Tomatoes and cheese wrapped in bread, and stew with meat and veg.

They're the first things Gaius makes when he returns.

Dust has gathered on his instruments, and the fresh herbs he picked days ago have withered to brown shreds. But Gaius, with a whispered word — for all that the walls have ears — raises a fire and starts cooking.

Once he's done, he sets out a plate and bowlful with ale. A warming charm keeps everything fresh until Gaius remakes it the next day, the next week, the next year.

His son Merlin will be starving when he comes home.