Mary has barely closed the door behind her when she leans wearily against it. She closes her eyes. She feels tired and yet full of energy. The birth of the little dragon has touched her and she smiles at the thought of the little white creature full of magic who had croaked with joy and looked at her with glittering black eyes.
A knock on the door behind her startles her and she quickly turns and opens it. Sir Leon is standing in front of it, hand still raised from knocking, looking at her in surprise. "Mary! I'm sorry to disturb you so late. But the king wishes to see you. Gaius and Merlin are joining us as well." Leon sees her bloodshot wound on her forehead and asks, "How is your head?"
Mary has completely forgotten about the wound. Now, as she runs her fingers over it, she becomes painfully aware of it again. She says, "It's fine. It wasn't deep, thankfully, and Gaius gave me something for the pain. Did something happen?"
Leon shrugs, "I'm afraid I don't know more either. After all, we haven't been back that long. But something must have happened while we were away."
Mary closes the door behind her and follows Leon to the throne room where Gaius, Merlin, the knights, Agravaine and Arthur are already waiting.
Agravaine looks around and explains, "While the king was away, a messenger came from the west. King Olaf's kingdom is being ravaged by a bad wave of sweating fever. Many have already died and so has their court physician."
Gaius listens up, "Alfred!"
Arthur looks at the old man, "You knew him, Gaius?"
"We met a few times. He was a good physician."
Arthur nods, "Yes, but now only his apprentice is there. This one does what he can, but he needs help. I know we have only just returned but I want to ride out tomorrow morning so that we can be with King Olaf by evening. A visit from me is long overdue. Gaius, Mary, you're with me. Merlin, Gwaine and Elyan, you too. Percival, as you are still injured, I want you to stay here with Sir Leon. Uncle, I want you to come as well, so I can introduce you to the king as my right hand man." Arthur looks round and sees the tired faces of his knights, Mary and Merlin. He sighs, "I am sorry. But we will help our allies. I suggest we all retire to our chambers so we can leave rested tomorrow."
The group disperses. Merlin remains standing, but Arthur looks at him and says, "Merlin, go and help Gaius and Mary pack. I won't need your services today."
Arthur paces back and forth in his room. He knows he is asking a lot of his people. There is a knock and Gwen looks in. Arthur's heart leaps and her smile fills him with some lightness. He beckons her towards him and takes her tightly in his arms. She pulls back and looks him seriously in the eyes, "You're going with a small group."
"Yes, I don't want to attract attention. We don't know where Morgana is and I fear her spies are all over the place."
"I will wait for you here. Please take care."
"You don't have to wait. I will take you with me. Maybe it's time I introduce you to the surrounding kingdoms too and show what you are to me."
Gwen smirks, "What am I to you?"
Arthur kisses her passionately and then says breathlessly, "My conscience, my heart, my love." There is another knock. Arthur lifts his head but does not let go of Gwen, "Come in?"
Mary enters. Arthur notices she is still wearing the clothes from the day. The wound on her temple has been cleaned but the bruise extends to her cheek. He frowns. She must have a headache. He lets go of Gwen and together they walk towards Mary.
Mary bows her head and says, "Your Majesty, I come to you with a request."
Arthur puts his hand under her chin and lifts her face so that she must look at him, "Mary! What have I said about how you should address me. You don't listen to me any more than Merlin does," he adds with a grin.
Mary smiles back tentatively: "Does Gaius have to come? He is an old man and the long, non-stop journey you have planned will not do him any good. He would never admit this to you, but I am worried about him."
Arthur nods wearily, "You're right. I will plan a night's rest. That way we can recover and be at King Olaf's by noon the following day. I need Gaius and you! I'm sorry. I'm leaving Percival here because he's hurt. But so are you."
Mary puts a hand on the king's arm, "Arthur, I understand! I'm glad we take breaks for Gaius. I'm young and I'll be fine. Do not worry about me. I will retire now." Mary looks at Gwen and hugs her friend. She is already used to finding Gwen regularly at the King's side and she is glad for them that they have each other.
Gwen looks at Arthur and he nods at her. She says, "Mary, I will come with you tomorrow. Arhtur wants to introduce me to King Olaf. So I will retire now as well. Come, I will accompany you a little way."
The king and his companions ride west the following day. Again and again they take breaks and as the day slowly comes to an end, they look for a place to spend the night. Mary rides beside Gwaine, who keeps telling stories from the tavern. When Arthur calls for a stop, Gwaine gets off his horse and rushes to Mary to help her down. As she stands in front of him, he doesn't let go immediately and looks at her worriedly, "What's wrong?"
"What do you mean, Gwaine?"
"Well, you didn't really laugh at any story. Come to think of it, I haven't heard you laugh in a long time."
"I'm fine. I'm just tired from the last adventure."
Gwaine looks at her sceptically. But then takes her in his arms, laughing, and says, "Well then, I'll have to tell you the stories again tomorrow, when you're recovered."
Mary looks around and now also says with a laugh on her lips, "I don't know how recovered I'll be after a night on the floor."
"You just need to find a comfortable, warm place. Preferably in the arms of a human." he winks at her.
This time Mary has to laugh in surprise. Her laughter rings out bright and bubbly through the forest. Everyone turns to her in surprise. She says to Gwaine: "I know you would find me a place like that. But if you think I'm going to lie down in your arms this night...then I must disappoint you." Mary turns to her horse with a laugh and begins to remove her sleeping roll from the saddle.
Gwaine rolls his eyes and says quietly before also walking to his horse, "I wasn't talking about me! But I think you know that. Still, I thank you for your laughter. Music to my ears. And not just mine."
Mary and Gwen are cooking for the small group. Gwen is stirring in the pot on the fire and Mary is just adding the herbs. Mary looks at her friend and asks, "So Arthur wants to introduce you as his...what?"
Gwen smiles and shrugs, "As his conscience, his heart, his love. Those were his words."
"I'm happy for you Gwen! I wonder when he will ask you to marry him?"
Gwen now looks a little startled, "What do you mean?"
"Well, you are so important to him that he wants to introduce you to the kings who have a peace treaty with him. That sounds a lot like soon-to-be queen to me." Mary giggles, "Don't look so frightened. You'll make a wonderful queen, I'm sure."
"Well you're in a good mood. A loud laugh and giggle from you on the same day..."
Mary thrusts her hands on her hips, "Well listen. I laugh from time to time. You sound like I never do."
Arthur stands beside her and says, "If I'm honest, I haven't heard you laugh like you did tonight in a long time. Since the story with Lancelot, I think we've all become a little melancholy. It's nice to have things lightened up again." his gaze falls on Gwen, who smiles at him. Mary knows she is still very much suffering from the loss of the noble knight. Arthur's gaze falls on his uncle, who is sitting sullenly on a stone, watching the goings-on around him. "I suppose my uncle could use cheering up too. He doesn't seem to be enjoying the journey." Mary glances after the king, who sits down with Agravaine and begins a conversation.
She hears a crack behind her and she looks around cautiously. She has had the feeling all day that she is being watched. But every time she looks around, she can't see anything.
Mary brings the first bowl of soup to Gaius. The old physician sits wearily on a log and looks at her gratefully. She sits down beside him and asks, "How are you, Gaius?"
"You asked the king to make the journey with breaks, didn't you?" His eyes glitter with amusement.
Mary has to smile: "Yes! I'm worried about you. You can't travel that long."
He pats her arm affectionately, "Thank you, my child. The soup is delicious as always. Go and get some for yourself too. If I know these men, they will eat it all otherwise."
After the meal, Mary takes the pot and the dishes and makes her way to the nearby creek. Gwen was going to help her wash up, but Mary sees that she is currently engrossed in conversation with Arthur. Her cheeks are flushed and her eyes shine with love. Mary's eyes move from Gwen to Merlin who is listening to Elyan and Gwaine. His lips twitch in amusement, after Gwaine has probably said something funny. Mary's heart grows heavy. How she would love to sit next to Merlin now and listen to the sounds of the forest, the fire and the people around her. She would lean against him and feel safe and secure. Lost in thought, she strokes the stone on her necklace, which presses warmly against her skin. She frowns at the warmth and continues towards the stream.
Merlin feels Mary's gentle touch on the stone as if she were standing right next to him. A small spark of warmth surrounds his heart and then spreads inside him. Merlin closes his eyes and tries to bring his heartbeat back under control.
Gwaine's voice snaps him out of concentration: "Merlin! Are you all right? You look like you have a fever. Your cheeks are flushed. Shall I fetch Gaius?"
Merlin raises his hands defensively and looks to Gaius, who is already asleep. He then looks for Mary, certain that the touch and the effects of it are coming from her necklace. When he doesn't see her, he slowly puts his head between his legs and breathes in and out in concentration. Then he says, "No, I'm fine. I guess I'm just tired!"
Gwaine snorts, "Honestly. You and Mary could be tied together. Now you're making the same excuses! Come, Elyan, I'll tell you the story of the elf girl I once met in a tavern." The two knights leave Merlin alone on the log and sit closer to the fire with Gwen and Arthur.
Mary senses that her necklace is warming up more and more and is now beginning to vibrate as well. Astonished, she looks at the stone, which begins to glow slightly. She sets the pot with the dishes clattering on the floor and looks around cautiously. Somewhere around here there must be something magical. Something with very strong magic. She hears a high-pitched gurgling and murmuring. When she turns around, she is standing in front of the young, white dragon, who is looking at her with interest.
Mary sinks to her knees in surprise and the newborn creature immediately comes towards her. Seeking protection, it puts its head in her lap and coos softly. It blinks at her and moves its body a little closer to Mary. She gently begins to stroke the young dragon's head. Although the skin is smooth and full of scales, the creature feels warm and full of life. The dragon lovingly licks Mary's hand and lets its snout rest in her hand.
Mary scratches the dragon's chin and it almost looks as if the little creature is smiling contentedly. Suddenly Mary hears loud laughter coming from the rest area and the magical creature startles. Mary looks around, but no one comes closer. Gwaine has probably told another of his stories. She looks at the dragon and says: "Aithusa! What are you doing here? No one must see you. You have to hide. Are you hurt?"
The white dragon shakes its head and snuggles up to Mary again. It looks at her expectantly. Mary laughs softly, "All right. I'll pet you some more. But only if you let me do the dishes. Otherwise it will be noticed by the others if I don't return for a long time." The little dragon sits down on the shore and watches Mary do the dishes. The magical creature makes pleasant purring noises.
When Mary has cleaned everything, she stands up and takes the pot. As she walks back in the direction of the resting place, she notices that Aithusa is following her trustingly in small, plodding steps. Mary crouches down in front of the dragonbaby: "Aithusa, you can't come with me." The white little dragon tilts its head and looks at her out of its clear black eyes. Mary sighs: "Stay here! I'll be right back! I know someone who can tell you what to do. Shhh, stay here!" The dragon sits up on its hind legs and looks expectantly at Mary as she walks back to the others.
Mary comes back into the clearing with the pot and dishes, where the fire still burns invitingly. Gwen, meanwhile, has also gone to lie down and Gwaine, Arthur, Elyan and Merlin are still sitting around the fire talking quietly to each other. Mary can see, that Agravaine is sitting a little away. When Mary puts down the dishes with a clatter, the men look up. Gwaine says, "Well, there you are! I thought I'd have to look for you."
Mary raises an eyebrow: "Well, if I'd had help, I'd have been back here quicker." The men have the decency to look guilty. Mary plays with her hands and after a moment says: "Merlin?"
The young man with the black hair and the mischievous grin, looks up in surprise. The dancing flames of the fire are reflected in his eyes, "Yes?"
"Can I have a word with you in private?" Mary looks sheepishly at Gaius, glad that the old physician is fast asleep. She refuses to look Gwaine or Arthur in the eye and instead looks at Merlin almost pleadingly.
Merlin immediately stands up and walks towards Mary, "Of course. What is it?"
Mary tugs at his sleeve and says quietly, "Not here. I have something to show you."
As the two disappear into the thicket from which, a few minutes ago, Mary had just returned from washing up, Gwaine looks in surprise at Arthur, "Did my eyes deceive me, or did the girl just take the boy into the bushes with her?"
Arthur chokes on his warm wine and Elyan holds his hand over his mouth to avoid waking Gwen and Gaius. Arthur says as he recovers, "Looks like those two need a moment together."
Gwaine slaps his thigh, "Well, it's about time! I wonder what Gaius would say if he saw this now?"
Merlin follows Mary, who moves further and further away from the fire and towards the stream. There she crouches down beside a stone half hidden by a bush, "Come, look who's here."
Merlin gasps as the little white dragon comes out from under the bush, "Aithusa!" The little creature plods as fast as it can towards the young man and jumps joyfully up his legs. Merlin laughs and lifts the dragon up into his arms. Immediately Aithusa begins to rest her head against his cheek. "What are you doing here?" Merlin looks to Mary, "Did you find her here?"
Mary looks at him in amazement, "Her?"
"Yes, Aithusa is a female." Merlin smiles.
"You mean she can lay eggs? Keep the dragon species going?"
Merlin considers for a moment. Not sure he wants to know how that would work, since Kilgharrah is the only living male dragon he knows. Hesitantly, he says, "I think so."
Mary remembers his question and replies, "I've felt like I was being watched all along, ever since we left Camelot. But she didn't show herself to me until I was washing the dishes tonight. I'm not sure she understands how dangerous it is for her to be here. She wanted to follow me to the campsite beforehand."
Merlin sets the dragon on the ground and walks with her to the bush she had been hiding under earlier. In the dragon's tongue he whispers something in her ear and Aithusa looks at him sadly out of her dark beady eyes. Merlin whispers, "You need to stay hidden! I'll figure out what to do with you." Merlin slowly stands up and turns to Mary. As he does so, his foot gets caught in a root and he falls forward. Startled, he tries to grab hold of a stone and break his fall. He lands ungently on the forest floor. Groaning, he looks at his hand, which has a deep cut across its entire palm. He swallows empty as he sees the blood gushing from it and closes his eyes briefly.
Mary rushes to him and takes a look at the injured hand. She frowns, "The cut is deep and ragged. We'll have to show Gaius. You could lose mobility in your fingers."
Merlin leans pale on his healthy hand and takes a deep breath, "No, I have another idea. Aithusa, come here." Mary looks at Merlin in surprise. He explains to her, "Dragons spring from the old religion and have a magic in them that is hard to match. I know they are good at healing. We both know that this kind of magic is not my forte. Let's see if I can teach the little dragon something while we're all here. After all, we don't want this baby to turn into a horrible monster." He winks at Mary. Aithusa has come closer now and is looking at the warlock with a tilted head. Merlin holds his hand out in front of her and says, "Can you close this wound and keep the infection out? Do not try to heal it completely, for that will not work. The magic will only allow you to go so far, so that it is no longer dangerous. The rest of the healing will have to be done by my body itself to maintain the balance."
Aithusa takes a small step towards Merlin and looks at the outstretched hand. Mary is not sure if the little dragon has understood what it is supposed to do. But just as she is about to ask Merlin about it, the white creature lets fine, silvery-blue mist float from its nostrils over the deep cut. Mary watches in amazement as the injury stops bleeding, shrinks until only a thin red line is visible and the swelling around the wound goes down. "What a wonderful creature you are, Aithusa." she brings out breathlessly. Merlin smiles at her and says to Aithusa, "You did very well. Thank you. Remember, anyone who is injured and cannot help themselves has the right to be healed. Do not deny it to anyone. You will become a kind dragon." Aithusa rests her muzzle on Merlin's lap and purrs contentedly, as if she has understood everything the young man has just given her along the way.
Merlin looks to Mary and says, "We should return and get some sleep as well." turning to Aithusa he says, "Go and rest too. Remember, stay hidden." The little dragon sighs and slowly walks towards the big bush and crawls under it until it is out of sight.
Merlin braces himself and Mary stands up too. She quickly takes Merlin's injured hand and looks at the cut more closely. They are so close that Merlin can feel her warmth and the fine herbal scent that surrounds her rises to his nose. Mary gently runs her finger along the wound and says, "It'll need to be bandaged after all, to stop dirt getting into the wound."
Merlin swallows empty and he notices his heartbeat quicken. He takes a step towards Mary and now she too notices how the air around them crackles with energy. She slowly lifts her gaze to Merlin, his face inches from hers. Quietly but pleading, she says, "Merlin!"
The young man closes his eyes, sighs and takes a step backwards. Understandingly he says, "I know!" He opens his eyes and rests them on hers, looking at him sadly. He smiles wistfully at her, "You make it hard for me. You know that?"
Mary kisses him softly on the lips. With a whispered "I'm sorry." she pulls him by the hand towards the rest area.
When they return to the fire, Arthur, Agravaine and Elyan have also lain down and a soft snoring sounds through the forest. Mary spots Gwaine leaning against a tree, keeping watch. He turns when he hears their footsteps and raises his eyebrows in amusement. When he sees Mary pulling bandages from her saddlebag, he approaches with concern. Mary binds Merlin's cut hand and Gwaine asks, "What happened?"
Merlin just shrugs, "It's just a scratch, but Mary wants to bandage it so no dirt gets into the wound."
Gwaine turns back to his post and mutters to himself, "I wonder how they managed that..."
Mary looks at Merlin, who has also heard the words, and rolls her eyes. Merlin winks at her in amusement. A moment later, the two of them lie down on their sleeping rolls as well. Mary lies down next to Gwen and Merlin comes to lie next to Gaius. It is not long before their regular breaths merge with the soft snores of the rest.
The next morning Arthur wakes everyone early, as he was the last one on watch. After a hasty breakfast, they make their way across the border to Olaf's kingdom. Mary keeps looking behind her and occasionally thinks she sees a white creature darting between the tree trunks. She knows that Aithusa is following them.
Gaius observes her nervous glances and says: "You seem worried. No one is following us and we have Arthur, Gwaine and Elyan to protect us."
Mary smiles awkwardly, "Yes, I know."
Arthur, meanwhile, lets his horse fall back beside Merlin's. He watches his servant closely and after a while says, "You seem tired! Short night?"
Merlin stares at the king, "I don't know what you mean by that, sire. I have slept as well as I can on the hard forest floor. I will be glad when we reach our destination."
Arthur grins and replies, "It's all right, I see your mood is not the best. I won't say anything more on the subject. As long as you do your job to satisfaction during the day, though I doubt you understand the meaning behind the word satisfaction, I don't care what you do at night." Merlin just snorts angrily and lets his horse go faster.
When Arthur and his escort finally arrive at King Olaf's, Mary and Gaius are immediately led to the sick, where they instantly begin to treat and heal them. Alfred's apprentice has already done good preparatory work. He introduces himself: "My name is Cen. Actually my name is Cenhelm, but everyone just calls me Cen. I am happy to make your acquaintance, Gaius. My mentor has told me so much about you."
Gaius puts his hand on the shoulder of the young man, who cannot be more than 17 years old, "The pleasure is all mine. I see Alfred has guided an able apprentice there. You have isolated the sick so as not to spread the disease any further and next to each sickbed is a bowl of diluted alcohol to cleanse our hands. Let's not waste time. Mary here will start making more medicine as we need it urgently. Meanwhile, how many are sick?"
Cen looks wearily around the large hall that serves as the infirmary, "I think there must be around 80-100 sick people. Here are only those who are seriously ill. Mostly children or elderly people. Every day some die, only to be replaced with new cases." A tear comes loose and runs down the young man's cheek. Mary knows how hard it is, especially to lose children to a disease. She remembers every day when she almost lost Matthiew. A shiver runs down her spine and she says kindly, "When was the last time you were able to sleep, Cen?"
He laughs bitterly, "I have no idea...a week ago? Now I doze off sometimes from exhaustion, but wake up just short after." He looks at her apologetically. Mary takes the boy by the hand and says, "I'll give you something first so you can recover. You've been through a lot. Lost your teacher and now you have to care for the sick alone and face loss daily. Me and Gaius will tend to the sick during this time." She looks to Gaius who nods in agreement.
Cen reluctantly lets Mary pull him along, but his strength is not enough to resist successfully.
A little later, Mary returns to the infirmary with the medicine they brought from Camelot. She passes some vials to Gaius, who is already cooling the forehead of a fevered baby. "Here, we brought these. That should be enough for the first round of treatment. I'll make some more later. The ingredients are already all there in the physician's room. Cen has been working non-stop. He's asleep now."
Gaius pats her arm: "Good, let's get to work."
In the evening, Arthur sits at a table with King Olaf, his daughter Vivian and Gwen. Olaf sighs, "I thank you King Arthur for coming here."
Arthur nods to him, "Are you well? Is the disease in the castle too?"
"No. Alfred reacted well when the first cases of the disease appeared. Still, it has taken hold of many." He looks to Gwen, "And this will be your queen?"
Arthur blushes, "I haven't asked her yet. But she is the most important thing to me."
"What house is she from?"
Vivian interrupts her father, "I am tired and will retire." With that she stands up and Gwen notices that she is looking at her with a cool gaze. Gwen is unsure if the decision to accompany Arthur realy was a good idea.
A short time later, Gwen excuses herself as well and makes her way to her room, which she shares with Mary. On the way she meets Lady Vivian, who is leaning against the wall as if she had been waiting for Gwen. Uncertainly, Guinevere approaches her. Vivian has her hands clasped in front of her chest and says, "You don't come from a noble house. I know that. The last time I was in Camelot, you were there too. You were Morgana's maid. Explain to me why Arthur would choose someone like you over me?"
Gwen is caught off guard by the rude manner, "My lady. I don't know what to say to that..."
Vivian suppresses a sob, "Why am I not allowed..." she puts her hands over her mouth and runs off sobbing. Gwen looks after her, startled. Slowly she walks towards the door leading to her room and goes inside.
Mary turns when she hears Gwen enter. She frowns as she sees Gwen's face, which radiates uncertainty, "Gwen? Are you all right?"
Gwen drops into her chair and looks at her friend out of her dark eyes, "I don't think it was a good idea for me to come here with you."
Mary sits down next to her friend, "Why do you say that?"
"Do you remember Lady Vivian?"
"Yes, how could I ever forget. She and Arthur were under a love spell."
"Yes, Arthur's spell was broken, but hers was not. Do you know how long a spell like that lasts?"
Mary asks seriously, "Why do you ask that?"
"I think she's still obsessed with Arthur."
"Hmm, I remember reading about how the spell is released. It said that if the love is not returned for 10 years, the desire dissolves. Or by a true love, as you already know."
"So it's possible she still wants Arthur?"
Mary recalled an observation in the afternoon, after she had taken a short break in the fresh air. She had been leaning against the wall in the shade of the castle, trying to shake off the exhaustion that threatened to catch up with her, when she saw Vivian sneak out of a side door. She recognised the pretty young woman with the blonde hair immediately, although she was wearing breeches and a blouse instead of a dress. She watched as Vivian stealthily stole kisses with one of the young guards. The young couple could not see her. Mary was struck by how happy they both seemed. They were beaming, kissing passionately and happily intertwining their fingers.
"Why are you smiling?" Mary startled when Gwen addressed her. She was too lost in her thoughts.
Mary slips into her nightgown and then under the covers. "I'm convinced the spell is broken on Vivian too. I saw her with one of the guards today. However, that doesn't explain her outburst to you." Mary lies down wearily on her pillow, "I need to rest. I have another busy day waiting for me tomorrow."
Gwen nods and, lost in thought, begins to change as well. "Of course. How are the sick?" But when she gets no answer, she sees that her friend has already fallen asleep. Gwen resolves to talk to Vivian again tomorrow and also lies down to rest.
When Gwen wakes up the next morning, the sun is just coming up. She sees that her friend's bed is already empty. She quickly gets up, eats something small for breakfast, which is already on the table, and sets off to find Lady Vivian.
She finds her in her room after Gwen knocks and is invited in. Vivian is surprised to see Gwen: "Guinevere. Will you bring me breakfast?"
Gwen looks at Vivian with understanding: "No need to be malicious, Lady Vivian."
"How dare you speak to me like that?"
"I think you are hiding behind your spite. I know you are in love!"
Vivian looks up almost startled, "What do you mean? Just because I want Arthur to choose me? That doesn't mean anything."
"No, because I know you have a love here in the castle. But you dare not tell your father."
Vivian's mouth is open and she cannot believe what she hears. After a few minutes she says quietly, "You saw me with George? How dare you. My father won't believe a word you say if I speak against it."
Gwen raises her hands, "I mean you no harm. You are suffering enough as it is. I know what it's like to love someone who seems out of reach. But I want to encourage you. Love always finds a way."
Vivian laughs bitterly, "Yes, Arthur is the king. He can change the rules. But my father, will never do that. He is already possessive when it comes to giving me to a prince. What must it be like when I want a commoner?" Tears stream down her cheeks and she hangs her head: "I don't know what to do. Maybe I'll just sneak off with George?"
Gwen walks up to the blonde woman and puts her hand on her arm and squeezes it, "Hold off on the desperate actions. Let me talk to Arthur. Perhaps your father will listen to him. Man to man, king to king."
Vivian blinks to look past the tears to Gwen, "I don't know. My father is so stubborn."
"So is Arthur. And he's good with words." Gwen smiles confidently at her, before leaving the Lady's chambers again.
It takes a week for the sick to recover to the point where they are no longer in immediate danger. Mary, Gaius and Cen are just about to collect the last sheets to burn them. King Olaf has ordered this to prevent a new outbreak of the disease. Cen looks more recovered and has become very attached to his two supporters. As he drops a cloth into the basket provided, he says, "You will surely return to Camelot soon, won't you?"
Mary, who is kneeling on the ground, looks up at him, "Yes, Gwen told me that Arthur plans to leave tomorrow already. But you have enough medicine in case some more people get sick."
Cen shakes his head, "I know. But I'm unsure how I'm going to make it without both of you."
Gaius approaches the young man and places a hand on his shoulder, "Cen, you had a good teacher and I see you were a diligent student. You will become a successful court physician."
Cen smiles gratefully at the old man, "I hope so. Will you come and see me again?"
Gaius replies, "Of course. And if you do have any questions, you know where to find us. Come, let's finish tidying up here so we can have dinner together later."
Mary is standing by the door collecting the bowls of alcohol solution when she overhears a conversation between two guards. "Yes you can, if I tell you! I saw it with my own eyes." Mary moves a little closer to the large wooden door to hear better.
"What did it look like? We don't have monsters here."
"It was white, not very big...maybe like a dog?"
"And why do you think it was a monster?"
"It was fast, growled and had wings. Unfortunately, I didn't get a better look at it, but I'll go out into the woods later with some others of the guard and finish the monster off. Maybe then King Olaf will appoint me captain and I can marry his daughter."
"Oh George! It's probably a scared rabbit."
"White? As big as a dog? With wings? I don't think so, Tim."
Mary goes hot and cold as she realises what kind of monster George is talking about. The bowls fall out of her hand with a clatter and the bottom one shatters into a thousand pieces. Gaius and Cen startle at the sound. Gaius frowns, "Mary?" But before he can say more, the young woman has stormed out of the hall in search of her best friend.
Gaius walks down the long corridor and stops at one of the large windows. The sun makes its way towards the horizon and bathes the kingdom before him in golden light. He leans his hands on the ledge and sighs. He is glad, many people could be saved, but now he is tired and exhausted. He knows that the king wants to travel towards Camelot again tomorrow, so he will have dinner with Cen and Mary tonight, but then go to bed early.
"Gaius?"
The old man turns at the familiar voice and smiles. "Your Highness."
Arthur stands beside the court physician, "How are the sick?"
"Oh much better. Most have been able to return to their own homes. Only two children and an old man, are still in the infirmary for monitoring. But they should soon be well too."
"Very good. I am glad we were able to help King Olaf. Although I don't understand why my uncle is so rude and only leaves his room for meals."
"That was a generous and wise decision, sire. Agravaine was perhaps not feeling well." Gaius can guess that the man is sulking that he had to come at all. This way he could not make plans with Morgana against Camelot.
Arthur, oblivious to all this, smiles, "Well, we even managed to fix two problems."
"Two, Sire?"
"Yes, the sweating sickness and Lady Vivian's love for a guard." Gaius turns to the king and raises an eyebrow questioningly. Arthur explains, "Gwen found out that Vivian was in love with one of the guards. She was so desperate to see how her father would react...and we know how protective he is of his daughter around men...that she was already considering running away with the young man. But Gwen told me everything and so I spoke to the king. I explained to him my love for Gwen and how important it is for a kingdom to be ruled with a sure hand. I explained to him that Gwen, with her love and trust, gives me the strength and courage to make the not always, easy decisions for Camelot."
Gaius smiles wryly at the young man beside him, "You were talking about feelings. That must have been hard for you."
Arthur clears his throat sheepishly, "Let's just say I had to practise a bit with Gwen until I had the right choice of words together."
"And what did Olaf say?"
"He was horrified at first when he heard I loved a servant. But the more I explained my...er...feelings, the more he seemed to understand. He will now have dinner with his daughter tonight and listen to what she has to say about it." Arthur's gaze falls on the castle courtyard below them and he says with a mischievous grin, "Speaking of love..."
Gaius follows the king's gaze and sees Mary and Merlin walking through the castle gate towards the forest. Both seem to be in a hurry. "What do you mean, Sire?"
Arthur snorts out the air and says, "Come on Gaius. This isn't the first time those two have done this! You don't mean to tell me you don't know anything about it."
"Know nothing about what?"
Arthur becomes unsure if he hasn't said too much now, which could get Merlin or even Mary into trouble, "Well, their feelings for each other." Arthur sees understanding settle over Gaius' face. "So you did know about it."
Gaius says quietly, "Not entirely clear. But I think I expected it, though I'd rather it wasn't so." Gaius turns wearily away and walks to the door of his chamber. He leaves Arthur at the window with an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
Mary and Merlin run through the forest. "Mary...wait!" calls Merlin breathlessly. "I can...call...her...so we can...find...her."
Mary stops and tries to catch her breath, "I...didn't...even...think..."
They both try to get their breathing under control first before Merlin calls for Aithusa with dragon's tongue. Not too loud but not too quiet either. Mary marvels at his rumbling voice that seems to come from deep within him.
Mary asks, "I hope nothing has happened to her."
Merlin shakes his head, "Let's give her a moment. We could look for a shelter for her in the meantime. One she can stay hidden in until we head back towards Camelot tomorrow."
Mary hears the purring first and laughs with relief when Aithusa appears between bushes. Joyfully Aithusa jumps up first to Merlin and then to Mary. Full of affection, she rubs her head against their legs. Mary sits down on the damp forest floor and takes the magical animal on her lap. Gently she strokes her scales and the armoured plates on her back. "You are so beautiful, Aithusa. But you must not come any closer to the castle. You must hide until we travel back to Camelot tomorrow."
"Come here." she hears Merlin call, and she hasn't even noticed that he has moved away from her. She stands up and pats the dirt off her dress. Aithusa is already ahead, following her master's voice.
Mary comes to a small rock face. Uncertainly, she looks around: "Merlin?"
"You have to go through below, Mary!"
Mary drops to her knees and hands and catches sight of an opening in the rock. The opening is very narrow and Mary has to duck her head to squeeze through. Ahead of her she sees a blue light and she crawls towards it. When she emerges on the other side of the rock, she can't help but be amazed. Merlin is standing in a kind of round cave. About 5 metres above, there is a hole in the ceiling and the first stars can be seen in the evening glow. Merlin holds a blue ball of light a little above his head and the cave is bathed in its magical light.
He looks over at her and laughs at her with his radiant laugh. His eyes sparkle and wrinkels form around their edges. Mary's heart swells. She loves his irresistible, carefree laugh so much.
"This is where Aithusa can stay for the night, what do you think?"
Mary crawls out of the narrow tunnel and stands up now too. She laughs softly and the walls send it back in an echo. "Beautiful! I'd love to stay here too."
Now Merlin laughs out, "I think it would be noticed if we weren't around in the morning." he winks mischievously at her and Mary notices the blush rising in her cheeks.
Merlin kneels down to Aithusa, who has made herself comfortable on his feet, "Aithusa, you stay here! Only when it gets light may you follow us at an appropriate distance. And then we'll have to think about what to do with you. This can't go on."
Aithusa looks at them both out of wide eyes and then lays her head on the cave floor with a sigh.
Arthur drums his fingers impatiently on the edge of the table. His hunger has been rumbling through his stomach for some time and this fact does not help to keep his growing anger under control.
Finally the door to the room is pushed open and Merlin stumbles in. In one hand he balances a tray with a plate and a cup on it. His clothes look as if he has crawled on the forest floor from here to Camelot and the leaves and small branches in his hair only support this theory.
Arthur slaps the table with the flat of his hand, causing Merlin to flinch at the sound. At the last moment he is able to stabilise the tray with his free hand so that it doesn't thunder onto the floor. Somewhat upset, the young man turns to the king: "What was that about? I almost dropped your dinner on the floor. Unless you want to eat off the floor tonight, Sire."
"You are late! And if you had dropped my dinner, you would have had to eat it off the floor. I would have had you clean the floor with your tongue."
Merlin grimaces, "You're in a good mood."
"Merlin! I'm hungry and it was your job to bring me dinner an hour ago."
Merlin places the tray in front of the king and looks down at the floor, "I'm sorry, Sire."
Arthur takes a forkful and then looks at his servant. With a grin he says, "You've lost track of time, haven't you?"
Merlin is still looking at the floor, "Yes, I suppose you could say that."
"Does Mary look exactly like you?"
Merlin lifts his head and only now sees the teasing grin on the king's lips. All at once he realises what he is trying to allude to and Merlin waves his hands defensively, "No, Sire. It is not what you think. Wait a minute. How do you know Mary was with me?"
Arthur can see his servant is uncomfortable and he leans back in his chair, pleased, "I saw you. That was the second time now, Merlin. Why do you make it so hard on yourselves and not just admit it?"
Merlin frowns, "Admit what?"
"Oh come on. Your love for each other."
Merlin lowers his gaze again and says quietly, "You've got it wrong, Arthur."
"If you say so. But Gaius saw you too, and it didn't surprise him, though I think he's still getting a bit used to his wards being with each other..."
"It's not what you think!" interrupts Merlin loudly to the king.
Arthur looks at Merlin in surprise and closes his mouth again. He was about to say something else, but he notices how upset Merlin is. A little calmer he says: "Merlin! What's so difficult about admitting your love for the girl? Everyone suspects it anyway, you are meant for each other."
Merlin trembles with tension and makes fists to keep it under control. Arthur looks at his servant seriously, waiting for the answer. Sighing, Merlin says, "It wouldn't be fair."
Arthur doesn't understand, "Not fair?"
Merlin looks defiantly at the king, tears glistening in his eyes, and Arthur suddenly feels guilty for having teased Merlin like that. Merlin says: "I am the servant of the King of Camelot. I am there for him almost around the clock. When I have some spare time, I help the court physician gather herbs or whatever. I simply don't have time for a girl. Especially not for a girl like Mary, who deserves all the time she can get, because she gives so much of it away herself without asking for a reward. If you need nothing more from me, Your Highness, I would like to withdraw." Merlin bows briefly and then takes large strides towards the door. Before Arthur can say anything, Merlin slams the door behind him a little harder than usual.
It takes only a few seconds and Gwen enters. She looks at Arthur in surprise and asks, "Merlin just seemed rather upset."
Arthur pushes the still almost full plate away from him. He is suddenly not hungry anymore. "I pushed him too far."
Gwen moves behind Arthur and puts her hands on his shoulders, "What did you say?"
Arthur sighs, "I had no idea how much he was...suffering." Gwen waits for further explanation, but the King puts his head in his hands with a sigh and so she just holds him so he is not alone.
Early the next morning, Arthur and his companion get ready. The horses are already loaded and Arthut looks around searchingly for Merlin. He feels that he should offer something like an apology. Gaius approaches Arthur and asks, "Who are you looking for, sire?"
"Um...actually I thought Merlin had got the horses ready."
Gaius sighs, "Yes, he did. He practically didn't sleep and got up early. I think I was to blame for that. We had an argument last night. He's probably gone ahead. We'll catch up with him. I know Gwaine is with him."
"How do you know?"
"He is also missing, Sire. And the horses too..."
Arthur looks around and sees that the court physician is telling the truth. "Good, at least he is not travelling alone." Arthur has a suspicion that Gaius had grilled Merlin about the same issue after the young man stormed out on him. He only feels more sorry for the whole story. To distract himself from the thoughts, the king raises his head and gives the signal to ride off. The small group starts to move. Arthur smiles as Vivian throws him a grateful kiss. The conversation with her father was successful in this case and at least Arthur was able to bring one young love together.
As dusk falls, they rest again in the same place as on the outward journey. Merlin has already gathered wood and built a fire. Gwaine is just putting the cooking pot with water over it when the other travellers join them.
The group is rather quiet and Mary quickly sets about making a delicious soup with Gwen. Arthur has killed two hares on the way and their meat is now also put into the bubbling pot. Merlin helps the girls to distribute the soup to the hungry. The king gets the first plate. Merlin holds out the steaming dish to him and says, "Your soup, Sire."
Arthur notices that Merlin does not look at him and immediately turns back to receive the next filled plate. He doesn't like it at all when the mood between them is so irritated. He resolves to try again later to talk to his stubborn servant.
Dinner goes quietly and Gaius soon lies down to sleep. Mary takes the kettle with the dishes and sets off for the stream. Gwen accompanies her this time. The girls work hand in hand and the silence that surrounds them is not unpleasant.
Gwen asks quietly after a while, "Do you know why Merlin and Arthur had a fight?"
Mary stops washing up, "Ah, so that's the reason he rode ahead. Must have been an unpleasant evening for Merlin. First Arthur and then Gaius."
"Gaius and Merlin were fighting as well?"
"That's what Gaius told me. But don't worry about it. They'll soon make up. I'm sure the same goes for Arthur and Merlin."
"I hope so. I think it was Arthur's fault. You know how good he is at making excuses."
Mary smiles, "Yes, but luckily Merlin is very good at forgiving!"
Mary lies down on her sleeping roll, right next to Merlin. He is still awake and looks at her. Mary frowns, "You look tired."
Merlin smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes like it usually does, "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No." Seeing Mary give him a hurt look he adds, "But thank you."
There is a rustle beside them and they both look in that direction. "Aithusa." they both whisper at the same time. Merlin and Mary peel themselves out of their blankets and walk in the direction the noise is coming from. Merlin stops again, though, and says quietly to Mary, "You go to her already. I'll be right behind you."
Mary doesn't have to go far. She finds Aithusa again by the stone and bush beside the stream. Where she had to stay the first time. Purring, she jumps into Mary's arms and snuggles up to her. Mary hears footsteps coming closer and is surprised when Merlin comes through the trees with Gaius. The physician stops when he sees the white creature in Mary's arms. "Is that..."
Mary smiles, "May I introduce you? Aithusa."
Gaius looks at Merlin and asks, "The egg you saved."
Merlin nods, "Yes, Aithusa is the baby dragon born from it."
Gaius kneels down beside Mary and looks at the dragon full of wonder. "What a magnificent creature. But what is it doing here?"
Merlin says, "It has been following us since we set out from Camelot." with a grumbling undertone he adds, "Aithusa is the reason Mary and I sneak away sometimes. The baby doesn't listen to me and follows us around all the time."
Gaius nods, "Hmm, I think it's like any baby. You were the first thing it saw after it was born. That means you are something like...parents to it I suppose."
Mary and Merlin look at Gaius in surprise. Merlin asks, "Dragons need to be raised?"
Gaius frowns, "Well I'm not sure. But they certainly need someone to make them feel safe and give them the most important lessons to live on."
Merlin can't help laughing softly, "You mean, basic things like flying and hunting? I think we're the wrong ones for that."
Gaius nods, "Yes, but I know someone who definitely knows exactly what such a dragon needs for life's journey."
"Kilgharrah." says Merlin. "I'll talk to him as soon as we get back. Aithusa, hide again and stay here." The dragon girl sneaks back under the bush beside the stone and Merlin, Mary and Gaius make their way back to the rest area. Mary is the first to lie down again. She hears Gaius say quietly to Merlin, "Sorry Merlin. I had no right."
"I know, Gaius. I've already forgotten it. Sleep well."
Mary snuggles back into her blanket with a smile and closes her eyes. At least the two of them are making up.
Merlin goes to the great clearing with Aithusa the next evening when they are back in Camelot. After calling Kilgharrah over, the old dragon looks at the young warlock and the baby dragon with interest, "Young warlock. What can I do for you?"
Merlin grits his teeth. He is not sure how the dragon will take his request, or rather his command: "Aithusa needs a teacher. Someone to teach her what it means to be a dragon. To be a dragon in a kingdom like Camelot. She needs someone to guide her, teach her and give her security."
The dragon tilts his big head, "Merlin, I'm not a babysitter!"
"No, I know. But she thinks me and Mary are her parents, so to speak. But that's too dangerous for her. Take her with you, away from here, and don't let her return until she understands the danger here in Camelot."
Kilgharrah sighs, "I don't like this at all, young warlock."
Merlin smiles mischievously, "I can imagine. Look at it this way...she will be the dragon that ensures your offspring."
"MERLIN!!! How can you think that!"
"I just thought...she's a female, you're the opposite. But maybe it works differently for dragons, what do I know..."
"Merlin!" the dragon growls.
"Yes?"
"Shut up!" Kilgharrah rises into the air and Aithusa willingly follows. Still, she looks back at Merlin once more and a single tear escapes her eyes.
