"Mary?"... "Mary!" A slight shake of her shoulders makes her flinch, and she looks into her friend's brown, kind eyes. Gwen looks at her worriedly, "Mary? Can you hear me?"
Mary squints her eyes to block out the pounding throb behind her temples. But as it often happens, it doesn't work and she opens her eyes again slowly. She puts on a smile and replies, "Of course I hear you. Sorry, my mind was elsewhere just now."
Gwen looks at her searchingly. Her friend's eyes look dull with pain and she raises her eyebrows, "Do you have a headache again? You don't have to pretend with me...I can tell you're in pain."
Mary's smile disappears. Slightly agonized, she says, "Yeah, but I'll be fine."
Gwen puts her hand on the younger girl's shoulder, "Mary, have you told Gaius about this pain? Like you promised me?"
Mary shakes her head, "No. I haven't gotten around to it yet. I don't want him to worry. What were you going to ask me again?"
Gwen sighs, "Actually, I wanted to take you to the market this afternoon. Just the two of us. But let's not do that. You're as pale as a sheet. Merlin!" Merlin, who has just turned the corner, listens as Gwen calls him and comes closer. "Can you escort Mary to Gaius? She's not feeling so well." Mary gives her friend an angry look.
Merlin frowns and stands next to the two girls. Mary's sight suddenly goes black and she holds onto her friend. Merlin takes her arm and tries to support her. As he touches her, he suddenly feels a burning sensation in his hand where he is touching her and it seems to be drawing energy from him. Startled, he lets go of her and looks at his hand, which looks the same as it always did and is no longer burning.
Gwen has observed his strange behavior and looks at him questioningly, "Are you all right?"
Mary gasps, "Please, I need to sit down!" Gwen lowers her to the floor without taking her eyes off Merlin.
Confused, he shakes his hand and replies, "I don't feel so good myself. I'll get someone to take Mary to Gaius." As soon as he says this, he turns and hurries away.
Mary seems to recover somewhat and rests her head against the cool wall. The pain in her head is still there, as it has been for three weeks.
But the inexplicable weakness from before seems to have faded. Mary tries to calm down.
Arthur returns with Merlin to the girls, who are now both sitting next to each other on the floor. Gwen didn't want to leave her friend alone and has stayed with her. Mary has her eyes closed when Arthur joins them, but he can see that she is not well. When he touches her on the shoulder, she opens her eyes and looks at him. Smiling, he says, "Come Mary, let's take you to Gaius."
Mary makes a dismissive hand gesture, "No, I'm fine. If I can just sit for a minute, I'll be fine."
Arthur looks questioningly at Gwen. The latter replies, "We've been sitting here for quite a while and her condition hasn't improved."
The prince nods and unceremoniously lifts Mary, who resists only slightly. Gwen walks up beside the prince, Merlin keeping himself in the background. He still can't place the strange feeling from before.
Gaius is surprised when the group enters his chambers. When he sees Mary in the arms of the prince, he has her put on his bed. He has been watching her for some time. Since they returned from the search for Balinor, she seemed different. She seems to close her mind, often seems absent and distracted. He has asked her about it several times, but she keeps avoiding him. All he knows is that she often complains of headaches. Now, as he leans over her worriedly, she says, "Don't worry Gaius. Just a little fainting spell. Probably because of my constant headaches."
Gaius looks around and says, "I'll check her out. Thanks for your help."
Gwen stands next to the old man and says quietly, "She's been having these headaches ever since the dragon attack. I know she doesn't tell you everything because she doesn't want you to worry." She is about to follow the prince out when something else occurs to her, "Oh...check on Merlin too. He doesn't seem to be doing well either. Maybe they both caught the same thing?"
Gaius frowns and nods at her, "Thanks Gwen. I'll keep you posted."
The prince also turns again and says to Merlin, "I expect my dinner on time. But you can stay here until then. I know you can't concentrate anyway until you know what's going on with Mary." Arthur closes the door behind him.
Gaius turns to Mary, who has her eyes closed but her features are tense. "Mary?" She opens her eyes. The physician notices that her eyes are not as bright as usual. Concerned, he asks, "You have a non-stop headache? Where and how?"
Mary points dully to her temples, "Right behind them, actually. Throbbing, sometimes they're like lightning bolts. Like when..." She doesn't speak further.
Gaius inquires, "When are they like lightning bolts?"
Mary frowns, "It's only happened once. I'm not sure what it is."
"Did you hit your head on the trip when you were looking for Balinor?"
Mary considers for a moment: "No."
Gaius examines her head closely and keeps asking her questions. At times, the pain seems so severe that she can't give a clear answer. After half an hour, he gives her something for the pain and lets her rest.
Lost in thought, he stands by the fireplace and begins to prepare dinner. As he does so, he notices that Merlin is still sitting in the same place since he returned with Arthur, Gwen and Mary. He doesn't actually seem sick. Gaius clears his throat and says, "Merlin, sit with Mary. Take a book and do some reading. Tell me if anything changes in her condition."
Merlin stands up and walks unsteadily toward the bed where the girl is sleeping. Gaius notices that he is sitting down rather out of the way. He wonders if the two have been arguing again. Gaius shakes his head and turns his attention back to the evening meal.
When Mary wakes up, she looks around uncertainly. Gaius is sitting at one of the tables, leafing through one of his many books as he often does. Slowly, Mary sits up. Gaius lifts his eyes and smiles, "Hi. How are you?"
"Quite well, actually."
"The headache?"
"Only slightly noticeable now. Thanks!"
"Actually, I haven't done anything. I haven't figured out where they're coming from yet. Is there anything else that's different?"
Mary sits down at the edge of the bed and tries to think. As she does, she begins to play with her necklace, lost in thought. As she holds the pendant in her hand, she frowns and looks around. Gaius notices and asks, "What is it?"
"My necklace feels warm and it vibrates almost all the time. I've been noticing that over and over for the past few days. Maybe it's broken?"
Gaius comes closer and takes a look at the chain. "It seems fine." Then he looks at Mary and asks, "Would you like something to eat?"
Mary stands up and says, "Yes, I'd love to." She goes to the fireplace and scoops up a plate full of stew and sits down at the table.
Gaius says, "I need to check on the Prince again real quick. He hurt himself slightly during practice this afternoon. Don't look so worried...it's just a scratch. But I want to make sure it doesn't get infected. Eat until then. If you need anything, Merlin is in his room." Gaius leaves her alone.
Mary carefully takes a spoonful of stew. "Unfortunately, not the best meal Gaius has conjured up," she hears a voice behind her.
She turns and looks into the grinning face of Merlin, who is standing in his doorway. She shrugs, "It helps with the hunger."
"That's right. Do you mind if I keep you company?"
"Of course not. You can help yourself to another plate full."
"I'll settle for an apple, thank you." He takes one from the fruit bowl and sits down across from her. "How are you?"
"Better thanks!"
"You gave us quite a scare there. Gwen was here again asking about you. She's gone home, but will check on you in the morning. She told me to give you her regards."
Mary realizes she is also thirsty and asks Merlin, "Can you pass me the pitcher of water?"
As he hands her the pitcher, their hands briefly touch. Mary flinches and Merlin also notices the renewed burning where their skin touched. Startled, he frowns and looks at his fingers. Mary notices her headache getting stronger again. They both look at each other across the table. Mary asks softly, "Did you feel that too?"
Merlin tears his eyes open in surprise, "You too?"
"Already this morning, when you were trying to support me. It's like a flash in my head and then the pain gets worse. I thought it was a coincidence...but just now I felt it again."
"For me, it's more like a burning. Like a fire going through me. Where is it coming from?"
Mary shakes her head, "I don't know...but we should probably tell Gaius."
"What do you have to tell me?" The old man is just coming back. Merlin and Mary share their observations with him. The physician listens to them carefully. "Hmm, this is really beyond comprehension. I'd have an idea, but I'll have to read up on the subject a bit for that. I know that this phenomenon is very rare. Mary, why don't you go back to bed and try to sleep? I suppose you'd like to go to your own room for that. Would you mind leaving your necklace here with me for the night?" Mary takes off her necklace without hesitation and hands it to Gaius.
As she stands up, Gaius asks, "How's your headache?"
"It's getting worse again."
"Merlin, please escort her to her room. Don't let her have another fainting spell. Here Mary, take some of these drops again." He holds out a small bottle to her, which she willingly drinks up.
Merlin walks down the hallway a little behind Mary. Her room is right next to the physician's chambers. As they enter it is cold and dark. Merlin hurries past her and goes to the fireplace. Wood is already ready and with a flash of his eyes, he gets it burning. He notices that it consumes a lot of energy on his part. Otherwise, he hardly notices this spell, as it is simple and straightforward. He doesn't even need words for it anymore. Mary is already sitting on the edge of her bed, looking over at him gratefully. He asks, "Is that all right?"
She nods, "Thanks!"
He turns back to the door, "Good night."
"Merlin?"
"Yes?" He turns back to her.
She looks at him seriously, "How are you?"
He smiles, "Fine."
Mary tilts her head, "You're lying!"
Merlin slumps his shoulders and takes a few steps toward her again. She points to a chair and asks him to sit down. "Can you sleep?"
He smiles wryly at her, "Sometimes..."
"I'm sorry. I've never asked in the last few weeks. You must miss your father terribly."
Tears come to Merlin's eyes, "I hardly knew him, after all."
"But in the short time you were together, there was a connection. I could feel it. I know what it's like to lose your parents."
Merlin lowers his eyes and a tear drips onto his hands. Mary stands up and walks to him. Without warning, she puts her arms around him comfortingly. They both instantly notice their energy fading. It is as if they are draining and weakening each other. Mary's legs buckle and she sinks to the floor. As she does so, she loosens her embrace and remains sitting on the floor, breathing heavily. When she looks up, she notices that Merlin is also panting hard and looks exhausted. Horrified, she says, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...I was just...I wasn't thinking...I'm sorry."
Merlin raises his hand dismissively, "It's okay. I know that wasn't your intention. Whatever is going on, but you seem to be draining all my energy right now. I needed more strength than usual to lite that fire earlier, too." Merlin holds onto the chair to stabilize himself.
Mary asks, startled, "I'm draining your energy? How is that possible?" She puts her hand to her temple, "My headache seems to be getting stronger around you too." Mary crawls to her bed and with effort sits back down on the edge of the bed. Sadly she looks at Merlin, who still feels very weak. He doesn't know if he can get up yet. Their eyes meet. Merlin says, "I need to sit for a little while, if you don't mind. But I think we need to keep some distance until Gaius can fill us in, on what exactly is going on."
Mary nods and lies down on her bed: "I'm sorry about your father. He was a good man! Don't let nightmares disturb you. You're not to blame for his death." Her eyes fall closed.
Merlin smiles to himself and says softly, "How is it, that you know me so well?"
Mary is already fast asleep when Merlin finally gets up and walks out of the room.
Gaius looks up as Merlin drags himself into the physician's chamber and sinks down on a bench. Gaius asks, "Is everything all right?"
Merlin smiles wanly, "Yes, Mary is asleep."
"I actually meant more you with my question." He looks at the young man searchingly.
Merlin props his head in his hands, "I'm not sure." His gaze falls on Mary's necklace, which lies on the table in front of him.
Gaius follows his gaze and explains. "Mary told me that the necklace has always vibrated and warmed since your journey to Balinor and back."
"You mean...magic is present non-stop in Camelot? Everywhere?"
Gaius nods, "That's what I thought at first...but since Mary has been out of the room, the chain has calmed down and cooled."
Silence descends over the room as Merlin processes the explanation. "Are you telling me that the magic is inside Mary?"
"It almost looks that way to me. Now the only question is where she got this magic from and what it does to her. Did something unexplainable happen on your trip to Balinor?"
Merlin tries to remember all the details, "No...my dad applied an ointment to her wound that I have never seen before. While doing so, he uttered some words in the Old Language. Do you think he cast a spell on her."
Gaius sits down next to Merlin, "No. He helped her heal. That can't be it. I feel like the solution is in front of me."
Merlin tries to stand up, but has to hold onto the table. "I'm going to lie down, too."
Gaius, who has been watching him, asks, "What's wrong with you?"
Merlin sighs, "I feel like I'm losing my magical energy. But why, I can't say. The only thing I notice is that it always gets worse around Mary. I could make a fire only with the greatest effort. Otherwise it's a spell I can do in my sleep. When I touch her, it burns me like fire and then it stays that way for a while. That's why I called Arthur today, to bring her to you. In return, I make her headache worse and it goes through her like lightning when we are close. Maybe a reaction to the magic that's inside her now too?" Merlin sinks back down on the bench. Gaius looks at him seriously, "When your father was stabbed, you told me you had a burst of your magic that you couldn't hold back. Your emotions discharged at that moment through your gift. The soldier who attacked you was killed in the process."
Merlin nods guiltily, "I couldn't control it."
"Was Mary near you?"
Merlin closes his eyes and tries to remember the moment. With painful intensity, images form in his mind's eye. How his badly injured father collapses in his arms and Merlin's rage is released in a cry of despair. Trembling, he draws in his breath. Gaius touches him on the arm and says fatherly: "I know this hurts and I'm sorry. But I need to know if Mary was hit by your magic discharge."
Merlin opens his eyes and tears stream down his face, "I remember her coming out from behind the tree she was hiding to check on my father. Yes, she was caught by my magic and thrown to the ground. You mean I did that to her?" Horror spreads across the young sorcerers face.
Gaius sighs, "I can't say for sure yet. But I now know what to look for. Here, drink this and lie down. You need sleep."
Merlin shakes his head and pushes the glass away, "I don't need a sleeping draft."
"Merlin. For three weeks now, I've heard you screaming and moaning in your sleep every night. You have nightmares. You're the last to go to bed and the first to get up in the morning. You need to sleep!"
Resigned, Merlin takes the cup and empties it in one go.
When Merlin has disappeared into his room, Gaius goes to the library to look for books on borrowed or shared magic.
The next morning, Mary is awakened by a soft knock on her bedroom door. "Come in?"
She sits up in bed as Gwen pokes her head in, "Hi. I just wanted to see how you were doing!"
Mary smiles, "Better. I had a good night's sleep." She swings her legs over the side of the bed and begins to dress for the day.
Gwen asks, "Can you work today? How's your headache?"
"Almost gone. Gaius tinctures are helping. Of course I will work. I promised Matthiew I'd visit him today on my rounds of the lower city. How are you?"
"Well, I'm trying to make myself useful. But it's been hard since Morgana left."
"The king is looking for her every day. Maybe they'll find her soon."
"I don't know. She was taken by a powerful sorceress, and it's been more than three weeks." Gwen hangs her head.
"You mustn't give up hope, Gwen. If you have nothing else to do, why don't you accompany me through the lower town? The weather looks wonderful and it will take your mind off things...and mine, too." she adds quietly. Again and again she thinks of Merlin and how their closeness to each other seems to weaken them both. Without warning, she hugs Gwen tightly, who returns the gesture, "Hey, are you okay?"
Mary breaks free of the hug again and nods.
Just as the girls leave the room, Gaius comes down the hall. He looks tired and Mary asks, "Gaius? You look like you haven't slept all night."
"I've been in the library. I'm going to lie down for a minute and let my old bones rest. I need you and Merlin in my chambers at the second hour of the afternoon. Can you give him the message? Knowing him, he is already out of his room."
Mary frowns, "Of course. I'll see you then!"
Gwen accompanies Mary on her rounds through the lower town. They visit the sick and injured, and Mary also checks on those she doesn't see as regularly now that she lives in the castle. She enjoys the conversations and is glad that her headache, though still present, is not getting any worse. Around noon, they are invited to lunch by the baker's family. Much to the delight of Matthiew, who immediately grabs a seat next to Mary and happily tells her about all his experiences. Especially the attack of the dragon made a great impression on him and he tells how they found shelter in the nearby forest and from there watched the nightly attacks full of worry. "I wanted to help the knights, but mother wouldn't let me go."
Mary looks at her little tablemate, "Your mother was right about that, too. It was no place for such little boys as you."
"I am brave and strong. I could have helped the prince. I would have saved you from the fire."
Mary smiles, "Yes, I don't doubt that. But I'm glad you weren't there."
Matthiew gets serious, "Do your burns still hurt?"
"Yes, it takes time to heal."
Matthiew's gaze falls on Mary's still bandaged right hand. "May I see the scars?"
"Matthiew. Sit up straight and stop asking Mary all those questions!" his mother says forcefully.
Mary winks at the boy and whispers, "When the healing is complete, I'll show you the scars. All right?" The boy beams.
On the way home, Gwen says, "The boy loves you very much."
"Yes, since the consumption thing, we've become close."
"How's your head?"
"Surprisingly well, actually. Come, we must find Merlin. Gaius is waiting for us in his chamber." The girls separate. Gwen heads straight for the prince's chambers. She has found some more blankets in Morgana's room, which are not needed at the moment, since the king's ward is still missing. Gwen distributes the warm blankets to the remaining rooms, as the nights are already getting very chilly again. She knocks on the prince's door, "Come in?"
As she opens the door she sees the prince bent over documents. She knows that desk work is not one of his favorite pastimes. Especially not when Merlin is sitting not far away polishing his armor.
Exasperated, the prince looks up, but his gaze softens as he recognizes Gwen: "Guinevere!"
"Sorry to disturb you. I thought you would like another blanket for the night. These are left over from Morgana."
Arthur's gaze darkens as he looks at the blanket in Gwen's hands, "We'll find Morgana."
"Of course. But until then, there's no harm in using the blankets, is there?"
Arthur points to his bed, "Put them there. Thank you!" Gwen does so, then looks around uncertainly. Arthur asks, "Is there anything else?"
"Well, Gaius asked about Merlin." the addressed lifts his gaze from the armor.
Arthur rolls his eyes, "Good. I don't know how I could have lasted so long with him today. It's another one of those days where I wonder why I put up with him. Merlin, you can go. I hope to see you tomorrow with more energy. All the things you couldn't do today will be added to your list tomorrow."
Merlin bows his head and walks out with Gwen.
A short time later, Gaius, Merlin and Mary are sitting in the physician's chambers. Gaius has an open book in front of him and looks gravely at his wards, "I think you, Mary, were struck by Merlin's magic when it burst out of him uncontrollably." Mary remembers invisible power pinning her to the ground and nods. The physician continues, "Some of his magic, has taken hold of you. Only unfortunately, you are no match for that power. Merlin's magic is now divided and it is frantically trying to become one again. That's why you, Mary, get the strong headaches and lightning when you get close to each other and you, Merlin, feel weak and without energy. The magic pulls from both sides and continues to do so until it is restored."
Merlin frowns, "That means all my magic could go to Mary?"
Gaius shakes his head, "No. The magic knows it belongs to you. It's complicated. If we do nothing, it will eventually return to you. But..." Mary and Merlin look up at Gaius' worried voice, "...if we do nothing, Mary will die. The magic is too entrenched and would eventually steal her mind and then her will to live."
Merlin asks, "And what can we do?"
Gaius looks at the open page in the book in front of him, "We need an earth-guardian." he sees the questioning looks and explains, "Magical, very timid creatures that guard the flow of magic of the earth. They can perform a ritual that brings magic back to its usual place."
Merlin jumps up, "That doesn't sound hard at all. Where do we find these earth-guardians?"
Gaius sighs, "It must be a place where magic flows strongly. These places are rare, yet all around us. We all know of one, close by."
Mary nods, "My quiet place."
"Exactly. All I know is that you Mary, must sleep during the spell. You Merlin need to stay conscious and it won't be easy. I can't come with you because I would only upset the balance."
Merlin rubs his forehead, "That's not a lot of information."
Gaius nods, "I'm sorry. But I have faith that you two will be able to do this. You'd best be on your way now so you can be back here before the end of the night. Mary, take some of Morgana's sleeping potion with you. You're going to need it."
It is already late afternoon when Merlin and Mary arrive at the waterfall. Pieps comes hopping joyfully toward the two of them. Mary takes the little bird in her hand: "Oh, how are you. I'm sorry I haven't been here for so long."
Merlin stands in front of the pond and asks, "Great, now how do we get to this Earth-guardian?"
Mary looks in her bag and pulls out her necklace, which Gaius, just before they set out, had given her back, saying, "Here, this might be able to help you.". Her headache intensifies as she holds the necklace in her hand. "Here...this might help. Do you remember unknowingly calling the unicorn when you dipped the necklace in the water?"
"I don't know what I did to make it work."
"I think the necklace knows what to do. Trust the magic within it."
Merlin hesitantly reaches out for it, "I don't know if I have enough strength to even hold the necklace for any length of time. It will not only strengthen me, but weaken me as well."
"I know...but we have to try." She drops the chain into his hand and sinks to her knees. Her headache is pounding unbearably.
Merlin clasps the necklace and immediately notices how his magic responds. He closes his eyes and places his hands in the cold water. When he can no longer stand the vibrations going through his body, he sits down on the shore, exhausted. He drops the chain and lies down on the grass. Breathing heavily, he looks at Mary, who is holding her head in her hands and says, "I hope this works soon. Your pain is getting worse?"
Mary nods, but doesn't look up.
It is already dark when Merlin hears soft footsteps. He must have dozed off. Surprised, he looks around and sees Mary leaning against a tree a bit off to the side. She has Pieps in her hand and is lovingly stroking the bird. A unicorn comes out of the nearby woods and toward the two of them. Mary sees it too and stands up in surprise. Merlin also sits up with some difficulty. The magical creature stops and looks at them out of wise, friendly, brown eyes: "You need help?" it asks.
Merlin now stands up as well, "We need an earth-guardian. My magic has split and part of it is now in Mary." He points to her, "We were told that an Earth-guardian can help us. Otherwise, Mary dies."
The unicorn tilts her head, "Yes, that is all true. I can feel your magic young warlock. It is trying with all its might to become whole again. I also sense that an earth-guardian is already here. He has already heard your call for help. Come, show yourself."
A flicker goes through the air and suddenly a small, gnarled dwarflike man stands next to the unicorn. His skin is covered with roots and he looks around anxiously with his beady eyes. He has a huge nose and also his hands are overdimmensionally large to the rest of his small body. Mary and Merlin look at him in fascination.
The unicorn gently nudges the small man, "Come, they won't hurt you. Help them before it's too late."
With bouncing steps, the earth-guardian approaches Merlin and says in a croaky voice, "So you're the big Emrys? I imagined you a lot bigger and stronger."
Merlin frowns, "You didn't grow very tall either."
Some roots come off the dwarfs's skin and wrap around Merlin's ankle. Merlin wants to take a step back, but feels that he is being held by a force. A tremor runs through his body as he feels the power of the earth-guardian flow through his body.
The dwarf pulls back his roots and says, "You have a big mouth. I sense that your gift is divided. You are weakened. You can also just wait and it will heal itself."
Merlin looks to Mary, "Yes, but only at a loss."
The black beady eyes eye Mary, who has sunk back to the ground. Her head seems to be splitting, it hurts so bad. Disparagingly, the dwarf says, "She is a human from Camelot. She is not worthy of magic. A small loss for all the sacrifices we magical creatures have endured in this kingdom."
Merlin shakes his head, "No!"
The dwarf looks at him in surprise, "Maybe I need to tell you, that getting your magic back will not be pleasant."
"I don't care. Tell me what I have to do."
"First, she needs to sleep. Her body can't take it otherwise. I assume the great Emerys knows a powerful sleep spell?"
Merlin shakes his head in confusion. Mary heard the little man and retrieves the vial of sleeping potion from her herbal bag, "Here. We've taken care of it." In one gulp, she empties the vial and is grateful to be able to exchange the droning pain for relieving darkness. The remedy takes effect quickly and her eyelids grow heavy. She tries to smile bravely at Merlin and then tips sleepily to one side.
The unicorn walks up to Mary. It touches her with its horn and then says to Merlin, "She's fast asleep." Merlin nods in relief. The dwarf now says urgently, "Bring her over here and help me clear the earth under the grass."
Merlin lifts Mary up and places her next to the earth-guardian on the grass. The latter looks at him and says sarcastically, "You seem stronger than you look, Emrys." Merlin just smiles wryly and starts digging a small hole in the ground. With effort, he asks, "How big an area does the earth have to be exposed?"
"So that your hands have a good place in it." Merlin continues to work silently. He notices the magic tugging at him. At last the earth-guardian says, "That's enough. What comes next will not be easy. You must not, under any circumstances, break the ritual, even if you would like to. Otherwise, your magic will detach from you and be lost forever. And you with it."
Merlin nods uncertainly, "I will do anything you say."
The dwarf grins, "Good! Put Mary's hand and yours in the fresh earth." As Merlin holds his hand in the moist, loose earth, he gasps in surprise. He can feel the magic flowing through the earth. It pulses strongly and the air around him begins to shimmer. The male nods at him, "You feel it. The power of magic flowing through the earth, the water and the air. The magic of the Old Religion is all around you, always. Now take Mary's hand in yours. You must not let go of her under any circumstances. No matter what happens." Merlin nods. He sees out of the corner of his eye, that the unicorn retreats into the forest. Merlin clutches Mary's hand tightly as he sees the Earth-guardian draw a small root-twisted dagger and approach the exposed earth. With one swift motion, he draws the dagger's edge across Mary's hand. The cut immediately begins to bleed. Merlin angrily wants to push the dwarf away and moves.
The earth-guardian looks at him angrily, "Under no circumstances break the ritual!"
Merlin grips Mary's hand tighter again. Her blood slowly seeps into the earth. A brief sharp pain jolts through Merlin and he sees that the dwarf has now cut his hand with the dagger as well. Immediately his blood oozes out of it and runs down the back of his hand into the earth. The male says with a grin, "Now it's going to be unpleasant for you. Let's see how powerful you really are Emrys."
Merlin watches as his and Mary's blood soaks the earth. Nothing seems to be happening and he is about to ask the Earth-guardian about it when he notices a slight burning in the wound. Frowning, he looks at it. "Ah, you feel it. Her blood is mixing with yours...or rather, magic is seeking its way across the river of life. My final advice...you must remain conscious throughout the regression!"
"Why do you say that? I don't feel tired at all."
"Oh, it has nothing to do with tiredness. You will learn why the girl has to sleep, during the ritual. Only I can't give you that leniency. You must resume your magic in a clear mind."
Merlin notices the burning sensation getting a little stronger and now moving through his arm. Annoyed, he says, "Why must you magical beings always speak in riddles? Why don't you just say clearly what's going on?" But he gets no more answer and looking around he notices that he and Mary are alone. The burning has now reached his chest and he begins to understand what the dwarf had meant by uncomfortable. Merlin closes his eyes and tries to concentrate on the rippling sound of the waterfall. However, he only succeeds to a certain extent. After a few minutes, his body feels like it's being burned alive. At the irony of this, Merlin has to laugh briefly. But the laughter changes to a pained groan as the burning becomes even stronger. Merlin resists the urge to let go of Mary's hand. Beads of sweat form on his forehead and he feels the pain increase to unbearable levels. He breathes hard and realizes that his consciousness is threatening to leave him.
"Stay here, young warlock. You must not give up yet. Soon you will have made it. Open your eyes."
Merlin does so with effort and looks into the unicorn's eyes. It continues speaking, "You are strong Emrys! Think of Camelot, the young prince. Think of Gaius and the girl lying next to you. That will give you strength to stay awake."
Merlin presses out, "And once again...my...gift strikes me as more of a curse...than a blessing..."
The unicorn looks at him sadly, "It is both!"
Merlin digs his free hand into the grass and earth below in pain. He knows he can't withstand the agony much longer.
Merlin doesn't know how much time has passed but he is suddenly flooded with a comforting warmth and he hears the unicorn say, "Rest Emrys! It is done."
Merlin's muscles relax and he is instantly enveloped in endless darkness.
A soft chirp makes its way through her thoughts. She frowns and considers what is different. Something soft nestles in her hand. She smiles as Pieps comes to her mind. As she slowly opens her eyes she realizes what is different. Her head is clearer than it has been in a long time. Delighted, she looks into her open hand and discovers the little bird looking at her with a tilted head as if to ask why she is lying here on the ground.
Slowly, fragments come back to her mind...the strange root man, the unicorn, her bad headache. Something holds her hand and she slowly supports herself. It is pitch dark, but here in this place it never seems to get completely dark. Thousands of fireflies dance around her and the moon makes its light reflect in the water. Surprisingly, she is not cold at all. She looks at her hand, which is stuck in soil. Only now she sees that Merlin is holding her. Both their hands are injured and the earth around them is dark and wet from all the blood.
Gently, she releases her hand from his and looks at the cut across the back of her hand. It doesn't seem to be very deep and it's not bleeding anymore.
"Merlin?" But she gets no answer. She sees that his eyes are closed. His hair is stuck on his sweaty forehead and his breathing is shallow. Concerned, she looks around, but she can't spot the earth-guardian or the unicorn. She rises and goes to the water to clean her hand from the blood and soil. She discovers her necklace on the bank of the pond and puts it back on with trembling hands. The chain vibrates slightly and the stone is warm. But something tells her that she is not the trigger for that anymore, but rather the environment is the cause. She takes a piece of cloth from her herbal bag and wets it with the cool water. Then she gently begins to clean Merlin's injured hand. She also refreshes his face. She spots his other hand clawed deep into the earth, and she wonders with a heavy heart what he has endured. Pieps notices her worry and moves closer to her. He snuggles close to her and so they both wait for the young warlock to finally wake up.
Dawn begins to shine through the trees as a low moan comes from Merlin's lips. Fluttering, his eyelids open and he looks into Mary's worried eyes. He tries to smile and says, "How are you?"
Mary raises her eyebrows, "I should probably ask you that. You look like you've been through hell."
Merlin sits up slowly and rubs his eyes. The burning of the wound on his hand reminds him of all that has happened, "Yeah, that must be what it feels like to go through hell. How's your head?"
"Better than it's been in a long time!"
"I'm glad to hear that. Come on, let's go home. Gaius will be worried."
Mary helps him stand and asks, "What happened?"
Merlin pats his pants free of dirt and says, "Nothing worth telling. All I know is that my magic is complete again and I never want to meet an earth-guardian again."
Mary laughs softly, „He wasn't very nice, that creature!" Then she places her injured hand on Merlin's and says, "I thank you. For all you've done."
The young sorcerer squeezes her hand, "You're my best friend! I'm glad to have you back! In many ways."
They both say goodbye to Pieps, who retreats to his cave, and walk side by side, back to Camelot.
