it's not!"
"The point is – it didn't work. I was willing. My intent was pure. But the natural world refused to accept my sacrifice."
The words were heavy in the room. Arthur stared at Merlin, his mind working frantically. How had he earned such total loyalty form Merlin? It was a frightening thought. He felt somehow powerless – he couldn't stop his young friend from being a self-sacrificing idiot. He also couldn't conceive of a world without Merlin in it.
Gaius broke in on the silent. "Your life is tied to a far greater destiny, Merlin." Merlin looked at Gaius, his face concerned. "You know of what I speak. The natural world needs you alive."
Arthur was burning with curiosity, but kept his mouth shut. Leon spoke up, ever logical and level-headed.
"You think it will work this time because this old woman isn't tied up in some sort of destiny?"
"What destiny is Merlin tied up in?" Gwen asked, looking between Gaius, Merlin, and Arthur. She looked at the two grievously ill men and suddenly noticed how pale and shaken they both appeared. "It doesn't matter," she said quickly, before anyone could answer her. "Arthur and Merlin need rest."
Simultaneously, the rest of the room realized the truth in this.
"Arthur," Gwaine said, face serious. "I'm going to the Isle of the Blessed." It wasn't a question. Slowly, Arthur looked at Merlin. Then, the two of them turned in unison to Gwaine.
"Alright."
Author's Note: So... Who do you think is going to end up dead in this situation? Guesses, anyone?