This Merlin Christmas is set during Season 2!
The relationship between prince and servant was being kindled like a campfire. For years the Prince had only seen the servant as a background character, merely a shadow in the great court of Camelot. But recently he has seen her as more than just a servant.
She was humble, smart, strong willed, beautiful, wise, kind, and so many other things. To the Prince of Camelot she was perfect. If it weren't for the fact that she was a servant the prince would drag her under the mistletoe faster than anybody could utter the words, "candy cane."
The servant that the prince felt such a deep passion for was very busy this season. King Uther demanded all the servants to take part in decorating the castle, even the servant of his ward. She often was seen running around in attempt to make everything perfect for the King. Nobody wanted to disappoint Uther.
Because of his father's orders the prince hardly got to speak or even see the girl in the two weeks before Christmas. He would do anything for a moment alone, but she was always bustling around. The last time he did get a look at her she looked extremely stressed. The prince did not think it was fair for her to be so flustered during the Christmas season, so he was determined to fix that.
The Prince of Camelot had fallen in love with a serving girl, and this Christmas was sure to be a romantic one. The girl's name is Guinevere, also known as Gwen. She is the reason we have our story.
"It took you long enough to get here, Merlin." Arthur said to his servant whose face was red, and hair wet from melted snow.
"I'm sorry! But your father wants everything perfect for Christmas! I had to collect three hundred, yes, three hundred pinecones!"
"I do realize my father is a bit obsessive over Christmas. I believe it's because my mother loved the holiday so much."
"I'm sorry, sire."
"Yes, well, nothing much we can do about that is there? But my father's obsession leads us to the topic of this conversation."
"And that is?"
"If you'd shut up and listen, Merlin, you'd find out."
"Alright, alright!"
"So you know Morgana's serving girl, Gwen-"
"-Of course I do! She was the first friend I made here."
"Right. Well, like all the servants, she has been working really hard this Christmas season. So, I've decided to get her a present."
"And me too?" Merlin asked hopefully.
Arthur gave him a dubious look, "No, Merlin, I am not. You are such an idiot."
Merlin sighed, "Well, continue on with Gwen then."
"You know her well, Merlin, what do you think I should get her?"
"Jewelry, perhaps?"
"No, she expects that from me. It's nothing special, because I have so much money. I want to give her something that means something Merlin, something you can't buy with money."
"You want to make her feel special!" Merlin exclaimed happily.
"Yes, you idiot, I do. Now wipe that smile off your face and start thinking."
"You could make her dinner?"
"No, I tried that already, remember? But then I couldn't do it, and I had you bring food from the castle kitchens? And then she found out. It didn't work out so well." Minus the part of her kissing me later on, Arthur added in his head.
"Flowers?"
"She can easily pick flowers herself."
"A day off?"
"My father would never allow that."
"A dress?"
"She'd be accused of stealing it."
"A carriage ride?"
"She'd never have the time for that. Besides, the people will wonder why I'm taking a carriage ride with a servant."
"Is there anything you can get her?" Merlin demanded, exasperated.
Arthur sunk down into a chair, and rested his head in his hands, "I don't know. That's why I'm asking you Merlin. I was hoping you could think of something."
The prince's manservant stared out the window and looked upon Camelot. In the distance snow covered the open ground that had not been developed. Then, just like a lighted candle, Merlin had an idea.
"Arthur! I've got it!"
"Is that so? It isn't anything about buying her a horse is it? Because if it is that idea won't work because-"
"Will you just listen?"
Arthur glared at the outspoken young man, but was used to his comments so he stayed silent. Merlin told Arthur his idea and watched a joyful smile pass over the prince's face.
"I can't believe I'm saying this Merlin, but for once I think your head is in the right place! Alright, come on! Let's go!"
…
Back in the same woods they had been a year earlier Arthur and Merlin trudged through the snow.
"Does it have to be perfect again this year, Arthur?"
"Yes, Merlin, it does. You don't think I'm going to allow myself to be humiliated in front of Gwen, do you?"
"Well, what does it have to look like to be perfect?"
"Short and fat. Only a few pinecones, Gwen seems like she mostly prefers green. And it has to be shaped perfectly. No crooked branches."
Merlin sighed. Arthur truly was obsessed with Christmas trees that was for sure. He lifted another foot out of the deep snow and stuck it right back in making a new print. Merlin did the same with the other, and faithfully followed Arthur deeper into the forest. The young warlock was starting to regret his idea.
…
Later on they sat by the fire roasting chestnuts. "You think she'll like them?"
"Yes, Arthur. They will have a wonderful Christmas smell to them."
"And what's next after this?"
"We make the decorations."
"Did you just say make?"
"Yes, I did."
"And how would you know how to make them?"
"My mother taught me back in Ealdor. There are some advantages to not being a prince, you know."
"That may be true, but there are also many bonuses to being a prince."
"Such as?" Merlin questioned, not really paying attention.
"Such as this." Arthur laughed as he wacked the back of Merlin's head.
The young manservant rubbed his head and smiled.
…
"Ok, I think we got everything. Should we take Gwen's present to her house, now?" Merlin asked smiling at Gwen's present.
"Merlin, you idiot, you forgot the most important thing!"
"What did I forget?" He asked, bewildered.
"The topper!"
"Oh! I can't believe I forgot that! Tell you what, I'll go to the kitchen's to fetch some food, and you figure out what to do about the topper."
"Merlin. Don't. You. Dare-" Slam. The door shut behind the retreating servant, "I can't believe he left!" The royal arms rested on the royal hips, "Well, I guess I'll go shopping."
…
Arthur rubbed his eyes. There were so many different things to choose from. He saw angels, ribbons, sculptures, crosses, and stars. And each of those objects came in different shapes, sizes, and colors! How was one supposed to choose the perfect one? This was so much harder than finding a Christmas tree.
How Arthur wished Merlin where here. Despite his idiocy, Merlin was sometimes useful. He, for instance, would know if it was better to purchase a jeweled or plain topper. Arthur groaned.
"Is there something I can help you with, your majesty?" A young girl shyly questioned.
"Well, I don't know," Arthur's eyes randomly laid on a topper. It was one he hadn't noticed before, and it was absolutely perfect, "What about that one?"
The young girl smiled, nodded, and went to retrieve the object.
…
"Wow, Arthur! This looks really good!"
The prince studied the gift. They had brought it to Gwen's home, and it would be waiting for her.
"Do you think she'll like it?"
"No."
Arthur stared at Merlin. This gift was his idea. They had been running around Camelot all day, and Merlin didn't think she'd like it?
"What?" Arthur demanded.
"I think she'll love it."
Arthur wacked his manservant on the back and left the small home. Merlin followed in suit, but not without glancing back with a smile on his face.
….
Gwen neared her house, almost falling asleep on the way. It was terribly cold outside, and the snow attacked her face making it difficult to see. The women's lips pursed in disappointment as she neared her dark house. With all the hustle and bustle while decorating the castle, Gwen did not have the chance to decorate her own home. So here it was, Christmas Eve. And Gwen was returning to a non spirited house. The only thing she had to show was a small ribbon hanging in the window.
She unlocked the door, and had to jerk the rusted doorknob a couple of times before it opened. To her surprise the smell of warm gingerbread and chestnuts greeted her.
"What the?" Gwen murmured and lit a candle in order to see.
She almost dropped the candle at what she saw next.
In the corner of her home was a small Christmas tree decorated with cute homemade instruments. On the top of the tree was a beautiful bronze star with a cross imprinted on it. On the table there was sweet cinnamon bread surrounded by roasted chestnuts.
Gwen pressed her hand to her mouth and held back tears of joy. Whoever had done this was a very kind person and most definitely a blessing. Gwen cut herself a slice of bread and took a bite. It was moist and tasted absolutely wonderful. Morgana's maid observed the tree closer.
Sitting neatly in the branches was an envelope with her name printed on it. She swallowed the last bite of bread as she lifted the envelope. Chapped hands opened the envelope and gracefully pulled out a piece of paper with the royal seal on it.
In that moment Gwen knew who had done all this, and the tears finally spilled over. A smile crossed her face as she unfolded the paper and read it.
Merry Christmas
Love,
Arthur
The servant stared at the paper and felt herself slowly falling even more in love with the Prince of Camelot. This was, without a doubt, the best Christmas present ever.