Title: Love Struck (3/3)

Rating: NC17/ Mature/ 18 (that cover everything?)

Pairings: Arthur/Merlin

Spoilers: So many, me bad. Probably every thing up to and inclusive of 'Excalibur'. Would probably really help if you have seen this episode. Won't make much sense otherwise, but you're welcome to read anyway.

WARNINGS: Bit angsty, bit sappy, Arthur kinda OOC but because of the situation I think I can get away with it, bit more Merlin abuse just because I can, oh and PORN. Though in my opinion not some of my better stuff -_-. Think that's all… maybe…

Disclaimer: Merlin not mine *sob* It's the BBC's though I want to rob them and get away with Bradley and Colin ^_^

Summary: Merlin's magic gets him into trouble… again.

Notes: My 'ye olde English' is really bad so the spells probably are in the wrong tenses and all sorts of rubbish, so I apologise to anyone who does understand it. Any notes I've made will be found at the bottom of chapters!

-Chapter 3-Mend and Tear-

"Gaius!" Arthur burst into the room in a panic, startling the old man awake from his position at his table. He quickly woke up when he saw the prince's face and who he carried.

"Put him over there." He indicated to the sick bed. Arthur carefully laid Merlin down. Gaius looked him over. "This is bad, very bad indeed."

"What do you mean?" Arthur couldn't help the panic rising in his voice.

"I have researched what it was you found in the forest." He hobbled over to the book he had fallen asleep over. Arthur stood next to him. He indicated the picture on the open page. The prince looked at the drawing of the giant cat and nodded. "It is a Mingwa.(1) They are said to belong to lands far from here, so why this one is here I cannot say. But it is a creature of magic, without a doubt. It survives on raw flesh and absorbing … a life source." Gauis nearly said magic which could have sealed Merlin's fate. This way Merlin was still innocent. "All it needs is to make a connection. Once that happens, the creature will drain its victim leaving an empty shell." They both looked at Merlin. He had not moved nor made a sound. Arthur thumped the table, gritted his teeth,

"I can't let that happen. There must be a way to kill it. Cador said swords didn't hurt it." Arthur was desperate.

"A creature of magic like this can only be killed by magic. With your father's rules there is no such hope to be found here." Arthur ran his fingers through his hair.

"Great." He began to walk out of the room.

"Arthur, where are you going?" He turned back to Gaius.

"I'm going to find it and kill it."

"But you can't." Gaius pleaded, "It will kill you." Arthur's gaze fell back onto Merlin.

"I have to try, for his sake. I can't let him die like this. I love him Gaius." The old man smiled gently.

"I know. Be careful. If you find a way, it must be struck in the heart to ensure its death." Arthur nodded once and left. Gaius walked over to Merlin with a bowl of water; he dripped some of the cool liquid into the slightly parted, unnaturally blue mouth. "I hope you heard that." He whispered, "That spell has worn off and he still admits to loving you."

-x-

Even as Arthur rode out once more he still didn't have a plan. This whole escapade was purely to try and help Merlin. Since when had he become so attached to his manservant he was willing to risk everything for him. At what point had Merlin become so ingrained into his soul that he couldn't breathe without him being near. But that was why he had to do this. He had to try.

The Mingwa was just as easy to find as it had been last time. Only this time it wasn't sleeping. The creature was tucking into some of the remains that had been left lying about. Its sharp teeth pulled the flesh apart easily, its muzzle smeared with blood. Its tail twitched around as if it had life of its own. This cat was not happy. Arthur watched intently. He wondered if the animal's annoyance was because it no longer had Merlin.

The creature raised its head suddenly in Arthur's direction. The prince only barely managed to hide behind the tree he was standing next to. He held his breath for a moment then dared another peek.

The Mingwa was gone! He looked around frantically. How could something that size disappear? It was then he felt the warm, damp puffing on his neck. He barely had enough time to look around and duck as the cat tried to swipe at him. It left deep gashes in the tree behind.

Rolling away and kneeling upright he managed to draw his sword as the Mingwa pounced again. He blocked with his sword. But the huge claws swiped it away. Arthur went after it, rolling once more narrowly avoiding the pouncing cat. He saw an opening and jabbed the sword at the creature.

To his horror, the blade shattered as if it was made of glass. His eyes widened with a fear he had never known. He had been in difficult positions before but this topped it. He could almost see his life flash before his eyes. The Mingwa turned and seemed to grin seeing that Arthur was completely unarmed. It managed to swipe at him which flung him against a nearby tree. The air left Arthur's lungs in a rush and black dots began to race across his eyes. Ok, that hurt. He stumbled to his feet, completely unprepared for the cat's next attack. It swiped with its claws again. Searing pain raced across Arthur's chest, claw's having left their mark upon him this time.

Arthur watched as the Mingwa crouched on its front paws, tail still high in the air, flicking occasionally. Green eyes narrowed on its prey. Arthur suddenly realised he was being played with. A cat chasing a mouse, until the mouse got too weak then… He didn't want to think about the 'then'. He just concentrated on staying conscious. His body ached all over and the scratches across his chest stung viscously. He grimaced, but fought through the pain. Just as he was steady enough, the monster pounced again, swiping at him, this time catching him in the stomach and throwing him high in the air.

Arthur believed that was it. He was going out as cat food until he realised there was water below him. The Mingwa had thrown him over the lake. He had just enough time to ensure he didn't hit the water too painfully. As he opened his eyes under the water, before he turned back to the surface, something glinting caught his eyes. Reaching the surface he shook his hair out of his eyes and looked at the bank. The Mingwa was patrolling the bank watching him. He took a deep breath and dived back under the water. He reached his hand out and grasped the shining thing. It was a sword. Without looking at it, he managed to hold it upright to guide him back to the surface and kicked off from the bottom. He burst from the water once more, sword held aloft. At least he had a weapon once more.

He swam the best he could to the bank and climbed out. The Mingwa was watching him, almost waiting for him to get his breath back. It started stalking him. Arthur raised the sword and improved his stance. He didn't think he was going to fare any better this time around but at least he had a sword in his hands once more.

The sword. It seemed to fit his hand perfectly. It almost thrummed in his touch. He felt like it belonged there. It felt as right in his hand, as Merlin did in his arms. It felt of power and justice. He had never known anything like it and it frightened him. But the Mingwa frightened him more. But the sword gave him strength he didn't think he had.

"For Merlin!" He suddenly cried out, charging at the monster, his love's name a battle cry on his lips. The Mingwa didn't know what to do with herself. She had had men run at her before, but not like this. Never wielding that much power. The vibrations pulsed through her making her helpless. She howled as Arthur charged at her but had little time to react. The sword pierced her chest and slid to her heart. The howl was cut off, only echoing slightly around them. The great, furry body slumped to the ground dead. Arthur stood over the body, tired but victorious.

He finally looked at the sword. He remembered Merlin saying something about finding a sword. But there was no way he could have known about this. He wasn't conscious either. It did seem a strange coincidence however. The blade was inlaid with gold but he didn't take the time to see what was written there. It was the unseen that bothered him now. There was power in the weapon. Magic. It called to him. Arthur wanted to answer but some how he knew he wasn't ready. It wasn't time for such a weapon as this to enter Camelot. If it was indeed magic his father would probably have it destroyed and he could be asked some rather awkward questions. Questions he could do without. Decision made he turned back to the lake, he sighed deeply then threw the sword.

It was safer returning it back to where it had come from. Back to its resting place. It was time to get back to Merlin.

Far away in her cave, Nimueh screamed her anger. Once again she had failed to kill the warlock. The only one who stood in her way. The only who, in the future, could defeat her. The brainless, blond prince coming to the rescue again. How could two completely different people end up protecting each other so well. It was frustrating. She would try again.

-x-

Arthur finally arrived back in Gaius' room.

"Arthur?" The old man looked extremely surprised to see him. Arthur wasn't sure how to take that. He ignored it for now.

"How is he?" Gaius gave him a more troubled look.

"I take it you dealt with the Mingwa then." He saw Arthur's wounds. "Yes I can see you have, let me look at those."

"Stop avoiding me old man." Gaius sighed.

"He's got some colour back but he hasn't woken up yet." The tone in his voice suggested that he wasn't sure 'if' Merlin would wake up. Arthur strode over to where Merlin lay. Gaius was right. He had got his colour back. It was if he was just sleeping. Arthur sat on the chair that was positioned next to the bed. He took a now warm hand and simply held it. "I really should look at those wounds, sire."

"I'm fine." Arthur snapped back. He didn't mean to. "Sorry Gaius, I just don't want to leave his side until he wakes." Gaius looked at him sadly, silently thinking that the prince could be sitting there for a long time but just didn't have the heart to tell him so.

"Very well, sire. I shall leave the two of you alone." He collected some things and left the room.

Arthur's vigil was only filled with the sound of breathing, it was such a soothing sound that Arthur's body couldn't help but doze off.

"Arthur?" The murmur was enough for Arthur to come round. He opened his eyes to look into a pair of very blue eyes looking straight back at him.

"Merlin!" Arthur almost fell upon Merlin in his haste. "You're awake. Are you alright? How do you feel?"

"Um, really good actually. Like I have loads of spare energy. What are you doing here?" Arthur smiled.

"Looking after you." Merlin looked at him confused,

"Why, I don't understand. The last thing I remember was standing at the lake..." He hesitated, but Arthur could see he was hiding something. "What happened?" Arthur sighed.

"I'll tell you later." Merlin only just realised how close the blonde had got, and was a little startled when their lips met. Now that he remembered. As Arthur deepened the kiss his fingers worked their way into Merlin's hair, twisting through the dark strands. Merlin's own hands started on Arthur's shoulders then moved to his chest before the blond pulled away wincing.

Merlin looked up at him concerned, watching as the prince turned away. For a moment Merlin thought it was his fault then he looked down at his hands.

"Arthur! You're bleeding!" Arthur turned back, revealing his injuries. Merlin's eyes grew wide. "What the…" He went to climb out of bed and realised he wasn't wearing anything.

"Arthur, isn't this one of your sheets?" Arthur couldn't meet his eyes.

"Might be." Merlin blushed slightly,

"Would you mind turning around?" Arthur smirked but turned, he would never admit to Merlin that as soon as his manservant wasn't looking he was. He followed that slim, pale frame to his room, wrapped only in his sheet around his waist. It made Arthur's stomach twist slightly. He was disappointed when Merlin returned fully dressed. "Your room, now!" Arthur smirked,

"And I thought it was me who gave the orders around here."

Both men walked to the prince's room, where Merlin instructed Arthur to remove his shirt. Arthur did so and sat in his chair. He didn't feel he could stand up any longer now that his body was over the excitement and Merlin was safe.

Merlin winced as he saw the still bleeding scratches. They looked reddened around the edges. Merlin set to work cleaning them first, putting his mind off the fact that he was on his knees, touching Arthur's chest. Arthur hissed slightly.

"So are you going to tell me what you really remember?" He looked at his servant who began to specifically not look back at him.

"Um…" Arthur paused Merlin in his work and grabbed his chin making him look at him.

"Tell me?" His voice was soft and far from commanding. Merlin sighed.

"I'd gone to the lake to think… or to try and not think." He blushed, sending his ears a rosy pink. "A giant cat attacked me. I didn't even hear it. I can still feel its teeth digging into me…" He rubbed his side where some of the puncture marks were hidden. "Then darkness… so much darkness. I remember calling out and-" He stopped, remembering what came next. His ears went decidedly darker.

"Go on." Arthur's voice was almost a purr.

"You turned up, but you-" he frowned ever so slightly, "You had wings." He particularly missed out the points of the sword, his magic and the fact that they had both been naked. A blond eyebrow rose,

"That's different I must say." Merlin's voice faded down to a whisper.

"You saved me. From the darkness. And the eyes. There were eyes." Merlin felt his voice hitch. Even though he was awake those eyes and that voice still haunted him. He moved his head away from Arthur's fingers and shook his head. "Anyway," He said brightly, trying to put on a goofy smile, "You seem to have been in the wars. What happened to you?" He went back to work on Arthur's chest, slowly beginning to rub one of Gaius' concoctions into the wounds.

"Damn it Merlin that stings!" Arthur snapped.

"Sorry." The prince used that as an excuse to not think about the fact that Merlin's fingers were rubbing against his skin. Pain worked well as a distraction.

"I killed the cat that hurt you." He told Merlin carefully. Merlin paused in his work.

"Why would you do that?" Arthur's hand raised and ran a thumb across Merlin's cheek. The dark haired youth's breath hitched.

"Because Merlin," Arthur leaned forward, his lips almost touching Merlin's, "because I love you." He moved the space remaining, his lips brushing on Merlin's. Blue eyes closed as lips came together more forcefully. Arthur's hand slid around to the back of Merlin's head, fingers entangling in the dark strands.

Merlin moaned into the kiss. There was no escaping this time. In his heart he knew it. This is what he had always wanted. This kiss had broken the last restraint he had. His mind, body and soul now belonged to Arthur and he gave them willingly. He felt Arthur's legs part and slid between them, bringing his chest against the prince's, being careful to avoid Arthur's injuries. His fingers splayed across firm skin and tight muscles. His stomach twisted as he felt the hardness hidden by fabric, feeling his own twitch in anticipation.

They broke the kiss to breathe, both panting harshly. Blue eyes wide with lust, and skin blushed with passion. Arthur held Merlin's chin once more, his touch as delicate as a butterfly wing.

"Let me show you how to fly, Merlin." The servant smiled. It was good to know Arthur listened to him sometimes.

"Yes." Was all he could reply. Instead, he rose from his knees and straddled Arthur's legs. The blond was surprised at first but raised a questioning eyebrow. Merlin leaned forward to kiss Arthur but held back just far enough to deny him. The prince growled then wrapped his arms around Merlin's hips and pulled him closer.

Merlin smirked then lowered his mouth to Arthur's ear and started nibbling on a lobe. The blonde's hands began roaming, fingers sliding beneath fabric to touch forbidden skin. Merlin moaned and left the ear, nibbling instead on the neck, he could imagine Arthur's irritatingly sexy smirk, as his fingers lowered and slid into Merlin's trousers instead. As Arthur's nails scratched his buttocks, Merlin bit down firmly on the exposed neck.

Arthur hissed loudly and moaned. He knew he would be wearing high collared shirts for a while. Merlin pulled away and looked down at Arthur with a smirk of his own. The prince looked thoughtful for a moment then stood up, Merlin held easily in his arms. The servant wrapped his legs around the strong hips, his stomach fluttering at the thought of what those hips could and possibly would do.

Merlin was unceremoniously dumped on the bed while Arthur went searching around the room.

"What are you doing?" Merlin asked not too pleased that he was now prince-less. Arthur continued his hunt.

"Looking for something."

"Really? Well I would never have guessed that." Merlin answered his voice dripping with sarcasm. Arthur suddenly turned back and stalked towards him. Merlin felt his stomach drop. Merlin knew a predator when he saw one.

"It's my turn to mark you." Arthur almost snarled at Merlin. The servant shivered and whimpered before Arthur knelt on the bed, parting Merlin's legs with his knee. "You're far too dressed." Merlin wondered why he had even bothered to dress in the first place, as Arthur began to pull his shirt up. He sat up, allowing the rough fabric to be pulled over his head. As soon as his skin was on view, Arthur pushed Merlin back down and latched on to nipple using teeth and tongue, to make Merlin arch and writhe under him.

"A-A…" Merlin tried once more, "Arthur…" The blond paused, looking slightly worried.

"What's wrong?" Merlin looked away nervously,

"I've… never done this before." He chewed his lip, not sure what to expect now. Arthur looked at him intensely until he wanted to wiggle away, then finally one of the sweetest smiles graced the prince's lips.

"And you trust me with this?"

"I trust you with my life." Merlin whispered back.

"Then I will show you everything. I really will teach you to fly." He leaned down to kiss Merlin on the lips gently once more then trailing his tongue down the pale neck and back down to his chest, where he pulled more groans and whimpers from that delicious mouth.

While Merlin was distracted, Arthur began unlacing the ties that held the fabric up on slim hips. Merlin had enough sense to raise his hips to help Arthur but moaned when the blond pulled away to finish the job. Arthur took a moment to appraise the slender, dark haired youth sprawled like an offering over his bed. Merlin looked up at him, eyes wide and begging. How could he refuse such temptation when it was all for him?

It was Arthur's turn to kneel. He settled himself between Merlin's spread legs, hands either side of his hips, a devout man to prove himself before his deity. For at that moment, Merlin was like a god to him. He had never set eyes upon anything as wondrous. Arthur licked his lips thoughtfully, lowering his mouth to worship at the temple of Merlin.(2) Merlin gasped loudly as Arthur's warm mouth devoured his cock, back arching and hips bucking upwards.

"Arthurrrrrr!" All his blood was rushing to where the prince's mouth sucked and licked, his brain cells shutting down, leaving him only with the ability to feel. It was then he felt Arthur's fingers, brushing up the inside of his thighs, teasing his cock, playing with his balls. All Merlin could do was pant and moan in appreciation, his fingers clawing into the sheets beside him, before one hand wandered into Arthur's hair. He had never known anything like this moment.

The prince, using his mouth as a distraction, slowly began to prepare his soon to be lover. Pouring some of the oil that he had found earlier onto his fingers, he began teasing at Merlin's entrance. Merlin's moans went up a notch in pitch. At least if he was going to make this much noise, Arthur could tell if he was doing things right and not hurting him. He certainly wasn't going to tell his manservant off for being loud, not when not so long ago silence had filled this room and it had been death on the verge of claiming this body. To Arthur, Merlin's moans were the sweetest music he had ever heard.

Slowly, he began pushing a finger into the tight ring of muscle, trying to keep Merlin focussed on other things. It didn't take long for Arthur to be able to slide his finger easily and carefully added another. Merlin moaned once more, hips bucking slightly. Arthur decided it was best to forgo his oral worship so he would be able to watch Merlin better. To watch every little expression that crossed his beautiful face. When had he started considering Merlin beautiful? He couldn't answer that, but knew that he was right. Merlin was beautiful.

By the time Arthur added a third finger; Merlin was writhing against him and begging him for more. It was making the prince painfully hard just watching him. He quickly decided that he had done the best he could and wanted to fill Merlin with something else. As he pulled his fingers away, Merlin whimpered at his loss and opened his eyes to see what Arthur was doing.

The blond had stood up and was now slipping the rest of his clothes off. Merlin took a moment to appreciate the blond god that stood before him. Every part of that glorious body toned by fighting and horse riding. Every section of that body Merlin wanted to kiss. His eyes nervously gazed upon Arthur's impressive erection. 'Oh my…' His mind faded out as it went away over the mountains somewhere. What had he done to deserve this? Did he deserve it?

He quickly forgot about the questions as Arthur knelt back on the bed between Merlin's legs and poured some more oil over his rigid member. He smoothed it over quickly, not wanting to distract himself from who lay before him. Merlin raised a knee, using instinct alone, as Arthur positioned himself over him.

"Look at me." Merlin did so. He could very easily drown in those stunning eyes. Slowly lowering his lips to the parted ones beneath, Arthur tried to distract once more as he guided the head of his cock to Merlin's waiting entrance.

It was Merlin's turn to hiss, as the burn of his first time made its self known. He broke away from Arthur's lips to grit his teeth. Arthur stopped at seeing the expression.

"I'm sorry love, I will-"

"Say stop and I will kill you." Merlin managed through quick breaths. "I want this. I want you. Don't you dare stop." Despite the tears that began to escape, Arthur continued to press forward. As soon as he was in deeply enough, he waited for Merlin to adjust and kissed the tears away.

"I never wanted to hurt you."

"You haven't, I'm just-"

"You don't need to be brave for me. I know it hurts. But soon it will feel so much better." Blue eyes looked directly up at his.

"Show me then." Arthur nodded and slid carefully out before returning. The pain was still there, as he could see Merlin frowning, but his lover was too stubborn to tell him to stop. The frowning was very quickly replaced by moaning once more and was far more pleasant to watch. Arthur's pace sped up as Merlin began to meet his thrusts and beg more of his prince. Arthur was happy to oblige. Merlin's legs wrapped themselves around his hips, allowing Arthur to go deeper.

With every thrust a moan or gasp escaped Merlin's lips and soon Arthur was joining him, both escalating to new heights together. Slicked with sweat, they slid against each other. Merlin gripping at Arthur's shoulders, digging his nails into the firm flesh. Arthur was determined to watch Merlin come before he did. Supporting his weight to one arm he used the other to grasp Merlin's weeping manhood, and began pumping in time to his thrusts. For his first time, it was too much pleasure at once. Crying out Arthur's name, back arching upwards, Merlin came hard, spilling over Arthur's hand and his own chest. Arthur was just behind him. Groaning his servant's name, he filled Merlin's hot channel with his seed. He managed to collapse half off of Merlin so as not to flatten him. The two still remained joined as one.

Gaining a little energy back, Arthur managed to climb from the bed and found a cloth to clean them both up before climbing back beside Merlin.

"Are you still with me there?" He asked his lover gently. Merlin managed to turn his gaze to Arthur.

"I think so." His voice sounded distant. "So much for that extra energy. I think I just lost it." Arthur sniggered.

"Come here." He opened his arms so that Merlin could rest his head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around his dark haired lover. "Merlin," Again the blue eyes looked up, although now at a much more awkward angle. "Keep our magic secret." Merlin smiled knowingly. There could be no other way.

"I will Arthur. I will."

-x-

The days couldn't go quick enough. By day they were master and servant. It was almost like there was nothing between them than what there should be. Almost. There were the heated looks. The touches that lasted a fraction longer than they should. The secret smiles. Nothing a casual onlooker would have noticed. But it was never enough.

By the time the sun had set, their fire burned. Every night Merlin would find himself locked in Arthur's embrace, moaning loudly as Arthur would take him, or learning the tricks that made Arthur shout his name. Every night he would fall asleep in Arthur's arms. He couldn't remember a time when he was happier. All because of one happy little accident with a spell.

He should have known it wasn't to be.

One night he heard the dragon's call. He knew as much as he wanted to, he would never be able to ignore it. The dragon could be annoyingly stubborn. Pulling himself out of Arthur's embrace and into the cold night was not something he wanted to do. But he did it anyway. He watched Arthur shift into his warm spot and bury his head in his pillow. Merlin was glad the prince didn't wake; he didn't want to have to explain himself. He took in the image of a sweetly sleeping Arthur. It was an image he did not want to forget in a hurry. Arthur was a warrior prince; to see him so calm was a sight very few people would have seen. He felt privileged to be one of them.

He got dressed quickly, due to the cold more than haste to see the dragon. It was with a sour look he appeared before the winged beast.

"Why did you call me now?" He couldn't help the anger in his voice. The dragon looked almost sad.

"This cannot be Merlin." Merlin looked hurt. "What you have with Arthur."

"No. No, you can't say that." He shook his head vehemently.

"You know it's true."

"Why do you always want to hurt me? I'm happy damn it! Once in my miserable, plebeian little life and you want to take that away from me." The dragon sighed.

"I'm sorry Merlin. Neither of you can fulfil your destinies while you only look upon each other. A coin has two sides, but they always look away. They never look at each other. And so must you be."

"Damn destiny. What's so special about it anyway?" I don't care anymore. Why can't we just be what we want?"

"Merlin look to your heart, see through your emotions. You know deep down what you must sacrifice. I never said it was easy." The dragon's voice was sad.

"You knew this would happen?"

"Yes"

"And you said nothing?"

"You know I cannot do that Merlin. You must choose your own path. I can only guide you."

"I hate you!" Merlin was crying now. He couldn't help it. He knew exactly what he had done wrong. He had dared to hope. His hope was a reflection on a pool, suddenly broken by a single raindrop. His heart, a glass ornament smashed around him and he didn't dare to pick up the pieces because he knew they would cut deep and he would bleed. Again the dragon sighed.

"You know what you must do. You must fulfil your destiny and help Arthur fulfil his." Merlin slumped to his knees. His happiness meant nothing. Destiny always had to get in the way it seemed. (3)

-x-

The next day Merlin tried to act as if nothing had happened. But every look that he was bestowed hurt, every touch shared burnt him. Every hour that ticked by Merlin began to dread. Every moment drew him nearer to the task he had to perform.

Alone together in his room, Arthur began their nightly ritual, but sensed Merlin was not really with him.

"What's wrong love?" Merlin sighed. This would be the moment and he hated it.

"It's nothing." He smiled, but he could tell Arthur could see straight through it. He held his lover close.

"Please tell me." Merlin looked him directly in the eyes.

"Arthur. Kiss me." The prince ran a hand across Merlin's cheek, and then pulled him close. Merlin let Arthur deepen their kiss. Their last kiss. He felt the tears roll from his eyes. Before Arthur could notice them, Merlin opened his eyes as they flashed gold. 'Ofergieteús'. Forget us. A spell within his head.

Arthur seemed to freeze, then slump slightly. If it hadn't been such a painful thing, it could have been almost comical. But now Merlin could not stop crying. He ran his hand across Arthur's cheek, as the prince stood like a limp puppet. Merlin knew the spell would hold, as long as no one could remind Arthur. If that happened everything would come back. The memories were just repressed. He could do no more than that. He dared not. Anything more invasive became a lot more dangerous. Only he and Gaius were aware of their relationship. It would be no trouble to tell the physician to not say anything.

"I'll keep our secret. For both of us." He whispered, before tuning and walking out of the room.

-x-

Morgana could not understand it. She had seen Arthur and Merlin grow so close. With her sharp eyes she had seen each little touch and look they had given each other. She was sure they had become lovers. But this she could not understand.

Arthur was ignoring his servant completely. Almost like he wasn't there.

Every time Merlin looked at the prince, it seemed his heart was breaking, there was a longing there that was so intense. It was almost as if the servant was wasting away.

What had happened? Had they had a fight? It just seemed so wrong. She couldn't stand to see Merlin suffer. She made a promise to herself. As soon as she could, she would talk to Arthur about this whole business.

-END-

The Mngwa is a mythical creature in Swahili. I just used the way it's pronounced to make easier reading! Hence the 'from a distant place' and all that jazz. I just 'adapted' it to make it suit my purposes! Read about it here:

.com/page/Mngwa

(2) I'm sorry I have no idea where that image came from. But when it was there, it insisted on staying there. So the one line that makes me cringe!
(3) I'm sorry I've ruined the slash dragon, but I feel it's the sort of stupid he might come out with. Encourage them together then tell them they can't be.

OK, so that's it. I will now run and hide before I get pelted with rotten veg. I'll go write another fic. *Makes quick exit*