Summary: Gaius gives something special to Merlin.

I wrote this for the 'Tokens of the Past' challenge on the Heart of Camelot website: Write about an artifact or heirloom that has been passed down through the generations. Just make sure it's of your own creation, not something we already saw on the show.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or Gaius


Gaius opened his eyes slowly, taking in the familiar sight of his workshop, his old eyes finally meeting the anxious young ones of his ward.

"Gaius, you're awake!" said Merlin thankfully.

Gaius took in the tousled hair, the bags under his eyes and the rumpled blanket on the back of the chair where Merlin had obviously spent a vigil.

"You've been there ever since I took ill, haven't you?" asked the physician as, not for the first time, he felt an overwhelming rush of affection for the young warlock.

"Of course I have!" Merlin answered, taking his mentor's gnarled hand and giving it a squeeze. "You've done the same for me often enough."

Gaius smiled, knowing he was more than happy to care for the boy, for reasons far beyond his official capacities as physician and guardian. Sitting up slowly, he decided it was time to act on those feelings.

"Merlin, would you please get that box from the top shelf over there?"

The warlock soon retrieved the item, curiosity written on his face. When he tried to give it to Gaius, the physician said, "No, I want you to have this."

Merlin opened the box, and gazed inside in wonder as Gaius explained, "This writing set has been handed down in my family for generations. We have long been academics. Also, although not strong, we have always had magic. This inkpot was brought back from Arabia, and this silver quill was enhanced by my own grandfather to never dull. My boy, I've come to think of you like a son, and I think it quite fitting that I pass these on to you."


Several days later, Gaius went to wake the young man, and was pleased to notice that although his room was its usual chaos, there in a privileged place right beside Merlin's beloved dragon carving sat the carefully placed writing set.