A/N: Yes, I know I told some of you there would probably be 'one or two chapters' after chapter 30.
Really you should be used to me being wrong by now. Likely only an epilogue now, though. Maybe.
Also ignore my comment about finishing my current works before starting new ones- but really, it's so little I hardly think it counts.
It's done with already regardless- though there may be something else popping up... cursed plot bunnies.
Anyway, check out my new piece Whirlwind Tour if you're in the mood for something quick ;)
When Arthur woke in the morning he was alone in his bed but unconcerned- he had a fairly good idea of where his wife had gone.
Throwing on a shirt, the king made the short trek to the physician's chambers.
Gaius was still asleep, having had a late night, but Daegal was up and about preparing breakfast.
The druid nodded at the monarch as he shot an inquiring glance toward the back door and he took that as free rein to proceed.
With light steps he crept into the room, smiling at the sight of Guinevere's peaceful expression as she half-lay on the bed with Merlin's arm and torso curled around her almost protectively.
He leaned over and whispered into the ear of his queen, "let's have you, lazy daisy."
"What-?" She mumbled sleepily, sitting up slowly and stretching.
The king couldn't quite hold back all of his snort as he saw the pattern of sheet wrinkles imbedded in her skin.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. Might want to freshen up a bit, is all. We've still got a few things to catch up on."
Now a bit more awake, Gwen noticed where they were.
"I take that to mean I've got a few things to catch up on while you're visiting?"
She quirked a smile at him to show she didn't mind.
"Ah-" he was going to deny it, but quickly realized it would have been pointless, "yes."
"Good" she rose to her feet, accepting Arthur's helping hand.
"I'll see you later."
They exchanged a loving kiss- how could I have not missed this? -and parted ways, Arthur pulling the stool up beside the cot where Merlin lay.
"What have you been up to, idiot? You should be better by now."
As if he had any idea how long it should take one to recover from the miraculous magical healing of a fatal injury.
He poked the servant's over-prominent cheekbone a couple of times, hoping he would wake but receiving no response.
"You need to eat more." Arthur mumbled, settling down to watch and wait.
It wasn't too long before the invalid began moving in his sleep, twitches and jerks that soon escalated to kicking and rolling.
"Merlin!"
The king attempted to pin the smaller man down with hands on his shoulder and arm, being careful to avoid the bandages, but it wasn't enough.
"Come on, Merlin- wake up!"
Not knowing what else to do, he sat lightly on his manservant's chest; thankful that the wound there had already faded into the lightest of scars.
Merlin reacted even more violently to being restrained, kicking and kneeing Arthur's back as he strained against the larger man's bulk.
"Merlin, snap out of it!"
Releasing one arm, the royal slapped his friend across the face.
Blue eyes sprang open, abject fear shining from them as their owner gasped for air.
Arthur clambered off of him, taken aback by the terror on that familiar countenance.
He'd never seen Merlin like this.
In fact, it was only during the dorocha attacks that he could recall seeing genuine fear on the man's face at all.
He wasn't calming down, if anything he seemed about ready to pass out from hyperventilation.
"Merlin, Merlin! It's alright, you're safe, you're home."
The blond continued spouting reassurances as he reached forward and pulled his companion's head around so they were eye-to-eye.
"Look at me, there, see? I'm right here, you're fine."
Merlin clutched at his master, pulling himself up against the broad chest, tears building in his eyes as Arthur tensed in shock before hesitantly bringing strong arms around to envelop the thinner man.
A few moments passed as they gently rocked side-to-side; the elder making soft shushing noises unconsciously until the younger stilled, asleep once more.
The monarch gently laid his servant back on his pillow, pulling the blankets back up to his chin before returning to the stool and sneaking a hand under the covers to grasp Merlin's cold fingers.
Honestly it unnerved him to see his friend like this.
Merlin had always been his rock- a rock that may occasionally hide behind trees or disappear to the tavern, but a rock nonetheless.
He continued staring for quite some time; not even noticing when slumber crept on him, head propped up by one elbow, his other arm still dedicated to clasping Merlin's hand.
Light assaulted him as he was brought crashing back to wakefulness by his face smashing into the bed.
He sat up slowly, muttering imprecations as he rubbed at his sore nose- then he noticed the eyes upon him.
"Merlin!"
He grinned at the soft smile on the other man's face.
Something tugged at his hand and he looked down, seeing the pale appendage attempting to extricate itself from his firm grip.
"Ah, sorry."
He apologized off-hand as Merlin shook some sensation back into his fingers.
"How are you feeling?"
The servant shrugged with his good shoulder, smile turning wry.
"Stay awake- we've got to get some food in you before you waste away."
He staggered to his feet, body reluctant to work after spending several hours hunched over the cot, and fetched a bowl of watery porridge from Daegal- greeting Gaius who was also present before returning to his impromptu nursing.
"Here we are- can you eat it yourself?"
The invalid reached for the spoon, only succeeding in launching it across the room when his strength gave out before he could grab the handle.
"Right" Arthur picked up the spoon and prepared to feed the patient himself, leery as the other man may look at the prospect.
"Better take advantage of this while you can, Merlin, you'll never have another opportunity to be served by your king."
The younger huffed and struggled to sit upright, opening his mouth obediently.
He managed to down nearly half the bowl before turning his head and refusing further nourishment.
Arthur set the leftovers aside, catching and holding Merlin's eyes.
"Do you-"
Just say it, Arthur...
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Dark brows drew together in confusion.
"Your nightmares Merlin. It might help to tell someone else about them."
The other man's face went expressionless and he shook his head firmly.
"You've always made me tell you everything that's bothering me- what's so bad about reciprocating?"
Silence.
"You could at least say something."
"Not s'pposed to-"
"Stop! Stop, you're making my throat hurt just listening to you."
The man's voice sounded like two rasps being scraped together.
"I thought your voice was almost healed before I even left?"
Merlin shrugged, a faint look of victory about him.
"Don't think that gets you out of talking eventually. It's not fair that you draw out all my secrets but won't share yours with me."
Merlin's face dropped, melancholy overtaking him.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean- it's fine, Merlin- you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
The servant shook his head, turning to look out the window- what little he could see from his bed.
"I'll um, I'll just leave you to it, then."
Arthur rose to leave, pausing when he felt a pull on his sleeve.
"Gwen?"
He flinched at the rough croak, but hurried to assuage any worries his friend may have.
"She's doing well- the spell's been broken. I spoke with her on the return trip and she doesn't seem to remember anything she did while enchanted- and I'd rather not tell her, if you're okay with-"
Merlin nodded in approval.
"Good. She was a bit subdued before, but seems back to her usual self this morning. I think everything will be alright- once you can drag yourself out of bed, that is."
A weak kick landed on Arthur's leg.
"I could have you put in the stocks for that."
Merlin pretended to be asleep.
The king ruffled the dark hair fondly before leaving to resume his royal duties.