Okay, Hello everyone !
So, here is a second chapter ! Thanks to RubyAB whithout whom I probably never had written it ! I haven't re-read it so there probably will be a lots of errors in that chapter but I really, really wanted to post it as soon as possible ! So forgive me please, I'll make the corrections in the week !
Please, continue to tell me what you think of what I'm writing ! I'm so so anxious about that !
Enjoy !
Chapter 2 :
When he finally approached Gaius's chambers a few minutes later Merlin had to admit that Arthur was right. He was shaking with cold and his soaked clang to his skin making him colder if possible. He could still hear the storm ragging outside the thick walls of the castle and was sure it would continue for the rest of the evening and the night ahead.
Taking a great gulp of air to try and lessen the tremors of his body as well as to give himself courage he pushed open the Physician's door. He was welcomed with the warmth of the fire burning and quickly stepped into the room to close the door behind him as quietly as possible. He was hoping that Gaius wouldn't hear him or be absent. No such luck though as, a second later, the old man appeared in front of him, a relieved expression across his features. Before he had time to think of some excuse to explain his absence he was engulfed in a huge hug by his mentor.
"You had us all worried my boy", said Gaius once he had released the Warlock. "And you're soaking wet! Have you been outside in that storm? Go put some dry clothes on and then we'll talk."
Merlin let out a quiet sigh but still did what he was told. He took his time however to change and dry himself before sitting on his bed, rubbing his arm to try to warm himself. It turned out that he took so long that Gaius decided to knock at his door before entering his little room.
"Merlin", began Gaius softly, sitting himself slowly with his ward on the small cot.
"I'm sorry I had you worried Gaius. Really. Next time I will let you know where I am", interrupted the Warlock before the old man could continue and wishing it would be enough for him to be left alone.
It was Gaius's turn to sigh cursing the selflessness of the boy who has become like a son to him.
"You know it's not only because of your disappearing that I'm worry. But I still would like to know where you've been."
"I just needed some time alone Gaius. I'm sick of everybody worrying for me", snapped Merlin, starting to pass the floor in hope to blow some of his anger. "Even Arthur now! He had to choose this moment to stop being so oblivious and to care about my wellbeing!"
"My boy, calm down will you", tried to reason Gaius.
"I don't want to! I just everything to be back to normal Gaius!", told Merlin quietly, his anger dying down, leaving tears welling up in his eyes but stubbornly refusing to cry. "I want my magic back Gaius! I feel so lost and useless without it… Please…"
"I know. Trust me, I know… Come here", said the old Physician, patting the bed next to him.
Merlin dragged his feet across the small room and let himself fall down on the cot, head bent low. Gaius put an arm around his ward and hugged him tightly as the boy let some tears fall finally.
"You'll see, we're going to make that better. You must not lose hope… As for everyone being worried, they are your friends and they therefore care for you. They may not know about your magic but they still can feel something isn't right with you. The same way you can tell when something is amiss with Arthur or one or your friends. You can't expect less of them, can't you?"
They then sat a long time in silence, letting the words sink in and listening to the sounds of the storm outside. The rain on the small window was creating a strange symphony which somehow helped to settle Merlin's emotions, leaving him drained. Gaius didn't however let go of him and Merlin was inwardly glad of that it comforted him more than he ever could explain to the Physician. Unconsciously he hugged his mentor back, thanking him without word for being here. Merlin closed his eyes and, without even noticing it, fell asleep. Gaius listened as his Ward's breathing became profound and regular, proving that he finally had fallen asleep. He stayed a bit longer, caressing a hand on the boy's back and enjoying feeling him relaxed for the first time in weeks. Finally, he gently eased Merlin on his bed and placing a cover on him to keep him warm. With a last glance he quietly left the room, hoping that the boy will finally get enough sleep to feel a bit better. He obviously had noticed that the young Warlock's sleep had been a chaotic since the loss of his magic. He thought it to be expectable but it didn't stop him worrying for the young's health. He sighted again and forced himself to go back to his work. He had many potions to brew and was almost positive that Merlin will need some as he had felt the light shivers that had ran through his thin frame because of the cold. What an idea to get out in a storm like this one, thought Gaius.
He had almost finished cleaning his work when someone knocked at his door. Merlin was still asleep so he decided to go open the door instead of calling out to his visitor. He forced his muscle into action, and with a slight groan went to the door and opened it.
"Sire! What can I do for you", asked Gaius with surprise but keeping his voice low in order to not wake Merlin.
"I was looking for Merlin actually", explain the Prince glancing to the closed door of his manservant's chamber.
"Hum… Well… He's here… But… He's asleep Sire and I really don't wish to wake him up just yet", hesitated the Physician hoping that the Prince will understand and not force him to interrupt the boy's much-needed sleep.
"Oh… Yes… Of course yes… Don't bother then. I'll find someone else to attend to me tonight. Tell him to come to me tomorrow."
"You're sure Sire?"
"Yes I am. I think he needs the rest. He didn't look quite like himself recently. He seemed tired and I can't have him fainting on him, can't I?"
"Of course not, Sire", answered Gaius, knowing that that was the way Arthur was showing he cared for his manservant. "Good night then, Sire."
"Thank you Gaius. Good night to you too… Oh, and take care of Merlin."
"Of course, Sire." Declared Gaius with a slight bow as Arthur turned to leave. "Always."
Thoughts ? Ideas to continue ? Anything you want to see ?