Love Like Magic

The Mark of Nimueh

"Aren't you scared?" Merlin asked, as he and Lily hovered over the other side of the body Gaius was crouched over.

A body had been found dead in the lower town and Gaius had been summoned to inspect it.

"Of what?" Gaius questioned, looking towards the boy.

"That you might catch whatever it is."

"I'm the court physician, Merlin. This is part of my job. Most of the time there's nothing really to be scared of." The old man assured them as he turned over the dead body, Merlin crouching down to help him.

Lily gasped at the sight of the blue-white skin and completely white eyes that stared up towards the sky, her hand going up to cover her mouth in horror.

"You were saying?" Merlin asked as the physician stared at them, dumbfounded.

"People mustn't see this. They will panic." He said urgently, prompting Merlin to hurry to his feet and take a blanket that had been hung out.

Lily was still staring at the body even after they covered it with the blanket and looked around warily. Her heart clenched for the dead man. He could have had a family.

"Gonna need a hand here, Lily." Merlin grunted as he lifted the body to put it on their wheelbarrow. Lily regained her composure and moved to help Merlin.

"I told you to eat better, you skinny git." She muttered playfully as she took the other handle of the wheelbarrow and helped him pull it as they followed Gaius.

"Have you tasted the food you make? Gaius's potions taste better than your 'porridge'." Merlin scoffed, missing the frown on Lily's face.

"Merlin."

"Yes?"

"I've never made any porridge in my life." Lily laughed at the shock on his face.

"So you're saying...?"

"Yes."

"So that wasn't...?"

"No."

"Then what on earth was that gob?!"

Lily's laugh carried down the street as they dragged the wheelbarrow behind them.

As they entered the fortress, Gwen came up to them, a small bunch of flowers in her arms. She smiled brightly at them.

"What are you doing?" She asked curiously.

"Er... just moving something." Merlin said nervously, edging in front of the wheelbarrow, hoping she wouldn't question him further.

"Looks heavy," she observed.

"Er, its nothing really. Er...someone got you flowers?" He changed the subject, finally dragging her gaze away from the barrow.

Gwen giggled, making Lily frown, "Oh! No. Would you like one? A purple one. Purple suits you. Not that I'm saying red doesnt suit you." She ranted.

Merlin took the flower hesitantly, "Thanks. Well, er" he stuck the flower in his scarf, not noticing the scowl on Lily's face.

"Aww."

"Sorry, Gwen, but we really need to get going." Lily smiled apologetically.

"Oh, sorry. Don't let me keep you both. Goodbye." Gwen said, giving a small wave as Merlin muttered a nervous farewell.

"Well, someone's got a crush," Lily said casually. Merlin groaned.

"I don't have a crush on Gwen."

Lily raised an eyebrow, "Who said I was talking about you?" It was silly, she knew, but she couldn't help but feel a little resentful every time she glanced at the flower in his scarf.