alright, this and previous chapters are betaed by TheJunebug1218 (thank you so much again:)

Then…

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"It's because my older brother, Will. He has been missing now for over two years and my father is fatally ill. If I don't find him, I have to take the crown." Bran explained. He was sitting at the right side of the king, and very beautiful lady sat opposite of him. Next to her sat her older brother, one of the knights of Camelot. Lady Guinevere was Arthur's betrothed, and if the rumors were true, she was a blacksmith's daughter. A blacksmith, who Uther had executed. But when Bran watched the woman, he wondered if those rumors were actually true. To him, Lady Guinevere acted like a real princess and future Queen. And how she looked at her fiancée, it was all for love.

To Bran, it didn't really matter who Lady Guinevere was. Bran's mother was originally a commoner. In their kingdom, it wasn't such a big deal. It was a little mountain realm, full of sheep. The feasts were small, more like a family supper, and Bran was grateful of that. He just couldn't stand those big feast and celebrations. The servant behind the king looked nervous as he poured more wine into the goblet. Arthur turned to look at him.

"Merlin isn't back yet?"

"No sire." The servant yelped and bit of wine dashed on the floor. Arthur sighed and Guinevere patted his hand and looked at the other servants around them.

"I think you can all go now. And if Merlin shows up, please tell him that we want to meet with him."

The servants bowed and left.

"Speaking the truth, I don't think that I am ever truly going to get used to having my own maid and servants." Lady Guinevere stood up and took the wine. She began fulling the goblets expertly.

"So, the rumors…" Bran started.

"I'm blacksmith's daughter. I used to be Lady Morgana's maid." Lady Guinvere smiled proudly.

Bran noticed the shadow of that name. He had heard of her. The witch who claimed to be rightful heir of Uther Pendragon. Before Bran could ask any more, the door slammed open and Merlin walked in.

"You wanted to see me?"

The servant swayed slightly, but it did not go unnoticed by Guinevere.

"Have you eaten anything today?" Guinevere asked apprehensively. Merlin shook his head.

"Too busy."

"Then sit down and eat. I don't want you to collapse yet. There is still some work to do." Arthur commanded and Merlin sat with a big smile on his face.

"So?" Elyan asked curiously and Merlin's smile was wider than ever.

"It was a big success."

"I knew it." Elyan laughed and Arthur shook his head.

"So, Sir Gwaine now has a new horse."

"No." Merlin stuffed food in his mouth.

"No? Then what…"

"I have a new horse. Gwaine didn't succeeded."

Guinevere burst out laughing.

"Congratulation my friend." Elyan grinned.

"Poor Sir Gwaine." Arthur smiled with amusement. Merlin turned to look at Bran. "So, have you found anything?"

"Yes, I did. But I'm not so sure what it is I found." Bran answered. "There is one book, but part of the writing is in some foreign language. I need someone to help me translate it."

"What language it is? Do you know?" Arthur asked.

"Your librarian said that it was the old language. He tried to translate but said that there was something odd about it. He couldn't do it."

Bran noticed that Merlin wasn't looking at him anymore, that he was avoiding Bran's gaze.

"Then I suggest that you ask our court physician. Merlin?" Arthur looked at his servant who nodded and looked again at Bran.

"Come tomorrow morning. Gaius is busy right now. Now, excuse me sires, my lady." Merlin stood up and placed the slight kiss Guinevere's forehead. "Thank you."

"You should keep better care of yourself Merlin."

Merlin didn't answer, just bowed and was gone.

"Arthur…" Guinevere looked the king.

"I know. I try to speak with him." Arthur sighed. "But if he doesn't listen to you, I can't do much more."

Guinevere nodded and looked at Bran. "I feel that you are curious about the situation."

Bran smiled. "Just a little bit."

"Merlin is my dearest friend, ever since he came to Camelot and I was just a servant myself. And because he is Arthur's manservant…"

"He is my friend too." Arthur muttered behind his goblet.

"... He has gained a special spot among us." Guinevere explained and Bran nodded.

"And for some reason, you are worried about him?"

"He hasn't been well lately. He was really sick last winter and then he was wounded and… I don't think that he has healed completely yet. Gaius, Merlin is his ward, is trying to do something, but Merlin… "

"Merlin is Merlin. He does not listen to anyone. Not even if it takes him to the grave." Arthur put his goblet away, he seemed angry. "Someday…"

"Don't say it Arthur. Someday he'll tells us what is going on. But we can't force him, we all know that." Guinevere shook her head and looked his brother. "Elyan?"

"I'll speak to the others too." Elyan promised.

"Thank you. Now, I have to go. Arthur."

Arthur stood up and kissed Guinevere's hand. Elyan escort his sister out.

"I hope that Gaius can help you. If you need anything, ask Merlin." Arthur said to Bran.

"I think that I will go back to the library to see if I can find something else." Bran bowed and Arthur was gone too. Bran sighed. He was one step closer to his goal and he really hoped that the court physician could help him more.

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Now…

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Gaius wrapped Merlin up in blankets and placed him on the edge of the bed.

"I'm too old for this. Do you hear? But…" He swept a hand through Merlin's dark hair. Merlin didn't respond. If someone put food in his mouth, he ate. If someone pulled him by the hand, he walked. He was like a doll that they were able to steer. He just sat at the window, his head turned to look at the sky. But nothing else. There were no words, no emotions, no pain.

"Your hair has grown." Gaius sighed sadly. Then he revealed Merlin's shoulder and noticed several silver streaks on the skin.

"These marks." Gaius carried his hand over Merlin's shoulders. The skin was cool, but the streaks felt warm. "What are these? What did you do Merlin? And why?"

But like always. He didn't get any answers.