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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A/N: Only about four more chapters left, if all goes to plan *sob* Story will probably be around 175k words by the time it's done. Never thought it would get that long, or that I would ever be able to write it! But if I keep going, it will begin to get far too unwieldy, so it's time to round it off before beginning the next one. Thinking of doing a shorter work from Aithusa's point of view, related to the 'Facets' universe; had some ideas running around in my little brain along those lines which sound promising.

Many thanks to all those who take the time to read my work: I hope you get as much enjoyment out of reading as I do from writing. And thankyou to my faithful reviewers: some of you have been on board since the very beginning of the voyage, and others have joined the ship later on. You all know who you are; every word is precious to me.

FACETS OF A DIAMOND

Chapter: Thirty-Six

Next morning and the town was unaccustomedly quiet. There had been no further attacks since the last wave of Saxons had been overcome. Merlin & Niniane had transported back into the healing rooms in early evening, appearing abruptly and earning themselves a disapproving look from Gaius at the stunt.

"Merlin!" the elderly man had snapped, before aiming a swat at his ward's head. Gaius was so used to Merlin spotting the incoming hand and ducking it that he was startled when his gnarled hand actually connected with the young man's temporal region with a thwack! Eyes wide with shock, the retired physician briefly debated whether to apologise. The comical expression on Merlin's face caused him to think better of the impulse, and they moved on to the next topic of discussion; that of the unconscious sorcerers in the cave. Gaius organised a small band of servants to take supplies to the group, as Merlin's rapid magical examination had revealed nothing much wrong with them beyond exhaustion.

Now, the morning after the two-day battle, clean-up efforts were well underway. First and foremost the potential for disease needed to be contained: nothing spread illness as rapidly as piles of carrion left lying rotting in the streets. Arthur had organised several large bonfires lit in strategic positions, and corpses were being systematically burned. It was the most efficient and cleanest method of disposal. Unfortunately the massive pyres produced rolling waves of foul-smelling smoke that permeated the air, and would hang over the city for several days, if not weeks, to come.

Guinevere found the smell overwhelming, added as it was to the hormonal surges of her body adjusting to a non-pregnant state. The queen had been fighting nausea since she awoke, coughing and gagging on the fumes which had entered her sleeping-chamber around the wooden shutters of her window. Gwen had spent most of the previous day in a slough of despair, moving from bed to chair, to bed again. She'd tried her hand at completing some of the work on her tapestry-frame, but found that concentration was difficult, even on such a familiar and repetitive task. Gaius had visited her in the late morning, and noting the young woman's despair, had given her a light sleeping draft. Gwen had gratefully, and most uncharacteristically, downed the foul-tasting concoction, and spent most of the afternoon in light slumber, mercifully untroubled by her grief.

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Merlin had woken for the second morning in a row to a world perceived through sound, touch, smell and magic. Being deprived of his primary sense had forced him to rely on the others, and he found that when in familiar surroundings he could manage quite well.

It was for this reason that he'd spent the night back in his own room: his familiarity with the layout would ensure less accidents bumping into objects. Anything he found himself in need of, he could of course summon using his magic. In addition, he'd found that creating a 'bubble' of invisible power around his body gave him some feel of where tables, chairs, walls etc. were in relation to himself. It was still an incredibly frustrating process, however, and the powerful warlock had to sternly resist his temptation towards hopelessness.

No new casualties had presented since the cease of hostilities the previous afternoon. Gaius had worked himself into exhaustion: his age taking a huge toll on the Physician. Niniane had banished the man to bed in her own rooms, down the hallway from the main Healing Rooms. With two incapacitated Physicians to care for, and three well-qualified druid healers to take over the running of the ground-floor casualty area, Niniane had appointed herself primary carer for Merlin and Gaius. Having them both in the same general area made her job somewhat easier. Well, as easy as possible when two stubborn males were forced by outside circumstances to admit that they weren't indestructible.

Niniane had taken a leaf out of Gaius' own book, and slipped a mild sleeping draft into his broth that evening. She'd quickly assessed his breathing and circulation, concluded that his heart failure was no worse than it had been a month ago, and decided that rest was now his best choice of treatment. She'd anticipated the crusty old man's arguments, and so her examination took place while he emptied his bowl which she had previously laced. She'd argued that if she examined him while he ate, he would be so distracted and offended by her treating him, he would be less likely to detect the taste of the sleeping draft.

Her plan went well, and the bowl had emptied before her final assessment of the level of swelling in his feet & legs. Smiling, she'd stood up and recommended he take to her bed and rest. She'd reassured him about Merlin, saying that "He will be safe and well cared-for, I promise."

The wily old man smiled knowingly and patted her hand; "Of that, I have no doubt, my dear. I am pleased for both of you."

Poor Niniane ducked her head away, vainly trying to avoid the piercing blue eyes as she uncharacteristically flushed pink. Gaius had chuckled, grasping her hand gently and giving it a little shake. "I may be old, but I'm not blind: I have eyes in my head to see what is between you two. It's alright Niniane; I don't think anybody else has noticed yet. You've been very discreet. But I have been Merlin's father for the past ten years, and gotten to know him very well in that time."

The plain young woman nodded, risking a brief look into the kind elderly face. "Then…you think… Merlin…" she stuttered, hardly knowing how to voice her thoughts.

Turning to her, Gaius placed his hands on either side of her face, bringing her eyes up to his. "I think that Merlin is a lonely young man, who has had a lot to deal with, and who is desperately afraid of allowing himself to love." He rattled her head gently between his palms; "Talk with him, my girl, and all will be well. You'll see."

The brown eyes filled with tears which hung from her lashes but did not fall. Niniane sniffed convulsively as Gaius pulled her into a rough brief hug and turned away, considering the topic closed. He began to move towards his borrowed bed, stumbling slightly as he did so. Niniane rushed forwards to support him with her strong young body, steadying him. The Physician looked down at her suspiciously: "What…?"

Niniane gave a short laugh; "Just a light sleeping draft, Sir. To ensure that you rested well tonight. You really have worked far too hard these last days for someone of your age and health, you know."

Gaius would have argued, but found his words cut off mid-yawn. Surrendering to the inevitable, he allowed the young woman to settle him comfortably, closing his eyes as she drew the blankets over his aged form.

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Niniane had then made her way back down the corridor to the Healing Rooms where she'd left Merlin. She'd laid out his sleep-wear and left him to tend to his own bathing and dressing, trusting that she'd be close enough to assist if he called for her. Not wanting to surprise him in a state of undress, she called out mentally to him *Gaius is settled in bed and sleeping. I'm coming back now; is there anything else you need?*

She could feel the frustration in Merlin's tone as he answered; *Not right now. Unless you know a cure for Curse-Induced Blindness.* The answer was flippant, but the emotion it covered was very real.

Compassion filled her heart as she answered, opening the door as she did so *No, my love. You know I don't, or I would have done so before now.*

*Yes, I know* a huge mental sigh worked its way between them. Silence fell once more, as Merlin mused to himself Just when did Niniane start calling me 'love'? And why haven't I noticed until now? Further thought revealed that the familiarity had begun yesterday during their intense discussion in the sick rooms, and continued during the mission to the cave to confront Mordred and the Dochraid. The intimacy had continued unchallenged since then, and Merlin found himself regarding it with fondness. It just seemed to fit somehow.

Merlin extended his arms and felt his way to his own, familiar bed, longing to cast himself down upon it and sink into slumber. The last week had been filled with emotional upheavals, major works of magic, frantic work in the sick-rooms dealing with injury upon injury, a curse which had injured him badly, followed by more major magical workings, and the young man was exhausted. His toes found the blankets draped over the foot of his bed and he moved forwards with more confidence.

He sat upon the wool-filled pad and lay down, fumbling for the covers as he did so. A familiar scent wafted past him with the movement of the bedclothes, startling him. Sniffing, Merlin tried to place it; it was very familiar and comforting, but somehow not associated with his sleeping-chamber. Inhaling, he allowed his mind to identify the fragrance. It came to him suddenly; Niniane! She had slept here last! Before the battle had begun, when he'd been exhausted from casting the protective wards around the Citadel walls he'd bedded down in the main room, while she kept watch from here.

Smiling, the young Warlock snuggled down into the double comfort of the soft bed and the familiar-and-yet-strange scent of the druidess. It felt somehow incredibly intimate, drifting off to sleep in his own bed, surrounded by her intangible presence. 'Tomorrow' he mumbled sleepily to himself; 'I'll deal with it all tomorrow.' And yet he still could not stop himself from imagining what it would be like to fall asleep blanketed in her perfume every night.

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Leaving a well-rested Gaius to supervise the care of the remaining inured in the ground-floor sick-rooms, Merlin had Niniane guide him towards the Royal Chambers. The higher they proceeded in the castle, the thicker and stronger the miasma of foul smoke became. Given a choice, Merlin would not have disturbed Gwen and Arthur, but there were matters that needed discussing. Niniane brought him to the familiar door, and rapped stoutly upon it. She then left to return to her work downstairs.

The door opened and Merlin stood still, not able to identify who it was until they spoke.

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice greeted enthusiastically. "I didn't expect.." he cut off with a sharp cough, fumes biting at his throat. "Sorry," the king reached for the Physician's arm, bringing him safely through the doorway.

Merlin waved the apology off "No matter. I didn't realise how bad the smoke was up this high. How are you standing it?"

"You mean it's better lower down then?"

"Much."

"Hmm. Maybe I should allow Gwen to go and work with Gaius then." The queen had broached this subject earlier, searching for something to distract her from the constant grief.

Merlin nodded, "There's no physical reason why she can't do that. And a little work might help her, Arthur. As long as she doesn't overdo it: I'm sure Gaius will keep an eye on her."

"But she still breaks down into tears at the oddest times." The blonde forehead was furrowed with concern, and Merlin could hear the tension in Arthur's voice.

Halting, Merlin reached out and fumbled for Arthur's shoulder, turning the King to face him even though he was unable to see him. "Arthur, that is perfectly normal, you know." Trying to act as if he could still see, the warlock assumed a stern expression and aimed it at where he hoped his friend's blue eyes were. "She cannot stay cooped up here forever, and the clearer air downstairs will be helpful. Let her go, and Maerwina with her. Besides, you and I need to talk…"

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After Guinevere had gratefully gone downstairs to offer het assistance to Gaius, Merlin and Arthur settled for a long talk. Or tried to, anyway. After the third time they were interrupted by coughing, stinging eyes, or dry throat, they decided to seek out an alternate venue. Arthur, who'd of course grown up in the Castle, knew of an out-of-the way reception hall on the ground floor. It was rarely used, being hidden away towards the rear, but should be perfect for what they needed.

Decision made, Arthur strode off across the floor on his way in his typical decided manner. It wasn't until he'd released the latch on the door that he stopped, realising Merlin wasn't with him. He turned in surprise, searching for his friend to find him standing beside the table, one arm outstretched awaiting guidance. Blushing deeply at the oversight, Arthur returned to Merlin's side, muttering "Sorry. Forgot for a moment."

Merlin smiled sadly, answering "Me, too: I woke up this morning and tried to get out of bed only to fall flat on my face, legs tangled in the blankets."

Arthur sniggered. "So, nothing too unusual there, then," he quipped.

Merlin shot a dirty look in his direction, before extending his arm. "You'll have to lead me. I've never been in that part of the castle."

Arthur nodded and extended his own arm. "Ah…just how do we do this? Without me looking like a complete idiot?"

Merlin quipped back without thinking "Nothing too unusual there, then," and smiled at the King's indrawn breath of exasperation. "Here; I've found this works best. Let me take hold of your elbow: I can follow your direction, and whether you're going upstairs or down. Just go slowly and don't forget to warn me of anything in the way and whether I need to step up or down."

They set off across the chamber, Arthur proceeding at a snail's pace.

"Ah, Arthur? We can go a little faster than this. That is if you want to get there before sundown. Dingle-twerp!"

"Damn ungrateful…" Arthur's cursing tapered off, but his pace did increase somewhat, and the duo set off and made it, more or less successfully, to their destination.

As they made their way through the lower hallways, one of the castle servants spied the two. Arthur started Merlin by speaking to somebody he wasn't aware was present, ordering a jug of wine and two goblets be delivered to the abandoned reception room.

Arthur led Merlin to the table in the centre of the room, and pulled a chair out for him, guiding his hand to the chair-back so the man could seat himself. He then turned to the servant who'd followed them, taking the tray away and ordering "Thank you. The Court Physician and I have matters of state to discuss. Don't return until you are notified: we won't need you until we are finished."

The man bowed and left, shutting the door behind him.

It was the work of moments for Arthur to fill two goblets and seat himself near Merlin. "So, what do we need to talk about?" Arthur placed Merlin's goblet on the table, nudging the Warlock's hand with the base so he could take hold of it.

Merlin sipped a mouthful before speaking. "So many things, Arthur. Let's begin with the druids and Camelot's citizens: I contacted the four druid camps this morning, and asked them to return our people over the next few days."

"Contacted them? How?"

Merlin tapped his temple with his free hand. "Mind-speak. Had you forgotten about that one?"

Arthur nodded before remembering that he needed to give a verbal response. "Yeah, I had."

"Useful skill, it is Arthur. You know, maybe you and I should practise it, too. Could come in handy in the future."

The king's eyes popped open wide. "Me? Mind-speak? But I don't have magic."

Merlin chuckled. "I know, but as Emrys, my magic should more than make up for your lack. After all, not all druids can use telepathy, but I am able to contact any of them I know just by focusing on them. It shouldn't be much different with you. After all, I know you better than any of them."

"Ah..um, well. If you think it's worth a try…" Arthur remained uncertain.

"We can give it a go right now, if you like?"

"..alright. What do I need to do?"

"Nothing. Just sit quietly. You might want to close your eyes, and just focus."

"You mean, like this?"

*Yes. Exactly like that.*

"Okay, I'm waiting."

*No, you're not. I'm already sending to you.* Merlin included a mental chuckle.

"Oh. OH! That's it? Nothing else?"

*No, that's it. Can you hear me clearly?*

"Yes. I can hear you, but I'm not really hearing if you know what I mean."

*I know exactly what you mean. Now try and send back to me. Just concentrate on what you want to say, then think the words at me. It might help if you hold a picture of me in your head to help focus.*

*Oh, great! So now I have to imagine your ugly face in my head? So help me, Merlin! If you ever tell anybody about this, I will skin you alive!*

*Perfect! That's it.*

*What? You want me to skin you alive?*

Merlin chuckled again; *No, I just meant that you are mind-speaking clearly, and I can hear you well.*

*Really? I did it?*

Merlin switched to normal speech. "Yes, Arthur, you really did it. We'll just have to practise now, and increase the distance over which we can communicate."

"Wow." Arthur was stunned at the benefits having a sorcerer for an advisor could bring him, and filled the empty space with gulping a little wine. "Alright, what else did you want to talk about?"

"You're not going to like this one, Arthur, but I need to leave Camelot for a while. Perhaps for up to a week, depending on how long it takes."

Arthur narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. "How long what takes, and where are you going?"

"Two reasons, which are actually related to each other. One: I need to go to the Crystal Cave and see if I can get my sight back. Two: I need to follow the Dochraid and make sure she can't cause problems ever again."

"The Crystal Cave? What's that?" The king was by no means mollified by Merlin's half-explanations. And he was unsettled by more than the conversation; it was just downright odd talking with his friend while watching the sightless blue eyes. Up close it was easy to see that Merlin was blind: his eyes didn't focus on you when he spoke, and they kind of wandered around aimlessly. It was eerie, and gave Arthur chills.

Merlin nodded. "Sorry, yes. I'd forgotten I hadn't told you about it." He raised his goblet, buying time in which to order his thoughts. "It's a very powerful magical place. I've been there before, not that long ago. It's all tied up with me being…"

"You being Emrys." Arthur finished. "I should have guessed that part, anyway."

"Ah, yes. Anyway, it's in the Valley of the Fallen Kings, a little way from here. The druids call it the birthplace of magic itself."

A shiver went down Arthur's spine at the mystic title Merlin gave it. "Go on."

"You've actually been there yourself, although I doubt you'd remember it properly. You were dealing with an arrow in your back at the time." (1)

The king grunted, "Ah, yes. We were chased by bandits." He took another swallow of wine. "Wait a minute: did you save my life then, too?"

"Yep."

"Mm. One day, we'll sit down together and work out just how many times you've done that Merlin."

The Warlock chuckled. "You'd better set aside a couple of days then; I can't even remember myself how many times, Arthur. Anyway, I've been to the Cave a few times. The last time was just before the Battle of Camlann, when…"

"When you turned coward and abandoned me!" The sting of Merlin's betrayal still hurt the King.

Merlin replied gently "Arthur, I didn't abandon you, nor did I turn coward. I had no choice but to leave you then, before the Battle."

"You know, I never understood that Merlin." The king's voice was biting. "Why then? Why that exact moment, only to turn up two days later at the actual battle? Were you afraid? Explain it to me!" Arthur slapped his hand down on the table for emphasis.

The warlock growled and glared back: "I'm trying to explain, Arthur. If only you would shut up for a moment and let me!"

Arthur was stunned by Merlin's uncharacteristic display of temper, and backed down slightly. "Sorry. Go on, then"

"You remember that time we played dice at 'The Rising Sun'? And I won?" By using magic, although I'll never tell you that. "Well, after we returned to the citadel, Morgana attacked me. She sent a cursed creature of the Old Religion; I named it a Sleel. It was in a box in my room, and threw itself at me after I'd gone to bed." Merlin stopped to take a mouthful of wine, reliving the fear of the incident.

"It nearly killed me, Arthur. It attached itself to my face, and I couldn't breathe, or think, or see. I tried everything I could think of to get it off. I don't think I've ever been that scared before." Merlin shuddered: "I could feel it burrowing into my eyes, and up my nose. I thought I was going to die. I eventually got it off somehow and threw it across the room. It lay still and I thought it was dead. I could hardly stand up, and my head was agony. Then it flew right back at me, and I knew I was dead."

Merlin chuckled unexpectedly. "Until Gaius came in and whacked it with the fire-shovel and killed it! I was never so glad to see anybody! Anyway, I passed out for a bit. Lack of oxygen and shock I think. When I woke up I found out what the Sleel had done, and why Morgana had sent it." There was an emotion Arthur couldn't identify on his friend's face, coming through clearly despite the blankness of the eyes.

"She'd taken away my magic Arthur. It was gone; nothing left. I couldn't perform the simplest spell, or move the smallest object." The forlorn quality in Merlin's voice caused pain within Arthur's chest.

Merlin went on: "I was useless! Without my magic I am nobody. I felt so powerless and so exposed. I would prefer to be blind as I am now than to be without my magic. And then we learned that Morgana and Mordred were attacking, and you decided to face them at Camlann." Merlin slowly shook his head again, and whispered "Camlann! I hoped never to hear that name."

He lifted his head suddenly, staring vaguely in Arthurs direction. "Did you know that it was prophesised that you would die at Camlann? That Mordred would fatally wound you there? And I, 'Emrys the Great', the most powerful sorcerer to ever live, destined to protect you at all costs and keep you safe was absolutely powerless." The fear and sarcasm was clear in his tone, and Merlin dropped his head down onto the table, cradling it in his arms.

Arthur sat stunned and silent, mouth open in shock. "And you never said…I never knew." He then muttered under his breath; "Merlin…I'm sorry."

Laughing bitterly Merlin raised his head up, and there was a trace of wetness on his cheeks. "Of course I didn't say anything! How could I have? To quote myself from an earlier conversation 'You'd have chopped my head off', yes?" (2) Silence fell as both men went back in memory to those few days when Arthur was dying and Merlin's magic had just been revealed.

Physically shaking himself, trying to throw off the sombre mood, the warlock continued. "Well, after several days, I remembered the Crystal Cave. I figured that if there was any place where I could find my magic again, it would be there. It was either try that, or sit and watch you die in battle and Camelot fall to Morgana."

"And I called you a coward…"

"So I 'borrowed' Gwaine to escort me, and set off. Obviously I was successful."

"Merlin…why do I get the feeling that getting your magic back was slightly more complicated than you're saying?"

"Oh, I don't know. Because you're a dollop-head?"

"Merlin!"

"Yes, well it was more involved than just getting my magic back. It was then that I met Magic in person, and came into my full powers as Emrys. The abilities I have now are far more powerful than ever before, and I'm still learning how to use them." Merlin paused, an oddly melancholy expression on his face before continuing. "Anyway, I need to go back there now. If the Cave could restore my magic last time, it should be able to restore my sight now. I hope. And once I can see again, I will hunt down the Dochraid and deal with her permanently."

"Again, I get the feeling that all this will prove to be far more complicated than you're saying. Won't it?" Arthur spoke, challenge in his voice.

"Well…yes. Probably.."

Arthur growled under his breath. He was greatly annoyed that Merlin was totally oblivious to the killing glare he was sending at him. What was the use of glaring at a blind person? "So, is that all of it? No more impossible tasks to undertake, or horrendous tales to tell?"

"Um… Nope! That's it, Sire!" The cheeky Merlin-grin was back, for which Arthur was grateful, although the blue eyes betrayed a desolation that Arthur didn't think he'd seen there before.

The King stood, pushing back his chair with his legs before moving across to assist his friend. "Come on, then." Merlin stood, replacing his hand on Arthur's elbow for guidance.

The two men made their way back into the hallway, Arthur leading as they discussed when Merlin would leave and who would accompany him. The King was most put out when Merlin stated that he would probably only take Niniane with him. Because she knew of his magic, and had magic herself she would be the best choice.

"But you have to take more than one girl with you, Merlin. I'll come myself!"

"Arthur! Don't be ridiculous; Camelot needs you here. And you cannot leave Gwen right now. You know that!" The Warlock's voice was sharp with command. "It's not like I need anybody to protect me, either. You do remember the War Games we played only a few days ago? I am perfectly capable of defending myself; we'll only need a couple of horses and some supplies."

Angry at the situation and frustrated at Merlin's logic, Arthur cursed and swore. He knew that Merlin was in the right, but it didn't help his temper any. He abruptly shook off the hand on his arm and stomped off down the hallway; "If you're that independent you can bloody well find your own way back, then!"

"Arthur?" Merlin stood in the middle of the unfamiliar corridor, hands out in front groping blindly. He could hear the King's footsteps retreating rapidly. "Arthur!"

There was no reply, and Merlin realised he'd been abandoned. He roared in frustration "ARTHUR!"

Nothing but his own voice sounded, and it was Merlin's turn to curse. He had no idea where he was, nor how to get back into the main part of the castle. Arthur had ordered the servant who'd brought the wine to leave until sent for, so he couldn't even count on being rescued that way. "Hey! Come back here! You Dollop-headed dingle-twerp!" Dust rained down from the ceiling as Merlin's magically amplified voice rattled the rafters. Gritting his teeth the Warlock decided to move alongside the wall, using his hands to guide him. This went well until he came to an intersection; he had no idea which way to turn. No smell of cooking indicated which direction the kitchens might lay in. Silence blanketed the place.

"Arthur Pendragon! You will pay for this." The warlock promised under his breath. Merlin paused and pictured the Healing Rooms in his mind's eye and teleported.

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Merlin was miserable and out-of-sorts. He sat his horse sloppily, exerting no direction or control on its gait, being content to allow it to trail after Niniane's mount. He'd barely spoken to his companion, answering her conversational sallies with single words or grunts, and relied on his horse's willingness to follow rather than exerting his own will. After the first few miles Niniane gave up attempting to communicate at all, feeling unsettled and out-of-sorts herself.

The two laden horses had stood at the entry to the citadel. One was the lightly-built brown that Merlin was accustomed to riding, the other was a gentle bay, sturdy and easily handled. Merlin had swung up into the saddle easily once Niniane had walked him to the animal's head. He'd then sat dully perched in the saddle, waiting for the druidess to start off so that he could follow.

Just before dusk Merlin's horse stopped. Listening, he heard the sounds of Niniane dismounting in front of him, and her voice informing him "This is a good enough place, we'll camp her for the night." Nodding, Merlin dismounted himself, and stood motionless beside his horse, waiting for the druidess to direct him where to go next. Soon enough, he felt his elbow taken and he was guided several feet before being directed to sit down. He felt backwards with his hand, and detected the rough surface of a log behind him. Dully, feeling useless, he sat with chin on hands doing nothing, listening to the movements of his friend as she worked, unloading the horses and setting up camp

Before long he could hear the distinctive sound of a fire crackling, and felt the warmth on the front of his body. The log moved slightly as Niniane settled to his left, and he felt a small hand rest on his shoulder.

"So. Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"

Merlin huffed, turning his face sideways towards her. "Not really, Niniane. It's really difficult to talk about; I'm not sure where to begin."

"I'm here, Merlin. Listening. Just tell me."

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(1) 'The Crystal Cave' Series Three, Episode Five.

(2) 'Diamond of the Day Part Two' Series Five, Episode thirteen.