A/N: New Chapter! Wooh! Sorry for the wait, my brain juices weren't flowing! :D Thank you to all who have reviewed so far, every single one means so much!

Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin (sadly)

Arthur

I didn't recognise her at first. It had been almost five years since I had last spoken to her, and she had changed from a gawky redheaded 15-year-old girl, into a petite and lithe 19-year-old woman, with red hair that could rival the brightness of the sun. Once I did, the joy that had begun to fill me vanished rapidly as I noticed the large, gaping wound in her side. Instinct took over as I saw her droop in her seat. In a flash, I was beside her horse, and I bundled her gently into my arms.

I explained to Leon, who was by now quite worried, and slightly befuddled. "Gwendolyn. Fionnait. She's grown." Leon's eyes widened in recognition, and he exclaimed, with horror hidden deep in his voice. "What has happened, that she has come here, on her own, in such a state?"

I grimaced, and I remembered the small body in my arms. "Come," I announced, "We must get her to Gaius."

In reality, Gaius' chambers are some of the closest to the courtyard. The journey felt like one of the longest treks I had ever taken. And, as another point, even though she looked as light as a feather, she certainly wasn't.

Eventually, eventually, Gaius' door appeared and Leon opened the door for us to enter. The sound startled Gaius, who was hunched over his notes as usual, filling his mind, I assume, with all sorts of knowledge and information. Gaius, of course, had no trouble recognising her (she probably hadn't changed in the slightest in his eyes), and soon, his table was clear, and my old friend was laid out, like a small feast.

"I'd put her on one of the beds, but they're all occupied." Gaius said, wearily. "Some of the knights are still recovering after the Wyvern's attack. Anyway, it is much easier for me to work on the table, although it is hardly fit for a princess."

He slowly began to pull up her blouse, and Leon and I looked away from her, to at least keep her dignity intact, since her skin was not. I instead focused on Gaius' face.

Gaius took in a quick breath, and the shock was evident. "What happened to her?" He asked, quietly.

"I do not know. When she arrived, she asked to speak to Arthur, and said that she had been stabbed." Leon answered.

"She came alone."

"Yes."

By now, her blouse was pulled far up her torso. The wound looked so much worse out in the open, a lot bigger. Gaius began to clean the gash slowly, and her skin began to turn from a bright crimson to the lightest of pinks.

"There must be trouble in Tara," I said, clearing my throat a little. "There is no other reason that she would travel here in this condition."

Gaius met my eyes with his own, one eyebrow crooked upward. "You think that she has come for your help."

"Fionnait hardly asks for help. But yes."

"We should wait until she has woken up, Sire." Leon interjected. "To find out the full story."

"Good idea, Leon." I agreed. "Gaius, I leave her in your capable hands. I'll send Merlin down to you, if you are in need of his assistance."

Gaius nodded, not distracted from his work.

Gaius

The wound was not a normal wound. That much was clear. It was too clean, too linear. I could feel the magical residue surrounding it. Luckily, even though Magic had been the cause, it would heal easily, with time and care.

I worried for her kingdom, and her family. She had never visited Camelot alone, but had always come with her father. Perhaps all was not well with her father. They would find out soon enough.

Merlin

Oh, sometimes I hate that clotpole! It's so typical of him. His birthday is next week, and rather than be excited by it, he's spent the entire day in a foul mood. And I've tried to make him feel better, by being obedient and quiet for once, or by trying to make him laugh, but to no avail. Instead, the prathead dumped me in it, by ordering that I clean his entire room, do all his laundry, polish all his armour, get his sword sharpened, draw him a bath and get his dinner ready. All because I tried to help. Bloody man, stupid destiny. Although, he has a reason to be miserable, what with Uther in his current condition.

Meanwhile, I was almost finished scrubbing the floor. I had already made the beds, swept the floor, and put away all his clothes. Getting the more noticeable chores out of the way meant that I can (possibly) take my time with the others, and keep Arthur happy.

Oh, and speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Although, he didn't look very good. Actually, not good at all.

"What's up?" I asked, concerned.

He rubbed his face pensively. It was obvious Arthur was worried about something.

"An old friend of mine has been injured on their way to Camelot. I am releasing you of your chores, so that you can assist Gaius."

"Oh." This old friend, most likely a prince or a knight from another kingdom, must mean a lot to Arthur, if he's so concerned. I wonder how long they've known each other, if they have any embarrassing stories about Arthur that they'd be willing to share. Once they're healed, of course. As if I'd badger the man in his ill-health.

I stood up, brushed my knees, and made my way to the door. I stopped and turned towards Arthur, who was now sat on his bed, chin in his hands. "Will you be alright?"

"Once she's better, then I'll be alright."

I nodded, and only realised once I was halfway down the corridor.

"She?"

I should mention, this story is happening (currently) just before the episode 'The Wicked Day' 4x03, and the Wyvern attack mentioned happened in the 'Darkest Hour'.

Thanks for reading,

CaChrisSo