Written for ExcaliburMaiden, for the Wish list Exchange 2016 on Whimsical Wanderings.

On a Cold Winters Day

Gwen had never liked wintertime. It always felt like she was never going to be warm again. Not when she went outside to get wood for the fire of their small house, or when she walked through a snow covered lower town, barely dressed well enough to withstand the cold. And it wasn't better up in the castle. The wind blew through niches and doorways, and it wasn't just cold, it felt as if the ghosts of former kings haunted every corner with their howls and laughter.

Gwen knew it was just her imagination, but she couldn't shake herself out of it. It was particularly bad this morning when she'd woken up to find they were out of wood, again. Her father had already gone to work and, before she was ready to leave herself, her hands and feet were almost frozen. She made it to the castle and the stairwell leading up to Morgana's chambers, with her whole body feeling as if she'd just walked through a giant pile of snow.

Shivering and about to climb the stairs, something - or rather - someone bumped into her. She almost lost her balance when a strong hand prevented her from falling on her behind.

"Gwen..."

"Merlin?"

He reached out and took her hand, steadying her. There was a look of concern in his eyes when she felt his warm hand touching hers. "Gwen, you're freezing. Come with me to Gaius' chamber, so you can warm yourself by our fire."

"Ah, there's no need, Merlin." She was grateful for his offer, but she was already late, and Morgana would be waiting for her. "I really need to go."

"Wait a moment."

"What?"

"Just wait, will you do that for me?"

"I, but..."

What was he up to now? But before she could ask he had bolted off, to who knows where. Should she wait for him in the freezing hallway? Was he joking around? No, he wouldn't. Merlin was always kind and considerate towards others. He was a good friend, and Gwen trusted him. So, she waited, wondering...

It didn't take long before he was back. Holding a large red scarf in one hand, and gloves in the other. A blanket was draped over his shoulder. It wore the sign of the dragon. Did he just ransack Prince Arthur's closet? He wouldn't now, would he?

Merlin didn't seem concerned, at all. "The prat won't miss these anyway, so here you go." He draped the scarf around her neck and pushed the blanket and gloves into her arms. "You need these more than he does, so..."

"But I can't, Merlin, what if..."

"What if what?"

"He'll find out."

"I'll handle Prince goldilocks, don't worry."

"Goldilocks?"

Then he grinned at her, and it wasn't just the scarf and gloves that warmed her up. Merlin had just warmed her heart. She couldn't help but smile at him, reaching up to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, Merlin."

She knew she was blushing when she turned away from him, but she had to admit to herself, Merlin was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Now all she needed was the courage to tell him how much she really liked him...

The End