AN: I apologize for the slightly longer wait. Between work and vacation with family in the Black Hills (with no WiFi access, I might add), writing has been one of my lower priorities as of recent.
Arthur blinked as if the idea came from him, "Wait, you," he pointed at Merlin, "weren't in the tavern? Where exactly were you when that sorcerer killed my father? You just randomly showed up!"
Merlin hadn't forgotten about that experience, but given that the history of the act of killing the king was Morgana's fault rather than his, made Merlin felt better. Alas, Gaius brought up the touchy subject.
"It was Morgana's fault. She made a poultice that counteracted the spell." Merlin started earnestly.
Arthur held up a hand to silence him, "So you mean to say that you were the sorcerer?"
"Well, yes. But I was trying to help your father survive. I did not realize that I would make the situation worse." Merlin straightened in his seat.
"Merlin, it's okay," the King waved at him to cut his spiel off. "You are not in trouble. I have condoned your Magic, so you don't need to worry about that. The real story coming to life is a little shocking though. Everything that I thought was true, isn't right now. I just need to get all the facts straight."
Merlin deflated in relief, "I had to disguise myself so you wouldn't recognize me. The only element that went wrong was when I couldn't change back to my normal self in time."
Merlin was in prison for a short time before being sentenced to death by pyre Arthur remembered. Merlin was so close to death. But by a quick change of events, the sorcerer escaped and Merlin suddenly appeared within the chase. Arthur felt uncomfortable with the news.
"So how did you change then?"
"Gaius brewed the right potion just in time. When I saw him motion and nod, I lit the pyre on fire to create a commotion to get that elixir and ran basically for my life."
Arthur finally smirked, "And how was that? The running, I mean. You were really a frail old man."
Merlin gave him a toothy grin, "Running was hard, but I was running for my life. When I turned around the corner I had catch my breath before downing the potion."
After a few more accounts were told and group adjourned for rest and refreshment.
Merlin followed Gaius obediently up to the healer's chambers.
"I did make your favorite, well, prepared the makings for it." Gaius admitted. "I didn't know when you'd arrive." Gaius walked around to the table and added, "With or without the King."
"Would you like me to make it? I mean since Arthur condoned my magic, I can use it to make the meal, right?" Merlin asked a bit shyly.
Gaius shooed him to his room with a wave of his hand, "Don't come out until I say. And no monkey business! I said I would make your favorite and I will!"
Merlin just chuckled as he climbed the stairs up to his room, happy to be home, safe and sound.
When Gaius was finally finished, he hoped that his boy didn't fall asleep on him. If he did, Merlin would get a very rude awakening. The boy, young man, Gaius corrected himself, needed to eat especially after this worrisome long day. Gaius knocked on Merlin's door quietly, but determined. His knocking pushed on door open with a creak. The bed was empty, much to the healer's relief. The old man nudged the door open a little wider to find Merlin standing at his window. The soft, cool evening breeze ruffled Merlin's hair and handkerchief as he stood leaning on the window still with his back to Gaius. The candles in the room flickered ominously as the breeze threatened their flames persistence of alighting the small room.
The young man turned his head at the muted noise of the door. His eyes glinted in the additional light.
"Merlin?"
Merlin pushed away from the still and walked a few short steps towards Gaius.
"Well, I'm hungry. Is it ready?" he asked as he patted his rumbling stomach.
Gaius looked from Merlin to the window as he shifted his feet until Merlin touched his shoulder and walked past him, "Oh, yes. It is. What were you doing in here?"
"I was just thinking about the day. So much has happened, and so much has yet to as well." Merlin sat down at the table to tuck into the long overdue meal.
"I am sure you are excited to be able to use magic freely, aren't you?" Gaius pressed.
"Of course. I just hope Arthur realizes that condoning my Magic means he has to condone everybody else."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Gaius hedged.
"No. Not at all. Only if they intend to harm him, will they find themselves in trouble."
Gaius simply nodded, letting the subject go for now to allow Merlin eat in peace.
Once Arthur and Gwen retired behind closed doors, Gwen mentioned in passing that Merlin could perhaps have his own lodgings within the castle. As he had become quite a responsible young man, he didn't necessarily need to rely on Gaius for living quarters. The Queen waited with bated breath as Arthur obtained an odd perplexed look on his face.
Arthur dressed out of his battle suit of chainmail with the help of Gwen. She paused and frowned slightly at the sight of the hole where Mordred struck her husband the near deadly blow. She rubbed the flakes of dried blood off the mail between her fingertips. Arthur clasped his hands over hers to breaking her thoughts of what could have happened.
"I am open to the idea, but where would we put him?" Arthur mentioned in hopes of distracting his wife as he changed into a much more comfortable outfit of a maroon tunic and dark brown trousers.
Gwen started at his voice and looked at him with deep consternation as he pulled on his tunic. She looked at him until she slowly smiled as she understood his train of thought.
"Well, your old room right now would suffice as we are now in the King's quarters," Gwen waved her arms wildly about as she spun around the spacious room.
Arthur gently grasped her right hand and twirled her in a slow dance as she gave him her gorgeous smile that alit her brown eyes. He faintly petted the line of her jaw, drawing her face up towards his, and kissed her tenderly.
"I thought I would never see you again," Gwen confessed quietly as she laid her head upon his right shoulder.
"I am here, and the battle is won. I am only yours tonight."
