Merlin stood alone in a shadowy patch of the forest, breathing in deeply. The sounds of birds and other creatures was soothing. He turned when he heard a footstep behind him.
"You should be resting," a female voice drawls from behind. He smiles as he feels her arms wrap around him in an embrace.
"I'm fine," he says, burying his face in her raven hair, as she pressed the side of her's into his chest.
"You, my friend, are shivering."
"I'm fine."
He felt a hand move to his forehead. "You have a fever."
He rolled his unseeing eyes. "I'm fine, Morgana."
Even if he was now blind, he could practically see her glowering up at him. "Merlin, you know I'm not afraid to use her on you."
He paled. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
Her arms untangled from around him, and a hand slipped into his. "Morgana-"
"Just shut up and follow me."
He sighed as the sorceress dragged them back to their encampment, leading him into his tent.
"Morgana, I'm fine."
"At least lay down."
"I'm fine."
"Lily!"
Tiny footsteps made his heart stop. He turned his face in the direction of his friend. "No!"
Morgana giggled. "I told you, I'm not afraid to use her."
"Emr's!" squealed a high pitched, three year old's voice. Merlin groaned.
"Lily," he murmured.
"Emr's sick, 'Gana?"
"Oh, yes, he is." Morgana was clearly enjoying it, the smirk heard in her voice. "Can you help him, Physician Lily?"
"Ya!"
"Get to it!" She stooped down to where Merlin was sitting for a moment. "Sorry, Merlin, but you really need rest."
He huffed indignantly. "I'm fine."
She smiled and pressed a sisterly kiss on his forehead before leaving.
"'Kay, Emr's! Lay down!" Small hands pushed on him. He lay down. "Feel hot, Emr's!"
He heard her toddle away, trying to find some water. He was such a push-over for his children.
Of course, they were not his, but he loved them like they were. There was little Lily, her heart already set on being physician, and baby Thomas, only two years old. And Amelia, the eight year old sweet heart, having been disowned by her family when they discovered she had magic. Kelvin was ten, but was way too hot headed to be trusted with a sword. Lastly, there was Angel, thirteen year old with a thick skin who went as far to call him "father" occasionally. Next to Morgana, she was second in command.
"I back Emr's!"
Lily ran over a placed a soaking wet cloth on his brow. It dribbled a little into his hair, but he didn't mind. She was trying.
"Now, sleep, Emr's! You get better!"
"Alright, Physician." He really couldn't deny her this pleasure of taking care of him; she enjoyed it.
"Sweet dweams, Emr's," she muttered as she pulled a blanket around him. "Wuv you."
Merlin's eyes closed as he smiled. "Love you, too, my little physician."
She sloppily kissed his wet forehead and walked out.
"How is he?"
Morgana sighed as she sat down at their small fire. Angel was worse than a mother hen when it came to Merlin. "Same as usual. Fever. Pale. Clammy."
The girl sighed. "And he still went out?"
"He's bored."
"That's no excuse!" Angel's eyes were full concerned indignation. "He's ill. He could get worse. He needs a physician."
The sorceress huffed. "He has one."
Angel scoffed. "A three year old is no physician."
They sat, glaring at each other from across the flames. Morgana knew Merlin needed help. She just didn't think he needed it yet.
"Morgana-"
"Angel-"
Both stopped. "You first," said Morgana.
"Why can't we go to Camelot? It's the only kingdom that allows magic." The girl watched across the camp as little Lily struggled with a wet rag that she brought into Merlin's tent. "I know what happened – " her voice took and icy tone. She knew what happened between Emrys and the king. " – But can't we go in disguise? We have to do something!"
Morgana shook her head. "Merlin wants nothing to do with that place."
"I can convince him."
"He doesn't want to go."
"He's getting worse."
"Angel-"
"I'm not going to watch him die!" Angel hid her face as tears formed. She was lucky Thomas was napping and Kelvin and Amelia were collecting firewood; she never showed weakness in front of them.
"Angel!" Morgana was at her side in an instant, hugging her tight and stroking her hair. If Merlin was Angel's adopted father, Morgana was definitely her mother, or at least an aunt. "Angel, you won't to watch him die," Morgana promised. "I'll make sure of that."
The girl nodded, wiping her eyes. "Can I see him?"
Morgana raised her eyebrows, and nodded at Lily who was coming out of the tent. "You'll have to ask his physician."
Angel gulped and strode over to the little girl. "Can I see Emrys, physician?" Angel knew she had to play along, or a very angry and magical tantrum would be thrown.
"He sleeping, but you can see Emr's," Lily approved.
Angel brushed her brown hair out of her eyes, calm and composed as she entered.
Merlin looked pale, skinny too. Angel knew he couldn't be a day over twenty four, but he always seemed much older than that. Kneeling down beside him, she took his hand.
"Get better, or else I'll sic Thomas to cuddle you to death!" she threatened, but then lost enthusiasm. "Please? Please, just get better."
She let some tears fall.
Back in Camelot, the king had locked himself in his chambers. They had failed to find Merlin. Again.
"Where are you?" he whispered to the air. It had become a habit of his ever since his servant went missing. "Please, let me bring you home."
He stared at the moon that was shining in his window.
"Please, I'm sorry."
A/N: So? What you'd think? Like Merlin's family? Want to know what happened between him and Arthur? Want to know why he 's blind? Want to know who Angel's real father is? (hint: it's one of the Knights of the Round Table.) Confused?
Note: there will be no Mergana in this fic. Just Merthur and some side parings.
And thanks for all the reviews guys! May the magics be with you!
So, shall I continue it? Shall I?