Sparks

by LizzeXX

Arthur/OC – When Merlin's sister Marayna arrives in Camelot, Arthur's life will never be the same. Where Merlin is open and honest, Marayna is coarse and unashamed, leaving Arthur constantly bewildered and intrigued. As the fate and future of Camelot changes around her very presence, the real question is…will Arthur even survive TWO servants? First in the Draconian Prophecies.

9. A Remedy to Cure All Ills

A Remedy to Cure All Ills

It was a beautiful morning as Gwen left her house and made the small journey to the castle to attend Morgana. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and she had managed to come up with a smoked pigeon sandwich for her father that was actually more pigeon than smoke! It was a good day and only got better for when she reached the main entrance, a guard stopped her, holding a rather large bouquet of white lilies.

She looked down at the flowers questioningly until the guard spoke, "They were left at the door for Lady Morgana."

Gwen smiled and nodded, taking the flowers and heading into the castle towards her Lady's room. She was about halfway there when she nearly ran into Merlin. She could have laughed at how similar they appeared, her holding the lilies and Merlin holding a small bundle of wildflowers. She could have laughed, but found it impossible as the flower petals would have ended up in her mouth. She quickly shifted the bouquet so that she could properly speak to her friend without fear of eating flower.

"Hello Merlin!" she chirped, finally managing to shift the flowers.

"Hey Gwen," he greeted, grinning down at her flowers before glancing at her, "It seems someone really has given you flowers."

She rolled her eyes at his joke, recalling the last time he and Marayna had seen her with flowers, "They're not for me. They're for my Lady."

"Morgana?" Merlin asked, his grin quickly falling off his face as his entire countenance dimmed, "Well, yeah," he tried grinning again, tried laughing, but...couldn't seem to muster the emotion behind it, "Of course, someone would give Morgana flowers. And, uh, lilies," he looked down at them, reaching out to brush one of the petals before mumbling, "Expensive."

"Merlin…" Gwen began, frowning, as he removed his hand and took a few steps back.

"I, uh, I'd best be getting back to Arthur," he murmured quickly, turning to wander off down the hall. She watched him carefully as he left, squinting as he reached the end of the hall, but she could clearly see him cast his flowers to the side of the hall, leaving them.

It was then she realized...his flowers had been for Morgana.

~8~

Still frowning as she reached Morgana's room from the realization of who Merlin's flowers had been for, Gwen paused before taking a breath and smiling as she pushed the door open as best she could with her arms full, "Look what's just arrived for you," she called, placing the flowers on the table for Morgana to examine.

Morgana smiled as she reached out to tilt a flower towards her, inhaling its scent, "Who are they from?"

"I don't know…" she answered honestly, before smirking teasingly, "Maybe Arthur?"

He was probably the only one in the kingdom who could afford to buy lilies that large and that many. Though Gwen knew that her Lady and Arthur were just friends, more like brother and sister than anything, she still found a bit of pleasure in teasing the noblewoman about what was probably half the kingdom's hope that she and Arthur would one day marry. Neither Morgana nor Arthur ever even considered such a fate, but it didn't stop the people from hoping.

"How disappointing," Morgana jested back, smiling sadly as she looked over the flowers.

"Why?" Gwen asked, an almost knowing look on her face, "Who would you like them to be from?"

"I don't know," Morgana shrugged, blushing just a bit, "A tall, dark, stranger?"

"A tall, dark, stranger...or a tall, dark, servant?" Gwen quipped, making Morgana blush more fiercely at that.

Gwen thought it best not to mention the flowers Merlin had been about to bring her. She did not want her Lady to think that Merlin had the chance to give her flowers but chose not to. She knew that would greatly sadden her Lady, even if the only reason Merlin hadn't given the flowers was because he felt that his weren't good enough, which Gwen knew he must have felt given his expression when he heard the rather expensive lilies had been for Morgana.

Smiling softly, she moved to gather the flowers once again and place them in a large vase.

~8~

The next morning was not as good as the day before, Gwen noted. The sun was hidden behind clouds, she'd had to give her father a simple meal of bread and cheese, and she'd been haunted by Merlin's deflated smile in her dreams. She'd seen him around the castle after meeting him that morning and he seemed rather disheartened by something, which she knew had to do with the flowers. She'd seen Marayna casting worried glances at her brother as well and talking to him quietly as she passed them.

She sighed, she decided she would either tell Morgana that Merlin wanted to give her flowers but was intimidated by the lilies or tell Merlin that Morgana wished it had been Merlin giving flowers (any kind of flowers) than someone else, whichever happened first. She quickly made her way up to her Lady's room, knocking softly before she entered.

She smiled as she saw her Lady still sleeping. Merlin had delivered the draught for Morgana last night and she had given it to her Lady. Often, Morgana would let her leave early, before she was truly ready for bed for some reason. But last night, she had asked Gwen to stay a bit longer. Once Morgana had taken the draught and fallen asleep, Gwen had left. She supposed Morgana must have had a nightmare last night and woken up, it would explain why she was still sleeping.

She pulled open the curtains by the window before moving over to the bedside, reaching out gently to shake her mistress, "My Lady," she called softly, "It is time to wake up," she let out a soft breath as Morgana continued to sleep, "My Lady," she tried again...but when the woman still did not wake, Gwen began to grow concerned, "Morgana?" this time she was frantically shaking the woman, but she did not stir.

Fearing the worst, Gwen immediately fled the room and went to seek Gaius.

~8~

"Body seems to have closed down," Gaius mumbled to himself as he checked on his charge, the Lady Morgana, STILL sleeping in her rooms, for what must have been the hundredth time.

"Why?" Uther whispered as he observed his ward worriedly, "You don't have an answer do you?" Gaius said nothing, "Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days, and what do you know?!"

Gaius sighed, he knew quite a bit in fact. He knew that Gwen had flown into his chambers in tears, shouting that Morgana wouldn't wake up. She had been beside herself that day and, to make matters worse, so had Merlin. As soon as Gwen shouted that, Merlin had taken off to check on the woman, his sister following close behind. He'd run into the room to see Merlin, tears in his eyes, trying to shake the woman awake as well.

He knew that Marayna had taken the role of pillar of strength for her brother. She had gone to her brother's side, pulled him away and held him as the physician went to work. She had taken to doing a majority of her brother's chores so Merlin could spend as much time at Morgana's bedside as possible without drawing attention to the fact he was doing so. Truly the only time he wasn't there was when Arthur or Uther was there or he absolutely had to do chores. Not that many people noticed that, HE did as he was often trying something new to help Morgana, he'd enter the room to see Merlin there again and again. Marayna, he knew, had also become a wall for Arthur to lean on too, even though he knew she desperately needed a shoulder as well but refused to tell anyone.

He knew that everyone was terrified of losing the young woman lying in bed. Arthur for his 'sister,' Gwen for her Lady, Marayna for her friend, Uther for his ward, him for his 'niece' (as he liked to think of her, having tended to her since she was a child), and Merlin for…well…he wasn't too sure. But he did know the young woman was of immense importance to his nephew and that was why he was trying his best to help her.

"I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain," he concluded.

"What could cause such a thing?" Uther gasped in horror.

"An infection possibly," Gaius sighed, "Rest assured I will do everything in my power to cure her sire."

~8~

"Is she any better?" Gwen asked immediately as Gaius came down the stairs from Morgana's rooms. Merlin stopped beside her from where he had been pacing in the hall as Marayna stood beside him. He couldn't go to Morgana's room as Uther was there and he dared not incur the wrath of the king should he discover that a servant's affection for the Lady was far more than that of simple friendship.

He saw Gaius frown at him and examine him intently with a pointed gaze. He knew he must look a sight. He'd barely slept the last two days, spending his nights at Morgana's side, wide awake should anything happen to her. He didn't eat, having no such appetite for anything. He'd been neglecting his duties, which he hated himself for leaving his sister to maintain, but he couldn't help himself. This was Morgana…if anything happened to her...he...didn't know what he'd do.

Gaius turned his attention to Gwen, simply shaking his head and watching as the young woman rushed up the stairs. He took a step towards Merlin, steeling himself for what he was about to say, "She's all but dead."

Merlin filched and Marayna immediately took his hand in her own, "No," he shook his head, nearly begging, "You're gonna cure her. You have to."

"Don't you start," Gaius pointed at him firmly, his heart breaking at the sight, "I've tried everything."

"Do you think…" Marayna spoke up, rubbing her brother's trembling back.

"What?" Gaius turned to look at her.

"Do you think...WE might be able to help…" she trailed, not looking at him, but focusing on her brother.

"If you are suggesting magic, have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father?" he just had to bring that up didn't he? Both Merlin and Marayna flinched at the memory, "This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary."

Merlin almost smiled at the old man's attempts at keeping him and his thoughts occupied.

"There's got to be something more we can do to hel..." Marayna began.

"And yarrow," Gaius cut her off before she could get any ideas.

~8~

Marayna stepped to the side of Arthur as he made his way out of Morgana's room. She and Merlin had just finished gathering rosemary and yarrow for Gaius and were going to see how Morgana fared. Merlin had barely spoken during their collections and she knew seeing Morgana would help him, even if just a little. Arthur stepped back for them to get through the door as he left. Merlin had immediately gone in and Marayna followed, though she paused at the doorway. She saw Gwen tending to Morgana as Merlin sat beside her and caught her eye. She glanced back at Arthur walking down the hall and back to Gwen. The girl simply nodded in understanding, taking a step to comfort Merlin as Marayna made her way towards Arthur.

"She'll be fine you know," she said softly, startling him with her appearance.

"How do you know?" he asked quietly, not trusting himself to speak louder.

Marayna smiled, "When has Gaius ever failed you?"

Arthur smiled in return at that and reached out to take her hand in his own, "Thank you," he squeezed her hand briefly before letting it fall.

Marayna could only nod as she walked with him towards the courtyard entrance. Just as they reached the doorway, a guard stopped them, "Sire, there is a man out there, requesting an audience with the king."

Marayna smirked as she saw Arthur roll his eyes and nod at the guard before walking outside. She started to a stop when she saw the man Arthur was walking up to, her smirk quickly falling off her face. She wasn't concerned at all with the burns and scars on the man's cheek, but his eyes. They were hard and cold, manipulating and calculating. Not to mention, she shivered. There was something cruel and wicked about that man, something...wrong. And she never questioned her feelings about people, especially not after the meeting with Kara/Nimueh proved her right.

"What's your business here?" she heard Arthur ask, snapping her out of her thoughts and getting her to walk after him.

"My name is Edwin Muirden and I have a remedy to cure all ills," the man answered, grinning slyly and bowing his head in respect to the prince.

"Is that so?" Arthur questioned, clearly uninterested in what the man had to say. He was probably another peasant trying to pass himself off as a physician or something to get a coin or two.

"I beg an audience with the king," Edwin requested, far too politely for Marayna's taste, he was nearly kissing Arthur's boots with that tone.

"We already HAVE a physician," she spoke, finally making her way to Arthur who had turned to walk away from the scarred man.

"I hear the Lady Morgana is gravely ill," he called after them and Marayna flinched, she could see the ploy he was using to try and grasp Arthur's ear. He was going to play on his concern for Morgana's wellbeing, tempt him with the promise of a full recovery for the woman. She just...she could feel there was something more to him wanting to help an ill woman than he was letting on, she just...didn't know what.

"That is no concern of yours," Arthur nearly growled as he spun to face the man again, though from a distance away.

"I may be able to help her."

Marayna's eyes narrowed, "The court physician is already looking into it," she stated firmly, inwardly happy when Arthur nodded in agreement.

"I'll be at the inn," Edwin added one more time, "In case you change your mind," and with that, he turned to walk away, leaving two pairs of glaring eyes watching him.

"I don't like him," Marayna muttered, more to herself than anything, but Arthur heard everything anyway.

"Nor I," he confirmed.

Marayna glanced up to see Arthur staring at Edwin's retreating figure, a curious look on his face. She wondered if Arthur felt the same cold, almost prickling feeling she had felt from the man...or if it was something far worse, that he was perhaps considering the man's offer. She truly hoped it was the first, because Gaius WOULD find a way to help Morgana, she knew he would, he always did.

~8~

That night would find Merlin and Marayna sitting in Arthur's room. Morgana had still not wakened and Marayna could tell it was starting to worry Arthur, not that he hadn't been worried before, but now it was far more noticeable. He was sitting in a chair, his hand over his eyes, hunched over. She was sure that her brother's pacing behind him wasn't helping either but she knew the only time he really sat still was when he was at Morgana's bedside, all other times he was far too worried to just sit around, especially since Gaius had forbidden them from using magic to help.

"It's going to be alright, it is," she heard Merlin muttering to himself, she could hear the fear in his voice and knew he was more trying to convince himself than reassure anyone else, "I know it is. She's going to be absolutely…"

"Merlin, you're making me anxious," Arthur spoke up, interrupting her brother's pacing.

"But I'm not worried," Merlin insisted as he stopped behind Arthur's chair...all in the room knew he was lying though.

"Then stop pacing," Marayna called softly, getting up to give her brother a reassuring hug, ignoring the way Arthur was watching her, before leading him over to the small table to sit. She should have had him sit in another chair for as soon as he was sitting, he began tapping on the table top.

A moment later, she nearly laughed as Arthur got up to pace himself. She could see how tense he was by the set of his shoulders, the scowl on his face, and the clenching of his fists. She rubbed her brother's back, wishing there was something more she could do.

~8~

The next morning, Morgana's condition had worsened. Gaius was standing beside her, checking her symptoms while a worried Arthur and Uther stood behind him. Gwen had taken Merlin to collect some things for Gaius while Marayna flitted about the room, tidying and fixing things up if only to keep herself occupied.

"I cannot preserve her life for much longer," Gaius sadly informed Uther, "She has hours, maybe less."

"We cannot let her die!" Arthur shouted suddenly, angrier than she had ever heard him get, even at her brother.

Marayna couldn't help but speak, "Calm down Arthur, before you have a stroke."

Arthur nearly rounded on her...when the king sighed, "Arthur, please."

Frankly, Marayna was shocked the king had overlooked her words to Arthur as she had numerous slights against her in them. Not using his proper title, ordering him about, essentially talking back to him...yet the king had almost appeared to agree with her. Well, he was either incredibly tired or enormously worried, or both if he missed all that and actually agreed with a servant that his son needed to calm down.

Arthur sighed, turning to glare at Marayna when something came to him, "There's a man, he came to the castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her."

Marayna's eyes widened in shock. No! That man couldn't be let anywhere near Morgana! She just...she had a truly awful feeling about him and...and because she had no proof she could scarcely bring it up to them could she?

"That's ridiculous," Uther nearly laughed, "He doesn't know what's wrong with her."

"He says he has a remedy to cure allills," Arthur insisted, looking over to Marayna for support, only to see that her attention had been drawn to the large vase of lilies sitting on the table beside her.

"Impossible," Gaius shook his head, nothing could cure everything.

"For Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out," Arthur nearly begged, "I mean, what have we got to lose? Please father."

Marayna frowned as she eyed the lilies next to her. There was something off about the flowers, which was strange, because they were just flowers. Slowly, she reached out and brushed a finger along one of the petals. In an instant she saw the image of a beetle resting on that very petal in her mind's eye and quickly pulled her hand away as though she had been burned. It wasn't the image of the beetle that disturbed her, but the feeling she got from it…the same feeling she had when she'd met Edwin.

"He's probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling," she heard her uncle say, drawing her attention back to the conversation as she quickly put as much distance between the flowers and herself as possible.

"I don't care!" Arthur snapped, "If she's about to die what harm can it do? Give him a shilling. If there's one chance in a million that he can save her, then why not?"

Uther sighed, shaking his head and said the three words Marayna feared hearing, "Send for him."

~8~

Marayna followed Arthur out of the room as he went to send a messenger to Edwin, "Arthur, I really think this is a bad idea."

Arthur sighed, "We've no other choice," he mumbled, "If he can save her…"

Marayna bit her lip as she considered what exactly she was about to say, "Don't you find it a bit odd though that this...Edwin person appears just as Morgana comes down with an illness not even Gaius can cure?"

He turned to face her, "What are you saying?"

"Nothing, I just…" she trailed before taking a breath, "The guards said that Morgana received those lilies the day before she became ill."

"Yes, and?"

Oh dear lord, he wasn't following was he?

"What if Edwin sent the flowers so that Morgana would become ill with something only HE, as the sender, could cure...that way he could save her? You've got to admit, you're desperate enough to do anything to help. Maybe that's what he wants."

Arthur stared at her a moment before bursting out with laughter, "Oh Mara," he shook his head, "Flowers are a sign of affection, not impending death, surely even you know that."

She glared at him for a moment, "Actually, I wouldn't know," she answered bitingly, "I've never gotten flowers from anyone, my Lord."

And with that, she spun around and stormed off down the hall, leaving a shocked Arthur.

~8~

Marayna stood beside her brother, who looked slightly dazed with worry and lack of sleep, as Gaius and Uther entered the main hall. That Edwin man was waiting there for them which did not sit well with Marayna, but for once, she couldn't tell her brother of her suspicions. He was far too worn and torn about the situation with Morgana, and she didn't doubt that he would do anything to cure the woman, even if it meant supporting this Edwin man. She didn't want to take away Merlin's hope about the situation by telling him how badly she thought of the man. Perhaps she would wait till he tried to cure Morgana before going after him.

Edwin dropped into a kneel as the king strode up to him, "Edwin Muirden, sire. Physician and loyal servant."

"Welcome to Camelot," Uther greeted quickly, taking the scroll and unrolling it as Edwin moved to stand.

"Have we met before?" Gaius asked, tilting his head to examine the young man intently.

"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir," Edwin replied politely, gesturing to the burns marring his face.

"Do you really believe you have a remedy?" Uther turned to face him.

"There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, sire," Edwin spoke, seeming as though he were trying to sound modest, "So, when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honor-bound to offer my services."

"You say you have a cure for all, an antidote for everything?" Gaius continued.

"Yes, although it is not quite as simple as that," Edwin spared only a glance at the older man.

"Gaius is the Court Physician," Uther introduced.

"You are indeed a legend sir, I am delighted to meet you," Edwin moved into a bow as Marayna narrowed her eyes. He was being a bit over the top with all this praise and respect and boot licking wasn't he? Not to get her wrong, she was thrilled her uncle was getting some sort of respect, but Edwin bowing to him so extravagantly and in the same manner that he had the king was overdoing it to her, "I am curious to know what it is that has afflicted her."

"An infection of the brain," Gaius answered matter-of-factly.

"And your treatment?"

"Yarrow."

"Yes, yes."

"Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation."

"Interesting," Edwin nodded, though...slower than before, as though considering the man's words.

"Why, what would you suggest?" Arthur interrupted, stepping up beside his father.

"No, no, no, that is all fine," Edwin turned to face the prince, "All good, if that is the right diagnosis."

"What would your diagnosis be?" Uther questioned, and both Marayna and Gaius knew the king now doubted the original illness.

"Well, without examining the patient…" Edwin trailed purposefully.

"He should examine her," Arthur cut in.

"I would need my equipment."

"Of course," Uther replied, nodding, "You have use of one of the guest chambers."

"Consider my servants at your disposal," Arthur added as Marayna and Merlin snapped their heads to face him, odd mixes of disbelief and reluctance on their faces.

"I will start work immediately," Edwin bowed again before striding out of the room. Arthur cast a meaningful look at his servants before they too left the room after Edwin.

~8~

Merlin was curiously looking at the various equipment set up on Edwin's table in the room he'd been given as Marayna made herself as busy as possible as far away as possible from Edwin.

"Yes, it was all originally designed for alchemy," Edwin smiled, noticing Merlin's stares.

"Making gold?" Merlin inquired.

Edwin glanced up at him, "You have an interest in science?"

"'Science is knowledge,'" Marayna recited something Gaius always seemed to want them to believe every time there was some sort of magical disturbance that he felt could be fixed with the subject instead of magic. She moved closer to her brother (and unfortunately Edwin as well) as she had finished collecting the herbs Edwin requested from his supplies.

"It has the answers to everything."

"Maybe," Merlin murmured, a small smile growing on his face, "It can't explain love."

"So you are in love?" Edwin asked as Merlin looked up shocked, casting a look to his sister.

"He meant emotions in general, anger, sorrow, happiness," Marayna covered, smiling at her brother's confession. She knew he felt deeply for Morgana and had been counting down the days till he admitted just how strongly he felt for her. Now he just had to admit it to Morgana and everything would be perfect.

Though she had to admit, Merlin himself seemed shocked by his own words. It...DID make sense though. She hadn't admitted to herself that she might possibly care a little bit about Arthur till she'd seen him lying among the fallen knights when he'd faced the Griffin. Seeing him like that, fallen, vulnerable, and...hurt...it had made her reevaluate things. It was funny how seeing the ones you (might possibly) care about in danger made you face the things you'd rather not admit to yourself. Merlin, it seemed, was starting to be confronted by the fact that he might just love Morgana. Now that he was so close to losing her, to see her so helpless and lifeless and near death...he was being forced to think of his life without her, and it was not one he seemed keen to experience.

At least one good thing had come out of this mess, her brother was realizing his feelings for the woman. She knew they were both in the same boat, having certain feelings for nobles, nobles under the king's thumb who might one day be expected to marry other nobles. If the day ever came where Uther forced Morgana's hand and orchestrated for her to marry some knight or prince or something...well...life was too short, and her brother ought to enjoy the time he could have with Morgana and pray that he'd be able to have forever with her somehow.

Well...after they saved her life that is.

"You seem too bright to be just servants," Edwin commented.

"Oh well, don't be fooled, we're not that bright," Merlin recovered, just enough to make a quip.

It was then that Marayna heard a strange hissing noise coming from a box set before Merlin. She picked it up, carefully inspecting the inscription on the box when it was snatched away by Edwin, "Yes we will need that, now we must hurry to the Lady Morgana. Before it is too late."

Merlin and Marayna quickly gathered up the equipment and supplies that Edwin had listed earlier and carried it out of the room behind the man, following him until they entered Morgana's chambers where Uther, Arthur, and Gaius were waiting.

"Put my equipment over there," Edwin commanded before turning to speak quietly to the king, "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy."

"Certainly," Uther nodded before motioning for everyone to leave. Arthur and Uther made their way out, but Marayna and Merlin paused by the door, waiting for Gaius.

"That includes you, Gaius," Edwin added, seeing the old man still standing there.

"But I am eager to learn from your methods," he spoke though both Merlin and Marayna noticed his tone was not one of eager learning but of vague suspicion, something Edwin seemed to notice as well.

"Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."

Gaius opened his mouth to speak when Uther called to him from the doorway, "Gaius."

Reluctantly, Gaius turned and walked out of the room with Merlin and Marayna, none of them feeling at ease with leaving the man in the room alone with her.

~8~

'Do you think he'll do it?' Merlin asked Marayna in his mind as they followed the trail of people down the stairs to the small foyer they had spoken to Gaius in the day before.

'Do what?' she replied.

'Cure her.'

Even in her mind, she could hear the hope in his words. She shrugged, 'I don't know. But if he does…what does that mean?'

'What do you mean?' Merlin glanced at her, he heard her about to speak when Edwin suddenly ran down the stairs.

"Great news your majesty," Edwin cheered, "You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain."

"What is it then?" Uther demanded.

"It Is a cerebral hemorrhage."

'He's lying,' Merlin heard in his mind. He glanced over to see his sister glaring at Edwin. He'd learned his lesson after the Kara/Nimueh incident and completely believed her, turning to glare subtly at Edwin as well. He didn't need the whole story of her suspicions, he didn't need to know what other feelings she may have gotten off the man. All he needed to know...was that she didn't trust him.

Gaius's arms dropped to his side in shock, "Hemorrhage? I don't think so."

"I found this trace of blood in her ear," Edwin sighed sadly, holding up a small cloth with a red streak on it.

"God in heaven!" Uther exclaimed, both he and Arthur looking shocked.

"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed," Edwin explained, feigning solemnity, "If not treated, it can lead to coma and eventually death."

"How could you have missed this?!" Uther demanded, spinning to face Gaius.

"I didn't see any blood," Gaius replied simply and firmly.

"Please, just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation," Edwin remarked, before facing the physician and barely masking a smirk, "Can you imagine what that might have done?"

Gaius frowned, glancing at the king to see him waiting for an answer, "It may have increased the bleed."

"Is there a cure?" Uther asked Edwin, turning his back on his old friend.

"See for yourself," Edwin smiled, motioning for the stairs.

~8~

Uther stormed into Morgana's chambers, followed closely by his son, the servants, Gaius, and Edwin, only to see Morgana wide awake and sitting up in bed, smiling at them.

As soon as the door opened, Morgana's attention set upon none other than Merlin, who, upon seeing her alive was about to run to her side, when a firm grasp on his arm held him in place. He looked down to see his sister holding him back, 'Uther would behead you,' she reminded him sadly, 'Happy for her recovery or not.'

Merlin frowned, but nodded, the king certainly would kill him if he even suspected there was anything more than a servant's affection for a noble between them.

"It's truly a miracle," Uther cried as her rushed to Morgana and kissed her forehead, "I thought…I really thought…"

"Oh you won't get rid of me that easily," Morgana murmured weakly, but that was to be expected. She moved on the bed, putting on the airs of shifting for comfort, but Marayna could tell she was really just trying in vain to see behind the king and glimpse Merlin once more.

"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius inquired, stepping up beside the king, completely blocking Morgana's entire view.

She sighed, leaning back resignedly, "I have no idea, but thank heaven he did."

Marayna smiled at her brother's grin and relief, but frowned when she noticed Edwin standing by the bed with a sort of pleased smirk on his face. It wasn't the kind of pleasure one received from doing a good deed and saving someone, but rather that of a man whose plans had gone perfectly.

Arthur motioned for them to leave the room and so they did, reluctantly, but decided they could at least tell Gwen the good news.

~8~

Merlin and Marayna quickly made their way through the castle later that day, to Edwin's rooms. They knocked on the door, "Edwin?" Merlin called. But they heard not a sound. They pushed open the door and made their way in.

Immediately Marayna went about looking at the various instruments and supplies the scarred man had out with a purpose she couldn't really explain. She knew there was something there, there HAD to be, regarding Morgana's illness...but she didn't know what.

'What are you doing Aya?' Merlin questioned her in her mind.

'I don't trust him,' she answered, 'He's hiding something and I think we'll find it here.'

Merlin watched his sister for a moment before shrugging and glancing at the objects on the table. His gaze landed on the old wooden box that Edwin had snatched away from Marayna earlier that day and opened it.

Marayna glanced up to see her brother staring curiously at an opened box and walked around the table to his side to look as well, 'Dead bugs?' she frowned at him, she couldn't even say what sort they were, it looked like just a bunch of black shiny things.

Merlin looked down at her only to see her staring at the box, confused as well. He shut the lid and fingered the inscription, "Bebiede thay arisan ealdu," he mumbled, reading it, his eyes flashing with magic. Immediately the hissing noise Marayna had first heard returned. He opened the box again to reveal the bugs now alive and crawling around, making themselves more distinguishable.

'Beetles,' Merlin confirmed as he stared at the bugs.

Marayna's eyes widened as realization struck her, 'Oh my God, Merlin he…'

"Very good," a voice said behind them, startling them. They spun around to see Edwin standing there, watching them. He took a few steps towards them and reached out, taking the box from Merlin's hand. He shut the lid before whispering, "Swefn," and opening it again to reveal the insects dead once more. He set the box on the table and turned to face Merlin, "You have magic."

"It wasn't me," Merlin countered quickly, automatically, "I didn't do anything!"

Marayna's frown just deepened...because Edwin had just revealed that HE possessed magic as well. And if he could make the beetles die...then he could bring them to life as well, confirming her suspicions.

"Then how else did you bring them to life?" Edwin smirked, already knowing the answer, "Only magic can do such a thing," he gently stroked the top of the box, "These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain they saved her life. Magic can be a force for good."

Marayna glared, repaired the damage? More like caused the damage, she thought. She was sure of it! She'd seen a flash of the beetle, those very beetles, on the flowers in Morgana's rooms! BEFORE Edwin had even set foot in the castle! The beetles had already been there and she was willing to bet her life that Edwin had sent one into her brain to hurt her, and then extracted it to 'cure' her.

"I know," Merlin's voice reached her.

"Then why do you fear it?" Edwin tilted his head to the side and stared at Merlin, making him all sorts of uncomfortable.

"Do you know who the king is?" Marayna scoffed, "This is Camelot, magic will get you killed."

"Should I have let Morgana die?"

"No!" Merlin nearly shouted and Edwin's calculating gaze landed back on him as he smiled, so Merlin was in love with someone. And the Lady Morgana apparently. Ooh...this might play right into his hands

"People like us we have a gift," Edwin continued, staring at Merlin, "Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?"

"...perhaps," Merlin answered hesitatingly before he and Marayna made a move to clean the spilled powder that they had knocked over when Edwin startled them. Anything so they wouldn't have to look at him.

"Don't waste your time cleaning that up," he stated, before muttering a spell, "Feormian dust rénian," and the powder floated up and returned itself to the bottle it came from, "Why waste a talent like that? And I can teach you."

"Rǽdee ásce geotan," Marayna murmured, proving to Edwin that they needed no training as the bottle rose and poured the powder into a bowl.

"I see you have magic as well," Edwin muttered, stroking his chin in thought. He wondered what the prince would think if he knew of the girl's magic. He could see, just by the way Arthur and she interacted that they both had a deep connection to the other. He had seen how they stood just a little too close than was proper for servant and master, the gentle touches they bestowed upon each other in comfort, the way they bantered along as though old friends. This could be a rather interesting bit of information to possess, "What do you use this for?"

"Gaius doesn't allow us to," Merlin answered this time.

"A gift like yours should be nurtured, practiced, enjoyed," he tried to bait them, "You need someone to help you, to encourage you."

"We get enough of that from each other," Marayna replied, her tone making it quite clear to the scarred man that she had no interest in whatever it was he was saying.

In fact, he was a bit puzzled by why she was glaring at him so fervently, "Imagine what we could achieve if we shared our knowledge..."

"We should be getting back," Merlin shook his head, taking his sister's hand and pulling her towards the door, he could tell she was getting very angry about something.

"Of course," Edwin nodded, stepping back, "You must promise to keep our secret safe."

"Of course," Marayna mimicked with a sneer as Merlin opened the door.

"People like you and I, we must look after each other," was all they heard as they shut the door behind them.

'What's the matter Aya?' Merlin asked her as she nearly stomped down the hall, trying to get as far away from Edwin as quickly as possible.

'HE did it!' she half-shouted at him, making him wince at the volume of her cries in his head, 'HE made Morgana ill!'

'He saved her,' Merlin replied, frowning in confusion, 'He cured her.'

She shook her head furiously, 'No, he only reversed whatever it was he did to her with the flowers.'

'What do the flowers have to do with this?'

She sighed, 'When I was in Morgana's room the other day, I touched the flowers, the lilies, and saw a BEETLE crawling on its petal. The SAME beetles that Edwin has!'

'Maybe one of his beetles got loose?' he tried to guess, not wanting what his sister was saying to be true, no matter how much he knew it was.

'It was before Edwin even entered the castle. Think about it Merlin, she gets ill the same day the flowers arrive, I see a beetle on the flowers, Edwin has a box full of beetles! HE brought the box of beetles with him into Morgana's room, I don't think it was to heal her, I think it was to collect the one that he released on her. Don't you see Merlin? He used a beetle to make her ill, JUST so he could have the credit of curing her.'

'But why?' he asked, starting to get angry at the thought of someone not only using magic that way, but using Morgana that way. If Uther or Arthur had refused to allow Edwin into the castle, she could have DIED!

'I don't know,' she murmured sadly. She really had no idea why Edwin would go through all the trouble of harming Morgana, just to cure her again. For credit yes, but...what would he do with it?

~8~

That night Merlin quietly snuck through the castle, careful to avoid the guards until he finally reached the room he sought. He raised his hand to knock quietly when a voice called softly from within, "Come in Merlin."

He did as commanded and slipped into the darkened room to see the pale form of Morgana sitting awake in the moonlight. She smiled at him as he took his place at her bedside, sitting gently on the edge of her bed.

"How are you feeling, my Lady?" she gave him a look and he winced before grinning, "I mean, how are you feeling Morgana?"

She laughed softly, "I feel fine, perfectly well," Merlin could detect a hint of a blush on her cheeks from her next words, "Better now that you're here."

Merlin would not deny that he blushed at that as well.

"I'm glad you're ok," he murmured, reaching out and taking her hand in his, squeezing it as though reassuring himself that she was really awake and well and alive. She returned the squeeze as though to do the same, "I was…"

He trailed off, looking away and Morgana could see a distinct blush on his cheeks, "You were…"

He sighed, looking at her and she nearly gasped at the small sparkle of tears she could see in the corner of his eyes, "I was so scared," he whispered, "I thought I'd lost you, or I'd lose you, or…"

"But you didn't," she whispered back, lifting her other hand to touch his cheek, "As I told Uther, you'll not be getting rid of me that easily."

He smiled at that before reaching up and taking her hand from his face, holding it though, "Morgana…I…" he took a breath, "I…that is to say, I…" he shut his eyes, "I care about you. So much"

He peeked open his eyes to see her smiling at him, "I care about you too," she breathed.

"I don't know what I would have done if…" he trailed off, unable to give actual thought to that.

And so Morgana reached out, gathering Merlin in hers arms and holding him tightly. That night, it would be Morgana holding him as he had fitful dreams.

~8~

"Have you been up all night?" Marayna asked her uncle as she left hers and her brother's room. Merlin had not been there when she'd woken and, knowing her brother, was not likely to have woke before her. She could only assume he was still where she suspected he would be, with Morgana. Luckily she had woken at dawn, just slightly earlier than the other servants and could probably get to him before someone else walked in on them. She doubted Uther or Arthur would wait long after waking to check on her and make sure there was no relapse. Though, as she thought about it, it would cause quite a scandal and she would be able to tease her brother mercilessly for the rest of his life...but then she realized, if he was caught, his life would probably be over fairly quickly as Uther would murder him on the spot.

"Yes," her uncle sighed, rubbing his face, "But it was worth it. Where are you going?" he asked, looking up to see her putting a bag around her shoulder.

"Um, Merlin told Edwin we'd be up at dawn to collect some supplies," she answered, clearly uncomfortable with the entire situation. While she knew her brother only agreed because Arthur had been standing right there when Edwin asked, she didn't have to like it.

"Well, you better get a move on then," Gaius frowned, watching as she left the room, too tired from his all-night research to realize that Merlin wasn't with her and therefore...hadn't returned last night either.

~8~

"…sacrifice the king to save Merlin and Marayna?" a voice reached them. Both Merlin and Marayna paused just outside Edwin's door upon hearing their uncle's voice carry out to them. They glanced at each other and frowned, it was clear that Edwin had just threatened their uncle with something.

"Think about it, Gaius," they heard Edwin say, the subtle threat was not lost on them, "But if I find out that you have told any person, including the children, I will go straight to Uther!"

Sensing it was getting out of hand, Merlin quickly opened the door and walked into the room, glancing at the two men before him as though he hadn't been standing outside the door and knew they were there. Marayna inwardly smirked, she was rubbing off on her brother.

"We've got your provisions," Merlin turned, helping Marayna pull the bag she'd taken with her off her. It was quite full and a bit heavy. They had both gone to the fields after Marayna had woken him in Morgana's chambers, rushed to get the herbs and roots all gathered so they could get back quickly, neither of them trusting Edwin any longer and not wanting to leave him alone in Camelot longer than was necessary.

"Ah, thank you," Edwin smiled, glancing at Gaius, "Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?"

"Yes," Gaius answered tensely after a moment.

"Now I must get back to work," Edwin smirked, his eyes following the old physician as he left the room with the servants, shutting the door behind him.

"We'd better get on with our errands," Merlin stated after a moment of silence in the hall.

"Yes, of course you must," Gaius mumbled distractedly.

"Do you need us to pick up anything for you uncle?" Marayna asked, concern in her voice as she laid a hand on her uncle's arm.

"No, I'm fine," Gaius replied, trying to smile and laying a gentle hand on hers, "Just...do what Edwin asks," his smile fell as his niece and nephew walked off down the hall, unaware that following any instructions Edwin gave was the LAST thing on their minds.

~8~

'Something's really bothering him,' Merlin heard in his mind as he and his sister peeked around their door to observe their uncle sleeping, or at least attempting to, on his cot. They had heard him leave and were tempted to follow, but decided to wait. When he came back he seemed even more troubled than before and simply laid down on his cot and rolled over.

'I wish he would talk to us,' Merlin replied, 'Do you have any idea what it could be?'

Marayna was always far more intuitive and adept at reading people than he was, but she frowned and shook her head, 'All I know is it has to have something to do with Edwin.'

Merlin frowned, thinking on the threat they still didn't know the exact details of from Edwin to their uncle, 'I hope everything turns out alright.'

Marayna nodded in agreement before shutting the door, the two of them trying in vain to fall asleep once again.

~8~

But, as seemed to be the case in their lives, it didn't turn out alright.

The next day Marayna had been returning from collecting some more herbs for Edwin when Arthur had approached her, grabbed her arm lightly, and pulled her off to the side to tell her of his father's decision regarding Gaius's position as court physician.

As soon as the words that Gaius was being replaced by Edwin left his mouth Marayna shot down the halls, the bag of herbs lying forgotten at Arthur's feet. The prince didn't say anything as he watched her run, nothing about her not being excused to leave, nothing on the lump at his feet. He only watched her hiking up the skirt of her dress and bolting past the servants, concern in his eyes for the young woman.

At the very same moment Arthur reached Marayna, in another part of the castle, Merlin stood in Arthur's chambers, folding some of the prince's clean clothing to put away...when the door burst open. He was about to turn and give some witty remark to who he assumed to be Arthur, when he felt a warm body collide with his. He looked down to see a frantic Morgana, nearly crying in his arms.

Once he'd been able to calm her down, she was able to tell him about what Uther had done this time. Merlin, being the gentleman that he was, walked Morgana back to her chambers, left her in the care of Gwen, with a few reassuring words and then, as soon as the door was shut, took off down the halls in search of his uncle.

Arthur would say nothing to his two servants later about their lack of completing their chores.

~8~

"Gaius!" Merlin shouted as he and Marayna ran into the physician's chambers, having both arrived at the door at the same time and knowing the other had found out about how the man had essentially been 'fired.'

"Uther can't do this to you!" Marayna agreed.

"You tried to save Morgana."

"Uther is not to blame," Gaius sighed and they all knew who was.

"Come on Merlin, let's go have a little chat with Edwin," Marayna decided, clearly hating the man but willing to do whatever it took to keep her uncle around, "Wouldn't two physicians be better than one?"

"No, you mustn't do anything," Gaius insisted, turning to face them.

"We can't stand by and do nothing!" Merlin threw his arms up in the air.

Gaius almost smiled at that, Merlin was never one to sit by as much as his sister was never one to keep quiet, "Uther is right. It's time I stepped down."

"What're you doing with that bag?" Marayna frowned, just now noticing the bag with Gaius's belongings sitting on the table.

"I cannot stay when there is no longer a use for me," Gaius commented, placing another item in the bag.

"You're not leaving," Merlin shook his head, reaching out to take his sister's hand for strength and support.

"I believe it's for the best."

"Well you're not leaving without us," Marayna insisted, about to move and get a bag for her brother and herself when Gaius sighed.

"Merlin, Rayna, you are like a son and daughter to me," he smiled gently at them, "I never expected such a blessing so late in life..."

"And you are more than a father to us," Merlin confirmed, tears in his eyes that he knew were in his sister's as well.

"Then as a father, I must tell you...you must remain here," he reached out, placing a hand on each of their shoulders and squeezing them, "Camelot is where you belong."

"It's where YOU belong too uncle," Marayna insisted.

"Not anymore," he sighed, staring meaningfully at the two, "You must promise me you will not waste your gifts."

"Our gifts mean nothing without you to guide us," Merlin whispered brokenly, both he and Marayna gripping each other's hand so tightly their knuckles were turning white.

"You have a great destiny," Gaius nodded, smiling fondly at them, "If I have had but a small part to play in that...then I'm pleased."

"We've only just started learning though," Marayna sniffled.

"We need you to teach us," Merlin nodded.

"I'm afraid I am leaving here tonight," Gaius said with finality, "And there is nothing you can do or say that can persuade me otherwise."

"We'll see about that," Marayna scoffed before she and Merlin ran out of the room.

~8~

They managed to find Arthur in the training arena nearly hacking a poor wooden dummy to pieces before moving onto the next one and practicing where to land blows without actually doing so.

"I can't understand why Uther would sack him over one mistake," Merlin called as they came to a stop behind Arthur.

"A mistake that nearly killed Morgana," Arthur commented, not at all startled by their appearance, he had been expecting them for a while now, he was actually more surprised it had taken them this long to seek him out and plead with him this very case, "Besides that wasn't the only one."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Marayna nearly snapped.

Arthur glanced at her over his shoulder, "Edwin's said his work was riddled with errors."

"And you believed that load of rubbish?" she shook her head at Arthur, her eyes narrowing at the mention of Edwin's name.

Were she and Merlin the only ones who could see what was happening? They had realized on their run to the arena, just why Edwin had saved Morgana after making her ill. If he could cure an illness that Gaius could not, it would earn him a high spot with Uther, enough to manipulate the king and undermine Gaius. What they didn't understand was why Edwin was so set on obtaining Gaius's position as physician, for that was clearly the intention all along. Why not work together? Or wait a number of years for Gaius to retire?

"No one wants Gaius to go," Arthur sighed as he turned and stuck his sword into the ground, "My father's made his decision. There's nothing anyone can do."

With that he began to walk off when Marayna's voice made him pause, "There's nothing anyone can do?" she asked, "Or there's nothing anyone will do?"

He flinched internally at her hidden meaning. She knew as well as he that his power as prince would be enough to keep Gaius in the kingdom, enough to keep him as physician even if in only a secondary or supervisory position. But they both also knew that Arthur could not go against his father, not again, especially so soon after he'd stuck out his neck for Lancelot.

He walked off, though the guilt collecting in his stomach was enough to make him walk a bit slower.

~8~

Merlin and Marayna were glumly finishing some of the last of their chores in the foyer later that night, just carrying some fresh cloth down to Arthur's chambers, neither too keen to deal with the prince. Gaius had left, despite their protests and even Morgana's. They'd later learned from Gwen that the noblewoman had tried to stop him in the market, but the old man had left anyway. They knew the only one Gaius probably would have stayed for was Arthur, a direct order from the prince, but one never came.

Suddenly, the object of their thoughts appeared skidding around the corner.

"Merlin, Mara!" he shouted, out of breath and with terror in his voice, "My father has Morgana's illness. We must find Edwin!"

Marayna and Merlin immediately dropped the cloth and took off in one direction as Arthur went in another. Despite being peeved with the man, they pushed it aside as the last piece of the puzzle fell into place. Edwin had done whatever he'd done with the beetles to Morgana, to Uther himself. Now it made sense. He wanted Gaius gone so that he could get to Uther and kill him. Gaius must have known Edwin and what he was planning, so he had to get rid of him! And the only way for Edwin to make Gaius leave Uther to his mercy and flee Camelot was by threatening to tell the king about THEIR magic!

They were running down a hall when a sudden tingle ran down their spine, one they recognized as magic. They could always tell when someone was using magic, it was like...an extra sense they had developed, like their own magic was reacting to another's in the area. They ran in that direction and burst into a room only to see Edwin holding out his hand, trapping Gaius in a circle of flames!

"What the hell are you doing?!" Marayna screamed, taking a step closer to the flames only for them to ignite higher, forcing her to fall back onto the floor.

"He was trying to kill the king," Gaius called to them from his position pressed against a column, "I couldn't let him."

"I can rule the kingdom now," Edwin smirked, glancing over at the two siblings, "And with you two at my side we could be all powerful."

"Release him," Merlin ordered, a deadliness in his voice that not even Marayna had heard before.

"It's your loss," Edwin replied, almost regretfully before reaching out another hand, "Swilte Merlin!" he cried, sending an axe magically flying off the wall and towards the young warlock.

"Merlin!" Marayna shouted as Merlin leaned back, focused on the blade of the axe, his eyes flashing gold. It stopped in the air, within an inch of his face, before hurtling back across the room...and into the shocked Edwin.

As soon as the scarred man's body fell to the floor, the fires died down and Marayna was at Gaius's side in an instant, "Are you alright uncle?" she quickly checked him for burns.

"Yes, thank you," he smiled fondly at her, before noticing Merlin rummaging through Edwin's possessions, "Merlin, what are you doing?"

"Uther's ill, with the same thing Morgana had," he answered, picking up the box of beetles and holding it up for Gaius to see.

Marayna nodded, catching onto her brother's train of thought, "Edwin told us these were what he used to help Morgana, if he could do it, there's a chance WE can as well."

"Elanthia Beetles," Gaius's eyes widened as he looked more closely at them.

"They're magical?" Merlin guessed, just wanting to confirm it.

"Yes," Gaius nodded, a realization hitting him and answering all the unanswered questions stirring around in Merlin and Marayna's brains, "I think they've been enchanted to enter the brain, feed on us, until they've devoured the person's very soul," he looked up, alarmed, "We must go to him."

Gaius quickly strode out of the room, followed by Merlin and Marayna and made his way to the king's chambers. No one was there, leaving them to assume Arthur was still trying to find Edwin and that the guards had been assigned the same mission.

"How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?" Merlin stared down at the king as Gaius stood from inspecting him.

"It can only be magic," Gaius answered solemnly.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, you can't be asking us to use MAGIC on Uther," Marayna's eyes widened in shock, "He'll kill us the moment he wakes up!"

It would be ironic though, save the king's life and then be executed for saving the king's life.

What a way to go.

"We don't have a choice," Gaius shook his head.

"Uncle!" Marayna nearly stomped her foot at him, this was just like the Griffin all over!

"There are times when it is necessary," he glanced at Merlin giving into the boy's arguments just a bit before looking at the both of them, "It is your right."

"We don't know how," Merlin said quietly, Marayna nodded as well, calming only slighty as...it seemed their uncle might be admitting and agreeing to letting them use magic more often now.

"If you don't he's going to die. I have faith in you both."

Merlin sighed before making his way to Uther's side, staring down at the man. Marayna sat on his other side, about to let her brother do his thing...when a strange feeling overcame her, 'Do you feel that?' she asked him quietly.

Merlin nodded, a sort of contemplative expression on his face, 'What is it?'

'It feels like what I felt when my magic summoned the unicorn.'

'So what do I do?' he set down the box and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.

'Let the magic guide you,' she answered, reaching out to take his hand without either of them aware that they had done so, 'I think it wants us to do this together.'

He smiled softly, nodding slightly before allowing his eyes to drift shut and reached out to cup Uther's left ear as his sister did the same to his right. Gaius watched them carefully, frowning as their eyes had gone a bit dazed before shutting, almost as though they had fallen into some sort of trance. He saw a faint flash of gold in their eyes before they shut and knew...the magic was guiding them.

"Bebiede thay arisan ealdum, áblinnan," they whispered in unison, their brows furrowing in concentration.

After a moment Gaius was becoming worried, "What's happening?" he whispered to them.

A second later they opened their eyes, blinking away their dazedness, and Merlin stood up, turning to the old man. He held out his hand to reveal a dead beetle lying there. Marayna smiled and stood to join her brother at his side.

"Has anyone ever told you," Gaius began, staring in shock at the beetle, "You're geniuses?"

"You certainly haven't," Merlin answered, smiling at their achievement.

"I have," Marayna smirked, sending them in to a round of laughter that Gaius quickly hushed before rushing them out of the room as their laughter started to wake the king.

~8~

Uther had made a quick recovery of his illness, which Morgana was immensely happy for, though that was not why she was standing in her chambers smiling. In fact, Morgana smiled from the sight of the small bouquet of wild flowers sitting in a vase on a table in her room. She leaned forward and inhaled their sweet scent, letting her eyes drift closed in fondness.

"Another gift from a tall, dark, stranger?" Gwen teased as she entered the room, seeing her Lady tending to the flowers.

Morgana blushed, "No...a gift from a tall, dark servant."

Gwen smiled wider, seeing her Lady so taken with the flowers, far more so than she had been with the lilies.

~8~

Marayna was smiling as well as she walked beside her uncle, her arm looped in his as Merlin walked on his other side. After the king had recovered, he had named Gaius a free man of Camelot and reinstated him to court physician.

"But this is all ridiculous," Gaius complained for what seemed like the hundredth time, "I didn't save Uther, you did."

"No, no, for once, we're happy someone else is to take the credit," Merlin laughed, sharing a secret smile with his sister, technically it was the second time they were happy for another to take the credit.

"You were willing to die to try and save him," Marayna agreed.

"Where'd you get that from?" Gaius stopped to eye them.

"We thought…" Merlin trailed, confused.

"No, I didn't do anything," Gaius insisted, smiling, "You saved me and you saved Uther. Maybe you are geniuses."

"Oh you think so?" Marayna smiled at their uncle.

"Well, almost."

"Let me guess," Merlin cut in with a roll of his eyes, "One day?"

Gaius just laughed which led them to laugh as well. The sun began to set and so they all made their way back to the physician's chambers. Gaius immediately handed Merlin a draught for Morgana, not even having to ask the young man to deliver it anymore as it had seemed to become a nightly routine for the boy, before retiring to his cot as it had been a very trying day.

Marayna smiled as she too made her way to hers and her brother's room to sleep. However, the smile dropped into a confused frown as she saw something lying on her pillow. She stepped closer, cautiously reaching out to lift the small bundle of light blue delphiniums. She eyed them, tilting them this way and that in her hands, far to suspicious of the flowers after the debacle with Morgana's lilies. But then a small scrap of parchment fell from the bundle. She placed them back down on her pillow and unrolled the paper as she sat on the edge of her cot. Smiling softly as she read the single line scrawled there.

To prove not all flowers are in hopes of impending death.

She had to laugh at the failed attempt at romanticism and humor when she realized who the flowers were from, but...tenderly reached out to pick up the small bundle and place them in little jug of water.

She'd have to remember to thank Arthur the next day for the flowers and, with her luck, tease him for jinxing her.

A/N: Aww little bit of cuteness in here ;) Bit of a step up for Merlin and Morgana, but I can say the next chapter will have more details of Marayna's past and her time with her aunt...and a bit of jealous Arthur too ;)

Some notes on reviews...

I actually do have a Quotev account (link on my profile) but it was created under less than pleasant circumstances. A user on it (Ashe at the time) had been posting my Doctor Who stories and claiming to be my cousin, they were not, while also posting the chapters as though they were writing them and answering questions as though they were the author. I reported the user and tried to contact as many of the readers as I could. I only post the first chapter of stories on that site with links to FF as I'd like to keep all my stories in just one place (on this site). Mostly because (as can be seen by my Quotev) I don't have much time to update, I barely manage to get this site updated to have to add more chapters on numerous other sites would be hard to maintain. I can't even remember the last time I updated Quotev I have such little time to do it :(

Yup, in the show Morgana was the 'daughter' of Gorlois, but I wanted to stick with the Ygraine/Gorlois history of legend. There IS a twist for Morgana's parentage coming though to explain this small change and who her mother might be ;) As Gaius says he's been treating Morgana since she was a little girl a few times and since they don't say (I don't think) in the show how young/old Morgana was when Gorlois died she could have been only 3 or 4 or so when it happened and was taken in by Uther then, so it can be implied that Morgana used to help her father with his armor when she was a child :) The writers of the show mentioned that Katie McGrath was the oldest of the main actors and that it would be very important in the show, which I interpreted to mean (not sure if they said it on the show) that Morgana is older than Arthur. If that's so, it can be part of her claim to the throne (the only reason she needs Arthur dead is because he's the recognized heir (not an illegitimate child)), so Uther had to have slept with Vivienne before Igraine died, not after. There's oodles of ways to spin Morgana's heritage ;) As for Morgana thinking Gorlois is her father, if she's older than Arthur (which I think she is) then it's possible she did have a few years with Gorlois before he died ;) But there WILL be a detailed explanation of how Morgana exists and her parentage in a later chapter no worries ;)

I'm glad you're enjoying the Marayna/Arthur :) I loved Gwen too, but I felt so bad for Lancelot that I'm more leaning towards that pairing ;)