This was written for the 'Magic Goes Awry' drabble challenge on the Heart of Camelot website. It takes place in Season 1 Episode 2 (Valiant).
Write about a character on the show using magic, with unexpected results. You can write about an incident that has already happened on the show, or you can come up with a magical mishap of your own.
A/N Thanks to LyricalSinger for beta and brainstorming
Merlin opened his eyes with a start, unsure what had woken him. He peered into the dim light thrown by the spluttering candle and tried to recall what he'd been doing before he'd dozed off.
"Hullo?" said a ponderous voice. "I seem to be stuck…"
Merlin's mouth dropped open as he saw the statue he'd been trying to animate speaking to him.
"Um…Well … you are made … of… of stone," the warlock stammered, trying to work out what he'd done wrong since the only part of the animal that appeared to be moving was the mouth.
"Pity," the dog answered. "I don't suppose you have a ball?"
When Merlin's only response was to raise his eyebrows incredulously, the dog said, "Or perhaps a squirrel? I've heard they are quite nice, really."
"Um, no..." answered Merlin. "I need to change you back."
"Oh no, don't!" cried the dog. "I've not had the chance to sing yet!" and he immediately began a bizarre yowling racket that had Merlin clapping his hands over his ears.
Unsurprisingly, within moments Gaius popped his head into the small room, his eyes widening on catching sight of the statue. "Merlin, what have you done now?" he asked. "You must make it stop that noise or someone will come to investigate!"
"You think I don't know that?" Merlin answered crossly. "I'm working on it. I must have said 'speak' instead of 'live' somewhere along the line."
Gaius scowled disapprovingly, "You need to be more careful."
"Well you try staying up all night trying to bring a stone dog to life and see if you don't mispronounce a word or two!" replied the frustrated warlock, trying to be heard over a horrid though evidently happy verse that included mention of 'sunshine' and 'bunnies'. With a determined look back at the dog, Merlin raised his hand and flashed his eyes and the animal went mute once more.
The two men looked at each other in relief, and finally Gaius began to chuckle. "Merlin, my boy, I can see that life with you around will certainly never be dull."