*The next evening, before Nothing***
Arthur knocked softly on Merlin's door, leaning his forehead against the wood as he listened to the scurrying sounds in the other side. He stepped back as it swung open.
Arthur stepped past Merlin and leant in the doorway of his bedroom. Merlin pressed up against him and spoke quietly, his mouth brushing Arthur's cheekbone with every word.
"Gaius is upstairs." Arthur nodded, understanding everything Merlin was suggesting.
"Mordred spoke to Lady Amber. He says he'll happily spread the word. I thought I should tell you before I forgot everything." Merlin sighed.
"What?" Arthur asked, confused.
"It's nothing. I just wish you didn't have to bring Mordred up now."
Arthur smiled.
"Jealous?"
"You always seemed to care more about him."
"Because I had to, not because I wanted to," Arthur tipped Merlin's towards him. 'I could never have been seen to treat a servant better than one of my knights."
"Past tense?" Merlin suggested hopefully.
"Past tense," Arthur confirmed. "Besides, you'll be a queen soon."
Argue laughed at Merlin's startled expression.
"Queen?! Why queen?!"
"You'll be married to the king."
"Yes but you seem to be forgetting the fact that I'm not a woman. Why can't I be..." Merlin trailed off under Arthur's sceptical gaze.
"You're not a woman? Why do you seem to spend so much of your time in dresses then?" Merlin scowled.
"You know I can't be queen. I'm a man."
"Prove it then."
Arthur watched as comprehension flooded through Merlin's mind.
"Ohh..."
"Ohh." Arthur agreed. He walked into the room, pulling Merlin behind him. Merlin pushed at the door, not caring that it was only half closed.
******
It's funny, Merlin thought, how half an hour can leave you feeling more exhausted than a three day ride into unknown lands.
He didn't have chance to think any more. Arthur was brilliant like that. One touch and he'd make you forget your name and everything that had ever happened to you.
Not that Merlin minded. Usually he had too much to think about. It was refreshing for him to lose track, even for a night.
Unfortunately, tonight was not that night.
Merlin heard the door fly open. Peering past Arthur's side, he saw Gwaine rush past, a body in his arms.
Arthur turned his head, following Merlin's gaze. With a sigh, he rolled onto the floor, reaching out for his clothes. He heard Gaius at the top of the stairs, telling Gwaine to "bring him through."
Minutes later, Arthur and Merlin entered the spare room, dressed but dishevelled.
They looked at Percival lying under a heap of blankets.
"Merlin, will you fetch me a warm cloth." Gaius said.
"Of course." Merlin disappeared.
"If there's anything we can do Sir Gwaine..." Arthur started.
"No, thank you, Lord. Really, there's nothing any of us can do for him."
"But if you need anything..." He continued.
"You'll be the first to know," Gwaine promised. "I... I think I'd just like to be alone with him for a while. That's if Gaius doesn't mind."
Merlin returned, handing Gaius the cloth.
"Stay as long as you want," Gaius said. "Just remember, you won't be helping anyone by staying up all night."
"Thank you. I won't." Gwaine replied, sounding relieved.
Arthur, Merlin and Gaius left Gwaine.
"Is there anything you can do to help him?" Arthur asked. Gaius shook his head.
"It is beyond my control now." Arthur nodded.
"So be it," he turned to Merlin. "I should be going."
"You could stay..."
"I can't."
"Of course. I understand. It wouldn't be fair."
"I'll see myself out," Arthur said. "See you tomorrow."
Arthur stepped out into the corridor, shutting the door behind him.
"I just hope we don't have to plan for a funeral."
((I know I should have posted this one before Nothing but the real Marina was desperate for Gwainaval. It'll probably take me longer to write now because I need to reference the fics, make sure they line up and don't contradict each other.))
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YOU ARE READING
A Land of Myth and Magic
FanfictionA Merthur AU where Gwen died during the events of "With All My Heart". A Christmas present to one of my best friends and an amazing FF writer. Gwainaval: The Beginning runs along the same story line, as does Team Mordred.