In HIndsight

Something was nagging at her constantly. Despite the worry over Elyan, despite the fear, Gwen seemed quite unable to stop dwelling on Merlin and why was he not affected by Lamia?

There was one possibility that she couldn't help but think about - not with all the rumours around the castle over the years - but she knew both Merlin and Arthur well enough to see their close friendship for what it really was, and Gwen had seen Merlin around Morgana often enough to be fairly convinced that he did like girls and they most certainly liked him.

So, what else could it be? She was fairly certain the answer was there, just out of reach, but all the stress of the moment was preventing her from reaching it.

And then, in the caves, she saw him, saw heard Leon cry out, ran to investigate and then held back, just around the corner, as Merlin confronted Lamia.

"You'll not find me such easy prey," he declared.

"Your magic holds no fear for me," Lamia replied. "I could've killed you any time I wished."

"Magic," Gwen whispered. "Merlin?" Although, in many ways, it made perfect sense.

"Then... what are you waiting for?"

That though. The tone in his voice was definitely a surprise.

Then Lamia attacked and Gwen grabbed onto her sword more tightly, automatically getting ready to rush to her friend's defence, despite what she'd just learnt. However, Merlin was faster and, with a string of strange words, a nearby sword rose majestically into the air and flung itself into Lamia's chest. She flew backwards and Merlin turned away, quickly rushing to check on Percival.

Gwen remembered to breathe out.

"Merlin..." Gwen tried to call out but her voice felt stuck in her throat. The casual mention of magic a few moments before had not been half as shocking as actually seeing the act itself. How could Merlin have magic? How could he be evil? First Morgana and now him? All of this seemed like a dream – a nightmare. Surely that had to be what this was. Surely she'd wake up soon.

So much was happening now but still Gwen was unable to move, watching half-horrified, half-fascinated as Lamia re-emerged as some immense beast. Merlin cast another spell but, despite what she'd seen, Gwen reacted on instinct, charging out of her hiding place and attacking the creature with a sword.

What was she doing? Surely Merlin had far more chance than she had and yet it felt wrong to stand there and do nothing. As the pair lay there in fear, Gwen saw her friend hold out a hand whilst nervously glancing her way. He was ready to use magic but was holding back because he didn't know she knew and wanted to remain hidden.

But he would save them, wouldn't he? Surely he would trust her with that knowledge enough to save both their lives.

Although it seemed that wouldn't be necessary. Arthur had arrived.

Gwen ran forwards, both delighted to see him and keen to remove herself from Merlin for the time being. Not that she wasn't grateful, not that she was even contemplating turning him in but rather, in her current confused state, she needed a little time to mull over what she had seen.

~o~0~o~

A/N: So... 'This fic is likely to be reopened in the future', she says in April 2011! Took my time.

I actually wrote this for a Christmas Wishlist on The Heart of Camelot and didn't update here because I planned to write a second part. I've now done that and will share that very soon in my 'Heart To Know' reaction set. So, make sure that's alerted too.