Myths and Legends

"You're a loyal friend"

Arthur's POV

It was nearly a week later that Arthur found myself pacing beside Merlin's bed. Not once had the boy opened his eyes since the attacked.

Merlin laid asleep as the healing spell took over him still. The prince  worried about the boy, though he suppose he could hardly consider him a boy now. He was nearly nineteen. Arthur was shocked by the realization.

He prayed he would wake up. Arthur wanted him to wake up. Needed him to wake up.

"Sire, it is luncheon time." George, the prince's temporary manservant, walked into Merlin's room. Looking like he disapproved of arthur being in here. He wasn't the only one, uther was furious.

"I am not hungry.  Leave us." Arthur waved him off. He frowned and turned in a snobbish way to leave. George had never been Arthur's favorite servant.

Arthur paced until he noticed the slight boot scruffs he had left there.  "Great," Arthur groaned. He messed up Merlin's floor while he was unconscious. What a lovely gift to an ill friend, he thought bitterly.

Huffing, he sat on the bed next to him. He murmured something. So softly Arthur failed to comprehend the words. They never made sense anyway.

He had been doing this since the week prior. Arthur didn't mind it. In fact he was relieved because he was mumbling. Because he was speaking. Because this meant he was alive.

And if he was alive the world was right. Arthur couldn't bear living without his annoying presence.

His lips had color in them now. The prince studied the color, like the center petal of a pink rose. Gwen had planted some over the summer in the garden. And Arthur often found himself walking amongst them during my time of stress.
He felt tempted to walk amongst them, but he didn't want to abandon Merlin.

He moved his hand closer to him. Only about a centimeter but it was enough. At least it was for Arthur. He grabbed his hand. It was cold but not the cold that came with death. It was the cool only Merlin could have naturally.

Arthur's thumb glided over Merlin's knuckles, it was probably a strange action. Him touching his servant and not for a friendly pat on the arm.

"Oh Merlin, wake up please." Arthur begged. "Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. He I repeated the mantra. Over and over again.

He was so lost without him. He needed his manservant. His friends. His-

"Arthur," there was a whisper. A whisper coming from a sleeping boy.

"I'm here Merlin. Please wake up," Arthur wept, squeezing his hand tightly.

~~
Merlin's POV
The man heard a familiar voice. But he couldn't place its owner.

Everything was dark, his life was darkness.

Why was it dark?

"Merlin."

It was the voice again. It had been with him since he first entered the dark. So familiar yet the boy was unable to indicate whom it belonged to.

"Emrys," a soft voice called to him. "It's time to wake Emrys. Your destiny awaits wake up."

With a start, the boy gained consciousness.
~~

Arthur's POV
Blue eyes shown in the dark. Turning into a lovely gold as they followed Arthur . He smiled at them. Going to chase them. He just wanted to swim in the depths of those blue depths.

"Sire!" Arthur heard Gaius' voice somewhere in the distance.

He didn't want to go. He wanted more time to look at the eyes some more.