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o}O{o
Sunlight had a horrible way of casting the sick in a disconcerting light. Morgana lay pale in her bed, her skin the colour of milk. For the too many hours she had been sleeping, there were violet shadows under her eyes, hinting to the fact that her continued sleep was draining the life out of her. Arthur stood out of the way, lingering at the end of the four poster bed and trying to fight away the heavy feeling in his throat. Gaius hovered over her and the frown on his lined face did not inspire confidence. The prince glanced at Mordred to find the boy visibly upset. Surprising since Mordred tended to hide his feelings. But Arthur figured that since Mordred was fond of Morgana, it wasn't too much of a stretch.
It was strange, but Arthur found that he and Morgana had grown closer due to Mordred and Merlin as silly as the thought sounded in his head. He only wished he could to something to help her. The girl he thought of as a sister was dying before his eyes and he could do nothing. It was lucky that the king chose that moment to speak, or else Arthur would have thumped the bed post.
"Well?" the king demanded as Gaius peered into Morgana's ear.
"Please, Sire. This may take a while," Gaius said gently.
Mordred looked displeased. As did Arthur's father. "How long is a while?" Uther bit out.
"Father," Arthur dared to call. He was too tired and worried to say more. The king looked at him sharply, but his gaze softened at finding a similar desperation in his eyes.
Arthur glanced at Gaius who spared him thankful look. Only a few seconds trickled by but Arthur decided he could not take it anymore. The waiting was killing him, and while he wanted to think he was helping Morgana by staying, Arthur couldn't see how. So he bowed out of the room without a word, his destination unknown to him until he stepped into the courtyard.
He thought that checking up on Merlin was a great idea. The boy was alone in the physician's chambers, and was surely upset at being left behind by Mordred. Arthur knew that the guards posted outside the room would keep Merlin safe, but the prince needed something to do.
And perhaps Merlin could manage to cheer him up.
o}O{o
Merlin discovered that he did not just hate being left behind, he loathed it. Loathe. It was a word Mordred had discovered and now used to describe his feelings for Tynan, Ethel, Ben and a rather lot of people including Sir Lloyd. Loathsome Lloyd. Mordred had thought himself clever for that nickname and Merlin had laughed upon hearing it. But the frightening knight did not have a place in Merlin's thoughts today. It was Morgana who occupied them. The king's ward had gone to sleep two nights ago and had not woken up. Gaius kept telling Merlin that she would wake up soon but the child was starting to suspect that Gaius wasn't telling him the truth.
The distress of worrying about Morgana had him huddling in the corner of the bedroom. Merlin chewed on his nails and waited, willing his magic to surrender back to his control. Ever since Gaius and Mordred left to see Morgana, Merlin's frustration at being left behind manifested in magical outbursts. After breaking all of the potions on Gaius' work table, Merlin had retreated inside the back room. He felt horrible about it because he had also caused every single book to flee from their homes on the shelves. And when all the dust had scuttled through the air, Merlin had sneezed which accidentally caused a few pots to break.
But as time passed, Merlin started to become resentful of Gaius and thereby less guilty of his mishaps. He was five years old after all, he should have been able to see Morgana if he wanted to. Quickly making his mind up, Merlin promptly stood up. Scowling with self-righteous fury only a young child could muster, he marched out of the bedroom and managed to only hesitate a little before leaving the chambers proper. The door shut, Merlin smiled assuredly before making his way. Getting used to walking the halls alone without Mordred (and the older boy's knowledge), Merlin did not tighten his blue neckerchief. He only made it around the corner before he saw Arthur coming the other way. Knowing he wasn't supposed to be out and that the prince knew it, Merlin froze.
The prince's eyes were drawn to him but the blonde man didn't stop. Arthur slowed his pace and handed Merlin a suspicious stare but continued down the hall.
"Merlin," the prince greeted from a few paces away, his tone indicating he wasn't pleased.
Anxious that Arthur would continue into the chambers and see the wreck he had made, Merlin moved into the center of the hall, sending an unintentional and wary look backward. Somehow, Arthur caught on and frowned down the corridor.
"I- I want to see Morgana," Merlin announced when the prince had stopped before him. He bit his lip and looked up at Arthur, not containing a flinch when he sent another glance down the hall.
Arthur sighed, and Merlin silently wondered if he looked tired. "Come, I'll bring you back to the physician's chambers," he said and then reprimanded sharply, "You know you shouldn't go anywhere on your own. What were the guards thinking?" Merlin looked down and then shifted when Arthur started walking, aiming his hand toward the boy's shoulder.
"No you can't!" Merlin protested, grabbing Arthur's hand and trying to pull him away.
"And why not?" the prince asked rather amused.
A worried look covered Merlin's features and he felt panic bubble up. "Um, 'cause, 'cause it's… smelly!"
The prince favoured him with a skeptical stare. "Smelly?" Merlin nodded zealously. "And why is it smelly?" Merlin's face fell and he looked around for inspiration, his eyes going wide. "Come on now." Arthur started walking again and didn't take the boy's hand, expecting him to follow.
Thinking he had a chance, Merlin began to turn while Arthur was leaving him behind.
"Merlin," Arthur called and the boy heard the warning in his tone. "Need I remind you that I am the prince."
Merlin looked confused. "I know that," he said, rather offended. "And what guards?" he added sulkily, remembering Arthur's previous comment.
Arthur held out his hand and did not even look pleased when Merlin grudgingly followed. He waited for the boy to grab his fingers before he set off again, this time with an angered expression. Merlin was undeterred. "I want to see Morgana!" He cried and Arthur stopped once more. "Please, Arthur?" Merlin had a lump in his throat now and his eyes were starting to itch. "Just a visit, please?"
They stared at each other before Arthur sighed and nodded, using his other hand to rub the bridge of his nose. "Alright, Merlin," he said tiredly. His permission was rewarded with a hug that nearly sent him off balance. Merlin did not say thank you because he did not want Arthur to know he almost started crying. "But I will not have you start crying every time you want your way."
Merlin sniffed and nodded, bringing himself to look at Arthur again. The prince sent him a smile which the young boy returned. Arthur let Merlin hold his hand while he led them the other way. "You're hopeless, you know that?" he said with a laugh in his voice.
"What's hopeless?" Merlin questioned.
To his confusion, Arthur only laughed.
o}O{o
Hours passed and now Camelot was in the thrall of nighttime. Arthur's chambers were safely cocooned in a warm light, the flames in the fireplace crackling serenely but offering no comfort to those staring into its depths. Merlin glanced away from the fire and looked at Arthur and Mordred. The prince sat at his chair with his chin resting on his hand, his thoughts unable to deviate from Morgana.
Mordred sat quietly at the table, looking downward at the wood. The surface was spotless, the goblets all arranged neatly in the middle with a candle holder and fruit bowl standing sentry at either side. Needing something to do other than wait, Mordred had cleaned up the chambers to the best of his abilities. Even Merlin's spare wooden knight which had found a home in various places in Arthur's chambers had disappeared from sight.
Merlin did not mind so much though because he had the linen dog Morgana had given him months ago. It was a comfort to him. Morgana had not woken when he had visited, even when Merlin had asked her to. And now, Merlin could think of nothing else. As he stared absently at the flames, he found he was more tired than he had been in a while. Merlin felt a yawn building and knew better than to try and fight it. His movement caused Arthur and Mordred to look at him and the older boy stiffened in alarm. The fire died significantly after Merlin yawned and the child thought about bringing back its life before Mordred vaulted up from his seat.
"I'm sorry, Sire," Mordred said and hurried to the fireplace. The boy grabbed the poker standing by and prodded the dying flames until they sparked back to life. Deciding that it needed another log, Mordred grabbed one from the pile beside the hearth. When he put it in, the embers surged upward, flickering like tiny jewels.
Mordred then straightened but did not move from beside Merlin. The younger boy looked up from where he was sitting to find Mordred staring unseeingly into the dancing flames. Sensing his distress, Merlin stood up and took his hand. "Are you okay?" Merlin asked quietly.
Mordred attempted a smile. "I'm fine, Merlin. You're tired though, aren't you?"
Merlin was appeased by the answer but scowled after a moment. He should have known Mordred would seize an excuse to leave. So the child shook his head, hoping to stay a few more minutes. To gain support for his cause, Merlin looked to Arthur, a staunch ally of his. The prince met his gaze and let a small smile of amusement pass over his lips.
"You have a point, Mordred. Let's all get some sleep," Arthur said to Merlin's disappointment. "And may the morning come quicker."
"She will be alright," Mordred stated, earning the prince's attention. "I know she will." Merlin nodded in agreement.
"I know," Arthur replied. They all stood looking at each other before Arthur sighed and turned away.
Merlin looked back at Arthur as Mordred led him away but soon allowed himself to be carted away. Feeling too tired to talk, the boys made their way in silence but Merlin eventually broke it.
"Can I come with you tomorrow?" he asked quietly as they walked down a narrow hall.
Mordred sighed at the dark windows they passed. "I suppose. I still think the prince should fire those guards…"
"What guards?" Merlin questioned.
"The ones to protect you from the druids," Mordred answered exasperated. "I've told you ten times now."
In response Merlin stuck out his tongue.
o}O{o
Tension had risen with the sun and still Morgana slept. Morning had come slowly for her visitors but brought no relief once it had settled in. Mordred had not let Merlin within a few feet of Morgana, not wanting to risk any magical outbursts. And now that King Uther was in the room as well, Mordred had them standing outside. His turquoise eyes often flicked warily at the door and Merlin knew by his bearing not to offer any protest. Mordred had been quieter than usual since Morgana had gotten sick, and most definitely not smiled. The fake ones he offered Merlin as reassurance did not count in the younger boy's mind.
Feeling restless, Merlin's resolve to stay still diminished quite a bit. After a moment of indecision, he looked up at Mordred. "How much longer?" Merlin asked.
Mordred gritted his jaw but made no other indication of his annoyance. "I don't know, Merlin. Now stop asking me that."
Merlin sighed and looked away. "Sorry," he offered only half sincerely.
Mordred began to pace, a habit he seemed to be picking up from Arthur. His gaze was fixed on the door to Morgana's chambers and hardly noticed when Merlin started to copy him. The child counted five passes when he heard voices approach their ears. He stopped and hid behind Mordred, fearing that the king would see him.
It was Arthur to leave the chambers and he locked eyes with Mordred when the door closed behind him. "Go to the inn and look for a man named Edwin Muirden. Bring him to the council chambers."
Mordred appeared energized at having something to do. "Yes, Sire. Shall I come here after I've brought him?"
Before the prince could finish nodding, Mordred seized Merlin's hand and dragged him away. "Who is he?" Merlin asked, allowing himself to be led.
Mordred gave him a fleeting glance. "I don't know but I expect we'll find out."
"Gaius said we're not allowed in the inn," Merlin noted airily, quite thrilled to be going somewhere forbidden.
His excitement was picked up on and earned a reproachful stare. "Just this once," Mordred said.
Merlin smiled agreeably and chanted, "In the inn," all the way to the lower town when Mordred couldn't take it anymore. After being reprimanded harshly, a rare experience for the child, Merlin fell quiet. He frowned and snatched his hand away from Mordred's, forgetting how worried the older boy was about Morgana.
However, when Merlin laid eyes on the man Edwin Muirden, he promptly forgot his displeasure with Mordred. Half of the blonde man's face was puckered with some sort of scars that made him look like a monster so Merlin was quick to hide behind older boy.
After exchanging a pleasant greeting with Edwin, Mordred apologized for Merlin's behaviour. Merlin wondered if he was the only one to hear Mordred's unapologetic tone. The child did not see the man's smile. "Nonsense, it's quite understandable."
His voice sounded perfectly normal to Merlin but did nothing to alleviate his fear. As they started walking toward the entrance to the inn, the few people inside it made way for the strange looking man and the prince's servant. Merlin made sure to keep Mordred in between him and Edwin, not wanting his face to become like the blonde man's if he got too close.
"He's always like this with strangers," Mordred explained to fill the silence and Merlin wondered why he was making small talk.
"I'm not," Merlin lied under his breath as they left the inn. He felt better once outside, hearing the chatter of the sparse townspeople loitering in the streets.
"Oh?" Edwin sounded interested.
"Yes," Mordred said quickly and then pretended to be polite. "If you don't mind me asking, why does Prince Arthur want you?"
Merlin turned his head to better listen, already having considered why on earth Arthur would want to meet such a scary looking man.
"Not at all," Edwin replied as they walked, "I have made a remedy to cure all ills, you see. Something I am eager to place at Lady Morgana's disposal."
Merlin did not understand most of what Edwin had said but he knew it was something to do with Morgana. Mordred though stiffened. "Is that possible?" he demanded.
"Quite so," the man answered.
"So you can cure Morgana?" Mordred asked eagerly.
That Merlin understood, and he risked a glance behind Mordred to look at the blonde man. Despite the disfigured half of his face, he smiled. "I will certainly try." His robe reminded Merlin of Gaius with its wide sleeves, the only difference the darker colour and a hood hanging down at the back.
"That's great!" Mordred announced and picked up his pace. Edwin's eyes were drawn to Merlin who did not pull away.
The child decided that if Edwin would try to heal Morgana, he must not be so bad. And even though he looked scary, Merlin smiled at him.
o}O{o
They had dropped Edwin Muirden off at the council chambers and had hurried to inform the prince. King Uther had torn off without a word, shortly followed by Arthur. The physician beckoned to Mordred but directed his gaze at Merlin. "Stay here with Gwen," he bid.
Merlin nodded, staying still until the door shut behind them. Once obstructed from view Merlin hurried over to Morgana. "Merlin!" Gwen called sharply. The boy froze and frowned at Gwen. "You can't get too close, you know that."
"I'm not," Merlin said while inching forward.
The maidservant sighed and walked over to him, preventing him from going any further. She knelt in front him and gently grabbed his arm. "I know you are worried, but soon Morgana will be better. Until then I need you to give her some space."
Her sympathetic smile did not make him feel much better. "But I haven't done anything yet," he said, pouting.
"Oh I know, Merlin. You've been so good," Gwen praised, "but just a little longer, alright?" Merlin cast his blue eyes away from Gwen to study Morgana. The king's ward was sleeping peacefully, pale and far too still. He knew because when he couldn't sleep sometimes, he would watch Mordred and the other boy would always shift or sigh in the throw of his dreams. But Morgana did not stir an inch or flutter an eyelash. "Promise," Gwen urged.
Merlin looked back at her, breathing out through his nose. He nodded but wasn't happy about it.
"Thank you," the maidservant said and rose to her feet. Merlin watched her as she left to re arrange the items on the table, taking out a cloth to wipe the flower vase again. He didn't know why she kept cleaning the chambers when they were already spotless, not understanding her previous answer of needing something to do.
The young warlock looked back at Morgana and then back at Gwen. Waiting until the maidservant's back was turned, Merlin drifted to the bed. Remembering his promise, he did not get too close. He leaned against the footboard and watched Morgana for any signs of waking. He only turned away when he heard Gwen open the door across the room. It led to a small room that Morgana used for a second wardrobe. Merlin liked it because it had a hidden door behind the lady's old dresses which led to a winding staircase.
Gwen's absence provided him with a dilemma. She would never know if Merlin went to hold Morgana's hand for a bit. But the promise she extracted out him held the boy where he was. Merlin wavered where he stood, once more glancing between Morgana and the wardrobe. But just as he made a decision to wander closer, Mordred's voice resonated in his head.
'Merlin, we're almost there. Edwin is coming to heal Morgana, so stay out of the way.'
'Is King Uther coming too?' Merlin replied in kind.
'Yes'
Merlin bit his lip, not liking the answer at all. He checked that Gwen was still in the wardrobe before he went to duck under the bed. Merlin crawled to the center and made himself as small as possible. Deciding that it was uncomfortable to sit and have to hunch his back, Merlin lay on his stomach and waited. Gwen did not reappear before the chamber door opened.
The young warlock's light eyes flicked toward the sound and he spotted the hem of Gaius' robes first.
'Merlin, where are you?' Mordred demanded at once.
Merlin might have been amused if he did not hear King Uther's heavy footsteps. 'Under the bed,' he answered sulkily. 'The king is scary.' Mordred made no reply so Merlin could not tell if he was displeased.
"Put my equipment over there," Edwin's voice ordered, "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy."
Merlin did not dare to move so he had to crane his neck to see Mordred's boots walk to the foot of the bed.
"Certainly," said the king.
Merlin felt a pang of anxiety watching Mordred's boots slowly shuffle across his vision. The boy was at the door when Edwin's voice sounded again.
"That includes you, Gaius," the man said.
Merlin looked around to see that the physician had not budged. "But I am eager to learn from your methods," Gaius explained.
"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration," Edwin said in a tone Merlin did not like.
"Gaius," Uther called and Merlin winced, hoping that Gaius wasn't in trouble.
The physician made no reply that Merlin could see from his vantage point but he heard them leave. Worn leather boots passed within his view and Merlin turned his head so he could follow them. The strange man stopped at the side of the bed and just as Merlin thought of sneaking closer, the door to the wardrobe opened. Merlin noticed before Edwin and looked to see the hem of Gwen's dress stop behind where the blonde man was standing.
"Why are you spying on me?" Edwin suddenly snapped.
After getting over his shock, Merlin decided he was angry that the strange man would speak to Gwen in such a way.
"I wasn't. I'm her maidservant," Gwen explained.
"Then bring me some water."
Merlin looked to see Gwen stay where she was. "Someone should be with her."
"Do you want to be responsible for her death?" he asked with waning patience.
Gwen seemed to be as taken aback as Merlin. "No, but..."
Edwin did not let her finish. "Then you will bring me some water. Now. Or she may die."
Die? Merlin didn't want Morgana to die. Gwen's skirt rasped against the marble floor as she retreated but Merlin did not look to see her go. He stared at the man's feet and willed him to hurry up and save Morgana. Merlin did not think about why Gwen would use the secret door and not the main one.
Edwin turned back and Merlin waited for something to happen. When it did, Merlin was shocked. Edwin did not have to say more than a word before Merlin knew it was a spell.
"Bebiede þe arisan áblinnan," Edwin said slowly.
Merlin's eyes flitted around while he wondered if something was happening. Only silence greeted his ears and Edwin made no indication of any success. But then the sorcerer turned and walked away from the bed. His footsteps retreated and Merlin got ready for when the man left the chambers. As soon as the door closed, Merlin scrambled out from under the bed. He tripped upon rising to his feet but saved himself by grabbing the throw covering the bed.
"Morgana?" He asked, edging closer to her. The lady's breathing was deeper now and even though her eyes were closed she seemed more content. She did not wake so Merlin crept even closer. He leaned his elbows on the bed and shook Morgana's arm. "Morgana"
This time the lady squinted her eyes, causing Merlin's heart to soar. He waited with bated breath for her to wake and couldn't help an ear splitting grin from conquering his face. "Morgana!" Merlin climbed on the bed and peered over her.
Morgana blinked up at him blearily. "Merlin?" she croaked. Her voice was dry and she winced.
"Are you okay?" Merlin questioned, "You were sleeping for ages!"
Morgana rubbed her eyes and sat up slowly, turning to look at Merlin. "What?" she asked airily.
"You went to sleep and didn't wake up," Merlin explained. "Did you dream? You're not tired, are you? The nice man helped you get better, he's like me."
Morgana squinted at him and rubbed her forehead. "Merlin…"
"He looks scary 'cause something is wrong with his face. Morgana? Are you okay?" Merlin stopped talking to study her. Morgana looked like she was confused and tired despite sleeping for days.
The king's ward was saved from replying by the wardrobe door opening. Gwen came through and froze for a second when she saw Morgana. "My lady!" she exclaimed, almost dropping the bucket of water she was carrying. Gwen was quick to place it on the floor before hurrying to Morgana and wrapping her arms around her. "I'm so glad you're alright," she said tearfully.
Morgana brought her weak arms up to return the hug and closed her eyes. "I think you will have to explain," she said.
Gwen drew back and smiled, her eyes bright. "You were very ill," she said gently, reaching to prop the pillows behind Morgana's back to help her sit up. As Gwen started to explain, Merlin sidled beside Morgana to lean against her side. She moved her arm so it was around his shoulders and he reached his own arm around her middle, giving an unmistakable hug.
o}O{o
Thanks for reading, everyone. And see Merlin is having more of a part :) Please review and tell me what you thought. I will see you guys later with another update. Until next time.