Sorry 4 not upd8ing, u guys, I've been on holiday! And school! Etc!
here it is;
"Merlin, eat your breakfast."
"Why?"
"You need energy! I have some chores for you today-"
"No surprise there. I better be going for Arthur."
"Merlin!"
But the boy had already gone.
He walked defeatedly through the castle. Everything was always, do this Merlin, do that Merlin, oh mighty Emrys, help me, bla bla bla. Couldn't he have a break?
He ran a hand through his hair.
Arthur, meanwhile, was asleep. He was concerned for Merlin. All week, he had been a good servant. As in, he was doing his chores, not talking, being on time and being polite. There hadn't been any banters. No witty remarks. In fact, he was getting very distant.
Well, today, Arthur would go hunting. Merlin and Leon and Gwaine and Percival and Elyan would join him.
The knights had noticed something was up as well. Three days ago, when Merlin looked particularly exhausted, Gwaine had called their dark headed friend over. He came obediently, and Gwaine had laughed and asked what was wrong. Merlin had just looked at the floor and mumbled an apology.
At this, Arthur had said, "Merlin, you idiot. Cheer up!"
Merlin had just uttered that he would do better, and had then mentioned Gaius and herbs and had ran off.
Arthur opened his eyes. He would make Merlin better if he had to.
Consequently, said servant walked in, and immediately gently placed his breakfast on the table, before opening the curtains, muttering a "Good morning, Sire," and immediately started to prod the fire.
"Merlin! Ah, I wanted to talk to you, actually!" Arthur said brightly. Merlin looked up, and Arthur realised with a jolt how ill he looked. He was pale, with dark shadows under his eyes. He was dreadfully skinny, and his face was gaunt. "We're going hunting today. I want you to not do your chores. We'll go when I feel like it, ok?" he said, in softer tones. Merlin stifled a yawn.
"Yes, Sire," he said, and dragged himself out of the room. Arthur watched him. Merlin needed help. He wasn't himself.
The boy wrenched open the door of his mentor's chambers. Gaius was looking anxiously at him. "Merlin, are you feeling alright?"
Merlin nodded unconvincingly. Gaius glared at him.
"You should tell me what's wrong Merlin. You aren't yourself."
At this, Merlin broke. "No, I'm not, am I? Because myself isn't good enough. I work for you, then Arthur, then destiny, then when I get a break for two seconds, I'm told to stop being so lazy, so I thought maybe you'd want someone who did everything as they're supposed to! I don't have time to eat or sleep, but that's what you want, isn't it?" he vented, and he stormed off into his room.
Gaius sat down slowly, shocked. Merlin had never seemed this agitated. He looked around. Was that the reason for his different behaviour? Was he truly not sleeping? Gaius had thought he was snacking in the day. The poor boy.
Not too long afterwards, Arthur appeared at the doorway.
"Is Merlin ready? We're going hunting..."
Gaius sighed. "He should be, Sire. Merlin!"
The dark haired boy appeared at the doorway without saying a word. He picked up a pouch, and Arthur let him pass. After he was out of sight, Arthur looked at Gaius.
"What's wrong with Merlin? He looks sick, is acting like he isn't Merlin, and refuses to admit it."
Gaius looked right back at Arthur. "I think...I think he feels overworked, Sire."
Arthur stared. "Overworked? How...what..."
Gaius sighed impatiently. "He works for me and you, Arthur." The king looked at the floor. "He isn't eating or sleeping, either. He hasn't been this past week."
"I'll talk to him, Gaius. We will get our old Merlin back," Arthur enthused. Gaius nodded his thanks, and went to back to his work.
Poor Merlin...what's wrong with him, I wonder? What does Morgana have to do with this?
Find out later on! Let me know what you think!
Blue Turtle xxxxx