The day of forgetfulness and thanks

"Today I think was more taxing then the time my father made us sit through that bard he hired at the Yule feast. I had to sit through three council meeting about the high tax on the out skirting villages, my father went on and on about the use of magic in the forest since fog doesn't seem to stop rolling in from the marsh, and he invited the count to lunch and made him sit through the training I posted today. On top of that, Merlin's been in a subdued mood for some odd know reason!"

Arthur was sitting at Gwen's house and waved his arms in the air as he talked. Gwen was sitting across from him with a little smile but it quickly turned into a sad gaze. Arthur didn't seem to notice this as he took a sip of watered wine and said, "Merlin is the most oddest servant I know, if not far from idiocy. Today he did every thing I told him and looked at me in the oddest way, as if I was suppose to do something. Then I also snapped at him when my father came in and went off about how I show up late this morning because Merlin was a few minuets late for a reason I had no wish to hear about."

"Arthur …" Gwen said as her lover slouched in his chair.

Arthur raised an eyebrow at her and finally noticed how her expression changed. He sat up now, full of concern.

"Arthur …today is Merlin's birthday."

Arthur's mouth made an 'o' and he stood up. He rubbed his face and closed his eyes. He forgot today was Merlin birthday with being so busy, no wonder Merlin had acted the way he did. Arthur always made time for Merlin on his birthday before; giving him time off, going to the inn with him, and other things over the years.

"I… will be back." He gave Gwen a kiss on her cheek and went out side, made a steady stride the west side of the castle, and then to Gauis' chamber, but stopped when he tripped over something.

That something was Merlin.

He was sitting half in the arched window in the hall and half out while staring out at the moon. Arthur righted him self, walked over to the window, and sat down too. The other boy took no notice of his presence or if he did, he didn't say anything.

"Merlin… I 'm sorry. I forgot to day was your birthday. It is not because I wanted to forget it's that I was busy, but I shouldn't use that as an accuse. You are my friend and it was rotten of me to not notice. I know there nothing to make up for it, especially when I snapped at you…but…here."

He held a wrapped parcel he had picked up from his room on the way to Gauis'. He had brought it months in advance and had hid it under a floorboard. He set the gift in Merlin lap but he didn't move.

"Merlin?" Arthur said and went to shake his shoulders, but he found Merlin to be asleep and snoring lightly.

He blinked, then chuckled, and then laughed out right. Merlin stirred, his eyes glazed with sleep.

Arhr wha-" he slurred and sat up. He felt the package and looked down at it. Arthur motioned him to open it, so he did. Inside was a beautiful leather skinned journal, held together with a piece of gold metal. Merlin ran his fingers of it and opened it up.

"Arthur ?" he said in amazement. The prince smiled as he pointed to the right hand corner.

To Merlin, who is very much a bumbling idiot and half a descent servant then I should have…but also an honorable friend.

Happy birthday,

Arthur

Merlin closed it with a snap, fingered it, and looked up, unwashed tears in his eyes.

"I thought you could use it to record you're…special abilities. Happy birthday, Merlin." Arthur said with great gentleness and a smirk.

"Thank you, Arthur. Thank you."