This may seem a bit rushed, but it's the best I could do at the time. I still hope you enjoy. Next Chapter will be up soon. Have a very Merry Christmas!

At dawn a day later, 4 horses set off into the rising sun. All four occupants held their heads high, ignoring the sinking feeling in their guts. What was about to happen was nothing short of a miracle and a tragedy all in one. Something big was to happen tonight. It would change everything.

Just as the sun was thinking about setting, the isle came into view just over the ridge.

" You can wait here," Uther told the two knights that trailed behind him. Gereld stayed by his king's side and wondered over to the small wooded boat that sat rocking against the dock. It's bow creaked from the light wind. It didn't look as though it could hold a child's weight. He wasn't sure if it would be able to hold two grown men. It's creaking and groaning was not pleasant, but the boat did it's job. The second the last foot entered it's wooden body, it started to float steadily ahead. Uther's face was a mixture of frightened surprise and disgust. Gereld's held fear and determination mingled together. One could not diseipher the other without colliding. Like comets in the sky, quick pulses of each hit the man making him want to turn back, yet want to run forward all the same.

The calm waters enabled the small boat to glide smoothly. It took just a few moments to reach the land looming ahead. The island in it's ominous glory stood high in the sky. The tips of the crumbled castle touched the grey clouds above. It's walls were stained black from years of abandonment and shivering cold rain.

Uther got out of the boat first, emphasizing his courage and authority to whatever lurked in the shadows. He looked about the tall grass and crumbled wall warily before giving a hand to the older man still in the boat. Once Gereld got his footing, the two men together walked up the pastures of dead and still lively grass. The strands were as high as their knees, not being kept up with. The stone stairs were cracked, floors in much the same condition. Plant life poked itself through the tight slivers. There was little that didn't attract the eye. Much of it was oddly curiosity provoking. Ahead rested several stone pillars that, in varying lengths, surrounded what appeared to be some sort of alter. It attracted the men like a moth to a fire. The Isle was directing them to where they needed to be. They walked up to the edge and looked around.

" What must we do?" Uther asked Gereld, who himself searched for a sign.

" I'm not quite sure," He replied quietly. They listened intently, searched for what may be required to start this ritual of sorts, but nothing sparked their instincts.

Nothing happened for some time. Perhaps the idea truly was a bad idea. Uther was considering it himself. What were they supposed to do, surly there must be something. He looked around searching but jumped when a thundering sound came from the earth. It repeated itself, gaining strength and volume every time. It was as though the land had a pulse of it's own. It's strength grew, shaking the ground below their feet. It became louder and louder until it stopped completely.

An older woman stepped out from behind a cobble stone wall. She wore a brown dress, with an off-white apron atop it's fringe. Her face was youthful yet aged at the same time. She was elegant and angelic, though suprisingly her appearence was modest. Her status was not of royalty, but heart of the finest gold. She smiled as she made her way to the two gawking men.

" Alley?" Gereld's shaky voice spoke. His eyes watered in bewilderment," Is that you?"

" I'm not Alley, Gerald. But I am a representation of her. She is waiting for you," The interpreter of Alley said.

" Who are you then?"

" I am a guider of the isle. I am magic. I help to guide those in their quest, like yours," She said, becoming more serious.

" So then you know why we're here?" Uther asked, holding onto his authority.

The woman nodded and replaced her attention with Gereld.

" Do you understand the implications of what you ask? You understand what must happen to return someone who has passed?"

" I do,"

" You life will be sacrificed for theirs,"

" I understand, and I am willing to give up my life for Merlin's,"

Alley waited a moment to see if he would change his mind and run as many before him had. But, he stayed gallantly where he stood. He stayed put with enough bravery to feed one thousand knights ready for battle.

" Very well," She said, holding out her hand.

Gereld looked toward his wife's youthful hand and stepped forward. He reached his fingers until they just barely brushed hers, and the entire sky lit up in bright lightning. It crashed down without the normal storm maliciousness. It was a brighter, divine light. Uther turned around and covered his eyes. It was bright enough to boil water and scold flesh. His face felt as fragile as the finest glass.

Once the blinding light's intensity subsided enough to see, Uther uncovered his stinging eyes. He wiped away the watery residue and looked around squinting.

In the same spot where Gereld had been, now lay a skinnier, dark haired boy. Hesitantly moving closer, Uther looked at the face of the man. The familiar protruding cheekbones and shaggy neckerchief met his gaze. It was Merlin. It had worked! Though the servant wasn't moving. He stayed still, face paler than the whitest clouds. He inched even closed and got down on one of his patted knees. Taking a shaking hand, Uther shook the limp shoulder firmly, still though not touching the servant more than necessary. The boy was cold, but warm enough to be alive. He shook again, harder this time and was awarded with a wide eyed, coughing reaction.

" Wha-" Merlin managed to say through the coughing and confusion.

" Be still," Uther said, keeping a hand on the boy.

" Sire? What's going on?" Merlin asked with a calmer body but panicked voice. His eyes darted around, glancing at the surrounding scenery. He recognized it but could place it to a name. However, he did no how this place made him feel, and he didn't like it. It was where bad things have happened. Yet he was here somehow. Of course he was.

" Where's Arthur?" He replaced his previous question with the most important one.

" What do you remember?" Uther asked instead of answering the boy's questions.

Merlin sat up slowly and rubbed his head.

" I don't know," He paused and recounted his last memory," There was a man around a fire. He was a sorcerer, and Arthur wanted to bring him back to Camelot. The man, he pulled out a weapon and Arthur did what he had to. Then another sorcerer came out from the woods and there was a bright light. That's all I can remember. It's all a bit fuzzy," Merlin stated, being more lucid as the moments unfolded.

Uther nodded and stood up. Merlin joined him and looked around.

" I don't understand, why am I here? What happened?"

" Arthur brought your body back to Camelot. The sorcerer killed you. Arthur didn't recover. My adviser Gereld convinced me that this was the only way to fix him. I had to do whatever it took."

" Where is he?"

" Arthur is back in Camelot,"

" No sire, Gereld."

Uther hung his head low," He sacrificed himself to bring you back,"

A horrified look took over Merlin's face. Why would someone sacrifice themselves to bring him back? He was a servant, not a trusted council member or royal. He was nothing compared to them.

" He had little time to live. It was his idea," Uther assured," But we must get back to Camelot. Arthur doesn't have much time left."

" Time left? What happened?" Merlin asked when Uther turned around and started to walk back to the boat that waited for them on the shore.

" He stopped living... Stopped eating, drinking... Gaius said at that pace, he would die if he doesn't start again."

" Oh," Merlin mumbled and took a moment to process this new found knowledge.

Uther looked behind him at Merlin, trying to understand what was going on in the lad's head.

"He's offly fond of you,"

Merlin nodded," Yeah."

" Why is that?"Uther asked curiously. Maybe understanding why they were close would make this a lot easier.

" I'm not even sure my lord. Perhaps because I'm the only one who wasn't afraid to stand up to him. Treat him as everyone else. He's changed a lot since then."

Uther nodded, not quite liking the answer, but it would do for now. He had to admit though, Arthur had grown up a lot since he had appointed Merlin as his manservant. At times his son could be cruel, especially to his past servants. He was pompous, high on power. In more ways than one, his son was a better person now. He didn't say it often, but he was proud of the man he was becoming. It pained him deeply to see him now, so lifeless and downright depressed. It scared him as father, and a king who had to leave his legacy to him.

" Well, the faster we get back to Camelot, the sooner you can sort him out," The king said, surprising Merlin more than a flying horse.

" Yes Sire,"

Merlin walked up the steps of the citadel, ignoring the looks of the attentive people around him. There were more important matters at hand than to explain to those who hardly knew him. He wasn't quite sure if he should believe that Arthur would be in the way Uther explained. There was no way the death of a servant impacted him enough to send him into a regressive depression. Merlin couldn't believe it, yet the intensity of the situation didn't allow him to pause. Quick determined feet walked through the corridors until reaching their destination. Merlin didn't bother knocking. He open the large, creaky doors of his master's chambers quietly. He opened them enough to slip his slender body through the hole. The room was not cold, but the air was heavy. There was no real way to explain it. It was disheartening. The fireplace was out, only grey ash was left. It was not particularly cold outside, but the room somehow needed it's bright warmth. Without it, is was as though everything in it was dead.

Every surface was covered in a thin layer of dusk. Merlin brushed his fingers against Arthur's meal chair, lacing his fingers in the grey stuff. He rubbed it off and headed slowly to the bed where the occupant lay facing the doors. Arthur's face was buried in the blankets which left one small sliver of his face exposed. It was enough to see his sunken eyes, large cheekbones, and sickly pallor. It was striking to say the least. If it weren't for the slow rise and fall of the covers, one could think he was dead. Merlin hesitantly reached his hand out and placed it on Arthur's shoulder.

" Arthur, wake up. It's me, Merlin," He shook the shoulder slightly, not wanting to get his head chewed off for touching him. But, nothing happened. Not a wince, a flutter, sigh, anything. He tried gain, with more force.

" Arthur, open your eyes you lazy oaf,"

It still didn't work.

Old habits die hard. Merlin grinned slightly but remained serious as he started to pull on the covers. This got a response. A slow, unsteady hand pulled them back up and pulled them under his chin. Arthur clenched the sheets tightly, grunting angrily.

" Arthur, stop being a dollop head," Merlin egged on.

His words stilled Arthur's form like a board. His breathing caught, but eyes tightened farther shut.

" Open your eyes, it's Merlin. I'm alive Arthur, I'm right here,"

A few seconds of silence followed between them both.

" No," Arthur said quietly. It didn't even sound like him. His voice resembled an old man who had lung troubles. It was gravely and so un-Arther like.

" Yes, it's okay I'm here,"

" No, you're not here," Arthur started to breath heavily, trying and failing to keep his emotions in check. He gasped in breathes every could seconds.

" Open your eyes,"

" No,"

" Why not?"

" Because when I do, you'll be gone again," He whispered.

Merlin sucked in a distressed breath. He didn't know what to do, how he should help Arthur. Was he supposed to pry the Prince's eyelids open until he looked at him. He didn't realize the intensity of the situation, how bad it really was. He looked around the room, not knowing what to say. His eyes landed on the far side of the bed after searching the entire room. He walked to the other side and sat on the edge before pulling his feet up. He knew he's going to have to clean the boot marks off of the covers once Arthur notices, but that was a later problem. Right now, he had to convince the Prince that he was real and alive in the flesh.

Merlin laid on his side so that their faces were just over two feet apart. He stayed there for a minute, just waiting for the right words to come to mind. Instead however, the silence grew. He could faintly feel the tickle of Arthur's breath against his cheeks.

There was no telling how long they stayed there in that very position. One thing for certain was that they were both awake, just afraid to finally meet eyes. More so Arthur than Merlin. The warlock was eager to see those arrogant, fugly blue orbs, for they meant everything would be okay. It had to be okay, because otherwise he didn't know what to do with himself. How should he live when the only person he looked up to was no more than a shell?

Merlin stayed patient though. He kept his breathing steady and calm. Unexpectedly, his patients was awarded with a flutter.

" Open your eyes Arthur," Merlin murmured very quietly. Spooking Arthur was the last thing we wanted to do.

There was more fluttering, then finally, that blue he'd been waiting to see finally showed.

" Hey," Merlin smiled.

Arthur didn't respond, instead wrinkled his brow in confusion. His faced was tiredly shocked. Like he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. He new it didn't make sense.

" Merlin?"

" Yeah Arthur?"

" I missed you." He said, a single tear ran down his face, landing on the covers below. It was soaked up quickly in the cotton/silk blend.

" I know," Merlin smiled sadly.

Arthur played with his lip between his teeth subtly.

" I don't understand,"

Merlin nodded lightly," I know."

Arthur furrow his brows even more, but he didn't say anything. He searched his foggy brain for an explanation. Nothing came up, no matter how deep he dug, or how intense he searched. Merlin was dead. He had died because of a mistake he had made. This was not possible, yet it was here, right in front of him. Right for his eyes to see.

Merlin stayed in position for a minute longer before he sat up. The day was half gone already, though you may not know being in this room. The curtains were drawn, drowning out all the light. They filtered the particles a little too well. It was down right bland in the room without brightening the place up. Usually the lavish gold pieces situated spuratically on shelves and tables would shine bright. Their elegance proved just how wealthy their owner was.

Merlin slowly lifted himself from the bed and made his way to the widows. He opened the curtains to let the mid-day light in. It's beams were visible in the air, and reached all the way to the tables surrounded by untouched chairs. The dusty particles in the air floated around visibly. The sight took Merlin back to his early serving days when Gwen taught him dusting 101. The entire place was in much need of a light feathering. Merlin mentally added it to his list of chores to get done within the next day or so.

Arthur, for the first time in days, pushed the covers down to his waist and sat up. His arm nearly gave way from the effort. His muscles had deteriorated from lack of use. It was painful to watch, but Merlin kept a smile on his face, sad as it may be.

" Good morning sleepyhead, it's good to see you up," Merlin playfully laughed, and grinned at the confused, almost concerned look Arthur still wore. It was a better look than earlier, so that was something.

Merlin turned around and picked up the discarded food tray. Behind him Arthur struggled to push himself out of bed. He looked about his room, shameful of what it had become.

He watched Merlin grab the old dishes, and put them on the silver platter. Arthur walked shakily up to him, looking at him in full height from behind. The servant felt the eyes on the back of his head and turned around.

" Arthur?"

Ignored as usual, he didn't get a word response. He got a bone crushing hug. Arthur did not look as though he held that much strength, but oh he did. Merlin could feel it in his ribs, and would likely feel it for a few days.

Merlin let himself take the smile off his face and tear up. He wrapped his arms around the other man and sank into him. 5 seconds passed, and they weren't even thinking about letting go. 15 seconds and Merlin readjusted his head to rest on Arthur's shoulder better. 30 seconds and Merlin was wondering if Arthur would ever let go, but he'd be damned if he forced him to. A full minute and Arthur made no move to relinquish his hold on his servant. Merlin let it go on for another minute before he said anything.

" As much as I love you holding onto me like a damsel in distress, you, well- Arthur you stink," Merlin chuckled to himself when Arthur recoiled slightly, but kept a hand on Merlin's shoulder. It was less of a brotherly gesture and more of a reassurance that he was still there.

" I don't," Arthur denied lightly.

Merlin dramatically sniffed the air in front of him and wrinkled his nose.

" Yeah, you do,"

" Do not," Arthur said very quietly and sniffed himself before quickly adverting his nose. His face reddened with embarrassment but he stayed where he was.

Merlin nodded and laughed.

"Merlin," Arthur spoke, not as a question. It just felt good to say his name and not feel so utterly miserable. He could say it just to say it. Though he wasn't sure if this was real. Any second now the gangly boy in front of him would likely disappear into thin air. He's leave him once again.

Merlin kept gazing into Arthur's eyes to help ground him here. He smirked lightly and patted Arthur's shoulder.

" How about I get you a bath, and I can explain everything while you get that smell off of you?" Merlin asked.

Ignoring that comment, Arthur nodded. He kept an eye on Merlin as he started the fire where he'd warm up the water. He brought over the tub that was normally kept in the corner, and put it in front of the young fire. Merlin made his way to the door to fetch some water from the laundry room before he was tugged back.

Arthur caught his wrist hastily, in a panic he asked," Where are you going?"

" I'm fetching water for your bath," Merlin responded matter of factually.

Arthur didn't say anything else, but it was apparent he didn't want Merlin to leave.

" It's okay Arthur, I won't go. I'll get someone else to get the water, okay?"

Arthur nodded his thanks and let Merlin disclose the information to a guard instead. They both settled back into the room then. Merlin resumed his duties as a servant and started to pick up some stray clothing or item, never veering far from the Prince. Overall the room was not messy, just dusty. He wiped every surface down, occasionally putting water over the fire to heat when it was brought in. Arthur was sitting on the green trunk with silver borders that sat in front of his bed. His posture was hunched, clothes saggy, unlike his usual self. Merlin tried not to think much about it. In time, Arthur would be back to his normal self. He'd be annoying and arrogant, better than everyone at everything. His demeanor would eventually change back to how it used to be, and things would become normal again.

But for right now, he was still weak, and in much need of a bath. Merlin checked the temperature after pouring in the last bucket of warm water and stood back, proud-like.

"It's all set for you. Let's see about ruining this wonderful aroma you've created for yourself."

Arthur smiled softly and slowed stood from his spot. He made his way to the changing screen and shed the clothes he'd ask later to be burned.

Merlin remained patient. He knew Arthur was struggling, but gave him the much needed dignity he deserved. It took the man a bit too long to take his clothing off, but eventually came out and stepped in the steamy, warm tub one foot at a time. He sunk all the way down in, eyes closing in pure bliss. Merlin smiled again, he'd wait to lecture the prince about proper hygiene until later, and let him enjoy this much needed moment.

Arthur sighed in content. It was so warm. For the first time in weeks, his bones didn't feel like they were shaking. Ice wasn't floating around in his blood, chilling his skin from beneath. He didn't feel as though he'd never get warm again. There was hope yet. It wasn't perfect and it wasn't all better. But, what little warmth he could feel again he'd call progress. The light in the room had shaken some of the grey from the walls. The tapestry that hung on the stone walls were red again. In more ways than one, the light had come back. It would be okay because the warmth was radiating like colorful magic around the room. It just made sense somehow.

" I'm glad you're here Merlin, but how-" Arthur couldn't even finish his sentence. He just needed this one thing explained. It made no sense how someone who was dead for over a month, could suddenly be alive the next day.

" The king- your father went to the Isle of the Blessed with one of his advisors. The man sacrificed himself so that I could come back."

" But why?" Arthur was perplexed. He opened his eyes, looking more like his foolish self.

" They figured that it'd be the only way to fix you."

Arthur looked confused, almost disturbed.

" Fix me... Who was it?"

" Who was who?"

" Who sacrificed themselves?" Arthur asked, not understanding how his father let anyone do such a thing. Especially not when magic was involved in any way shape or form.

" I think his name was Gereld. He was sick, Uther said he was going to die in a few weeks time. He volunteered to do it,"

Arthur sat in the tub, thinking about what Merlin was saying. His father- his magic hating, monarch father, chose to let one of his most trusted advisers let himself die. It made no sense, yet it happened. And now, he needed to let it sink in his brain.

After a couple minutes he responded saying," I'm sorry, Merlin,"

" Care to elaborate," Merlin said, not jestingly.

" It's my fault this happened to you," Arthur looked up and into Merlin's wide eyes.

" What, no Arthur, it wasn't-"

" Yes it was!" Arthur raised his voice," It's my fault. I killed that man, and I was punished,"

" You did it out of instinct. He was pulling out a weapon."

" Yeah, an inch long child's knife," Arthur sighed.

" Listen, it's not your fault Arthur. I don't blame you, no one does. The only one whose blaming you, is you,"

Arthur didn't retaliate, he said nothing. The conversation was at a close, or at least this topic. He didn't want to hear anyone else tell him that this wasn't his fault. It was, and now his father's best advisor is dead.

" How about some food? I'll send word to the cook and have a meal brought up. You look like you could do with something in your system."

Arthur nodded and Merlin asked a nearby bystander to relay the message. He made sure not to step very far out of the door. He didn't want a very much naked, sopping wet prince to come over to see where he was going.

Merlin walked to the Prince's closet and picked out suitable lounge clothes. He made sure they weren't formal clothes, as well as not pajamas. They were the type of clothes he wouldn't want to be see in public with.

" Here, "Merlin handed the folded clothes to Arthur, noting how they wouldn't quite fit the man's shape anymore. He had lost so much weight, easily 25lbs. The loss of muscle was what made it look much worse. He looked more like a child than a grown Prince.

They exchanged no more words as he dressed himself for once. He denied help when Merlin offered it. His face turned red, most likely ashamed of his figure. It was hard to see Arthur like this, so fragile and embarrassed. It was a blow to his own self-esteem. They were a pair. What they one felt, they other felt as well. They imprinted on each other in this way.

A knock on the door caught Merlin's attention. He opened the doors to reveal a very large assortment of food. There were sausages, bacon, eggs(some boiled, some scrambled), breads, cheeses, soup, stew, fruits, vegetables, and even some pie for desert. It looked so wonderful, Merlin himself was drooling over the platter,

" Thank you," Merlin smiled at the girl who gladly handed over the heavy tray.

" It's my pleasure. It's nice to see you Merlin. Take care of him," She said. Her light brown hair curled around her ears nicely. As if she heard his thoughts, she tucked one back. Her eyes sparkled with wonder and kindness. She was a pleasant sight, that was for sure. He'd be sure to ask about her where abouts after this ordeal was dealt with.

" I will," He smiled and closed the door with his foot.

Merlin placed down the food just as Arthur exited from the screen. He looked much better clothed in clean clothes that didn't stick to him from sweat and weeks worth of grime. His hair wasn't matted anymore, and he looked like an actual human being.

" Food's here,"

Arthur walked unsteadily to his chair and plumped down. He looked at the asortment, not knowing where to start. There was everything he could possibly want here. He chose to do something light. He hadn't eaten in a while. He picked the chicken soup rather than the juicy steak that was oh so tempting. The first spoonful was slow. He sipped one after the other, trying his hardest to not go too fast. But, the more he tasted, the more starving he became. He started to dig into the variety before him. One by one, pieces of food started to go missing, a strawberry, sausage, spoonful of chili.

" Whoa whoa, slow down. You're gonna make yourself sick," Merlin pushed the tray out of reaching distance once he noticed the raid beginning.

As if on cue, Arthur held a hand to his lip, swallowing profusely. Merlin rushed to the fireplace where the discarded pail lay. He hurried back and held it under Arthur's chin just in time for him to rench. All of the food he had shoved down his throat was now coming back up with a vengeance. He spat a final mouthful in the metal bucket and sat back.

" Wait just a moment," Merlin said quickly and made work of removing the dirty, sweat soaked, smelly sheets from the bed. They were due for a wash, of 10 washes. The smell was so rank, Merlin made sure to put them outside of the door. He quickly grabbed a new sheet and made quick work of making the bed up. Once finished, he walked back over to Arthur and looped his arm around his.

" Up you get," Merlin grunted and helped guide the drowsy man into bed.

"Mmm," Arthur hummed, " -t's nice,"

The clean sheets were so soft was cozy, pulling him into sleep.

" Here, take a drink," Merlin said, handing the prince a goblet of water.

Very slowly, Arthur accepted the beverage the washed his sour mouth out.

" Thank you Merlin," Arthur spoke and closed his eyes for a full second before prying them back open.

" Go ahead and sleep Arthur, you must be tired."

" All I've been doing is sleeping," Arthur said, confused as to why he felt this way. Seeing Merlin alive surly should put more pep into his step. But, it didn't. Not quite in the way he expected at least.

" It's okay, it's been a rough couple of weeks. I'll be here when you wake up, okay?"

Merlin smiled kindly, not awkwardly at all he thought. He ignored the legitimate thankful eye roll he received. Arthur nodded after his show of Princeliness and let himself take a deep relaxing breath.

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