Time for another scene! And we celebrate again my dears! 30K+! Thank you so much for all the lovely reviews and favs and follows.. It really means a lot to me. Won't babble long tonight ;) On with the fic! Enjoy~
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"You should get some rest too." Arthur said eventually. It seemed to the prince the old physician might fall asleep on the spot at any minute. The prince had no doubt, the man hadn't even sat down as much to catch his breath while tending to his ward, and considering their current situation he had to admit he wasn't the least bit surprised. Merlin was like a son to him. No arguments there.
Arthur couldn't really tell the time, as it was dark outside, and he was pretty sure it was sometime in the morning they arrived back to Camelot.. and then instead of a relieved return home, this whole mess had started.
"I'll send for.." the door opened at that moment and they both picked their heads up; the prince finished his sentence looking at the very person he was about to mention "..Gwen."
"Hello Arthur. Gaius." She said quietly and smiled weakly, but it faded once her glance ran towards the patient cot and landed on the battered figure laying there. She made her way into the chamber, balancing the tray she was caring and she pushed aside some bloody cloth and a bowl of pinkish water, that still served as proof of the mad rush and horrible ordeals that the workbench bore on itself not so long ago. Guinevere set her load down on the table; making a mental note to clear that up once she gets to it.
"Thought you might want some food." She said looking at the physician, attempting a smile again and instinctively keeping her voice down. "And Audrey made some broth for Merlin." She added and eased a bit closer to her unconscious friend, the question of 'how is he?' very much on her lips and concern with volumes on her expression.
"Thank you, Gwen. That's very kind.." Gaius smiled tiredly. "We can try to get some into Merlin later. He's a bit calmer now, though still running a fever."
Arthur looked on surprised, then felt his stomach drop thinking if this is a 'calmer' Merlin, how must have his servant been while he, Arthur was asleep; he dreaded to think about it. Gaius continued to inform the servant girl of any developments she obviously wasn't present to observe, and Arthur looked at the vials and herbs, and glancing at his panting servant, he knew the 'calm', Gaius talked about could only come from the various draughts he poured down the young man's throat. The fight was still vivid, even if he no doubt was drugged into not feeling too much of it.
The prince also realized that even though Merlin worked in the castle as his personal servant and rarely had chores together with the other servants, there were others in Camelot that have grown fond of the boy. - The thought made the corner of his mouth perk up a little. Knowing Audrey that was something an achievement on it's own. The woman was very protective of her cooking, especially her dumplings, - she at one occasion even slapped the prince's hand when he tried to snatch one; though he was just a child at that time.
Even Merlin had complained of her severe army-like attitude in the palace kitchens, and he has had his own unpleasant moments when the cook's wooden spoon had painfully collided with the manservant's hand, that happened to hover far to close to the dumplings, for Audrey's liking.
And now that fierce woman made the boy broth.
Arthur had to admit, word sure traveled fast around the castle.
"The lady Morgana also sends her best wishes." Gwen said a little sadly and bit her lip, then she continued "She would also request if you can send her some healing ointment." The servant girl mumbled and glanced at the prince warily.
"Ointment?" The physician looked at her and even Arthur picked his head up at that, from staring at the raven haired boy now turning his head towards the hearth.
"It appears she.. had acquired a slight bruise." Gwen replied in the same wary tone and it all suddenly became very suspicious to the prince.
"Is she alright? Perhaps I should examine her then.." Gaius said and pushed himself up from his seat with a groan to retrieve the medicine. It was unusual for the lady to get hurt like that. Nightmares, yes, but never a scratch on her.
"What happened?" Arthur spoke furrowing his brows. It wasn't like Morgana to get herself bruised. Honestly, Merlin was ten folds clumsier, he.. He halted halfway thought that thought.
"Its alright.. its just a slight bruise, she said it's nothing serious."
Gaius then turned around looking at the servant girl "Where is she bruised?"
"On her cheek.." Gwen said quietly, biting her lower lip again and she didn't really need to say more; they all knew right away what had happened.
Morgana had a go at Uther and knowing both of their temper, it didn't end well.
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~ Irene: Thanks again for the review! Yes, it would have made so many things different if it would have happened in the series, but back then Uther was there, and it would have landed poor Merlin in trouble. And later on it didn't really come around. *sigh*