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Merlin is tired. No he is exhausted. Arthur can tell by the way the servant is slouched against the training post and not standing in his usual proud stance with his head held high. Merlin looks pale and ghostly, his head nodding forwards before snapping back up- as if he's litirally falling asleep stood up. It's become a pattern reacently, Merlin looking worse and worse each day.
The knights have noticed too, it's easy to tell by the way they pretend to train but actually spare worried glances at Merlin's run down body. Gwaine takes multipul water breaks as if he's constantly dehydrated, only to look over Merlin's body for any injuries. Lancelot occasionally goes over to Merlin, asking if he's okay. Only to recive a mumbled "I'm fine, Lance". Before Arthur calls the knight to contiune his training routine, acting agitaged at the lack of work to hide his concern for his servant.
Today it's worse. Merlin is shaking, trembling in his spot when the sun is out and there's no clouds in the sky. His skin looks sickly and the bags under his eyes look like he'd been reptivily punched in them. Everyone is on high alert. Arthur decides to stand on the sideline, close to Merlin as a look out. The knights work slow and observant.
--
Merlin is exhausted. He feels like he's been trampled on by a herd of horses, he's hardly slept for more than two candle marks for the past few weeks. He's too busy. He doesn't have time to rest as he has to serve Arthur and when he isn't serving Arthur he's running errends for Gaius. And there's the constant checking the halls at night to ensure there's nobody trying to kill Arthur again! He stands, watching the knights train while trying to act as normal as he is.
It's hard. His body feels shaky, he reminds himself he didn't have time for breakfast again. The sun is too bright, it makes his head throb terribally and the lack of sleep seems to be catching up. There's spots clouding his vision and he feels weak. He takes a step forwards, he needs water, water helps, right? But as soon as his body moves his flying forwards. When did the floor start getting so close? He feels something strong catch him, voices yelling then nothing, his eyes close as his body gives up on his constant neglect.
--
Arthur sits on a chair next to his bed, looking at the feverish figure laying in it, Merlin. Merlin who looks like a corpes is passed out in his bed. He pickes his nails with worry, a horrible habit but the event seems like a reasonable excuse. Around him, the knights sit. Lancelot is crouched next to the bed, dabbing Merlin's forehead with a cool cloth. Gwaine paces the room, mumbling to himself, guilty for not helping Merlin sooner. Percival and Elyan stay close, ready to gather anything needed to help Merlin feel better. The room is quiet in scilence, a thick tension fogging up the air before it's broken with a small whimper.
Lancelot freezes the dabbing, Gwaine stops paceing, Percival and Elyan step forwards and Arthur, Arthur leans forwards in his chair, speaking as soft as anyone has ever heard- especially towards Merlin.
"Merlin..?" Arthur says, not wanting to fully wake the man if he's not ready to yet.
Merlins eyes crack open slightly, his eyes are hazy and clouded. The light doesn't hurt anymore but his body still feels weak and there's a wetness on his head. He whines slightly and tries to turn his head, only for Lancelot to murmer.
"Stay still, Merlin. Your okay." With the stern but caring tone to it. Merlin eventually settles again but is still slightly awake.
"Giaus said you collapes from exhaustion. Why didn't you tell us?" Arthur asks, needing to know how his friend could hide his suffering from him.
Merlin blinks slowly, processing the answer. His mind feels like slop but he knows the answer he just needs to form the words. After a few minutes he speaks.
"Couldn't.. didn't have time.. been too busy.." He mumbles, voice rough from sleep and illness before he slips back into sleep. Arthur and the knights frown, why didn't they check in sooner. Arthur can't let this continue so they form a plan for when Merlin is up and about.
--
A few weeks have passed and once deamed fit Merlin returns back to work. He notices the obvious changes instantly. Firstly, Giaus has a propor aprentace. A young boy named Aiden, to make sure Merlin doesn't have to work two jobs at once. His chores have also been reduced significantly since Arthur only makes him do important things that have to be done on a certain day. The knights help too, they sneak him snacks during the day and Lancelot and Gwaine sometimes walk him back to Guias' chambers after long days.
The change is slow but worth it. Merlin begins acting more like himself, smiling and throwing banter at everybody. He works more efficiantly and looks healthier as the days go by. Arthur occasionally watches from a far, monitering Merlin's health and vowing to never let his servant slip so far again.