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Phantomshadow99

XXXXXX

A Remedy to Cure All Ills

"Letters from home, Evaine," Anna said, handing the two letters in her hand to her mistress who stood after shutting her book. She studied the handwriting, smiling when she didn't see her father's writing. She opened the first one, reading it quietly as Anna made the bed.

Dearest Sister,

You have been in Camelot more than a month and have not sent me a letter. Any other brother would take insult, but I know you too well and only wish I was there to see what trouble you were getting yourself into in the great city.

Life in Tiltwood is a lot quieter without you, sister. I hope Camelot is giving you the freedom you desire, and that I may even be blessed to visit you one day soon. This time apart has made me cherish my little sister and, dare I say it, miss her.

It is but short, but please write back to me.

Your stupid elder brother,

Cerdic

"My brother is bored," Evaine told Anna, who laughed.

"I'm sure he misses you more than you realise," she replied, and Evaine smiled softly before opening the second letter.

Lady Evaine,

I hope Camelot and it's people are treating you well. King Uther sent a messenger just three days gone telling your father of what a perfect daughter he has, so I expect he will be sending word to you soon of his pleasure at such news.

Sir Leon also wrote to me telling me of your tarry with Prince Arthur. As a military man, I condone you. As your teacher and friend, I will share that I laughed heartily and praised myself for your skill.

It is not the same without you here, but it warms my heart to think of you happy in Camelot.

Your friend,

Alyon

"Alyon tells me that my father appears to be pleased with my behaviour during our stay," she said, smiling as she folded the letter. Anna's hands slowed as she watched Evaine hold Cerdic's letter and walk towards the window, watching the guards below in the courtyard.

"Are you thinking of Dival?" Anna asked gently, stepping closer to Evaine as she saw her lady tense before she sighed.

"I always think of him. It's hard not to," she said, before turning to Anna, forcing a smile on her face. "I should reply to Cerdic before he comes to Camelot himself." Anna smiled as Evaine began writing her letters, her heart knowing what Evaine really felt deep inside. An urgent knock on the door gave the handmaiden a wanted distraction, and she smiled when she saw Merlin.

"Merlin, what are-?" Anna began as she opened the door further, stopping when she saw his face. "Evaine," she called, who looked up from her writing desk.

"It's Morgana," he said, and Evaine nodded before she and Anna followed after him to their friend's chambers.

"What happened?" Evaine asked, seeing Arthur stood with his arms near the window, Gwen at her friends sleeping side.

"We don't know. She wouldn't wake up this morning," Gwen said, wiping a tear away. I sat at the other side of Morgana, taking her hand in mine.

"What has Gaius said?" Evaine asked, and Arthur sighed.

"Him and my father are looking for a solution as we speak," he said, and I nodded, frowning at how cold her hand was. She glanced at Gwen to see her red eyes.

"Anna why don't you and Gwen go get some water, and something to eat," Evaine said, and Anna nodded.

"We will bring it at once, my lady," Anna said, but stopped when Evaine shook her head.

"For yourselves, my friend," she said, giving a pointed look at Gwen and Anna nodded, understanding. Arthur moved closer to Morgana's side when the two girls left, and Evaine studied him. "She's like a sister to you, isn't she?"

"She's dear to me, yes," he said after a pause. Evaine smiled at his words, watching Morgana gently breathe.

"My brother, Dival, and I were inseparable. He had the same grey eyes as I have, and the same stupid rebelliousness," she said, chuckling at the memory of her brother as Arthur sat beside her. "One day, my father called all of his children to announce that we were with war with Cenred, and that him and our three elder brothers were to join him in battle. Dival was livid that he wasn't asked to go with him, so he stole some armour in the dead of night and rode away. The last time I saw him, I promised him that he would see battle when he was of age, and would be one of the most feared and skilful warriors Albion had ever seen," she said, quietly. Arthur reached across and laid his hand over hers and Morganas. "At least you are here with her, Arthur. It may seem torture, but I would give anything to have been by my brother's side," she told him, a few tears falling as she smiled grimly at him.

XXXXXX

Evaine stayed by Morgana's side, refusing to leave when Uther and Gaius visited her. A pang of sadness tremored through her heart as Uther sat on the other side of Morgana, grasping her hand tightly as he looked on with worry.

"Her body seems to have closed down," Gaius said, checking Morgana to see no change.

"Why? You don't have an answer, do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days. What do you know?" Uther asked, standing and pacing as he spoke.

"I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain," Gaius said, and Evaine lifted her head at the words, sharing a nervous look with the king.

"What could have caused such a thing?" Uther asked.

"An infection, possibly. Rest assured I will do everything in my power to cure her, sire," Gaius said, bowing to the King before leaving. Uther returned to his ward's side, holding her hand once more as Evaine wiped Morgana's brow with a damp cloth.

"Thank you for tending to her, Evaine," Uther said, the girls hand hesitating as she glanced at the King, nodding her head in respect.

"It is my honour, sire. Morgana has been kind to me since the moment I arrived here, everyone has. I only wish I could do more," she said quietly, taking the other hand of Morgana as she sat back down.

"She is the closest thing I have to a daughter. If I lose her, it will break me," Uther confided, and Evaine lightly placed her hand on him, glancing kindly at him as he looked at her.

"Have faith, sire. She is strong and will defeat this, I am sure of it," Evaine said confidently, Uther raising his hand to pat hers that rested on his shoulder.

XXXXXX

Evaine remained in her seat as Gaius checked once more on Morgana, shaking his head as he looked at Uther.

"I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less," he told him gravely.

"We cannot let her die," Arthur said, unfolding his hands and stepping closer to his father. Uther sat at Morgana's side, raising his hand to his brow.

"Arthur, please," Uther said quietly.

"There's a man. He came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her," Arthur informed, walking to stand beside his father.

"That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her," Uther said, and Evaine shared a look with Arthur, urging him to continue.

"He says he has a remedy to cure all ills," he added, and Gaius scoffed.

"Impossible," Gaius rebuffed.

"For Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean, what have we got to lose? Please, father," Arthur implored, his father remaining silent as he thought on his son's words.

"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling," Gaius commented, and Arthur grew impatient.

"I don't care! If she's about to die, what harm can it do? Give him his shilling, if there's one chance in a million he can save her. Then why not?" Arthur said, begging his father. Uther surprised them all by looking to Evaine.

"Morgana would explore every possible option if it was you in her place, sire. I believe Prince Arthur speaks with her voice," she said, Arthur giving her a grateful smile as Uther nodded.

"Send for him," Uther told him, Arthur rushing to do so. They sat for a minute more before Uther stood and began walking to the door, pausing before he left. "Evaine," he called, and she stood as he called her. "I would be grateful with you by my side," he said, and Evaine smiled softly before nodding, following the king out of the chambers with Gaius beside her as they left for the throne room.

"Edwin Muirden, sire, physician and loyal servant," the man named Edwin said, bowing and holding a scroll with his credentials to the king as they entered the room. Uther took the scroll and continued to his seat, Arthur with him as Evaine stood to the side of the king.

"Welcome to Camelot," Uther greeted, reading the contents of the scroll as he sat.

"Have we met before?" Gaius asked Edwin, and Evaine looked at the exchange with curiosity.

"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir," Edwin said, and Evaine noticed for the first time the disfigurement on his face.

"Do you really believe you have a remedy?" Uther asked, Edwin turning to face the king.

"There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, sire. So when I heard of the lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honour bound to offer my services," Edwin said, and Evaine felt deep down that this man was to be treated with caution despite his warm words.

"You say you have a cure for all, an antidote for everything?" Gaius asked, a note of disbelief in his voice.

"Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that," Edwin replied, and Uther looked up from the scroll.

"Gaius is the court physician," Uther informed, and Edwin bowed slightly at Gaius.

"You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you. I am curious to know what it is that has affected her," Edwin asked him.

"An infection of the brain," Gaius answered.

"And your treatment?" Edwin asked.

"Yarrow," Gaius began, and Edwin nodded.

"Yes, yes", Edwin he said, so far agreeing with the treatment.

"Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation," Gaius added, and Edwin looked down.

"Interesting," he commented. Arthur glanced at Gaius from where he stood next to his seated father before looking at Edwin.

"Why? What would you suggest?" Arthur asked.

"No, no, that is all fine, all good. If that is the right diagnosis," Edwin said, sharing a strange look with Gaius.

"What would your diagnosis be?" Uther asked, and Edwin took a step further to the king as he turned to him.

"Well, without examining the patient," Edwin said, and the two royals studied him.

"You should examine her," Arthur said, directing his words to his father.

"I would need my equipment," Edwin said after Uther nodded.

"Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers," Uther said rising from where he sat.

"You can consider my manservant at your disposal," Arthur told him, Merlin stepping forth and nodding his head in respect.

"I will start work immediately," Edwin stated.

"Lady Evaine," Uther called, and Evaine was once again surprised to see him waiting for her by the doors. Arthur smiled softly at her as she nodded, walking towards his father and leaving for Morgana's chambers. Arthur paused for a moment before following after them.

XXXXXX

"Put my equipment over there. Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy," Edwin told the king as he entered the room, Merlin carrying a stack of boxes and vials.

"Certainly," Uther agreed, looking at Morgana before he left. Arthur waited for Evaine to leave before he followed after her, descending the steps to Morgana's chambers and chose to lean against the wall, his arms folded.

"Do you always stand like that?" Evaine asked, a teasing note in her voice as she stood next to him, the two watching as Gaius spoke with the king nearby.

"It does wonders for my ego," he joked back, and she chuckled. He watched as she glanced at his father. "He appreciates what you've done for Morgana, you know."

"She is my friend. I did not have many even at Tiltwood. I don't wish to see her…," she trailed off, and Arthur hesitated before reaching out to take her hand.

"She will be alright," he told her, and she nodded, smiling tensely.

"Great news, your majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain," Edwin called, rushing down the stairs to meet with them.

"What is it then?" Uther asked.

"It is a cerebral haemorrhage," Edwin stated, and Gaius uncrossed his arms and tensed.

"Haemorrhage? I don't think so," Gaius rebuffed.

"I found this trace of blood in her ear," Edwin said, holding out a small cloth with blood on it.

"God in heaven," Uther swore, glancing at Arthur as he and Evaine moved forward to him.

"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma and eventually death," Edwin explained, and Evaine gasped at the severity.

"How could you have missed this?" Uther asked Gaius, frowning in confusion at his physician.

"I didn't see any blood," Gaius said, his eyes flickered to Edwin's.

"Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?" Edwin said, and Evaine looked to Gaius.

"It may have increased the bleed," Gaius answered.

"Is there a cure?" Uther asked desperately.

"See for yourself," Edwin said, holding his arm out to indicate up the stairs. Uther ran up them, the rest of the group following after and smiling happily to see Morgana sat up in bed. Uther rushed to her side, pulling her into a tight hug as Arthur and Evaine moved to stand at the furthest away side of the bed.

"Morgana. This is truly a miracle. I thought, I really thought-" Uther said, smiling as he stepped back.

"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily," Morgana said, still a little weak. She smiled as Evaine sat at her side, taking her hand.

"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius asked Morgana.

"I have no idea. But thank heaven he did," Morgana replied, pulling back her sheets and beginning to leave her bed.

"Sire," Evaine called, gaining his attention. "I shall help lady Morgana dress," she told him, and he nodded, still with a smile of happiness.

"Yes, of course. We will be in the council chamber," he told the two woman, both of them smiling as the men left. Evaine hugged her tightly when Morgana was stood, the woman hugging back just as tight. "You scared me, Morgana. Never reach almost-death again, please," Evaine said, and Morgana laughed.

"I haven't missed Arthur being annoying. But I promise," Morgana replied, and Evaine helped her dress in a long blue gown before the two entered the council chamber where Uther, Arthur and Edwin were waiting.

"Name your reward," Uther said to the man, as Evaine stood just stood to the side of Morgana's chair.

"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, sire," Edwin said, humbly.

"There must be something I can do for you," Uther insisted.

"No. I will wait until the lady Morgana is fully recovered and then I will be on my way," Edwin said.

"Why don't you stay a while? You could live here in the palace," Uther suggested.

"No, I feel I would be trespassing. And you already have a court physician," Edwin commented, and Evaine once again felt her trust in the man waver.

"I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help," Uther said.

"It is a kind offer, but-" Edwin said, trailing off as Uther shook his head.

"Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision," Uther commanded, and Edwin smiled.

"To dine with your majesty would be reward in itself," he said, before leaving the room. Evaine walked before the king to curtsey and began to leave before Uther called her back.

"Sire?" she asked, pausing at the door.

"I will send a messenger to your father, telling him of what a wonderful daughter he has for tending to Morgana," he said, and Evaine smiled, touched.

"Thank you, sire. I know the lady Morgana would have done the same for me," Evaine answered, smiling as she nodded her head before leaving. Anna was by her side in a matter of moments, grinning as she had heard the news of Morgana's recovery. "He is sending word to my father of how I have cared for the king's ward. As if that will truly make my father happy with me," Evaine confided, sighing as Anna took her arm in comfort.

"Your father is proud of you, Evaine. Perhaps just not in a direct way," Anna said, and Evaine smiled before patting Anna's hand.

"Come. I should finish those letters I started two days ago so they can be sent home. Brother and Alyon will think I have deserted them."

XXXXXX

"I have been through the court medical records with a fine-toothed comb, sire," Edwin said before the court. Evaine shared a confused look with Anna at his words.

"And were your findings satisfactory?" Uther asked.

"With regret, I would have to say they were not," Edwin confessed.

"How so?" Uther asked, leaning forward in his seat.

"Gaius is a great man, thorough and dedicated," Edwin complimented.

"But?" Uther supplied, Evaine and Anna waiting anxiously for what would be said next.

"His methods are outdated; he has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors," Edwin said, and Uther leaned back in surprise.

"Gaius has served me well for 25 years," Uther commented.

"And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse," Edwin added, and Evaine tensed at the implication.

"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens. Have you given any more thought to my offer?" Uther asked, and Edwin smiled.

"Yes. I have considered it very carefully," Edwin said, nodding his acceptance of Uther's offer.

"Allow me some time to do the same," Uther said, nodding for him to leave before standing and walking to get a drink. Morgana and Evaine shared a look before they both went to the King's side.

"Uther, you can't do this," Morgana said.

"He hardly left Morgana's side when she was ill. And when he did it was to research for more cures," Evaine added, and Uther sighed as he looked at the two.

"You heard what he said, Gaius is old. He makes mistakes," Uther answered.

"Gaius has treated me since before I can remember. You cannot cast him out," Morgana implored.

"You would have died if your care had been left to him. That's something I could not bear," Uther said, and the women could hear the worry and protection in his voice.

"I know that, but-" Morgana began, but Uther cut her off.

"I cannot risk something like this happening again," Uther said, before walking away.

"The king is not one to take counsel, is he?" Evaine commented, Morgana shaking her head. "There must be a way for Uther to see the importance of Gaius," she said.

"I will keep trying to speak with him. I will let you know if there is a change," Morgana said, the two smiling at the other.

XXXXXX

Evaine stood next to the training dummy Arthur was practicing on with his sword, him mentioning some interesting moves as she listened intently.

"My father showed me this next trick. I will show you slowly at first, so you get the motion right," he said, and she nodded.

"Thank you for this, Arthur," she said, and he paused, grinning in her direction.

"I do owe you," he said, looking at the arm he cut as she shrugged, encouraging him to continue his demonstration to which he complied to. Merlin appeared behind Arthur a few minutes later, Evaine smiling at him in greeting.

"I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake," Merlin said, Arthur turning to face him.

"A mistake that nearly killed Morgana. Besides, it wasn't the only one," Arthur stated, turning back to the training dummy.

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.

"Edwin said his work was riddled with errors," Evaine answered, shrugging her shoulders when Merlin shook his head.

"That's nonsense," Merlin replied.

"I don't believe it either, Merlin, but-" Evaine began, Arthur cutting her off.

"No one wants Gaius to go, but my father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do," Arthur stated, looking between the two before stabbing his sword to the ground and walking over to the knights. Merlin and Evaine watched him before she glanced at him.

"I'm sorry, Merlin," she said, and he nodded, smiling sadly before walking away.

XXXXXX

Evaine was walking from Morgana's chambers when she passed Merlin, smiling in passing to him until Arthur ran around the corner.

"Merlin! Evaine!" he shouted, and the two looked at the prince to see him panicking. "My father has Morgana's illness we must find Edwin!" he said before rushing down the corridor, searching in the rooms. Evaine shared a look with Merlin.

"His chambers," she said, and followed Merlin to Edwin's room, gasping when he opened it to see Gaius surrounded by a ring of fire with Edwin stood near the window next to his desk.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asked.

"He was trying to kill the king, I couldn't let him," Gaius explained, and Evaine tried to take a step towards the old man but Merlin held a hand out in front of her, his eyes trained on Edwin.

"I can rule the kingdom now, with you at my side. We can be all-powerful," Edwin said.

"What is he on about, Merlin?" Evaine asked, looking between the two men

"Release him!" Merlin shouted, and Edwin shook his head in disappointment.

"It's your loss, Merlin," Edwin said, before looking towards a hatchet on the wall. Evaine looked on in horror as it raised from the wall, Merlin grabbing her and bending them, so they would be out of its way. Evaine noticed how Merlin's eyes glowed gold before the hatchet paused and flew at Edwin, impaling him and killing him instantly. Evaine rushed to Gaius' side when the flames around him were extinguished with his death.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asked, Evaine checking for any wounds.

"Yes. Thank you, Merlin. What are you doing?" Gaius asked him, Evaine noticing that he was searching for something on Edwin's desk and came to his side when he opened a box full of beetles.

"Uther's ill. The same thing Morgana had. Edwin said he used these to cure morgana. Maybe we can too," Merlin explained, holding the box out.

"Elanthia beetles," Gaius named in surprise.

"They're magical," Merlin remarked.

"Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul. You must go to him," Gaius said, the two looking to Evaine.

"Go. I will tell Arthur that Edwin couldn't be found but that you two are with him," she said, and Merlin hesitated before nodding, the three leaving the room.

XXXXXX

"I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honour of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth you are a free man of Camelot," Uther declared, handing Gaius a scroll as the court clapped. Gaius nodded his head in respect before turning to shake hands with those around him.

"Gaius, congratulations," Evaine said, shaking the man's hand and surprising him with a kiss on the cheek. "I am so happy that you are returned and here to stay," she told him, and Gaius smiling, gripping her hand tightly.

"Thank you, Evaine," he said, before moving onto the next person. Arthur came to stand behind Evaine, making her jump when he spoke.

"My father received a letter today," he said, and handed her the letter in his hands. Evaine passed the pleasantries in the first part and took note of what it said towards the bottom.

I am glad to hear that my daughter is settling in so well in your fair city. It brings me great pleasure to know that she is quickly becoming a better woman and friend to you and your court.

I hope to visit you one day soon, and offer my thanks in person for taking Evaine into your court.

Your friend and ally,

Lord Balin of Tiltwood

Evaine smiled tightly at the words. "Thank you, Arthur," she told him, handing the letter back to him. He noticed her look and his smile fell.

"I thought you would be happy," he commented, and her face brightened.

"I am. It's just unusual for my father to praise me," she answered, and he frowned.

"I'm sorry," Arthur said quietly. She smiled at him, and he was happy to note it was a genuine one this time.

"It's not your fault," she said, turning to look as the court continued to clap for Gaius.

XXXXXX

"Will that be all, Evaine?" Anna asked her lady, stoking the fire as Evaine stood by her window in her nightgown, a robe around her shoulders.

"Yes, thank you, Anna," Evaine said, turning as Merlin's head appeared around the door when Anna opened it.

"Merlin! You startled me!" Anna said, the two blushing as Evaine smiled as she watched them both.

"Sorry, I was just-" he began to explain, but Evaine cut him off.

"I sent for him. Good-night, Anna," Evaine said, her friend shooting her a curious look before she left, leaving the lady and the warlock with nothing but the sound of the crackling fire.

"My lady, what you saw yesterday, it was just-" Merlin began, but Evaine raised her hand.

"It was magic, Merlin, and whatever stupid excuse you have conjured up don't even try it with me," Evaine said, indicating for him to sit as she moved to the seat next to the fire. She saw his hesitation before he did, and she smiled gently at him. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me, Merlin."

"Not that I am complaining, but why aren't you going to tell Uther? Magic is banned after all," he asked, and Evaine scoffed.

"If you think I would let an innocent die just for being born with abilities Uther disagrees with, you do not know me at all," she said, and Merlin smiled gratefully. "You are my friend, Merlin," she added, and he looked so happy the woman laughed. "Now, tell me," she began, and he grinned with confusion at her sudden excitement, "how many times have you saved that royal idiot Arthur's life?" she asked, and Merlin laughed as they talked of his adventures since arriving at Camelot.