A/N: I wrote a little one anyway ;)
Nance: Haha... no sympathy at all :D
"It's over."
Well, that particular battle was. The flames, however, continued to ravage the countryside.
Spreading his arms and taking a deep breath, he formed a wall of magic around the blaze and gradually pulled it in toward himself. Merlin became the center of a column of fire reaching far into the sky. Having no other way to douse the conflagration that wouldn't cause further damage, he took another breath before eliminating the air that fueled it. What little vegetation remained in the small circle surrounding him continued to burn for a brief time, then fizzled out.
He waited a few heartbeats to be certain, then released the barrier and coughed several times before managing to refill his lungs.
Cursed sulfur. Speaking of...
Once more reaching out with his magic, Merlin gathered what powder remained and brought it together into one crystal, tucking the fist-sized hunk inside his jacket.
His hearing was beginning to clear now, and he really wished it wouldn't. The screams had died down, but the moaning and pleas for relief were almost worse.
They're the enemy Merlin, you can't go around trying to heal them all- besides, you can hardly see straight.
Which was true, but surely the latter would clear up once he stopped wheezing and maybe rested a bit.
Seeing that everything was clear, the rest of the Saxon army had begun moving in to help their fellows; it was time for Merlin to be gone. Still, one last thing...
As the warlock's form disappeared, a gentle rain began to fall.
"Merlin!"
The servant froze, heart thundering so fast he could hear blood pulsing in his ears. He had forgotten to turn invisible before transporting himself back to the castle! Had someone seen?
"Are you alright?"
It was Gwaine. He grew weak-kneed with relief, first leaning against the wall and then sliding down the floor.
"Merlin?" The knight had rushed forward, kneeling in front of his friend and grasping his shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm alright," he waved aside the knight's probing fingers. "Just... I think I'll rest a moment."
"Take your time."
Gwaine sat on the floor beside him, waiting patiently as Merlin regained his breath and strength. He had done a great deal of magic that day, but already he was beginning to feel as normal. Frankly, it frightened him. Just how powerful had he become?
"Want to talk about it?"
Merlin turned grateful eyes on his friend, a sad half-smile on his lips.
"Not just yet."
The rogue nodded, returning to his study of the opposing wall.
Merlin sighed. He was reluctant to disturb this moment of peace, but the war was not yet won and his work was far from complete.
"Well come on, then. Don't think I'll let you use me as an excuse for abandoning your duties." He winked at Gwaine, hauling himself upright and heading back to the infirmary.
"Ah, that was only one time-"
"Per week."
Gwaine laughed, not bothering to dispute that claim.
They traveled in silence the rest of the way, atmosphere growing heavy. They paused at the door to the hall, the sound of Gaius and his helpers bustling about filtering through the wood.
"Are you going to tell him?" Gwaine's voice was low and earnest.
Merlin simply smiled and went inside.