The Once and Future King? [A Modern Merlin FanFic]

Chapter 12: The Thrill of the Chase

   Jenny slept an uncomfortable and troubled sleep the next five hours on Merlin’s couch. When Arthur looked concerned from every place in the flat, Merlin nursed Jenny by bathing her forehead feeling her pulse from time to time. Arthur caught himself biting nails and stopped biting them.

   “Do you think she caused this?” Arthur asked nervously.

   “I do not dare think of it.”

   A thick and unpleasant feeling hung in the air. 

   Around 9 o’clock in the evening Jenny started moving. Arthur sat drowsy in the soft armchair beside the couch as his head continuously tipped back of tiredness.

   “Arthur?” Jenny asked confused. Arthur looked incredibly charming as he slept with his mouth – more or less – open. A minor snore escaped from him when Merlin showed up.

   “Merlin?”

   “Jenny? How are you?” Merlin asked and placed a blanket around Arthur before attending to Jenny. She looked rather pale.

   “I’m rather dizzy to be honest.”

   “Do you need anything I can get you?” Merlin got her a glass of water and another pillow. “Do you remember what happened?”

   “Vaguely, it’s mostly a blur. But it was like something – or someone – came from behind, and it pushed me forward. But it wasn’t a like this,” she placed her hand on Merlin’s shoulder to demonstrate, “it was more likely as if it was a typhoon. The next I remember was Arthur’s voice and that I woke up here.” She sipped to the water. “So you didn’t see anything else? What about your friend, did she return?” A little light gleamed in her eyes.

   “No, I didn’t see Emmy in the apartment. I haven’t seen her since this morning.” She sounded worried. The warlock comforted Jenny by holding her hands.

   “Jenny. If I may say so, I think you should spend the night here this night. Something tells me that it isn’t safe for you to be on your own. Maybe you should stay here for a while.” She didn’t understand what he meant.  

   “Why won’t I be safe?”

   “Jenny, you’ve been attacked and your entire flat is almost destroyed.”

   “Perhaps you’re right—“

   “Is he alright?” she nodded in Arthur’s direction.

   “Quite, he’s been sitting there all day and all evening.” A smile appeared in Jenny’s eyes.

   “Who is he Merlin?”

   “Sorry?”

   “Who is he? I’ve never met anyone like him. It’s like he isn’t from this world. It’s like he has just stepped out from a book. He acts very knightly and sometimes he talks as if he doesn’t belong in this century.” A loud and long snore came from the armchair. Merlin and Jenny came with a giggle. “Well? Who is this guy?”

   “Well, he’s not from London I tell you that.” Merlin said with a grand smile plastered on his face, “He’s my best friend. But we’ve been apart for many years.”

   “But who is he? Who are you, both of you?” the warlock sighed.

   “You wouldn’t believe it.”

   “What? Are you going to tell me that you and Arthur are from Camelot and he’s the king and you are a wizard?” She chuckled. Merlin turned absolutely mute and he widened his eyes.