Merlynn's Secret

Chapter 4

Leon has been watching since Merlynn first arrived in Camelot. He found the mouthy serving girl rather amusing if not a bit odd. He, of course, could never admit to such a thing aloud as most of the things he found amusing were at the expense of the crowned prince. Leon had watched as Merlynn's strange yet endearing behavior had brought about a welcome change in the future king.

Leon had watched on with great pride as Arthur had knighted Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, and Lancelot. He knew Arthur only did so because Merlynn believed them worthy of it. Although, the bond that they have created is subtle it is strong. Leon sees it in the way Percival inches closer to Merlynn in a defensive stance during an attack. He sees it in Gwaine's eyes as he tells his ridiculous tavern stories and gently claps Merlynn on the shoulder. Leon sees the way Merlynn looks on at Lancelot with a semblance of relief, and he can hear it in the laughter Merlynn shares with Elyan.

The most shocking of all is what he sees when Merlynn is with Arthur. It goes far beyond any king and his loyal servant. Merlynn will gladly follow Arthur to the end of the world, should the need arise. Arthur repays Merlynn's fierce loyalty with a fiery loyalty of his own. Leon knows it is Merlynn who brought them all together as friends because he was there to watch it happen. Leon knows it is because of Merlynn that the king, his five most trusted knights, and his most loyal servant have become more like family. It was in the moment Merlynn saved his life that Leon was certain that he is and will always be a part of it. He only wishes it had not taken Merlynn almost dying to realize it.

"Oh Merlynn, you really have no idea the gift you have given me... us." Leon smiles at the thought.

As Merlin begins to wake from her sleep she is met with the sound of quiet whispers. She opens her eyes slowly and blinks the sleep from them. "Merlynn, you're awake," a soft voice says. Merlynn cranes her head to the side and sees Leon sitting in a chair beside her bed. In all honesty, it is an odd sight to take in. Merlynn would have expected Gwaine or Lancelot to be sat at her bedside maybe even Elyan. They had grown closer in recent years.

"Yes, good morning. Is it morning?"

Leon shakes his head with a small smile, "it's midday, actually."

"Oh," is all she can muster before stretching her arms. Merlynn feels her hand reach something hard at her other side. Turning slightly, she sees it is Percival fast asleep in a wooden chair. His arms are folded on the bed, supporting his head as he sleeps. Merlynn stares at him for a long moment. "He's hardly left your side the entire time you have been unconscious. He hasn't gotten much sleep, none of us have."

Merlynn looks up to Leon, "how long have I been unconscious?"

"Three days my girl. You gave everyone a good scare, Merlynn." Gaius says from across the room. Percival wakes soon after Merlynn. He looks a bit paler then Merlynn remembers and under his eyes are baggy.

"Hello."

"Merlynn, you're awake!" Percival says suddenly wide awake.

"I am." Merlynn's voice is a bit rough and her throat is dry. As is normal this time of day, the door of Gaius' chambers creeks open revealing Gwaine and Lancelot.

"We heard shouting what's wrong?" Lancelot asks as he enters behind Gwaine.

"Nothing to worry about, Merlynn is awake," Gaius says as walks over to his ward with a dark-colored potion in his hand. "Here, this will help with the pain. Now Merlynn drinks it. All of it and don't bother trying to argue with me." Percival helps her sit up enough to take it.