I promised I haven't died or left this story to die. I just completely forgot about poor little Merlin over here.
I'll make up for it, though.
And I know, I know, the idea is totally ridiculous, but stranger things have happened on Merlin, no?
Hey, be sure to leave your thoughts. I can't know if you like this or want me to continue if you don't let me know what you think! :)
"Merlin!"
His eyes snapped open, body drenched with sweat, and attempted to shift his focus on Gaius' concerned face.
"Are you alright Merlin?"
"What...what happened?"
"I heard you shouting. I figured you were having a nightmare."
Merlin sat up, taking account of his surroundings, and Gaius released his tight grip on Merlin's shoulders. It wasn't possible that was just a dream. It all looked and felt far too real to be just a dream.
"Are you okay?" Gaius asked, concerned etched in the older man's face.
"Yeah. I'm fine."
Gaius carefully stood up, pressing the back of his hand to the young warlock's forehead. "I'm going to prepare for you the sleeping draught I prepare for Morgana. Should stop the nightmares and help you sleep."
"I appreciate it, but I don't think sleep will find me anymore tonight." Merlin kicked the sheets off him and stood up, finding his legs to be increasingly unsteady beneath him. "There's just something I have to see."
~O~
The door to Analise's chambers was unlocked, and Merlin was met with little resistant as he pushed them open and they closed without noise. Merlin went over to Analise's bed, seeing her peacefully asleep under the pristine white sheets. He held his hand over her and repeated the spell he remembered from his dream, and just like the dream, Nimueh's spirit appeared and quickly faded.
He wasn't a seer; he didn't have the ability to see the future.
So did he?
He hated to think that he'd have to reveal Analise's disguise, but Merlin trusted Gaius immensely, and figured the older man could keep the secret.