Merlin – Morgana's Recovery.

By Allyson

(A/N – I do not own any of the characters from Merlin, they belong to someone else! Set during episode 6 – A Remedy to Cure All Ills.)

After curing Morgana of her mysterious fatal illness, Edwin had prescribed her plenty of bed rest. Tired of staying in her room, Morgana had insisted on attending the feast that evening. Though she eagerly ate everything placed before her, in her still weakened state, she tired easily. Resting her elbow on the arm of her chair and propping her chin upon her open palm, she slowly dozed off.

Arthur felt a jolt of surprise and fear when he felt Morgana's head lean against his shoulder. Looking sideways, he was relieved and amused to find her fast asleep. Calming the beating of his hammering heart, he discreetly moved closer to her so that he could hear her gentle breathing, just to make sure she was definitely alive still.

Gwen, Morgana's handmaiden, hurried to their side. "Shall I take her back to her chambers, sire?"

Arthur glanced around the hall to see if anyone else had noticed Morgana's actions. King Uther, sat on the other side of Morgana, had his back to them while deep in conversation with Edwin. Arthur knew Morgana would refuse to leave the feast early (her stubborn streak not allowing her to show any sign of weakness) but would be mortified to be caught asleep at a feast held in her honour. However, Arthur didn't have the heart to wake her up when she looked so peaceful.

"No, it's all right, leave her be," murmured Arthur, so as not to disturb her. "The feast is nearly over and she'll probably wake up before then."

Gwen nodded obediently and returned to her place at the side of the hall behind Morgana's chair, trading a knowing smile with Merlin.

Arthur continued to pick half-heartedly at his food, feeling oddly comforted by the weight leaning against his shoulder. He had lost his appetite with worry when Morgana had fallen ill. The remembrance of almost losing her still made him feel queasy. When Edwin had miraculously cured her, Arthur found he was able to breathe again (not that he would ever admit the affect she had on him to her), but it all felt a little bit surreal. With Morgana asleep next to him, very much alive and on the road to recovery, Arthur began to relax.

The faint sound of her breathing near his ear under the clatter of plates and the din of dinner guests chatting to one another was strangely soothing to Arthur's fraught nerves. Before he knew it, Arthur's eyes began to flutter close as he leaned further back in his chair, Morgana's head still lying against his shoulder.

Uther turned in his seat to make sure Morgana was all right and stopped in surprise at the sight in front of him. A small nostalgic smile flittered across his face. Both Morgana and Arthur were fast asleep in their chairs, heads leaning against one another, like they used to do when they were much younger children.

Signalling to a nearby servant, he ordered for two blankets to be brought to the hall and that his ward and son were not to be disturbed. As the feast broke up and the guests and servants left the hall, only Uther stayed with the sleeping couple. He took the retrieved blankets and tucked them around Arthur and Morgana, careful not to wake them, before returning to his seat. When they awoke later on, they would get a scolding for a breech of etiquette but for now Uther was content to keep them under his watchful eye and let them sleep in safety.

The End.