Until the Last Breath Leaves My Body

by Camelotpointe

A collection of short stories about the characters of 'Merlin'. Includes friendship, drama, comedy and more! Chapters 50 - 53: Too Much to Bear - Merlin is overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the weight of his responsibilities and the secrets he is forced to keep. Gwaine and Arthur are worried about their friend and try their best to help.

45. Unwell

Unwell:

Summary: Merlin isn't feeling well. Set in about Season 4.

Disclaimer: 'Merlin' isn't mine.

…..

"Merlin, is something wrong?" Arthur asked finally, glancing across the room to where the servant was silently folding the King's clothes. The dark-haired man had been unusually quiet that morning, not even protesting when Arthur had instructed him to polish his armour, sharpen his sword, mend his trousers, clean his boots and – Merlin's most hated task of all – muck out the stables.

"Sire?" Merlin asked uncertainly.

"Merlin, as much as your ceaseless chatter irritates me, you've barely spoken all morning. If something is troubling you, please, tell me."

Merlin bit his lip, upset with himself. He had hoped that Arthur wouldn't notice anything wrong with him, but again his friend was more perceptive than the warlock gave him credit for.

"I'm sorry, Sire, I feel unwell", he admitted in a low voice. Arthur stared at him for a moment, shocked. It had never occurred to him that Merlin could be ill; the servant hadn't had a sick day in all the years he had worked for him. Now that he was looking more closely, the King noticed that his friend's usually pale cheeks were flushed and his hands shook slightly – although whether that was a result of sickness or nerves, Arthur couldn't tell.

"Merlin…" Arthur paused, not sure of what to say. Of course he would give his servant the day off – despite what he frequently said, he did care about the young man and considered him a friend – but how could he make sure that Merlin told him when he needed a break in future? Arthur swallowed and tried again.

"Merlin, if you're unwell I can find another servant for the day." Merlin looked at the floor, embarrassed. "You need to tell me if you're feeling sick", the King added gently. "Surely you know I'm not going to be angry about something that's not your fault." Merlin nodded and looked up, a cheeky smile playing around the edges of his mouth.

"Are you sure about that? Because last week you told me –"

"Just go, Merlin", Arthur commanded, immediately losing his gentle tone. Merlin smiled, turning towards the door.

"And Merlin?" The servant glanced back at the King, a questioning look on his face.

"Take as much time as you need."

Merlin nodded gratefully, then turned and shuffled out the door.

…..

Poor Merlin! Does anybody else find it interesting that authors mostly seem to hurt the characters they like, rather than the ones they don't like? Thank for reading. x