Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Merlin had grown up secluded, waiting for the day he could control his powers.

Hunith, his amazingly kind mother, had raised him on her own. His loving father, Balinor, had passed away before Hunith knew she was with child. Not that that had deterred Hunith from sharing everything she could about him to her son, the moment Merlin had been old enough to reliably keep secrets.

Hunith was a powerful witch, and Balinor had been a strong, respected witch-wolf, before the war. They’d found each other by chance, but their love had been strong. The war was brutal though, and the wounds it left behind were deep. Now, they frowned upon all supernaturals, bar wolves. What was once practised in the open, was now hidden away behind closed doors, including Hunith’s gifts. Now, those who had once been respected, were hunted down, more often than not killed; witches and vampires, witch-wolves and vampire-witches alike blamed for crimes they had not committed. And so, a whole people had hidden, waiting for a day life would be safe once again.

With Merlin’s heritage, it was no surprise that the magics had come easily to him, an extraordinarily powerful talent that had developed before he could walk. So yes, Merlin had grown up secluded, waiting for the day he could control his powers, keep his, their, secrets. Joy had overwhelmed him, the first time Hunith had sat him down, and told him about his father.

Hunith had made sure Merlin knew there was nothing wrong with him, that he was loved, and that his heritage was nothing to be ashamed of, even if he could never share it with the world. Merlin had been quite the handful, but Hunith had risen to the challenge and raised him well.

Despite the terrors of the world outside their home, Merlin was proud of his heritage. He had grown up excitedly waiting for the day, - on, or before his 19th birthday, - when he would come into his heritage and have his first shift as a wolf. So it was quite a shock, when at 15, instead of shifting into the werewolf from his heritage, he instead found himself with retractable fangs, heightened senses, and a sudden lust for blood. That had certainly been something to get used to.

Naturally turned vampires were myths, seen as either the highest of blessings or lowest of curses, depending on who you asked. Mostly curses, after the war, though. All only in fables of course - none believed them to be real. People believed vampires existed, just only bitten ones.

Magics as powerful as Merlin's were already rare enough, the werewolf heritage made him even stranger so, but to become a vampire... Well that was just unheard of. Impossible, even, Merlin would have said.

They had assumed that since his vampire had taken hold first, his wolf would not bloom. That had been a disappointment, of course, as he wanted to honour his late father. But instead, the surprising change meant even more struggles, trying to reign in his growing powers, having to deal with his sudden bloodlust, all while in a small village that already condemned him for his heritage as a bastard alone, and had prejudice against all things strange or supernatural.

Hunith had supported him every step of the way as he got used to his new life as a hidden vampire-witch. They had figured out he could feed from her, and then rejuvenate her with his magics. As the years passed and Merlin got closer and closer to his 19th birthday, they had worked out a good arrangement for everything.

So imagine their surprise when, - a couple months before his 19th birthday, - Merlin shifted for the first time. It had been hell keeping his wolf in check, unprepared as they were, and while Merlin had broken out of their home, he had succeeded in moving away from the village unseen; towards the forest and nearby stream, where he had spent the night hunting everything in sight, satisfying both his wolf and his vampire in one go.

The villagers, however, did not take kindly to Merlin arriving back home in the morning, covered in mud, blood, and goddess knows what else, and they had not been afraid to show it. Merlin had hurried home, head down, as they yelled insults and curses at him.

Once he had stepped through the door, his mother had slammed into him with the fiercest of hugs, thankful he was unhurt. Together, they had cleaned him up, and he had fallen asleep with his head in her lap, like he used to do as a child.

Having powerful magics, while being both vampire and werewolf however, was contradictory, terrifying, and, until now, thought of as impossible. Alone just being werewolf and vampire at the same time should be impossible. Many had tried and failed to create the powerful hybrid, but considering vampire’s blood was a deadly incurable poison to werewolves, and wolves-bite a just as incurably deadly poison to vampires, it was not surprising none had succeeded.

The fact that wolves were creatures of the day, and vampires creatures of the night, did not help Merlin's case. So Merlin coming into both of said powers was... well it was rather Merlin-like, but none-the-less unheard of.

Being a vampire should have meant his witch heritage would have been dwindling, or even left behind completely, as the two forces fought against each other for control. Yet it seemed to only strengthen him.

Being a witch should have made his wolf heritage emerge, not only earlier, but more wild and uncontrolled, and yet it had been a surprisingly normal coming-into-powers, for a non-witch werewolf at least.

As a werewolf, however, he should no longer have the same access to the magics of the sun, the moon, and the stars that non-wolf witches relied upon. Instead, his access should have shifted, allowing him access to the magics of the land that other werewolves relied upon.
This was how the magics kept the balance. Yet, Merlin now had access to both, without trouble for either.

With so many instincts contradicting each other, as well as the amount of magics now flooding through him, it was incredibly hard for Merlin to reign in anything, let alone control it.

With the villagers’ unease of him, his new struggles to control his powers, and all the unanswered questions, it was clear that Merlin needed more guidance than Hunith could give, more safety than their village could provide, and would have to seek answers elsewhere.

Both Merlin and his mother had agreed it was for the best, and so Hunith had reached out to her elder brother, in hopes he could guide Merlin to answers, or give him the safety she could not. After many exchanged letters he had agreed to Hunith's vague descriptions of her plight, relenting to her pleas for help.

It had been heartbreaking for Hunith and Merlin to say their goodbyes, but Hunith sent Merlin on his way to Gaius with nothing but hopes of a brighter future and love in both their hearts.

Chapter Text

Merlin asked a guard for directions to Gaius’ personal chambers, and it shocked him to find that since Gaius was the acting physician, Gaius lived in the physicians chambers.

In the physicians chambers. Where there would be patients. Patients with potential wounds. Merlin may not have lost control of his vampire before, but it was certainly not something he wanted to test his limits of. He’d hoped to avoid most of the physicians quarters, too scared his hunger would spin out of control and he'd hurt someone.

In his anxiety, Merlin failed to knock on the door to Gaius’ chambers. He crept into the chambers like the stealthy creature of the night he was. Sometimes. It wasn’t until he was properly inside the chambers, that he realised what he’d done, so he made sure to close the door loudly, announcing his arrival. [Vampire, Werewolf.]

Gaius was sitting on a chair halfway across the room treating a young feverish patient. He was changing the wet cloth on the patient’s brow, when Merlin closed the door.

Gaius started slightly at the noise, but the feverish patient shot upwards with a roar. Gaius was not fast enough to move his arm away, and the patient’s wolves-teeth slammed against Gaius’ wrist, drawing blood.

The patient slumped down into the bed just as quickly as he had shot up, and Merlin barely had time to register what had happened, before Gaius was yelling at him, ‘Take that yellow vial, and come help me sit him up!’

Merlin made his way towards it, but as he got closer, there was something tugging him towards the patient instead of the yellow vial. Trusting his instincts, Merlin ignored Gaius’ orders, and stumbled forwards as he followed the tugging.

The moment Merlin came close enough to see the faint grey-ish black veins slowly spreading from the patient’s mouth, he knew what he had to do.

With no regard for his own safety, Merlin yanked up his sleeve and bit into his own wrist with his vampire’s fangs. Before Gaius could do anything to stop him, Merlin pushed his bleeding wrist over the patient’s mouth, and forced it to remain there. He retracted his vampire’s fangs, extended his wolves-teeth, picked up the patient’s wrist, bit into it, and swallowed the blood that rushed from the bite.

As soon as the patient swallowed some of the blood bleeding from Merlin’s wrist, forced onto his mouth, Merlin removed his arm, and gently let go of the patient.

Then Merlin turned towards Gaius, and in a quick movement forced his unbitten wrist to Gaius’ mouth, pressing it just enough at that specific spot where Gaius’ own fangs were forced out, and into Merlin’s wrist. At the same time, Merlin grabbed Gaius’ arm and bit into it with his vampire’s fangs, drinking the wolves-poison away.

Gaius instinctively drank a mouthful of Merlin’s blood, before he gained enough control to push Merlin away from him, and pull his arm back to himself.

Gaius was about to yell at Merlin when his wound abruptly closed, as if he hadn't been bitten at all. At the same time, the young patient let out a content groan and rolled over on his side, no bitemark on his wrist, and his previously high fever visibly lower.

Too surprised to do anything else, they stared at each other for a very long, uncomfortable moment, both of their mouths shaped like ‘o’s, before they remembered themselves.

Merlin was the first to regain his wits, as he blurted out 'I am so sorry, I have no idea why I just did that!' in a panicked high voice.

Gaius, a little slower on the uptake, stared at Merlin for another good 20 seconds before he responded 'you saved my life!' in what was probably supposed to be a grateful tone, but came out accusing instead. 'Who are you?!' he then demanded, angrily.

Merlin took a small step back from the terrifying physician, as he weakly tried to defend himself 'I'm sorry! I didn't know! I’m Merlin'

'You're Hunith’s boy!' Gaius said in recognition. Merlin frantically nodded. 'How are you here? You're supposed to be a vampire!' Gaius hissed, keeping his voice down.

Merlin gave a side-glance to the young patient on the bed, but determined him to still be unconscious, before he answered in a quiet voice 'I am! Well.. I think I am?'

He earned an incredulous look from Gaius, and a questioning eyebrow. 'It's mid-morning! The sun is still up' Gaius proclaimed, with a sweeping motion towards the windows, then towards Merlin's hands, as if confirming his point.

Merlin looked out the windows, down at his hands, then back to Gaius, confused. 'Oh! I have a letter from my mother that should explain!' Merlin said, as he began rifling through his backpack. He successfully retrieved said letter, and handed it over to Gaius.

Then Merlin caught up with Gaius’ words. 'Wait, what's that supposed to mean? You're up and a vampire too!' Merlin asked, confusion evident on his face as he tried to piece together the mystery.

Gaius’ face adopted a more endearing expression, almost like he was happy with how quickly Merlin had caught on. 'Vampire-witch' he corrected, 'It means I can live as a witch more so than a vampire, hence why the sun doesn’t bother me. And this,' he said, as he pointed to a ring tied to his necklace. ‘It's enchanted to help keep me active in the daylight hours.’

This made sense to Merlin, who nodded along. 'Oh. I thought vampires didn't scold in the sun? I never have, at least? But why can I easily live with daylight hours then?' Merlin asked, happy to finally have someone to ask. Well, happy to finally have someone to answer.

Before Gaius could respond to that, Merlin added 'Oh! Do you know why I can stomach normal foods now, then?' He smiled as he turned to face Gaius, who had started walking towards the table and bench.

Merlin had been ecstatic to find that he could eat normal foods again, after 4 years as a vampire. He’d discovered it half by chance, one morning after a full moon, when he’d stolen a piece of fruit from his mothers plate, and had eaten it while telling his mother about his nightly adventure. He hadn’t even realised he’d done it until she’d stopped up and stared at him in worry.

Gaius, however, froze mid-step at Merlin’s last question, before he turned around to look at Merlin in shock. 'You can stomach normal foods?' he asked, his voice a pitch too high to be normal.

Merlin nodded hesitantly. 'Yeah. Well, I couldn't when I first turned but after…, Well I can just fine now.' He shrugged.

'That should be impossible.' Gaius exclaimed.

'Ehh..' Merlin said, as he started to fidget with his hands. 'Do... Do you know why I'm here? Why I need your help?'

Gaius pursed his lips. 'I don't believe so, no.'

'I... I think you might want to read the letter, -' Merlin nodded his head towards the letter in Gaius hands, '- it'll explain the details.'

‘You might want to ban the word impossible for a while after...' Merlin added with a sheepish smile, which did nothing to ease his discomfort as he twisted his hands together.

Gaius hummed in acknowledgement and sat down with a doubtful look on his face, before he opened the letter and read it. Then he looked up at Merlin, gave him an inscrutable look, and turned his gaze back to the letter and re-read it. Then he reread the letter again.

Merlin sat down on the bench across from Gaius, as he awaited whatever was to come, which prompted Gaius to look up at him again. 'Hunith would never jest about something so serious.' Gaius said gravely.

Merlin gave an uncertain look towards the patient, uncomfortable sharing anything with the chance of being overheard. Gaius saw Merlin’s uncertainty and waved a hand, whispering magics of the moon to shield them from prying eyes and ears.

Merlin recognised the magics for what they did as a shimmering outline of a golden shield obscured them. He took it as his prompt to explain or offer proof, and put his hand forwards for Gaius to take. Gaius looked a little sceptical, but took his offered hand. Then, as he bared his teeth in an uncomfortable smile, Merlin displayed his wolves-teeth and called upon the magics of the star to bind his and Gaius hands together in a loose chain. Once he’d done that, he used his other hand to call upon the magics of the land, and grew a flower on the table. To finish it off, he extended his vampire fangs.

With both his wolves-teeth and his vampire fangs on full display, in his, still uncomfortable, smile, there was no denying he was both. The proof he could reach both kinds of magics as well, only further proved his confusing and, so far, inexplicable situation.

Gaius just sat there, staring at Merlin with a baffled expression. Merlin waited a good while for any reaction. He took his hands back, letting the magical chain disappear.

He wasn't quite sure what he expected, but for Gaius to look so lost, certainly wasn't it. 'I'm sorry' Merlin said, not quite sure what he was apologising for.

'Okay,' Gaius replied, visibly pulling himself together, 'so. You can access the magics of the land.' Merlin nodded. 'And you can access the magics of the star.' Gaius said, sounding slightly breathless. Merlin nodded again.

‘And apparently, you can heal vampire’s blood and wolves-bites?’

Merlin shrugged self-consciously. ‘I didn’t know I could do that…’

Gaius nodded to himself, but clearly decided not to comment further on that, for his own sanity if nothing else.

'First things first then. You are aware of what would happen to you, should anyone find out about you?' Gaius asked sharply, falling back into his physician role.

Merlin gave yet another nod.

'You must keep this secret. From now on you are either human or wolf. I care not which, but choose you must, if you wish to keep your head. Witch alone will get you killed just as well, so should you acknowledge that, it best be kept as a non-prominent side. You can under no circumstances reveal your vampire.'

Merlin seemed to stew over this for a while before he nodded, 'yeah, okay… Yeah, I can do that.' Merlin looked up at Gaius, ‘What do you think I should do?’

Gaius seemed surprised Merlin asked him, but answered none-the-less, ‘You’ll be in danger no matter what you choose. The less attention on you, the better.’ He contemplated.

'So you think human will be safest for me then?' Merlin pleaded.

Gaius gave it deep thought, before he replied. ‘That means no magics either.’

Merlin hummed his acknowledgement. ‘Then that’s what I’ll be…’ he decided.

Together, they started working out the gritty details of Merlin’s stay, his duties, food, and what he knew he could and could not control with his powers.

Once they had sorted everything, a long while later, Gaius said 'well then, Merlin. Welcome to Camelot. You can set your things in there', as he gestured to the elevated room at the back of the physicians chambers.

Merlin got up, and was halfway out of the shield, when Gaius stopped him with a stern 'Merlin.'

Merlin turned around with a questioning look, until he saw Gaius' raised eyebrow as his gaze dropped to both of Merlin's still extended sets of teeth. Oh goddess, had he had his teeth out the entire conversation? He retracted both sets of teeth with a sheepish smile.

'And Merlin? - Thank you. For saving my life.' Gaius said, with a small smile playing on his lips.

Merlin returned the smile full force, gave Gaius a half-shrug half-nod, before he exited the obscuring shield, and went into his new room.

Chapter Text

A loud voice rang inside of Merlin’s head. ‘Emrys.’ Merlin had no clue what the hell it meant. It had been calling to him randomly at all hours of that day, - as well as the day before, - although mostly in the evening, right as Gaius went to bed. 

He wanted to relax and recover from the long journey to Camelot and the enlightening experience he had had when he arrived in Gaius’ chambers. Merlin had been in Camelot for two whole days, and he just wanted to get used to his new life and learn how to control his powers in peace. He did not want to have a loud voice yelling in his head. Especially not, when he hadn’t fed at all since he arrived. 

‘Emrys!’ The voice called again. Giving up on getting peace, Merlin decided to see if he could follow the voice and figure out what it wanted. Once Gaius was fast asleep, Merlin sneaked out of their chambers, and started to follow the direction of the voice. 

He went down an older corridor in the lower part of the castle when he felt the tug in his magics again. [Human.] Two guards were stationed in front of the entrance his magics were tugging him towards, so Merlin did the only thing he could think of. A loud crash could be heard down the corridor, opposite to where Merlin was. 

The guards both turned towards the sound, both taking only a single step forwards before stopping. They didn’t leave their post as they tried to investigate what had caused the noise, but their attention was turned away from him. It wasn’t much of an opening, but Merlin took it. The world slowed down around him; caught between one breath and the next as he silently sprinted past the guards into the dimly lit corridor, and down the large staircase. 

Vampire fangs extended, time caught up as he stopped sprinting, the world resuming its normal pace. Merlin heaved in a deep breath, only to find he still didn’t need it. ‘Of course you don’t need to breathe you cucumber,’ Merlin quietly rebuked himself, as he continued down the stairs. 

For all the many things that had changed in recent months, it surprised him whenever his undead abilities still worked as before. His wolf emerging had allowed him so many things he had had to go without; eating foods, feeling warmth, aching muscles. So whenever he found himself using the reflexes of his wolf, just to find he didn’t need them, he felt silly. He hadn’t needed a breath in 4 years, why would he suddenly need one now?

He arrived at the bottom of the staircase, just to be met with a closed door and a draft. He checked to make sure he hadn’t been followed, before he tried the door. Locked. He whispered the magics of the stars to unlock it, then stepped through, closing the door behind him. Another, smaller and older, spiral staircase hid on the other side of the door. Merlin followed the narrow staircase down to the bottom.

The tiled floor gave way to a rocky ledge, overlooking a huge cavern spreading out from the vantage point. Multiple small rocky ledges and daises were scattered around the cave, like tops of a mountain peeking from below. Merlin walked to the middle of the ledge, taking in the vastness. [???] He could feel the ancient magics down here, too old for their name to be remembered. 

‘Hello?’ Merlin shouted. He waited a couple seconds before he shouted again. ‘Is anybody here?’

Flap, flap, flap. The sound of wings beating against the air hit him, and shortly after the sound of a chain clanking against the rocks followed. 

A green-golden dragon landed on the rocky platform in front of him. It was beautiful, majestic; and the ancient magics that oozed off of him overwhelmed Merlin. [???Dragon.]

‘Hello.’ The dragon responded. 

‘Are you the one shouting in my head?’ Merlin asked. 

The dragon made an almost chuckling noise, before he responded. ‘Oh, how young you are, Emrys.’

‘Emrys?’ Merlin echoed confusedly.

‘Yes. That is your name.’

‘Pretty sure it’s Merlin. Always has been.’

‘Merlin, you say?’

Merlin nodded. 

‘Perhaps. Perhaps not. To us, you are known as Emrys. It is your name and your title alone.’ 

‘What does that mean? Who’s “us”?’ 

‘Oh, how great you could be. The destiny you could make... Oh, but the choice is yours of course.’ 

‘What does that even mean? Who are you?’

‘Listen to your heart, Merlin. I am sure we will speak again.’ The dragon answered.

‘Can’t you expl-‘ Merlin started, but the dragon folded its wings out, took to the air, and flew away before he finished asking. Left standing on the cliff ledge, confused, Merlin mumbled, ‘right. Thanks. That explained absolutely nothing at all,’ to himself, before he turned around and started the trek back to his chambers. 

—

‘Do you know what Emrys is?’ Merlin asked Gaius over breakfast. 

Gaius looked up at Merlin with a guarded expression. ‘Where have you heard that?’ 

As he saw Gaius’ expression, Merlin decided not to mention he had seen a dragon. ‘Just something in my head. Like a voice? Keeps calling me Emrys. Tells me it’s my name. I tried to tell it it isn’t, but I’m not sure it worked.’ Merlin shrugged, hoping it looked as careless as he wanted it to. It did not. 

‘It’s a title. A dangerous one. You should be careful who you mention it to.’ Gaius responded in a deferential tone. 

‘But what does it mean? And why does it think it’s me? Do you know?’ 

‘What do you know of the druids?’ Gaius countered, authoritative, but with a deferential undertone. 

‘They’re druids?’ Merlin replied sheepishly, ducking his head. ‘Why does that matter? Can’t you just tell me?’

Had Merlin known he would be doing heavy, boring , confusing , research for the next couple hours of his life, he would not have pressed for answers like that. But unfortunately, Merlin did not know, and so, Gaius put him to work, researching and noting everything he could find in their books about the druids, and their legends. 

—

‘I still don’t get it.’ Merlin complained. ‘What does “One of all” even mean? This is just as confusing as the rest!’ 

Gaius gave a weary sigh, before he turned his gaze towards him. ‘Well, what have you learned?’

‘Ughhh, fine…’ Merlin grumbled, before he picked up the piece of parchment he’d been writing his notes on. ‘The druids are mostly a peaceful people; but they’ve been in hiding since the war. But considering most of them are either vampires, witches or a combination thereof, it’s not like I blame them.’

‘Mhhh. And what else are they?’ Gaius asked in a tone that clearly showed Merlin had forgotten something. 

‘Uhhh.’ Merlin scratched his temple absently as he thought about it. ‘Oh! Or witch-wolves!’ Gaius hummed his acknowledgement, and gestured for Merlin to go on. 

‘They have the most experience with those who See. Because of that, they have a strong faith in destiny…?’ 

Gaius sighed again, before he decided to put Merlin out of his misery. Or perhaps put himself out of Merlin’s misery. ‘No. Destiny is a Seen event. It has little to do with faith. Destinies are a version of our reality that can come to pass by events foretold. They are hard-won and harder still to keep. 

‘They’re all about the choice one can make. A destiny can foresee a future where all wear a robe like mine. In order for that future to come to pass, certain things need happen; a Seer will examine paths that will lead to or from it; and encourage or discourage the people on it. 

‘Maybe the Seer saw the only way for all to wear a robe like mine is to burn down a hundred crops. In that case, the Seer would share that destiny as a warning to all who burn crops. 

‘Destiny is just as fallible as the rest of us. The only difference is that by knowing your destiny, you can make the hard choices and walk the path knowing the end result will be worth it; giving it a higher chance of success or failure depending on your desired result.

‘They’re not promised. Mistakes can just as easily lead to a destiny unfulfilled.’ Gaius intoned.  

‘The druids often view people whose destinies have been foretold as cursed; it is a heavy burden to carry throughout one's life.’ He added. 

Merlin nodded, ‘So Emrys is a destiny? Or has one?’ he asked. 

Gaius seemed to debate with himself before answering. ‘Emrys is a druidic title, going back to the first Seer’s. It translates to “Immortal” or “Eternal”. The first Seer’s foretold a great war, and a saviour amongst their people. The strongest, “One of all”, who could bridge the gap, bring peace back to the lands. Emrys is the name they gave to that person. The Once and Future King is supposed to be the one who bridges the gap from the other side. Not much of him is known; he’s supposed to be a human king, just and fair. Together, they’re supposed to be two halves of the same coin.’ 

‘It’s certainly not Uther’ Merlin commented, a mix of harsh amusement in his voice. He sobered up, ‘So why call me Emrys?’ Merlin asked. ‘It’s not like I have some grand destiny.’

‘Merlin. For someone to call you Emrys, they would believe you have the strength of heart, body, and soul to bring that future true. It’s an honour, but to be called it here will get you killed.’ 

‘Me?’ Merlin asked, bewildered. ‘ But I’m just me! -‘ Merlin gestured to himself. ‘-How could I ever do things like that? I can barely control my powers!’ 

Gaius adopted an incredulous expression and raised his eyebrow. ‘Do you expect to never learn how to control your powers?’ 

‘Oh…’ Merlin said, as he absorbed everything. 

‘Don’t let it get to your head. For all you know, it could be someone wanting to manipulate you for their own good.’ Gaius warned, seeing the awed expression on Merlin’s face. 

Merlin adopted a more sheepish expression. ‘Sorry. Just… What if this is why I’m like this? What if I can actually help people?’ 

Gaius eyed Merlin heavily. ‘You already are helping people every day.’ He pointed out.

‘Yeah… I guess so.’

‘Your gifts are precious Merlin, don’t take them for granted. But now is not the time to be flaunting them. You need your head on your shoulders if you want to help.’

‘My gifts are all I am Gaius! What use am I if I can’t use them?’

‘It won’t always be like this Merlin. But you must learn to walk before you can run. Enough of this. We have patients to see. Get up. Oh, and pass me my bag.’ Gaius said, as he stood up, and started preparing for their rounds. Merlin grumbled to himself a bit more, before he complied.

Chapter Text

~ Merlin grumbled to himself a bit more, before he complied. ~

‘Merlin, today will be a special case. As you know, we treat most patients in here, unless circumstances forces us elsewhere. There is one exception to this rule, and today you will observe it.’ Gaius informed Merlin, once he was done grumbling. Merlin was supposed to take over the daily rounds once he’d learned the route, but for now, they had to do it together.

‘What’s so special about this patient?’ Merlin couldn’t help but ask, his curiosity overtaking Gaius’ stern expression. Anything would be more interesting than the research they’d been doing all morning.

‘The King.’ Gaius answered, before he took his healing pouch from Merlin and opened the door for Merlin to follow.

‘Ah…’

They made their way around the lower town, and Gaius introduced Merlin as his apprentice to all the patients so they’d come to know him. Once they’d finished there, Gaius led the way back towards the castle, inside it, and through a maze of corridors Merlin just knew he’d get lost in at some point. He was surprised he hadn’t gotten lost after seeing the dragon, but then again; he hadn’t been paying attention to the route then. He doubted he could find his way back there now.  

They reached a small antechamber when Gaius stopped and sent Merlin a look that said “ behave, Merlin, ” before he knocked on the door. 

‘Enter,’ a deep voice rang through from inside the chamber. 

Gaius entered and left the door open for Merlin to follow, which he did. He closed the door silently after him, before he went to stand next to Gaius, who placed his medical bag on the table he was standing next to. [Werewolf.]

King Uther was staring down into the courtyard, his back turned towards them. ‘Sire.’ Gaius greeted, and Merlin was quick to follow with his own quiet ‘Sire,’ and a half-hearted bow to the king’s back. 

Uther turned around at the sound of Merlin’s voice with a slightly surprised expression. ‘Gaius.’ He greeted, before his gaze travelled over Merlin. ‘Who’s this?’ Uther did not sound happy. 

‘This is Merlin, Sire, my apprentice and ward.’

Merlin, unable to keep his mouth shut, greeted him with a ‘Hi.’ 

Uther glared at him, but focused back on Gaius. ‘Right, let’s get to it, then.’ Uther said, as he sat down on the only chair pulled away from the table. Gaius moved over to Uther’s shoulder, and started moving Uther’s arm this way and that, all while he explained what he was looking for to Merlin. 

Merlin paid diligent attention to all the knowledge, even if Uther unhappily scrutinised him the entire time. 

Gaius finished the movements with the king’s arm and shoulder. He looked over to Merlin, ‘Fetch me the tincture we brewed before your breakfast this morning.’ 

Merlin moved towards the medical bag, before he stopped and gave Gaius a questioning look. ‘The one for fever, the one for muscles, the pain potion, or the bruise salve?’ He asked.

Gaius hummed an approving noise. ‘Well remembered. The one for muscles.’ 

Merlin quickly dug through the tinctures, found the bottle, and handed it over to Gaius, who double checked it was the correct tincture. Gaius then poured a little on his hand and smeared it on Uther’s neck, just over where his shirt ended. 

Merlin backpedalled towards the table as he tried not to miss Gaius instructions, but tripped over his own two feet and landed in a sprawl on the floor. Gaius sent him an exasperated look, something he’d been on the receiving end of much more than what was fair, in his opinion. Uther looked at him with what could almost be mistaken for mirth if it wasn't for the angry expression he was otherwise wearing. 

‘Sorry,’ Merlin mumbled as he righted himself, cheeks flaring red. 

The rest of the visit went by without incident, and Merlin stayed back, observing. Just as they were about to finish up, a knock resounded from the door. Gaius and Uther sent each other a look that said “ Are you expecting anyone?" "No, are you?" "No?” before Uther cleared his throat, and yelled ‘Enter.’ [Human.]

A page entered and gave a hasty bow before he reported, ‘Sire, apologies for the interruption. The council is in disagreement about the visit from King Bayard, requiring your presence if possible, Your Majesty?’ 

Uther looked annoyed at the reason for the interruption, and he gave a heavy sigh before he responded, ‘Yes, I shall join them once I am finished here.’ 

The page performed another bow and retreated back out of the chamber. 

Uther shook his head, ‘One of these days…’ 

Gaius chuckled.

Merlin got the feeling he was intruding on a rare moment between two friends, instead of a physician and his King. 

The moment ended and Gaius finished the checkup. 

Uther stood up and made his way towards the door when Gaius stopped him, 'your Majesty. I was wondering if I could ask something?' his tone polite, but not one to be easily brokered with. 

Uther turned around to Gaius and gave a silent permission to continue. 

'With Merlin living here, there are certain...' Gaius cleared his throat, before continuing with a meaningful glance towards Merlin, '... supplies , we'll be needing more of. Will we be able to acquire it from the castle?' 

Merlin did not like the scrutiny Uther gave him for the question. 

Uther was clearly confused by the request; before he suddenly looked like he understood. 'Yes' he replied, looking very uncomfortable. 

Gaius gave a half-bow to the king 'Thank you, Sire.' 

Uther then strode out of the door, in what Merlin would have called a rushed exit, if not for the fact that Uther was the king. Too confused by the implications of whatever that was about, Merlin decided he’d ask about it later, once they’d returned to Gaius’ chambers. 

—

Merlin was still buzzing from finding out the castle would supply more blood, relieved he could actually feed properly, even if his portion size was less than ideal. At least the combination of blood and food would be enough to satisfy his basic needs. It was still far better than he had expected.

Merlin and Gaius were sitting calmly at the table, enjoying their dinner. Both of them were drinking blood from a cup, but Merlin's cup was less full and he also had a plate of food in front of him. 

'I can't believe the King just gave you more blood without questioning why!' Merlin said eagerly.

Gaius gave him a strange look at that, but hummed a confirming sound.  

Later that same night, Merlin suddenly came storming into the main chambers, a horrified look on his face. 

'Wait! Does Uther think you wanna feed on me?!' He shrieked. 

Gaius just laughed at him.

Chapter Text

Today, Merlin had a potion for the Lady Morgana and no idea where her chambers were. He’d asked around, but had been unlucky in that every time, any he had asked had been visiting servants or guards from King Bayard’s court, and they knew the castle just as well as he did; which was to say, barely at all. 

[Human.] ‘Could you point me towards one of Camelot’s servants?’ Merlin asked yet another of King Bayard’s servants. 

‘I’m sorry, I don’t know any of them.’ She said, the regret of not being able to help him clear on her face. 

‘That’s not your fault. Thank you anyways!’ Merlin replied. 

The servant walked away, and Merlin sighed, before he turned around to start walking when a voice popped up from one of the side corridors. [Human.]

‘I couldn't help but overhear; why do you need one of Camelot's servants?’ The owner of the voice, a sweet looking girl around Merlin’s age, popped out of the corridor shortly after. She was wearing a cute lilac dress, and her hair was pinned nicely in a half braid behind her.

‘I can’t find the Lady Morgana’s chambers.’ Merlin sighed in reply, frustrated with himself. 

She gave him a strange look, then his brain caught up with how that’d come out. ‘Oh! Gaius sent me, but he forgot to tell me how to find her! I’m Merlin!’ he stuck his hand out for a handshake, which she took with a laugh. 

‘I’m Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen.’ She said. ‘I’m the Lady Morgana’s maid.’ She added, which made Merlin grin at her. 

‘Really? Any chance you could show me the way then? I feel like an idiot wandering about.’ 

She grinned at him, a mischievous look in her eyes. 'I can, but I just left the Lady Morgana in Gaius’ chambers.'

‘What? Why’s she there?’ Merlin asked, but dragged a hand over his face then turned a smile towards her before she could respond. ‘Nevermind that, at least I know how to get there! Wanna come with?’ he asked instead. 

'I just came from there?' Gwen replied, but she smiled as she said it. 

‘Right. Of course. I guess I’ll see you around then? I’m going to learn the way there eventually anyways,’ Merlin laughed in self-reproach. 

'I'll walk with you to Gaius’ and then to Lady Morgana's chambers if my Lady won't object?' Gwen offered. The relieved smile, Merlin sent her way for it, was all the thanks she’d ever need. 

‘Really? I mean, I’d appreciate it a lot!’ 

Gwen smiled at him and nodded. They made their way back towards the physicians chambers. 

When they arrived at the door, Gwen insisted on knocking. ‘I live here, why would I knock?’ Merlin laughed, as she knocked on the door. 

[Human, werewolf.] It was Morgana’s voice that answered, ‘come in!’. Morgana was sitting where Merlin normally had breakfast, and it was a little strange to see someone else sitting there, despite how new he was to Camelot. 

‘Gaius’ not here, but you can wait here with me if you want.’ Morgana said, before she looked up and saw Gwen and Merlin as they came in. ‘Oh Gwen, is everything alright?’ she asked, concern clear on her face. 

‘Everything’s fine, my Lady.’ Gwen was quick to reassure. 

‘Well except for my directional sense.’ Merlin tutted, starting a laugh out of both Gwen and Morgana. ‘Sorry, hi, I’m Merlin! I have a draught for you, but I don’t know where your chambers are.’ Merlin said, as he dug through his bag to find her potion. After a bit of searching, he fished it up and handed it over to her. 

‘Take it with a glass of water just before bed. This bottle should last you a week, but Gaius says you already know.’

Gaius chose that exact moment to come back. ‘Ah Merlin, there you are! I forgot to give you the instructions for the Lady Morgana’s chambers!’ he huffed. ‘I wrote them down for you.’ He continued, as he handed Merlin a piece of parchment with directions on it. 

Merlin smiled at him, before he took a step to the side, so he wasn’t blocking Gaius’ view of her on the bench. ‘Don’t worry Gaius, she found me anyway!’ he replied cheerily.

‘Ah! My Lady! Gwen!’ Gaius greeted. ‘What can I help you with, my Lady?’ 

Morgana shot a nervous glance towards Merlin. Gaius caught it. ‘Oh, don’t worry about Merlin, he’s my apprentice. But if you’re uncomfortable he can wait outside for now.’

Merlin cleared his throat, ‘actually, I was wondering if I could borrow Gwen?’ he asked. 

‘I offered to show him where your chambers are, my Lady.’ Gwen added.

‘Of course, please!’ Morgana responded immediately, happy for the excuse. 

Merlin smiled brightly at both Morgana and Gaius before he left the room. Gwen gave a small curtsy to Morgana and waved a hand in goodbye to Gaius, before she followed him. 

_

Gwen and Merlin were walking down the corridor that led to Morgana’s chambers. 

‘Oh! I wish I could have seen that!’ Merlin exclaimed, laughing. 

Gwen was struggling to hold in her laughter as well. ‘It was priceless!’ Gwen responded. ‘Arthur sulked for 2 moons after!’ she added, in between giggles. 

‘Moons?’ Merlin enquired, mirth still in his voice.

‘Oh! Yeah, the castle mostly tracks emotional things by moons instead of months! They’re pretty close to each other anyways. Makes it easier for the wolves, I think?’ she replied, the last bit more like a question than intended. 

‘Oh, I guess that makes sense. Must make it easier to know when to prepare for shifts, I should do it too,’ Merlin noted, mostly to himself. 

Gwen gave him a side-eye for it, ‘so you’re a wolf too?’ she asked, looking like she could tell if she squinted at him long enough. 

‘Hmm?’ Merlin replied, caught off-guard. ‘No?’ he asked, more than answered in return. 

‘Prepare for shifts?’ she pressed.

Merlin let out a strangled laugh he hoped she’d take as embarrassment, ‘physicians apprentice, remember?’ he said, as he pointed to himself, ‘Gaius had me learn all I can about wolves first, in case there’s an emergency with one of the knights or lords.’ He hoped he didn’t sound as off-kilter as he felt. 

‘Sorry, didn’t even think about that!’ Gwen offered, with a sheepish smile.  

‘So what about you?’ Merlin asked, as he bumped her shoulder into his while they walked. 

She gave him a quick side glance, like it’d been a strange thing to ask. ‘Human, clearly.’ She stated. 

‘Clearly?’ Merlin echoed, a confused frown on his face.

Gwen tried to wait with answering, but couldn’t hold her mask for long before a giggle escaped her, and she started laughing. 

‘Very funny,’ he mumbled, but he smiled back at her. 

Gwen slowed their walk to a halt, then motioned to the door next to them. ‘We’re here.’

Merlin took a good look at the door, and then down both ways of the hallway they were standing in. ‘Again, thank you so much. Truly, you’re a life-saver!’ he said, as he performed a half mock-bow, but the smile he sent her was genuine enough. Gwen laughed at him as she swatted a hand towards him, probably trying to make him stop, but only succeeded in making them both laugh more.

Chapter Text

‘Please Gaius, I beg of you!’ the woman cried, as Merlin entered the physicians chamber. [Human.]

Her desperation caught Merlin’s attention immediately, ‘What’s wrong?’

Gaius looked gravely towards Merlin. ‘It seems there’s a sickness spreading rapidly in the lower town.’

Merlin nodded, and started packing their supplies. ‘Did you have breakfast already? If not, can we do that first?’ Merlin asked, nervously glancing towards the woman. The woman looked slightly offended by Merlin’s suggestion. Not that Merlin could blame her, but he couldn’t really just say Hey, sorry, I’ve spent the last couple days in the forest due to the full moon, so I’ve only eaten human foods and if I don’t feed soon I’m either gonna pass out or feed on you!

Gaius gave Merlin a look, “ tact Merlin… Tact!” Before he replied, ‘You know I haven’t. We best drink breakfast before we leave.’ He turned towards the woman with an apologetic, but stern expression. ‘We’ll come to your husband first. Next to Tom the blacksmith, yes?’

‘Third house from him, yes. I’ll wait for you there. Thank you Gaius!’ She replied. Gaius’ not-so-subtle reminder of what he was, and his insinuation of how he was going to have breakfast, had done its purpose; the woman acted much more understanding now.

Gaius gave her a gesture of goodbye as she left the chambers. When she was gone, Merlin smiled amusedly towards him, ‘I still cannot believe you tell people that.’

Gaius just shook his head, before gesturing towards their enchanted waterskins, ‘drink your breakfast.’

__

Gaius and Merlin arrived at the woman’s house not too long after. The woman met them out front and swiftly guided them inside, straight to her husband. He was thrashing slightly in his fever; sweat drenching him. [Human.]

Gaius wasted no time leaning down towards him, barely sparing a glance at the woman as he categorised the man’s symptoms and treated what he could.

Merlin could feel the change in Gaius before he said anything; his posture somehow tightened, not visible unless you knew to look for it, but it screamed wrong, danger to Merlin like nothing else.

‘What is it, Gaius?’ He asked in a low voice so as to not disturb the woman who had moved slightly back to let them work.

Gaius did not turn to look at Merlin as he spoke, no whispered, his answer, so low Merlin could only hear it due to his supernatural abilities. ‘I suspect he’ll be dead before the sun is highest in the sky.’

Merlin kneeled down besides Gaius as he took that in. ‘What is it?’ he asked, matching the volume Gaius had spoken in.

‘Pray that I am wrong.’ Gaius said, instead of answering.

‘Is it contagious?’

‘Why?’

‘What if you catch it?’

Gaius turned his head to Merlin, an unreadable look on his face. ‘Contagion is part of the job as a physician, Merlin.’

‘I know, I know.’ Merlin placated. ‘Just… How can you treat it if you’re sick too?’

Gaius shot Merlin a look that was a mixture between bemused, exasperated, and like he thought Merlin was an idiot. He extended his fangs, ‘most of the time I don’t have to worry about it, but it is just a part of the job, Merlin.’ Gaius replied. He retracted his fangs, and Merlin didn’t miss the implication this time . Most things only infected the living , which Gaius admittedly was not .

Gaius raised his voice back to a normal volume, ‘we best get back to the castle. We can do no more for him here; but perhaps we can do something for him there,’ he said, although it wasn’t really aimed at Merlin, nor did he really seem to think it true.

Gaius stood, and handed a vial to the woman as he started to explain the situation. Merlin stayed down, adjusting the blankets on the shivering man. [Human. Wrong, wrong, wrong . ] The scent that wafted up as Merlin adjusted the blankets made his bones ache and his stomach recoil. It was so, so wrong . Merlin hurried to stand up and followed Gaius.

_

Gaius wore an unreadable expression as they exited the woman’s house. Merlin tried to stay out of the way; he didn’t really know what to do, or how to help. He’d finished quickly explaining the scent of wrongness that he’d caught from the man, when a scream pierced through the air, coming from somewhere very close by.

Merlin and Gaius turned towards each other with matching looks of concern, before they set off towards the sound.

[Human, Werewolf.] A man was kneeling in front of someone, and a woman was standing next to him with a hand in front of her mouth. Merlin suspected she had been the one to scream. They hurried towards them, as a larger crowd started to gather.

‘I’m a physician!’ Gaius’ sharp voice rang through the air. The crowd backed away just enough to give space for the two of them.

‘No, no, no, no, no…’ The kneeling man was murmuring the words over and over again, clutching tightly at the person in front of him.

Gaius knelt down beside him and started examining him the best he could. Merlin placed one hand on the man’s shoulder, and with his other slowly coaxed him to let go long enough for Gaius to work, ‘he’s a physician, let him see what he can do.’

Rot. Unnatural. Death. The moment the man let go and turned towards Merlin, the stench hit him. The smell was overpowering and Merlin barely held back his gag, as he helped the man up. The woman beside them was staring at something, and Merlin understood her look of horror when he turned his gaze to where she was looking.

The corpse, - because yes, that was a corpse, - had black spots on his skin, all over his hands and arms. There was a sheen of fever-induced sweat still clinging to the man, despite death having claimed him quite a while ago. Merlin decided that right now, he was extremely grateful he did not need to breathe, and promptly stopped, trying to forget the smell. It didn’t work as well as he’d hoped.

‘Give me some space!’ Gaius snapped. Merlin wasn’t sure if it was an order for him to do something, or the crowd to disperse, but he decided it didn’t matter.

He placed a hand on the, - now standing - man’s shoulder, ‘come.’ He turned towards the woman without removing his hand from the man, and placed a gentle hand over her arm. ‘Let’s find a more quiet place.’ He said, and gently pushed them towards the nearest building. Both of them followed him wordlessly, too shocked to do anything but.

The nearest building was the blacksmith, and Merlin prayed to the goddess that the blacksmith would be a decent person and let them borrow a corner of his workspace. [Human.]

‘Merlin?’ a familiar voice called out as they entered. Merlin breathed a sigh of relief and sent a grim smile towards her.

‘Gwen. Could we borrow a place to sit?’ he asked in a quiet voice.

Gwen took a look at the two people he came in with and nodded, before she gestured towards a door in the back. Merlin gently prodded them into following him through it.

They sat down at a small dining table, Merlin on one side, the man and woman next to each other on the other side. Gwen kindly followed them, and started making tea.

‘What’s your name?’ Merlin kindly asked the woman. She was shaking and had started silently crying at some point.

‘He’s dead, isn’t he?’ She asked in a choking voice.

‘No… Please no… He can’t be.’ The man replied before Merlin could.

Merlin stood back up and placed a hand on each of their shoulders in a comforting gesture, ‘I’m sorry.’

The woman let out a loud sob and leaned into Merlin. The man stilled; not moving a single muscle. Merlin silently regretted speaking; it required him to take in air - and the stench of rot and death would not leave him.

He waited a little, before he tried again. ‘Why don’t you tell me your name?’

Gwen placed their cups of tea on the table and sat down on the chair next to Merlin’s.

‘His name was Alcott.’ The man replied in a toneless voice. He reached for the cup of tea in front of him, and Merlin saw that as a small victory.

Slowly but surely both of them overcame their initial shock and started talking. Gwen was much better when she prodded them than Merlin was when he tried; so instead, Merlin just kept standing behind them, a hand on the man’s shoulder, his other arm slung half over the woman’s shoulder as she leaned up against him, both of them taking comfort in his touch.

_

They talked for almost two hours before a knock resounded from the door. [Werewolf.]

‘Gwen, are you alright?’ Morgana’s worried voice came through the door.

Gwen stood and opened the door with an apologetic expression. ‘I’m sorry my Lady! I’m okay. Do you have urgent need of me?’ she said, with a subtle head motion towards Merlin and the two strangers in her home.

Merlin sent her a grim smile, but Morgana’s face morphed from compassion to horror as her gaze swept over them. She took in a soft gasp of air, ‘Merlin,’ she whispered, her gaze locking onto something. Gwen and Merlin both followed her gaze and stilled as they saw.

The man’s hand, folded around the empty cup of tea, had black spots. The same black spots that Alcott had had on his hands and arms, although slightly smaller. Merlin cursed silently at himself for not noticing. Of course the smell wouldn’t go away when it belonged to the man in front of him! If he hadn’t tried so vehemently to avoid the smell, - even going so far as to stop breathing unless he spoke, - he would have noticed much earlier.

‘Get Gaius.’ Merlin said, hoping his voice didn’t come out as foolish as he felt. He succeeded, barely.

‘You don’t understand.’ Morgana replied. Her hand reached out towards Gwen, but stopped before she touched her. ‘Have you touched them?’ she asked.

Gwen shook her head, confused. ‘No? Why? What’s going on?’ She looked worriedly between Morgana and the three at her dining table.

Morgana restarted her hand movement, and gently pulled Gwen closer towards herself. ‘I’ve just come from the throne room. Gaius declared it a deadly plague. Any who comes into contact are sure to be infected. The whole city will be locked down.’ Her voice shook. ‘He doesn’t have a cure.’

Merlin looked sharply up at Morgana. Gwen turned around to stare at Merlin in horror, Morgana’s firm grasp reminding her to stay. The pair sitting down both inhaled sharp breaths as they stared at Morgana.

Merlin could sense how quickly this would run out of hand, if he didn’t take charge soon. He ran through Gaius’ list of what to do in his head.

Breathe. You can’t think straight if you’re not breathing. Didn’t apply, he didn’t need air. Gwen and Morgana, however, did, and they both looked like they were about to panic.

‘Morgana. Gwen.’ Merlin said sharply. ‘Breathe.’

Be calm. You can’t help if you’re panicking too. He could do that. He had always been good at thinking on his feet, why should now be any different? What else…

Assess the situation. What can you do? It was too late to do anything for himself, but Gwen and Morgana likely wouldn’t have been infected yet. The man obviously had been, and would need medical attention as soon as possible. The woman didn’t show any signs, but since she was still clinging to Merlin, chances of her coming away unscathed were slim.

Once they had both taken a couple of deep breaths, - He waited until they had lost the edge to their panic, - Merlin spoke. ‘Please, go to Gaius. Tell him where I am, and who I’m with. He’ll understand.’

What resources do you have to work with? Do you need more help? He had himself, but he didn’t know how to cure a plague! He’d barely begun his studies! Be calm. Right. Do you need more help? Yes. He needed Gaius’ knowledge - but Gaius didn’t have the knowledge. Research! Of course, Gaius would be looking for a cure already, even if he didn’t have one now.

He caught Morgana’s eye, ‘please, if you can spare her, let Gwen help Gaius with whatever he needs while I’m stuck here.’ Merlin said, hoping they’d slide over the massive question of his own state of health. He silently wondered if he even could get sick, considering he was technically undead. He pushed that thought away, and focused back on the two girls at the door.

‘He’s probably already researching cures, but he’ll need help making tonics and tinctures in the meantime.’

Gwen nodded, and turned towards Morgana awaiting her answer.

Morgana stared at Merlin for a short while, looking thoughtful. ‘Is there nothing else we can do for you? Please, there must be something more we can do to help?’

That was not a question Merlin was prepared to answer. Right. Was there something? He thought about it. His expression must have shown his surprise, because Morgana gave him a small knowing smile and huffed out a breath.

‘Uhh, yeah… You can fetch us some clean water. And a cloth. -’ He looked at the pair sitting beside him, ‘- maybe two. I’m sure Gaius would want clean water too. And lots of blankets, if you can get them? He’ll need to make loads of tinctures so any herbs the kitchens can spare. Or if someone can go out and pick some. Anything to help Gaius with his research really, but he’d know what he needs better than I.’ Merlin asked, feeling very wrong-footed giving orders to the Lady Morgana on his own behalf, even if she had asked.

Morgana gave him a single nod. ‘Leave that to me,’ she looked over to Gwen and corrected herself, ‘us’.

Merlin nodded in thanks. Gwen and Morgana gave all three of them a pitying look before they left, not even taking a coat for Gwen.

‘Right. Let’s get you sorted.’ Merlin said, squeezing them both before he let go.

-

The next couple hours went by in a blur of setting up sleeping places, or rather sickbeds, guards knocking on the door with regular intervals; delivering fresh water, blankets, cloths, even a book from Gaius with the instruction, “ if you’re not taking care of your patients, research this, ” and generally taking care of the two, very scared, people.

Neither Gwen nor Morgana showed up again, and Merlin eventually came to the conclusion he was happy with that, if it meant they were safe.

As the day went on, the man got worse and worse, and when his fever got too high, they ended up having to move him into one of the sickbeds they’d prepared earlier. The woman, however, continued to feel fine, and tried to help Merlin as much as possible, although there wasn’t much for her to help with. She ended up mostly taking care of the man, dabbing a wet cloth over his brow as his fever slowly rose, while Merlin went to work researching the book Gaius had had delivered.

Early evening, a knock resounded from the door and two guards delivered not only dinner and firewood, but also equipment, and a bunch of bags filled to the brim with different herbs to use alongside it. A note followed, scribbled hastily, on top of the supplies.

“ Start brewing potions. Tom has kindly given you access to use the blacksmith’s if when you run out of space. There should be enough for 40 dozen. The guards will have more water delivered. They’ll pick up the potions at dawn, but I’m sure with talents such as yours, you won’t find trouble staying up to brew them in time. - Gaius.”

Merlin huffed to himself upon reading the note. ‘So much for “ don’t continue your physician’s studies at night, Merlin! ”,’ he mumbled to himself, before he started dragging everything inside.

-

Merlin didn’t need to sleep; not since he turned for the first time. It’d been strange getting used to having so much time he didn’t know what to do with. He could sleep, if he wanted to, and sometimes he did, to relax his body after a particularly hard day or just because he could, but he didn’t need to.

When Gaius had discovered he wasn’t sleeping, at all , he had been in for a very long lecture. They’d done as many tests as Gaius could think of, before he had let it go - declaring Merlin absolutely impossible. Merlin had grinned at him in response.

Gaius had, however, forced him to promise not to continue his daytime studies during the night, insisting Merlin used the time as his own. “Your mind will still need time to rest, even if your body doesn’t!” Gaius had chided. 

-

When Merlin came back into the room, the woman stood and began helping him set everything up without a word. It did not take long for Merlin to direct her into the blacksmith as well, sorting and placing everything so he could easily start brewing without disturbing them during the night.

‘He found a cure?’ she asked, when they had set everything up.

Merlin grimaced. ‘In theory.’ He sat down on a chair and beckoned her over. She shuffled over, but didn’t sit down. ‘See this?’ He said, pointing to the picture in the open book he had left on the table.

‘The black spots?’

‘Yeah. Can you read?’

She shook her head.

‘Right, here,’ Merlin said, pointing to the text as he went, ‘it says that the black spots are supposed to be a very rare symptom. Gaius says all the patients he’s seen had them.’ Merlin turned the page, and continued, ‘Here, it says that powerful magics of the land can increase the potency of the plague.’ Upon seeing her confused look, he elaborated, ‘make it even more deadly.’

A horrified look crossed her face, ‘but why would anyone want to do that?’

‘I truly don’t know.’

‘Does that mean the cure won’t work?’

‘We don’t know yet. We might need magics of the land, but in case we won’t, we’ll make a lot of the cure, hence… This.’ Merlin said, as he gestured around them to all the equipment and all the herbs.

‘Can I help you?’

Merlin smiled up at her, grateful. ‘Dinner first, then I’ll show you what to do.’

As it was already prepared from the royal kitchens, dinner was a quick thing. After, Merlin showed her how to grind the herbs, but as he was about to show her the last bags of herbs to grind, she took his arm, halting him.

‘Is that wolf’s bane?’ She asked, a tinge of fear in her voice.

‘Yeah, why?’ Merlin asked.

‘I can’t help with that.’ She said, backing away. ‘It’ll poison me.’ She admitted.

‘Oh. Of course!’ Merlin exclaimed in realisation. He’d caught her scent earlier, he should have realised.

‘No wolf’s bane for the wolf. Do you want to help with the other herbs instead, or would you rather stay back?’ Merlin offered, as he placed the bag of wolf’s bane he’d picked up further onto the table, away from her.

‘I…’ She hesitated, clearly uncomfortable.

‘It’s okay. You don’t have to.’ Merlin was quick to assure her; the last thing he wanted was for her to feel like she had to risk herself.

_

They’d learned pretty quickly that Merlin was immune to wolf’s bane’s poisoning; he had spent a whole morning grinding it before Gaius had come home and noticed. Merlin had had to answer just about a million questions, before Gaius had explained it was a poison to wolves; including werewolves.

Merlin had looked down at his hands, covered in the stuff, then back up to Gaius with a grin. ‘Not all wolves, clearly.’ He’d said cheekily.

Gaius had raised his eyebrow at him. ‘Clearly.’ He’d said dryly. ‘Otherwise you’d be dead by now.’ That had been sobering enough for Merlin not to poke fun at it again.

_

Just because he was not affected by wolf’s bane, did not mean he didn’t understand her unwillingness to be around it; she was already in danger from the sickness, there was no need to add a poisoning to the mix.

‘I want to help. But can you keep the wolf’s bane in the blacksmith?’

‘Of course.’ Merlin nodded, appreciating her willingness to help him even so.

He moved all of the bags of wolf’s bane into the blacksmith.

They spent the rest of the evening, late into the night, cutting, measuring, and grinding the rest of the herbs. They’d only been interrupted once, by half a dozen guards all carrying buckets of fresh water. Merlin had quickly instructed them to go around and place the water inside the blacksmith, where they’d be able to drop them off safely.

When the moon stood at its highest, Merlin forced her to bed, ignoring her protests to help him with the rest, as well as her insistence that “he’d need the sleep more; he was the physician’s apprentice, not her.”

‘You’ve done plenty.’ He said; she had. They’d gotten through almost twice as much as Merlin would have been able to get through alone in that time. ‘I’ll rest once I’ve sorted the wolf’s bane. You get some sleep, it’s been a long day for you.’ When he saw her getting ready to object again he added, ‘and it’s not like you can’t help with that,’ with a raised eyebrow to her.

She relented unhappily and went to bed after checking on the man, still asleep - his fever still high.

Merlin moved everything he’d need into the blacksmith, and got to work. When dawn came, he had finished everything. It was the same two guards that had delivered the herbs and equipment the day before, that came to pick up the tinctures. They bore matching expressions of shock when Merlin told them he’d finished all 40 dozen, and that they’d probably need either more guards or a lot of trips to transport everything.

‘Have you been up all night?’ the woman asked, when Merlin sat back down at the dining table.

Merlin turned around, surprised to see her up already. ‘Good morning to you too.’

‘That can’t be good for you!’ she exclaimed unhappily.

Merlin laughed softly at her. ‘I got the rest I need, you don’t have to worry.’ She eyed him critically, but relented when she couldn’t spot any sign of exhaustion on him.

-

[Vampire, Human.] After they’d eaten their breakfast, a demanding knock sounded on the door to the blacksmith. Merlin and the woman shared a look of confusion, before Merlin went through the door into the blacksmith, and then opened the door, while the woman stayed behind, checking up on the sick man. 

When he opened the door, Merlin was met with a very impatient blonde and Gaius. ‘What took you so long?’ The blonde asked. 

Before Merlin could respond, Gaius cut in, ‘Nevermind that. Merlin, we need you to come with us.’ 

Merlin was not impressed, but then Gaius words sank in, and Merlin took a step backwards. ‘I don’t want to infect you.’

Gaius shook his head, handed Merlin a waterskin, and said, ‘drink this… And you won’t.’ The pause Gaius left between the two statements seemed unnaturally long.

Merlin took the waterskin, being careful not to touch Gaius directly, and took a sip of it. He let out a surprised sound at the content; it was just normal blood. Then the implication of what Gaius meant caught up with him. Drink your breakfast, and don’t worry. You won’t infect us because you’re undead. 

Gaius chuckled at him, then moved his hands in an impatient gesture. Merlin nodded, and drank the rest, trying to hide his teeth to the best of his ability. 

Gaius, ever the perceptive one, saw his trouble, and rescued him. ‘Go tell your patients you’re leaving, then come with us.’ 

Merlin nodded gratefully at him, and turned around to do exactly that. He went into the living room, and when he could retract his teeth, he told them, - well the woman at least, the man was asleep, - that he’d need to go with Gaius; but he’d check back in on them later. The woman nodded her farewells. 

When Merlin came back, the blonde was tapping his foot impatiently. ‘Let’s go.’ He said, and started walking. Merlin and Gaius followed him, once Merlin made it to the door. Merlin was not impressed with the blonde’s manner.

Chapter Text

~Merlin and Gaius followed him, once Merlin made it to the door. Merlin was not impressed with the blonde’s manner. ~

‘What’s going on, Gaius? Where are we going?’ Merlin asked quietly, when he realised they weren’t headed to the physicians chambers. ‘And who’s that ?’

‘That, Merlin, is Prince Arthur.’ Gaius rebuked. ‘And we are going to inspect all of the castle’s larders.’

‘Why? What are we looking for?’

Gaius grabbed Merlin’s arm and lowered his voice, once again speaking so low Merlin could only hear him with his enhanced hearing. ‘You’ll be using magics of the land to check and clear everything in there.’

‘What?’ Merlin yelped, just a little too loudly. Gaius sent him a disapproving look. ‘I don’t know how to do that! I can’t do that!’

Before Gaius could respond, Arthur turned around and stopped walking the way he’d been leading. ‘If you can’t then we’ll have to find someone who can.’ He looked Merlin up and down, then added, ‘anyone would be better than this imbecile.’

‘He can do it just fine, sire.’ Gaius said, raising an eyebrow at Arthur; daring him to disagree. Merlin glared at Arthur, but didn’t respond - mostly because of the tight hold Gaius suddenly enforced on Merlin’s arm, clearly warning him about objecting.

Arthur made a doubtful noise, but turned back around again. ‘We’ll see about that.’

Gaius and Merlin started following him again. ‘You’ll be fine Merlin. Did you see the incantation in the book I sent?’ Gaius asked, in that hushed voice.

Merlin matched the volume, when he answered this time. ‘Yeah, I saw it. But how am I supposed to hide that with you and Arthur standing next to me?’

Gaius chuckled ruefully at him. ‘Arthur will be standing watch outside. I won’t be there.’

‘What?’ Merlin hissed.

‘The king and I will be checking the water tunnels.’ Gaius replied innocently.

Merlin gave Gaius a double take. How on earth did Gaius plan on using magics of the land when he didn’t have access to it?

‘How?’

Gaius gave Merlin one of his approving smiles. ‘Only the larders can be cursed. The king and I will be out of your way enough the king won’t be able to sense your magics.’

‘Won’t he be able to sense yours?’

Gaius sent Merlin a look. ‘I can only do magics of the sun, moon, and stars.’ At Merlin’s blank look, Gaius elaborated. ‘Normally, only very talented witches can sense magics of other types than that of which they have.’ Gaius’ hand tightened around Merlin’s arm once again, ‘You, being the exception, can sense both easily. Uther, however cannot.’

Merlin mulled that over, nodding slowly. ‘But… Won’t the king know that you’re not clearing the curse?’ At Gaius' disapproving look, Merlin hurriedly tacked on, ‘I mean, it’s just… The book said that if there was magics involved, then only magics of the land could cure the curse?’

‘And what did it say if there wasn’t any magics involved?’

‘Uhh… That… It could be cured with the tonics?’

Gaius sent Merlin a flat look. ‘What else?’

‘It’s spread via contact.. So isolating the sick would help?’

Gaius sent Merlin another flat look. ‘About preventing it?’

‘Food and water storage might carry the disease?’ When Gaius sent Merlin a “ finally, you’re on the right track, go on ” nod, Merlin continued. ‘Oh! They think we’re looking for any signs of the plague, like it was normal?’

‘Yes. And you will be doing that too.’

[Werewolf.]

‘Gaius!’ Uther bellowed from the staircase, the moment Arthur, Gaius, and Merlin turned down the corridor to the first larder. ‘Do you have everything?’

‘Father.’ Arthur greeted, striding over to him.

‘Sire.’ Merlin and Gaius both greeted, before Gaius answered. ‘Yes, sire. I must show Merlin how to check this first larder, then Merlin will search the larders while I search the water tunnels.’

Uther nodded his understanding before turning towards the larder.

‘Ah, I am afraid I must insist you wait outside, sire.’ Gaius stopped Uther in his tracks. ‘Both of you.’ Gaius reached into his medicinal bag and took out a small ball of what looked to be tightly curled up yarn. ‘This has been enchanted to light up, should it detect any traces of magics in anything infected. I am afraid, however, that your presences will interfere with its ability.’

As if to prove the point, Gaius held the ball out towards Uther and the ball started glowing faintly the moment it got held upwards.

Merlin ducked his head, trying very hard not to laugh, when he felt the magics and realised exactly what Gaius had just done.

- Really Gaius? Calling upon the magics of the sun to light the way? Merlin thought. It was a genius cover, really, but absolutely ridiculous. Enchanting a ball of yarn to light the way so the king and prince wouldn’t follow them into a storeroom? Really? -

‘So be it.’ Uther replied, gesturing for Merlin and Gaius to get on with it impatiently.

Merlin rushed in, not wanting to be caught laughing. Gaius followed, in a normal pace, closing the door behind him.

Merlin couldn’t help but snicker, the moment the door closed. Gaius shot him a scolding look for it, before breaking out into a silent snicker himself.

‘Go on then, show me you know what to do.’ Gaius gestured towards the barrels.

Merlin took a deep breath, letting the mirth fade and concentrated. It took him two tries before he could concentrate enough to call upon the magics of the land.

The magics tugged Merlin towards a single barrel. [ Death .] ‘That one.’ Merlin pointed towards the barrel, surprised he hadn’t picked up on its scent before.

‘Good. Now, clear it.’ Gaius instructed.

Merlin called upon the magics of the lands again, using the incantation he’d seen in the book. This time, the magics were eager to respond to his summon; the magics rushed into him and sent him staggering a step back.

When he’d gotten the magics semi under control, Merlin directed the magics away from himself and into the barrel. While the magics were invisible to the naked eye, they were not invisible to Merlin as they exploded from him, tunnels of golden light crashing into the barrel and black tendrils tearing out and destroying everything wrong with it.

When the curse was lifted, the magics surged straight back into Merlin, searching for another release - slamming him down to the floor in an onslaught of feelings.

Landing on his ass, Merlin was quick to release the magics of the land; returning it to the ground. His wolves-teeth forced their way out, and Merlin closed his eyes in a weak attempt at controlling the onslaught of feelings he’d received from the magics of the land.

Gaius hurried over to Merlin, leaning down to check him over. ‘Are you okay?’

Merlin batted him away, letting out a small growl. He needed space. Every single fibre of his being was telling him to shift, and now certainly was not the time for that. He twisted on the floor, breaths coming in short. Not now, not now, not now.

‘Stop breathing.’ Gaius suddenly commanded, sounding a lot further away than he had been just a few seconds ago.

Focusing on what Gaius said, Merlin held his breath. It took a bit, but then it got a lot easier to control his shift - not breathing triggered his vampiric instincts instead. The vampire had always been easier for him to control. Then the realisation kicked in. Of course you won’t shift if you’re not breathing, Merlin thought bitterly. His wolf was the part of him that was still alive.

When he felt ready, Merlin opened his eyes, looking around the room to find Gaius. Gaius was standing a couple steps away with an unreadable expression.

Upon seeing Merlin back to himself, Gaius indicated towards Merlin’s teeth. ‘Are you back with me?’

Merlin made a half-aborted motion with his hand towards his mouth before realising and retracting his wolves-teeth instead. He gave a short nod. Gaius stepped forwards, and offered him a hand up - Merlin accepted it gratefully.

Gaius looked Merlin over critically. ‘Are you okay?’

Merlin nodded, then, - realising Gaius wouldn’t accept that, - added ‘I’m fine.’

Gaius hummed a disbelieving sound, still looking Merlin over.

‘I’m okay, really. Just…’ Merlin gestured towards the barrel. ‘That was a lot of freed magics slamming back into the nearest available… vessel?’ Merlin gestured towards himself.

‘Hmm…’ Gaius looked towards the barrel, then back to Merlin. ‘So you’ll be fine to continue doing this on your own?’

No. Absolutely not. That sounds like a horrible idea, Merlin wanted to say. ‘Yeah, of course.’ Merlin replied instead, sending Gaius a grin.

The magics on that one barrel had been powerful; too powerful to dispel for anyone else he or Gaius knew in the castle. And there was no way in hell Merlin would allow himself to be responsible for more deaths just because he struggled with his powers. He’d just have to suck it up and get it done.

Gaius sent Merlin one last questionable look, then walked to the door. Before he opened it, he turned to Merlin, ‘bring the barrel with you. It needs to be destroyed.’

Merlin looked at Gaius, then back at the barrel. Why would they need to destroy it if he had cleansed it? Couldn’t they just say everything was fine or something?

Gaius must have sensed the confusion from Merlin. ‘Anything edible wouldn’t have survived.’

‘Huh.’ Merlin said. He walked over to the barrel and looked into it. Sure enough, all that was left was a gross gooey liquid. ‘Ew…’ He closed the lid, and picked up the barrel, bringing it over to Gaius at the door.

Uther and Arthur abruptly halted their quiet but heated discussion when Gaius and Merlin, - carrying the barrel, - emerged from the room.

Uther motioned for Gaius to report their findings. ‘Merlin found this, sire.’ Uther walked over, and peered into the barrel Merlin was still holding. He grimaced at the content.

‘Arthur, make sure everything you find will be disposed of.’ Uther turned around and started walking. ‘Gaius, with me.’

‘Yes, father.’ Arthur replied.

Gaius gave Merlin one last look, then handed over the ball of yarn before striding after Uther with a pace far too fast for what he should be able to.

Arthur turned around to Merlin, a condescending look on his face. ‘You can leave the barrels outside the larders we check. I’ll have some guards collect them to be disposed off when we’re done.’

Arthur then started walking down the corridor, towards the next larder without waiting for Merlin. Merlin placed the barrel and hurried after him, not wanting to be left behind or lost. (Again.)

The entire morning and half of the afternoon went by with that; they searched for anything cursed, destroyed what they found, moved on to the next room and then repeated the process. Arthur barely spoke at all; he just led the search to the next room, then stood guard outside while Merlin worked; something Merlin was surprisingly grateful for.

After the first room Merlin struggled. After the fourth room Merlin barely held onto any form of mask that resembled something alive. The more he cleansed the more he had to draw upon his vampire; the more he drew upon his vampire the more undead he looked.

By the time they cleared the last room, Merlin wasn’t sure he could remember anything but the cold feeling of death. His vampire had never felt as dead as now. Having surrounded himself with the curse and wild magics all day had certainly drained him - and he strongly suspected that to be the reason his vampire feeling like it did.

Merlin made it back to Gaius by pure luck; he stumbled into him in one of the corridors and just followed him until they made it back. He had no idea when he lost Arthur; not that he cared much. When they made it to their quarters Gaius took one look at Merlin, then tossed an enchanted waterskin to him and ordered him to rest. Merlin complied without a word.

Chapter Text

[Human.] Merlin still sat at the table Gaius had left him at, staring into the air, when Arthur burst through the door - a little over an hour later - loudly yelling. ‘Gaius!’

Merlin turned around and sent Arthur a scowl. ‘He’s not here.’

‘Well, where is he then?’ 

‘I don’t know.’ Merlin shrugged. ‘He talked about seeing if Geoffrey had any information?’

Arthur sighed loudly, dragging a hand over his face. ‘Great. Just great. Fantastic even.’ 

‘Why, what do you need him for?’ 

‘We need the tincture for Sir Owain.’ 

‘Hmmm.’ Merlin hummed, before standing up. ‘What is he?’ 

Arthur sent Merlin a look that clearly showed what he thought of that question. ‘Sick.’ Obviously.

Merlin rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah, I got that part. Human, wolf…?’ 

‘Human.’

‘Right…’ Merlin searched the messy table, looking for the glass vials he knew had to be there somewhere. ‘They should be around here somewhere…’ Merlin mumbled, mostly to himself. Surely they couldn’t have used them all up? Not finding them on the table, he moved on to search nearby surfaces.

When Arthur kept standing in the doorway, not doing anything, Merlin sent him another scowl. ‘You could help me search, you know. Instead of just standing there like a confused mule.’ 

Arthur scowled back at him, but did move to help search as he replied. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were blind as well as dumb.’ 

Merlin huffed, but didn’t reply. They both searched around for a while, only the sound of shuffled papers and clinks as they moved things about to accompany them. 

‘Any luck?’ Merlin asked, looking over at Arthur. Arthur was searching the clutter around the patient bed. If they couldn’t find them (or if they really had used them all, something Merlin still doubted) Merlin would just have to make more. He could do that. Probably. 

He still felt dead, but at the same time also like anything could trigger him to shift at any given moment. He just hoped the wolf’s bane wouldn’t be a problem now. Not that it had been before, but Merlin knew his luck. 

‘No.’ Arthur answered annoyedly. ‘How can you find anything in this mess?’ 

Merlin found a beaker carrier filled with empty vials. He brought it back to the table, emptying the vials onto the table. 

Merlin shook his head, then started filling water in the cauldron. ‘Right, I’ll start on another batch then. Keep looking though, there really should be some around here somewhere.’ 

Arthur turned around with a sour look. ‘You can’t just order me around like that.’ 

‘You’re the one that needs them.’ Merlin replied absently, focused on measuring the herbs he’d need. Thankfully, he wouldn’t need to grind them; Gaius had already done that for the next batch.

‘You should know where they are. How about you do your job instead of lazing about?’ Arthur scowled. 

Merlin froze. Do his job? Lazing about? He’d been doing nothing but his job. This was the first break he’d had since yesterday morning; not to mention yesterday morning he’d come home after having spent days in the woods; He hadn’t had time for a break, let alone lazing about.

Merlin had promised Gaius not to stir anything. To stay low. He could try. He would try.

Merlin slowly turned around. ‘Don’t you have better things to do?’ 

‘What, like you? If you’d done your job instead of lazing about I wouldn’t have to be here.’ Arthur growled. 

Merlin gaped. ‘Is that really what you think? That I’ve just been lazing about? Oh that’s rich. Especially coming from you.’ Merlin gestured angrily to Arthur. Then, abruptly, he turned around and continued what he had been doing. Arthur would not get the best of him. Merlin could take a couple insults without stooping to his level. 

Arthur huffed an incredulous laugh. ‘Rich? Coming from me? Please. At least I’ve been securing the city. You’ve been dead on your feet all day; what have you contributed?’ 

Securing the city? You spent half the day being a glorified keyring , Merlin did not say out loud. Instead, he huffed a breath and continued measuring herbs for the tinctures. ‘Let’s see. Yesterday I took care of patients and read about the plague. Today, I secured all the larders in the castle… Oh, and I spent the night making tinctures.’ Merlin did a half turn and sent Arthur a pointed look. ‘40 dozen tinctures.’

Merlin turned back to the table in front of him. ‘This is the first break I’ve had,’ he added quietly. 

‘40 dozen? You?’ Arthur laughed disbelievingly. ‘You’re saying you stayed up all night to make the tinctures? You couldn’t have come up with a more believable lie?’ 

‘You don’t have to be such an ass.’ Merlin muttered under his breath. 

Did Merlin have “idiot” or “liar” stamped on his forehead or something? Why did nobody ever believe him? It didn’t matter if he told the truth or not; people never believed him. At least he could understand Gaius’ reaction; Merlin’s situation was rather bizarre, even he could recognise that. This, however, wasn’t that unbelievable… Was it? 

‘What was that?’ 

‘You don’t have to be such an ass.’ Merlin repeated without looking up. 

Arthur huffed a disbelieving laugh. ‘You can’t address me like that.’ 

‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Merlin said, looking over his shoulder with a smirk, ‘you don’t have to be such an ass, my lord .’ 

Satisfied with Arthur’s gaping surprise at his gall, Merlin turned back around. ‘Besides, I wasn’t lying.’ Not that you’d believe me. 

What was he doing? Getting Arthur’s attention wasn’t exactly something he wanted or needed. If he shut up and just focused on making this batch, Arthur would get out of here and Merlin wouldn’t have to deal with him. 

‘Did you know…’ Arthur began, as he sauntered towards Merlin, ‘insulting the crown is an act of treason.’ 

What about insulting an idiot? Merlin wanted to reply; but before he could, Arthur shoved him against the table, pushed his head down into the table, and held him firmly in place.

The abrupt motion made the vials fall, some broke beneath Merlin, some broke on the floor; papers were forced to comply beneath Merlin’s bodyweight as well, and the herbs Merlin had been measuring carefully up till then were spread in a cloud surrounding Merlin’s face. 

The smell reminded Merlin of the forest; of days spent running, resting beneath the trees, the trickle of water flowing down a stream. Shit. Not now, not now, not now. 

‘Maybe a night in the dungeons will help with your manners.’ Arthur snarked as he grabbed Merlin’s arm, twisting it behind his back. 

Merlin closed his eyes and held his breath. Shifting now would be too dangerous; yes, it would reveal his secret, but he’d also put not only himself but Gaius and Arthur in danger too. Despite his personal opinion of the prat, Arthur didn’t deserve to die just because Merlin couldn’t control his wolf enough not to rip his throat out. 

When Merlin didn’t respond, Arthur shoved Merlin’s head further into the table before letting go to grab Merlin’s other arm. ‘What, not so tough now?’ 

Merlin gritted his teeth. Not now, not now, not now repeated itself on a loop in his head. He could do this. Any moment now, his wolf would subside; it had to. He didn’t breathe; his wolf would be forced to dwindle. It had to. Why wasn’t it working? It had to . 

Arthur jostled Merlin, pulling his arms further back so he could grab them both with one hand. 

No. No no no. This could not be happening. If Arthur turned him around now, he’d see! Focus, Merlin! Gaius’ stern voice commanded in Merlin’s head. Right. This was just like any other emergency. He could do this. What can you do? Breathing, - or rather lack thereof, - didn’t work. So what did? Oh. Of course. There really was only one answer. Blood.

Merlin bit the inside of his cheek, drawing blood. 

The pain helped, but not enough. Goddess, why wasn’t it enough ? It had to be! Please . The scent! That was half the problem when Merlin struggled with his vampire; of course he’d need to be able to catch a blood scent now. Without thinking it through further, Merlin brutally bit into his lower lip with his wolves-teeth. 

Then Arthur grabbed Merlin by the neck and pulled, giving Merlin no choice but to comply; straightening up. 

The harsh movement made Merlin swallow some of his own blood. Suddenly his wolves-teeth retracted and his Vampire was full on out instead.

Merlin thought he was going to be sick. 

As glad as he was his vampire had taken over, - and he’d never been more thankful, really, - Merlin felt nauseous at the thought of feeding on himself. 

Arthur spun Merlin around, ‘I know you’re not deaf.’ 

Arthur sucked in a breath, but Merlin took a couple seconds to calm his nausea before he opened his eyes. He remembered to retract his fangs before he spoke. ‘Sorry, what?’

He was pretty sure he’d managed to get rid of all his supernatural signs in time, but the way Arthur was staring at him made him question it. 

‘I think I might be sick.’ Merlin added, when Arthur still didn’t respond. 

Arthur released him like he’d been burned. ‘What the hell?’ 

‘What the hell, what?’ Merlin scowled, raising a hand to his chin, where Arthur was staring. 

‘What the hell happened?’ Arthur snapped, making an aborted motion towards Merlin’s head. 

Another warm trickle made its way down Merlin’s chin at the same time his hand reached. Ah. That’d explain Arthur’s strange reaction. Of course he saw the wound Merlin had from the bite. How the hell was he going to explain that one? 

Merlin looked back at the table, thankful when he saw all the broken vials there. 

‘Well, what did you think was going to happen when you suddenly threw my head against a table filled with glass vials?’ Merlin snapped back, gesturing to the table. He only felt a little guilty about the half lie. Arthur was an ass, so what if that wasn’t technically the truth?

Arthur continued to stare at Merlin, a scowl mixed with something else on his face. Horror? No, that couldn’t be it… Not that Merlin knew what else it could be. 

‘Well?’ Merlin asked.

Arthur sent Merlin another scowl, ‘well, what?’

‘Am I going to the dungeons, or can I clean this?’ 

‘Clean it!’ Arthur roared. 

‘What the hell's got you so edgy?’ Merlin muttered, as he started for the bandages and the mirror. 

He grabbed the bandages first, then made it to the mirror. ‘Ah.’ Merlin said. ‘Yeah, that’d do it.’ 

Merlin stared into the mirror. The rigged puncture wound on his right side, just below his lip, bled steadily. His chin was covered in the blood from it. Small splintered glass shards were sticking to the blood on his chin, and plenty more glass shards were scattered about the rest of his torso; tearing into the fabric of his shirt. 

Merlin cursed. ‘That’s going to need stitches. Gaius is gonna kill me!’ 

Of all the things that Merlin expected to set Arthur off again, that certainly wasn’t it. ‘No, he won’t.’ Arthur answered defensively. 

Merlin moved towards the thread and needle, before he stopped, realising what Arthur had said. He quirked an eyebrow at Arthur. ‘Oh yes, he will. You’re not the one who has to live with him.’ 

‘Gaius would never do such a thing. He is a respected member of this castle and I won’t have you slander him like this!’ Arthur bristled. Arthur started moving towards Merlin threateningly. 

Merlin gave Arthur a searching look. What was Arthur on about? Clearly, Merlin must have missed something but for the life of him, he had no idea what it was. 

Gaius’ shout from the hallway stopped both Arthur’s threatening movement and Merlin’s answer. ‘Merlin! What did you do? I can smell your blood all the way out in the main corridor!’ 

Great. Just great. Merlin heaved a sigh, before he shouted back, - shouted, to the best of his ability with blood and glass shards all over him, at least, - ‘It’s not like I did it on purpose!’ Merlin froze slightly at that; technically it was on purpose, but it wasn’t like he had any choice in the matter! He certainly didn’t mean for this to happen. 

Gaius bustled into the room, - focused on Merlin, - and completely missed Arthur. 

Merlin sighed again as he accepted his fate. ‘I’ve got a puncture wound just below my lip, and a cut to match on the inside of my cheek, I think. Pretty sure I’ll need stitches.’ 

Gaius looked him up and down, then abruptly changed his direction to grab the needle and thread Merlin had been heading towards. 

Merlin winced; now that he’d gotten some distance, he was slowly starting to feel the pain. It hurt. A lot. Merlin moved to sit on the patient cot, knowing there’d be no way out of this. 

‘What happened?’ Gaius asked sternly, with a raised eyebrow. 

Merlin waited until Gaius had sat down in front of him before he answered. ‘ Someone was being an ass and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut.’ Merlin scowled in Arthur’s direction. ‘Think I’m going to spend the night in the dungeons when I’ve been stitched up.’ 

‘Merlin!’ Gaius started, ‘How many times have I told you-’ 

Merlin cut Gaius off with a pointed look, ‘Why don’t you ask prince -’ and okay, maybe he snarked the word prince, ‘- Arthur what happened, before you scold me!’ Merlin gestured to Arthur, who still stood by the table. 

Whatever lecture Gaius had been starting up, stopped when Gaius turned to look at Arthur. ‘Prince Arthur! Are you okay?’ 

Arthur dragged a hand over his face with a sigh. Then his gaze snapped first to Gaius then Merlin. ‘Am I okay? You didn’t even realise you’d been hurt before you saw it!’ Arthur gestured towards Merlin’s face with an unreadable expression. 

Merlin stared at Arthur for several seconds. ‘Of course I knew that!’ Merlin flicked his gaze to Gaius then back to Arthur, and added quietly, ‘I just didn’t realise how bad it was until I saw it.’ 

Arthur huffed a disbelieving laugh. Then he dragged another hand down his face, as he gave a self-depricating sigh. ‘You meant the scolding, didn’t you?’ 

Merlin shared a look of confusion with Gaius. When Gaius didn’t have any answers either, Merlin turned back to Arthur with a questioning look. 

‘“ Gaius is gonna kill me ”?’ Arthur repeated pointedly. 

Merlin nodded, then shot Gaius a guilty smile, completely baffled by Arthur’s point. ‘Wait, what did you think I meant?’ 

Arthur shook his head. ‘Just.. Get stitched up. I’ll let you off this time. Next time you won’t be so lucky.’ 

Merlin sent Arthur a confused look. ‘Thanks?’ Then he turned back to Gaius, letting him check on the wound. 

Gaius had barely started before he sent Merlin a look that clearly said “ I know damn well this wasn’t caused by glass shards. ” Merlin answered with a look that said “ What did you want me to say? ” 

‘Why don’t you tell me what happened?’ Gaius asked. 

‘I was -’ Merlin started, before Gaius cut him off. 

‘Prince Arthur can explain while I stitch you up, and then he can also tell me why he’s here in the first place?’ 

Arthur looked surprised by the request, but answered like he was delivering a patrol report to the council. ‘Sir Owain needs a tincture, so I came here to…’ 

Arthur reported the entire thing while Gaius stitched Merlin up, before he took his leave. 

The moment Arthur left, Gaius stopped the stitches. ‘You can heal the rest yourself. Just make sure to keep it wrapped for another week or two; until it would have naturally healed by itself.’ 

Merlin stared at Gaius. 

Gaius stared back. 

‘What?’ 

Gaius kept staring at Merlin. 

‘What do you mean, I can heal it? I didn’t need stitches?’ Merlin asked, bewildered. 

Gaius stared at him a little longer. ‘You’re a vampire, Merlin.’ 

Merlin shrugged. ‘...Yes?’ 

Gaius sighed. 

They spent the rest of the day teaching Merlin how to heal his own wounds; in between brewing more tinctures and completing some of the other physicians' work they had to do with the plague. Merlin became more and more bewildered by everything Gaius taught him. 

They only got interrupted twice; once by a guard who’d been sent to fetch the tincture for Sir Owain and once by Geoffrey who delivered the book Gaius had asked him about, as well as some important information. 

Chapter Text

‘Come and eat your breakfast Merlin.’ Gaius said, sounding amused.

Merlin startled, then rolled his eyes. He’d been staring at his chin in the mirror since the sun had risen high enough to shed a decent amount of light through the windows.

‘It didn’t even leave a scar,’ Merlin commented confusedly. He’d expected it to.

Gaius sent a pointed look at him and then at his bowl of food. Merlin sighed and complied, getting up and walking over, but not before he had reattached the useless bandage to his chin.

'Where's your waterskin?' Merlin questioned, not seeing Gaius' nearby.

Gaius waved a hand in dismissal. 'I'll get some later. Supply is low.'

Merlin glanced up and down Gaius with a frown. Didn't Gaius know he could always ask for some of his?

'Take mine then. I've still got my normal food,' Merlin offered, then picked up his spoon and waved it around as if to prove his point.

Gaius ruefully shook his head . 'You'll need it for later. Eat.'

'Right…' Merlin sent Gaius a curious look. 'Why?'

Gaius shot Merlin a disbelieving look, like he'd said something incomprehensible.

'What?'

'Did you forget we're in the middle of a plague?'

'I thought we fixed that? Yesterday, with the… You know… Clearing the curse and everything…' Merlin gestured around them, indicating to what they'd already done. '…I thought we just needed to nurse everyone back to health now,' he added, when Gaius just kept looking at him with that disbelieving look.

'Ah.' Gaius sighed. 'We may have limited the spread of the disease but we have yet to find the source.'

'The source?' Merlin asked. He put down his spoon to absently scratch the annoying itch on his hand, fully focused on Gaius. 'So it's not over?'

'No.' Gaius shook his head. 'Eat.'

Merlin sighed, then picked up his spoon again and began to eat. 'So what do we do now?'

A harsh knock on the door interrupted Gaius' response. Before either of them could answer, an out-of-breath guard came rushing in. 'Gaius, the King has requested your presence urgently.'

Gaius turned around and gave the guard a nod. The guard nodded back, then left, without closing the door behind him.

Merlin and Gaius shared a look. Whatever the king wanted, it couldn't be good, not with the way that guard had looked.

Merlin rushed to finish his breakfast, then quickly emptied his waterskin before he followed Gaius out the door.

-

They heard Uther shouting long before they turned down the corridor leading to the council chamber they were supposed to find Uther in.

Merlin shot a nervous look at Gaius. He did not like the way Uther sounded. Something about it made his stomach twist. Gaius sent Merlin a sympathetic look, but kept going, content to drag Merlin with him.

'Is that understood?' Uther bellowed as they reached the door.

Gaius nodded at the guard standing watch. The guard scurried to open the door for them, letting them inside as fast as possible — uncaring about the ruckus it caused.

'Yes, father.' Arthur was saying, his head inclined respectfully. At the commotion, he stepped back to see what was going on — the tension in the room palpable.

[Werewolves. Humans. Vampire. Death. Anger, despair, ???, ???.]

'Gaius! What is the meaning of this?' Uther asked, barely managing to keep the rush out of his voice. He gestured towards the dead body laid respectfully to the side of the room.

Gaius hurried over to examine the body, doing all the checks Merlin had done the previous days; searching for cause of death. Merlin followed him dutifully, but he kept his head down. He was not risking anything.

Merlin held his breath. The scent from was overbearing, and not in a good way. The hairs of the back of his neck rose in response to the chilling feeling that came with it.

Too low for anyone but Merlin to hear, Gaius whispered, 'Cursed.'

Merlin nodded minutely in reply, instincts telling him to keep holding his breath — making him unable to respond verbally. He noticed he was scratching his hand again, so he folded his arms behind him so he wouldn't look uninterested in what was going on around him. Something he was sure these arrogant nobles that surrounded him would think if he continued.

'What news can you tell me?' Uther asked, some of the tension drained from his voice as he waited for Gaius to finish his examination.

'I have nothing concrete as of yet, Sire.' Gaius responded deferentially, getting up.

'But you do have something?'

'Only a theory, Sire. Nothing I can be sure of.'

Whatever it was, Gaius didn't want to share it with the king. That fact alone made Merlin both uncomfortable and curious.

Uther scowled at Gaius' avoidance of the question. He clearly expected Gaius to give a better answer.

'My research have led me to find the most likely cause of the disease. I do believe it to be a curse, Sire. A powerful one,' Gaius placated.

'A curse?' Someone mumbled. A quiet murmur of surprise went through the room, but faded just as fast.

'How do we undo it?'

'We must find and destroy the object of the curse. Only then may it be lifted.'

'How do we find it?'

Gaius shook his head ruefully, 'I believe I already know where it is, Sire.'

'You're concealing something from me. What is it?' Uther hissed. His previous calm disappeared in an instant.

He sounded like a man possessed. He’d been stoic the last time Merlin met him, but now it felt like he was an entirely different man. The reeking stench Merlin couldn't identify that came from Uther certainly didn't help.

Gaius visibly steeled himself. ‘I fear this is not the first time I have encountered something like this.’ 

'What do you mean?'

‘If I am right…’ Gaius started. ‘This is but a theory... If I am right, this is the work someone we've encountered before…' Gaius trailed off.

'Who? Tell me!'

Gaius took a step forwards, gesturing for Uther to do the same.

Uther shot him a displeased look, then stepped forwards with a frown. That action alone had most of the chamber in shock, Merlin included. What could Gaius possibly have to tell the king he didn't want anyone else to hear?

And what did the king see in Gaius that made him accept the request?

Too curious for his own good, Merlin focused on his supernatural hearing to listen in.

Then, to Merlin's surprise, Gaius discreetly whispered the magics of the moon to shield them from prying ears. Merlin instinctively knew how to include himself on the inside of the shield. He didn't give it a second thought before he let himself listen in.

Uther scowled disapprovingly, — or was that angrily? — at Gaius for the magics. Clearly, he'd caught him, but Merlin doubted the rest of the room had noticed anything.

Gaius leaned in close to Uther's ear. 'Nimueh,' he whispered.

Gaius took a step back, his head bowed deferentially as he let the shield fade — all while Uther stared uncomprehending at him.

Then Uther understood what Gaius had said. He took a step back, then roared, 'No!' his wolves teeth protruding.

[??? All-consuming Fear turned Hatred.]

Merlin took a small step back at the king's outburst. He didn't know the name or what it meant, but he could clearly recognise the scent from the king for what it was now. Fear — unadulterated, raw fear. He doubted even the king knew that was what it was, though. But, either way, it was enough so, that Uther briefly lost control; something Merlin was not interested in being anywhere near if it happened again.

'I'm afraid so, Sire.' Gaius still bowed his head deferentially; like he was trying not to anger the king even further. It was not unlike when he had to give bad news to the knights or nobles, knowing they easily could take their displeasure out on him without him being able to resist or do anything about any punishments they'd deem "fair".

Uther took in a deep breath, one hand placed along his brow line in frustration.

'Clearly, we have not been diligent enough if she dares attack us.' Uther said, with a calm voice.

It was much too calm, too controlled to be real. Uther was angry; Merlin was certain of it. Not the anger that explodes out of you — making you regret everything you're about to do. No, this was silent anger. Still anger. The kind that makes you re-calculate everything, ensuring your revenge — no matter the cost.

‘Sir Cador, you will lead the search through the city in Arthur's stead. Leave no stone unturned; the law must be upheld! Arthur, you will personally accompany Gaius. You must go alone. Leave as soon as possible.’ 

'Father!' Arthur objected, clearly unhappy with his reassignment.

Gaius cleared his throat, 'Sire, if I may?'

Uther nodded, gesturing for Gaius to continue as he spoke, 'what is it, Gaius?'

'I will need Merlin with me, not Arthur.’ At Uther’s confused look, Gaius hurried to add, ‘Arthur does not have the medicinal knowledge needed and I will not be able to teach him in time.’ 

Uther looked Merlin up and down, assessing him. Then he nodded, 'Arthur will escort you both then.'

'Thank you, Sire.' Gaius replied. Merlin nodded, unsure if he should be thanking Uther for allowing him to go with Gaius; whatever they were about to do didn't seem enticing to join.

'You leave within the hour.' Uther turned around and began walking to his throne.

Gaius pointedly cleared his throat.

Uther heaved an annoyed sigh, but didn't turn around. 'What is it?'

'It'd be best if we leave in three days. We must brew a strong potion to be able to destroy the object.' A beat passed, then Gaius added, 'That is, if my theory is correct, Sire.'

Uther did turn around at that. 'And what would you have my kingdom do in the meantime?'

That was a trap, if Merlin had ever seen one.

Gaius nodded deferentially. 'Without it, we would not be able to stop the curse.'

Uther seethed.

'A word, father?' Arthur asked, pulling Uther's attention to him.

Uther gestured impatiently to Arthur.

'If what Gaius says is true, we cannot help the people without it. I could help with the search through the city while Gaius makes the potion. We can leave as soon as it is done, day or night. Debating here, will only give our enemies more time to conspire against us,' Arthur placated.

Merlin was surprised by the compassion. Clearly, Arthur could care for the people. By Uther's look, he had also reached the king with his speech.

Uther took in a deep breath. The grim smile that appeared on his face did not match the stench of hatred that still oozed off the king. 'Very well, Arthur,' Uther turned to face the rest of the court, 'you heard him. Go!'

Uther motioned to Arthur to stay behind.

Gaius and Merlin also stayed behind as the rest of the court rushed through the doors.

Uther and Arthur moved to the back of the room, and started speaking in low voices.

Gaius shot Merlin a disgruntled look, when he saw Merlin was clearly listening in on what they were about to say; but how could he not? All this secrecy was exciting! And besides, it wasn't like he could be doing anything else; not with the way everyone crowded the doors in their rush to leave the king's ire behind.

Uther laid a heavy hand on Arthur's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. His voice was low and serious. 'If what Gaius said is true, you will be dealing with a threat far greater than any here in the city. You must help them the best you can; the kingdom may very well depend on it.'

Arthur took in a breath, readying himself to reply, but Uther cut him off before he could. 'Listen well, Arthur. If you come across any Vampires, I want you to kill them. Do not trust their words; they are the bane of everything we have built and they will not hesitate in bringing this kingdom to ruins. Do you understand me?'

The words left a gruesome impression behind. What had happened to make the king hate vampires so much? How could he condemn an entire race because of it? So many innocent people —

'Of course, father.' Arthur's voice brought Merlin back from his short musings. Hesitantly and in an even lower voice Arthur added, 'surely not Gaius?'

Uther took back his hand, straightening up to his full height. 'His oath and loyalty has proven him loyal to the kingdom.'

It was as close as the king would come to say "No, not Gaius. For now, at least."

Arthur inclined his head in a nod, then turned to where Gaius and Merlin were standing. He hid his surprise well at seeing them still there.

Arthur made his way to the main doors, giving Gaius and Merlin a brief nod in understanding — or was it goodbye? — on the way there. As soon as he came close, people started parting for him, clearing the way.

Merlin saw his chance, and started following him, close enough it'd look like he was with Arthur, not just following him. Gaius quickly caught on to him and started doing the same.

The mass parting for Arthur made it easy to escape the room. Once they were out, Merlin shot out a quick 'thanks!' to Arthur, before he turned down the hall, opposite to where Arthur was headed. Arthur looked back confusedly at him for it, but clearly decided it wasn't worth it to figure out what he'd been thanked for, before he continued on his way.

Gaius chuckled at his antics.

Back in the physician's chambers, Gaius informed Merlin of the process brewing the potion in gruelling details, before he sent Merlin out to gather the last ingredient they needed, as well as strongly implied Merlin shouldn't come home before he had shifted; despite it no longer being close to a full moon.

Chapter Text

Two days later saw Merlin and Gaius much in the same positions as they started every day with, sitting across each other and chatting at their breakfast.

Well, Merlin's breakfast; today, Gaius was just sitting with him. But Merlin had come home rather late for their normal breakfast time, so he might just have missed Gaius' breakfast.

Merlin had shifted for almost a day and a half, before he'd come back home, exhausted but with the last ingredient they needed. Thankfully, it was also the last to be added; just before the potion would be done, so Gaius had not spent the time waiting.

Merlin removed the bandage from his chin; it was annoying to try and eat with it on.

'I hope you don't do that for every meal,' Gaius scolded lightly.

Merlin grinned, 'only those with you!'

Gaius shook his head but failed to completely hide his fond smile.

The comment about the bandage reminded Merlin of the scar he was missing. It was still very much on the front of mind and his mouth moved before he was able to stop himself.

‘Why didn’t it leave a scar?’

‘Why would it?’ Gaius countered.

If he was surprised by Merlin's question, he didn't show it.

‘… I don’t know.’ Merlin shrugged. ‘I guess I just… Kind of expected it to.’ Merlin scooped a spoonful of the greyish porridge into his mouth, then added — with his mouth full, — ‘Sped up healing is weird.’

Gaius sent him an admonishing look for talking with his mouth full. 'It wouldn’t have scarred even if you’d left it to heal naturally.’

Merlin paused his second spoonful mid-air. ‘What?’ He put the spoon back in his bowl, — not paying any attention and half dropping it, — staring at Gaius. ‘Why not?’

Gaius sighed, like it was somehow Merlin’s fault he didn’t know. But how could he? It wasn’t like he had a guide-book to all of this; and unlike when he’d had to learn how to feed or shift there hadn’t been any instincts telling him how to do this or that he could even do it at all.

‘As a supernatural creature,’ Gaius started, then corrected himself with a confused frown, ‘creatures?, you don’t just repair, you actually heal yourself completely.’

Merlin shook his head with an equally confused frown. ‘That doesn’t make any sense…’ he mumbled to himself. ‘Is that for Vampires or Werewolves?’

‘Both,’ Gaius answered confidently. Then added, ‘Your witch too.’

Subconsciously, Merlin ran a hand over the scar on the inside of his left arm, just by his elbow.

Gaius caught the motion, and then caught up with Merlin’s mumbling. ‘What do you mean, it “doesn’t make any sense”?’ He shot his ward a calculating look.

Merlin averted his gaze and gave Gaius an uncomfortable half-shrug.

‘Do you have any scars?’ Gaius asked, incredulously, when Merlin avoided his question.

Merlin squirmed under Gaius’ gaze, unwilling to add yet another oddity to his growing collection.

‘Merlin?’ Gaius intoned, no longer incredulous but worried.

Merlin tried sending Gaius an innocent smile so he didn't have to answer. When that didn’t work, Merlin sighed. He reluctantly pulled up his sleeve and stretched his arm across the table, so Gaius could get a clear view of his bitemark.

— He’d gotten it in the first few days after he’d turned Vampire. It had been an especially bad day for his bloodlust and his mother’s scent had been so tempting. Disgusted with himself, he’d shielded his nose in his elbow, hoping to block some of the scent. Then Hunith had gotten a small scratch picking up a wicker basket. It was such a small scratch she hadn’t even noticed it herself — but Merlin had. By the goddess, Merlin had. In a desperate attempt not the feed on his mother, he’d bitten into the arm he was using to shield himself with, with his fangs. It had left a perfect scar of a vampire's bite — but it had worked. For a while, at least. Eventually he’d had to flee to the woods for the night. That was before Hunith had scolded him harder than she ever had; for forcing himself to go hungry. Before she'd promised him it was okay; before they'd worked out a way for him to feed from her, safely. —

Gaius took his arm and pulled him closer — without regard for the table between them — as he studied the scar. ‘Who gave this to you?’

Leaning halfway across the table, Merlin swallowed. His mouth was suddenly much too dry. ‘I did.’ It came out not more than a croak, but it was enough for Gaius.

‘With your fangs?’ Gaius prodded, still examining his arm.

Merlin nodded, then realised Gaius wouldn’t notice that with the way he studied the scar. ‘Yeah. It was before I shifted.’

‘And your chin?’

‘Umh.. Wolves teeth, I think,’ Merlin said, after a pause — going through the events in his head.

Gaius looked up at that answer. ‘How sure are you about that?’ he asked, in a tone Merlin couldn’t decipher.

‘Umh…’ Merlin ran though the event in his head again, then out loud for Gaius’ sake. ‘So yeah… It couldn't have been my fangs. Not then — I mean, my wolves teeth were the reason I did it to begin with.’ Merlin concluded. The more he thought about it, the more sure he became.

Gaius hummed a noise indicating he heard what Merlin said as he returned his gaze to Merlin’s arm. After a while, he looked up and met Merlin’s gaze steadily. ‘Pull out your fangs for me.’

Merlin nodded and extended his fangs, unsure why Gaius would ask that — but trusting him enough to comply with it anyway.

Gaius studied Merlin’s fangs, his gaze flickering down to the scar every once in a while, with a thoughtful expression.

‘Hmm.’ Gaius hummed. ‘I’d like to test something.’ He met Merlin’s gaze steadily again. ‘If it’s okay with you. It might scar.’

Merlin opened his mouth to answer, then closed it again. “It might scar”? What the hell did that mean? Then again. Gaius was helping him — not only did he keep his secret,. as well as helped him learn better control; he took care of him. Maybe he could gain at least one answer to one of his impossibilities.

‘What kind of scar?’ Merlin ended up asking.

He already struggled enough keeping the one on his arm hidden. Sure, a long sleeved shirt covered it most of the time, but working as a physicians apprentice required mixing and brewing potions and salves constantly; something that often required him to work with water or other liquids. Merlin liked to think he could tolerate many things. Wet sleeves were not one of them.

Gaius smiled, like he’d figured out exactly what Merlin had ended up thinking about. ‘The same as the one you already have.’

He could deal with that. If it meant getting answers. Even just one answer. Merlin nodded.

Gaius hummed again, then let go of Merlin’s arm. ‘I want you to bite twice, — first with your fangs and then with your wolves teeth — next to your scar, side by side. Don’t heal between the bites.’

Merlin grimaced at the task. ‘Right.’ He was not looking forwards to this. He looked at Gaius one last time to check if there was anything else he needed to do. Gaius just gave him a reassuring look.

Merlin moved his arm to his mouth. With his fangs already out, it was easy enough to bite down, not thinking about the pain he was about to inflect on himself. The scent, the taste of blood pleased his vampire greatly, and Merlin flinched back from himself, disgusted with it. Why, why, did he react to his own blood like this? It was absolutely nauseating.

Well it should be. His head thought it nauseating, but his hunger loved it.

Retracting his fangs so he could repeat the process with only his wolves teeth out took a lot longer than he wanted it to. Eventually, he managed it. Thankfully, Gaius didn’t comment on it.

He extended his wolves teeth and bit down next to the still bleeding wound.

Not extending his fangs the moment the blood hit his mouth this time was much harder than he’d have liked for it to be. Time stood still — caught between one heartbeat and the next — as he pulled away faster than humanly possible.

Gaius looked amused at the display, but didn’t say anything of the supernatural speed — to Merlin’s eternal gratitude. Not that he'd ever admit it.

Merlin looked to Gaius, awaiting the next instructions. Gaius retook his arm and studied the two — still bleeding — bites with a keen eye, for a very long time.

‘Close your eyes, then heal them up.’ Gaius eventually instructed. ‘Keep your eyes closed after.’

Thankful to get rid of the pain, Merlin did as asked without a second thought.

‘Hmm.’ Gaius said. ‘It is as I suspected.’ Merlin kept his eyes closed as instructed, but cocked his head curiously. ‘You can open your eyes.’

Merlin did so, glancing down at his arm. Then he stared openly at his arm. ‘Wha…?’

The Wolves bite had healed completely, not leaving anything behind. The Vampire’s bite, however, had left behind another perfect scar of a Vampire’s bite.

Gaius nodded. ‘It seems your wolf is weakened against your vampire.’

Merlin nodded along, then shook his head. What? ‘My vampire?’ Merlin questioned.

Gaius nodded, ‘I would assume so. Do you have a scar from when you saved me?’

‘No,’ Merlin replied. ‘But I didn’t heal that; it healed by itself before I knew I could heal.’ Merlin pointed out.

‘Hmm. I suppose that was a rather special instance.’ Gaius conceded.

'Yeah…'

They’d need a different situation — test — to confirm if it was only Merlin’s own vampire his wolf was weakened against.

Before Merlin could fall further down that path of thinking, Gaius pointedly cleared his throat, clearly having seen the direction Merlin was going.

'What?'

'Finding a Vampire willing to help will be near impossible.'

Merlin cocked his head curiously to the side again, as he studied Gaius.

Gaius shot Merlin a tired, exasperated look, — and why did he keep doing that? He must have figured Merlin barely knew anything by now! It was Gaius' job to teach him these things! — before he relented with a weary sigh.

'Vampires cannot feed on other vampires, Merlin.'

'What? Why not?'

'For their own protection. Your venom runs through your blood, —' At Merlin's confused look by that statement, Gaius interjected, '— The venom that helps you drain your victims. It runs through your blood as well, and it causes extreme vertigo to other Vampires, even just touching it briefly. If they consume too much of it, or if they are injected with it from another Vampire feeding on them, they will die, — just like anyone else, if you feed on them for long enough, — but a Vampire's tolerance is much lower before it turns fatal.'

Merlin nodded at the explanation. He had no idea. A lot of things suddenly made a lot more sense, especially Gaius' reaction when Merlin had first cured him of the wolves poison.

How Merlin could find a vampire willing to bite him now felt impossible. If just biting another Vampire sent most reeling with vertigo, there'd be no chance anyone would help. Especially not if it could easily be deadly. But… Gaius had already fed on Merlin once; without any problems.

Merlin looked up at Gaius and saw him reach the same curious but troublesome solution. He grinned wickedly at Gaius.

‘No. Absolutely not, Merlin!’ Gaius refuted immediately.

‘You already tell people you do it!’ Merlin exclaimed. ‘Just a small test,’ he pleaded.

'Merlin…' Gaius shook his head, unconvinced and slightly horrified.

‘Alright…’ Merlin sighed. ‘What one more denied answer anyway.’ He tried shrugging it off, but the statement came out much more like what he really felt about it all.

Gaius grimaced and made a frustrated sound at that, but didn't relent. Which was fair enough, Merlin supposed. He just wished he could get at least one straight answer about himself for once.

'Eat your food, Merlin.' Gaius' voice was softer. He clearly recognised the frustration Merlin felt; and it was clear it pained him to be the cause.

-

Gwen stopped by, late afternoon that same day.

'I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to help? We just feel so restless — Morgana and I, that is.' Gwen blabbered, clearly nervous to have shown up without invitation while the city was under curfew.

Merlin smiled gratefully at her, then looked questionably at Gaius.

Gaius also smiled gratefully at her. 'I fear not, my dear. For now, all we can do is help treat the sick.'

'What about tomorrow?' Gwen asked. 'I mean, after the two of you leave? Is there nothing we can do? Please, Gaius, anything you can think of.'

Merlin was ready to bet Morgana was driving Gwen up the walls, being confided to her room. Gaius must have come to the same conclusion, if the pitying look he gave Gwen was any indication.

Gaius hummed in consideration. 'Perhaps the Lady Morgana and yourself would like to help prepare more tonics tomorrow, after we leave?'

Gwen beamed at them both, 'that would be lovely! —' her excitement dimmed slightly, — ' But umh… I don't think either of us know how to prepare them…'

Merlin cut in, before Gaius could retract his offer, 'that's fine. If you can find time to visit just after breakfast, I can show you, and you can teach Morgana, if you'd like?'

Her smile was much more sincere but not any less a beam as she replied, 'oh thank you! Thank you! I best be on my way, then. But I'll see you both tomorrow morning.'

Merlin and Gaius shared a look before they both burst into laughter, the moment Gwen had left.

Chapter Text

Merlin was ready extra early the next morning. He had spent the night stirring the potion for Gaius; it had to be stirred every 10 minutes — a problem for anyone who needed sleep. Every time Merlin thought about it, he smiled. Merlin was made for this. The work in itself might be boring at times, but with this potion they would save so many lives.

He also wanted to make sure everything was ready for when Morgana and Gwen came by to help, later.

His enthusiasm had woken Gaius much earlier than normal, and Gaius had scowled ever so fiercely at him for it; but he just couldn't help it. His mood was rubbing off on him though, and by the time they were preparing breakfast, Gaius' mood had returned to normal.

Before they sat down to eat, like normal, Gaius handed Merlin his waterskin, 'you should empty that before Gwen arrives.'

Merlin looked out the window, surprised to find it much later than he expected. Setting up everything must have taken him much longer than he thought.

Merlin nodded, glad Gaius was keeping better track of the time than he was. He emptied the waterskin quickly, before helping Gaius prepare the last of Merlin's actual breakfast food.

Gaius brought over Merlin's food and sat down by the table while Merlin stirred the potion one last time, before he took it off the hook. 'That's it then?'

'It needs to cool for 2 hours, then we mix it,' Gaius reminded.

'Right.' Merlin joined Gaius at the table, 'where's your waterskin?'

Gaius spoke at the same time, 'I wanted to apologise for yesterday.'

Merlin gestured for Gaius to go first, completely forgetting his own question.

'I can understand it must be difficult being denied answers,' Gaius continued. 'And I am sorry to be the one to do so. But I hope you understand, Merlin, that I do not wish any real harm upon you.'

Oh. Gaius had been worried about Merlin safety? That was what had stopped him from agreeing? But if that was the only reason why Gaius had said no…

'Is that why you refused?' Merlin couldn't help but ask, his voice a mixture between upset and relieved. 'Because you're worried about me?'

Gaius gave him an unreadable look. 'Of course it is, Merlin.'

A small bloom of hope flickered to life in Merlin's chest… Maybe…

Merlin smiled cautiously to Gaius.

'Then please help me test it.' At Gaius concerned look he added, 'I'm probably immune anyway. It wouldn't make sense for me to be immune to wolf's bane but not Vampire's bite.'

'If you are not, it could kill you,' Gaius intoned.

'Just a bite, Gaius. I need to know… And I'd much rather test it out with you.'

No, Merlin was not above begging for this, and he was sure he was going to regret that later, but right now, he really didn't care.

'And you must admit, the science behind it is intriguing,' Merlin added, hoping he could appeal to Gaius' scholarly side.

Gaius looked like he wanted to be anywhere else than here; clearly Merlin was getting to him.

He opened his mouth to respond, then sighed in defeat. ‘Fine. Just once. Only this once. For the scientific purpose.’ He did not sound convinced by his own reasoning, nor did he sound enthusiastic about it.

Merlin fought down a fond smile.

‘Thank you Gaius!’ Merlin beamed at him. He wanted answers, badly. That Gaius was willing to do this for him meant more than he knew how to express.

Then it hit him what that actually meant and his enthusiasm dimmed. Not enough to stop him though.

Afraid Gaius would change his mind if he waited, Merlin stood — making his way to Gaius on the other side of the table. Just to be on the safe side, — in case it’d leave a scar,— Merlin offered his left wrist to Gaius, — so they’d all be on the same arm, — who kept sitting down. A smart decision, really, with the vertigo he was about to endure.

Gaius reluctantly took Merlin’s arm. He sighed again, just to demonstrate how little he wanted to do this. When Merlin just pushed his wrist further towards him, Gaius huffed, then raised his wrist the rest of the way and bit into it.

Surprising the both of them, Gaius didn’t retreat from the wrist — the blood — like he’d been burned. Instead he casually let go, like he’d normally do.

They exchanged a curious look, then they both turned their gazes to Merlin’s wrist at the same time. Merlin healed the bite, the both of them watching intensely.

No scar.

Gaius made an approving sound, ‘Only your own Vampire, then.’

Merlin nodded, ‘that makes sense…’

For all of his conflicting… conditions…, having his Vampire and his Wolf at odds with each other felt oddly right — proving he wasn’t completely outside of nature’s order. He wasn’t only the exceptions to the rules. His Vampire and his Werewolf coexisted just like they did all around him; together — but not without strife. Well, at least existed as they had, before the war.

Merlin let out a relived breath, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

‘Oh!’ Gaius exclaimed enthusiastically. ‘That must be why you’re immune!’

Merlin gaped at him, then slowly nodded sending Gaius a questioning look.

‘Your Vampire protects you from that which would harm your Wolf — in return, your wolf protects you from that which would harm your Vampire.’ Gaius explained, his tone a mixture between excited intrigue — the same way he sounded when he discovered or came across a new medicine — and reverent exasperation, — the same way he’d sounded when they discussed the druids, destiny, and Emrys; reverent at the thought of a future like it, fondly exasperated at and with Merlin for it.

Merlin nodded at him again, this time with genuine excitement. That was even more answers than he’d hoped for! It still didn’t explain everything, — far from it, — but it was a good start.

‘Merlin?’ Gaius asked, sounding rather uncomfortable out of nowhere.

Merlin froze, mid nod. He’d never heard Gaius uncomfortable like this before. What had he missed that’d make him this uncomfortable? ‘Yes?’ Merlin ventured nervously.

‘Please take your wrist back.’ Gaius pleaded. His words were all kinds of wrong; formal, exactly like he was delivering bad news to someone above his station and wanted to avoid inciting an incident. Just like he had, when he'd stood in front of Uther in the throne room, a couple days ago.

Merlin, having completely forgotten he no longer needed to hold his arm up, took his wrist back, completely befuddled. ‘What’s wrong?’

Gaius shook his head lightly, sounding much more comfortable with Merlin's wrist gone as he replied ‘nothing.’

Merlin didn’t buy that for a second. Something was clearly up — why would Gaius deny it?

‘What is it? Did I do something? Are you hurt?’ A million different scenarios of delayed reactions to his blood — accidentally poisoning Gaius — ran through Merlin’s head. Maybe his wolf also protected him in this way; turning his blood as poisonous as his wolves-bite to vampires? Merlin should be able to reverse that, though. It’d be the same as when Gaius had been bitten, right?

‘Merlin!’ Gaius shouted, startling Merlin — pulling him out of his spiral.

Gaius had turned half around on the bench so he was facing Merlin straight on with a concerned expression.

‘Gaius?’ Merlin found his voice much smaller than he’d liked for it to be. Gaius looked okay; he didn’t look sick or hurt or poisoned. That only added to Merlin’s confusion.

‘I’m fine, my boy.’ Gaius answered softly, somehow having deduced correctly exactly what Merlin was spiralling into.

‘Then what…?’

‘Nothing,’ Gaius intoned, ‘I’m fine.’

Merlin gave Gaius another confused look for the proclamation. He was clearly missing something.

Gaius sent Merlin an unreadable look, then repeated with emphasis, ‘Nothing. Is wrong. I’m fine. Perfectly fine.’ At Merlin’s continued blank look, Gaius added a bit more exasperated, ‘a bit hungry, perhaps.’

‘Hungry…?’ Merlin questioned under his breath. ‘Wait. Hungry? As in…?’ Merlin trailed off, his gaze flickering between Gaius and his own wrist, covered in fresh blood from the bite.

Gaius nodded, looking uncomfortable but relieved he didn’t have to spell it out completely.

‘Wait… No nausea? No Vertigo? Nothing?’ Merlin couldn’t help but question.

Gaius huffed, ‘that’s what I’m saying, Merlin.’

‘That’s…’ Merlin trailed off, unable to put into words how that made him feel.

Did that mean Gaius actually wanted to feed on him? That Gaius had struggled? Struggled?! But Gaius never struggled; not with his bloodlust. He treated bleeding patients day in, day out, without a problem. Merlin had never even caught a slight struggle from Gaius with that; something he’d been more than impressed by, over multiple occasions as he followed him on rounds — seeing to, and treating patients.

What could have caused Gaius to struggle with his bloodlust now though? Was it really just because it was Merlin's blood? No that wouldn't make any sense; he hadn't reacted to Merlin's blood at all while he was stitching him.

The only times Merlin found it hard to control his own bloodlust these days was when he was incredibly upset or hungry; Gaius had been right that exposure really did help to learn control surprisingly fast.

Oh… It couldn’t be. Could it?

‘When was the last time you fed, Gaius?’ Merlin asked. He had a bad feeling about the answer.

Gaius hadn't had his waterskin on the table today, and he had said the castle's supply was running low.

Gaius shook his head. ‘It’s fine, Merlin.’ When Merlin just kept staring at him, not believing that statement for a second, Gaius relented with a huff. ‘You were there.’

Merlin couldn’t help it. He gaped at Gaius in horror. That was days ago! Almost a week! But Gaius had given him blood; the enchanted waterskin this morning, and the one in the blacksmith, as well as another the one after he’d lifted the curse, and the one yesterday, and…

Gaius must have seen Merlin work it out in his head, because he cut Merlin’s stream of realisations off with a firm, ‘You need it much more than I do. I’ll be okay when we get more in a couple of days.’

In a couple of days? Gaius had already been starving for far too long — in silence, for Merlin! — and he was planning on starving for even longer? Absolutely not. Merlin was not going to let that happen; even if it meant he’d have to search the entire town for someone who could spare a bite or two.

Gaius gave Merlin a pointed look at his wrist, then turned back to face the table.

Oh. Oh! Merlin could spare his. Gaius hadn’t reacted badly to his blood; on the contrary, if anything. It only stood to reason Gaius would be able to feed on him, just like he could with normal wolves and witches.

Gaius huffed impatiently at Merlin, nodding to his breakfast, like he was done with this conversation; and had been for a while.

Merlin shook his head — he knew Gaius would be against it, but he didn’t care. He was not letting Gaius starve; especially not when it was his fault to begin with.

‘Gaius…’ Merlin pleaded.

[Human.]

Gaius must have come to the same conclusion as Merlin had, if the speed of which he whipped around to face Merlin with said anything. ‘No!’

Merlin heard the door to the physicians chamber open, somewhere distantly. All he could focus on was the clear strain on Gaius face, having to face Merlin’s wrist again.

‘Why not?!’ Merlin exclaimed angrily. Why wouldn’t Gaius just let him help?

‘Merlin!’ Gaius reproached, surprised by Merlin’s anger. ‘It’ll be fine. It’s just for a couple days, I’ve handled worse.’

‘That doesn’t make it better, Gaius! You’ve already been starving for almost a week. I’m not letting you starve for even longer, especially not when I can do something about it!’

Especially not when it's my fault to begin with, went unsaid, but Gaius heard it anyway.

Before he could properly react, Merlin slammed his wrist onto Gaius mouth, once again pushing at that sweet spot that forced Gaius’ fangs to extend into Merlin’s wrist.

Gaius leaned backwards, — trying to escape — but Merlin was faster, already stepping behind him so he leaned into Merlin instead, now even more trapped than before.

‘Drink!’ Merlin demanded.

When Gaius tried to refuse again — with a small headshake, despite the strain he was so clearly fighting, — Merlin decided enough was enough.

‘I’m not giving up. We both know I’ll be able to stay here much longer than you can fight against days worth of starvation. Either you hurt me or you drink.’

It was a dirty trick to use. Merlin knew Gaius didn’t want to hurt him; that's why Gaius had refused the test in the first place. Forcing him to do so like this to get out of the situation was bordering on being cruel; and besides, Merlin was intimately aware how hard it was to fight off days worth of starvation — how the bloodlust would grow and grow and grow until it was almost unbearable; it wasn't far off from pure torture.

Gaius looked like he was actually considering the first option — not with malicious intent, but to stop Merlin from doing something as foolish as this.

Seeing that was almost too much for Merlin. Having Gaius keep his secret, protect him was one thing. Starving himself for him was another thing. But this? Going to such lengths not to risk Merlin harming himself like this instead… This was something else completely.

‘I know the risks, Gaius. Please.’ Merlin openly begged; his voice breaking on the last word.

Gaius somehow both froze and relaxed against Merlin at the same time. With an ever so tiny nod, Gaius finally gave in to Merlin’s plea.

Gaius lifted his hand so he could properly grip Merlin’s wrist. He gave Merlin a quick squeeze in apology before he started drinking; Merlin was grateful to feel Gaius fed properly — he'd have objected to anything else.

It was not the shallow kind of drinking that barely kept you going —enough, yes, barely, — to keep your victim safe, but the deep kind — the kind that pushed your venom faster into your victim, certainly killing your less resistant victims so you could actually rejuvenate yourself in their blood.

Merlin let out a relieved breath. Neither of them knew if Merlin would even be affected by it; but Gaius clearly hadn’t wanted to take the risk, with good reason.

Merlin placed his other hand on Gaius shoulder, giving him a short squeeze back as a thank you — for protecting him, for accepting his offer, for doing it properly.

It didn't take long before Merlin was forced to lean more and more weight on Gaius, too weak to stand up by himself. By the time Gaius was sated, Gaius was also the only thing holding Merlin upright.

Gaius retracted his fangs, then swept a hand over Merlin, calling to the magics of the sun for healing; preserving Merlin's energy. Then he cleaned his wrist, calling upon the magics of moon.

Merlin sunk down on the bench next to Gaius with closed eyes; content to let Gaius take care of him.

Gaius hovered about him, clearly torn between wanting to ask him something and unsure if he could.

'What is it?' Merlin mumbled. Goddess, he was tired. For the first time since he had shifted for the first time, he felt like he might actually fall asleep.

'Do you want something for the nausea?' Gaius asked; in a strange, timid version of his normal voice.

'Nausea?' Merlin blinked wearily up at Gaius. 'What nausea?'

Gaius shot him a worried look, 'your nausea.'

'Hmm..?' Merlin trailed off, closing his eyes.

Then it hit him; Gaius must have thought him nauseated because of the venom. That must be why he sounded so weird too. Gaius probably feared he'd hurt Merlin way past what he could come back from.

He opened his eyes again, — something that was much more difficult than it should have been, — and smiled gratefully at Gaius. 'I'm n't nauseat'd. Just tir'd,' his words slurred more than they should.

But Gaius understood. His relief was palpable, 'no nausea? Just tired?' Gaius couldn't help but repeat in question, his worry still just under the surface.

'Just tir'd.' Merlin confirmed with a small smile, letting his eyes close again.

Gaius stood, and wrapped a hand around Merlin's shoulder, pulling him close; a hug far too tight to be anything but desperately relieved. 'Don't you ever do this to me again!' Gaius scolded quietly.

Merlin nodded tiredly against the hug, then realised what Gaius said and started shaking his head instead.

Gwen cleared her throat, startling both of them. 'Sorry…,' she apologised immediately.

Merlin straightened up, fear coursing through him. This time, he had no trouble opening his eyes, terrified of what he'd find.

Gaius whipped around, but kept a steady hand on Merlin, making sure he wouldn't be shoved off the bench in the process.

'Gwen!' Merlin greeted. 'Uhh…' Hoping for the best, he sent her a smile, 'I can explain.'

She looked surprised, shocked even, but not angry. 'No need. I heard enough.'

That didn't sound good…

Chapter Text

That didn't sound good…

Merlin stood, or tried to, before a wave of dark spots behind his eyes made him reconsider.

He slumped back down on the bench. Gaius tightened his grip on him, keeping him steady, as his world tipped sideways. Gaius clearly expected it, but it was a rather unpleasant surprise for Merlin. Why had he ever thought standing up in the first place was a good idea?…

'Are you okay?' Gwen's tentative voice reached him. Right. That'd be why. She'd taken a step towards them, before she'd changed her mind. Now she was just sort of hovering about, unsure what to do.

Merlin closed his eyes, hoping to ease the headache from the dizziness and to get rid of the black spots in his vision. He grunted what was supposed to have been a "yeah" that came out more like a soundless 'h…'

Gaius steadied him against the table, then let go of him to bustle about the chamber. 'He'll be okay.' Two glass vials clinked as Gaius picked them up. 'But he shouldn't be trying to stand up so fast with that amount of bloodloss!' Gaius scolded lightly in Merlin's direction.

Merlin didn't feel near enough ready to face the world, or rather, open his eyes again, so he sent a scowl in Gaius' direction with his eyes firmly closed in response.

Gwen giggled, then tried to smother it with a hand over her mouth. It did nothing to hide it. 'Sorry! Is there something I can do?'

Merlin sighed. Clearly he'd missed Gaius completely. At least he hoped so. There couldn't be anything else for her to laugh about, could there? He was pretty sure there wasn't anything else to laugh about… But then again, everything was far more tiring than normal.

Would it be rude to take a quick nap before he showed Gwen (and Morgana) how to prepare the tinctures? Before realising it, he was already dozing off.

Gwen gently tapped his shoulder. 'Merlin?'

Blearily, Merlin opened his eyes. 'Mhh?' When did Gwen walk over here?

'Drink up!' Gaius called from across the room.

Drink? Drink what?

That question was quickly answered by Gwen, who held up a vial for him to take. Disgruntled, Merlin took the vial.

He recognised it by the smell; a mix of parsley, thyme, and what Merlin suspected had once upon a time been beans, amongst the ingredients. He hadn't had the courage to ask Gaius what exactly were in these tonics yet, and he was glad of that now. That they were prepared into watery foul-smelling tonics didn't make it any better.

He swallowed it quickly, trying not to gag at the taste. 'Ughh…' He grimaced, then handed the vial back to Gwen.

Gwen took the vial easily enough, but instead of letting his hand go, she replaced it with a large cup filled with water.

Where had she even gotten that?

A pointed look from Gaius made him postpone questioning that though. He drank the whole thing without complaint — mostly because it helped wash away the foul aftertaste of the vial.

'Why does he need all the water?' Gwen asked, as she watched him down the entire cup.

Merlin did know the answer to that! But he was grateful Gaius answered for him, as that meant he could lean back again and close his eyes.

'It helps the body regenerate the blood it's lost.'

He would just rest for a little bit, then he'd show Gwen how to prepare the tinctures.

…

'Come Merlin, lay down…' A gentle hand pushed at his shoulder.

Laying down sounded like a great idea. Merlin followed the push, going down. He expected to land on the rough wood of the bench, but instead, his head landed on a warm, soft surface. Soft fingers started cradling through his hair, lulling him further to sleep.

It was nice.

…

Someone giggled. Someone much closer shushed them, before a gentle voice spoke, 'Shh, go back to sleep, Merlin.'

Soft fingers still cradled through his hair. 'Sleep, Merlin,' Gwen whispered.

Merlin couldn't agree more. He nodded, or tried to, before sleep reclaimed him.

…

'Here, let me.' A new, gentle voice said.

Was that… Morgana?

Someone lifted his head up, and underneath it, someone shuffled something. Before he could bring himself to open his eyes enough to see what was going on, his head was gently placed back on a new lap. Cooler fingers started threading through his hair.

'Get some sleep,' Morgana whispered to him from above.

Merlin wanted to object to that, but dozed off before he could.

…

The soft warmth soothed the headache he had. The idle fingers threading through his hair was even better. For a while, he just enjoyed laying there as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep, unsuccessfully.

'Is that it?' Morgana asked quietly.

'Yes, my Lady. Make sure not to touch any of the herbs here, when you pour everything else in.'

'Oh, I can do that, Gaius.' Gwen replied, her voice further away.

'That would be for the best,' Gaius agreed.

'If you bring those to me, then I can help with them from here,' Morgana whispered.

Merlin stirred at that, not wanting to hinder what they were doing; that'd be the least he could do, if Gaius had taken up his job to show them what to do.

Morgana shushed him quickly, using her nails to lightly scratch his scalp as she threaded through his hair, 'Shh, it's okay. Go back to sleep.'

Who would he be to deny her request when she asked so nicely?

…

'Merliiin,' a quiet voice whispered.

'Mmh?'

'That's it, time to wake up,' the voice, — Morgana's? — whispered.

Merlin blearily opened his eyes, trying to figure out where he was.

Gentle, but strong hands helped him slowly sit up.

'Here, drink this.' Morgana handed him a cup filled with water.

Merlin took it gratefully, emptying the cup with a surprising speed. Had water ever felt this refreshing before?

When he was done, Morgana took the cup back, placing it on the table behind him.

'Morning…' Merlin begun, unsure what to say or do. How on earth had he ended up in this situation?

'Good morning,' Morgana replied with a chuckle.

Merlin looked about the chambers. Where was Gaius and Gwen? A couple tinctures had been prepared, and the potion Merlin and Gaius had been making the last couple days stood ready on the other table, but there was no sign of them otherwise.

'What did I miss?' Merlin asked, bringing a hand to the back of his head. He was pretty sure he hadn't hit his head when he laid down, but the throbbing headache coming from there begged to disagree.

'Gaius and Gwen went to fetch Arthur. Whatever potion, -' Morgana gestured to the potion on the other table, '- you've been brewing is done. I said I'd wake you before they come back.'

'Oh. Thank you.' Merlin nodded, then winced at the stabbing pain it caused.

'Are you alright?'

Merlin debated with himself wether or not to answer honestly, unsure what Gaius had shared. The thought of sharing what he'd done, to anyone, didn't sit right with him.

'Just…' Merlin trailed off. He vaguely gestured to his head, 'bad headache. It should go away on its own.' At least if he remembered correctly in his studies about bloodloss. 'The water helped, though.'

'Gaius told me what you did,' Morgana added, something unreadable in her voice.

'He did?'

Morgana smiled at him, 'It was a stupid thing to do, but I understand why you did it.'

Merlin shrugged. He knew it had been stupid, but well… 'The alternative was worse,' Merlin replied. He wasn't going to apologise for it.

'You can't help anyone if you're falling asleep,' Morgana chided gently.

'I didn't think I would!' Merlin exclaimed quietly, before realising what kind of questions that statement would leave behind.

Morgana huffed a disbelieving laugh, 'You need to take better care of yourself, Merlin! It was good of you to stay up for Gaius, but I know you've barely gotten any sleep since this whole thing started. -' she held up a finger, like she expected him to deny it, '- Gwen told me how much you've been working. Making 40 dozen tinctures the first night alone… Then this!' She shook her head, gesturing to the potion on the table.

Huh?… As relieved as he was she didn't question his outburst further, what on earth was she talking about?

'You're lucky it wasn't Arthur who found you asleep,' Morgana added, completely oblivious to Merlin's inner dilemma.

'Right…' Merlin agreed hesitantly.

He supposed Morgana did have a point. Arthur wouldn't have cared enough to listen to why he'd been sleeping. Merlin could picture that clear as day; Arthur barging in without a care in the world, demanding to leave the moment the potion was ready.

He doubted Morgana would be this calm if she actually knew what had happened. It certainly didn't sound like she knew what had happened; she was berating him on his sleep, after all. Something he hadn't done in months!

Gaius and Gwen must have excused his behaviour with lack of sleep. That was the only thing that made sense. It wouldn't even be a lie, technically speaking. He hadn't slept, and it would explain most of his other symptoms too.

Would Gwen really agree to keep it like this? He'd have to talk to her about it.

A commotion outside the chambers drew both of their focus. Gaius and Arthur bustled into the room with a speed much too fast to be considered calm, Gwen following not far behind.

'Arthur! What's going on?' Morgana exclaimed, as she stood.

More carefully, Merlin followed her example and stood too. His headache made itself known, but the accompanying dizziness from earlier didn't, so he took it as the small win it was.

Gwen answered, 'they've arrested someone, claiming them the reason for the curse!'

Gaius bustled about, gathering the things they'd need for the trip.

'It makes no sense! Father knows the caster must be near the object to hold the curse!' Arthur added, frustratedly.

For once, Merlin couldn't help but agree.

'I'll talk to him,' Morgana offered.

'I already tried. He moved up the trial instead.' Arthur heaved a sigh, then turned to Gaius, 'you said the potion was ready?'

'Yes, -' Gaius answered. Arthur cut him off before he could finish.

'I'll make sure the horses are saddled. Meet me in the courtyard when you're ready.' Arthur was out the door before anyone could answer.

Merlin shared a look with Gwen and Morgana. At least they agreed his rush was dumb.

'What can I do?' Merlin asked, turned to Gaius.

Gaius sent him a look that clearly stated what he thought about that. Merlin cut him off before he could object, 'we both know you need me with you.'

I'm the only one of us who can cast the spell went unsaid, but Gaius caught it regardless.

With a heavy sigh, Gaius nodded. 'Make sure you have extra water with you, you'll need it,' he relented.

Morgana gave him a disapproving look that he pretended not to see, as he collected his things.

It didn't take long before they had everything. After a quick goodbye, and a worried 'be careful!' from Gwen and firm agreement from Morgana on it, Gaius and Merlin set off to meet with Arthur.