View count in the time of posting is 21,627. And I am... completely speechless. I LOVE you for liking this fic so much. Thank you~
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.*.
Gaius felt he really wasn't up for another set of 'back-and-forth' arguments, which would no doubt result in nothing more but time wasting; precious time, he desperately felt pressing on him with each second he spent distracted with etiquette and courtly chatter, and not tending to the galore of wounds on Merlin's worn body.
„Sire, you should rest. You're not exactly fit either. I shall call a maid to help me." He sighed eventually, having years of practice for patience for such situations and dealings with stubborn royalty.
„We're wasting time." Arthur said pointedly and the physician agreed; no argument there, so despite his better judgment, he let Arthur take the bowl and brought more cloth and bandages, setting them down on a bench he pulled up close to the table to have them handy, secretly praying Uther won't think of coming around again to catch his son trending to his servant. He understood Arthur wanted to help, but his care might bring about even more trouble.
"I'm sure you know, the king has told me to let you know he wishes to speak to you." He gave it another try.
"I heard him, I was here. But he can wait. Merlin can't." And with that it was considered settled, and Gaius decided to give into it.
The prince dipped the cloth in the liquid, squeezing out the surplus of water, feeling a little clumsy at what he was doing, but determined to get on with it nonetheless; however his hand hovered for a moment above Merlin, sadly noting, he doesn't know where to start; there was just so much.. Then gingerly and wiped at a bloody smudge around the boy's right collarbone, uncovering the wound that the blood still seeped from slightly; glancing up at Merlin's expression with worry, but the warlock made no motion to signal he felt any of it.
Meantime Arthur wondered just whereLeon went to get water. - Then again the knight couldn't be sure when his father would leave and he certainly didn't want to walk back in on a delicate conversation between king and physician, when the topic was about the man's ward.
As if responding to his thoughts, just at that moment the door of the court physician's chamber opened and both men picked up their heads to see the knight march in with a bucket of water and someone trailing him closely.
The prince gasped inwardly when he recognized the visitor and quickly set the bowl down and moved to intercept her, but he wasn't even half way there when she stopped dead in her tracks and let out a shriek, upon spotting her friend's unconscious form lying on the physician's table, barely resembling his usual self. Gwen covered her mouth with her hands, eyes instantly filling with tears; pure shock reflecting in them at the sight of Merlin's mangled body.
"Oh Gods.."
Arthur strode the rest of the way giving an angry glance towards the knight that spoke volumes of 'why did you bring her here?!' although Leon couldn't really do anything but look apologetic as he moved to put the water down and see what he can help with, as the prince embraced Gwen, whispering to her and trying to have her leave from the horrid sight.
Gaius quickly grabbed a clean cloth off the bench and casually tossed it across Merlin's groin to cover his privates. Being a physician, he's seen it all; sometimes forgetting that other people might not have the same view on it.
"No, Arthur!" the young woman snapped as she broke free of his grasp "I have just as much right to be here!" She said and made her way towards the raven haired young man, followed by the blonde's surprised look.
"Oh Merlin.." she gasped as she took in the damage and fought her tears as she gently brushed a flock of hair aside on the warlock's forehead. He didn't stir, his slightly heavy breathing being only proof that he was merely unconscious.
Arthur watched her and nodded slowly. Of course she had right to be here. Merlin was her friend too. - Not just his.
Some other maid could come and help Gaius; someone else, that didn't feel so struck about the young man's condition. But this was Guinevere and she wouldn't have it any other way. And neither would he, Arthur realized. Merlin needed them now.
He sighed with some strange relief at having her there and wanted to step closer as well, but the next step made the world sway dangerously and it was only thanks to Leon's quick reaction that the prince didn't hit the floor.
To Irene: You are wonderful. Thank you so much for your continued support. Sadly, as guest reviewer I cannot reply to you in PM.. :((
;) considered joining us with an account? *little weak voice in the background "Joiiiinn uuuusss~! Joooiiinnn uuuusssss~!"*
ps. Enya is a fav of mine as well ;) And the mineral water was a GREAT tip! Thanks again~