I've had this written for a while, I just never got the chance to proofread it. But... here it is finally!!

Prompt: Arthur and Merlin meet a girl who tries to get rid of Merlin so she can get to Arthur.

Idea by: Me again! Seriously, I need ideas now!

Disclaimer: I'm sick of saying I don't own Merlin. Everyone knows this, right?!
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   Arthur stopped abruptly in front of Merlin making the servant bump into his King. Arthur listened closely to the sounds around him.

   "What is it?" Merlin asked, leaning in close to Arthur.

   Arthur glanced around the forest. Twigs breaking sounded from not too far off. Arthur wouldn't let Merlin around him fearing it could be Morgana once more-- and Arthur couldn't see his friend hurt again by her.

   The echoes of footsteps and panting filled his ears. Arthur ducked down into some nearby bushes, pulling Merlin with him.

   Just at that moment, a girl came running into the clearing where Arthur and Merlin were hiding. Arthur's eyes widened as he stared at the girl. She stopped only a few feet in front of their hiding place to rest. The girl looked tired and hungry.

   Arthur began to crawl out of his hiding place, but Merlin pulled him back. "Arthur, what are you doing? This could be a trap!" he whispered sternly.

   Arthur glanced between Merlin and the young woman. "We'll have to take those chances." He sprang to his feet and emerged from the brush. The girls eyes widened in fear as Arthur stepped up towards her.

   "Stay back!" she shouted, thrusting her hands forward. Blonde, dirty curls flipped over her shoulder as she slung her head towards Merlin. "I won't go back!" she screamed. The girl backed away about to take off running.

   "It's okay!" Arthur tried to say calmly. "We're not going to hurt you." He stepped an inch closer. She didn't listen. She still backed up farther. Arthur stopped moving. "Merlin, I may need some help."

   Merlin looked at him confused. "Me?" he pointed to himself. "What do you want me to do?" Arthur cleared his throat roughly. Merlin understood. He wanted Merlin to use his magic. Merlin still felt uncomfortable using his magic around the King. He knew that at any moment Arthur had the right to put him to death, but he would still obey his King.

   Merlin waved his hand through the air and the girl immediately stopped shouting and began to collapse towards the ground. Arthur ran forward and caught her in his arms. The young woman was so weak and fragile in his hands.

   Merlin stepped up beside Arthur and the girl. Merlin stared down at her. "What do you think happened to her?" he asked with a blank expression.

   Arthur lifted the girl in his hands, her limp body seemed peaceful in her unconscious state. "I don't know," the King replied, "but we need to get her back to Gaius." Arthur began walking away. He was a foot away when he realized his servant had not moved an inch. "Come on, Merlin!" Arthur called. Merlin still didn't move; he continued to stare at the ground. Arthur marched back towards his friend. He gripped Merlin's shoulder and dragged him along. "You know I'm not leaving you for Morgana again."

   Merlin didn't like this one bit. There was something off about this girl, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He just knew that there was a dark presence surrounding this young woman. Bringing her into Camelot wasn't the best idea.

   As Arthur and Merlin rode into Camelot, Lancelot and Gwaine came out to meet them. Arthur hopped off his horse and took the girl in his arms. "Gwaine, go alert Gaius that I'm bringing someone to him." Gwaine nodded in response and took off.

   Merlin stayed behind to unsaddle the horses. Lancelot noticed the grim expression on Merlin's face and stepped over to his friend. "Merlin, what is it?" he asked. "I've seen this face before. What is wrong?"

   Merlin turned his gaze upward to meet Lancelot's. "Watch that girl closely," he told the good Knight. "There's something not right with her. I can sense it."

   Lancelot nodded his head. "I'll come get you if I see anything." Then he ran inside towards the physicians chamber.

Arthur's POV
   Arthur dashed inside Gaius' chamber where the physician was stirring something with a mortal and pestle.

   "Lay her down over there," he told his King. Arthur swiftly placed the young woman on the bed which Gaius had pointed to. He carefully lowered her head down on to the pillow. What was she doing out in the woods all by herself? What was she running from?

   Gaius came over to Arthur and rested a hand on his shoulder. Gaius took a seat next to the girl before looking her over. He rubbed a warm wet cloth over her forehead as she laid silently. "Did you find her this way?" Gaius asked.

   Arthur shook his head. "She wasn't asleep. Merlin - " Arthur cut himself off as Lancelot walked into the chamber. He whispered softly in the physicians ear. "I had Merlin use his magic to knock her out so we could get her here." Arthur placed his hands on his hips. "Why hasn't she waken up yet?" He lowered his voice again. "I didn't think Merlin's magic would keep her asleep for so long." Arthur was beginning to question if using magic on this poor girl was the right decision.

   Gaius sighed. "Magic takes time to wear off," he spoke, not even bothering to lower his voice. He knew that Lancelot knew. "Where is Merlin?"

   Arthur went on full alert as Gaius said those words. Arthur had just left Merlin by himself! Of course they were in Camelot, but you never know when someone could be working for Morgana, and Morgana wanted Merlin dead badly. Arthur spun on his heels getting ready to run back outside and make sure Merlin was still okay.

   "Relax, Arthur," Lancelot said calmly. "He's putting the saddles away. He'll be right up. Percival's down there with him."

   Arthur sighed in relief. How could he have been so stupid to go off and leave his best friend? He was thankful that the Knights were the same way. They didn't want to see Merlin hurt again and never left him alone.

   As Arthur thought about him, Merlin came sprinting inside the chamber. Once he passed the threshold, Merlin slammed his back into the wall and stared at the girl with wide eyes.

   Lancelot swiftly walked over to him. "You okay, Merlin?" he asked concerned. Merlin jerked his hand towards Lancelot, a frightened expression buried on his face.

   Arthur turned his head towards Merlin to hear him reply, "Nothing." Merlin dashed up the few stairs to his chamber and disappeared inside. Arthur was puzzled and worried. Why wasn't his servant acting right? He began acting strange the moment they rescued this girl. What was wrong with him?

Merlin's POV
   Merlin sprinted up the stairs, skipping a few steps here and there, and passed over the threshold into the chamber he shared with Gaius. The minute his foot passed over the threshold, a cloud fogged his vision in his mind and gave him a terrible headache. He backed away, slamming his back into the wall hoping to chase away the cloud. As he looked up, this horrible creature stood in front of him. It's skin was gray and full of wrinkles; it's eyes completely black, and its nose was a gapping hole. It's teeth as sharp as knives and long slender fingers.

   Merlin's eyes widened in fear and his mouth fell open as it stepped closer to him. It slowly began to take the shape of the young lady he and Arthur had rescued. She stepped up close to Merlin and caressed his face in her hand. She held up a finger to her mouth in a shushing motion... then she was gone.

   "You okay, Merlin?" Merlin jerked his head sideways thinking she had come back, but noticed Lancelot standing there instead. He also recognized the glances from Gaius and Arthur. "Nothing." Merlin replied sharply before taking off towards his chamber.

   Merlin slammed the door shut and leaned heavily against it, panting. What was that thing? What did it want? More importantly, what did it want with Arthur? Why would it show itself to Merlin? What would happen if Merlin told Arthur about what he had just seen. Would Arthur even believe him?

   A knock sounded on the door making Merlin jump out of his skin and back away from the door. "Merlin, can I come in please?" came Lancelot's voice.

   Merlin tried to calm his beating heart before the Knight came in... or at least make it seem like nothing was wrong. "Come in!" Merlin shouted his reply. He sat down on the edge of the bed as Lancelot opened the door and stepped inside.

   "What was all that about?" he asked his friend, closing the door behind him. "Why are you so jumpy? There's something wrong and you're not telling anyone."

   Merlin shook his head violently. "No, nothing's wrong. Why would you say that?" Merlin sprang off the bed and began pacing around the chamber.

   Lancelot gestured towards him. "Because of that!" he answered. "That's how I know something's wrong. Merlin, what are you not telling anyone? What happened when you came into the chamber?" Merlin sat back down on the bed, hands folded and close to his mouth. "Something happened, didn't it?"

   Merlin shifted his head towards Lancelot and slowly nodded his head. He silently prayed that whatever this thing was would not show up again and kill him or Lancelot for telling the Knight. Merlin could feel tears forming in his eyes. "I don't know what it was," he whispered fearing she'd hear him. "I've never seen something like this before." Lancelot took a seat beside Merlin on the bed. "Its eyes were void. There was no life in them." Merlin placed his head in his hands. He had to find some way of getting rid of this creature.

Arthur's POV
   "Maybe I should go check on him," Arthur said rising to his feet.

   "No, you stay," Lancelot told him. "I'll make sure he's okay." He knew that if Merlin needed someone to talk about magic with, it had to be him. Even though he knew that Arthur knew, Merlin always felt more comfortable talking about it with him.

   As Lancelot disappeared inside Merlin's chamber, the girl on the bed suddenly took a deep breath and sprang upward, panting heavily. She glanced between the two men and tried to squirm away and off the bed.

   Arthur gripped her wrists. "Take it easy!" he said to her calmly. "We're not going to hurt you!"

   The girl pulled on her wrists as she tried to escape from his grasp. "What am I doing here?" she asked frantically. "What are you doing to me? Why did you bring me here?"

   Arthur removed his grip from her wrists and that seemed to calm her. Her breathing slowly became normal enough for Arthur to ask, "What is your name?"

   The girl stared at him for a moment before answering. "Elise." Arthur grinned slightly. "Please take me back," she pleaded with the King. Arthur shook his head and began to open his mouth when Elise cut him off. "Please, I left my husband behind!"

   Arthur stood up from off his knees. He was shocked to her that she had a husband. She didn't even look old enough. "How old are you? What were you two running from?"

   Elise swallowed before answering. "I'm twenty years old. My husband and I... we were running from Morgana." Arthur's eyes widened. "We have to go save him! Please! Morgana will kill him!"

   Arthur nodded. "I'll get Merlin and the Knights and we'll head out." He dashed up the stairs and didn't even bother knocking on Merlin's door. As he barged in, Lancelot and Merlin turned their gazes towards him. They were both sitting on the bed. "You two get ready to go. Merlin saddle the horses, Lancelot gather the other Knights. We leave at once."

   Lancelot stood to his feet as Arthur turned to leave. "Where are we going, Sire?" he asked.

   Arthur's gaze met Merlin's as he spoke. "To find Morgana and rescue Elise's husband."

   Merlin sprang from the bed at Arthur's words. "Are you crazy, Arthur?" Arthur raised a brow at his question. "Morgana's tried to kill me numerous times!"

   Arthur nodded his head. "I understand that, Merlin, but Elise needs our help. You'll have full protection from the Knights and I. You won't go anywhere alone. There's nothing to fear."

   Merlin sprinted towards Arthur and gripped his shoulder before Arthur could disappear down the stairs. "Arthur, please! You know this is crazy! We can't do this!"

   "Why not?" Arthur shouted back.

   "Because I don't trust her!" Merlin yelled back. Arthur stared at him, anger in his eyes. "Listen to me, Arthur. There has to be something inside of you telling you that there is something wrong here."

   Arthur yanked his arm away from Merlin and leaned in inches away from his face. "Get the horses ready!" he said sternly, yet quietly. Arthur stomped down the stairs to see Elisa staring at him.

   "How we going to go find my husband?" she asked, her voice quivering.

   Arthur nodded his head. "I won't leave your husband out there with Morgana." Then he marched out of Gaius' chamber to get ready for their journey.

Merlin's POV
   Merlin turned his head towards Lancelot. "We can't do this!" he shouted in a whisper at the Knight. "That girl's got something planned. I know it!" He stepped up close to Lancelot. "I can sense it, Lancelot."

   Lancelot placed his hands on Merlin's shoulders and pushed him slightly back. "I know you can sense something, Merlin, believe me. But we're not going to change Arthur's mind." Merlin lowered his gaze to the ground. "We'll keep a close eye on Elise, okay?"

   Merlin turned his eyes upward but left his head hanging low. Merlin really didn't like this, but Lancelot was right. He knew there was no way of changing Arthur's mind. Merlin would just have to do what he always does... protect Arthur. If Morgana was at work here, he wasn't going to let her get to him.

   Merlin stood beside Lancelot in the courtyard waiting for Arthur and Elise to show up; he had already saddle the horses. Merlin was busy chatting with Gwaine when Arthur and Elise began descending the stairs. As Merlin glanced up at Elise, she eyed him. Her face shone with rage and her eyes were void. Was he really seeing the beautiful girl with Arthur or was the beast shinning through.

   Arthur helped Elise saddle her own horse before he saddled his own. "Let's move out!" he demanded his Knights. They all obeyed and headed out the castle gates with their King.

   Merlin still didn't like it. He couldn't help but feel like Elise was leading them into a trap. Why was Merlin the only one who could see her true form? No one else could, and Arthur certainly wouldn't believe him. At least Lancelot was on his side. Merlin kept his eyes focused on Elise as they rode through the forest. She rode directly beside Arthur.

   It wasn't very long after they started that Elise wanted to stop. Merlin's heart jumped. He couldn't let them stop now. They were in the middle of the forest, close to the place where Merlin had been attacked once my Morgana. "I think we should keep going!" Merlin shouted up to Arthur.

   Elise put a sad expression on her face. "Arthur, please. I don't know how much more I can ride. I'm not use to riding horses. My husband drives a wagon." Arthur turned his gaze towards Elise in a thinking motion.

   Merlin thought this was ridiculous. Arthur should know that this spot wasn't a good place to rest for a few minutes. Merlin knew that Elise wanted to stop for some certain reason. He couldn't let them stay here. He had to convince Arthur. Merlin rode up along Arthurs opposite side. "You know we can't stop here, Arthur," he whispered. Arthur turned his gaze from Merlin to Elise then back to Merlin again. "And you know why we can't," the servant continued. Merlin could still see that Arthur was contemplating his decision. He just needed another boost. "Arthur, last time we were here Morgana was too."

   "I won't let you rescue my husband without me," Elise continued. "And I can't go on much longer." Elise gripped Arthur's arm. "Please, Arthur! Please let us at least walk around for a few minutes."

   Merlin narrowed his eyes at the young woman. Why was she so desperate to rest here? They could rest in another mile or so, but not here. Why was she being so persistent on this? Merlin didn't like it. He knew she was planning on doing something. But what was it?

   "Arthur, be reasonable," Merlin pleaded.

   "You have no say in this, Merlin!" Arthur snapped at his servant. Arthur glared at Merlin, his eyes full of hatred. "We'll rest here for a while!" he shouted to his Knights. Almost all of them were hesitant to get off their horses. They were wondering why Arthur would want to stop so early. They all knew Merlin was right. This was not the greatest spot to rest for a while. But when Arthur hopped off from his mare and helped Elise off hers, the other Knights began to climb down from their horses.

   As Merlin's feet hit the ground, a stronger scent struck him. He couldn't place what it was, but it was pure evil; dark magic. Merlin knew that had to be coming from Elise, but he had never felt something as strong as this before around her. Merlin's skin crawled. He turned towards the source of the magic to find Elise walking away in the distance. Her form changed from the beautiful girl to the ugly creature and back to the girl again. Merlin crouched low and followed her.

   Where was she going? He followed her throughout the forest till she disappeared inside a cave. Merlin raised his brows, puzzled. He crouched down and swiftly ran into the cave following behind Elise. As he walked around the cave, he found no trace of Elise. Where could she have gone?

   A crumbling sound came from behind him. He swiftly swung himself around to see Elise staring at him with a smile. Merlin straightened himself upward. "What are you doing all the way out here, Elise?" Merlin questioned the girl.

   Elise's smile widened. "Luring you to this cave," she answered with an innocent voice.

   Merlin's eyes narrowed. "You don't have a husband, do you? You're leading us to Morgana."

   Elise laughed. "Morgana?" she asked in disbelief. "Please, that witch and I are definitely not friends." Merlin furrowed his brows confused. "I do have a husband, but he's not been captured by Morgana. I'm taking the King and his Knights to where I live so my husband and I can feed on their blood." Merlin felt sick to his stomach at her statement. "Do you think I enjoy being in this disgusting body?" Elise questioned as she raised her voice and pointed to herself.

   "Why did you lead me here?" Merlin interrupted her.

   Elise sighed. "Morgana always complains about how the servant boy, Merlin, always gets in her way. I don't want to have to deal with you messing up my plans." Elise stepped backwards and raised her hand towards the cave ceiling. With a quick word, the ceiling began to collapse on top of Merlin.

   The rubble filled the chamber in which Merlin was and trapped him inside. He felt jagged rocks smashing into his skull as the ceiling chipped off. Merlin fell to the ground, the rocks crushing him as they came down. One of the rocks smashed against the side of Merlin's head causing him to be knocked unconscious.

Arthur's POV
   Arthur glanced around the forest. He couldn't find Elise... or Merlin for that matter. Where could they have gone? "Arthur," he heard his name being called.

   He turned around on the log he was sitting on to see Lancelot behind him. "What is it?" he asked.

   Lancelot crouched down beside his King. "Merlin and Elise have vanished. Where could they have gone?" Arthur didn't answer right away. "Arthur, you know as well as I do that if Merlin says something is wrong then something is wrong." Arthur creased his brow while he was thinking. What did Lancelot mean?

   Arthur stood to his feet. "You're right. We need to find them. I don't even know where to begin-"

   "Sorry I was gone for so long," Elise said as she stepped up behind Arthur. Arthur turned to look at her; his expression full of confusion. "I found a brook not too far off and decided to wash up a little," she said trying to put his mind to ease.

   Arthur glanced between Lancelot and Elise. "Where is Merlin?" he asked her.

   Elise cocked her head. "How should I know where the servant is? I thought he was here with you."

   Arthur thought longer. Everything was starting to peace itself together. The way Merlin stared at Elise when they had first met her in the woods, the expression that was on Merlin's face when he entered the physicians chamber, how he was so distant from Arthur.

   Arthur drew his sword. "What have you done with him, Elise?" He held the sword to her throat. "Tell me. Now!" he shouted.

   Elise raised her hands and coward before him. "Arthur, what is going on? Please, don't hurt me!" She covered her face with her hands.

   Arthur pushed the sword a little closer; there was no compassion in his voice, "Where is he?!" Lancelot and the rest of the Knights stared at Arthur. Everyone except for Lancelot thought he was crazy.

   Elise dropped her hands to her side and smiled. "You really do care about the servant," she said with a grin. Elise shrugged and stepped backwards. "He's probably dead by now." Arthur's eyes opened wide and the other Knights drew their own swords. "I sent a cave tumbling down on him. If he's not dead, he's close to it. If the rocks didn't kill him, the lack of oxygen will."

   Arthur advanced forward. "Where is he, Elise?!" he screamed.

   Elise placed a finger on her chin and bent her brows in a thinking mode. "Why should I tell you?"

   Arthur placed the edge of his sword on her throat. "If you want to stay alive, you'll tell me now!"

   Suddenly, a loud boom echoed throughout the forest, a cloud of smoke rose into the sky. "That has to be Merlin!" Lancelot shouted. He took off running towards the smoke, the rest of the Knights following closely behind him.

   Arthur and Elise stood face to face in the midst of the forest. Elise could see the anger arise on his face. She held up her hands in a defensive mode. "Wait a minute now, Arthur." Arthur didn't listen to her. He clenched his sword tightly in his grasp and with one thrust, he planted his sword in Elise's abdomen. She was dead as soon as she hit the ground  Arthur, then, took off towards the smoke.

Merlin's POV
   Merlin opened his eyes, his vision was blurry. He lifted his right hand to his forehead and felt warm liquid oozing from his head; a massive amount. Merlin flinched as his fingers touched his head. That wasn't good. He was going to lose too much blood with his head injury and all the scrapes and cuts everywhere else, especially on his leg which held a long gash.

   Merlin knew he couldn't just lay here. He had to get up and get out. He could already feel the air thinning as his lungs couldn't pick up enough. He tried to stand, but the pain in his leg made it nearly impossible, he tried anyway. He moved his hands to brace himself, but a terrible pain shot through his left shoulder. Merlin clenched his left shoulder to find that it had been popped out of place. He turned his head to face his shoulder, but found that his left arm was trapped underneath a large rock. Merlin closed his eyes in frustration. How could Arthur not have believed him? Now look at the mess he was in.

   Merlin let the magic flow through him to try and lift the bolder off his arm. A quick burst of pain filled his body making him scream out in pain. He let his golden eyes dim back into blue and panted. What had happened? He never experienced his magic causing him pain before. Merlin knew he was not going to be able to lift it off his arm. He felt like screaming. How could he have gotten himself into such a mess? Merlin was going to die down here and no one would ever know what happened to him.

   Merlin could see his vision darkening, the air getting even thinner. He wouldn't last much longer. He looked over towards the hole that was blocked by rocks. He had to get it open; get some air circulating. Maybe then Arthur could find him. The cave might collapse completely, but that was a risk he was willing to take.

   Merlin summoned his magic once more, it hurt just as before, but he pushed through. Merlin thrust his only free arm forward and the rocks burst into tiny pieces; light poured into the dark cave, and smoke filling the atmosphere. Merlin coughed and lowered his hand. He felt drained, like he had no magic left. His vision was already getting worse by the minute. He laid his head back against the dirt and closed his eyes. "Arthur," he managed to whisper before falling unconscious.

Arthur's POV
   Arthur ran fast to catch up with the Knights. He eventually did and took the lead in finding Merlin. Where could his best friend be? What cave? Where had Elise trapped him? Their only hope was to head towards the smoke.

   "Merlin!" Gwaine called out.

   "He's not going to hear you," Percival told him. "He could be dead for all we know." Gwaine stopped in his tracks at what his friend had said.

   Even Arthur felt his heart drop. Merlin had tried to warn him about Elise so many times. Why didn't he listen? Merlin had been right every other time. Speaking of Merlin made Arthur hear his voice. "Arthur," he heard softly. Arthur stood up straight. He wasn't imagining his friends voice, he really heard him.

   "Merlin!" Arthur shouted. He took off running faster then before. He reached the cave where smoked billowed out. Arthur jumped right into the smoke.

   "Arthur, wait!" Lancelot called to him before running in after him. The other Knights followed behind.

   Arthur coughed as he tried to get clear of the smoke. "Merlin!" he kept shouting. He emerged from the smoke into a small clearing; rubble everywhere. As he climbed over the rocks inside, he noticed a body not too far off from him. He squinted his teary eyes to see more clearly. It was Merlin!

   "Merlin!" he scurried over to his friend. As he got closer, he noticed the thick layer of blood covering his face and still running from his forehead. He shook Merlin roughly to get him to awake, but Merlin made no movement. Arthur placed his head on his best friends chest to make sure he was still breathing. Thankfully, he was.

   The rest of the Knights poured into the corridor. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. Lancelot ran up to Arthur's side. "How is he?" Lancelot asked very concerned.

   "Alive at least," Arthur replied. "Help me get this bolder off his arm." Arthur and Lancelot both positioned themselves with their hands underneath the rock. They lifted with all their might, but it was going to take more then two men. Gwaine and Percival both came over to help. With the four of them, they were able to lift the bolder easily. Percival then gathered Merlin up in his arms, watching his left arm, and carried him out of the cave.

   Percival laid Merlin down on the ground outside. Arthur immediately knelt down beside Merlin, and Elyan set to work on him. After a few moments, Elyan sighed. This set Arthur on edge. "What does that mean? What's wrong, Elyan?"

   Elyan shrugged. "He's just lost a lot of blood. It's going to be a while before the circulation will give him enough blood. He's going to be out of a while."

   Arthur bowed his head. "And his arm?" he continued to ask.

   "It's broken in many places, but it will heal," came the dark Knights reply. "Do you think you can help me set it back in place?"

   Arthur hated what Elyan was asking him for, but he had to help his friend. Arthur placed his firm hands on Merlin's shoulder as Elyan gripped Merlin's arm and twisted it, popping it back into place. Merlin screamed out in pain from the quick snap in his shoulder. Arthur cringed as his friend moaned in pain. After Elyan had bandaged Merlin in several places, including the gash on his leg, he went to help Leon gather firewood so Gwaine could make dinner.

   Arthur continued to sit beside his best friend even through dinner. He wanted to be beside him when he regained consciousness. At least his color was starting to return slowly, but he was still very pale.

   As the Knights talked amongst themselves, Arthur watched as Merlin opened his eyes slowly. "Merlin!" Arthur exclaimed with glee. Merlin only stared at him. Arthur knew what he was thinking. "I'm so sorry, Merlin!" Arthur apologized. "You were right. Elise was bad news. I shouldn't have been so foolish."

   Merlin nodded his head accepting his apology. Arthur knew he was in much pain as he tried to move slightly. Merlin looked over at his bandaged arm. It ached so bad! He turned his gaze back to Arthur. "Does this mean I get a few days off from work?"

   Arthur laughed loudly as Merlin smiled brightly. No matter what happened to Merlin, he always had a sense of humor.