ONLY FIFTEEN DAYS LEFT TILL CHRISTMAS!

Sorry, just I'm so excited! I mean, Chistmas is by far my favourite time of year and-

Never mind. On with the story!

Thank to all those who reviewed!

I now know that 'Guest' has brown hair (I apologise for the comment which offended you. It was not intentional!)

MerlinMorgana1579, as your name suggests, it was actually Morgana who said the phrase, not Gwen. That's why Arthur stared at Merlin suspiciously, because the Manservant shouldn't have known what his sister had told her. And that will have consequences... ;)

Freckled98 – I take into account your point. But just to clarify; Agravaine shouldn't get a Soul Mate?

Larasmith; I'm guessing you are not an Arwen fan? ;)


The Curious Case of the Magic Mistletoe

Chapter Three – Gwaine

The long list of chores that Arthur had given him –discounting the order to help with the decorating and planning- lasted the rest of the day, which he remained silent throughout. After he had finally finished them, Merlin went out to fetch the King of Ass' food from the busy Kitchen.

And as he walked through the corridors, Merlin desperately began to think and to plot. For Arthur and Gwen had both said that they wouldn't get back together -willingly- which was going to be a big problem. The only consolation Merlin had was that Gwen was teetering on the edge, for she said that she would only consider the King if he was the one to initiate the relationship... But it was the King who broke it off in the first place, so that made that request a hard to say the least.

So Merlin would have to be even more creative than usual to get those two to stand underneath the mistletoe together. But no matter, for he was sure that he would be able to come up with something, for hadn't he invented the mistletoe spell in the first place especially for this purpose? His mind was churning out all possible excuses and reasons for why they had to get back together and why they had to stand underneath the mistletoe, but some of them were purely ridiculous suggestions...

Tell them that they had dropped a coin on the floor, so when they bend down to pick it up, they're underneath the mistletoe. (But how to get them together)

Get Gwaine to try and pair everyone up together underneath mistletoe

Force them together and not let them go their 'separate' ways until they kiss

Get Gwaine and Gwen to do a kissing booth, then when Arthur is drunk, led them to a quiet corner

Get them both drunk

Use the Knights (get them in on his plan)

Do what they suggested and let them go? Guinevere would then be with Lancelot and they would both be happy as Arthur genuinely believed that he didn't love Gwen (although that was nonsense) and it was inappropriate?

Still musing on these possibilities, Merlin entered the kitchen and the Head Cook Mary's Domain.


Waiting impatiently for the Cook to turn his way, Merlin gazed around at the bustling kitchen, which had also been seasonally decorated. One or two clumps of mistletoe were dotted about, and towards the other end of the kitchen (although it was hard to see as it was all steamy and smoky) Merlin could see a little group of people huddling around someone.

One of the few remaining servants (everybody was crowded at the bottom) who was being berated by the Chef noticed this, and pointed him out to her, for a few seconds later, Mary finally turned his way and marched towards him.

Merlin shoved the twinge of fear he felt when she advanced towards him. Mary was one extremely scary person and often insulted him about his idiocy or clumsiness by shouting at him constantly, (although occasionally giving him free food when she was in a good mood which was rare). Unfortunately, Mary was cooking all of the food for the Yuletide Banquet, so looking harassed, grumpy and stressed; she stopped right in front of the manservant.

"What do ya want? Hmm?" She said, almost poking Merlin with her ladle as she emphasised her words through physical uses.

"Food for the King." Merlin practically shouted, for over the sound of cutting and chopping and the hiss as ingredients were added to concoctions, it was hard to be heard.

"Oh?" She said, and then inquired with a twinkle in her eye, "Should there be enough for two?"

Merlin had forgotten that Mary knew about Gwen's and Arthur's relationship, for of course she was a Servant and word spread quickly through the Citadel. Never minding the fact that the Kitchen Servants were known all through Camelot for their taste of juicy gossip, it was surprising that Mary hadn't heard yet. His glum face as he realised that she didn't know clued Mary in that something was the matter, for she asked worriedly;

"Is everything good with the King and his associate?"

Merlin sighed in sadness, then began to formulate a reply, albeit reluctantly, as he hated to crush the Cook's spirit. All of the more, 'freer' servants loved Gwen's and Arthur's relationship, for it was plain to see that they both loved each other very much, plus the added benefit of her being a servant meant that change for the better was up a head.

"They split up yesterday eve." Merlin replied flatly.

He watched as he saw her emotions show on her face as she took it in. Disappointment, sadness, grief, acceptance, anger and hurt shone like a beacon, as she displayed what she was feeling before reining it in.

"I see." She said quietly as she raised her hand and indicated to a servant out of Merlin's sight. "Who forced him into the decision?"

Merlin raised an eyebrow at this, but didn't comment on her statement and instead chose to reply to her question.

"A certain Royal Advisor. I spoke to her earlier and she was heartbroken, but when I spoke to the King, he wouldn't admit the wrong he had committed."

"Lord Agravaine, although he doesn't deserve the title." She said with obvious distain and resentment towards the man, which Merlin agreed with, though he was surprised that she thought of that. Usually Mary was respectful of all Court members if she mentioned their names... until they came into her kitchen, that is.

"I agree." Merlin stated simply.

"Poor Guinevere... and she would have made such a good Queen as well. A fair and just Ruler she would have been who would have respected everyone, no matter what their station." Mary sighed unhappily as she finished.

"Never fear, Mary, Head Cook of Camelot!" Saluted Merlin at the same time as he said her full title. "I have a plan, so magnificent and spectacular which you have never seen the likes or before, or indeed, since!"

The Cook looked doubtfully at Merlin, but before she could say anything, someone else caught her attention over her shoulder and immediately her face changed into that of anger as she marched off. Curious as to the change in her manner, Merlin decided to follow her.


"What are you all doing lazing here and dilly dallying?" She roared as she walked straight to the large crowd of Kitchen workers who were surrounding someone in the middle.

Once all of the servants realised that they had caught attention of the Cook, they all mysteriously vanished... apart from two people, and one of them, Merlin shouldn't really had been surprised to see once he took in consideration a certain plant which had a gold white shimmer if you looked close enough.

Gwaine and a Kitchen girl called Elsa were too busy kissing and trying to force their tongues down each other's throat to notice that Mary had noticed them and watching with an amused expression on her face, which Merlin amazed to see. He would have thought that she would have been angry at the sight at Gwaine being in her kitchen (he was banned daily for stealing food) and Elsa slacking of work.

Seeing Merlin's confused face as he looked between the clearly engrossed couple and the Cook, Mary leaned in towards him and said in a conspirator tone; "It was clear that they had a thing for each other from the day when they first met, but that was several months ago. I'm only surprised that they haven't kissed sooner."

Seeing Merlin's shocked face, she quickly schooled her features and said by a way of explanation, "It was interrupting Elsa's performance."

She let them continued their emotional attachment for a moment longer whilst Merlin gazed in part bemusement and part amazement at the Head Cook, who apparently didn't notice his staring. Whoever would have guessed that Mary, Head cook of Camelot and one of the scariest persons that Merlin had ever met (counting Morgana, Morgause and all the other baddies) was actually a romantic at heart?

Finally she cleared her throat to indicate her presence, but they didn't respond. In fact, Merlin was being to wonder if they (Gwaine and Elsa) had magic, for they hadn't come up to breathe once (and Merlin and Mary had stood there for at least two to three minutes). Seeing that this didn't have the effect she wanted, Merlin stepped in and waved his hand in front of the Knight's face. No response, but then that was probably down to the fact that both of them had their eyes closed, to enjoy the 'bliss' most likely. He then poked Gwaine annnnddd...

No response.

Sighing in annoyance, Merlin carefully made his way round Gwaine to where Elsa was, for the steam that was always in the kitchen seemed particularly thick and on the kissing couple, so it was difficult to see. Standing behind Elsa, Merlin pushed her gently... she didn't budge. He pushed again harder... and nothing happened. The Cook, seeing Merlin's attempts, tried it on Gwaine but in the opposite direction... and yet again nothing happened. The Cook was strong, stronger than most people, so to not be able to budge them was indeed queer.

Though what was stranger was the mist that surrounded the duo and Merlin couldn't think what it was. Perhaps it was that the usual mist was grey, but here, the steamy, smoky fog was pure white, and Merlin swore that when he was pushing the two to try and separate them, he could see gold sparks on it, though he was probably imagining it for when he looked again, there weren't any. He quickly shook his head to get the thought out of his head and to return to the current situation.

So, after a lot of pushing and pulling with all of their combined strength, Merlin reluctantly called up his magic to give him strength that he needed and pushed with all of his might. Finally, they began to move, rather spectacularly, which made Merlin think that he might have over done it. For the lovebirds went flying through the air and land at Mary's feet.


"Might have overdone it a bit, don't ya think?" Mary said in amusement although to who, Merlin wasn't sure, but he decided to answer anyway.

"I simply don't know my own strength!" Merlin joked back, but was almost overshadowed by Gwaine and Elsa butting in, for they thought her comment was meant for them, and perhaps it was, but Merlin didn't mind – it would be amusing to hear their excuses.

"Well, I'm not too sure." Gwaine said in his usual cheerful manner. "I'm sure it could have gone on for longer if we weren't interrupted."

The Drunkard exchanged a mischievous grin with Elsa, who complied, but then she hurriedly faced her mistress and said apologetically; "I'm sorry, Cook. I think we got a bit carried away."

"A bit?" Mary questioned, raising her eyebrow to put forward her point at Elsa understating tremendously.

In reply to her pointed comment, both Elsa and unbelievably Gwaine both blushed, though the girl more than the man for she went a lovely beetroot colour.

"Run along now, Elsa. Your magnificent sponge cake awaits you."

In compliance, the girl quickly kissed Gwaine on the cheek, nodded to Merlin whilst still blushing and ran off into the depths, presumably to make up the mixture.

"Sir Gwaine, I want you out of the kitchen now, so you don't distract my staff even more." Mary ordered, and chuckling, Gwaine started to move.

"Hey Gwaine?" Merlin called, having not moved from his position. His friend turned around and so he continued; "Wait for me, will you? I need your help with something, but first I need to take Princess his food."

Gwaine nodded in reply but moved to the doorway so he wouldn't 'distract her staff any more. Mary then turned to Merlin as they started to walk back to the front of the room. "Are you sure it's wise to get the Knight involved?"

The Manservant nodded, "Yes, he cares for those two as well. He stopped his advances towards Gwen when he realised that she and the King were in love. I might enlist the others help...

"Including Lancelot?"

"No," The Warlock replied immediately, with a slight frown gracing his features.

He felt bad for not including the one person apart from Gaius who knew about his Magic and indeed, accepted him for who he was. He had and probably would always be willing to help Merlin... But it was Lancelot. And the problem that the Warlock had was Gwen and Arthur.

Merlin couldn't include Lancelot. Not with this problem.

Mary nodded in understanding, for he knew that she knew about the connection between the two and how strong it still was, even though Gwen had chosen Arthur.

Mary raised her hand rather abruptly and without any warning, Servants descended on the two. It turned out to be the signal to fetch and prepare the King's supper, so as they approached the table upon which a delicious assortment of food awaited, the tray that Merlin had brought was beginning to full up as around the table was a flurry of activity, with maids scurrying to and fro, bringing beautifully smelling concoctions.

But just before they reached it, Mary pulled on Merlin's sleeve, signalling to the man to linger a bit. "I hope you're plan works." She told him before continuing onwards, leaving Merlin confused.

When the Manservant finally reached the table, he found Mary in her Head Cook role –taking various portions from the food available and constructing them into a meal fit for a King. Arranging the meat, vegetables and sauces until she had reached perfection, she stood back and admired her result with a critical eye, before motioning for the Warlock to join her, and obediently, Merlin held out his arms, where he received the platters to carry.

Mary walked over with him to the exit where Gwaine was waiting, bringing with her a jug full of liquid and a goblet. She handed them to the Knight that watched as they started off down the corridor to make the long journey back to the King's quarters.

"Gwaine and Merlin?" she called, causing both of them to turn around and see what she wanted whilst the manservant struggled onwards.

"Merlin? Be careful with that food will ya? I don't want to hear from the king that you had managed to spill it all over the floor again." Merlin nodded and Merlin flashed a smile in reply, before turning to resume his walk.

"And Gwaine? I'm glad that you have finally plucked up the courage to make a move and kiss Elsa, even if it was for too long. But please make your visits to the Kitchen shorter next time." And with that, she retreated back into her domain, leaving a presumably stunned Knight. Merlin lagged a little to let his friend catch up with him and to make explaining his idea easier.


"That was... unexpected, to say the least." Gwaine understated as they walked along the dimly lit passageway.

"Definitely," Merlin agreed, "And she actually permitted you in the kitchen more often as well!"

"Well I'll need to see Elsa more, won't I?" He argued, as they turned round a corner to a more brightly lit corridor. "Which reminds me; what did you need my help with, or was it just to chum you through the corridors?"

"No, it wasn't. Have you heard about what the King did?" Merlin questioned.

"No, at least, not anything new, although I did hear about a time when his trousers came undone and slid down to his ankles, but he wasn't wearing his p-"

"No it's not that." Merlin hurriedly interrupted before the wayward knight went into too much detail. "It's about Gwen. He broke it off with her last night."

"No." Gwaine breathed in disbelief. "Princess isn't with Guinevere anymore?"

"Apparently, their relationship wasn't appropriate according to a certain somebody." Merlin responded, rolling his eyes in the King's idiocy.

"Agravaine." Gwaine spat rather violently. "I'm gonna kill that little greasy haired, slimy little Lord and kick him where the sun won't shine."

"Gwaine!" Merlin exclaimed, but the Knight continued.

"And for the Princess, well, where to start? First thing first though, we have to get them back together. They love each other for Camelot's sake!"

"I agree, which is why I'm going to need your help." Merlin began.

"Alright, I'll do it, but I reckon the other Knights of the Round Table would want to help as well." Gwaine said when the Manservant finished.

"Fine." Merlin conceded. "But I think it would be for the best if we didn't involve Lancelot."

"You may be right there." The Knight replied, seemingly deep in thought, (which was quite alarming for Merlin). "We also should consider bringing some of the servants in (the good ones). Elsa, Mary and some other people would definitely want to help. I'll ask Elsa tomorrow."

"And I'll talk quietly to some others who agree with us." Merlin responded.

"Oh well," Gwaine said, suddenly brightening up. "At least the party is going to be more exciting than I thought."

That, Merlin thought privately, was understating it a little bit.

When they arrived at the entrance to the King's quarters, Merlin adjusted the platter he was holding - which contained the Cabbage Head's meal - so he could make room for the hug of wine that Gwaine was holding. The knight handed him the jug of wine (which was surprisingly full, as Merlin thought that the drunk would have helped himself) and the goblet with a smile and a pat on the back for the manservant.

"Good luck mate. Do you know how long you'll be with the Princess?"

"It should only be a few minutes - just enough time to serve his meal and lay out his clothes." Merlin told the knight as he switched the platter so it was balancing on his left hand.

"I'll wait then." And with that, the Knight slid down to the floor with his back leaning against the wall to wait contentedly for his friend to come back. Merlin smiled at his friend and fellow conspirator, then with his right hand, knocked on the door (causing Gwaine to raise an eyebrow) before pushing it open and entering the room.


"At last." The king said when he noticed the manservant had entered the room. "I was beginning to worry you had gotten lost."

Merlin didn't bother to reply to the comment (causing a frown from Arthur) and instead walked straight over to now clean and empty table and started to set out the dinner. Arthur made his way over to the table and sat down expectantly, waiting for his food to be served. After placing the food in front of him, Merlin backed away in the classic servant move and watched with amusement as Arthur scratched his neck and looked up, then let out an exclamation so loudly, it made the Manservant jump.

"Merlin! I thought I told you I didn't want any decorations in here?"

The man in question looked on in confusion as the King angrily turned towards him, waiting for his reply.

"Well?"

"I don't know what you are on about. I haven't put anything up in here and I think I might have noticed if you know, people came to and fro with streamers. Plus I'll have to pick up the pieces from the floor which I cleaned earlier because you can't do it yourself-"

"Really? Then why is a piece of mistletoe hanging above my chair?" The King demanded angrily.

Merlin glanced up to where Arthur was pointing and restrained himself letting out an exclamation.

For hanging above the King's chair was a piece of mistletoe.

His mistletoe.

"Someone else must have put it up. I certainly haven't!" Merlin protested.

"No one else has been in this room apart from me since you left to get my food." Arthur said in a bored voice. "And it definitely wasn't me."

"Come on Arthur! It's a harmless piece of mistletoe!"

"Merlin," Arthur sighed, "I know I'm handsome, but really."

Merlin blushed crimson at the suggestion imposed. "Hey! I'm not gay and if I was, I certainly wouldn't be gay for a Clotpole like you!"

"Then you'll have no objections in taking the mistletoe down then, will you?"

"I'll take it down now." Merlin assured the King, the purposely walked over and took a chair, before placing it near Arthur.

"Ouch!" Merlin cried, as he felt a shock travel up his arm as he reached out to grab the plant.

"Oh don't be such a girl, Merlin." Arthur said as he looked on in annoyance as Merlin cradled his arm.

"It shocked me." The Warlock protested.

"Really," The King said sarcastically, "Maybe I should take it down then, if you don't want to."

Thankfully, although with some annoyance, Merlin stepped of the chair, letting Arthur take his place. The King reached up to grab the mistletoe and the Manservant waited for him to get shocked, but nothing happened. Arthur tugged and twisted and pulled at the annoying mistletoe, but it simply would not budge.

"Look who's the girl now," The Manservant taunted. "Can't even defeat a simple plant."

"You managed to attach it to the ceiling quite well." Arthur said in amazement, "but I'll be able to get it off." He added confidently. He gave it once massive tug... and promptly overbalanced, causing himself to fall of the chair. Merlin flexed his arms and prepared to use his magic to stop the fall, but luckily Arthur caught his balance and landed on his feet around thirty centimetres away from the servant.

"Hey!" Merlin cried out in pain as the shock flared up again, stronger this time. "Ow!"

He stumbled backwards towards the door, then sighed with relief as he the pain suddenly stopped about a metre away from the king.

"Merlin?" The King asked concern evident in his voice. "What's the matter now?"

"You hit me as you went down." Merlin accused, standing well away from his attacker.

"Oh." The King seemed surprised, at this, and then cocked his head slightly to the side, before walking towards the table, where the tray of food that Merlin had carried in earlier awaited. "Eat. Your face is so white."

Again, the mysterious shock suddenly happened to Merlin as Arthur drew closer and closer to him, till they were almost touching and the pain almost causing hm to double up.

"I never knew you cared," Merlin said, then hurriedly went towards the door, as far away from Arthur as he could get.

"Gaius has got some food waiting for me, and I also have more chores to do that you set me earlier, Prat. I'll go and eat it. Good night sire."

Quick as a flash, Merlin exited, leaving the King stunned. For some reason that he couldn't comprehend, the pain had stopped again, and sighing with relief, leant against the closed door.

"Merlin," Gwaine greeted, the. Seeing his friend's pale and slightly sweaty face, asked worriedly, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Merlin panted. "Just had a shock, that's all."

Satisfied with his explanation, Gwaine stood up and started to lope down the corridor, leaving Merlin all alone until sighing, he also started to move. The pain had stopped, but something else was worrying the Manservant.

If Arthur hasn't put up the mistletoe, and if no one else had been inside the room, how come once of his special enchanted mistletoe had gotten attached to the ceiling right above the King?


I'm so sorry! I meant to post a new chapter on Monday but stuff happened and... Yeah.

Anyway, things are picking up now! Please, if you have any ideas, PM or review and I'll put them in I promise (freckled98, jealous Arthur coming right up!)

REVIEW! They ARE BETTER THAN AN ADVANT CALENDER!