Ten; Remember Me

The following day came too fast as more bodies piled around the kingdom. Lynette had been up all night researching the symptoms but found they matched multiple illnesses. It did little to narrow the search for a cure. As Lynette went over inventory for the growing epidemic, a knight announced that another body had been found, this time within the castle walls. Lynette felt her heart drop as Merlin and Gaius returned with a beautiful courtier dressed in her finest silk.

Lynette's eyes softened slightly when she saw her lying lifeless on their examination table. Although the blonde was used to illness and what followed should she not succeed, it did not make the situation less painful. Her worry grew for what this could mean for the rest of Camelot as the illness spread like wildfire. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she leaned against the back table, watching as Gaius got to work questioning Merlin.

"What's different about this victim?" Gaius asked.

Merlin immediately pointed out the obvious, "Er... She's a woman."

Gaius raised an eyebrow at his nephew, "Sometimes I wonder whether your magical talents were given to the right person. Anything else?"

Merlin looked over at Lynette, who gestured to her attire as a hint, "Erm... she's a courtier."

"Ah."

"How does that help us?" Merlin asked.

Lynette walked over and brushed some of the courtier's hair aside, just as she'd done for the victim in the lower town. She was young, perhaps a couple of years younger than Lynette, with soft brown and full lips once pulled into a graceful smile. Her once vibrant eyes had grown dull, with prominent blue veins covering her milky white skin that was cool. No further signs of decay appeared to the naked eye, suggesting she hadn't been exposed to the elements as long as the others.

It was a sight Lynette had hoped to avoid before attending breakfast with Morgana and Gwen, but it seemed fate had other plans. She watched her father continue his practice, taking samples and placing them in jars for him to observe later. The blonde moved out of his way and returned to the herb inventory, not wanting to interrupt his process. If this continued, Lynette feared this wouldn't be the last corpse on their table, and she worried about being low on supplies to help people.

"Courtiers seldom go down to the lower town," Gaius explained. "So what does that mean?"

Merlin shrugged, "Erm... that, she hasn't spoken to any townspeople."

"Not necessarily," Lynette replied, noticing her father resisting the urge to berate Merlin for his obliviousness.

Gaius gestured to the body before them, explaining, "Although Lynette is correct, the chances are improbable that the two victims met daily. However, it suggests that the disease is not spread by contact."

Merlin seemed to catch on to his uncle's thinking, "Oh, and they probably ate different food."

"Good. Anything else?"

"Erm... I doubt they breathe the same air."

"So what's the only thing they do share?" Gaius asked.

"Water," Merlin stated hesitantly, but when no one corrected him, the boy realized he was right. "Water? You think the disease is spread through water?"

"Merlin, you're a prodigy," Gaius said as he clapped his nephew on the shoulder and handed him a bucket.

Lynette smiled gently in his direction, "Don't worry, Merlin. It takes practice to get to the correct solutions. It took me much longer to diagnose and figure things out for the first time."

Merlin gave his cousin a grateful smile, happy to have gotten something right as he left with the bucket. Lynette watched him go, hoping he would stay out of trouble, before returning her efforts to their inventory. While she was supposed to have already left for breakfast, Lynette had a feeling Morgana and Gwen would understand that she was needed elsewhere. Especially considering the king would most likely summon them after learning of the courtier's death.

No sooner had the thought entered her mind to send a message to the king's ward that the doors burst open to reveal Gwen. Lynette opened her mouth to greet her, but her delight turned into concern when she saw the tears in her eyes. She looked to be in absolute hysterics as she approached them. Gwen's eyes were bloodshot from the tears, and her curly locks appeared tangled from her sprint to the castle. Her clothes were in disarray, but she didn't seem to care, and neither did Lynette.

"Gwen!"

Lynette dropped the bottle of ointment onto the table to grab Gwen as her friend fell in despair. A sob escaped her lips as she clung to her friend. Lynette helped her to one of the benches, holding her close as Gwen clung to her side. Lynette could only remember seeing Gwen in a similar state once before, and it had been due to her mother's passing. Gaius made haste to their side and placed a comforting hand on Gwen's shoulder as she struggled to speak.

Gwen stood from Lynette's hold and walked toward the king's physician, "Gaius."

"You have the sickness?" He asked, concern lacing his words.

Gwen shook her head as she sobbed, "My father! Please, Gaius, he's all I have."

"Gwen, I have no cure," Gaius explained in as calm a voice as he could, knowing this would be the last thing she wanted to hear.

"I am begging you!" Gwen cried before rounding on Lynette. "Please."

Lynette shook her head, "Gwen, we are still trying to understand how it's spread."

"I wish there was something we could do, but so far, the remedy is beyond what I can achieve," Gaius said as he took her hands in his own. "I'm sorry, Gwen."

Gwen didn't wait for Gaius to finish his sentence before she hurriedly left the room after her distraught friend. Lynette followed after her, watching as she weaved in and out of servants to focus on getting back to notice the odd looks she was receiving. Lynette apologized on her behalf and continued passing a perplexed Merlin and concerned Arthur in the process. She caught up quickly and pulled Gwen to a halt beside the water pump.

"We will figure it out," Lynette whispered softly. "I promise we will."

Gwen looked up at her with tears staining her cheeks as a slight hiccup escaped her lips, "I believe you."

The two returned to Gwen's house and found Gwen's father, Tom, in a catatonic state. His body was cold as he shivered underneath the thin sheets, and his veins had turned a pale blue hue like the other bodies. As Gwen proceeded to boil some water to help open his airways, Lynette began to ground some herbs to help ease the pain. She looked over at the duo and couldn't help but worry about losing her own father. It was a feeling she wouldn't wish on anyone as she stayed into the late evening.


As the sun descended upon Camelot, Lynette found herself tucking an extra blanket around Gwen's father. He snuggled into the warmth as Gwen placed a cool towel against her father's forehead to combat his rising fever. Lynette smiled at her friend, trying to keep her spirits high, despite knowing the odds weren't in their favor. She grabbed the last remaining blanket Merlin had brought down for them to stay warm and wrapped it around Gwen's shoulders.

"What about you?" Gwen asked.

Lynette shook her head and smiled gently, "I'll be fine. Just get some rest."

Gwen looked hesitant to do so but decided against arguing with the women further. Lynette left the two to rest in the back of the cottage, Gwen falling asleep by her father's side. The woman felt the fatigue catching up as she prepared another round of herbs to ease the man's pain. While they knew little of the disease and the vital parts of the body it was attacking, it was clear that all the victims were experiencing significant pain. If nothing else, all she wanted to do was reduce the pain of his passing if that was his fate that night.

A knock at the door startled her out of her daydream, and she wiped her hands on her apron before answering the door. To say Lynette was surprised to see the prince of Camelot on the other side would be an understatement, especially since he appeared to be carrying gifts. She gasped softly at the basket of food and extra blanket in his arms, not expecting to receive a caring gesture so late at night. Lynette could just make out the smile on his lips as his dark black cloak hid his identity from the rest of the lower town.

Lynette pulled him into Gwen's home and checked for signs that anyone was watching before shutting the door quickly behind him. When she whirled around to face him, she found him already making himself at home, as if he had been there before. The prince of Camelot clumsily arranged the food on the table before placing the blanket aside for later, not the least bit disturbed. Seeing Arthur without his manservant was weird, but Lynette supposed he gave Merlin the necessary time off to help Gaius find a cure.

"What is all this?" Lynette asked.

"Merlin said you would be staying here tonight," Arthur said as he discarded his cloak, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked at her. "I figured the least I could do was bring you dinner because, knowing you, you probably forgot to eat."

"Arthur." She breathed as a small smile crept onto her lips. "This is so sweet."

Arthur's ears turned pink as he replied, "It's nothing. I just wanted to take care of you just as you take care of me."

Lynette gestured for Arthur to join her at the table, reaching to take his hand and squeezing gently, "It's not nothing. I really appreciate it. I appreciate you."

Arthur's cheeks turned red to match his ears as he began to eat his dinner. Lynette did the same, with her blush beginning to rival his own. The two ate in complete silence, enjoying each other's company and conversing pleasantly. Lynette enjoyed hearing about Arthur's day as he offered to do the dishes while she finished her mix of herbs for Tom. As she placed the pot of steaming herbs beside Gwen and Tom, she felt a tear roll down her cheek.

"Nanet?"

At the sound of Arthur's voice, Lynette tried to hide her tears, but it was too late. Arthur noticed them immediately and crossed the room in two bounds to wrap her in his arms. Lynette laid her head on his chest, finding comfort in his familiar musk, as a muffled sob escaped her lips. She felt useless against the plague ravaging her home and the people she cared for. She couldn't save everyone regardless of her connections to magic and science, and it was taking a toll on how little she could do to help.

Arthur kept one arm firmly wrapped around Lynette's waist as the other came to wipe the tears cascading down her cheeks. Lynette looked up at him, feeling somewhat pathetic for her current state, only to find eyes full of concern and understanding. He had known her long enough to realize how deeply this plague would affect her. The prince of Camelot leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead as he held her tighter. Lynette felt herself blush at the gesture as she closed her eyes.

"We will figure this out," Arthur murmured against her golden curls. "This I promise you, Nanet."

"I know," Lynette said, and she believed him.

Arthur had never been one to break his promises easily, especially regarding the ones he made for her. Lynette still remembers the one they made as kids in their secret hiding place they discovered while out exploring in their quest to hide from their tutors and ever-building responsibilities. It was a small space behind one of the shields in the armory, and it was their spot to meet away from prying eyes. It was where Arthur promised never to doubt Lynette, no matter the circumstances, and she promised to always remain by his side.

Lynette broke away from his hold as she whispered, "It's late, and you have a big day tomorrow."

Arthur nodded, "Right."

He collected the dishes and placed them back into the basket while Lynette moved the blanket he had brought her to a small patch of hay in the corner. When she returned, she found the prince struggling with his cloak, given how full his hands were. Arthur grasped the basket with the dishes firmly in one hand while the other attempted to tie the knot on his cloak. However, it would land on the ground behind him each time he tried, and the girl shook her head in amusement before approaching him to help.

Arthur gave her a grateful smile as Lynette stood before him and began concentrating on the strings of his cloak. Once the blonde was done, she looked up to find his face closer than anticipated. If Lynette wanted her first kiss, all the girl would have to do was lean forward, and her lips would be on his. A light blush dusted her cheeks at the thought as she leaned forward and kissed his cheek quickly instead.

"Thank you for everything, Arthur."

"Always."

Arthur hesitated to leave her, and Lynette had to give him a slight nudge for him to finally depart from the home. The blonde watched him go with a small smile before returning to her makeshift bed for the night. She pulled the blanket he had gotten her around her petite body and relaxed into its warmth. She drifted into a dreamless sleep, silently wishing things would improve in the morning.


The following day, Lynette woke up to the feeling of being violently shaken and opened her eyes to find Gwen. It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the morning light and for her to remember where she was. However, as soon as reality came crashing down, Lynette leaped out of the straw bed, wide awake. She whirled around to find Gwen with a bright smile, and confusion overtook the feeling of horror.

"He's awake."

"What?" She asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, believing she had heard wrong.

"My father." Gwen breathed as she beamed with happiness. "He's alive!"

Lynette bolted from her makeshift bed and rounded the corner, fearing the worst and hoping for the best, only to find Tom making breakfast in the kitchen. His complexion was much better than she had previously treated him, and he appeared to be at full strength. If Lynette didn't know any better, she would say he looked healed entirely, but the girl wasn't sure how that was possible. She had seen him deteriorate throughout the night, and with how the illness presented itself, he should have passed into the next life.

Although happy with Tom's miraculous recovery, she was still wary of why and how he had survived. A knock sounded at the door, and Gwen went to answer, calling back to the two that Lynette was needed up at the castle. Lynette quickly hugged Gwen and Tom, expressing her elation that Gwen would not lose her father that day. The two thanked her for her expertise before Lynette left with the royal guard, worried about why she was summoned first thing in the morning.

Lynette followed the guard to the council chamber at the center of the palace, noticing the increase in tension. Servants were less open and inviting as the blonde moved passed them, their eyes sullen from the extensive loss of life. Upon arrival, she found a private audience would be taking place between Gaius, Merlin, Arthur, and the King. She bowed to her sovereigns before watching as her father presented a colorless flower to the king and prince.

Uther reached out to touch the flower, but Gaius pulled the jar away before he could, "Don't touch it. I had this in the water for a few hours."

Uther looked perplexed at this, "Where's the water from?"

"The pump from where the people take their daily supply," Gaius replied.

Lynette's eyes widened, "Who knows how many more have been infected just this morning."

Arthur nodded, "We may have to stop the people from using it."

"The city cannot survive without water." Gaius pointed out.

"We have to find this sorcerer!" Uther bellowed.

"I don't believe they're inside Camelot," Arthur replied.

Uther looked at his unimpressed son as he seethed, "Then extend the search to the villages!"

"We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom," Arthur stated.

"And I can't stand by and watch our people dying," Uther said.

Lynette flinched at Uther's words, the king noticing with an almost guilty look as she proposed, "If I may, I would like to take a different approach to help. I could research possible remedies to help slow the spread of the disease within the body. If I can't stop people from being infected, I should try to slow how fast it kills."

Uther gave her permission right away, and Lynette left without looking back at the rest of the group. At this point, she was desperate for a way to combat the rising death tolls. The only known person to survive could not explain how making Lynette suspicious of where her search may lead her. She went up to the castle library, where she was enraptured by the sheer volumes of knowledge nestled into each page. She poured over each book but came up with little to help her.

As Lynette opened the next volume in her search, she was interrupted by Morgana rushing into the room. Lynette stood and bowed as was protocol, but Morgana appeared to care little for formalities. Instead, she grabbed the servant's hand and dragged her back down the winding stairs, not stopping until they neared the council chambers again. When Lynette finally learned why Morgana was so focused, she opened the doors with such force that they slammed open.

Gwen had been arrested and was accused of spreading illness as a witch. Morgana led the charge as both women entered the room to find Gwen kneeling before the king. Lynette quickly rushed to her side, pulling Gwen into an embrace and feeling her tears soaking into her shoulder. Morgana made her way over to Uther, a look of anger that scared the rest of the crowd. However, the King's eyes remained on Lynette as she stared at him defiantly, daring him to tell her to move.

"He got better. He just recovered. I didn't do anything!" Gwen sobbed.

"I know," Lynette whispered. "I was there."

"I believe you." Morgana assures before facing Uther, "Perhaps this is a disease that is not always fatal. Have you thought of that? Perhaps he recovered naturally."

"And what of this poultice that was found?" Uther questioned.

"The poultice I made?" Lynette asked, feeling confused at Uther's accusation.

Arthur shook his head, "I saw the one you made. This one is different."

Gwen looked up at her king in confusion, "What poultice? I don't know anything about a poultice!"

"It was found in your house," Uther exclaimed. "Undo this enchantment. Put an end to this contagion."

"I can't!"

"I will show you no mercy."

"I am not a witch. I don't know how to stop the illness!" Gwen pleaded.

"If you do not undo your sorcery, you force my hand, and I must find you guilty…."

Lynette's eyes widened in fear for her friend as she felt Gwen go stiff in her embrace, "But I told you, I…."

"It is, therefore, my duty to pronounce judgment. And under the circumstances, I have no choice but to sentence you to death."

"No." Lynette breathed as she tugged Gwen closer to her side.

"I can only hope that this evil plague dies with you when you die," Uther stated. "Take her away."

Lynette did her best to keep Gwen close to her but found herself being pried back by Arthur. Lynette fought to stay by Gwen's side, tears streaming down her cheeks, but Arthur relentlessly pulled her back against his chest. The prince held on as the blonde collapsed in his arms from grief, feeling lost for how to comfort her. Lynette watched Gwen plead for innocence as she was dragged from the council chamber.

Arthur attempted to comfort her, but Lynette shook him off, "This is wrong, and you know it."

She doesn't wait for a reply as she races after her friend. Feeling at a loss once more for what she could do to save those she cared about most. She followed the guards and watched as they threw Gwen into a cell and chained her to a wall to keep her from escaping. Lynette neared the cell as they closed it, and the blonde did her best to comfort her through the bars of her prison.

"I will get you out of this," Lynette whispers. "This is wrong."

Gwen said, "Thank you for being there when I needed you. Words can not describe how much that meant."

"This isn't the end, Gwen." Lynette tried to assure her. "I will prove your innocence."

"Gwen!"

Lynette turned her head to find Merlin racing toward them. Gwen tried her best to approach the prison bars, but the chains on her wrist restrained her from them. Merlin gripped the bars beside Lynette as he stared at his friend, looking incredibly guilty. His look was all the proof Lynette needed to know that the poultice may have been Merlin's idea to try to lend a helping hand.

"Thank you."

"What for?" Merlin asked.

"For coming to see me."

"I'm sorry," Merlin whispered.

Gwen's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion as her tone became more assured, "It's not your fault."

"Well…"

"It's alright," Gwen replied. "Don't worry about me. There's no point crying about it. I mean...I mean, I'm not saying you would cry about me. Obviously, I don't think that."

Lynette smiled at the blush that crept onto Gwen's cheeks, "Of course, we don't think that."

"Oh, Gwen. I can't have this happen." Merlin began.

Gwen held her hand up to stop him, "Please, one thing. You, you don't have to, but…."

"What?" Merlin asked.

Lynette nodded, "Anything."

"Remember me."

Merlin looked ready to take on the world at Gwen's words, and Lynette was prepared to help him. Throughout her life, Gwen had been the sister Lynette never knew she needed, and she wouldn't lose her now. Lynette leaned against the bars as a look of determination overtook her, "This isn't the end, Gwen. Far from it."

Merlin nodded beside her, "You're not going to die. I'm not going to let this happen."

Merlin didn't stay to listen to Gwen's reply as he rushed back up the stairs, leaving Lynette and Gwen alone. Lynette looked at her one last time before removing her shawl and throwing it Gwen's way for her to use to ward off the cold. The blonde sent one final nod of encouragement before retreating after Merlin, who waited patiently for her at the top, looking incredibly guilty. Lynette said nothing as she moved to envelop her cousin in a hug. Merlin clutched the back of her clothes as she let out a sigh.

"I thought I was doing good and that curing Gwen's father would help her." He whispered, confirming Lynette's suspicions. "I thought I was saving a life. It seemed so simple."

Lynette pulled away to look at him, knowing that he was already feeling guilty enough. His blue eyes were dark as he looked into her warm brown ones, hoping to find the comfort they often exuded. He was caught off guard by the refined look of understanding he saw within her iris'. Lynette held no judgment but, instead, forgiveness as she took his hand in her own, giving it a light squeeze.

"Sometimes the simplest things in life are the ones that lead us down the hardest paths." She replied. "That doesn't mean that path wasn't the right choice."