A Trip through Time
Chapter Eleven
It is only a short walk from Gaius' to Arthur's chambers in distance terms but this particular instance takes far longer than normal. It is clear to see that Arthur is struggling to walk without support so Merlin lets him put his arm around his shoulders to keep him upright. Instinctively Merlin snaked his arm around Arthur's back and they slowly made their way down the corridors.
It seemed that they encountered knights or servants around every corner, all concerned for the health of the crown prince. Whilst it was comforting to know how much the citizens of Camelot loved Arthur it was delaying his much needed rest. Merlin told everyone who asked to speak to Gaius about it. He felt slightly guilty for sending numerous people to Gaius' chambers but knew the physician would understand. If Merlin had spoken to them there would have been no way of disguising the lack of recognition on Arthur's face. Word would have spread quickly around the castle and the village. If their enemies knew the current state of the crown prince then Camelot would be more likely to be attacked due to its vulnerable state.
"Here we are Arthur, these are your chambers, well not really yours but yours whilst you are here."
"Thank you Merlin, I appreciate everything that you are doing in such strange circumstances."
"It is strange to hear thankfulness flowing so freely from your mouth Arthur. I know my Arthur is grateful for the things I do, well the ones he knows about anyway, but he doesn't voice it very often. I'd better not get too used to it, it will be back to normal when my Arthur returns."
During this exchange Merlin had sat Arthur down on his bed and gathered his night clothes as he did every evening. Arthur made no comment as his boots were removed but when Merlin went to help him remove his shirt and unfasten his trousers he looked shocked.
"What are you doing Merlin? I know I banged my head but I do know how to dress and undress myself."
"I'm sorry Arthur" replied Merlin "I'm so used to doing that each day that I didn't even think to ask if you needed my help. I hope I haven't offended you in anyway."
"I don't understand Merlin. I thought Arthur was crown prince and a great warrior. Are you telling me that he can't undress and dress himself or could it be that he enjoys you helping him?"
Merlin felt the words go straight to his heart. Could it really be possible that Arthur's apparent inability with clothing himself was just a ruse to allow slightly more intimate contact between them? He could remember several instances where he had got dressed without any help even though his shirt was tucked up at the back on one of them.
"I would love it to be true Arthur but Uther would never allow it. He wants his son's marriage to forge an alliance with another kingdom and wouldn't entertain the idea of him being with a man. My head would be chopped off quicker than you could say 'sorcerer', not that he knows about that, as he would see it as bringing shame to the kingdom. Not only that, Arthur would be unable to father an heir to the throne. It is just an impossible dream."
"I realise this is of no help to you now but in the future same sex relationships will be accepted. There are still a few people who are unhappy about it but laws will be changed so that two men or two women can live and be together in the same way that two people of opposite sexes can."
"I wish it was that time now, I can't bear the thought of Arthur marrying. I will be loyal to him until the day I die but it will be difficult to see another in receipt of his affections."
"Can I ask you a question Merlin? Arthur continued speaking without even waiting for an answer. "Who makes the laws of this land?"
"The laws are made and passed by the king and his council. Uther will never permit it."
"So when Arthur becomes king he will be able to change laws if he sees it fit to do so?"
"Yes" Merlin replied, totally oblivious to the point Arthur was trying to make.
"I have no doubt in my mind that when your Arthur becomes king he will permit magic to be practiced. I suspect he will need your input so that freedom cannot be abused. You mentioned that royal marriage is intended to form an alliance. I can see no better way for Arthur to convince his people that magic is not to be feared than proclaiming his relationship with you. It will also allow those who practice magic to see that it is not an elaborate trick to draw out and kill them. Your loyalty and devotion to each other will help to bring peace to Camelot and, in time, the kingdoms surrounding it."
Once Arthur had finished speaking he found himself with an armful of a very happy Merlin. Without thinking he wrapped his arms around the dark haired man and realised how right it felt to do so.
"Do you really believe that, Arthur?" Merlin said, his eyes glowing gold as he did so.
Arthur started to reply but before he had chance to speak he was aware of a sudden and beautiful fragrance. He turned around to see that the walls were covered in ivy and honeysuckle whilst the rest of the room was laden with peonies, pansies, tulips, roses, orange blossom and ferns.
"Your magic has shown the depth of your feelings Merlin. We must get your Arthur back so he can see this beauty with his own eyes. We also have to ensure that nobody enters this room. I don't know how we could explain this to anyone, let alone the king."
"When I see Gaius I will ask him if he will tell the king that he fears your condition is contagious. No one will enter your, I mean Arthur's, chambers then. That will allow us talk about ideas to get you back without the risk of anyone walking in. I wonder if the others have thought of anything."
NOTES
Meaning of the flowers and plants mentioned according to livingartsoriginals dot com
Ivy – wedded love, fidelity, friendship and affection.
Honeysuckle – bond of love and I love you.
Peonies - happy marriage, compassion and bashfulness.
Pansies – merriment and you occupy my thoughts
Red tulips – believe me
Cream tulips – I will love you forever
Red roses – passion
Pink roses – happiness
Orange blossom – eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness
Ferns – magic, fascination, confidence, shelter and secret bond of love