"Please" (Rose)
"Which one is it?" Gwen asks, panicking.
"I don't know," Merlin admits in defeat.
"He's dying!" she cries.
I bend down over his frail body, stroking his weathered face. "Please, Gaius. Hold on," I beg, my tears collecting fast as his eyelids flutter and then shut. "No," I nearly shriek, my emotions spiraling out of control.
I hear the glasses of the potion bottles clanging as I try to turn him over.
"I think it's this one," Merlin says, hopefully but full of doubt.
The air fills with weighted silence, then the clinks continue.
My heart sinks as my tears force themselves from their place, splashing onto the floor. My breathing becomes faster and labored, stricken with fear of loss. "I can't lose you … Merlin!" I cry as I watch Gaius slip further away from me.
Finally, Merlin says confidently, "This one!"
"Help me," I sniff as they make their way over. "I can't turn him over."
I feel so weak and useless.
Merlin moves Gaius and shakily uncaps the antidote. I help him part Gaius's lips as he pours the liquid into his mouth. Much to our horror,it doesn't seem to do anything. I try to force the excess back in as well.
"Are you sure that was the antidote?" Gwen asks.
Merlin stares at Gaius, mouth agape. "No."
"It has to be," I say.
"Gaius! Come on!" Merlin urges.
"Please, Gaius!" I cry.
"Please!" begs Merlin. "Come on. you stubborn old goat!"
And still, nothing happens. I resign to my tears. I choke out a sob, and press my forehead to Gaius's.
Just as my tears touch his skin, "Who are you calling an old goat?" Gaius mutters weakly.
I jump back, joy swelling inside me. "Gaius!"
Merlin and Gwen laugh in relief.
"You did it," I say to Merlin with gratitude. "Thank you, too, Gwen," I turn to her. She smiles gently. "And you," I look back down at Gaius. "Never do that again!" I laugh through happy tears.
"Awkward Confessions" (Merlin)
"That's definitely something I never want to relive," I sigh.
"I have to agree with you, Merlin," Gaius replies. "It was the strangest of sensations to be trapped inside my own body, like being pushed into the corner of your home and being unable to move about or speak freely."
"I'm so sorry you had to endure that, Gaius," Rose places a loving hand on his slightly hunched shoulder.
"It's alright," he smiles at her with comfort. "Gwen, my dear," he begins, turning his attention to the other girl. "I cannot thank you enough for assisting me in achieving my freedom once more, but could I possibly bother you to give us a few moments to settle a few matters?"
"Oh," she says, "Of course!"
"Thank you, Gwen," I call after her as she makes her way to her regular duties.
The physician centers himself, peering at the two of us with a grim expression that a small smile soon cracks.
"I didn't think I would ever be anymore thankful that Rose came along until this day," he laughs heartily, teasing me the way only he can.
Rose gives a small flattered giggle, and I laugh, too. "Can you ever forgive me, Gaius?"
"Perhaps," he smiles crookedly at me. "In the meantime, I have some awkward confessions to make."
"Oh," a little gasp escapes Rose's lips. "I had almost forgotten that you had been arrested, Merlin."
"Being that as it may," Gaius adds. "I must clear your name. Let us hope that Uther finally sees reason and doesn't send us both to the dungeon."
Our steps seem heavier as we make our way to the throne room where we will meet Uther with evidence so he may determine whether or not we are telling the truth … AGAIN.
As the court assembles and Gaius begins his own rendition of the goings-on, Uther's face contorts very oddly at this news.
"You mean to tell me it was you who was responsible for the baldness, the flatulence, the boils, and Arthur's donkey ears?" Uther asks in disbelief.
Arthur makes a face to his father's insensitivities towards what he preferred to be private. I let out the smallest of laughs against my better judgment.
"I fear I was, my lord," Gaius confesses. "Or at least the goblin was while I was possessed by it."
"Magic has the power to corrupt even the most honorable of men," says the King.
He always manages to miss the point.
"Indeed," Gaius agrees quietly. "Though, I must assure you that Merlin was entirely innocent." He motions back to me. Morgana's face turns to one of pure hate. I both feel like laughing at her anger, and also, knocking a shield into her face- neither of which would make me a gentleman.
Uther nods with hesitance, not wanting to admit fault. "Then he is pardoned."
The box with the goblin inside starts to groan and jiggle, much to the King's dismay.
"May I suggest is it kept where no one will ever open it?" Gaius inquires.
Uther nods much quicker this time. "See that it's placed in the vaults."
With that, we all bow and begin to make our exit.
"Gaius," King Uther calls. "Do you know who was responsible for releasing the goblin in the first place?"
I wish my hardest for my face not to flush with shame.
Gaius pauses. "I'm afraid I've no idea, my lord," he lies.
Uther nods, and we make our way out of the throne room. Behind us we hear the goblin causing another small ruckus and the King command, "Now. Secure it now."
Feeling proud of myself for not laughing at Uther's newfound fear of goblins, my high spirits are swiftly smushed as Arthur's voice penetrates into my eardrums. "Don't think that your innocence in this circumstance will free you from your chores, Merlin. You are to be out on the training grounds within the hour."
I nod with lips pursed. "Of course, your Majesty."