Gwen's small body writhed on a patch of mossy green grass. Gawain smoothed dark hair from her face; Elyan stood motionless as Gwen's lung struggled to intake air. Elian's calloused hands rested on his bald head; this was his fault. He should have never left her in Camelot. He wanted to break free from Tom, be his own man. At what cost, Gwen's life? He took Arthur's offer of assistance after Cenred's tyranny. Still, he thought of himself.

Light reflected from a small glass vial twisting in Merlin's hand. Why is it working? Gauis said to give it to her outside of Camelot's gates. I carefully judge my time; it wasn't too late. Not today, I will not fail Gwen today; never, will I fail my friends again. Merlin gashed his teeth as Gwen's eyes fluttered; her hands grasping spring grass.

Gawain spoke soothing words to Gwen; in a desperate attempt to calm her reaction to Gauis' antidote. Personally, he couldn't believe Merlin was a wizard. His ears rang with Morgana's gleeful reaction to Gwen's pain. His brown eyes viewed Gwen's internal agony; his thumb ran along her soft face. "Wake up, Princess, "Gawain urged softly. A shiver danced along his spine as Gwen stilled. He swallowed hoarsely as his eyes searched for the gentle rise and fall of her chest.

Merlin dropped to her side as Gwen's eyes gently fluttered open. She squinted from a brilliant ray of sunshine bathing her face. "Merlin, why are you? What happened? "A painful tremor whacked Gwen's body as she spotted Gawain and Elyan kneeling before her. "How did this happen?"

Gawain pressed lips against Gwen's damp brow as Elyan held her tightly. "We'll explain later. You must eat," Gawain explained.

"I thought fairies would be here with a nice climate. Delicious food, music streaming in the air, and rainbows and days without end. It looks like Camelot's woods."

Merlin and Elyan exchanged strange looks. Gawain arched an eyebrow. Gwen snuggled deeper in her rough woolly blanket. "Why aren't the blankets soft?" Gawain's white teeth tore at a shiny red apple. "Why do we need a fire to keep us warm?"

"Well, Gwen," Elyan softly stated," We must protect ourselves from the elements."

"Here, Elyan?"

"Yes."

"Merlin, is the flame safe here?"

Merlin solemnly nodded. "Nothing will ever hurt you again."

Gwen edged away from the fire; unshed tears dangled from her silky eyelashes. "How did Arthur receive my death?" Gwen nibbled on her bottom lip as a mewling sound escaped her lungs.

Merlin rubbed his face; his blue eyes lowered in shame. "He's devastated. He refused to leave his bed. His eyes are empty. I'll make him understand one day; why we did this to him. Don't worry, you will see him soon."

Horror twisted Gwen's delicate features."No, Merlin, I can't see him. I don't want to see him. He needs to live a life, not plagued by bittersweet memories of a forbidden romance." Gwen's curls danced around her face.

Merlin stretched a hand to her as Gawain hurried to her side. Elyan froze in confusion. "Happiness will live in him again. You will see him soon. It won't be long. When it's safe to be with you again."

Gwen's fingers traced her trembling lips. "I don't want Arthur to die. I want him to be a king, the greatest king of all time. A legend among men. How could I wish Arthur to live in a desolate afterlife?"

Elyan's brow twisted. Merlin slapped his dark head. Gawain smiled gently at Gwen; he grabbed her chilly hands. His hands roamed over her small fingers as he attempted to warm them. "You are not dead. This is not heaven, might be hell. We're in Camelot."

Gwen's mind struggled to process Gawain's words. Flashes of pain skipped through her mind. Deep red flames charring her skin. Soft whimpers as she laid dying in Gauis' chamber. "How can I be alive?"

Elyan lowered his eyes. It was not his secret to revealed. Gawain smiled gently; his eyes rose to meet Merlin's. Merlin smiled sadly. Twigs crackled under his heavy boots. Gwen felt large arms wrapped around her trembling body.

"Do you remember how we met," Merlin asked.

"Yes, Arthur placed you in Camelot's stocks." Gwen hands rose to rest on Merlin's forearms.

"You said I couldn't beat him."

"You didn't."

"No. Once, you said you would do anything for me."

"Of course, I love you. Well, not like… I love Arthur."

"I understand. I would do anything to protect Gwen. To help you and Arthur."

"Of course."

Gwen felt Merlin's tears running though her hair. "What is it?"

"Your body was whacked with pain. I couldn't recognize you. You couldn't die. So, I healed you with magic. I'm a sorcerer."

Gwen turned in Merlin's arms; her hands cupped his cold chin. Her thumb wiped away his tears. Her heart ached as she realized the depths of Merlin's pain. "You are my friend. Magic or no magic. Thank you for saving my life."

Merlin wrapped his arms tightly around Gwen's small body. Her small feet dangling from the ground. Elyan dropped to the ground. Gawain drank deeply from a lager.

Arthur stood in Gwen's deserted house. Fragrance from drying wildflowers beckoned to him. His fingers traced a bouquet of wilting blooms. "I need to say goodbye, Guinevere. You would want me to be a good, just king. I can't dreaming of you and rule Camelot."

Arthur walked to her purple cloak. He deeply inhaled her innocent scent. He blue eyes slammed shut. A glimmer of fading sun sparkled around her quiet house. Gwen's lavender dress caught Arthur's eye. He memorized the delicate bird pattern on the bodice. How the sleeves draped around her delicate wrist. Heavy material swishing as Gwen hurriedly along Camelot hallways. He loved how she looked in purple, unlike the turquoise dress with its hideous white sleeves. He hated the way the sleeved clung to her dainty wrist.

Arthur's fingers released Gwen's sleeve. "She wore the turquoise dress. The sleeves were tight. So, very close to her skin. How did that candle ignite her dress?" Arthur's blue eyes hardened. His shoulders set tightly as he stomped in the direction Gauis' chamber.