Chapter 3- A Dreamlike State
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the show (as much as I wish). All characters that are not on Merlin are of my own creation and therefore, are mine.
Merlin couldn't sleep that night. For hours on end he tried to figure out the identity of this mystery girl and where she had come from. Even through the material of the white dress, Merlin could see the faint outlines of a gold pattern upon the girl's shoulder. And what if she had magic? Despite this, an urge to protect this girl filled him. There were just too many questions left unanswered.
Finally, when the bliss of sleep stole Merlin into its' clutches he was plagued with dreams of a girl with pale gray eyes. Every time that he reached out to her, she vanished with the wind, blowing away like smoke.
Things went on like this for days as the servant boy lulled through his chores for Arthur. Merlin was drained. Not just physically drained, but it was as if the magic was draining out of him. Even the simplest of spells would take up too much of his energy. Even Arthur was beginning to notice.
"Been spending too many nights at the tavern lately Merlin?" Arthur asked as they were once again, on a hunt.
Merlin laughed tiredly. His whole body was aching, even his hair hurt (if that was possible). "Remind me again why you are hunting. You were just on one." The sorcerer recalled the day that he had found the girl laying in the forest. She was so cold and there was so much blood.
Merlin had always hated hunting. Why would you want to kill something with no fighting chance of living? Why not just live, maybe? After years of working for Arthur, Merlin had yet to realize why the royals found hunting so amusing.
"Because Merlin," the Prince slammed his cross bow into his servants chest and drew the sword that was fastened at his waist, "our last trip was interrupted. And besides, I know how much you love hunting."
Arthur's mockery continued for the entire day. Merlin didn't nearly have the energy to say something witty in return.
Twilight fell upon them as they began their trek back to Camelot. It had been a relatively successful day with 4 hares and several birds of different sizes, all of which, Merlin was carrying. A twig snapped in the distance, sending Merlin's thoughts turning. Really? Why today? He thought. This is not going to be fun.
Like most of Merlin's predictions, this one was true as bandits where quickly surrounding them. Arthur sprang into action and Merlin rushed to duck behind a tree, readying himself to use magic. Something about these men seemed different. It looks as if they where wearing dresses. Thick leather straps surrounded everything below their breastplates. There was leather also guarding their lower arms as well as their shins. Their swords were short and pinched in at the centre. All of the men had long hair that was tied in a variety of different ways with leather cords.
Arthur had all of the men down except for one. They were both breathing heavily as Arthur's sword was posed at the bandits' throat.
"Who are you?" Arthur's face was hardened with determination.
"My name is Petros and we mean you no harm. We are simply looking for a girl." Petros gaze was steady as he looked at the Prince.
"And who is this girl you are searching for?"
"She is very dangerous and I should like her back in my care." Petros had a thick accent. It was laced with something that Merlin could not recognize. Could they be looking for the girl with the golden tattoo?
"And what does she look like, this girl?"
"Oh, she has pale eyes, like the colour of starlight." Petros answered simply.
Arthur looked taken by this Petros and lowed his sword from the man neck. He let out a breath of relief. "See to it that you are in Camelot by first light and you will have an audience with the king."
Looking pleased with the Princes words, Petros bowed and began to walk away slowly, still facing Arthur.
Coming out from his hiding place, Merlin added, "Well he seems pleasant enough."
"Do me a favour Merlin." Arthur said as they began too walk through an open field, Camelot in full view.
"Hm?"
"Shut up."
"Any change?" Merlin asked Gaius over their evening meal. Candles filled the room with a warm glow, making the age lines of the physicians face seem for defined.
Gaius sighed and put down his spoon, "Her heart is getting stronger, and she should awake any moment now."
"But what about the pattern on her shoulder? I've never seen anything like it."
"Neither have I. It seems we may have a druid in your chambers," Both of their heads turned towards the door to Merlin's chambers. It was opened slightly revealing a dark figure slumped in the bed, wrapped in a mound of blankets. With the unchanged presence of the girl, they returned to their meal.
"If I could only just know her name," Merlin added quietly. He hoped that Gaius couldn't hear what he had just said.
"My name is Leviathan," a voice added soflty.
Both Gaius and Merlin couldn't help but let out a gasp, as the girl was not only awake, but also standing before them, wrapped in a blanket.
Merlin had never felt so surprised in his life. He was truly speechless.
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LWB
