::peeks around the corner:: Are you still there? Don't hurt me! I know it's been forever…so much has happened here in the life of Clover!

Sooooooo anyway…here is a relatively short chapter to move along the story and prepare for the conclusion. I have one or two more stories before ending this mini-saga of mine.

Enjoy!

Notes: this takes place between season 4-5

I do not own Merlin…(WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!)


Gwen rushed into Gaius' quarters. He was leaning over Mila. A/Merlin was standing nearby, clearly at a loss of what to do, in a very Arthur-like pose- arms crossed with one hand to his chin, fingers tapping thoughtfully over his mouth.

"What happened?" Gwen asked as she approached.

Gaius looked back at her. "She was attacked. She must have been close, or found out who laid the spell."

Gwen studied Mila, who seemed to be resting peacefully, along with a bruised lump on her forehead. "Will she be alright?"

Gaius gave Gwen an assuring smile "Yes, she should be."

Arther frowned with Merlin's lips and looked at Mila's still form. "But now the culprit knows we are on to them." He moved closer to them. "Gaius. What about the stone?"

Gaius shook his head. "It is definitely magical, sire. However I do not know it's purpose just yet." A/Merlin sat next to Mila and leaned on his hands studying her. "Well there is nothing we can do at this point…" He sighed and leaned back, keeping his eyes on her. "I shouldn't have left her alone."

Gwen placed a hand on his shoulder. "You couldn't have known what would have happened."

Gwen felt a chill as a look that was clearly her husband's shown through Merlin's face, "But I should have known considering something always happens."

The door open and Arthur's figure came through. "I came as soon as I could"

A/Merlin stood up and looked at him. "What was your excuse."

M/Arther looked at his reflection and gave a smile, "That I was retrieving my wife to get ready for the banquet."

A/Merlin made a face at that, but M/Arthur looked down at Mila. "She is…"

"Going to be fine," Gaius assured from his book. He was eyeing the necklace and going through a few different texts.

"We should get ready. We can't be late to our own party." Gwen said, tugging at M/Arthur's arm. His sighed and nodded. "You should come as well, Arthur. It would be weird if Merlin were not at the King's side."

"Even if his lady lies in the chambers of the court physician?" A/Merlin asked.

"She's not my 'lady'" M/Arthur defended.

A/Merlin and Gwen gave each other a look. M/Arthur rolled his eyes and turned and headed out the door. "Tell us if anything changes" were the only words he left to the room.

Gaius sighed as the room emptied out, and flipped the page to the one he was looking for. His lips thinned and he looked to Mila.

"Wake up soon, child. We're going to need you."

*M*

Arthur was surprised at how well Merlin handled the speeches and toasts at the banquet. Clearly he has been paying attention more that Arthur thought. It was weird, but kind of nice not to have to stand in front of everyone and speak what everyone wanted to hear.

He noted that M/Arthurs hand rose, beckoning him to refill his glass. He sighed and grabbed the pitcher of wine and moved forward to pour the goblet. This, however, was annoying and tiresome.

And to think, he would gulp down, purposely spill or pour his drink elsewhere, just to call Merlin over again and again.

Merlin glanced at Arthur through his eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Merlin."

"Of course, sire."

Merlin tiredly looked around the room. So many faces and names, and if there was one slip up, someone could get offended and it could get ugly. Clearly Arthur's brain could handle more information than he thought if he knows everyone and something about each of them. But that's what makes Arthur special.

*M*

Gaius was finishing up gathering the ingredients to a potion when he heard Mila groan. He placed them down on the table and hurried over to her side.

"Milasande," he gently called to her.

She opened her eyes, her lids fluttering a bit until she could focus on him. "Gaius?" She asked weakly, wincing from the pain in her head."

"Take this for the pain" He gave her a vial. She took a small swig and made a face and coughed at the taste. "What do you remember?"

Mila thought for a moment and closed her eyes. "I gave Arthur the necklace to bring to you. We were looking for Beatrice. I thought I saw someone down the hall and go past the door so I followed." She frowned and opened her eyes. "And that's where it gets a little fuzzy."

Gaius held up the necklace. "It's a Coo-orb." He informed her. "It holds a strong spell once it is cast so it lasts long enough to complete the spell, if the person casting it is too weak."

Mila struggled to sit up. "So what does that mean? How do we break the spell?"

"We must get Arthur and Merlin in the same spot, give them both the remedy and chant the incantation backwards."

"Sounds simple enough." She said.

"Well not exactly…I'm not strong enough to do this on my own…" Gaius informed her. "In my old age there's only so much magic my body can handle. I will need your help."

"You want me to use magic in front of Arthur?" Mila's eyes went wide at the thought.

"It's the only way. We can't have Merlin do it, since he is subject to the spell."

"Gaius..I'm not sure about this."

"Mila. It's our only hope..."


So, I know…short. But I already warned you about that.

Please review! Let me know what you think! Hopefully I will update again by the beginning of next week!