A work based on Episodes 12 & 13, Season Five: "The Diamond of the Day Part 1 & Part 2", and continuing on after the finale, with a different ending. A Multi-chapter work.

This work is entirely my own, based on the characters established by BBC's Merlin. I do not own any of the characters, and am not making any money from this fiction. It is created purely for my own, and others' enjoyment.

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FACETS OF A DIAMOND

Chapter: Twenty-five

In a Northern Fastness, snow whirled through the air, and a young man sat, healing slowly in his chair beside the fire. His hair was dark, curled and tangled, his eyes were a curious light colour, and his heart was full of hatred. 'Arthur! You will PAY for what you have done to me! Emrys, YOU will pay for not standing by your Brother in magic! As soon as I am healed, all of you will pay….."

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In a Cave, far to the south, an old hag sat brooding in the darkness. The walls of her cave were damp, slime dripping constantly. Here it was that the Dochraid had made her lair. Here it was that Emrys had wounded her. And here it was that the ancient being planned her revenge. She need only find somebody of the Old Religion who hated Emrys as much as she, and then she could lend them her strength and aid. Perhaps it was time to leave her retreat and venture once more upon the surface of the earth. Perhaps that single point of hatred far to the north may be of use to her, the Dochraid, as she contemplated her revenge…

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The slim young man slowly worked his way along the rows of dried plants displayed along the wooden trestle. These were the herbs that were not able to be harvested from the surrounding forest, and were imported into the City by the apothecaries. It was Merlin's task to assess the quality of products on offer, and restock Gaius' supplies. The familiarity was soothing to the young man, amongst the changes that had come his way in the past fortnight. He picked up a spray of hyssop, gently feeling for the amount of moisture in the stems before bringing the leaves still carrying the small bluish flowers to his nose to smell. Satisfied with the quality, he added it to the basket he carried over one arm and moved along the table towards the next display.

His actions on automatic Merlin's thoughts turned to Gwen and Gaius. He'd left his mentor settled and comfortable in the rooms they shared this morning. He knew Gwen planned to visit and make the offer of her house while Merlin was out. The early morning had been spent with the two of them preparing draughts for Gaius' usual clientele together. Well, actually Merlin had done most of the preparing, with the elder supervising and guiding as needed. Since his collapse two days ago Merlin had become even more aware of Gaius' deterioration in strength and health. His breathing was no longer laboured thanks to the new draughts, but Gaius' stamina was sadly depleted. Merlin noted that the older man needed to rest frequently, and that his hands often had a fine tremor after an hour or so's work. All this left the younger man even more determined to take over as many duties as possible.

After preparing their usual medicaments Merlin had made Gaius' rounds and delivered the small vials, taking the opportunity to assess the people as he went. This also gave him a chance to observe the general populace and keep in touch with the general health of the city. Talking with people he was able to get advance news of illness and infection, hopefully treating and containing them before they posed too much of a threat to the city.

Musing as he paid for his purchases, Merlin realised that by involving the Druids in this process, he would have an even greater knowledge of the ills Camelot may be likely to suffer, simply because the healers would have greater contact with the general population. Securing the remainder of the needed herbs, Merlin made his way towards the Healers' location to discuss it with them. But first he decided to lose the 'honour guard' that had been bestowed upon him ever since the Round Table meeting. Employing a little subterfuge combined with a touch of magic, he was able to dismiss the two guards rapidly.

When he arrived, Merlin found Jessamy and Merick out front consulting with various people and dispensing small vials of medicaments. The common people had come in numbers as word of the Healers had spread. With a copper coin, or an hour or two's labour a healing draught could be purchased, and a loved-one eased or comforted. Not needing to travel into the unsafe Forest surrounding the town was a great blessing for the citizens of Camelot, and they had availed themselves of the Druid's help without hesitation.

Merlin smiled, pleased to see the first phase of his plan such an unqualified success. He nodded to Jessamy giving her his signature grin, before ducking behind the curtain and entering the preparation space behind. Here it was difficult to believe that the Druids had only been in residence for a few days. Pots and implements filled the tables, and new shelves had been constructed to line the walls filled with vials containing green, yellow, blue, clear, violet and red preparations: the Druids had indeed been extremely busy. Armine, Paynel and Niniane chopped and prepared herbs while Davydd and Gobin tended great cauldrons. Seeing their visitor enter, Davydd moved his brew from the fire magically and placed it on a stone square on the nearest table to allow it to begin to cool.

"Emrys!" he greeted with obvious pleasure, moving forward to grasp Merlin's hand; "It does my soul good to see you!" Knowing from previous experience that Emrys disliked having anybody show the traditional honour and bow to him, the old druid contented himself with grasping Merlin's hands and lowering his head in obeisance which was the closest he could get without giving offence.

Merlin warmly grasped Davydd's hands in return, already rejoicing in the kinship he felt with the man. "It seems that you have not needed to wait long before finding customers." He observed to the mature druid.

"No, indeed Emrys. It is rather the opposite problem: we have taken to organising a rotating schedule of duties amongst us so that one of us may stay awake at night in order to tend to the needs of the sick that come to us at all hours." Davydd smiled in satisfaction.

"That is good, my friend." Merlin clapped the man companionably on his shoulder. *I came to talk to you about something specific, and do not yet wish to alarm the others. Is this appropriate?*

*Indeed, Emrys. This will be fine.* Davydd replied, simultaneously moving to heat water and brew a tea for their guest. "I hope you like chamomile?"

"Yes, I find it soothing." Merlin's expression defied the expressed sentiment as his brow furrowed. *I fear that Gaius is very unwell, Davydd. I fear for him. His heart is weakened, and his body retains fluid. He has been treating himself in secret for more than a year already.* The warlock's face betrayed his distress.

*That is grave news indeed; Gaius has always been a friend to the druids. Do you require help caring for him?*

*Not at the moment, I thank you. But I may require help in tending to my duties as well as helping to bring magic back into Camelot. I came, actually, to ask if Niniane may be available some times? I found her knowledge and assistance the other day valuable. She seems more than competent, and also copes well with working within the Citadel itself.*

The water had heated and Merlin held the cups containing the dried herbs while Davydd poured. Soon both men had settled into wooden chairs in the corner, and continued their mental conversation, masking it with inconsequential gossip at the same time.

*I am pleased that you found her assistance good. That is high praise indeed coming from you, Emrys, who was trained by Gaius!* The elderly druid paused, sipping his tea as he pondered. *I will speak to Niniane of this later, and see if she is agreeable. I will let you know by mind-speak of her decision if this is acceptable.*

*I would appreciate that. Thank you for your discretion in this matter.*

*There is one thing I would like to bring to your notice, Emrys. I have heard from my Clan that our Seer is unsettled. She senses unrest far to the north, in a land of ice and snow. There a young man dwells in hatred and plots revenge, and all the while he calls out to those with magic to join him against Arthur Pendragon.*

Shock and cold ran through Merlin, striking him inside with dismay. *Mordred! That is the young man's name, it must be him! I thank you for this warning, and I will be on my guard.*

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Merlin made his way back to the Citadel and Gaius' chambers, wanting to check on the elderly man. He was anxious, unsure of his mentor's reaction to Gwen's anticipated offer. Gaius was a proud man, and had worked hard and faithfully all his life, and now deserved a little ease. Merlin only hoped that the Physician didn't see the offer as a dismissal and feel slighted because of it.

Walking quietly up to the half-open door, Merlin stopped to listen. There was silence from within, which seemed to indicate that Gwen had already left. Quietly pushing the door further open, he popped his head around the frame and searched the chamber for his mentor, finally locating him on the upper level, perusing his books.

"Gaius?" Merlin entered the room.

"Merlin" the elderly man turned and smiled at the young man "Did you get the hyssop?"

"Yes, the apothecary had a fresh lot in. I got several good bunches."

"Well done. You'll be able to stock up on cough suppressant before the winter."

Catching the 'you' in Gaius' sentence, and realising that Gaius had not included himself in the statement, Merlin assumed that Guinevere had indeed made her offer. "So, did Gwen talk to you?" he asked uncertainly.

Gaius smiled and descended the ladder carefully. "You needn't worry, Merlin. Yes, she came by and made her most generous offer." He walked over to the young man who hovered by the doorway and rested his arm across Merlin's shoulder. "And I accepted. Happily." Gaius ducked his head down and pinned Merlin's gaze with his own.

"You're sure?" Merlin inquired.

"Indeed. It is time for me to step aside and let you take over. I am actually relieved – these last weeks have been more trying than ever, and I am tired. I think I will enjoy a chance to relax. And being liaison with the druids will suit me well. I have been training you in hope of this time ever since you first came to me, my boy, and have often hoped that you would succeed me.

"Know that I am proud of you, and content to leave the care of Camelot in your hands." Gaius gave him a small shake to reinforce his words.

Merlin sighed with relief that Gaius was apparently so accepting of the proposed change. He was also proud that Gaius was confident in his, Merlin's, healing skills. The next moment the young man sighed with anxiety as the reality of the situation hit him: he would become Court Physician, and therefore responsible for the wellbeing of the Nobles, families and servants of Camelot. Watching the rapid change of expression on his ward's face, Gaius guided Merlin across to their table and sat him down. "Here;" he settled Merlin on the bench and turned to remove the soup from the fire. Filling two bowls, Gaius placed a plate of bread within reach and sat across from the warlock and began to speak reassuringly.

"You will be fine, Merlin. You are well able to do this. And I will be available for help and guidance should you have need of me. I know your skills, and I know your heart; I have every confidence that Camelot will be safe in your hands. She ever has been magically, and now you extend that to include medically."

Merlin nodded and tore into the bread in front of him, trying to accept the reassurance Gaius offered.

The old man continued on; "I have been thinking of retiring for some time now, and have been keeping an eye out for a suitable dwelling whilst on my rounds of the city, without much success I might add. I am not a young man anymore, Merlin, and lately my illness has made my duties even more onerous. To be provided with such a good and comfortable house to stay in, with the privilege of all my food and needs provided for, along with being able to continue my studies is more than I could ever hope for. I am content with this my boy. More than content."

Merlin continued to eat quietly for a while before answering. "But I'll miss you."

A wide grin broke out on the lined face; "As I will you, Merlin." He placed a gnarled old hand on top of Merlin's smooth strong one, grasping it in reassurance and comfort. "It will take time for us to adjust, but all will be well, my boy. You'll see."

They resumed eating silently, each gathering their thoughts before Gaius continued on again: "All I will need to do now is choose which of my books and supplies I will take with me. Most of the medical references I will leave, as well as the books on herbs, plants, and magic." Gaius chuckled "You've always had more use for the magic texts than I, anyway."

Laughing, Merlin chortled. "Yes, but you taught me how to understand and use them. Thank you."

"You are more than welcome, my boy. Now, have you decided which of the druids you will ask to be your assistant?"

"How did you know?" Merlin looked up with an expression of surprise; he'd never known Gaius to display clairvoyance before.

"It only makes sense, Merlin, to use all the resources you have at your disposal. An assistant will leave you with enough time to be able to fulfil the other part of your duties: your magical ones, as well as the myriad tasks that running the Healing Rooms will take. Added to this, you will be able to learn much from each other. It will also be a good way to openly have another magic-user in the castle."

Merlin swallowed his mouthful before replying "Yes, that's what I told Arthur, too. I think Niniane will be a good choice. She worked well the other day when you were taken ill, and coped with treating the soldiers easily. Her knowledge and experience is good, and I think it would be helpful to have a female healer sometimes. I have already spoken with Davydd, and placed the offer before him. He will talk to Niniane and let me know her decision."

The conversation meandered on for some time as the men continued their meal. Ideas and choices were discussed, and decisions made. The bond between the two men underwent yet another alteration, as bonds and relationships are wont to do. It had begun with a father-son element, and while that would never entirely disappear, over the years it had morphed into a mentorship, an apprenticeship, and now a more equal friendship. Each had skills and expertise in different areas, and their long association allowed the two magic-users to collude easily, each acknowledging their weaknesses, and willing to learn from the other. A deep bond had grown between Gaius and Merlin, almost as deep, in some ways, as the bond that had grown between Arthur and Merlin. Both bonds were based on absolute trust of one in the other, and an ability to work together against all odds, and often emerge victorious. In those times when victory was delayed or extremely hard won, the hardship endured served to only strengthen the relationships.

Bowl empty, Merlin stood and brought the plate of fruit over to the table for them to share. "Kilgarrah would have been happy to see this time come." Merlin mused aloud. "It's a shame he was not able to see it."

"Ah, Merlin, but he did see it." Gaius answered, selecting an apricot. "He saw it every time he looked into your eyes, every time he conversed with you. Rest assured that he was willing to pay the price he did in order to bring these changes about."

Merlin nodded, accepting Gaius' reassurances, and selected the other apricot from the bowl, filling his mouth with the ripe orange flesh.

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The following week saw Gaius comfortably ensconced in Gwen's house, his personal books and scientific experiments transferred. Merlin had chosen to keep the small side-room as his sleeping chamber, preferring its familiarity and privacy. This then gave him the larger room for keeping reference books and medical supplies, and his magic book now occupied shelf-space openly, rather than lying hidden, wrapped in cloth under an old floor-board.

Gaius' bed remained where it always had been, ready to be used as a sick-bed should the need arise. A storage chamber down the hallway had been cleared and prepared for Niniane to occupy on those occasions she slept in the citadel, either when Merlin was away, or they were particularly busy. The young druidess had accepted with pleasure the opportunity to work and study beside Emrys. Merlin foresaw, with some trepidation, days or weeks of Niniane tip-toeing around him until he was able to break her of the habit, and convince her that he was, to all intents and purposes, an ordinary human. He planned to keep his immortality a closely-guarded secret. Indeed, the only person he had confided it to was Arthur, and that under the understanding that it would not be revealed to anybody else. Merlin was sick and tired of being viewed as 'other' than human, and had no intention of revealing this tid-bit of information if he could help it.

His first night alone in the Healing Room (as it was now referred to) was so quiet that Merlin had difficulty sleeping. There were no familiar sounds of rustling as an elderly body moved in its bed in the next room, and no comforting rumble of snoring breath. Merlin slept lightly, waking often and conscious of the difference in his environment. Several times he slipped out of bed and into the main room, wandering aimlessly about the space which was now his. Musing, he thought about the changes life had brought through the years. Once he was a young inexperienced boy, fleeing his village looking for a place to belong. Now he was a fully qualified Physician in charge of a whole town; his magic was acknowledged, and druids were present in the city and welcomed by many. Smiling, Merlin mused that Uther would probably be turning in his grave at the thought.

Sitting in the chair before the embers of the fire, Merlin pondered on what the future might bring. He remembered the many words Kilgarrah had spoken regarding his destiny; of Arthur and he being two sides of the one coin, of them being destined to unite Albion and bring magic back to bless the land. It seemed they were now well poised to accomplish this, and only time would show whether it would ever come to pass.

'I will do my utmost to see Arthur become the Once and Future King. I will do all that I can to promote these changes and bring magic back to Albion.' He sat thinking in the darkness, eyes fixed on the orange coals before him. 'As I have ever done these last ten years. How much I have changed, how much I have learned. And how much I have still to learn.'