Synopsis: Gwaine's POV in the aftermath of Merlin being hit by a Dororcha
Merlin couldn't be dead. He just couldn't.
When Gwaine first saw Merlin on the ground unmoving his first instinct was to run and cradle his friend in his arms.
But instead he stood paralyzed as Lancelot kneeled before Merlin and turned the manservant over. Gwaine was not prepared for the horrifying view. Merlin's eyes were wide open, his face was pale and his entire body was covered with bits of frost.
The image of his lifeless best friend would forever haunt his dreams.
"He's alive! Quickly, we need to get him warmed up!" Lancelot shouted, gaining Gwaine's attention. This time he sprung into action, "I'll get our cloaks," he said running off. He heard the distant shouts of his friends saying he needed a torch and it was too dangerous, but Gwaine kept sprinting.
This was no time to be cautious and slow moving, his friend was on the verge of death and if they didn't act swiftly they would lose Merlin for good. He made it to their camp and bundled up all their cloaks.
As he was about to run back a dorocha appeared and it was going straight for him. He rolled out of its deadly reach, but he wasn't safe yet. Another appeared making Gwaine get up and run. Gwaine ran through the halls of the ruined castle. Adrenaline pooled his veins causing him to go faster. He needed to help Merlin, he could not fail his friend.
Out of nowhere came Leon and he thrusted the torch at the pursuing dorocha. The spirit screamed loudly as it vanished. Gwaine panted tiredly and nodded in gratitude to his fellow knight.
"Let's go before more show up." Leon said, pulling Gwaine to move. When they made it back to the room, Elyan took the cloaks from Gwaine's arms and gave them to Lancelot who still held Merlin. Gently, Lancelot began to wrap the unresponsive manservant.
Gwaine knelt slowly by Lancelot's side and used a cloak to wipe away the ice from his friend's face. "Merlin? Can you hear me?" Gwaine asked worriedly. He didn't receive an answer. "He can't speak, at least for now. He might be able to when he warms up." Lancelot stated softly.
It took some time to maneuver their friend around but eventually Merlin was in a cocoon blanket. His eyes were still opened and dulled.
"We'll stay in here for the rest of the night. In the morning, it will be clear to move out. For now, each of us will guard during the night with the added responsibility of overlooking Merlin." Arthur announced.
The knights went to work and carefully collected some firewood to construct a fire. Once their campfire was sufficient, Merlin was situated as close as he could safely be. Everyone was silent, still comprehending the state of their friend.
Gwaine looked just about everywhere that wasn't Merlin. The sight was too much to bear. Next to him, Percival cleared his throat and gave him a nudge. Gwaine looked at his friend questionably and Percival gestured he had to speak to him.
"I need to have some words with Gwaine, we'll be quick." Percival told the others before he grabbed their torch and walked out of the room. Gwaine hesitantly followed, he had a feeling on what the topic would be in their conversation.
"What were you thinking?!" Percival hissed loudly, starling Gwaine. The giant knight had backed him up against a wall. "Running out there with no source of protection was suicidal, do you hear me? If Leon hadn't followed you you would be dead Gwaine! Dead!"
Gwaine avoided his eyes and took in the scolding. Percival was right, he had acted so foolishly and it almost got him killed.
"We've already lost one friend to these evil spirits, and we don't need your reckless behavior to add to that list!" Percival sneered. Gwaine curled his fist, squared up and shouted back, "Quit talking like Merlin's dead, he's not. He's alive and if I know my best friend he will continue to fight because he's the strongest and bravest person I know" His voice broke at the end.
Percival's expression softened and he pulled Gwaine into a hug. It took a second for Gwaine to return the hug fiercely. He shed some tears into the knight's shoulder. And because it was Percival, the only other person besides Merlin he was very close to, Gwaine allowed himself the rare moment of vulnerability.
Percival patiently waited until he was ready. When Gwaine composed himself and pulled away, Percival continued his speech. "Listen, I understand this is hard for you, you're very close to Merlin. But you can't just act recklessly, for Merlin's sake. What would Merlin say if he saw you acting so impulsive?"
Percival put a hand on Gwaine's shoulder for support, "Think about the actions Merlin would want you to take, that's how you can help him. Come on, let's get back before the others worry."
Gwaine got very little sleep that night, his thoughts still plagued with Merlin's wellbeing. The next morning Gwaine watched as Percival carried Merlin outside.
When the topic of bringing Merlin back to Camelot arose, Gwaine sat back and listened as Lancelot suggested he take Merlin back solo.
Elyan looked over at him in surprise. "You're not going to fight to join Lancelot?" Elyan asked, confused. Gwaine didn't look at him, his gaze rested on where Merlin was layed. "I'm staying to protect Arthur. It's what Merlin would want." Was his determined response. He thought back to Percival's words the night before.
When it was time for Lancelot to depart with Merlin, Gwaine went over to say his goodbyes. "I'll protect the princess for you mate. Just do me one thing yeah? Keep fighting, if anyone can survive this it's you. Promise me you'll hold on, please?" He spoke softly.
"I'll try," Merlin croaked out as best he could. Gwaine leaned his forehead against Merlin's, "I'll see you soon mate."
He watched his friend leave with a heavy heart. For all Gwaine knew this might've been the last time he'd see his best mate alive.