Author's Note: Hello, lovely readers! I wanted to take a quick moment to address some of the comments I've received on this story. No, this is not like Romeo and Juliet. That play is a tragedy. This is a romance through and through. It's also a fix-it fic. It has been written in its entirety already, so I can promise that there is a Happily Ever After. We just have to wade through some of the shitty things that happened in season 5 in order to fix it. So, please be patient, I promise that in the end, it'll all be worth it. Enjoy and stay safe!

Chapter 22

Another's Sorrow

It was late at night when Marian was summoned to the guest wing of the castle. Princess Mithian of Nemeth and her lady's maid had arrived unexpectedly in Camelot. When Sir Leon went outside to meet them, the princess fainted in his arms.

Marian met Merlin and Gaius in the room where Mithian was lying unconscious. Her lady's maid, an elderly woman, called Hilda, was standing by to help, wringing her hands in worry.

"Merlin, Marian, bring blankets and build a fire. Hurry now! We must keep her warm at all costs," Gaius called out as he bent to examine the princess.

Merlin and Marian looked at each other and nodded. He fetched the blankets while Marian went to the fireplace to build a fire.

"Is she going to be alright?" Leon asked worriedly.

Marian had never seen the knight so concerned for someone. Though he cared for his friends, Leon tended to be more reserved around the fairer sex, with the only exception being Marian herself. Like the other knights, Leon saw the healer as one of their own. Mithian had visited Camelot before, so Marian wondered if perhaps the knight had fallen in love with the princess.

"I fear it's too early to say," Gaius replied. "Thank you, Leon. You've done all you can."

"Of course," Leon said.

He took one last look at the princess before turning to leave. Marian caught his arm and squeezed it reassuringly.

"I'll let you know how she's doing, Leon," she said softly.

Leon nodded his thanks and left the room.

"I'll have someone show you to your room," Merlin said as he approached Hilda.

"I will not leave my mistress," she protested in panic. Hilda looked around the room, pleading with them to stay.

Merlin laid a comforting hand on her back. "She's in safe hands, I assure you," he reassured her.

Hilda shook her head. "She means everything to me."

"If it were up to me—" Merlin started.

"Please!" the old woman begged.

"Gaius?"

Gaius sighed and nodded, not wanting to upset the woman further. "Very well," he told her. "Make yourself comfortable." He pointed to the stack of blankets Merlin had set down. "Merlin, give me that blanket."

Hilda sat in a chair near the fireplace and watched as the healers tended to her mistress. Several times Marian looked over and caught the old woman staring at her. Hilda's eyes looked familiar. She couldn't place where, but she thought she had seen the woman before. Perhaps it was when Mithian had attended Arthur and Gwen's wedding? She just couldn't be sure.

000

The next day Mithian had recovered enough to see the king. Merlin and Marian helped her into the council chamber. A chair was waiting in the middle of the room for her, so once she lowered herself and took a calming breath, Mithian told the king and the council how she and Hilda had ended up in Camelot.

Odin's forces had invaded Nemeth, and they took the throne. Mithian and her father, King Rodor, had managed to escape into the forest. He was hiding out in an old tomb, too injured to make the journey, and waiting for Mithian to return with assistance. Though she was in her advanced years, Hilda had insisted she accompany the princess on such a dangerous journey.

Arthur listened patiently while Mithian sobbed. She was terrified and shaking. He promised the princess that Camelot would come to Nemeth's aid. He only needed to consult with his knights and formulate a plan to save her father and take back the kingdom.

The council adjourned, and Arthur met with his knights and advisors in the royal chambers. Arthur stood around a long table of maps with Gwen, Gaius, Elyan, Leon, Percival, and Gwaine. Merlin and Marian stood by in case their services were needed, but in truth, they were both paying close attention and thinking of ways they could help.

"Rodor is taking refuge here by the ancient tomb of King Loath," Arthur said as he pointed to the map. "That's three leagues from our border."

"Mithian can lead us there?" Leon asked, concerned.

"She is recovering well," Gaius said, nodding at the knight.

"Now our only chance of getting Rodor back is with speed and stealth… with just a small group of knights," Arthur suggested.

"To be over the border and back again in a matter of hours?" Elyan asked, pointing at the border on the map.

"Exactly," Arthur nodded.

Gaius looked to the king, his eyebrows raised. "Sire, if I may?"

"Yes, Gaius?"

"Odin has long been after your blood. If he finds out about this, you could have an entire army at your banks," the physician said concerned.

The animosity between Odin and Arthur was infamous. Arthur had killed Odin's son, and in turn, Odin had Arthur's father, Uther, assassinated. Gaius was worried that those events may have some influence on the king's decisions.

"That's true," Arthur agreed. "But Odin doesn't know where Rodor is, and we do. By the time he's realized what's happened, we'll be long gone. Now, we'll camp overnight in the Forest of Gedref and leave with the rising sun."

As the knights nodded and started to leave, Marian cleared her throat.

"Yes, Marian?" Arthur asked, only slightly annoyed. He had a feeling he knew what was coming. The young healer wanted to go with them.

"Sire," she said timidly as all eyes fell on her. "You'll need a healer, will you not?"

"Merlin will be going. Won't you, Merlin?" he turned to his servant, who nodded.

"Yes, but should something happen, should the group split up, or Merlin incapacitated… What if King Rodor needs medical assistance? And if the princess and her maid are going, would you not need more than one healer?"

"It's too dangerous," Gwaine stepped in. At her hurt look, he continued. "Odin's men are vicious, Marian. If they catch you, they are likely to kill you, or worse."

"Gwaine's right, Marian. Though I appreciate your bravery, I cannot risk your life," Arthur said.

Marian stood a little taller and jutted her chin out in defiance. She was tired of these men making decisions for her, of them not trusting her skill.

"Thank you, sire, but what if I don't cross the border? Just go far along enough so that I can be close-by should King Rodor need help," she said, determined.

She looked over to where Gwaine was standing. He looked away quickly when their eyes met.

"That could…" Arthur started slowly. "Actually, that could work. Gaius, would you be willing to come with Marian and Merlin? In case our needs are great?"

"Of course, sire," Gaius said, looking at Marian like a proud father. She had made a wise suggestion and stood up for herself. He couldn't be prouder of the young woman.

"That's settled, then. We'll leave at first light," Arthur said, dismissing the room. "Well done, Marian."

On their way out, Gwaine caught up with her right outside of the royal chambers and grabbed her arm.

"Why, Marian?"

"Why what?" she asked, irritated at him.

"Why are you putting yourself in harm's way?" he hissed. He didn't like that she was going. He had dealt with Odin and his men before; they were ruthless and cunning warriors. Gwaine feared for her safety.

"Why do you care?" she hissed back, tearing her arm from his grasp and turning to leave.

Gwaine stepped in front of her and grabbed her by her shoulders. "I care because I…," he sighed. "Marian, I've dealt with these men before. I'm just concerned for your safety. Even with all of the training you've had, you are no warrior, love."

"And Merlin is? Or Mithian for that matter?" she asked, looking him in the eye. "Gwaine, why don't you believe in me? There was a time when you thought me capable. Have I fallen so far that you think I'm helpless?"

"I do think you capable, Marian. I just don't want anything to happen to you," he said sadly. He couldn't help his heart from ruling his head.

"Thanks," she said shortly. "But I'm going."

She turned and quickly left, leaving Gwaine alone in the corridor, his fears worsening. He couldn't put his finger on why, but he had a bad feeling about this mission.

000

That evening after supper, Marian and Merlin helped Gaius to prepare several potions and herbs to take with them on their journey. Merlin was grinding dried hollyhock, sighing and looking altogether worried.

"You got something on your mind, Merlin?" Gaius asked.

Merlin stopped grinding. "I don't know," he said. "There's something not quite right with Mithian."

"Should I go and see her?"

"No, it's not like that. She's not unwell. It's as if she's frightened of something," Merlin said ominously.

"Well, she's worried, Merlin. She's worried about her father. It's only to be expected," Gaius reasoned.

Merlin shook his head. "It's more than that. I can see the fear in her eyes. It's not the Mithian I know."

Marian picked up the vials she had been filling and brought them over to Gaius to pack into his medical bag.

"The Mithian you knew was here in happier times," he said, taking the vials.

"It's Hilda, isn't it?" Marian asked the warlock.

"Exactly. There's something not right between them," Merlin replied.

"Is it just me, or does Hilda look familiar?" Marian asked them both.

Merlin looked up in thought.

"Whatever do you mean?" Gaius asked.

"I could swear I've seen her somewhere before. Has she traveled to Camelot before now?" Marian asked.

"I don't recall ever seeing her," Gaius replied. "Look, they've both been through a terrible ordeal. They fled their home, barely escaped with their lives. It's not surprising that the strain has taken its toll."

"Maybe…" Merlin said, unconvinced. He was glad he wasn't the only one who had suspicions about the maid.

"Come on, we've got work to do. We must pack up our supplies," Gaius said, putting an end to it.

000

They were in the stone courtyard, preparing to leave for Nemeth. Hilda slowly walked to her horse and attempted to climb into the saddle. With her foot in the stirrup, she was unable to lift herself enough to swing her other leg over the horse. Seeing her wobble, Percival and Gwaine rushed over and lifted her. She nodded her thanks as she settled.

Gwaine walked over to Marian's horse. They had left things badly yesterday after the meeting. In truth, though, things hadn't been right between them for several weeks. Gwaine was still hurt by her rejection, and she was hurt by his distance. He looked up at her and smiled, trying to make amends.

"Have everything you need?" he asked as he double-checked the saddle straps on her horse.

She merely nodded. She was still angry at him for doubting her.

"Marian, if we're going to travel together, we need to at least be on friendly terms," he told her.

Marian looked down at him, her heart aching. "I'm sorry," she sighed. "You're right. Yes, I have everything I need. Thank you for asking."

Gwaine laid his hand on hers and squeezed softly. Nodding to her, he turned and went to his own horse.

Once everyone was ready, they departed Camelot.

000

After several hours' ride, they stopped to rest the horses and refill their water. Merlin dismounted and rushed over to Mithian to help her down from her horse. As she reached out for Merlin's shoulder, Mithian's sleeve rode up, exposing a burn that went all the way around her wrist.

"How did you get that?" Merlin asked, alarmed.

"I... I was bound by Odin's men before I escaped," she answered timidly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that," he said.

Hilda walked up to the princess. "It's a very painful memory. I'm sure she'd rather not dwell on it," she admonished him.

"Of course, I understand," he said to them and left. Something wasn't right. He needed to find Gaius.

Hilda watched him leave, grimacing at the young warlock. She looked up and saw Marian, still on her horse, watching her. Hilda narrowed her eyes before turning back to the princess and helping her to a boulder to sit.

Marian watched the exchange and, not paying attention to what she was doing, got caught in the stirrup as she dismounted, falling face-first onto the ground.

"Fuck," she swore under her breath, pain shooting through her body.

She kicked her foot gently, trying to loosen it from the stirrup, with no result. She tried again, but her foot wouldn't come loose. It felt like a hand was holding her foot in place. Marian tried to shake the stirrup off again, but nothing happened. The hair on the back of her neck prickled. It felt like magic was holding her foot to the leather of the stirrup.

She heard a chuckle behind her and twisted her head to look back. Gwaine crouched next to her, grinning.

"Need help?" he asked, chuckling.

Marian huffed. Of course, it would be Gwaine. It wasn't bad enough that he thought her incompetent. Now he had proof that she couldn't even do something as simple as dismount without hurting herself.

"Please," she groaned.

"Hold on," he said as he stood and went to the stirrup.

When he reached for her foot, suddenly and without warning, the horse took off, dragging her with it. Alarmed, Gwaine ran after the horse, trying to stop it. She was dragged several yards away before he had caught up and pulled back on the reins, stopping the beast.

"Are you alright?" Gwaine asked as he rushed to her side. He reached over and quickly disentangled her from the stirrup, helping her to sit up.

Marian didn't answer. Instead, she closed her eyes and willed herself not to vomit on him.

"Marian?" Gwaine held onto her shoulders and looked her over. She had scratches on her arms and face, but she didn't look injured. "Sweetheart, say something, you're scaring me."

"Fine. I'm fine," she whispered, opening her eyes to look at him. Something hadn't felt right about the whole ordeal. If she didn't know any better, she'd have thought Hilda used magic to secure her foot to the stirrup.

Gwaine helped her to stand and then led her and her horse back to the others.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, knitting his brows in concern.

"Yes," she nodded. "I'm much better."

He nodded back and turned to leave. Marian reached out and grabbed his arm. When he turned to her, she gave him a small smile.

"Thank you, Gwaine."

He placed his hand over hers and smiled back at her.

"We have to reach the border by nightfall. Move out!" Arthur called out as he mounted his horse.

Once they were all on their horses, they departed for the border.

000

When they reached the abandoned ruins right outside of the border, they stopped for the night. It would take less than half a day's walk to get to where King Rodor was hiding, but they couldn't find their way in the dark.

Several campfires were built, and Merlin started roasting rabbits and pheasants for their supper. The knights gathered around one of the fires, telling stories and roaring with laughter.

Marian sat near one of the other fires, next to Hilda and Mithian. She noticed the princess picking at her supper and assumed that she was just worried about her father.

"He'll be alright, my lady. I am sure of it," she comforted.

Mithian smiled but gave no response. Something was genuinely troubling her, and Marian couldn't put her finger on what it was.

Marian felt a chill go down her spine and looked up across the fire. Gwaine was staring at her while the others were laughing merrily. When their eyes met, he didn't look away. A blush crept over her as he continued to stare at her with an intensity she'd hardly ever felt before.

Her heart ached for him. She wished with everything in her that she could be free to love him. Marian resented the burden she carried. She resented her magic and magic in general. It was never going to be possible for her to be completely honest with him about where she was from. If only she could know for sure if and when she would be pulled back to her own time. Marian wanted only one thing in life now. She wanted Gwaine.

"Tell me, girl," Hilda said, pulling her attention away from the handsome knight. "I hear you are betrothed to one of the Knights of Camelot."

"Wha—what?" Marian asked, confused. "Who told you that?"

"I believe I heard one of the kitchen maids saying as much. Is it not true?" Hilda lied.

"No, it certainly isn't."

"But you are courting, are you not. Perhaps it is the handsome Sir Gwaine that you keep staring at?" Hilda prodded.

Marian gaped at the woman in disbelief. Not only was she displeased at being the subject of idle gossip, but that the woman dared to pry.

"I'm not courting anyone," she replied coolly.

"So he is available? Good, good," she mumbled.

"Why is that good?" Marian asked.

Hilda was startled from her thoughts. "Because… because he would be a good match for my lady, of course!" she lied. She had other plans for the knight.

Both Marian and Mithian looked at Hilda in disbelief. Surely they hadn't heard that correctly.

"I'm sorry?" Marian asked.

"Do you not think so, my lady?" Hilda continued. "He is quite handsome, is he not?"

"I…" Mithian was shocked. "He is, but I do not plan on marrying anyone right now."

Seeing the princess's discomfort, Marian changed the subject, turning to the maid. "Sorry, Hilda, but have we met before? It's just that you look so familiar to me."

Hilda shifted uncomfortably. She looked as if she were hiding something. Suddenly, the old woman fell over, grasping at her chest. "Ah!" she cried out.

Merlin turned when he heard Hilda. "Gaius!" he called as he rushed over to her.

Gaius came over and sat next to her. He felt her brow for fever.

"It's alright," he said to her. "Just breathe in. That's it," Gaius checked her pulse.

"I'm fine," Hilda protested.

"Of course. Let us be sure all the same.," Gaius insisted.

"It's really not necessary," she said, looking around at the faces nearby. She was starting to panic.

Arthur stood and came up next to her. "Hilda, if you're unwell, you must let Gaius help you."

"Well, if you insist," she sighed irritably.

Gaius continued his examination. He couldn't find anything wrong with the woman. "Well, no obvious problems that I can find. You're in excellent health Hilda."

"Thank you, Gaius," she said as he stood.

Gaius looked down at her in wonder. "Better shape than me at any rate," he said before leaving her side.

Merlin and Marian followed the physician, away from the others.

"It's amazing," Gaius told them quietly. "Her blood. It flows with the strength and vigor of someone half her age."

Merlin and Marian looked at one another in surprise.

"How is that possible?" Merlin asked him.

"I'm not entirely sure. All I know is she's better preserved than anyone her age has any right to be."

000

The next morning the company was preparing to depart. They had a quick breakfast of leftover supper and refilled their water bladders. If there were to be battle, today would be the day. Arthur watched his men and the healers with pride. He couldn't ask for more loyal subjects than the people who came with him this day.

"Where's Merlin?" Marian asked as she approached the king.

Arthur was about to answer when Mithian spoke up. "I asked him to fill my water, but that was a while ago."

On Arthur's orders, the knights went out to look for Merlin. It was only a few moments until they returned. Percival was carrying the unconscious warlock, followed closely by Hilda.

"What happened?" Arthur asked.

"Hilda found him," Percival said, nodding back at the old woman.

"He was down by the river. He must have fallen," Hilda said before she turned to Mithian.

The princess looked over to Hilda, panic written all over her face. She was terrified, and it looked to Marian that Hilda was what scared her so much.

Marian gathered some blankets and laid them out. Percival gently set Merlin down on top of them and backed away so Gaius and Marian could examine him.

"Gaius?" Arthur asked the physician. He was concerned about Merlin, but he also knew they needed to go soon if they were to save Mithian's father.

"He's taken a heavy blow to the head," Gaius said as Marian dabbed at the blood on Merlin's brow.

"But he'll be alright?" the king asked.

"He should be fine, sire, but there is no telling when he will regain consciousness."

Making up his mind, Arthur looked down at his manservant. He sighed in resignation.

"We can't wait for him," he said. "Not if we're to stand a chance at reaching Rodor before Odin's men. Gwaine, stay here with Marian, Merlin, and Gaius. The rest of us make for Nemeth."

With that, the rest of the company left while Marian, Gwaine, and Gaius looked over Merlin.

000

A half-hour passed as they waited for Merlin to awaken. Marian and Gaius sat next to him, wiping at his brow and checking his vitals, while Gwaine paced behind them.

"Gwaine," Marian called out to him. "Please stop pacing. It's making me nervous."

He crouched down next to her and smiled softly. "Sorry," he apologized.

Marian reached over and squeezed his hand. She understood all too well as she was also concerned for their friend.

"He should have come around by now," Gwaine worried.

Marian looked over at the knight, her eyes wide and fearful. He was right. There was something more at work than just a bump to the head.

"It's unusual certainly," Gaius agreed.

"Just a blow to the head, you say?" Gwaine said, thinking the same thing as she did, that Merlin's injury could have been caused by magic.

"There's nothing to suggest anything more, on the outside, at least," Gaius told him.

He peered over at Marian, asking the silent question. Can you heal him?

Marian nodded to Gaius and then looked pointedly in Gwaine's direction.

Understanding, Gaius spoke up. "He's getting cold. You better get some more firewood," he suggested to the knight.

Gwaine stood and laid his hand on Marian's shoulder, squeezing in comfort. "I'll be right back," he told them as he left to find more firewood.

Gaius pulled a bundle of sage from his medicine bag and lit it. He waved the bunch over Merlin's supine form, hoping that the smoke would awaken the warlock.

When that didn't work, Marian laid her hands on Merlin's brow and torso. She looked to make sure Gwaine was nowhere near and uttered her incantation.

"Ahluttre tha seocness. Thurh-haele braed."

The warm light glowed around them, and when it waned, Marian fell to the ground, unconscious.

Gaius watched both of his charges, willing them to awaken soon.

Merlin opened his eyes first. He looked around, his gaze landing on Gaius.

"Merlin!" Gaius called out, relieved.

Merlin smiled and then looked beside him at Marian.

"Did she?" he asked.

As Gaius nodded, they heard a soft moan coming from the woman on the ground. Gaius reached over and helped Marian sit up.

"Oh…" she coughed. Her throat was sore like she had been choked. "She choked you?" she asked Merlin, her voice scratchy.

"Hilda is Morgana," Merlin said as he sat up.

"What?" Marian asked.

"Morgana?" Gaius asked. Surely he hadn't heard correctly.

"She's been using some kind of aging spell," Merlin explained.

"That explains why she's always so tired," Gaius said.

"Oh, for fuck's sake! Will we never be rid of her?" Marian lamented.

"Mithian tried to warn me, but I couldn't get to Arthur in time. Morgana got to me first."

"And she very nearly killed you, Merlin!" Gaius exclaimed.

"Yes. Well, she didn't count on Marian, now did she?" Merlin said as he looked over to his friend and grinned.

"Indeed, but please, Merlin, don't do that again. I'm not sure my heart can take it," Gaius sighed. He was an old man. He didn't need this kind of scare, it wasn't good for him.

Merlin stood as Gwaine returned with an arm full of firewood. "Merlin!" the knight called out as he dropped the wood and went to hug his friend.

Merlin brushed him off, agitated. "We need to get to Arthur. He's walking straight into a trap," the warlock said.

Marian stood unsteadily, catching Gwaine's attention. He reached out and held her arm, keeping her upright.

"I'm fine. I promise," she said, her voice still raw.

"No point in asking you to stay with Gaius, is there?" Gwaine asked softly.

"No point," she agreed, grinning at him.

"Will you two hurry up!" Merlin yelled back to them.

Gwaine rolled his eyes and then gestured for Marian to go ahead.

"Gwaine," Gaius called out to him. "Keep an eye on her, please?" Though he believed she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, she was still recovering from using her magic, and Gaius worried for her.

"You have my word," Gwaine said to the physician and left to catch up.

000

Marian was trying her best to keep up with Merlin and Gwaine. They were running through the Forest of Gedref, hot on Arthur's trail. She knew they had to hurry, or Arthur would fall into Morgana's trap, so she kept running despite her exhaustion. Her legs burned with the effort, and her heart pounded heavily in her chest.

"They're traveling east! Maybe an hour ahead of us!" Gwaine called out to them.

"We don't have much time!" Merlin replied.

Suddenly and mercifully, Gwaine stopped. Marian rested her hands on her knees, her chest heaving with hard breaths.

Gwaine pointed to a smaller path. "Wait a second. This way!" he said before taking off again, Merlin following.

Rolling her eyes, Marian stood and ran after them. It wasn't long until they stopped again. Gwaine had spotted Odin's men and motioned for them to hide. They leaned against the wall of a small ravine and watched as the soldiers marched across the top.

"Odin's men," Gwaine whispered.

When the soldiers were gone, Gwaine, Merlin, and Marian quietly followed. They hid behind a thick bush and watched as Odin's men captured the Knights of Camelot beside the mouth of a cave, moving them off to the side to guard them.

"We're too late," Gwaine complained.

"Not if we even up the numbers," Merlin suggested.

Gwaine looked over at him and smirked. "Sounds good to me."

Merlin stood. "I'll look for Arthur," he said. He turned to Marian, who stood and grabbed at a stitch in her side. "Stay with Gwaine?" he asked her.

She looked over to the knight to make sure he was fine with her there. He nodded at her.

"Yeah, sure," she panted. "Be careful, Merlin."

"Good luck!" Gwaine called after Merlin as he took off toward the cave.

Gwaine turned and looked at Marian. She was sweaty and panting, but she looked ready for a fight. He noticed a small smattering of blood on her brow and reached out to wipe it.

"Did you hit your head?" he asked her.

"What?" she asked, confused.

"You… You've got blood on your head," he said as he wiped it off. There wasn't a scratch beneath, only smooth skin.

"Must have been Merlin's," she lied. When she had healed the warlock, she took on his injury, including his head wound. Thankfully, her body was quick to recover; otherwise, she believed that Gwaine would force her to stay put.

Gwaine looked at her for another moment. He didn't believe her. The scratches she had gotten the day before when her foot had caught in the stirrup were gone too. This wasn't the first time since they had met that her injuries had mysteriously disappeared. As much as he would like to explore this phenomenon further, they had no time to argue, Arthur was in danger.

He had promised to look after her, so he meant to keep her close-by. Gwaine motioned for her to follow him and went further into the forest. When he saw one of Odin's men facing a tree, relieving himself, Gwaine motioned for Marian to stay back. When she nodded, he crept up behind the man and knocked his head with the hilt of his sword.

"Hey, beautiful! Look what I found!" he laughed in excitement. He pointed to a large wooden crossbow and a quiver of bolts. Gwaine picked it up and twirled it, delighted at his find.

He handed Marian his sword. "I'll take out the guards holding our boys prisoner. You take this, in case you need it."

Gwaine turned to go find cover when Marian reached out and stopped him. She held the sword out for him to take.

"No, wait. You go to them. You're better at sword fighting than me," she told him.

Gwaine looked at the crossbow in disappointment. He had been itching to use one recently, especially one as fine as this, but he knew she was right. She would be safer as far away from the battle as possible. He reluctantly handed the crossbow and quiver over to her and took his sword.

"How's your aim?" he asked.

"Good. It's good. I'll… er… aim to maim," she replied cheekily. She still wasn't comfortable killing anyone, but she would do her best to protect her friends.

Gwaine chuckled at her. "Just don't maim me, will you, sweetheart?"

"I'll certainly try not to, Gwaine, but you do have a rather large head," she said.

Gwaine turned and looked sharply at her. "I do?"

Marian laughed. "No, you goof! Now go!" she said as she playfully pushed him toward the captured knights.

She found the perfect hiding place and readied a bolt. She had never shot as a sniper before and prayed that her aim was true.

The ground shook, and some of Odin's men ran out from the mouth of the cave. Marian took advantage of the distraction and shot the closest guard in the knee. He fell to the ground screaming.

Her second shot hit the next nearest guard in his shoulder. The man dropped his sword and fell down in agony. Marian had shot two more guards when suddenly Gwaine jumped out from the bushes, sword in hand, and ran toward the rest of the guards.

When Elyan saw Gwaine coming to their rescue, he bent down and grabbed a fallen sword. "Now!" he called out to the others.

Marian watched as the knights jumped into action and began fighting Odin's men.

A single soldier broke away from the rest, determined to find the sniper. When he came across her, assuming she was defenseless, he grinned.

She heard his footsteps approaching and turned just in time to block his sword with the crossbow. The man continued to swing at her as she backed away from him. She looked around for the quiver of bolts, hoping to load the bow and shoot her attacker, but she saw that it was on the ground back beside the bush.

The next swing that the man took snapped the string, making the weapon useless as a bow. Rather than throwing it away, she continued to use it to block his attacks. When his sword got caught in the front stirrup of the bow, Marian took advantage and twisted the blade from his hand, sending it behind her. She took a swing at him and struck him with the crossbow, breaking it in two.

"Goddammit!" she screamed as she backed away.

The man laughed and ran at her, knocking her to the ground. He held her down, with his knees on her legs and one hand around her throat squeezing, while the other held her wrists tightly above her head. Marian tried to kick out at him but was hardly able to move.

He let go of her throat and pulled a dagger from his belt, grinning at her lecherously. Marian thrashed and screamed, trying to push him off of her.

From behind the man, she heard a loud roar of anger and fast footfalls. The soldier quickly turned his head, just in time to see Gwaine running toward him, sword raised and a look of pure hatred on his face. The man scrambled to move but was felled quickly. In the commotion, he had shoved his dagger straight into the side of Marian's thigh.

She cried out in pain as he fell on top of her, dead. Gwaine pulled the body from her and dropped his sword, kneeling next to her.

"Marian!" he cried out as he saw blood seeping onto her trouser leg.

Gwaine rolled her onto her side and saw the dagger sticking out from her leg. He wound his fingers gently around the hilt.

"I'm afraid this is going to hurt, love," he said.

"Just do it!" Marian cried out between clenched teeth.

Gwaine took a deep breath and then swiftly pulled the dagger from her flesh. When he looked down at the blade, he saw that the edges were jagged and had torn at her flesh as he pulled it out.

"FUCK!" she screamed in pain.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" he told her as he pulled her into his arms, cradling her as she screamed through the pain.

Gwaine turned to the dead man and ripped a long strip from the man's clothing, tying it around Marian's leg just above the wound. The pain intensified as he jostled her leg. He held her close with her face buried into his neck, crying out in pain.

"It's okay, sweetheart," he soothed, brushing her head with his hand.

Elyan joined them, concerned when he had heard her scream. "What happened? Will she be alright?" he asked Gwaine.

"I think so. I need to get her back to Gaius. You go with the others to the king. We'll meet at the ruins?" Gwaine replied.

They grasped arms, and Elyan left to help the others find Arthur. Gwaine looked down at the injured woman in his arms and sighed. A quick survey of the ground surrounding them, as well as the discarded weapons, clued him in to what had happened. Though his original instincts had been correct, he was proud of how far Marian as come as a fighter.

She calmed as the sharp, stinging pain dulled to a deep throb. When Gwaine noticed that her cries had stopped, he pulled back to look at her.

"Do you think you can walk?" he asked her softly.

Marian nodded and looked up at him. Her eyes were wide as she looked him over. Gwaine couldn't help the thoughts coming to his mind. He had thought her taken or worse, dead. The rage that took him over when he saw the man on top of her frightened him. He brushed the hair from her face and leaned in slightly, staring at her lips. Right then, he wanted nothing more than to kiss the memory away.

They heard a loud snap as a bird flew off, breaking the trance they were in. Gwaine stood and helped Marian from the ground. He pulled her arm over his shoulder and held onto her waist as they walked back toward Gaius.

A few minutes into the walk, Marian had to stop and rest. She closed her eyes in pain as she leaned against a fallen tree. "I… I need… to… rest," she panted.

"It'll be dark soon, Marian. We need to hurry."

Marian winced but nodded. "You're right. Of course," she said as she stood, ready to go.

Her hair was plastered to her face with sweat, and her skin was paler than usual. Gwaine looked at her sorry state and took pity on her. He bent and hooked his arm behind her knees. Holding her waist, he stood, picking her up and carrying her.

"It's too far," she protested. "You can't carry me that far, Gwaine."

"Are you saying I'm weak?" he asked.

"What? No, I…" she trailed off when she looked at his smug face. "You're joking. Of course," she said, rolling her eyes.

"Just trying to lighten the mood, beautiful," he smiled brightly at her.

She laid her head on his shoulder as he carried her back to Gaius. For a moment, Marian had forgotten her injury as well as their quarrel and enjoyed the closeness of him.

000

Gwaine carried her the rest of the way back to the old ruins where they had left Gaius.

"Marian! What happened?" Gaius asked, alarmed when he saw the bloodstain and tourniquet on Marian's leg.

"Oh nothing much," she winced as Gwaine set her down. "Just got stabbed in the leg by one of Odin's men."

Gwaine handed the physician the dagger he had pulled from her leg and grabbed a few blankets, laying them out on one of the larger rocks. He helped her down to the blankets, careful not to hurt her.

"Oh? Is that all?" Gaius rolled his eyes at her as he looked at the dagger. Of course, she would be flippant about a stab wound, especially one that was probably worse because of the jagged edges of the blade. He sat down next to her and examined the wound. "I'm afraid I need to cut the leg of your trousers to get at it."

"Are you sure?" she asked. It was her only pair, and she didn't fancy traveling back to Camelot with only one trouser leg.

"It's either that or you undress," Gaius said sternly.

Without warning, Gwaine took out his dagger and began ripping the fabric.

"Gwaine!" Marian yelled angrily.

"I didn't realize you were so eager to get naked in front of me. Should I stop what I'm doing so you can pull them off?" he smirked at her.

She narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms. "Fine, continue, please."

When he had finished, Gaius asked him to gather more firewood. After Gwaine left, the physician turned to Marian expectantly.

"What?" she asked.

"Your magic, girl!" he hissed. "Quick, before Gwaine comes back."

"Will it work?" she asked him.

Gaius shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

Marian placed her hands on her leg and said her incantation. Nothing happened. She tried one more time, with no result.

"I guess it'll have to be the needle and thread," Gaius said as he dug around in his medicine bag.

Gwaine returned with some firewood and tended the fire. He watched as Marian worried her lip.

"Marian, what's wrong?" he asked her.

She looked between the men. "There's something I've never told you," she started. Gaius and Gwaine looked at her to go on. "I… I don't like needles. Gaius, I'm liable to faint or worse."

The physician chuckled. "Lie down, dear girl. Gwaine will keep your mind off of it." He glanced at the knight, who nodded in agreement.

Marian stretched out on her side across the rock as Gaius took the needle to hold in the flame of the fire. At her panicked look, Gwaine knelt beside her head and held his hand out to her.

"Squeeze my hand when it hurts, love. You'll be fine, I promise," he said softly.

Marian took his hand and started squeezing so hard that the tips of his fingers turned purple. Gwaine put his other hand on top of hers and gently pulled her fingers loose.

"He hasn't started yet," he chuckled at her.

"Sorry. Just practicing," she replied as she loosened her grip.

Gwaine brushed the hair from her face, his fingers lingering. "You're safe, Marian. Just look at me. You'll be fine."

When Gaius started to clean the wound, Marian shut her eyes tight. Gwaine stayed next to her as the physician worked. Beads of sweat formed on her brow and upper lip as she felt the needle pierce her skin.

"Gwaine, tell me something. Take my mind off of this," she whimpered.

"What do you want to know?" he asked her. He continued to stroke her hair, trying to calm her.

She didn't know where it had come from, but she blurted out the first thing that popped into her head. "Tell me about your first love."

She opened her eyes when his hand stopped. When she looked at his face, she saw sadness there and instantly regretted her request.

"Sorry," she whispered. "You don't have—"

"No, no. It's fine," he said, smiling sadly. "Well, my first love was a feisty woman," he began. "Fiercely independent and more stubborn than a mule. She had a wit quicker than the royal archer's arrow. We tended to argue a lot when we first met."

Marian laughed softly. Stubborn women seemed to be his lot in life. The man certainly had a type.

"But she was also kind-hearted and loyal. She was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, with hair like a golden spring morning. Her lips were as soft and supple as the petal of a flower. And she tasted of apple when we kissed."

Marian winced slightly. Surprising herself, she realized that she was jealous of this mystery woman. She wanted to be the only person he thought of like that. Swallowing down her jealousy, Marian decided that it was unfair to feel that way when she had been the one to refuse him. He couldn't live his life alone, after all.

"But… she made me laugh more than anything," he continued. "Even my worst days were better when she was around."

"She sounds perfect," Marian mumbled.

"She was. Beautiful, funny, strong, smart. The perfect woman… for me, at least."

"What happened, then? Did she not love you back?" she asked, tears beginning to form as her jealousy tore at her.

"Oh, she did. At least, she claimed to."

"I don't understand. What happened? Why aren't you together?"

"I don't know," Gwaine sighed. He looked down at Marian, fixing her with an intense gaze. "She refuses to tell me."

Then it hit her, Gwaine was describing Marian. She opened her mouth and closed it quickly, not knowing what to say. She felt so stupid, how can she be his first love? Tears fell down her cheeks at the thought of it. She was the first person that he opened his heart to, and she broke it. The guilt ate away at her.

Marian wanted at that moment to tell him everything. She would do anything to wipe the hurt look from his face. If she gathered her courage, she could do it in a way that didn't incriminate Gaius and Merlin. She could tell him of her magic and where she was from and warn him that she could be whisked away from him at any moment. If he refused her, if he thought her mad, then at least she could say that she had tried. Could she really tell him, though? Could she make him commit treason for harboring a known sorceress? Could she make him choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the king?

Consequences be damned, for the second time in her memory, Marian wanted to do what her heart ached for rather than what she believed was right. She looked into his eyes and took a deep breath. "Gwaine…" she whispered.

"All done!" Gaius exclaimed. He finished tying the bandage around Marian's thigh and stood.

Marian closed her eyes, pushing out more tears. She dropped Gwaine's hand and turned to look at the physician. "Thank you, Gaius," she said softly.

When she turned back, Gwaine was gone. He had gone to greet the other knights as they arrived with the kings, Princess Mithian, and Merlin.

Marian had lost her courage… and her chance.

000

Gwaine and Marian didn't speak on the rest of the journey. He kept to the other knights while Marian preferred to sit alone. Merlin had asked Gaius if he knew what was wrong with her, but the physician hadn't a clue. He guessed that she could be tired from her ordeal, but something had changed as he sewed her wound up. A quiet sadness had fallen over her that the physician couldn't explain.

They departed for Camelot the next day and had arrived before dark. With her leg feeling better, Marian accompanied Gaius and Gwen to Rodor's guest chambers to treat both him and the princess.

While Gaius looked to Rodor, Marian sat next to Mithian on the edge of the bed.

"May I see your wrist, my lady?" she asked.

"M-my wrist?" Mithian looked confused.

Marian nodded. "Merlin told me you burned it. I have a salve that will help."

"Oh," Mithian said sadly. "Of course. I thank you," she said as she tugged her sleeve up to reveal her injury.

Marian slathered a good portion of her salve onto Mithian's wrist, soothing the angry burn.

"What is that?" Mithian asked, her brow furrowed. "It feels wonderful."

Marian smiled softly. "It's king's wart. A dear friend gave it to me."

"Tell me, Marian," Mithian began. "Will it soothe the heart as well as the skin?"

Marian stopped what she was doing and looked at the young woman. She looked tired with pale skin and dark circles under her eyes.

"What's troubling you, my lady?" she asked. When Mithian looked away, her lip trembling, Marian placed her hand on the princess's arm. "Mithian? What is it?" she asked softly.

"I am ashamed, Marian, ashamed at my part in all of this. It's my fault," Mithian said as she tearfully looked down to the floor.

"No, your highness," Marian replied. Mithian raised her head to look at her. "The fault lies entirely with Morgana." Marian gave her arm a squeeze in comfort, and the princess smiled softly.

"Your wounds are painful, sire, but superficial. You'll heal in time," Gaius told Rodor as he finished tying a bandage.

"Thank you, Gaius," the older king replied. Mithian reached over and held his hand, grateful that her father was safe and well.

Arthur walked into the room, smiling. "Odin has withdrawn his army from Nemeth and its lands," he told them.

"All thanks to you," Mithian said as she stood.

"Well, everyone played their part," the young king replied.

Mithian looked away briefly. "I know I played mine. Arthur—"

"Mithian, you don't need to apologize," Arthur interrupted her. "You had no choice. I'd have done the same thing if it were my father."

"Camelot is fortunate to have a king such as you," she said as she smiled her first real smile in a week.

"It's I that is fortunate," Arthur replied. He looked between Rodor and Mithian. "Camelot would be nothing were it not for the courage and loyalty of its friends."

He smiled at them and then turned to leave, beckoning Gwen to go with him. They left the chamber, hand-in-hand.

000

That evening Marian, Merlin, and Gaius were eating their supper and going back over the events of the past week.

"It seems things turned out well, after all. To sign a treaty with Odin is an achievement, and it brings a united kingdom one step closer," the physician said between bites.

Merlin looked up from his bowl and frowned. "Not while Morgana lives and breathes it doesn't," he said somberly. "Her power grows Gaius. To have held an aging spell that long… that's frightening."

Marian shivered at the thought.

"Be that as it may, she is not yet your equal," Gaius tried to comfort the young warlock.

"And if that day should come?" Merlin asked.

The men looked at Marian. She swallowed the bite in her mouth and took a deep breath.

"In the legends, Morgana is indeed powerful. But… she never matches you, Merlin."

Merlin sighed in relief. He hoped that if any part of Marian's legends were accurate, it would be that.

000

The night before King Rodor and Princess Mithian were to leave, King Arthur held a feast in their honor. It was a celebration of Rodor's return to the throne of Nemeth and of the friendship between the two kingdoms.

Arthur had insisted that Marian attend the feast as his guest. Gwaine had related the events of the last couple of days to the king, impressing him with Marian's bravery. Despite her initial hesitance to go to the feast, they usually ended badly with Morgana or some other evil force attacking Camelot, Marian was convinced by the queen to go.

Gwen had saved a few of Morgana's old dresses when the witch had betrayed the kingdom and disappeared. It would have been a shame to let such fine craftswomanship be discarded. Luckily for Marian, she and Morgana were close in size and height.

The queen summoned the healer to the royal chambers an hour before the feast was to begin.

"Oh, Gwen! I can't!" Marian protested as Gwen held out a thin silk gown.

"I insist! You wouldn't disobey your queen, would you, Marian?" Gwen laughed.

"I knew you'd use that against me someday," Marian pouted. She took a last look at the dress and grinned. "Alright, I'll try it on."

Marian went behind the changing screen and put the dress on. When she came out, both the queen and her lady's maid were speechless. Marian went to the full-length mirror and looked at her reflection.

The dress was magnificent. It was the color of a summer's sunset. The iridescent silk shined a deep purple but changed to a lighter rose color in the light. The neckline was wide and fell off her shoulders, plunging dangerously low and showing off the swell of her pale bosom. The waist was perhaps a bit tighter than Marian was entirely comfortable with, but she was able to move around easily enough. A silver belt hung low on her hips, accentuating her curves, and the skirts fanned out, pooling on the floor at her feet. The bell sleeves were long, tapering to nothing just before they hit the floor.

Marian kept the necklace she had been wearing on. It was a silver Celtic knot with an emerald set in the middle. Though it didn't match the dress, it was sentimental to the healer.

Gwen sighed. "You look lovely, Marian," she said with a sparkle in her eye. "Gwaine will love it."

Marian paled at the mention of the knight. She hadn't told Gwen about what happened after Ismere. Not that the queen couldn't already guess that there was some animosity between the two. Gwen hoped that this feast might help to heal things between her friends.

"Yes, well," Marian looked away. "I should probably go do something with my hair. Thank you for the dress, Gwen."

"Don't go yet. We will see to your hair here," Gwen said, grinning.

000

Gwaine was standing in the Hall of Ceremonies with the other knights, sipping a goblet of wine. He didn't feel in the celebration mood and was only there out of duty. The past few days of being around Marian had been hard for him. They still hadn't spoken about what had happened when he got back from Ismere, and if it were up to him, they'd never talk about it. But, it had left things between them strained and awkward.

He brought his goblet up to his lips for another sip of wine but paused midway. Leon asked him a question that he didn't hear. He hadn't been paying attention to what Leon was saying anyway.

When Gwaine didn't answer, Leon asked again. "Gwaine, what do you think? Should it be a rota or assigned duties?"

Elyan looked over at Gwaine and followed his gaze. "I think we've lost him," he chuckled.

Marian had walked into the hall. Gwaine couldn't speak, he couldn't swallow. Hell, he couldn't even move. She was a vision of beauty. Her hair was done only half up in braids at the top of her head with small white flowers woven throughout. The rest fell freely to her waist in waves of honey. Her lips were redder than he had ever seen them before. He knew little of women's beauty tricks, but he did know they used berries to color their lips. Gwaine tried to guess at which berries Marian had used and unconsciously licked his lips.

His eyes traveled from her mouth to her neck and the creamy skin of her bare shoulders. He enjoyed how the roundness of her breasts swelled over her corset, leaving little to his imagination. Her dress was so tight at the top that it was almost indecent.

His heart skipped when he saw the necklace she wore, the necklace he had given her. It both thrilled and saddened him to see it there. She obviously thought enough of the gift to wear it to a special occasion, but it was a stark reminder of what their friendship had been before.

Gwaine blinked a couple of times and walked over to his seat at the table, ignoring the remarks coming from the other knights. He wanted to get this damned feast over with so he could go down to the tavern and drink himself into a stupor, forgetting all about his ill heart and the beautiful woman who had broken it.

All hopes of getting through the feast without having to see Marian were lost as she sat down at the table directly across the hall from his own. He poured himself more wine and sulked through the feast, hardly eating, mostly drinking and staring at Marian while she ate or as she laughed at something Gaius had said next to her.

After the final courses had been served and the pudding was nearly finished, a small band in the back of the hall began to play lively music. Several couples got up to dance, including the kings. Arthur took Gwen's hand and led her to the middle, while King Rodor led his daughter.

They danced to a spritely tune that left the injured King of Nemeth winded and tired. When the next song started, he looked over to the knights, pleading for someone to take his place. Leon stood and walked over to the king, determined to help him save face.

"Your Majesty, if I may?" the knight said as he bowed.

Rodor gave Mithian's hand to Leon, who gently took it in his.

The knight bowed once again. "Princess Mithian, would you allow me?"

"I would be honored, Sir Leon," she said brightly to him.

Relieved, Rodor went back to his table and sat down slowly. Drinking deeply from his wine goblet, he watched his daughter as she danced and laughed with the tall blond knight. He smiled softly, thinking them a handsome match.

Gwaine rolled his eyes at the display. It's not as if Leon and Mithian would fall in love. They would dance, and it would be over. Just like all love, he supposed, at least one of them would be left behind, wanting more. He poured more wine and drank the whole goblet in one go.

As the music ended, he stood and walked purposefully over to where Marian sat. When she looked up at him, he held his hand out to her. He didn't say anything, but his eyes were pleading. Whether it was for her to dance or to put him out of his misery, he didn't know.

She gingerly took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the middle of the hall. They took their places just as the music began. Facing each other, he held his right hand up, palm facing her. Marian placed her right hand on his, and they started moving, circling one another. The feel of his warm, bare skin on hers sent shivers down her spine.

As they turned and switched hands, Gwaine took the opportunity to say something to her.

"You look… bewitching," he said huskily.

Marian's chest heaved. She could hardly breathe. He looked into her eyes with an intensity that nearly knocked her down.

"Th-thank you," she managed to get out. "As do you," she said barely above a whisper.

"And your leg," he said as they turned again. "Is it healing?"

"Well enough," she said breathlessly. He was so close to her that she could smell the sweet wine on his breath.

They continued to dance, turning and touching and staring, seeing and hearing no one else in the hall but each other. When the dance was finally over, they stood close, hands still touching, and gazed at each other.

Gwaine swallowed hard. He wanted to reach down and kiss her. He wanted to take her by her hand and lead her to his chambers. He wanted to do more than bed the woman in front of him. He wanted to make love to her. He reached up and touched the necklace she was wearing, smiling softly.

Marian watched his face as he fingered her necklace. Her heart ached at his soft expression. The tips of his fingers grazed softly over her smooth skin as he moved his hand over to her shoulder and up to her throat, finally resting on her cheek. He caressed her face and ran his hand back to her hair. Holding her head in his palm, he brought her closer and lowered his mouth onto hers.

Raspberries. She had used raspberries to color her lips. He grinned against her mouth as he tasted the tart fruit. His mouth moving slowly over hers, Marian leaned into the kiss, returning it with each movement of his lips. Encouraged by her return, Gwaine deepened their embrace and moved his tongue into her mouth. When he finally pulled back, he saw that her skin was flushed, her eyes wide and confused.

"I…," he began, not knowing what to say.

"Excuse me," she said as she turned and left the hall.

Gwaine looked around at all of the faces watching them. Merlin grinned like an idiot, happy to see his friends embrace, but Gaius frowned in disapproval. Not only were they making a spectacle of themselves, but Marian and Gwaine needed to work things out before doing anything rash.

The knight swallowed hard at Gaius's look and smirked at the room before leaving to follow her.

Marian ran for the door that led to the stone courtyard outside and burst through to the chilly night air. She stopped and took several calming breaths. Gwaine didn't know the effect he had on her. She was hardly able to keep her wits.

"Marian!" Gwaine called from inside.

She took off and ran down the steps to the courtyard, intending to cross and go back up to the wing that housed her own chamber.

Gwaine stepped outside, looking around for her. When he spotted her, he jumped down the castle steps, four and five at a time. He misjudged the bottom step and rolled his ankle, falling to the ground.

"Dammit!" he screamed in pain.

Marian turned when she heard him. Seeing him in his full knight's uniform sitting on the ground holding his ankle softened her. She walked back over and crouched in front of him.

"Let me see it," she said, pulling off his boot.

Her cold fingers delved beneath his sock and pressed around the warm flesh of his ankle, causing him to wince.

"It's not broken, but it's going to be sore. Do you think you can walk?" she asked.

Gwaine didn't say anything but nodded.

"I'll help you up, then." She gently slipped his boot back onto his foot. Walking over to his side, she bent down low to get under his arm.

Gwaine wobbled slightly when they both stood. He looked down at her in the moonlight. "I'm sorry, Marian. I shouldn't have kissed you," he apologized softly.

"It's alright, Gwaine," she said as she turned to him. "Do you think you can make it to your chamber on your own?"

Gwaine smirked at her. "I don't have to be alone, you know," he said, his eyebrows wagging.

"Oh? Do you need me to get Percival or one of the boys to help you?" she asked as she rolled her eyes.

He realized that his joke had been unwarranted. It was inappropriate since she had made her intentions clear. Fearing that she was angry, he sobered quickly.

"I'm fine, beautiful. I promise," he said.

"Gwaine?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for the dance," she said, smiling up at him. She had missed him.

Gwaine chuckled as he let her go and limped up the steps into the castle and to his bedchamber. When he entered the room, he removed his cloak and armor and then lit a fire in the fireplace and a few of the candles around the room. He sat in one of the chairs at the table to remove his boots and socks.

Limping across the room, the knight picked up a book he had been reading and settled on top of his bed to read, tavern forgotten. It wasn't long before Gwaine fell asleep, still on the same page.

A few hours later, he awoke with a start. Something was different. Someone had been in his chamber. He felt for his book, but instead of finding it on his chest, there was a blanket covering him. He relit the candle next to his bed and looked around. His book was on the bedside table, still open to the page he was on. Logs had been added to the fire, and there was a basket on the table.

With his ankle feeling a bit better, Gwaine got up and walked over to the table to peer into the basket. There was a cloth covering its contents, and one of the flowers from Marian's hair sat on top. He lifted the flower to his mouth and held the stem between his teeth. It smelled of Marian. When he removed the cloth, he saw that there was a nice assortment of treats in the basket. He bent down and sniffed. Apple.

Gwaine smiled as he popped one of the small apple fritters into his mouth. She still cared for him, after all.

000

Author's Note:

Spells (a rough translation from the Merlin Wiki at merlin dot fandom dot com):

Ahluttre tha seocness. Thurh-haele braed. - Cleanse the sickness. Heal thoroughly the flesh.