A/N: So unless something drastic happens with the poll it looks like I'll be writing "Horseplay" next (summary on my profile page).
I'm thinking about taking on a beta or maybe even a co-author for that one to help make sure it doesn't become too cliché. Anyone interested?
Thank you to the many who reassured me Tempest would be released on dvd (next year... *sigh*)- it was a balm to my soul ;)
Now to continue de-railing "With All My Heart"
"Unusual to find you here, young warlock."
The old voice was a rather unwelcome intrusion on what had previously been a restful time spent floating on a current of magic, thinking of nothing and wholly unaware of his body's struggles.
Still, it couldn't really be ignored.
"Kilgharrah?"
"Of course. How did you come to be here, Merlin?"
Good question...
"I- I don't know. Where is 'here', exactly?"
"This is a retreat of sorts. Your mind is adrift in the current of magic that runs through this world."
The air rumbled with the sound of the dragon's unease.
"I like not that you came here without this knowledge. What has happened?"
"I'm not sure, but I think I was stabbed..."
"Well that hardly-"
"In the heart..."
"That may just-"
"After being poisoned and tossed into a ravine."
"..."
"Kilgharrah?"
"I see your life is as eventful as ever, dragonlord."
"That's one way of putting it."
A thought occurred to him.
"I could use your help with something..."
"When is this not so?"
The overtone of amusement undermined the potential harshness of the statement and Merlin ignored it.
"You see, Gwen..."
Time passed oddly in this realm, but it must have been some time later when the servant finally finished explaining recent events.
"That is indeed a matter of some concern, young warlock; but not something you cannot handle."
"How?"
The dragon chuckled lightly at his lord's dubious tone.
"Your queen has likely been the victim of an ancient ritual of the Old Religion called the Tiane Diaga. You must travel to the Cauldron of Arianrhod and summon the White Goddess to heal her."
"And that's all?"
"Be warned, she must enter the waters of her own free will. If tricked or forced she will remain Morgana's puppet forever."
"Great."
"It is well within your powers to accomplish this, Merlin."
"Hm."
This was a good time to change the subject.
"So, this is a place people come intentionally?"
"Normally, yes. You did not think I spent 20 years staring at the cave walls below the castle until you came, did you?"
Honestly he hadn't thought about it much at all.
"All sentient creatures of magic can find rest and solace from the world here and reestablish a connection to their roots. I suspect your mind sought this place instinctively with your body so overwhelmed."
"So how do I come back? You know, if I ever wanted to."
"Now that you have been, you need merely relax and think of being here."
A short silence fell as Merlin digested all the information he had just collected.
"Thank you, old friend."
An odd sort of tingling sensation nagged at his consciousness.
"I think Arthur-"
His words broke off as the servant was abruptly pulled back into the physical world by his king's need.
"Merlin."
A jolt of magic provided the strength necessary to wake and for just a moment he could see the blond clearly, leaning over him with concern etched on his features.
Then he reined in the magic that was just about to manifest in his eyes, closing them to hide any telltale glimmer.
"Arthur..."
He had spoken without thinking and was pleased to find the effort had yielded something moderately audible.
"Do you need anything? Are you in pain?"
Arthur's concern was touching, but there really were more pressing matters- Merlin wasn't quite willing to admit that all he truly wanted was his friend's continued presence.
"Stay."
"Of course."
Now he had to find a way to tell the monarch that his wife was out to get him and the only way to fix it was with magic.
Arthur, however, started first.
"Guinevere is a traitor."
"No."
He hadn't wanted anyone to think that, even for a moment.
"Mor... gana."
Words were once again becoming difficult to form and he felt his scratchy throat rubbing against itself as he tried to force out an explanation.
One word was all he could manage.
"Spell."
"You think Morgana's enchanted her?"
The pleading hope in the question nearly broke the servant's heart.
He nodded in confirmation, relaxing to conserve what energy he had left.
"What am I going to do Merlin? If I lose her, I lose everything."
The warlock desperately wanted to reassure his friend that Gwen was not lost and that they would undo this- but hushed whispers were all he could seem to produce.
"What?"
Merlin could sense that Arthur was incredibly close to him and he tried even harder to communicate-this time managing to hiss slightly louder.
Not good enough.
A spot of cold suddenly settled on his brow, then withdrew.
"You've got a fever again- not very strong but it still needs seeing to. I'll send for Gaius."
No!
Arthur's proximity was the only thing keeping him conscious, if the man left now he'd be sure to fade out before sharing his vital knowledge.
Silent protest undetected, the king left the bedside and moved to the door; each step he took away from Merlin's side weakening the younger man's resolve until he could no longer resist the call of sleep.