Darkness

Nightmares and Druids

Gwaine and Merlin only had a month together before the Knight had been called off on a mission. After another three months, and many missions sent and knights not returned, Arthur took on a mission of his own. Merlin, of course, accompanied him. Gwen ensured that William would be well cared for in their absence. When they had reached Ismere and discovered the knights were being used as slave labor digging underneath a dark citadel, they infiltrated the caverns. Arthur handed out what weapons he'd brought to the knights he encountered. None knew where Gwaine had ended up, though, and it was making Merlin anxious. They searched the tunnels until they found him. When they had found him, he had recently been healed from terrible injuries, by a strange creature. Arthur and Gwaine headed back to meet the others, while Merlin spoke with them. It was called the diomere. Loosely translated it meant the key to all knowledge. It had imparted Merlin with an answer to a question that he hadn't entirely wanted the answer to. But there it was. The only way to end this battle, to prevent Arthur's ultimate demise, was for Merlin to face Morgana. During the trip back, Merlin had been plagued with nightmares of finding his lover too late, or being trapped in the dark, alone. Being buried alive in that, that place, and never being found. It took them over a week of traveling to make it back to Camelot from Ismere. A week of nightmares and Merlin's magic causing the earth to tremble until he was awoken. Being unable to rest was taking its toll on Merlin. As much as he wanted to get back to the castle and his son, he was afraid that his magic wouldn't rest until he did.

"Arthur, I can't return with you." Merlin told the King while they sat at a fire the night before they would reach the castle.

"What do you mean?" Arthur asked hesitantly.

"I need to go see the Druids. I think they can help me. I'm afraid of what might happen if I return and my nightmares continue. I can't put anyone at risk."

"I don't like it. But I understand. Do you want to take Gwaine with you?"

"I do, but, one of us needs to get back to William. I'm sure Gwen has been phenomenal with him, but we should be there for him. I know that there are some Druids living in the town now, but the people I need to see are not. Hopefully it only takes me an extra day or two. I'll keep Percival with me, if that's alright?" Merlin asked, glancing over at Arthur.

"Good. I know that Gwen would be furious if we returned and left you in the woods alone. What about Elyan? I'd feel better leaving at least two knights with you."

"Fine. But only them. Just Percival and Elyan. I'll talk to Gwaine. He'll be grumpy about it, about leaving me since we haven't seen each other in too long, but he'll understand. And if not, I can give him a sleeping draught and the next time he'd wake would be in the castle." Merlin chuckled.

"Hmm."

"No, Arthur, I will not just give him the potion. Not unless he tries to fight me on it." Merlin pointed at the King.

"Fine." Arthur grumbled. "Are they far? Your Druids?"

"No. I can sense them. Maybe a mile off. I could find them tonight if you'd be alright with letting us go tonight?" Merlin asked.

"I'll go talk to Elyan and Percival and have them ready to set off in the next half hour. Go talk to Gwaine. Merlin?"

"Yeah?"

"Talk. Nothing else." Arthur looked at him with his Kingly-follow-my-order-face.

"Sire!" Merlin said sarcastically. "I am affronted you would think such things!" Merlin laughed, unable to keep his face straight. Arthur rolled his eyes and headed off to get his knights ready.

Merlin grabbed Gwaine's hand and pulled him to just beyond the camp. To say Gwaine was unhappy, was an understatement. He probably would have argued more if Merlin hadn't distracted him by pinning him to a tree and kissing him with abandon. Merlin didn't care what Arthur said about just talking. He knew this would derail Gwaine's contestations. Especially when Merlin put his hands to good use.