The Green Knight's Wife

Aftermath

I finally found out that there's a new link to read the season six scripts. I have been debating rewriting this book. I wouldn't change anything major, just touch up the chapters since I know my writing has improved since I started this book and since I last wrote in it. If you guys are still here, then thank you for still reading, especially since it's been a year. Oh, yeah, Gwaine probably won't show up for a chapter or two since in this one he's dead and all and the others are focused on Arthur being back but we'll see him soon.

It had been three years since Gwaine and Arthur's deaths. Merlin seemed like he wasn't recovering, which a part of you had expected. It was the anniversary of their deaths and here Merlin was, not eating the dinner Gaius made, he instead was determined to clean Arthur's old armor. Gaius looked at you, as if silently asking you to get Merlin to stop. You knew he wouldn't, he was too convinced that he needed to wait for Arthur and that that was what Arthur would've wanted. When Gaius tried reasoning with him, Merlin simply left, insisting that he was busy.

The next night, you and Gaius happened to be working late, Merlin had already gone to bed. You were just finishing up and about to leave, when you heard Merlin yell from his chambers. You and Gaius quickly ran to his room. Merlin was thrashing around in his bed and yelling for Arthur, clearly having a nightmare. "Merlin!" You called out to him. He quickly sat up, awake. His eyes were gold, as if he were using magic, then his fallen blanket lit on fire. Merlin was too stunned and dazed to do anything. You and Gaius tried to put the fire out with magic, it took a few tries but soon the fire was out. "Are you alright?" You asked Merlin. Gaius handed him a cup of water.

"I guess so. As alright as I can be." He replied after he finished drinking his water.

"Don't worry, I've seen your symptoms in countless patients." Gaius tried to assure him.

"You've encountered several other patients who have magically set their rooms alight? Because I can only think of one." Merlin replied. You winced a bit. She was a very sore topic. "What's happening to me, Gaius? Why can't I control my magic when I sleep?"

"You have undergone immense emotional trauma. It is only natural for you to still be reeling."

"But you said it would get better. It isn't: it's getting worse. What if I can't get it under control? What if I start hurting people? Why am I the only one going through this?" Merlin asked a flurry of questions.

"Merlin, you need time to heal. You need to stop blaming yourself for Arthur's death. Once you're able to move on, I'm sure this will stop." You spoke. Merlin seemed unconvinced.

"I can't stop blaming myself. Arthur's death is my fault! I didn't protect him well enough!" He insisted.

"Perhaps saving Arthur was never your destiny. Your task was to protect him and to guide him until his time had come. You said the Great Dragon told you Arthur would rise again." Gaius tried. You nodded in agreement.

"But what does that mean?"

"I believe just what it sounds like: that when Albion needs him most, he will return to life and save it."

"What about when I need him most?" Merlin sighed. You sat next to him and hugged him. Neither you nor Gaius knew what to say to comfort him.

The next day, when you arrived at work, Gaius and Merlin were talking. You went to tell Gaius that you were there, but paused when you noticed that Merlin had been packing. Merlin looked at you and then quickly looked away. "I was going to tell you both." He spoke.

"But why? Magic is legal again. You no longer need to hide your gifts." Gaius replied, you could tell he was hurt by Merlin's decision. You were too but respected his choice.