Destiny's Unraveling

by StaytheCourse

Even prophecies cannot predict all choices. When two young magical beings come together, bound by their entangled destinies, it seems that fate begins to unravel before them. Merlin has one goal: guide Arthur to unite Albion and keep him safe. He never expected to find someone of equal importance, but he did in Rose White-hart. And she has one objective: protect Merlin at all cost.

5. Chapter 5

"In and Out" (Rose)

Still surrounded in darkness, I cannot seem to wake. I feel so drained of life; I do not have the strength to do much of anything. I feel something tugging at my right arm, which stopped hurting earlier. Now, I can sense someone holding onto my hand. Whoever it is, their hand is so warm that when they squeeze mine, I squeeze back as best I can so that maybe they'll keep their grip for a little bit longer. They do, for just a minute, and then, they let go.

I stir, and try my hardest to ask them to stay. All I can get out, in a brief moment of consciousness is a pathetic sounding, "Don't." Even that wipes me out. Before I fall back into a deep and dreamless sleep, the hand cups around mine once more, I feel myself smile and am contented to let myself rest.

"Her Beck and Call" (Merlin)

I decide to let her alone for the time being. God only knows that if she were awake, she probably wouldn't want me anywhere near. I release her hand and stand up to leave when I hear her move a bit. I turn back to face her, and she looks partially strained. I step back toward her with growing concern. "Don't," she says in a voice so small it sounds just above a whisper. I am confused for a split second, but then I realize that she wants me to stay with her. She must've been somewhat aware when I touched her hand. I sit on the ground near the bed, back on the side by the window (where I had just been perched) and grab her hand to let her know I've returned.

"I'm here," I tell her, hushed, "Don't worry. I'll take care of you." Here she lays, with the ability to do naught for herself, yet she made the effort (which right now is a lot for her) to call out to me to stay by her side. Now I see that she smiles as I hold her hand in mine. This warms me, causing me to smile as well, probably like a fool, but I don't care. It's not like she can see me anyways.

I lie on my side, my right hand above me, clinging onto hers. Given my long arms, I'm not uncomfortable, but I am tired. I feel my head droop and hit the floor just below me. Soon, I will be fast asleep.