A Marriage that Started a Legend Chapter 143, a merlin fanfic

This chapter is dedicated to Jacquelyn, who wanted to see what Julia and the other serving girls would be doing after Arthur ran off. So I hope they enjoyed how I wrote out their idea :p

This chapter is also dedicated to Seiramallipop, who wanted to see Nimueh trying to lure Arthur into sleeping with her only to be turned down. So I hope they enjoyed how I did that part of the chapter ;p

And dedicated to Merthur Rules, as we flesh out more of their idea and see what's going on with Merlin in his unconscious state

Julia NoLastName angrily shoved this large wet cloth into the oversized laundry basin in front of her. The bedspread was far too thick and caused water to slosh over the rim of the bucket and soaked the front of her dress. But Julia, always on laundry duty, gritted her teeth and pushed the bedspread back under the water before it could try floating to the top again. She was used to getting soaked, the sleeves of her peasant dress were already shoved up past her elbows to free her arms. And all of the heat made her frizzy brown hair nearly fall out of the cloth she used to tie it up with. But Julia hardly noticed, as she was already doing the one thing she loved to do most in the world -fussing.

"I just do not understand why Arthur would run off the way he did. It's like he wants the rest of us to perish so he can go out and play hero for somebody who doesn't even appreciate him or his role in our society!" Julia fussed loudly to the group she always ended up working with, each of them forming this small circle around the basin. There was Keira beside her, and there was Merida-if Julia thought her hair was bad, it was nothing in comparison to what the humidity had done to her already thick red curls-on the other side. Across from them sat Bethany, the serving girl rarely got put on Laundry Duty but it seemed like it was her turn in the rotation the Extra Servants who didn't have a permanent placement were stuck on. And next to Bethany is the sole serving boy of the group, who rarely said anything, so Julia barely noticed him at all as she continued with her never ending fussing. "I mean here we are, working our hands down to the bone and Consort Merlin is what? Bloody sleeping! The prince shouldn't have to do anything if Merlin can't bother with getting out of bed!"

It was only early afternoon-and Julia was quite bitter to have to work despite the impending war on the horizons, which was another thing she had been complaining about before moving onto Merlin and Arthur-and already the rumors and stories were the topic on everybody's lips. There wasn't a single soul within the kingdom who hadn't heard Merlin had saved the prince's very life and now hovered on death's door. Not a soul hadn't heard of Arthur escaping Camelot in the middle of the night to save his consort…the details were a bit scattered on that one. What reasons Arthur had for leaving being twisted into something that was unrecognizable, but all the stories seemed to hold on to one solid truth…Arthur had left to save Merlin in return. The girls within the laundry room could thank Bethany for that one-she had been the one to deliver Morgana her breakfast and heard only bits and pieces through the thick door, too scared to knock on the door and interrupt-who had informed them as soon as she arrived.

Julia had not been pleased.

"Oh, please. Don't be such a daft bimbo! Merlin's not being a bum because he's lying around! He was bloody poisoned! We should be lucky he's not dead yet, though I've heard that some people are saying he really is already dead. But I don't believe it one bit, Uther would have already announced it if that's the case." Merida exclaimed loudly, her thick accent coming out as steam billowed in her face as she shoved a dark colored dress into the heated water. The red headed lass glanced across the bucket, wishing Mary or Gwen was here to help her survive the force that was Julia. But Mary was back at work in the kitchens and Gwen…Gwen was once again entangling herself with what issues had befallen the consort. Merida shook her head as she went back to her work, "Besides, I think it would be odd if the prince hadn't run off. Somebody's got to help Merlin, and who else is going to do it?"

Julia hissed angrily under her breath, shoving her bedsheet in the water harder, making Merida step back before the wave of crashing water could soak her green dress. Merida shot Julia a nasty glare, knowing that Julia had done that on purpose, even if she was blinking innocently at her. As if it was an accident…. but Julia didn't exactly make accidents like that. Merida gritted her teeth and went back to her work…she had better things to do than get into whatever Julia's obsession with Arthur Bloody Pendragon was. Just accept that the bloody Prince had gotten married to a peasant! It wasn't as if Julia had ever had any kind of chance with him…

"Nobody should have gone! Arthur is risking his life by trying to save a boy who's cheating on him! What kind of man does that? I would have handed Merlin the poison myself if I caught him cheating on me!" Julia hissed, and Merida didn't bother to hide her eye roll. The whole cheating thing had never made all that much sense to her, it had seemed to come out of nowhere and that by itself made it strange. But Julia had latched on that rumor with a vice, a vindictive glee in her eyes that not one girl in their group had managed to break. "I just…" Julia scowled at her bedsheet, scratching her fingers along a dark stain on the fabric. "I don't see why Arthur would go for him? Why risk the lives of us all by leaving, only to save a troublemaker. Merlin is not worth the kind of devotion something like that would take at all."

Merida once again didn't answer, glancing up to see a startling conflicted expression on Julia's face. The red head knew she's got a temper, and she was liable to duck Julia's head inside of the water basin, where the heat was boiling enough to melt a person's skin if they weren't prepared for it. But it appeared as if Julia truly didn't understand why somebody-anybody-would go through all that trouble for somebody like Merlin. Julia had always had a lack of empathy though, and was forever content to be the person that always complained about how awful their life was compared to everybody else's but never tried to fix the problems she had. Merida had no patience for people like that.

Somebody else at the bucket did though…

"I really don't think you're in the position to judge how much a person can devote themselves to somebody else." Everybody around the bucket grew quiet, and turned to the only boy that sat with them. It was funny…this boy must have sat within their group everyday for the last five or so years and yet, nobody at the bucket could have said what his name was. He was always just…there. The type of person who never spoke a word unless he felt like it, and when he did…you'd better damn well listen to it, since it was usually something pretty important. "You didn't work the banquet last night, you weren't there. I was. So really, you can't say anything because you didn't see the same things that I did. Personally…I think I'm finally starting to understand a whole lot about Prince Arthur and Consort Merlin. If I ever had a man who did what Merlin did last night…I would leave too, to help him. Hell, I'd probably be swooning while I was doing it. A man like Merlin…they don't exist nowadays. We should all just be happy Prince Arthur found him first, and transformed him in to our Consort."

There was a moment of silence around the bucket, where the only sound was the boy ducking the undergarments of a noble into the basin, the rush of water accompanying it. And Merida started to grin…this boy wasn't so bad. She knew there was a reason they let him tag along with them places. But Julia didn't find him so…insightful…and huffed loudly, with indignation, any conflict in her face washed out. But the boy didn't care, happy and content to go back to his washing as if he hadn't dropped these pearls of wisdom on them. If one wanted to call what he had said 'pearls of wisdom'.

Merida sure did.

But Keira entered the conversation by resuming their trash talk of Merlin, dragging his name through the mud in order to have Julia perk back up. And it worked…because there was nothing those two girls liked doing more than fussing about somebody who didn't even know they existed…

Merlin twisted upon his cot, stirring restlessly but not actually waking up. Leon loomed over him, keeping a steady eye on the breath he was emitting…he didn't like how swallow it was. But the physician had gotten his magnifying glass back out, having returned to looking more closely at the harsh rash on his inner arm. Gaius frowned, leaning in more closely, though it was not the rash he was looking at, nor was he checking whether it had started creeping up towards the crease in Merlin's elbow. No…Gaius was looking at something else, his thumb carefully going across the self inflicted cut marks Merlin had done to himself.

Luckily…none of them looked as if they were infected.

But that was a lucky break for Merlin-excluding everything that was going on with him now. It was just one thing they wouldn't have to worry about at the moment…the door flew open, Leon immediately grabbed his sword in the case of attack, about to march forward and demand whoever enter leave and not try to return. But it was only Gwen, spilling into the chambers with a flush on his face-as if she had ran all the way here faster than her feet could carry her. Leon placed his sword back inside of his sheath, knowing it wouldn't be needed here.

"I'm going to take a wild guess here and say you didn't see her down there, did you?" Gaius asked, having not looked up once during his inspection. But Gaius continued without waiting for an answer. "In fact, if I had to wager a guess, I would say not a single person has seen her since the banquet ended, which is certainly not surprising." But still, no response from Gwen was what finally had Gaius turning away from his work, to see what was going on. "Gwen?" He asked, looking her up and down like a trained physician would…critically. And the physician seemed to realize what was wrong, his expression going soft. "Oh…you should come and sit with me. Sit beside Merlin if you must. It'd do you a world of good to be around people you trust."

Gwen wouldn't ask how Gaius knew she needed help, perhaps it was from her shaking legs. Or her stressed out expression…but she took the hand that was offered to her. Rushing as fast as she could past Leon, taking her seat next to Gaius. The old physician wrapped a fatherly arm around her, as if this was his way of trying to chase away the chill that clung to her shaking form. And Gwen reached forward, holding tightly onto Merlin's hand as a sign of comfort, comfort because he was still taking in breaths. Which meant her sacrificing her mental health had been worth it, to get the surety they needed to move on. Gwen only needed to continue clutching onto Merlin's hand, as if he was in any position to save her from the dungeons like he had done the first time…

"I don't understand. What is going on? What's wrong with you, Gwen? What did you see down there? This girl you've all been looking for..does that mean she has escaped? Who was she in the first place, who comes up with this kind of elaborate plan just to poison our consort?" The questions came from Leon as if they were rapid fire, pouring out of him faster than Gwen had been able to keep up with. And Gwen pressed her lips as tight together as she could, shrinking into Gaius's side to shield her from the knight. Her throat fluttered, but no sounds came out of her. "Well Gwen? I need you to give me a full report on what it is you saw down there so I'm aware. And don't leave a single detail out. And Gaius, don't think I don't know you are holding something back. Tell me…what are you not telling us about this Mercian girl you have had Gwen searching for. As the man who has been placed in charge of Consort Merlin's protection, I am the one that needs to be kept in the loop. So, who wants to be the one to go first?"

Leon glanced between the aged physician and the serving girl when neither one immediately started giving him answer…Leon might need to pick somebody to go first. Because Arthur went and left Merlin in his care…Leon wasn't interested in doing any half-arsed job. He wanted to look at Arthur when he arrived in the city, and tell him it had been a mission accomplished. But it was hard to do his job, if he had people like the two in front of him who was trying to keep him in the dark more often than he was not. There was nothing the two could tell him that he'd not be prepared to face. He was a knight…ready for anything.

"You aren't going to get a single word out of Gwen, so you may not even try. Let's just say she's not in a speaking mood at the moment." Gaius said bluntly, rubbing his hand down the length of Gwen's arm, chasing away the remaining chill clinging to her form. Leon frowned, looking at Gwen himself, but the girl faced the ground, avoiding his eye. "But I can tell you that the girl we are looking for is not who she claims to be. When my nephew first came across her, she introduced herself as Cara. It's only now that I've come to realize that isn't her real name. As she's using a fake name, and also managed to make it past all of the knights without being caught, then my theory stands to reason …she's a sorceress. And probably more powerful than we have first thought, as she seems to have succeeded."

Gaius nodded his head down to the frail looking Merlin, as if to show them just how far Nimueh had succeeded. The physician had been very careful when he had spoken, making sure Leon only knew the bare necessaries. Whatever Gaius could spare without making it look like he knew more than he was actually letting on. After all-regrettable-he had sworn to Uther far too many years ago that he would never speak of Nimueh. Of her history here in Camelot…and the personal reasons she would have for attacking Camelot. It wasn't a pleasant story, and the physician could feel something ugly clawing in his chest, since Merlin should have never gotten caught up in things that had happened long before he was born.

"I think we've put this on for long enough. I know we decided not to go to Uther immediately, but that was when we thought the sorceress was in the cells where she belonged. If she's out there roaming free, then the king will want to know." Leon said in a decisive voice. Uther was not known for playing any game with sorcerers, Leon suspected this witch-no matter just how powerful Gaius thought she was-would most likely find herself capture and trialed for crimes against the royal family. And the consort would get justice for what she had done to him. "The King will want to send our finest riders out to track her down…she'll probably be dead by tonight. Even sooner if she hasn't gone too far."

Already, Leon was calculating in his head how long it would be taking them to get the Riders assembled. It shouldn't take the group more than half an hour to be on their horses and riding away from the Camelot city gates. The riders were a very elite group of knights who-while trained in combat-were trained in speed even more. They were the fastest Camelot had to offer in cases where time was of the essence. And this sorcerer had already gotten too much of a head start for Leon's taste. It was of the upmost importance that they got the elite group of men organized before she had a chance to disappear forever.

"No…she'll be long gone from here. She won't want to risk her getting caught by sticking around. Especially if this was more than just about Merlin." Gaius suddenly said, bringing Leon out of his thoughts. Frowning, the soldier turned to see Gaius had gone sickly pale. As if he had just thought of something…Leon felt a swirl of discomfort go through him. But before the knight could demand to know what Gaius had just thought of, he was already answering. "This sorceress picked out the flower with a specific goal in mind. She knows the only place the antidote could be found, was in the forest of Balor. Perhaps, Merlin was only a side interest. Maybe her real goal was to get Arthur out of Camelot…out of the city. Somewhere that isn't teeming with knights who would jump in to defend him if she tried attacking him directly."

Gwen let out an inaudible gasp, looking shaken. And Leon felt his face going several shades paler, his heart stuttering harsh in his chest as the indications Gaius was giving him washed its way over him. Gaius didn't need to say anymore for the knight to get the picture…a trap. It was a trap meant for Arthur, while he was away from the safety of the walls. Leon's jaw went tight and hard, his eyes flashing dangerous…fuck! He had known he should have gone with Arthur. He had bloody well know Arthur would need backup! And what had he done instead? Leon had allowed himself to get side tracked with a second mission that was not nearly as important if Arthur really had been intended as the target this entire time.

"Damn it!" Leon couldn't stop himself from cursing loudly, and it caused Gwen to flinch violently as he slammed his fist harsh and hard against the desk he stood by. All of the materials that were spread out across it rattled ominously, and Gwen looked as if she was trying to crawl herself into Gaius' chest cavity…to hide from the wicked knight. Blinking her brown eyes wrecked with terror…Leon forced himself to take a deep breath in order to calm himself the best he could. It didn't help much, but the knight couldn't go around scaring servant girls either. Clearing his throat, Leon forced himself to straighten up, "I apologize if my outburst scared you, Guinevere. That was not my intention at all. I am just…very upset with this news. And the king will be even more upset once I give him my report."

Leon apologized to Gwen in a tight and strained voice, forcing himself to keep such unbefitting behavior away from the eyes of the woman. He needed to remind himself that Gwen wasn't used to Leon acting based on his emotions…Leon was usually a very honorable man. The kind that followed the rule book to the letter and never allowed anybody to slip through the crack as they tried skidding by, rather than achieving their ranks with skill. But Leon couldn't help but feel as if he had went about all of this terrible wrong…as if he had failed Arthur by not forcing him to allow Leon to accompany him. For all they knew, Arthur might already be dead. Leaving only Merlin behind as his once legacy…until the boy also perished in the next few days when his body was no longer able to sustain the strain it was under.

"Leon, I hope I do not need to tell you…I know you will likely be considering this treason…but if you try to leave now to inform the king of our findings, then Merlin is going to die. That is the upmost certainty." Gaius said bluntly. Leon whipped around to protest, but his voice withered and died when he saw just how harshly Gaius was staring at him. His eyes harder than Leon'd ever seen the other man…strict. Defiant. Fierce…just as Merlin was. Gaius laid out the facts for him in that same blunt tone…doing nothing to mince his words. "If Uther knows, then he will send his men to track Arthur down. Arthur will be taken down and brought back to the castle against his will-for his safety as the king will say-whether or not he's managed to get his hands on the flower yet. And if the knights catch him before he made it to the caves…Merlin will perish as the result. Do you want to be the one to tell Arthur you failed your mission because it was too hard to wait and find out what will happen. The only thing we can do is hope Arthur is smart enough to evade the witch…before she finds him."

Without another word, Gaius turned back around and kept his eyes-strong, sturdy, protective-on Merlin's restless form. The knight followed his gaze, and he swallowed hard. This seemed to be going against everything Leon had been trained to do or taught how to respond in certain situations. Anybody holding onto information about a sorcerer, needed to report to Uther immediately…that had been the law for as long as Leon could remember. It really was treason for him to not bring his finding to the king, but…Arthur had given him a job. And maybe Gaius wasn't invested in seeing Arthur return, he might not want the prince to return and be in close proximity to Merlin again. This should have aroused Leon's suspicions…maybe Gaius wanted to take the opportunity to get rid of Arthur-leaving his nephew as next in line for the throne-while it presented itself. But…the aged physician wanted Arthur to return more than anybody…it was only Arthur that could save Merlin now. Gaius wouldn't be leaving Arthur out there on his own, if he didn't think it was the best thing for Merlin…Arthur be damned.

Leon tethered on indecision…which was most important to him …his duty to his king or his duty to his prince? To tell the kingly man and save Arthur's life? But doom Merlin as a result. Or let things play out as they might…and possible save both consort and prince. Or doom them both…it seemed as if each of these options had its successes and its drawbacks. But only one had Leon being fitted on the execution's platform for allowing such treason…which to choose, which to choose? It would be easier if somebody just gave him a sign! Anything that would tell him which outcome left them with the best results they could hope for!

And as if the roof above them had suddenly parted just large enough for the sun to shine on Merlin, the unconscious man started to wiggle restlessly along his cot again. His face going all scrunched up and tight, as if his dreams were troubling him something fierce. "Arthur…Arthur." The consort groaned in his sleep, tossing his head to the side as if he was trying to search out something none of the rest of them could see. "Arthur-" he rasped out, sounding almost desperate as his throat hitched in fear. "Please…you need…you need…" and Merlin's face went all smoothed out, as if the fight had drained out of his already too weak body. A soft exhale of breath escaped him, ending with a last mumble of, "Arthur."

Well, Leon thought as a flash of determination surged through him, he had asked for somebody to give him an answer. And it seemed as if his prayers had been answered through Merlin…it was probably stupid to make his choice based on this strange coincidence. But Leon wasn't going to question it. His consort, even in his unconscious state, had ordered Leon to go with the prince's original decision. And who was Leon to question what was wanted of him. Leon took his place beside the consort, so he could continue his diligent watch over his charge.

And hope he wasn't making a huge mistake.

Arthur Pendragon, after riding for an hour after his breakdown, pulled on the reins of his horse, forcing Llmel to stop when the prince realized he could go no further. Not riding on his horse at least…they were standing on the top of a steep hill. It would be too dangerous for Arthur to attempt riding down it. It would be very likely that Arthur-with the weight of a grown man-was going to unbalance Llmel, knocking him over and leaving some violent injuries in their wake. It looked as if Arthur was going to be walking from here. But that was okay, they were so close to the caves now, Arthur could almost feel the itching underneath his skin that told him to push on just a little bit further.

He was almost there…

Almost there…

Nothing was going to get in his way, Arthur thought, swinging his leg over his horse and dropping down to the ground beside him. The leaves beneath his feet cracked ominously, as his hair on the back of his neck stood straight. Arthur took Llmel by his reins and started leading him down the steep hill, eyes moving across the terrain the further into the valley they went. And the prince noticed how there were less trees this deep in, many of them looked more like sticks poking out of the ground instead of actual trees with thick trunks. There were only a few leaves clinging to the tips, which would explain why it felt like he was kicking up more leaves as he walked than actual dirt.

They were absolutely everywhere.

And Arthur didn't like it.

They were still so close to spring time, summer hadn't really started yet. The trees should have been overfilled with leaves, an abundance of them that was too much to count. They were not meant to be on the ground, unless something had forced them onto the ground. Like unfit soil not rich enough to sustain the growth of a tree. Or something-the creature, perhaps-was wasting its time using the trees like battering rams. It left him unsettled, constantly glancing over his shoulder even while he moved further down to the ground level.

…This was not the kind of area somebody should play around in, Arthur thought cautiously, tightening his grip on the reins of his horse. His lips went thin remembering how much he'd been craving the chance to see Merlin playing. Dancing in the trees like a little wood nymph…those thoughts now sent ice through his heart. Thinking of Merlin trying to play in this area, only to be surrounded by dust and darkness, bogged down by these shadows trying to swallow him whole. Arthur continued to put one foot in front of the other, his hand resting on his sword as his stomach clenched uncomfortably. Something was here…it felt like a whisper in the breeze. No…not a whisper…a cry?

Merlin.

Arthur felt his heart seizing up, his first thought jumping-even though he knew how impossible it was-to Merlin being out in these woods. Having followed Arthur…crying…lost and scared and desperate for his hero to save him…Arthur jerked hard on the reins, hearing his horse neigh behind him as he picked up his step. Hitting the ground level of the trench they had gone into. The crying was louder here, a warning that something's wrong…Arthur ventured forth without hesitation. If Merlin was here, if he needed Arthur to be his shield…Arthur was ready to bear arms and give bodily sacrifices in order for Merlin to stop shedding even one single tear.

But then he saw…Her.

A young woman with pale skin sat on a nearby log a few feet deeper into the trench. She had dark black hair tumbling all of the way down her back in a tangled mess, as if she had ran all the way through the woods and was only now stopping to rest and get her bearings back. Arthur could see the tattered and broken remains of her wine red peasant dress clinging against her shaking form. Bearing too much skin on her legs, indecent of a lady, even a peasant lady. And though Arthur had known it was impossible, his heart still dropped when he saw somebody who was decidedly 'not' his consort.

Well, Arthur thought as he gave the woman another once over-she didn't appear to realize he was here yet-it wasn't as if the prince actually wanted Merlin in these woods. It was far more dangerous-and irresponsible of him-to allow his consort to be anywhere near this forest. Which, Arthur grudgingly thought to himself, probably meant it was too dangerous for a woman out on her own. He didn't really want to stop for her, he was on the most pressing mission of his life, after all. But what else should Arthur do-as he grudgingly started tying the reins of his horse to one of the stick like trees, so Llmel wouldn't wonder too far away while he checked on her-leave a weeping woman crying in these woods? He doubted she realized how dangerous this forest was.

Once his horse was secured, Arthur creeped up on the woman as to not startle her. But these damn leaves crunching beneath his boots alerted her to his presence, and the woman let loose another loud cry. This one born of fear as she whipped around to face him, her bottom slipping off the fallen log she had been sitting on. The woman clutched at the ground scooting against the dirt as if she was trying to put distance between the two of them, and Arthur-briefly noticing her deep blue eyes, just brief enough to note Merlin's was more vibrant in emotion-raised up his hands to show her he meant her no harm. "Hey hey. I won't hurt you. I just saw you here, and I wanted to make sure you're alright…"

Arthur trailed off, taking another look at her shaking form…and he could understand why she seemed so scared of him. There were marks all over her arms…violent mark decorated red and purple as the bruises were coming in. They…they didn't look as if they were gotten from running through the woods and being caught amongst the branches. They looked like handprints…of a man much larger and bigger than she herself was. They…the markings reminded Arthur uncomfortably of the state he'd left Merlin's face in. Arthur looked away, swallowing hard…it wasn't any wonder she was scared of a man approaching her all alone and vulnerable…would Merlin be scared? If Arthur approached him in the woods like this-when he was trying to cry to himself in peace after what Arthur had did-would he try to run? It was a stupid question…Arthur already knew he would.

But the woman was still looking at him-so bloody terrified, her face mirroring Merlin's as he looked up from the ground after Arthur had backhanded him that first time-and half clutching onto the log as if it would somehow protect her from the man she thought would hurt her. Arthur needed to help her…it was the right thing to do. Something Merlin-always going out of his way to get involved and help somebody else, stupidly sweet of a consort he had-would do if he was in Arthur's place. But the prince, before he could offer his assistance, went tense as this loud roar came from beyond the trees.

The woman let out a startled whimper, grasping onto the tree with all her might, as if the log would do any good against the beast. Arthur was already pulling his sword out as the beast-a creature came to life from between the pages of Gaius' books-came out of the tree line. It was large, larger than even his own horse was. It looked like a giant lizard actually, with a long and spiky tail, covered from tip to snout in yellow scales. With two large fan looking pieces sticking out of its back, a sickly green coloring in the middle. Its eyes red and hateful, venom shone dripping from its great big fangs. As if it couldn't wait to take a nasty bite out of Prince Arthur Pendragon…but Arthur wouldn't let him.

Not when he had things to do.

Not when he had somebody waiting for him back home…

"Stay back." Arthur remembered to tell the dark haired maiden at the last second, sparing her only this brief glance before he was turning back to the creature. The cockatrice-Arthur barely remembered the name Gaius had told him-roared at him with a dangerous intent. The fans on its back fluttering sharply which caused Arthur's entire body to fill with dread. But Arthur didn't show fear-he refused to show fear, as was his vow as a knight of Camelot-and moved himself around so that they were a bit further from the girl. The creature seemed to be keeping eyes on him-which was good, the prince thought as he readjusted his grip on the blade. It meant the girl might have a chance at escaping if things got hairy.

And as a knight, it as his duty to keep the civilian casualties as minimal as he could.

The creature roared again, its thick tail slamming harshly along the ground, and Arthur reacted. He twisted his sword around and around in his hand, his wrist twisting in ways that should have been unnatural, but came to him with ease. And the ugly beast roared, loud enough to shake the trees of the remaining leaves, arching its great long neck at him as if it was trying to sneak a taste. Arthur slashed, swinging his sword hard, trying to keep the beast at bay. The creature backed up, apparently aware enough to know Arthur's blade was a weapon. But not scared, coming back for more, gnashing its great yellow teeth at Arthur.

It had gotten close-too close, as Arthur could smell the foul of its breath-and Arthur slashed again. The creature reared back with a roar, Arthur's blade had came only an inch away from its great red eye. And Arthur sneered, readjusting his grip on the blade again…he felt a surge of determination flashing through him as he saw the creature rising itself up to its full height. The beast was trying to keep him away from Merlin, trying to stop Arthur from completing his quest…trying to kill Merlin by killing him. He wouldn't let it though. No. Not even a monstrous beast was going to keep him away from Merlin. He didn't care if this beast was the first of hundreds, he would kill each one, if that meant he could return to Merlin's side. If that meant he could cup one hand beneath Merlin's hair, feel his thick dark hair as it curled around his fingers, so he could lift him up enough to fit the goblet holding his medication in between his lips…

The creature threw himself forward, racing at Arthur as if he was tired of this back and forth game of slashing they'd been playing. And as if it was happening in slow motion-monstrous beast! Thinking he could keep him from his Merlin! Nobody'd keep him from Merlin. Not as long as there was breath within his lungs would they be separated-Arthur reacted. Throwing himself forward, Arthur did this full body roll right underneath the beast's great belly, landing on the other side as his harsh momentum brought him right back up to his feet. The beast let out another loud roar-angry and pissed-because it realized its prey had escaped him.

But Arthur was no prey.

And the creature had attacked the wrong man.

Because Arthur had somebody to fight for…

Merlin's dark hair and his bruised skin and his sad blue eyes burned in Arthur's mind as if it was engraving itself straight in his skull.

Arthur didn't even know if it was going to work, but the second he saw the creature rearing its ugly head again, he fought. The prince raised his sword high above his head-holding the image of Merlin in his skull like it might slip away at any given minute if he allowed it-and threw his sword as hard as he could. And his blade soared, slicing through the air and penetrating right into the soft underbelly of the beast, burying itself all the way to the hilt. The beast screamed, letting out a mourningly cry, before it fell over and landed on its side. A strange green like substance that might have been its blood leaking out around the long and sturdy length of its blade.

Arthur breathed out, an escape of air that felt like it was trying to burn the inside of his lungs. He honestly hadn't thought he would make it past a beast that could spit venom, but…he had done it. He had survived. And somehow-Arthur thought as he cautiously slid his dented blade out of the beast, cleaning the metal in the dirt from the green blood staining it, before sliding it back into his sheath-he thought he had Merlin to thank for it. It was strange…Arthur had never had a reason to survive other than his vibrant need to make his father proud, and his duty to becoming king. Arthur had never had one specific person that lingered in his mind, stealing his breath every time he thought of him, and giving him a real reason to keep going. Something other than just his duty…how was Arthur ever going to fix what he had broken, if he allowed something to take him away?

The crinkling of leaves alerted him to the maiden trying to get away from him, backing up as if she was trying to sneak away while he was distracted. "It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you, trust me on that." Arthur said quickly, forcing himself to take a break from thinking about Merlin and his shallow breathing as he hovered too close to death for comfort. But when the blond prince tried walking forward, the woman stepped back again…Arthur stopped in mid-step and sighed. He could only imagine what he must look like…some kind of brute who'd showed her just now that she wouldn't be able to stop him if he wanted to attack her. Arthur couldn't help but think…she might've been more receptive towards Merlin-as Arthur's eyes lingered along the bruises of her bare arms. He had that whole earnest thing going for him, something that would've made the strongest of them-probably even Arthur himself-eating right out of his palm as if he was the master in this equation. "…Who did those…who hurt you?"

Arthur nodded his hand down to her injuries, watching as she followed his gaze and brought up a hand to cup one of the big ones…as if she could hide something he had already seen. But the prince respected her cautious need for privacy and moved his gaze to examine the rest of her. He could see that she was not wearing shoes of any kind, her bare feet poking out of her long dress. Though one of her legs was now on full display, as a large slit had been ripped through the fabric. The prince did not know if it had gotten torn because it had snagged on one of the trees as she ran through the forest, or if it had been torn as somebody-a man much bigger than her-tried ripping it from her. Even the bodice of her dress had been torn, one side of it hanging down more than the other, showing him the upperside of her curved breast…Arthur looked at it with the critical eye of a man who was trying to determine if she had been raped. And not with the wondering eye of a man who might find wonder in the female form…

"My master." The girl finally answered him in a low whimper, he wasn't surprised though. Arthur had known many high ranking nobles who tried taking advantage of their female servants, by trying to force them into sexual pleasure. But very rarely did a female servant step forward and report what had happened to her. Arthur clenched his jaw…it looked like his work would not be done after he found Merlin's flower. If this 'master' was one of the nobles who lived within Camelot's boarders, the prince would make sure reparations towards the serving girl was paid in full. Perhaps enough gold to where the woman would never have to work again, getting her away from this man. Not many women had options, and the girl would probably end up back on the man's doorstep for work once she got hungry enough…disgusting as it was to have to return to the man who tried to hurt her. "I ran away from him. But I-" her voice hitched, as if she had been about to start crying. "I got lost and I don't know where I am. Please, I beg of you kind sir, don't leave me on my own!"

Arthur bit his lip, rolling around the options in his head, though there weren't many. He could leave her here and hope another creature or her master didn't come across her first. Or he was going to have to take her with him on his incredibly dangerous mission. She could die, and would be a liability that Arthur had to look after once agreeing to allow her to come. But the small thing-Merlin was more delicate looking and finely structured in the bones-looked so scared. And she could end up dead if he did leave her behind…fuck. What would Merlin do if he was the one deciding…Arthur already knew. The boy was this bleeding heart, he would probably take the jacket off his back and wrap it around her. Deciding she was coming without consulting his princely husband on the matter…it made the ache for Merlin to be alive and beautiful and fierce return, hollowing out all of his organs and insides to make room for it.

"I'm not going to leave you. You'll just have to travel with me til we can get you someplace safe and far from here." Arthur said gruffly…perhaps he could hand her off to the head servant and he could find a place for the girl amongst their ranks. That way he could at least be sure she wasn't being beaten, and there's no way her master would try and challenge the castle itself to simply get her back. Her master probably wasn't even coming after her, leaving her dead for the creatures of the forest if he had seen her rushing in. "Once we get back to the castle, you will be safe. But there's something I have to do before we can go anywhere."

Arthur turned away from the woman, eying the study cave wall he could see just around the bend. That had to be it…thinking on his maps, he was pretty sure the caves he was looking for was the only caves in this entire forest. His heart leaped inside his chest, and his hands felt strangely sweaty…he was so close to the flowers now. Could feel their daintiness in his hands and could smell the scent of their fresh buds entering his nostrils…he didn't know if it was real, or if he was just imagining it. But it did mean-he knew-he was one step closer to waking Merlin.

"Of course, I don't care what we are doing as long as you can get me out of these woods. It's dreadfully scary here, being all alone…you have no idea how frightful it is for a woman who is unable to protect herself." The woman said from behind him as her voice went low, strangely sultry. Arthur barely noticed until she came up behind him, her feet crunching the leaves as her chest pressed against the back of his shoulder blades, sliding a long finger down the center of the back of his neck. "Maybe I can pay you back," she spoke in his ear, a hot exhale of breath that had Arthur shiver. "As a thank you for keeping me safe. As it's the least I can do."

Arthur's eyes went wide, his entire body going stiff when her finger went further down, drawing a long line down the length of his back…what was she…Arthur paled, making this choking sound in the back of his throat. She was…his brain was frozen but he knew exactly what she was expecting. She thought the prince was one of those men who expected women to lay with him for doing her a favor. Something Arthur had never tried to do in his entire life…and for some reason, Merlin's face showed up in his mind. Bright and vivid and oh so cold, frosty, like the one time he had walked in on him and Clarissa about to get close and personal with the other. The woman's hand sliding down lower was what propelled him into action.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What do you think you're doing?" Arthur exclaimed, practically throwing himself forward to get as far as he could from her grasping fingers, despite already knowing of what the woman wanted from him. He still put his front toward her, as if he was afraid she was going to try and jump him the second his back was to her. The woman blinked, and the blond prince finally saw how innocent it was…too innocent. She knew exactly what she was doing. The prince swallowed, extremely uncomfortable with this sudden turn of events. "I think you've got the wrong idea here. I'm not…you don't have to…I am not helping you because I expect you to…you don't have to do this just because I'm being nice to you…"

Arthur had never felt more uncomfortable in his life, it was as if his entire foot had just gotten shoved into his mouth and it left him spewing words he felt like he didn't know the meaning too. Hell, the last time he had felt as if he couldn't talk like this…it'd been…it'd been…when Merlin had first shown up tonight! Being all nice and shiny…pretty and pale. This woman had absolutely nothing on the Merlin he'd accompanied to the banquet, and it sent a curdle of disgust going through him at the mere thought of doing anything with this woman. There was not one impulse to go along with what she wanted…Merlin might even smell her scent lingering on his skin after he woke up. The idea of Merlin going frosty on him again…something inside of Arthur seemed to pulse, unsettled.

"Oh, you don't have to worry. I'm not doing this because I owe you something. You're just really sweet. And I'm not exactly a maiden, I've done this type of thing before. It's why my master thought he could have me too. Because I like being pleasured by another-" the woman cooed, her blue eyes half lidded while she sauntered up towards him. Slithering like some kind of odd seductive snake, though Arthur resisted her womanly charms quite easily, pressing himself against a tree as she tried to do her best to corner him in. "And you're probably the sweetest man I have ever been with. It doesn't seem fair to not give you a taste of my womanhood. Not while you are out here alone in these woods, with nobody else's company to sate you. A man does have needs, you know. And I'm more than willing to help those needs. I won't break if you touch me…"

Arthur's face flushed, and he wanted to cover his ears…it was the kind of talk no woman should speak of so freely. He was…Arthur was not a man ruled by his sexual desires! He had never desired a woman so much, he would just take her on the grass as if they were some kind of animal. But the woman…she put a hand back out. Reaching to brush a finger along his chestplate to try tempting him…Arthur's hand shot out and grasped tight around her wrist. Stopping her from giving him any unwanted touches…geez. Was this what the men Merlin bedded did, as they lured him into their rooms…

"I have a husband!" Arthur blurted out as loud as he could and the woman seemed completely un-phased, lifting up a singular eyebrow. Arthur's flush deepened…right. Maybe she knew who he was, so of course she would know he had a husband, which only made what she did so much more gross. She didn't know the relationship or dynamics between him and Merlin…and for all she knew, they were happily in love. But then again, anyone happily in love wouldn't have entertained her for a one second before bringing up his partner. "I just mean…you are really this beautiful woman. And perhaps if I had met you earlier, but…I'm married. To a man. So…I couldn't possibly. And he's the reason I'm here to begin with. He's sick, you see. So…it would've been wrong of me to…engage in such acts while he's struggling. Or to engage them at all! Because you know…married people are in a committed relationship. So this…this would be cheating so I couldn't…"

Arthur trailed off, once again feeling like some kind of court jester when the woman pulled her hand back, arching up her eyebrow as if she couldn't quite believe a man would see her and say…no. It probably was unusual, Arthur thought…she was a beautiful woman, that was true. And if these were different circumstances, then maybe…hell, it wouldn't be like anybody would know if he did lay with her. As long as the woman kept her mouth shut, Merlin would have never known he had risked his life by sleeping with somebody when time was so short and precious. But Arthur would know, and he would have to sleep every night with the guilt festering inside of him like some kind of awful disease. Disfiguring him on the outside until there was nothing left of the old Arthur remaining. Until Arthur eventually ended up throwing himself at Merlin's feet, begging for Merlin to forgive him for playing with his life like this. Arthur could feel his stomach lurching, and he glanced back over towards those caves so close to him. And yet, so far…

"The caves? That's why you've came here?" The woman said, following his gaze to where the mouth of the cave stood. The darkest part of the forest it seemed, like an endless abyss just waiting to swallow up the first unsuspecting traveler seeking shelter inside. Arthur snapped his gaze back onto her, worried he might have offended her by denying her. But the woman did not seem all that put out anymore, smiling at him gently. It did not settle Arthur in the least. "Your husband must be quite the man for you to come all the way here. Risking your life…I hope he knows how special and rare it is to find a man like that. But what on earth does your sick husband need from a cave…?"

Arthur didn't relax, even though her advances seemed to have stopped. The guilt welled up inside of his stomach, almost so overwhelming that it could've crippled him. No…Merlin wasn't lucky at all, to have Arthur as a husband. If anything, it would be the other way around. Arthur had been so busy being mad at Merlin, so busy trying to find and pick at and dissect every flaw Merlin had, that he barely noticed…those flaws seemed to be the greatest trait about Merlin. His fierce determination to set things right when he saw something wrong, his willingness to get his hands dirty if only to help somebody else. Not even his weaknesses-like sleeping with other men-would have been enough to drop Merlin's value down. Arthur should've realized all of this sooner…maybe things would have been so different if he had simply given Merlin a chance from the beginning..

Merlin Pendragon tried not to trip over his feet, not sure if he was asleep or awake. He knew he was awake, but it felt like he had been dreaming for a long time. His head was muddled, as he stood in the endless expanse of fog once again. He tried to think of the last thing he remembered, tried ignoring how soft the fog was against his naked bits and pieces…he was…he had been standing in the forest. And Arthur had ridden past him on his horse as if he hadn't seen him. And then…nothing. It felt as if Merlin had passed out after it happened, slipping beneath all the haze struggling to swallow him whole.

And now he was back in the fog, and he could hear voices out in the distance. But the fog was too thick for him to see who it was talking, and his ears felt as if they had been stuffed full of cotton, leaving him unable to make out what they were saying right now. But it was either follow the voices, or stay here and wait until the fog decided to drag him back into the endlessly dark abyss. Where he could float for either hours or days, fuck it, maybe even years, before he became aware enough of his existence to realize something was incredibly wrong. Needless to say, Merlin followed after the voices…the deep gravel of the man pulling him like he was hooked on a fishing line.

"I'm looking for something and it can only be found here in the caves…" this slow and harmonious male voice said, and Merlin continued following it. The fog clearing away as a harsh beam of light nearly blinded him. Merlin held up his hand, gritting his teeth as this resounding headache throbbed in his temples like somebody was using his head as a battering ram. The sunlight started to dim enough to where Merlin could lower his arm and squint about to see around him. He appeared to be standing in a cave, overlooking a dark and dreary forest. But where was he at…Merlin looked around confused, the cold air brushing along his pale and naked skin made goosebumps appear. This didn't appear to be the lush forest he had been in the last time Merlin had been forced out of the fog. "It's this very rare type of plant that grows only in this region. It's the only known cure that will save my consort. I need to get it, or he likely will not survive to the morrow."

Merlin blinked again, the male voice so achingly familiar that it sent a spike of cold fear through his heart. And when the small consort had finally thought he was getting used to the strange and disorienting state this popping in and out of places did to him, it would throw him a curve ball and shake up his universe until it resembled nothing that he knew. For there was his own Princely Husband, Arthur, standing just down the trench with his golden hair and shining armor. Speaking to somebody that Merlin couldn't quite see since Arthur's fatarse was blocking his view. But Merlin supposed it didn't matter…the only thing he wanted to know was why he kept dreaming about Arthur at all. This didn't 'feel' like a nightmare, Merlin would've loved to explore this cave during a normal day. But Arthur's presence made it one…why? Even in death, could he not escape before the prince made his appearance?

"You're talking about the Morteous flower, aren't you? That is the only rare plant I know of that grows in these caves. Your husband must have gotten very sick indeed, if you have need of that to cure him." A softer and more feminine voice spoke to the prince, one slightly familiar but not one Merlin was able to pin down. No matter, it was just Arthur having a tryst of some kind out in the middle of the woods while he lay dying…not a surprise, Merlin thought as he scrunched up his face. Though what they were talking about was a little strange…but that was how Merlin knew he was dreaming. Arthur wouldn't be looking for some random flower to cure him. That was just the Arthur he wanted to see, the one he wished he had…and he'd simply made the Arthur of his dreams reflect that. "Perhaps, as you have turned me down once already, you won't turn me down again when I offer to show you the way? I have been within the caves before, so I know exactly where the flower you seek is…if you will just follow me."

Merlin watched as Arthur nodded his head, gloriously sure of his great idea of following this strange woman into caves that would echo his screams should she try something on him. The consort wrinkled his nose…why was Arthur going along with a ridiculous thing like this? Was Merlin really so desperate to get a lover of his own, he would settle for his abuser's face? A face on a much kinder, more protective man…a man that would step forward and fight away all the monsters in order to keep him in his arms. A fantasy, a wilted one that Merlin had thought didn't exist in his mind anymore. But there it was, all the same, and it was disgusting…Merlin watched as Arthur stepped aside to let his newest fling walk past him.

Merlin straightened up, pushing himself off the wall he'd been leaning again, nearly falling over in his surprise. This…the maid now climbing up the trench towards the cave, followed by this false Arthur…was Cara. His new friend who had warned him of Bayard's evil plans…her dress was different and her hair was a mess, but Merlin would've recognized her anywhere. What the consort did not understand…was why she was here. And…why was she speaking to Arthur as if this was the first time the two of them had met. Surely, even in this strange dream like world he was in, the two would have met if they had decided to come to the caves together. Perhaps over his deadly bedside-where the false Arthur cried himself hoarse because he couldn't bear to see Merlin in the state he was in-the serving girl would have had to approach him to explain how she knew Merlin. And her warning was the reason Merlin was like this now, though Merlin didn't blame her…

Though maybe he should…

Merlin's breath seemed to escape him, horrified at where this nightmare land-for it truly had to be a nightmare-had taken to him. A world in which Arthur was the savior Merlin had wanted him to be, but in return-a price had to be made for Merlin to be given the kind of life he wanted, balance had to be kept for the order of the world to be kept-his new friend was cast as a bad guy. The person who had met Arthur only now-coincidentally-in the one place where his cure could be found. Maybe there's no actual cure in the real world, but in this dream one…Merlin had made there be one. To give him hope to return to the safe arms of this false prince who looked like Arthur but differed in personality too much to be him. And in return, Merlin had gone and turned his friend into the villain.

Merlin watched attentively as Cara reached the lip of the cave, her eyes moving past him as if he was nothing more than some mirage she wasn't meant to see. And Arthur was following into the cave right behind her…once again, Merlin didn't feel a need to cover up his private bits. Because he didn't 'feel' like he was naked even if his pebbled nipples might suggest otherwise. He was only a simple observer, meant to watch Cara smile sweetly at his husband. Before turning her back to him to face the dark recesses of the cave…her expression twisting into this sinister look that had Merlin's heart seizing in his chest. How…how was it even possible for Merlin to imagine the wickedness that was now showing in the woman's soul…

Was this…

Was Cara…

"Arthur, it's a trap…it's a trap." Merlin breathed out, expression tight and taut as he restlessly twisted the blankets around him into his fists. He kicked his legs, stretching out his body like he was about to do something, but then his body went flat on the cot as if he didn't have the energy to move anymore. Unaware of the small audience of three keeping watch over him, paying attention and working themselves around the clock to ease his comfort even a little. But no matter what they did…Merlin had his head twisting at an almost unnatural angle, "Get away…she …not to be trusted…Arthur."

Guinevere twisted her hands anxiously in her skirts, biting on her lips but still unable-or unwilling-to say anything. She could just cry…hearing Merlin calling out Arthur's name in his sleep…it wasn't what she had expected. But nobody could deny that desperation, but that might have something to do with what he saw in his dreams. His fever had to be getting worse if he was starting to dream of Arthur being in some kind of danger…hell, maybe he did know Arthur was in danger, since that sorceress was probably chasing after him. Gaius had been trying to coax her into speaking a few minutes earlier, telling tales of how it'd been long suspected that people who were sleeping or were in some kind of coma like state, could hear people talking. She'd thought it was simply Gaius' way of encouraging her to loosen up some, but perhaps there had been truth in his words. Was it possible that Merlin had heard bits and pieces of Gaius and Sir Leon talking about what they were supposed to do with Arthur and the sorceress and informing Uther…was Merlin dreaming it was actually happening….she hoped not.

It did not sound like the kind of dream she would have wanted to be stuck in.

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say those hogwash words is simply a sign of his fever getting worse, isn't it?" Leon spoke up, voice gruff and hard. It appeared as if the hours since Leon had decided to stay where he was had not been kind with him. He was clearly stressed out beyond belief, and it only seemed to grow worse the more Merlin twisted. "There has got to be at least something else you can do to help him, Gaius! This whole covering him with water to soak up the sweat isn't helping his fever get lower! Isn't there something you can do to ease a bit of his pain, at least? A sedative, maybe! To relax him?"

Gwen's gaze fell onto the water basin at her feet, where she's left behind the wash rag she's been using to mop up Merlin in the brief lulls of conversation. But Leon was right, the bucket needed to be refreshed because it was probably filled with far more sweat than water. At this rate, Merlin was going to die of dehydration long before the poison killed him. Not even giving him a few sips of water with a ladle had done enough to make his lips moist, let along the rest of him. But Gaius declined the knight's suggestion with a study shake of his head.

"That isn't going to work, all that is going to do is make sure the poison settles in faster than it already has." Gaius said, in a blunter than normal tone. Grimly watching as Merlin breathed out Arthur's name as if it were some kind of prayer…he shook his head, not sure what was worse. Merlin speaking of Arthur in his dreams as if he was some kind of god, or his earlier use of attempted magic. Though at least saying Arthur's name was not going to get him executed, so that was something… "Just look at him. He's restless because his body is still trying to go against the poison. A sedative is only going to relax all of the muscles and probably cause the poison to move even faster as he will no longer be resisting it."

Gwen made some sort of aborted noise that could have been the squeaking of a mouse, turning mournful brown eyes onto Leon. As if she thought he was going to try and enforce them to do this course of action. But Leon was no physician, and he cursed under his breath when he realized standing here would be literally the only thing they could do. It was a waiting game at this point. To see if Arthur would survive long enough to be able to return, or if Merlin would submit first…it could literally go either way. And it made the entire room all anxious restless and starting to get on each other's nerves from being in such close quarters…

"Eft gewunigen wilgesibas-" Merlin croaked, his voice coming out more clearer than it had been. The words of ancient Latin spilt from his tongue, stronger and more powerful as he once again tried to cast a new spell. It was a defensive spell, Gaius recognized…one meant for throwing their opponent back and putting some distance between the two of them. Whatever his nephew must have been dreaming about…perhaps he was still trying to warn Arthur of whoever 'she' was. If he was dreaming at all. Magic was a strange and odd force that would do what it wanted. But Merlin had never had visions before… "Bonne Wig Cum."

Gaius glanced up at Leon and Gwen…hoping they would still believe him about Merlin's fever making him speak nonsense…him calling out for Arthur might even seal the deal, as neither of the two were adapt enough at Latin to recognize them for real words. Luckily, Gwen's brow was furrowing with concern, reaching out to pick Merlin's hand back up. And Leon simply tilted his head, listening to the words Merlin spoke…Gaius was quick to pick up the wash rag and wrung out the excess inside of it. Taking up the mantel and wiping sweat from Merlin's face even though it was all but pointless.

"Shhhh, it's okay. You're fine, m'boy. Whoever you're seeing will not be there when you wake. Nothing is wrong." Gaius said in a soothing voice, speaking over the next few Latin words his nephew tried repeating, still trying to cast that defensive spell of his. Merlin's voice died off into a soft whimper, his fingers in the blankets going lax. But it was still too unsettling for Gaius to not do something. Gaius glanced over at Leon, "Could you go and fetch me some more Wolfbane. It's right behind you on the shelf there. I believe it might cool his fever some and calm these delusions of his."

Gaius relaxed only a little bit when Leon nodded, and turned to one of the bookcases that held millions and millions of vials on the shelf's. It wasn't much, but at least it would get him a little further from Merlin-out of hearing range. The less Leon heard Merlin speaking, the less likely he was going to recognize any of the words for the magic they were. The task might even be enough to keep him busy for a few minutes longer, since Gaius knew the Wolfbane was on the top self in the far off corner out of sight from where Leon was looking. Leon wouldn't know the physician hadn't used Wolfbane and while it did work getting a fever down, it wasn't strong enough to combat one of Merlin's magnitude.

But anything to keep the knight busy and distracted…

Gwen wouldn't be too much of a problem. Still young enough to not recognize what Merlin was saying…as long as the fever kept Merlin weak enough to not actually cast any of the spells he was speaking. As long as Merlin was weak enough…he still had a chance to make it out of this unscathed. As long as his nephew was weak enough…he might still yet live. Even if that practically tore Gaius in half…he could only sit here and pray to the goddess Lady Hectate of Magic to keep Merlin alive. Keep him fighting this…his magic was probably the only reason that Merlin wasn't already dead and buried. These spells, ironic as it was…might actually be Merlin fighting back.

Not casting defensive spells against some mystery 'she' lady in his dreams…

But casting them as a way to try warding off the fever…

Everybody was so busy with their own fucked lives and all the problems they were facing, nobody was out and about to see Morris rolling a wheelbarrow through the near empty town with a suspiciously rolled up old rug thrown in it.

Arthur Pendragon was not sure how long they'd been walking in the caves, going deeper and deeper than even a coal miner would be willing to go. Deep enough that the two had needed to stop and set fire to a couple of torches so they were able to see the way in front of them. And the prince's stomach would clench with his nerves, ignoring the slither of caution trying to go down his spine. He was actually starting to wonder whether or not this young maiden knew where she was actually going…it seemed to strange to think of a woman knowing these caves well enough to know where they were going. The women back home would never want to get their hands dirty by being near a cave, let alone explore it. But perhaps peasant women were a different breed, one that didn't get insulted when a man did not wish to touch them inappropriate. Perhaps Merlin would be willing to instruct him on what other differences laid between a peasant woman and a noble one…

"There they are, I can see them just there." The young maiden called out, pointing somewhere above their heads. Arthur had to stop and blink, realizing the two of them had stepped out on a ledge. This was a much larger and wider area of the cave but it ended at a rough and jagged looking cliff. But Arthur ignored this so he could follow the length of her finger…his breath was caught somewhere beneath his throat. There was a thick and cavernous wall extended only a foot away from the cliff, and he could just barely see a bundle of plants growing out of the wall several feet up. Too far out of his reach, but he could see only a glitter of yellow reflecting off the petals poking out, but that was good enough for him. "Are you sure this husband of yours is really worth it? I mean…looks pretty dangerous just to get a couple of plants. What if you die in the attempt? What do you think will happen to him then? Would he want you to die trying to do this? Are you even thinking of him at all?"

Arthur's spine went ramrod straight, as if somebody had tried to shove a plank of wood straight up his arsehole. One beat of his heart, two beats of his heart, three beats…before he was forced to release the air he was holding in. The burning inside his lungs haunting him, was this…was this woman saying those things because she really was upset about Arthur turning away her advances? She had to be! Because she didn't know Merlin and she didn't know him and she didn't know what they either of them had gone through. And she didn't know something the prince had kept to himself, something only seen to people who were observant enough…

"I am always thinking about him. Every minute of every day has my mind been encircling each and every single thing that's has to do with my husband. From the moment we've met to now so don't think for one second that I'm not doing this 'for' him." He breathed out in this ghastly whisper, bangs casting this darken shadow across his face. The prince stepped forward so that he could look down and see how far the deep cavern went, "Every single thing I've done has been because of him for one reason or another. But I've…I've made some mistakes. And he ended up hurt as a result of it. But once I've done this, everything will be fine again. And I can create newer and better memories for him…just stay back away from the ledge. It won't take me long to get this flower."

The words escaping him were something the young prince had not realized he would be willing to say, or admit out loud. Even to a stranger, but perhaps her being a stranger was what made it so easy to say. To admit that Merlin-try as he might-had only festered and grew in his mind. Perhaps not like a fungus. More like a flower, petals glistening and a pretty pink the same color of Merlin's lips unfurling as they grew into something lively. He was upset…to think of Merlin's last memories of him were how much he hated Arthur. And Arthur hadn't given him any reason not to…but yeah, the prince decided. He wasn't sure how and he wasn't sure what, but he wanted to give something back to Merlin. Make him have at least just one happy memory of their time together. Where not everything between them was going to be fraught with tension.

But it didn't really matter…

He was positive that everything was going to work out in the end.

Once Merlin knew Arthur had been standing on the edge of a cliff for him. Once he knew Arthur had held out of arm to make sure the woman-nosy as she was-wouldn't try getting far too close to the edge. Once he knew Arthur had listened to all the little cracks and crumbles as smaller rocks broke off from the larger cliff and disappeared into the endless darkness waiting for him if he fell. Once he knew Arthur had spent time trying to figure out how he was going to get from this cliff, to about five or so yards up another cliff. It wasn't like he had rope to make the climb easier, so he would need to climb it…but getting off the cliff and onto the wall was the problem…the lengths Arthur was willing to go to for his boy.

It was astronomical.

Which was how he knew Merlin was going to forgive him. And once Arthur started showing an interest, asking questions and listening sincerely to answers and having real conversations he knew wouldn't end up in a fight…then Merlin would open up to him. He wouldn't be suicidal, if Arthur took the time out of his busy day to visit Merlin. Make him feel special because Arthur had set aside a meeting, or postponed a training session with the knights just to spend time with him. Yeah…that should be a start to fixing things with Merlin…

"Hmmm, well I suppose that you would know him better than I have known him. I sincerely hope all the trouble you've caused Merlin will be fixed with a simple flower." The woman said with her voice dripping in so much sarcasm that it would have been impossible to miss. But still-as Arthur creeped out to the edge of the cliff to try and estimate how far he would need to jump to get onto the wall, looking for any good footholds jutting into the otherwise smooth wall-it took him a second to register that something was wrong. A second for the woman to start up her odd chanting, "Eorthe, lyft, fyr, waeter, hiersumie me."

Arthur's head whipped around wildly as the oddest of things struck him…Merlin. She had said Merlin's name…his consort's name. And Arthur knew that he hadn't spoken Merlin's name, knew it for a fact. Knew it as well as Arthur would know his own name. He had only referred to his little consort as 'my husband,' the mine falling off his tongue just as easily as it always had, despite knowing he didn't deserve the honor of calling Merlin such. And sure, Arthur had played with the idea of her recognizing him and therefore knowing about Merlin, but…what were the odds that she knew? Especially if she lived this far away from the city…

"Eorthe ac stanas hiersumie me. Ic can stanas tobrytan..." the woman continued to chant, the complicated language falling off her tongue easier and smoother than silk. And Arthur was able to see the glow of power behind her eyes, making them shine with wicked intent. Arthur's brain stuttered to a halt as one word screamed inside his mind as the cave walls started to shake as if they were having an earthquake…Magic. "Turen

hiersumie me."

An icy cold sensation seemed to wash over Arthur, the shaking and rumbling of the earth going faster and harder until he was able to feel the force of the vibrations shooting up his legs till it was the only thing he could feel. The cold endless sensation of wicked darkness that came with being so close to a witch's spell. And Arthur couldn't move, couldn't force this wicked and horrible enchantress into stopping her craft, too busy trying to keep himself standing. But that plan went right out the window when the ground beneath him started to give way. The moving rocks started to crumble beneath the force of the spell, and it was going to take Arthur with it…

Merlin…

Arthur couldn't die here because a witch had tricked him with the disguise of an innocent girl-god! Could he have been more gullible if he had tried? Of course somebody would be waiting to make sure Arthur didn't get the cure back to Merlin. And of course they would use a beautiful girl…that was probably why she had actually tried tempting him to give into lust. Waste his time, before deciding to do something more drastic when her feminine wiles didn't work on him (perhaps Merlin had already saved him again, since it was only because of him that Arthur hadn't done it)-and he jumped. The ground crumbled beneath him completely, the extended cliff falling into that dark abyss, taking the torch Arthur had been forced to abandon with it..

"I honestly expected much more from a son of Uther. I would have expected caution to cloud your blood and mind. But I do suppose no man can resist helping a pretty face in distress. It was only to easy to turn your own manliness against you." the woman sneered, stepping forward only the edge of the cliff as she had no fear, confident her magic would save her should it crumble beneath her. She raised her torchlight higher, making Arthur grit his teeth as he struggled to dig his fingers into the cave wall he clung to. His muscles were already straining from the exertion this was taking, scrambling to force a foot into the smallest foothold known to man. "I can see why Merlin doesn't seem impress with you. Likely he sees your stupidity for what it is…weakness. You should have left when I questioned rather or not Merlin was worth this trouble. But you just had to go on and continue this pointless quest of yours, didn't you?"

Arthur's teeth pressed against the other hard enough to make his head hurt, and he tried pulling himself up towards a ledge just above him that looked like it would be easier to hold onto…but the familiarity in which the woman spoke the name of his consent sent ice spreading through his veins. What business did a soreness have knowing anything about his consort? Why did she know Merlin didn't like him? Not unless…Arthur's heart stuttered…not unless she had been watching them. And if she had been…for how long? Since Bayard first arrived within their cities boarders? Or before that, using some kind of spell to do so while Bayard worked out this whole assassination plan.

"Who the hell are you?" Arthur demanded, screamed it back to her from across the way. He hissed, fingers nearly slipping out of the wall-his gloves were too slick, meant for gritting around his weapons. Not meant for climbing-but he only made sure to plaster himself closer to the wall. As if that would save him if it gave way…but he needed a name. If he managed to survive the attack somehow, he needed all the information he could get to present to his father. So they could track her down and forced to answer for her crimes against the crown… "And why are you trying to kill my consort! He's done nothing to you! It's me that you want, yes? To destroy Camelot's future…you are suppose to take out the prince. Merlin means nothing…you could have left him out of this."

It was so stupid…here Arthur was, clinging for his life where a single slip would be his doomed. And still, he continued to try defending Merlin. Protecting him from this insane woman who had gone after Merlin just to get to him…it wasn't right. And it wasn't fair. Merlin should have never been involved in this. The sorceress and Bayard should have gone after him! They didn't have any business dragging Merlin into it. If only he could have convinced the woman that Merlin really was worth nothing, so his life would be spared. Arthur would even offer himself to the witch if she gave up on her pursuit to go after Merlin…but Arthur knew better than to try making any deals with the witch behind him. She was a sorcerer, and therefore wouldn't honor it like a knight would. Not meant to be trusted, and what would Arthur have to offer her in exchange anyway. She already had him on a platter. She didn't even need to say one of the spells she had used again. All she had to do was wait and Arthur was going to fall on his own. It wasn't as if he could cling onto this wall for very long.

"Who says I want to destroy Camelot's future?" She spoke, as this cold and bitter laugh escaped him. It was the kind of laugh that left frost in its wake, and froze Arthur from the inside out and he felt so vulnerable. Unable to even look back at her and get into a defensive position, unable to use even a hand to try and cover himself if she decided she didn't want to wait for his inevitable fall when she could just strike him directly. "I mean, don't get me wrong? Isn't that what everybody wants? To get rid of such a strong and formidable kingdom? Yes, I suppose it is my end goal one of these days. But it's not the kingdom I'm interested in at the moment. No, I've had my eye on your little consort for quite a while. Ever since I saw him killing my baby last month."

Arthur stopped, even his straining muscles seemed as if they had gone quiet. Merlin had…killed a baby…last month? It was the strangest and most confusing sentence Arthur had heard in all his life. It was…ridiculous to even think about. And sure, it had been strange to see Merlin taking his blade and banging it against the head of that muck monster so they could bring the thing with them as proof for his father. But Arthur had trouble imagining Merlin doing the same thing to an innocent baby. He was almost positive that this was some kind of mistake even, it might be that the woman had agreed to go after Merlin due to some kind of mistaken identity. Clearly, some other man went and killed her baby-maybe because its mother is a raging and crazed lunatic.

Because it definitely hadn't been 'Merlin.'

"You know, I suppose this whole thing is actually quite poetic in a way. I mean, you tormented Merlin in life, and now he will be the reason you die. I'm sure he couldn't have asked for you to have a better ending." The woman continued without at first elaborating on what she had meant. And Arthur could hear the woman casually walking along the cliffside, pacing with a slow step, as if she planned to bore him to death for a while. "And I am aware enough, Arthur Pendragon, to see that I've confused you. Hmmm, did you really think, after I sent my monster, the baby I carefully crafted and formed in my image, to destroy all you hold dear, that I wouldn't be watching? Did you think I who sought to destroy Camelot from the inside, wouldn't be Seeing to make sure everything went smoothly. It didn't finish like I've planned. But a little somebody did manage to catch my eye so I suppose it was a win/win situation. Not many people can stop a plague in its steps without sacrificing their soul to do it. Even less people can go against my spells and survive long enough to speak of it."

Plague…monster…,crafted…Arthur's mind spun out of control as he tried to take in all the new information this sorceress was feeding him. She was…unless he was hearing things, the witch had just admitted to being the one that caused the plague that almost wiped his entire kingdom off the plane of the earth in a few short days. Arthur's entire body shook against the wall. He didn't know if it was because of fear-she was powerful, and he was nothing in the eye of that power. Or anger-she had tried to hurt his people. His innocent people. And yet…Arthur still had an insane urge to strangle Merlin. How was it even possible to draw the attention of a sorcerer?

"Please tell me Arthur, you are smart enough to know that I'm not with Bayard. Please tell me Arthur, you have came to learn that at least, from what little I've told you. It would be a shame for Merlin to have a husband that is so slow to keep up with all of this." The woman continued when Arthur stayed silent, and her voice taunting him. As if she enjoyed seeing him struggling both mentally and physically. And Arthur gritted his teeth…no…he hadn't realized she wasn't with Bayard. He'd only assumed Bayard had somehow found the one magic woman Merlin had managed to piss off and convinced her to work for him. But if that wasn't the case…did that mean Bayard wasn't apart of all of this? The woman had clearly been behind the poison or she wouldn't be here. But if Bayard wasn't working with her…did it mean he was innocent. "You have no idea what you have done to your consort, do you? You have no idea what I have saw him dealing with while you've been living your life as usual. And yet you come here and try to play hero for him, as if he's going to crawl straight into your arms afterwards."

Arthur's stomach clenched, the woman's voice had sharpened into something dangerous, spitting venom at Arthur as if what Arthur had been doing disgusted her. The guilt creeped inside Arthur, everything he had done to Merlin being thrown into his face by just a few short words. But he hardened himself, trying to ignore her stinging words. She was simply trying to unsettle him, distract him enough so that he would slip. Using the only weakness Arthur had given to her when he thought she wasn't anything more than a-very sexual-slip of a girl. Even if she was upset because Merlin had stopped her plague, it didn't mean she was invested in Merlin personally. She only wanted…

"So, this is revenge? You're doing all of this…putting poison in my cup…framing Bayard…getting me all the way out here…this is all because Merlin stopped you?" Arthur forced out, loathed as he was to speak his consort's name anywhere near a horrid creature such as this woman. He felt as if the woman would've tainted Merlin without being anywhere near him. "You are not trying to kill him because he's my consort. Or because you can not think of a better way to hurt me than to hurt my husband…it's all because of something Merlin did to you personally? This is why you are trying to kill him?"

As Arthur said this-keep her talking, hopefully it would distract her for long enough for him to figure a way out of this-he tried looking for another foothold that was closer than the ledge up above his head. Maybe if he climbed up high enough, he could get out of her range before she realized…if she had any kind of range on how far her magic could go. Arthur wasn't sure if any sorcerer's had that kind of limit on their magic. But he couldn't think about that right now. He needed to get out of here, as he needed to get back to Merlin. He needed to lay eyes on him, if Merlin had managed to catch the eye of a sorcerer, then Merlin was never going to be safe. Never going to be able to live a full life if Arthur couldn't kill the woman before she succeeded.

"I AM NOT TRYING TO KILL HIM! Merlin is a GOD! And you've DISRESPECTED HIM!" The woman screamed louder than her vocal cords should have been able to produce. And Arthur…he silently stared at the wall in front of him with wavering eyes. A fierce protectiveness, something dark and dangerous and was full on deadly was starting to build up in his gut. If this woman wasn't trying to kill Merlin…then what was all of this about. If a person went about calling somebody-this ordinary man-a God, then they could not be mentally stable. Arthur had heard all of the raging devotion and desperation leaking out of her voice…it was horrifying, thinking of the madness this woman might be trying to inflict on Merlin. "Don't you dare act like you care for him now! Don't act, while you are seconds away from falling to the deadly plane awaiting you. And don't you dare act as if my God means anything to you. Your marriage isn't real! This was only formed because of that bloody…Contract."

Arthur's breath got sucked straight out of him, his face started to drain of any color he had remaining…just how long had this woman been watching them? How long had she been watching Merlin without Arthur knowing…a low growl built in the back of his throat, his arm muscles clenching dangerously tight along the wall. This bitch…she wasn't allowed to watch his Merlin do anything. She wasn't allowed to spy on him until she learned of the contract's existence. She wasn't allowed to gaze at him…to call him a God, as if Arthur would allow her. What else had she been watching as she spied on his consort? Merlin most likely didn't realize she'd even been there…what would Merlin'd been doing during his normal day to day activities that she could've seen?

Had the woman watched Merlin eating his meals, sucking the spoon into his mouth and his throat bobbing as he swallowed it?

Had this woman watched Merlin as he walked around the lower town, studying the wares people from the shops would try and sell to him?

Had this woman watched Merlin during more vulnerable times as well? Had she watched Merlin bathing and getting himself all clean? The water dripping off his slim body as he took the time to dry each and every inch of himself. Had she violated his consort by gazing upon his naked flesh while Merlin gotten himself redressed.

Had this woman watched his consort-in a moment of privacy-mutilate himself, ripping the flesh out of the arm that belonged sorely to Arthur. Had this bloody fucking woman done nothing while Merlin tried to take away the life that belonged to Arthur Pendragon alone…

Merlin was no God.

He was just a man.

But he was Arthur's man. And that was the only thing in all the world that mattered.

"How does it feel Arthur Pendragon, knowing that I can literally take Merlin with me anytime I wanted. I could stroll inside your precious kingdom, and Merlin would walk out with me gladly…he probably wouldn't even put up a fight. Not if I told him I'd take him away from this awful place." The woman continued in her sweetened tone, watching as Arthur felt a bit like a bait on a hook as he tried pulling himself up to the next foothold, only to fall back down to where he had been. And clinging onto the wall a bit more desperately to stop himself from falling. "You'd only done the hard work for me yourself, Arthur. You thought it was so easy to turn him into a pariah, no idea of the genius the man holds within him. Anybody who could defeat a plan I have concocted is a man I would want as my own partner. You have got him only hanging around your Royal physician and all that is doing is wasting his talents. Why, because of your inability to see his true potential…he would rather burn in hell with me than he would to live in your kingdom for a minute more. That might be the only thing worth thanking you for, actually."

Arthur's teeth gnashed dangerously…waste his potential? She made it sound as if Merlin was some kind of weapon that could be used and discarded as his owner's discretion. And that was something Arthur himself had thought many times before…the consort could be used and discarded at his will. Not used as a weapon, but still…the similarities were uncanny. Since Arthur'd been just as crazed and mad with the thought of Merlin being used as he wanted. But Merlin did have a genius about him…so there was no way he would walk out of Camelot and go ahead with damning himself by aligning his soul to a witch. He could say with absolute confidence that…he didn't know if he would go with her. She was a sorceress, but if she talked kindly to his consort…Merlin might go. He had to know how dangerous the people with magic were, but…Arthur wouldn't want to stay if it was him in Merlin's place.

But the idea of Merlin going, of leaving and Arthur never being able to see him again…it was unthinkable. Almost impossible for Arthur to even fathom. He wouldn't be able to just walk his self to the physician's quarters anytime he wanted to see the boy with his own eyes. He wouldn't be able to talk to him…and he wouldn't be able to touch him. He wouldn't see the vibrant blue eyes, or hear Merlin spewing hate at him every time that he screwed up and did something to wrong him. He wouldn't be able to function if he didn't know where Merlin was, or if he was safe or…Arthur wondered if this was what it would feel like if he lost a limb. Disconcerting and foggy and…no. It would be much worse than this. Arthur could survive without one of his limbs. So…this must be what it felt like to lose one of his lungs, only able to breathe at half capacity until he fell over because the loss was too strong for him to compensate with something else.

"But I do believe that I am a generous woman, and I am willing to make you a deal, Arthur Pendragon. One year…that is about how much time I am willing to give you. One year will be plenty of time for me to convert Merlin into being exactly what I want him to be." The woman said, speaking as if Arthur should show her gratitude for this deal of hers…and Arthur gnashed sharply at his teeth again. Convert him…what the hell did she mean by 'converting' him. Merlin was perfectly…perfect, just the way he bloody well was. There was no reason to convert him and force him into something else…not if this witch-who wouldn't bloody care if she broke Merlin like Arthur had, since witches were not capable of feeling guilt-was the one holding the reins that'd be Merlin's change. "I am willing to get you down from there, and leave you to make the journey back to Camelot. I will save your life, and by the time you get back, the headache you known by the name of Merlin will be gone. And you won't hear one word from us for that single year. When the year is up, the two of us will return with double the effort to take your kingdom down to its knees. But you'll have an entire year to prepare yourself for that. A year to gather your forces, prepare your battlements or train your soldiers. A year of warning before war is something not many people would get. And all you have to do…is give the boy to me."