A/N: There's a song by the band 'Red' that almost shares a title with the previous chapter. 'Nothing and Everything' is the song and it's one of my favorites of all time- though it isn't really related to this story. One of the great things about it: it's an arrangement of another song Red did ('Fight Inside') with a completely different vibe that makes this one so much more impactful.
Meanwhile I'm listening to the Merlin soundtrack- and Merlin is burying Lancelot *sob*
Just realized this is the song that most frequently plays in the background for the Merlin game on facebook...

Anyway, slight fangirling over. Enjoy chapter 30.

Gaius had waited in the clearing every night since Merlin's departure, supposedly searching for a rare flower that only bloomed in moonlight and was necessary to treat the epidemic he had inadvertently invented.

The fourth night was halfway through and he was pacing worriedly when the far-off form of the dragon briefly dimmed the moon's light.

Kilgharrah landed awkwardly, not having use of the front foot currently engaged in gently grasping his dragonlord.

"Merlin!" The physician shouted, rushing forward to check the still form of his ward now nestled in the grass.
The young man was clearly exhausted, but didn't seem to have any new injuries.

"What happened?" He asked Daegal, who had slipped from the dragon's back during the examination.

"He passed out after performing the spell late this afternoon. We decided to let him sleep until nightfall but he didn't wake so we came back with him like this. He is alright, isn't he?"

"I see nothing to suggest this is more than simple exhaustion, but we should get him back quickly nonetheless."
He turned to Kilgharrah.
"Thank you."

"It was both my pleasure and duty to my kin."
The ancient beast spread his wings in preparation for flight.
"Take care of him, physician."

He took to the air, not even waiting for the old man's firm "always."

They had to wait outside the walls for a short time before a new pair of guards took up their post at the gate, then wheeled an herb-and-sheet-covered Merlin into the city using the wheelbarrow.

The guards wanted to check under the linen but Gaius had insisted that the delicate herb within would be damaged by the light of their torches and the pre-dawn glow.

The elder was in awe of his own prowess in prevarication but also felt a growing desire to use the tried-and-true tavern excuse for any and every future occasion.

I'm too old for this...

Arthur, Guinevere, and Mordred arrived at the castle early on the second day after Merlin and Daegal's return; having been able to travel more quickly without the need to tend to an unconscious queen and dose her every two hours.

Mordred went straight to the physician's quarters- not being held back by concerned noblemen, knights, or messengers the way the royal couple had been.

"How is he, Gaius?" The former druid asked, gazing at the closed door in the back of the room.

"Hm. He's hardly woken since his collapse and I've barely gotten him to eat but he seems to be getting better regardless. I suspect his magic may be focusing on physical healing as it recovers."

The knight nodded, shifting awkwardly.
"Well, I suppose I'll come see him later."

The elder smiled lightly at him.
"I'll let you know when he's feeling up to some company."

"Thank you, Gaius."
The youth bowed and retreated toward the door just as Arthur came through.

"Your Majesties" he bowed once more, noticing the queen behind her husband, then stepped past them into the corridor.

The king largely ignored the youth as he excused himself, instead turning on the physician.
"How is he, Gaius?" His eyes were fixed on Merlin's door.

Aged lips quirked at the repeat performance- though his answer would have to be different this time.

"He is still sleeping most of the time, but once his fatigue passes he should be almost fully recovered."

Arthur nodded and Guinevere came forward hesitantly.
"May we see him?"

Gaius favored her with a fatherly smile.
"It is good to see you well again, Your Majesty. Of course you may see him."

The queen bowed her head slightly before proceeding to her friend's bedroom, the king trailing behind.

Merlin lay on his tiny cot looking small and pale, a faint sheen of sweat on his brow and his lips moving soundlessly now and then.
He tried to roll onto his side but winced at the pressure on his stab wound, falling flat on his back once more without actually waking.

His nightshirt had slipped sideways, revealing the bandage on his shoulder with a bit of red just starting to show through.

"Gaius?" Arthur called softly.

"Sire?" The old man's knees creaked along with the steps as he entered the room.

The blond gestured at the bloody linen and the physician frowned.
"Yes, he tore the scab open two days ago and can't seem to stay still enough to let it heal properly."

"Would it help to have someone watch him?"

Gaius saw Arthur's intentions shining from blue eyes.
"I can't say it would hurt, Sire, but you need to rest after your journey- and I'm sure you have work to catch up on."

The king huffed, unable to deny the truth in that last statement- though he certainly wasn't tired from his trip; could do it again right away, in fact.
"Fine, but I will be back to see him."

"As will I." Guinevere said softly, her eyes still fixed on Merlin.

"And I will not attempt to prevent you as long as you get some rest."
The physician looked at the pair of monarchs sternly.

"We will Gaius- thank you."
Arthur held the older man's eyes, using them to communicate just how much he was thankful for.

"It is my pleasure, Sire."

And then he was once again alone with his ward, barely catching the man before he rolled off his bed.

"If you're exhausted then act like it and hold still" the physician said, just managing to prevent his hand from slapping the boy out of instinct.

Truth be told, Merlin's sleep had rarely been this calm.
His conscious moments had largely been caused by nightmares that had forced him awake.

The first time he had woken, speaking had been painful for him once more and he had been barred from doing so for the remainder of the week; his vision, however, seemed to be nearly normal.

The servant shifted his hips and kicked out, upsetting his covers and nearly hitting Gaius in the leg.

Yes, having someone else watch him is a very good idea...