Trollhunters: Becoming

Double Apprentices

The next day had arrived, and Merlin was busy thinking of ways to complete the amulet. He was getting nowhere!

Sighing angrily to himself, Merlin looked over to see his apprentice passed out on a stack of books with Archie curled up on his stomach. It was unlike Hisirdoux to not miss sleep, but Hisirdoux had been acting strange these past few days.

For starters, Hisirdoux's whole awkward young manner had disappeared overnight. Now he stood with a certain confidence Merlin couldn't describe.

He seemed wiser. And that further was implemented even further the day before when Hisirdoux had given Merlin a pep talk. But how does one gain knowledge so fast?

The most prominent thing about Hisirdoux behavior was his sudden lack of need for validation. Almost every day since he met Hisirdoux, he had always sought assurance. Either approval of magic, or actions, or even from chores. But that validation only really mattered if it came from Merlin himself.

King Arthur himself could compliment Hisirdoux, and his smile would never shine as bright as when Merlin would praise him. It was bizarre.

But now, that sudden common quirk from his apprentice had all but vanished, and Merlin couldn't help but wonder where it could have gone.

Merlin stood up from his table and walked out of the workshop, deciding he needed a walk to think things out.

As Merlin was passing a door, a loud snore echoed from behind it, causing him to stop in his tracks and turn his head towards the sound. It was a familiar-sounding snore, a snore he was sure he had left back in the workshop.

Further confusing Merlin was that this room was notoriously known to be just empty space. Why on earth would Hisiroux be passed out in it?

Merlin curiously opened the door to see the room filled with various books and looked to be recently used. He looked down and saw Hisirdoux passed out on the floor.

"Hisirdoux, what in the nine realms are you doing passed out on the floor?" Merlin exclaimed, looking down at the young wizard.

Hisirdoux didn't respond.

Merlin grumbled and bent down to poke the young wizard's shoulder.

After several attempts, Hisirdoux did not rise.

Concern twisted around Merlin's gut, and he reached out with his magic to see if Hisirdoux was alright. What he found was the essence of a sleeping spell from Hisirdoux himself. Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Oh, for the love of---" Merlin scoffed. "If you were really that tired, I would have allowed you to get some time off. There was no need to hit yourself with a sleeping spell."

Merlin awkwardly picked Hisirdoux up bridal style and walked to Hisirdoux's room. Merlin placed him in his bed and ensured his apprentice was adequately tucked in and warm before stepping out of the room.

"Now, where is Merlin? I could have sworn he was in the workshop," Douxie said from across the corridor. Merlin froze, not moving a mussel.

"It's not my fault we both fell asleep," Archie responded. Douxie rolled his eyes, not noticing Merlin.

"Right, that totally isn't partially your fault," Douxie said.

"I'm not awake enough for this conversation," Archie grumbled. "Let's just find Merlin."

Douxie nodded, and they continued down another hallway, completely missing Merlin.

Merlin blinked and reopened Hisirdoux's door to see him still asleep in bed. Yet Merlin had seen Hisirdoux just outside.