Phoenix Fire

19 - Manic Pixie

KAENA

"There are more bodies today." Hild told me grimly, as she adjusted her sword sheath. 

"I saw. The square is filled with them." I sighed, adjusting my tunic. Hild had come into my room to let me know she was about to go out with Arthur today, having left Gwen the night before to be alone with her father. The prognosis was not good. 

"Gaius says that it's definitely the water." She sighed, leaning by the door frame. "We'll have to pray the reserves don't run out. Uther's cracking down on the search, we've got every man looking."

"You're beginning to sound like me." I noted, pulling on my boots.

"Practical? Yeah I don't think it suits me. But if I let myself collapse every time I feel helpless I'll be useless. I just wish this was something I could fight with me hands." She said.

"Hey Hild," I said, before I could stop myself, "do you ever get weird dreams?" I asked.

She shrugged. "If you call chasing after a sentient cheese weird."

"No I mean like, when dreams feel real, but you know they're not." I explained.

She looked at me, cocking her head. "Explain better?" 

"I just... I had a dream last night of a woman. Dark hair, red dress. She was standing in a cave with a sort of big water holder, but it was rock, and she was laughing. Then I woke up." I shuddered. Something about it seemed foreboding, malicious.

She pondered it for a second. "Maybe your brain is just worried about the water situation, the disease. You've probably been thinking about it too much." 

I placed my finger on my scar, considering what she said. "You're probably right." I replied eventually.

"About time, I'm due recognition for my renowned accuracy. Anyway I have to get going." With that she left. 

I groaned and pulled on my next boot, feeling groggy. My dream may have been vivid, but I hadn't felt like I'd slept at all. I pulled on my jacket and headed out towards Gaius' chambers, when I saw someone I didn't expect.

"Hild I thought you were with Arthur?" I asked. She was stood next to a door in the corridor, her head craning to listen to the room inside. 

She glared at me and put a finger to her lips, signalling me to be quiet. I walked over to her and listened.

"You're strange." I heard Gwen say, laughing. Gwen... laughing? But wasn't her father supposed to be halfway into the grave? "I don't mean that in a nasty way." She continued hastily. "You're just... funny. I like that."

"I'm pleased for you." This was Merlin's voice. What the hell was Hild doing listening in on a private conversation?

"Thank you." Gwen said. 

"What for?" Merlin asked.

Right, this is enough. I tried to pull Hild away from the door way, but she pushed me off and kept listening. 

"I didn't like to see you upset." I heard Merlin say.

I pulled Hild with all my force down the corridor. She was strong, but I was stronger. 

"What the hell were you playing at!" I hissed, dragging her down the stairs.

"I think Merlin has done something incredibly fucking stupid." She told me.

"That does not give you permission to listen to them talking!" I replied, thinking of how Merlin had acted when Gwen had come into my room the other night.