Carry on my Wayward Servant Chapter 3
Title: Carry on my Wayward Servant Chapter 3/?
Rating: R
Warnings/Spoilers: Slashy and some spoilers up to 2x4
Summary:Arthur finds a new punishment for Merlin, and a series of unfortunate accidents lead them both to discover that there might be more to their relationship then master and servant.
Disclaimer: I sadly Don't own :(
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Carry on my Wayward Servant
Chapter 3: Good Night Sweet Prince
“Merlin! Merlin!” The sorcerer heard something in the back of his head, brain thick with sleep. “Merlin!” The voice became more insistent, as did the shaking. “MERLIN!” Was what was practically screamed, and his eyes popped open after a stream of water was dumped on to his face. Arthur was staring down at him, face full of concern and an almost ghostly white.
He shot up immediately, Arthur's hand on his shoulder the only thing steadying him. “What's happened? Where are we?” He looked around, they seemed to be in complete darkness, and it was only him and Arthur. “Where's Lancelot? What attacked us?” His mind was racing as the adrenaline kicked in, brian coming up with the worst scenarios possible to explain their predicament.
“Shut up Merlin! Do you want the thing to hear?” Arthur hissed quietly, reaching out and placing a hand over his mouth to quiet him. “I've not a clue where Lancelot is, we got separated just after the snake attacked.” Merlin tried to speak, mind coming up with a million new questions, but Arthur kept a good hold on his mouth. “After the thing knocked you out I attempted to fight it...I lost obviously. That snake is more powerful than I could have ever possibly imagined. It was all I could do to just drag you into this cave.”
Merlin grabbed Arthur's hand, ripping it away from his mouth. “We must go after Lancelot! That thing could be killing him!” He rushed to get up, but was pulled back down by Arthur.
“We can't. It's far too dangerous. Lancelot is a good solider, I'm sure he's hidden as well.”
“With all due respect Sire, that's bullshit! I won't just leave him! He would go out for either one of us and you know it!”
Arthur gripped his arm tighter. “I have no doubt Lancelot would be so brave, but nevertheless I cannot fight it, and I will not risk your life for his.”
“You mean you won't fight it!” Merlin hissed back with, failing to notice the concern in the other's eyes.
“Think what you will of me...”
“I think you're a coward!” Merlin shot back with, digging in where he knew it would hurt the prince the most, he did have his pride after all. Arthur was always willing to risk his life to protect his people. He didn't understand this. Did he really hate Lancelot so much? That's when he shifted, his knee coming in to contact with a warm puddle on the ground. “Oh my God.” He said, reaching down to touch it, already knowing what it would be before the crimson substance coated his fingers. Blood...Arthur's blood. “What happened?” Merlin asked, eyes scanning the prince frantically, only to see the dark stain on his abdomen. Fear filled his heart. “Arthur why didn't you say something!?” His fingers clumsily reached out for the wound, sliding the bloody shirt up and gasping as blood oozed from the two puncture marks just above his kidney.
“You were a little busy yelling at me, as per normal. I didn't....” He winced as Merlin touched the wound. “I didn't really get the chance.” He hadn't been wearing his chain mail. They hadn't expected the attack just then, so that meant he had only a shirt between him and that thing's fangs. That's when something occurred to him. “P-poison?” He stuttered, noticing how stark white Arthur's lips were.
“I believe so...” Arthur said quietly, and Merlin reached up, placing both hands on his sweat soaked face.
“You're burning up!” He was almost frantic by this point, maneuvering Arthur's body so that he was laying back on the ground...it worried him how the prince put up no resistance. He had been badly hurt and injected with some magical beast's venom, and it was all his fault! He had been protecting him! “I'm sorry I called you a coward.” He said, warm tear drops falling onto Arthur's face as he attempted to soak up the blood.
“I'll forgive you just this once if your suck out the venom...if you don't I fear I won't be alive long enough to give you another chance.” He croaked weakly, slowly raising his arm and wiping the bleary tears from Merlin's face. “And stop crying Merlin, honestly you can be such a girl sometimes.”
“Suck the poison?” He asked, ignoring the insult. He was sure the Prince's heart wasn't behind it anyways. “Will it help?” Arthur nodded weakly, eyes drifting shut. “No!” Merlin cried, reaching out to shake him. “Come on Arthur you have to stay awake...you have to!”
Blue eyes slowly drifted open, and Merlin knew if he didn't do something soon this might be the last time they ever did. He leaned down, ripping Arthur's shirt up the middle so that it fell off in bloody rags. He used them to try to clear some of the blood, before leaning down and placing his mouth on the wound. He blanched almost as soon as he did, the bitter metallic substance flooding into his mouth mixed with what could only be the snake's venom. He pulled away, spitting it out and watching as Arthur's eyes began to roll back. Now was not the time to be squeamish. If he didn't hurry and do this Arthur would be dead, and Albion, his destiny, it would all be finished. Not to mention he would miss the stupid prat.
He once more placed his lips on the wound, sucking as hard as he could until he could taste the bitterness of the venom on his tongue. He spat, going back to the wound to suck some more. His hands had settled on either side of Arthur's hips, leaning completely over him as he continued the process. He had spat out at least ten mouthfuls before he could taste the normalness of the blood, smiling reaching his face as he knew that Arthur would at least not be dying of the poison.
“You know if it were a normal situation I would say I was quite fond of the view.” Arthur croaked quietly, looking down on how Merlin was leaning over him, mouth still hovering just above his stomach.
The comment made Merlin laugh, and he knew he must look quite a site with the prince's blood smeared all over his face. “Leave it to you to make lewd advances even when you're lying in a cave dying.”
“Only for you.” Arthur whispered, he sounded so weak and vulnerable as he said the one thing that managed to pierce right through Merlin's heart.
Merlin reached out, stroking Arthur's sweat soaked bangs away from his forehead, noticing how he was still burning up. “You say the sweetest things when you're hurt. Perhaps I should incapacitate you more often.” He smiled fondly at the prince, slipping his own shirt over his head and tearing it into rags. He tied the makeshift bandages around Arthur, wincing every time he brought them around his waist. The blond said nothing, but he knew it had to hurt.
“Cold...so cold.” Arthur moaned out, teeth clattering in the cave. His eyes were barely open to slits by this point.
Merlin continued to stroke his forehead, looking around to try to think of what to do. “I could make a fire.” He said, knowing in the state the prince was in using magic to create the flames wouldn't be too difficult to get away with.
“No...” Arthur mumbled weakly. “Would attract the snake...too dangerous.”
“Well I'd rather have the snake in here with us than to have you die because I let you freeze to death!” Merlin watched Arthur's eyes drift shut, and he knew that the man had passed out. “Dammit!” He cursed, leaning down to listen to the shallow heartbeat in his chest to let him know he was at least still alive, and that's when he heard it.
“Poor Emyrs...killed the Crown Prince.” The words were in his head, the hissing voice digging into his skull as he frantically looked around.
“Who are you?” He asked in his mind, eyes on the entrance as he held up his hand in defense. “Why did you do this to us?”
Laughter erupted in his mind. “I had only wanted to see you, but he wassooo very determined to protect you.”
“Why me?” Merlin asked, heart speeding up as he heard twigs crunch just outside the mouth of the cave. “How do you know my name?” It was only the druids that called him Emrys, Mordred had claimed it to be is other name. How did this creature know it?
“I know lots of things about you Emrys, including that you shall be my salvation. You shall be all of ours.”
Merlin's eyebrows furrowed, confused beyond belief at those words. “What are you talking about?” He was met with silence, the footsteps outside continuing to get closer and closer. “Answer me!” He yelled, eyes glowing as he moved to shoot at whoever it was. His heart lept into his throat as Lancelot appeared at the mouth, arms raised in surrender as he stared worriedly at the sorcerer.
“It's just me.” He said, voice calming as if he were talking to a herd of sheep he wanted to stop from running. “Are you alright?” He asked, and Merlin realized what he must look like, shirtless, face covered in blood, and eyes glowing with the Prince of Camelot passed out on his lap.
“Lancelot...you scared me. Where have you been? Did you see the snake?”
“I did.” The knight stated, crawling in to the cave and examining the two inhabitants. “I heard the commotion and came to help, but you and Arthur were already gone, and I'm ashamed to say I ran like a coward.”
“Saving your own life is not cowardly, in the condition you were in that thing would have taken you apart...look what it did to Arthur.” He said, trying to be comforting.
Lancelot did look, Arthur's abdomen already staining the shirt dark. “Is he dead?”
“No!” Merlin shot back with, staring at Lancelot as if he had just spoken blasphemy. “He's hurt, the snake injected him with venom. I think I got it out, but he's burning up with fever, and yet his body is freezing.” Merlin stared down worriedly at his prince. “We can't start a fire without alerting that thing to our location...I don't know what to do. He'll die at this rate, and we can't risk taking him back to the castle until morning.”
The mercenary scanned the surroundings, obviously contemplating what to do. “Could you warm him?” He asked. “With magic I mean, without starting a fire?” Merlin's eyes widened, feeling like such an idiot that the thought hadn't come to him sooner.
“It'll be just like warming the bathtub.” He said, smiling as he placed his hands on the Prince's ice cold chest, whispering the words and watching Arthur's body turn a nice rosy shade of pink. He turned a wide smiling face up to Lancelot, who gave him one of his own before reaching out with his sleeve, wiping it across Merlin's mouth.
“It's somewhat disturbing to see you like this. A face such as yours should never be marred by this much blood.” He looked down at Arthur, missing how Merlin's cheeks took on the same rosy hue as the prince's body. “The enchantment probably won't last all night. You should lay with him and share your body heat. If everything works out by morning we should be able to get him alive and back to Camelot.”
The thought of cuddling up to Arthur in front of Lancelot made him blush harder. “What about the creature?” He asked, remembering the eerie voice in his head. “Should I go after it tonight?”
“No.” Lancelot replied, staring out the cave. “It's far too dangerous to go after it at night. Besides it's more important that you're here keeping the Prince safe, Camelot would be lost without their valient protector.” Lancelot placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Try to get some sleep Merlin, this daunting task shall not fall onto your shoulders tonight.” Merlin glanced to the mouth of the cave, apprehension in his eyes. “Don't worry, I'll keep watch tonight.”
“Thank you Lancelot.” Merlin smiled fondly. “I'm glad you were here with us tonight.” He maneuvered himself so that he was lying on Arthur's good side, feeling a bit awkward as he snuggled in to the man's chest, pointedly ignoring Lancelot the whole time as he covered the prince with as much skin as he possibly could. Blanketing him as he settled down on what felt like a furnace. The affect of his spell was obviously still lingering.
He leaned in to the Prince's ear, whispering to him as you would a lover. He didn't care that Lancelot was probably watching, only caring that Arthur make through the night. “Good night sweet prince, may flocks of angels bring you back to me.” He laid his head down, and with the reassuring sound of Arthur's shallow heartbeat, he fell asleep.
,,,,,,,,,,,,
The next morning found Merlin waking up, head hazy with sleep, and sighing pleasantly as fingers teased and pet his short curls. “Feels nice...” He mumbled sleepily, mind not fully comprehending why such a thing was happening, only that it was. Unfortunately as soon as he opened his mouth the fingers stopped, retreating altogether from his head, and Merlin gave a groan of dissatisfaction.
Opening bleary eyes, he saw then that he was laying on a chest...Arthur's chest. The night before came back to him and he shot up, pushing himself up on the other's body to see opened blue eyes. “Arthur! You're awake! You're okay!” Relief flooded through him as he found himself grinning from ear to ear.
“I wouldn't go that far.” The prince grumbled miserably. “I feel like someone played badger in a bag...only I was the badger.” His lips were dried and cracked, and he looked like he didn't even have the strength to lift his head.
“You're alive at least.” Merlin said optimistically, stroking Arthur's bangs away from his face. “All that matters is that you're still breathing.” He laid his forehead on to the Prince's, not caring about pretenses at the moment. “I don't know what I would have done.”
“I'm fine.” Arthur said, reaching out and patting his head before pulling it away. “Now get off me...you look like a simpering woman.” Merlin pulled away, half glaring down at him. “Don't give me that look, Lancelot will be back soon with the horses.” He said, obviously not wanting to get caught cuddling with his servant.
“You were much sweeter last night.” Merlin grumbled, looking crossly at the prince. “I think I like you better when you're dying.”
Arthur glowered, though he looked so exhausted it didn't have its normal bite. “Don't ever refer to me as sweet again.”
“But you were!” Merlin mocked, poking him lightly in the chest. “It was adorable...really.” Merlin had leaned in then, hovering over as he lay half sprawled on top of him.
“I must have been showing you mercy for saving my life.” Arthur replied, situating himself so that he was staring up into the sorcerer's eyes.
“Nah, that can't be it.” Merlin teased, tilting his head so that their lips almost touched. “I've saved your life plenty of times, and it's never changed your prattling ways.” He leaned the rest of the way in, claiming the Prince's lips, and feeling more than a little elated when he felt Arthur softly respond.
After awhile Arthur broke the kiss, turning his head and grimacing up at him. “You taste awful.” He croaked, his throat obviously dry and cracky.
“Ah!” Merlin smiled, sitting up a bit. “That would be your blood mixed with morning breath, not the best combination I'm sure.”
“It's horrible.” Arthur agreed, smacking his lips. Merlin tried his hardest not to be offended.
“Yes well, the next time I'll be sure to leave the venom in you so that you approve of my taste.” He shrugged. “One knows we can't be kissing so much if my taste is so disagreeable to the spoiled Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur frowned at that, and Merlin knew he had said something wrong. “Merlin...you know.” He hesitated, making the sorcerer sit up all the way, shivering as he left the Prince's warmth. “Well I mean you know this can never be anything, don't you?” Merlin felt his blood run cold at this, and yet Arthur wasn't finished. “What I mean to say is you're a servant, and I shall be King.”
He looked away, hurt consuming him. “You didn't seem to mind changing the rules so much when it was Gwen.” He said bitterly, feeling utter resentment towards his long time friend.
“That's different.” Arthur said carefully, pushing himself up on his elbows to look at him. “Guinevere has the ability to produce heirs.” Merlin nodded, still not looking at the Prince.
“I know that you need a son Arthur, I'm not stupid.” He shook his head, flinching when the other touched his wrist. “It's just...” He stopped, not being able to finish because he honestly didn't know what to say. How do you say something to solve an impossible situation?
Arthur squeezed his wrist ever so slightly. “I know.” The words were softly spoken, and for a moment Merlin wondering if the Prince was as troubled as he was.
Merlin shrugged the arm off his wrist. “I'll go check on Lancelot. The sooner we get back to Camelot the better.” He felt like running out of the cave, but Arthur's gaze was burning holes into his back, so he knew that he didn't dare. As soon as he was out though, and into the fresh crisp air, he felt his resolve break, and his chest heave as he began to hyperventilate.
His breaths came out in heavy gasps, not knowing when his head had become so light, only knowing that he couldn't seem to draw any air. He had know. He had known before he ever kissed him that all he could be to Arthur was a screw on the side. Arthur had all but said that it would be a one time thing. So why did it hurt so much? Why the hell did it feel like his insides were being ripped apart. Was it because of his destiny? Did he feel this way because they were two sides of the dragon's hypothetical coin?
“Breathe...” Were the comforting words whispered into his ear as an arm came around him, the other resting on his lower back. “Put your head between your knees.” Merlin nodded, embarrassed that Lancelot had to see him in such a situation.
“I'm sorry I just...” he trailed off, following the other's orders as he settled between his knees, trying his best to draw in breath.
“Sshh Sshh it's alright.” The hand began rubbing comfortingly at his lower back. “It's been a hard day, and you're injured.” Merlin nodded, agreeing with that even though it was only part of what was upsetting him.
After Merlin calmed down, he looked up, raising an eyebrow at Lancelot. “Injured? I think the both of you got off a lot worse than me.” He gave a laugh. “I've yet to even see the thing.” He left out the fact that he had heard it.
“Still.” Lancelot tutted, reaching his arm around him and tracing the purpling bruise with his fingertips. Merlin looked down, noticing how it went from the top of his ribs all the way down his side. “It's nothing to turn your nose up at.” The fingers traced along the bruise, sending a shiver down Merlin's spine. “It's alright to be upset.” The hand dropped from his side, and Merlin glanced up to see Lancelot's line of site had shifted to the cave.
Merlin followed his eyes, meeting narrowed blue ones as Arthur struggled to stand, clutching the wall. “Arthur!” He exclaimed, rushing over. “You shouldn't be standing you dolt!” He grabbed at the blond, but he pushed him away, eyes never leaving Lancelot.
“I'm not an invalid Merlin!” He growled grumpily. “Now fetch me a cloak to wear home and get me on my horse.” The words were hissed, and honestly Merlin was still too hurt to care about why he had warranted such an icy gaze. The brat was probably still in pain.
“Yes Sire.” He sighed, walking over to where the three horses were and grabbing a wool shirt and a traveling cloak. He slipped the shirt over his own head, bringing the cloak over to Arthur and wrapping it around his shoulders, making sure not to look in his eyes as he tied it around his neck. “If I help you to your horse are you going to push me again?” He did look up then, matching glares chilling the summer forest.
“Just help me to the horse. I'm tired.” Merlin nodded, wrapping one arm around the Prince's waist while carefully lifting Arthur's arm over his shoulder. They slowly made their way over to the horse, Arthur gritting his teeth as they did. It must hurt awful just to be up and walking. Lancelot came over, taking the Prince's other arm as they managed to get him up to his horse.
Merlin watched as Arthur took off right away, not giving a care to his condition, only getting away from him as quickly as possible. He shook his head, getting up onto his own horse, and watching Lancelot mount as well. ...It was going to be a long ride back to Camelot.
,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.
A.N.- Poor Merlin :( ...poor Arthur for that matter, and yay! My story is developing a plot! Please review, I'll love you forever! And thank your for all that have read and reviewed!
Chapter 1- http://stinathewicked.livejournal.com/927.html#cutid1
Chapter 2- http://stinathewicked.livejournal.com/1241.html#cutid1
Rating: R
Warnings/Spoilers: Slashy and some spoilers up to 2x4
Summary:Arthur finds a new punishment for Merlin, and a series of unfortunate accidents lead them both to discover that there might be more to their relationship then master and servant.
Disclaimer: I sadly Don't own :(
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Carry on my Wayward Servant
Chapter 3: Good Night Sweet Prince
“Merlin! Merlin!” The sorcerer heard something in the back of his head, brain thick with sleep. “Merlin!” The voice became more insistent, as did the shaking. “MERLIN!” Was what was practically screamed, and his eyes popped open after a stream of water was dumped on to his face. Arthur was staring down at him, face full of concern and an almost ghostly white.
He shot up immediately, Arthur's hand on his shoulder the only thing steadying him. “What's happened? Where are we?” He looked around, they seemed to be in complete darkness, and it was only him and Arthur. “Where's Lancelot? What attacked us?” His mind was racing as the adrenaline kicked in, brian coming up with the worst scenarios possible to explain their predicament.
“Shut up Merlin! Do you want the thing to hear?” Arthur hissed quietly, reaching out and placing a hand over his mouth to quiet him. “I've not a clue where Lancelot is, we got separated just after the snake attacked.” Merlin tried to speak, mind coming up with a million new questions, but Arthur kept a good hold on his mouth. “After the thing knocked you out I attempted to fight it...I lost obviously. That snake is more powerful than I could have ever possibly imagined. It was all I could do to just drag you into this cave.”
Merlin grabbed Arthur's hand, ripping it away from his mouth. “We must go after Lancelot! That thing could be killing him!” He rushed to get up, but was pulled back down by Arthur.
“We can't. It's far too dangerous. Lancelot is a good solider, I'm sure he's hidden as well.”
“With all due respect Sire, that's bullshit! I won't just leave him! He would go out for either one of us and you know it!”
Arthur gripped his arm tighter. “I have no doubt Lancelot would be so brave, but nevertheless I cannot fight it, and I will not risk your life for his.”
“You mean you won't fight it!” Merlin hissed back with, failing to notice the concern in the other's eyes.
“Think what you will of me...”
“I think you're a coward!” Merlin shot back with, digging in where he knew it would hurt the prince the most, he did have his pride after all. Arthur was always willing to risk his life to protect his people. He didn't understand this. Did he really hate Lancelot so much? That's when he shifted, his knee coming in to contact with a warm puddle on the ground. “Oh my God.” He said, reaching down to touch it, already knowing what it would be before the crimson substance coated his fingers. Blood...Arthur's blood. “What happened?” Merlin asked, eyes scanning the prince frantically, only to see the dark stain on his abdomen. Fear filled his heart. “Arthur why didn't you say something!?” His fingers clumsily reached out for the wound, sliding the bloody shirt up and gasping as blood oozed from the two puncture marks just above his kidney.
“You were a little busy yelling at me, as per normal. I didn't....” He winced as Merlin touched the wound. “I didn't really get the chance.” He hadn't been wearing his chain mail. They hadn't expected the attack just then, so that meant he had only a shirt between him and that thing's fangs. That's when something occurred to him. “P-poison?” He stuttered, noticing how stark white Arthur's lips were.
“I believe so...” Arthur said quietly, and Merlin reached up, placing both hands on his sweat soaked face.
“You're burning up!” He was almost frantic by this point, maneuvering Arthur's body so that he was laying back on the ground...it worried him how the prince put up no resistance. He had been badly hurt and injected with some magical beast's venom, and it was all his fault! He had been protecting him! “I'm sorry I called you a coward.” He said, warm tear drops falling onto Arthur's face as he attempted to soak up the blood.
“I'll forgive you just this once if your suck out the venom...if you don't I fear I won't be alive long enough to give you another chance.” He croaked weakly, slowly raising his arm and wiping the bleary tears from Merlin's face. “And stop crying Merlin, honestly you can be such a girl sometimes.”
“Suck the poison?” He asked, ignoring the insult. He was sure the Prince's heart wasn't behind it anyways. “Will it help?” Arthur nodded weakly, eyes drifting shut. “No!” Merlin cried, reaching out to shake him. “Come on Arthur you have to stay awake...you have to!”
Blue eyes slowly drifted open, and Merlin knew if he didn't do something soon this might be the last time they ever did. He leaned down, ripping Arthur's shirt up the middle so that it fell off in bloody rags. He used them to try to clear some of the blood, before leaning down and placing his mouth on the wound. He blanched almost as soon as he did, the bitter metallic substance flooding into his mouth mixed with what could only be the snake's venom. He pulled away, spitting it out and watching as Arthur's eyes began to roll back. Now was not the time to be squeamish. If he didn't hurry and do this Arthur would be dead, and Albion, his destiny, it would all be finished. Not to mention he would miss the stupid prat.
He once more placed his lips on the wound, sucking as hard as he could until he could taste the bitterness of the venom on his tongue. He spat, going back to the wound to suck some more. His hands had settled on either side of Arthur's hips, leaning completely over him as he continued the process. He had spat out at least ten mouthfuls before he could taste the normalness of the blood, smiling reaching his face as he knew that Arthur would at least not be dying of the poison.
“You know if it were a normal situation I would say I was quite fond of the view.” Arthur croaked quietly, looking down on how Merlin was leaning over him, mouth still hovering just above his stomach.
The comment made Merlin laugh, and he knew he must look quite a site with the prince's blood smeared all over his face. “Leave it to you to make lewd advances even when you're lying in a cave dying.”
“Only for you.” Arthur whispered, he sounded so weak and vulnerable as he said the one thing that managed to pierce right through Merlin's heart.
Merlin reached out, stroking Arthur's sweat soaked bangs away from his forehead, noticing how he was still burning up. “You say the sweetest things when you're hurt. Perhaps I should incapacitate you more often.” He smiled fondly at the prince, slipping his own shirt over his head and tearing it into rags. He tied the makeshift bandages around Arthur, wincing every time he brought them around his waist. The blond said nothing, but he knew it had to hurt.
“Cold...so cold.” Arthur moaned out, teeth clattering in the cave. His eyes were barely open to slits by this point.
Merlin continued to stroke his forehead, looking around to try to think of what to do. “I could make a fire.” He said, knowing in the state the prince was in using magic to create the flames wouldn't be too difficult to get away with.
“No...” Arthur mumbled weakly. “Would attract the snake...too dangerous.”
“Well I'd rather have the snake in here with us than to have you die because I let you freeze to death!” Merlin watched Arthur's eyes drift shut, and he knew that the man had passed out. “Dammit!” He cursed, leaning down to listen to the shallow heartbeat in his chest to let him know he was at least still alive, and that's when he heard it.
“Poor Emyrs...killed the Crown Prince.” The words were in his head, the hissing voice digging into his skull as he frantically looked around.
“Who are you?” He asked in his mind, eyes on the entrance as he held up his hand in defense. “Why did you do this to us?”
Laughter erupted in his mind. “I had only wanted to see you, but he wassooo very determined to protect you.”
“Why me?” Merlin asked, heart speeding up as he heard twigs crunch just outside the mouth of the cave. “How do you know my name?” It was only the druids that called him Emrys, Mordred had claimed it to be is other name. How did this creature know it?
“I know lots of things about you Emrys, including that you shall be my salvation. You shall be all of ours.”
Merlin's eyebrows furrowed, confused beyond belief at those words. “What are you talking about?” He was met with silence, the footsteps outside continuing to get closer and closer. “Answer me!” He yelled, eyes glowing as he moved to shoot at whoever it was. His heart lept into his throat as Lancelot appeared at the mouth, arms raised in surrender as he stared worriedly at the sorcerer.
“It's just me.” He said, voice calming as if he were talking to a herd of sheep he wanted to stop from running. “Are you alright?” He asked, and Merlin realized what he must look like, shirtless, face covered in blood, and eyes glowing with the Prince of Camelot passed out on his lap.
“Lancelot...you scared me. Where have you been? Did you see the snake?”
“I did.” The knight stated, crawling in to the cave and examining the two inhabitants. “I heard the commotion and came to help, but you and Arthur were already gone, and I'm ashamed to say I ran like a coward.”
“Saving your own life is not cowardly, in the condition you were in that thing would have taken you apart...look what it did to Arthur.” He said, trying to be comforting.
Lancelot did look, Arthur's abdomen already staining the shirt dark. “Is he dead?”
“No!” Merlin shot back with, staring at Lancelot as if he had just spoken blasphemy. “He's hurt, the snake injected him with venom. I think I got it out, but he's burning up with fever, and yet his body is freezing.” Merlin stared down worriedly at his prince. “We can't start a fire without alerting that thing to our location...I don't know what to do. He'll die at this rate, and we can't risk taking him back to the castle until morning.”
The mercenary scanned the surroundings, obviously contemplating what to do. “Could you warm him?” He asked. “With magic I mean, without starting a fire?” Merlin's eyes widened, feeling like such an idiot that the thought hadn't come to him sooner.
“It'll be just like warming the bathtub.” He said, smiling as he placed his hands on the Prince's ice cold chest, whispering the words and watching Arthur's body turn a nice rosy shade of pink. He turned a wide smiling face up to Lancelot, who gave him one of his own before reaching out with his sleeve, wiping it across Merlin's mouth.
“It's somewhat disturbing to see you like this. A face such as yours should never be marred by this much blood.” He looked down at Arthur, missing how Merlin's cheeks took on the same rosy hue as the prince's body. “The enchantment probably won't last all night. You should lay with him and share your body heat. If everything works out by morning we should be able to get him alive and back to Camelot.”
The thought of cuddling up to Arthur in front of Lancelot made him blush harder. “What about the creature?” He asked, remembering the eerie voice in his head. “Should I go after it tonight?”
“No.” Lancelot replied, staring out the cave. “It's far too dangerous to go after it at night. Besides it's more important that you're here keeping the Prince safe, Camelot would be lost without their valient protector.” Lancelot placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Try to get some sleep Merlin, this daunting task shall not fall onto your shoulders tonight.” Merlin glanced to the mouth of the cave, apprehension in his eyes. “Don't worry, I'll keep watch tonight.”
“Thank you Lancelot.” Merlin smiled fondly. “I'm glad you were here with us tonight.” He maneuvered himself so that he was lying on Arthur's good side, feeling a bit awkward as he snuggled in to the man's chest, pointedly ignoring Lancelot the whole time as he covered the prince with as much skin as he possibly could. Blanketing him as he settled down on what felt like a furnace. The affect of his spell was obviously still lingering.
He leaned in to the Prince's ear, whispering to him as you would a lover. He didn't care that Lancelot was probably watching, only caring that Arthur make through the night. “Good night sweet prince, may flocks of angels bring you back to me.” He laid his head down, and with the reassuring sound of Arthur's shallow heartbeat, he fell asleep.
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The next morning found Merlin waking up, head hazy with sleep, and sighing pleasantly as fingers teased and pet his short curls. “Feels nice...” He mumbled sleepily, mind not fully comprehending why such a thing was happening, only that it was. Unfortunately as soon as he opened his mouth the fingers stopped, retreating altogether from his head, and Merlin gave a groan of dissatisfaction.
Opening bleary eyes, he saw then that he was laying on a chest...Arthur's chest. The night before came back to him and he shot up, pushing himself up on the other's body to see opened blue eyes. “Arthur! You're awake! You're okay!” Relief flooded through him as he found himself grinning from ear to ear.
“I wouldn't go that far.” The prince grumbled miserably. “I feel like someone played badger in a bag...only I was the badger.” His lips were dried and cracked, and he looked like he didn't even have the strength to lift his head.
“You're alive at least.” Merlin said optimistically, stroking Arthur's bangs away from his face. “All that matters is that you're still breathing.” He laid his forehead on to the Prince's, not caring about pretenses at the moment. “I don't know what I would have done.”
“I'm fine.” Arthur said, reaching out and patting his head before pulling it away. “Now get off me...you look like a simpering woman.” Merlin pulled away, half glaring down at him. “Don't give me that look, Lancelot will be back soon with the horses.” He said, obviously not wanting to get caught cuddling with his servant.
“You were much sweeter last night.” Merlin grumbled, looking crossly at the prince. “I think I like you better when you're dying.”
Arthur glowered, though he looked so exhausted it didn't have its normal bite. “Don't ever refer to me as sweet again.”
“But you were!” Merlin mocked, poking him lightly in the chest. “It was adorable...really.” Merlin had leaned in then, hovering over as he lay half sprawled on top of him.
“I must have been showing you mercy for saving my life.” Arthur replied, situating himself so that he was staring up into the sorcerer's eyes.
“Nah, that can't be it.” Merlin teased, tilting his head so that their lips almost touched. “I've saved your life plenty of times, and it's never changed your prattling ways.” He leaned the rest of the way in, claiming the Prince's lips, and feeling more than a little elated when he felt Arthur softly respond.
After awhile Arthur broke the kiss, turning his head and grimacing up at him. “You taste awful.” He croaked, his throat obviously dry and cracky.
“Ah!” Merlin smiled, sitting up a bit. “That would be your blood mixed with morning breath, not the best combination I'm sure.”
“It's horrible.” Arthur agreed, smacking his lips. Merlin tried his hardest not to be offended.
“Yes well, the next time I'll be sure to leave the venom in you so that you approve of my taste.” He shrugged. “One knows we can't be kissing so much if my taste is so disagreeable to the spoiled Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur frowned at that, and Merlin knew he had said something wrong. “Merlin...you know.” He hesitated, making the sorcerer sit up all the way, shivering as he left the Prince's warmth. “Well I mean you know this can never be anything, don't you?” Merlin felt his blood run cold at this, and yet Arthur wasn't finished. “What I mean to say is you're a servant, and I shall be King.”
He looked away, hurt consuming him. “You didn't seem to mind changing the rules so much when it was Gwen.” He said bitterly, feeling utter resentment towards his long time friend.
“That's different.” Arthur said carefully, pushing himself up on his elbows to look at him. “Guinevere has the ability to produce heirs.” Merlin nodded, still not looking at the Prince.
“I know that you need a son Arthur, I'm not stupid.” He shook his head, flinching when the other touched his wrist. “It's just...” He stopped, not being able to finish because he honestly didn't know what to say. How do you say something to solve an impossible situation?
Arthur squeezed his wrist ever so slightly. “I know.” The words were softly spoken, and for a moment Merlin wondering if the Prince was as troubled as he was.
Merlin shrugged the arm off his wrist. “I'll go check on Lancelot. The sooner we get back to Camelot the better.” He felt like running out of the cave, but Arthur's gaze was burning holes into his back, so he knew that he didn't dare. As soon as he was out though, and into the fresh crisp air, he felt his resolve break, and his chest heave as he began to hyperventilate.
His breaths came out in heavy gasps, not knowing when his head had become so light, only knowing that he couldn't seem to draw any air. He had know. He had known before he ever kissed him that all he could be to Arthur was a screw on the side. Arthur had all but said that it would be a one time thing. So why did it hurt so much? Why the hell did it feel like his insides were being ripped apart. Was it because of his destiny? Did he feel this way because they were two sides of the dragon's hypothetical coin?
“Breathe...” Were the comforting words whispered into his ear as an arm came around him, the other resting on his lower back. “Put your head between your knees.” Merlin nodded, embarrassed that Lancelot had to see him in such a situation.
“I'm sorry I just...” he trailed off, following the other's orders as he settled between his knees, trying his best to draw in breath.
“Sshh Sshh it's alright.” The hand began rubbing comfortingly at his lower back. “It's been a hard day, and you're injured.” Merlin nodded, agreeing with that even though it was only part of what was upsetting him.
After Merlin calmed down, he looked up, raising an eyebrow at Lancelot. “Injured? I think the both of you got off a lot worse than me.” He gave a laugh. “I've yet to even see the thing.” He left out the fact that he had heard it.
“Still.” Lancelot tutted, reaching his arm around him and tracing the purpling bruise with his fingertips. Merlin looked down, noticing how it went from the top of his ribs all the way down his side. “It's nothing to turn your nose up at.” The fingers traced along the bruise, sending a shiver down Merlin's spine. “It's alright to be upset.” The hand dropped from his side, and Merlin glanced up to see Lancelot's line of site had shifted to the cave.
Merlin followed his eyes, meeting narrowed blue ones as Arthur struggled to stand, clutching the wall. “Arthur!” He exclaimed, rushing over. “You shouldn't be standing you dolt!” He grabbed at the blond, but he pushed him away, eyes never leaving Lancelot.
“I'm not an invalid Merlin!” He growled grumpily. “Now fetch me a cloak to wear home and get me on my horse.” The words were hissed, and honestly Merlin was still too hurt to care about why he had warranted such an icy gaze. The brat was probably still in pain.
“Yes Sire.” He sighed, walking over to where the three horses were and grabbing a wool shirt and a traveling cloak. He slipped the shirt over his own head, bringing the cloak over to Arthur and wrapping it around his shoulders, making sure not to look in his eyes as he tied it around his neck. “If I help you to your horse are you going to push me again?” He did look up then, matching glares chilling the summer forest.
“Just help me to the horse. I'm tired.” Merlin nodded, wrapping one arm around the Prince's waist while carefully lifting Arthur's arm over his shoulder. They slowly made their way over to the horse, Arthur gritting his teeth as they did. It must hurt awful just to be up and walking. Lancelot came over, taking the Prince's other arm as they managed to get him up to his horse.
Merlin watched as Arthur took off right away, not giving a care to his condition, only getting away from him as quickly as possible. He shook his head, getting up onto his own horse, and watching Lancelot mount as well. ...It was going to be a long ride back to Camelot.
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A.N.- Poor Merlin :( ...poor Arthur for that matter, and yay! My story is developing a plot! Please review, I'll love you forever! And thank your for all that have read and reviewed!
Chapter 1- http://stinathewicked.livejournal.com/927.html#cutid1
Chapter 2- http://stinathewicked.livejournal.com/1241.html#cutid1