Late that evening, concerned that Merlin hadn't returned to their chambers, Gaius had gone in search of him. On his way down one of the many corridors in the castle, he bumped into Arthur, who was stumbling along, rubbing his head. "Arthur, you haven't seen Merlin at all, have you?"
"I don't think so, Gaius, but I can't seem to remember most of today." This immediately set alarm bells off in Gaius's head. "If it's alright with you, Sire, I'd like to look in your chambers."
"Of course, Gaius. I'm on my way there now." The two set off, Arthur almost struggling to keep up with Gaius.
Gaius entered the room first, and immediately rushed over to where Merlin was still lying on the ground. Then Arthur saw him, and had to fight the urge to retch. Merlin's body was twisted at a painful angle, His skin was covered in dark blue bruises, and the skin that wasn't was almost white. His face was stained with blood from a split lip, and a long cut on his cheek. "Gaius, what happened?!" he asked in shock. Gaius said nothing, but gave him a look that made Arthur want to sink through the floor. "Please bring Merlin up to my chambers." he said, before standing, and begrudgingly allowing Arthur to carefully scoop Merlin up.