Becoming Magic

Banishment

After another day, the festivities and tournament had gotten underway. Knights participated in sword fighting, jousting, and archery contests. Merlin stayed by Arthur's side, reassuring him and helping him with his armor between contests. Gwen sat up in a high backed chair on a dais. The pair practically radiated love across the field from each other. On the afternoon of the third day, they were receiving more guests and gifts, Merlin standing on the opposite side of the room so that Arthur could see him and he was able to give him encouraging nods. Arthur would visibly relax and smile when he saw Merlin reassuring him. He knew he was doing the right thing, marrying Gwen. He was just anxious. Watching Merlin, he noticed the younger man suddenly reach up and brace his palms on his head and wincing as if in sudden pain. He noticed blood drip from Merlin's nose and the man paled, if possible, more than usual. Arthur's face dropped and he stood suddenly preparing to go to him. Seeing Arthur stand, brought the attention of the Knights in the room to follow his glance. Merlin was swaying now, blood running down his nose and soaking in his shirt. Right as his knees gave way and he collapsed, Lancelot had gotten to him, followed quickly by Corbett.

"Get him to Gaius, quickly!" Arthur called, anxiety plain on his face and in his voice.

"Sire." Lancelot acknowledged. The two men, one on each side of Merlin, began half-carrying, half-guiding him down the corridors.

"Go tell Sir Gwaine that Merlin is unwell. He should be on the training grounds." Gwen told one of the serving girls. The girl bowed and ran out of the hall. Gwen grabbed Arthur's hand and sat him back down in the chair next to hers. "He will be fine." She assured him, though she gripped his hand tightly, showing her anxiety and concern as well. Arthur nodded at her, not trusting his voice. After the excitement died down, the procession of citizens and their gifts and well wishes continued. When the next man entered the room, Gwen gasped. Arthur looked up to see who it was. He vaguely recognized the man, but only vaguely.

"Theo," Gwen said and rushed up to hug the man. He smiled at her accepting the hug. When she backed away, he grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it. He then turned to the King and bowed.

"Sire. I wanted to ensure I was able to offer my congratulations as well as my well wishes for your upcoming union." Theo said after releasing Gwen's hand and she had returned to Arthur's side.

"Thank you. You seem familiar. Have we met before?" He asked.

"Maybe, Sire. I used to apprentice to Gwen's father many years ago. When my family was killed, I was still a boy so I had to go to my cousins in Essitir." Theo said.

"Theodrid. Right. I'm glad to see you weren't a casualty of Morana and Morgause's immortal army. Please enjoy the tournament while you're here. Perhaps we will see you again at the feast after the festivities." Arthur said, smiling at the man.

"Of course, Sire." The man bowed and left the room. After a few more well wishers, Arthur excused himself to go check on Merlin. He needed to know what happened. When he got to the physician's chambers, he didn't knock, just walked in. The room was in chaos. Arthur stopped just inside the door trying to take it all in. Gaius was trying to quickly prepare some potion, Gwaine and Lancelot were holding Merlin down as his whole body was shaking violently, and Corbett was trying to assist Gaius.

"What is going on?!" Arthur demanded.

"Arthur, help hold him down!" Lancelot directed him. "We need to keep him still until Gaius can administer the sleeping draught." Arthur ran over quickly and put his hands on Merlin's legs trying to keep him from flailing around too much. Once Gaius was done with the potion, Corbett quickly tilted Merlin's head and poured it down his throat. The boy stopped seizing almost instantly. There was no wave of relief that washed out from him this time. This worried Arthur. Not as much as the blood that still trickled from his nose. Gwaine grabbed a wet cloth and began to clean his face, hands shaking only slightly. Corbett took the cloth from him forcing him to look up. Gwaine nodded at him and then grabbed Merlin's hand in his and interlaced their fingers. Arthur could see he was barely holding it together. Corbett rinsed the cloth and then began cleaning Merlin's face of the remaining blood. Taking a clean cloth dipped in warm water, he placed it on the unconscious boy's head. Arthur noticed each man's actions and what they meant. Corbett was caring for Merlin like an ailing child, he must see him as the brother he lost. He was glad for that. Lancelot had always been protective of Merlin. Sort of like an older brother, but also...not. And Gwaine. Arthur could see that the Knight loved Merlin. Though Arthur wasn't sure if Gwaine had realized it himself yet.