Apologies for having two drabbles in a row - it was just the way the pattern worked out. The next chapter will be longer and will be out soon.

... previously ...

Time For Thyme

Merlin had just saved Arthur's life. Guinevere looked up at him in awe.

"That's the main reason for my gift, Gwen. To protect him. Never to hurt him ... or you. I promise."

"I can't pretend that it's not a shock but - I know you …" She paused. Did she? She thought she did. After a few seconds she nodded, coming to a decision. "I trust that you won't hurt him but … Merlin, when he does find out he might not be so understanding?"

"I know," Merlin replied, pulling a face. "I'm really not looking forward to that day but, now isn't the right time. Arthur's not like his father, but … it's what you just said. He doesn't truly 'know me' yet. He's getting there but … I have to believe that, when he does find out, he won't even contemplate handing me over to Uther."

"No. I'm sure he ..." but she wasn't sure and Merlin nodded when he saw her doubt.

"He would consider it, even if he didn't go through with it and, Gwen? Just seeing that hesitation in his eyes, even for a moment, would kill me far more painfully than any fire or axe ever could."

"Merlin ..." She saw tears in his eyes and moved towards him to be folded in a fond hug. Any doubt or fear quickly disappeared as she realised that Merlin was the only other person in the whole of Camelot who could truly relate and understand the strength of her feelings for the man currently lying on her bed.

3. Love Triangle

He has magic. My friend. My best friend now, since Morgana ...

Magic? I should hate him but ... how can anyone hate Merlin? Nobody hates him, do they? Everyone loves Merlin.

And, I still do. Even after learning the truth earlier today.

I love him.

Not in the same way as I love Arthur, of course, and perhaps I shouldn't trust him now I know how long he's been lying to me for but, of course, I do.

Because he saved Arthur's life.

He saved the man I love because he loves him too and perhaps, one day, Arthur will understand.

A/N So, this was a difficult one for me as the original was one of the few that seemed complete and recieved no requests for an extension. I just thought I'd do something short from Gwen's pov; perhaps a poem, perhaps a drabble. I had no real idea, just started typing. A drabble I decided ... typed another couple of sentences and then stopped to count. Guess what? 100!

So, I know the drabbles aren't everyone's cup of tea and this has had very little editing - simply because that wonderful co-incidence seemed to good to be true.

In fact, I did have a poem lined up for chapter 4 and then another drabble for 5 but quickly realised that wasn't going to make me popular. So, I've been feverishly working away at a ficlet for chapter 4 and it's now mostly done. I should be able to get that one out to you by tomorrow morning (GMT)

Check out my profile to see what's coming up and feel free to make any suggestions about what you'd like to see in upcoming chapters. Chapter 5 is currently still a drabble - would you like something else?