Broken Crown - Merlin

Gone

It was getting late. The sun was setting, although it was a rather beautiful sight. Gaius found himself lost in the orange and dark blue colors, but he was quick to draw himself back to reality.

He stared at his table. Dinner was nearly ready, all that was left to do was wait for Merlin to return.

Gaius worried. He knew Merlin would be very keen on riding out to meet Arthur and the knights due to his duty, but Arthur didn't want him to endanger himself.

It was hard for the boy to leave Arthur alone.

Gaius knew his destiny had been hard on him for the past few years, but he often noticed how Merlin genuinely enjoyed the king's company, despite his many chores. Who could blame him, Gaius thought.

He was meant to be by Arthur's side.

Merlin's relationship with Arthur was difficult to analyze. At times, Arthur made it look like Merlin's life was a living hell, whereas the rest of the time, he praised the boy. Subtly, that is.

The many times Arthur had been on the brink of death, Merlin had been absolutely devastated, knowing he could save him but did not possess the power at the time. He had already shed many tears over Arthur's dying body, but the amount of truly happy tears shed when Arthur had survived, could not be counted.

And Arthur? He didn't show his emotions much, regarding Merlin.

Gaius had noticed, though, how in situations where Merlin's life was at stake, Arthur did not hesitate one bit before trying to save his servant's life.

"I cannot watch him die!"

Gaius remembered overhearing this. Arthur was determined to save Merlin's life, despite his father's opinion.

Arthur had done it anyway though, and if that did not indicate how truly fond of the boy he was, then Gaius was not sure what else was.

They would do anything for each other. If not Arthur was so affected, by Uther's disapproval of their friendship, there would be no hesitation at all.

Gaius let out a sigh. Merlin should be home by now. He remembered how Merlin had told him how much time off Arthur gave him, and that it was rare. He was rather pleased.

Now, it had been a day. Gaius had learned not to worry. He knew Merlin was stressed out, not only because of his duties to the king as a servant but also as a friend and a protector.

Gaius felt for him. It was a lot to place upon such a young man's shoulders, sometimes it was too much for him to carry. The old man found himself wanting to take some of the weight off him, but he knew he couldn't.

Gaius left his chambers, and slowly but surely let his legs carry him to the queen's chambers. He knocked.

The door was opened by the queen herself, Guinevere Pendragon, a former maidservant.

"Gaius" Gwen let the door open wide up, stepping aside to let the physician in.

"I'm sorry to disturb you my lady" Gaius met her offer, and stepped in.

"Is something the matter?" Guinevere asked. Her voice had always been so calm. Her eyes always so kind, and her heart always so open.

"I came to ask you if you have received word from Arthur?" Gaius asked. Guinevere met him with a confused look, one that asked many questions.

"no, I haven't, why do you ask?" Gwen's voice started to sound with worry. No wonder, really, when a trusted friend suddenly makes an appearance and asks you about your husband like that, she could only worry.