Rising in the Dance of Flames [Editing]

A Remedy To Cure All Ills

Lora stood downstairs, waiting for Gaius to finish examining Morgana's body with Gwen and Merlin. The last she has seen Morgana, her face was pale and almost lifeless as she lay in her bed. Lora held her hand under her face, rubbing her hands in worry while Gwen just leaned against the wall in silence. 

Merlin stood next to Lora, seeing her nervousness, and grabbed her hand. Her head snapped up to face him, blushing. He smiled at her, which she returned. She gave his hand in a squeeze back, signaling her gratefulness before she heard Gaius' footsteps descending the stairs. Gwen rose from her spot on the wall as they all stared at Gaius expectantly. 

"Is she any better?" Gwen asked, which Gaius answered with a sad shake. Lora frowned, letting go of Merlin's hand. She made her way up the stairs, giving Gaius a 'thank you' with Gwen following behind. Merlin stayed behind, looking at Gaius.

"She's all but dead, Merlin," Gaius told him.

Merlin shook his head, "No, you're going to cure her. You have to."

"Don't you start, "Gaius warned him,  "I've tried everything."

"I was wondering--"

"What?"

"Maybe I could..." Merlin stopped himself as a guard passed by before finishing his sentence, "..help."

"If you are suggesting magic--Have you forgotten what happened to Gwen's father?" Gaius asked him. Merlin glances at the ground. Of course, he remembers, how can he forget? "This is not a magical illness; it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary."

"There must be something more I can do." 

"And yarrow." Gaius continued. Merlin nodded his head, heading down to the woods to get the ingredients.

°°°

Lora sat on Morgana's bedside, holding the book they've been reading, "They em-brac-ed each other lov-ing-ly under the sky of stars, where w-i-sh-es seem to come true." Lora read. She sighed, gazing over to the unconscious ward.

She placed her hand on Morgana's forehead, using her ability to heal her possibly. Having done this for the last two days with nothing happening was upsetting to Lora. She had no idea what was wrong with Morgana, but she knew that her life was running short. The thought brought tears to her eyes. 

Teardrops fell onto Morgana's cheek, causing them to gain a little color. Witnessing it, Lora allowed a small relieved smile on her face. Memories soon came flowing through her head of their time together.

~Flashback~

Lora held Gwen's arm in a firm grip as they walked towards the castle. Lora would flinch every time someone came near and hide behind Gwen for protection. Her eyes were full of nervousness and fear. Gwen noticed her overwhelming uneasiness, laying her hand over hers.

"You're going to be okay. Morgana is a very kind woman. She wouldn't hurt a fly." Gwen reassured her with a smile but still got an unsure nod from Lora. Gwen frowned. It had been a month since Gwen had found her in the woods. Today is the third time Lora stood outside Gwen's house, and Lora would never leave her side after finding comfort in her.

Gwen knew that Lora would have to start her life here, so she decided to ask a favor from Morgana to hire Lora to be her handmaiden. She was thrilled to have another person to call a friend despite knowing Lora's reluctance.

They were climbing the stairs to Morgana's room, and when they reached her door, Lora stepped back, holding her hands close to her chest while shaking her head. Gwen furrowed her eyebrows, approaching her, to which Lora flinched back. Gwen stopped and gave her a small smile.