Disclaimer: IDOM
Chapter 5: Of Friends and Refugees
"If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality."
-Norman Cousins-
Merlin woke up to the familiar sound of his mother's humming. He hadn't heard it in so long, and he had missed it. His mother's voice carried the notes perfectly. No one in all of Camelot sounded better than her.
He kept his eyes closed for a little while, just listening to his mother hum while she made breakfast. Well, decided something to eat for breakfast. Merlin had told her last night that she hadn't needed to cook breakfast at all with all the food Mary had packed. So Merlin imagined her going through the rough material of the bag.
He slowly opened his blue eyes to find his mother sitting on a bench at the table doing just that. Merlin just stared at her. He had missed her brown, wavy hair, her soft, blue eyes, and her compassionate smile. He missed her warm embrace, the way she always smelled slightly of roses. She always knew what to say and when to say it. Even through letters his mother always knew what he was feeling, what he was going through. He had missed her so much. Now he was back, if only for a short time. He had to make the most of it.
He smiled when he remembered that she'd said that she'd come back to Camelot to visit after he'd had a proper vacation here. He knew she missed Gaius, Gwen, and Arthur. Merlin knew she would like the knights too. Hunith had said Gwaine reminded her of Balinor when he was younger, Merlin laughed silently. They'd get on well if that was true. Merlin could just imagine his father going around trying to woo women, then finally succeeding, finding love, settling down, even if only for a little while before Uther's men came. Uther was the reason Merlin had never had a father growing up. The reason his mother was heartbroken when he'd had to leave to protect her. He hadn't even known Hunith was pregnant with his son.
Merlin turned back to his mother, who was still humming. It was a little past dawn, the sun casting soft shadows across the floor. His mother had the back door open, letting in the light and the fresh air. Merlin's little show yesterday with the roses must have worked wonders as the sweet-smelling aroma filled the air. He could hear birdsong and the voice of a rooster, urging everyone up to begin the fresh new day.
Merlin smiled softly. He had missed walking up here. It was so peaceful, so calm. You didn't have to worry about immortal armies, dragon attacks, or evil magic users trying to destroy your destiny, just being with the people you love. It was simple here.
'You eat what you grow, and everyone pitches in together. As long as you've got food on the table and a roof over your head and you're happy.'
It was what he had told Arthur once. Sometimes he missed that. Just the simplicity of life here. You didn't have to pay for many things. Everyone helped each other, regardless of their circumstances. It was peaceful. You wanted for nothing because you didn't know any better than what you had. Simple.
"Merlin? Merlin I know you're awake." Hunith said.
Merlin grinned and laughed softly. "So?"
Hunith laughed. He was just like this when he was a boy; never wanting to get up. This was the same routine too.
"So? So I have breakfast ready. Come on, then," Hunith pried.
Merlin laughed even more and untangled his long limbs from the blankets. He pulled his leather boots over his dingy white socks and stood up, leaving his jacket and neckerchief by his bed. He quickly traded his blue tunic for a red one that he got out of his pack. He slipped it over his slim torso and it fell obediently to his waist, the red material overlapping the brown trousers. He walked over to where his mother was sitting, gazing at her son with her chin in her hands.
He finally sat down, still smiling. His mother picked her chin up and reached her hand out to take her sons. His hands were long and slender. Like his grandfather. Hunith though. Her own hands were small, her fingers short.
"Morning, Merlin," she said warmly, smiling at her son.
"Good morning, Mother," he said back. He gently pulled his hand away and walked further into the house, going over to the pitcher of water his mother had apparently retrieved.
John probably brought it over, Merlin thought. John was always good to Merlin's mother, doing her favors, helping her with the crops, bringing her water so she didn't need to walk to the well. John was like a second son to Hunith. Yes, he was a few years older than Merlin, about seven or eight, but Hunith had helped raise him. That was another thing about living in a small village. Everyone raised each other.
Hunith was also John's mother figure anyway. His own mother had died in childbirth. Hunith had done the best she could, but she had just been too weak. So John had been raised by his father. He was a good, kind man, but he couldn't raise a son alone. So Hunith helped. She didn't have anyone to really look over. She hadn't even met Balinor yet. So she helped, she had known the family for a long time anyway, they were close friends. Well, everyone in Ealdor was close friends, but the two had grown up together. All three of them had, the mother, the father, and Hunith. The rest of the town had helped too, but it was mostly Hunith. So John helped her as she got older. Merlin appreciated that. A lot.
"I brought out some meat and bread. As well as a few nuts for breakfast," Hunith said, looking at her son's back.
"Uh. You have no idea how much I have to eat that on Arthur's hunting trips do you?" Merlin laughed.
He grabbed two wooden cups and filled them with water from the pitcher. He walked back over to the table carrying both cups and handed one to his laughing mother.
"Well, I guess I should considering how much you complain about it in your letters," Hunith's eyes were bright with laughter.
Merlin's own eyes scrunched into slits as he laughed. He had often complained about Arthur's ridiculous hunting trips. There had to be at least one between every letter. Merlin though Arthur had planned it that way, just to give his mother something to laugh about.
Once the laughter had settled down each began to eat their portion of the large breakfast with intermediate sips from their water. When they were finished, Merlin began to clear the table. Hunith protested, but Merlin was having none of it.
"Merlin. Could you pass me the herb bag that Gaius packed?" Hunith asked, she was smirking and had one eyebrow pointed while she twisted her waist to face him. He knew what she was implying and smiled deviously.
Merlin just glanced at the bag with a flash of gold in his cerulean eyes, while he sorted the dished. The bag flew to his mother's open hands, softly landing on the table in front of her, the tie on the bag opening to reveal a variety of herbs. Different colored flowers flashed before Hunith's eyes, different greens, different yellows, purples, reds, blues. Most of the herbs were plants that Hunith couldn't gather around Ealdor.
She brought the bag over to her stock closet and started sorting them, giving the special herbs their own shelf.
"I have to go and check up on Anna, give her some fresh herbs," Hunith said as she placed a purple Hefflock flower on the shelf.
"Hm. Me too. I promised John I could go and visit today anyway," Merlin replied. He was washing the bowls they had eaten their breakfast in and was kind of zoning out.
"Great. We can leave as soon as I'm done here," Hunith said
Merlin had finished the dishes and walked past his mother to his bed. He grabbed his bag of clothes and opened it, searching for something in particular. There. Merlin thought as he felt the rough material. He pulled it out to reveal a grey bulk of fabric. He unfolded it and tied it around his neck. His grey neckerchief always went better with a red shirt than his blue neckerchief. He played with it a bit, making it look centered and even, but still ruffly and unkempt.
Hunith out one last bundle of herbs in the storeroom and set the bag on the table. She went over to the mirror and fixed her hair cover.
"Come on." Hunith grabbed a bag that was on the floor by the door and tossed it over her shoulder. Merlin followed closely behind her, and then they were walking side by side.
They skirted a few houses, weaved around a few others, taking right and left turns when needed until they reached the right house. It looked just like his mother's house, except there were more flowers outside John and Anna's house.
They walked over to the door and knocked lightly. It was immediately opened by John, the wood groaning a bit at the sudden movement. John himself looked the same as ever.
"Come in, come in," John insisted.
They walked into the cool house. There were a few candles lit, just enough to lighten the nooks and crannies of the hut. It smelled slightly of lavender. Anna loved lavender. Merlin's eyes continued to roam while Hunith spoke to John. It hadn't changed much since he's been here last. Except for one thing, and she was sitting in a rocker by the unlit fireplace, knitting what looked like a blue and white quilt over her bulging stomach. She really was pregnant.
"Merlin!" she cried. She climbed out of her rocker slowly. Merlin walked over and grabbed her elbow, helping her. She flashed him a grateful smile as she twisted her hips, turning her body to face Merlin's. She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Merlin returned the hug, his hand playing across her long, wavy ginger hair that laid on her back. She pulled back, her hand resting on her belly.
"Oh, it's so good to see you," she said, her green eyes were sparkling.
"It's good to see you too," Merlin said. He was smiling idiotically, his blue eyes searching her face.
"You need to visit more,' Anna complained.
"What? So I don't miss anything?" Merlin said. His eyes darted to her belly as he folded his arms across his chest, looking defensive.
"Yes!" She said laughing. "I'm almost eight months now."
"Wow, you're going to have a John Jr. soon. Hm. That sounds weird. Anna Jr? No. That doesn't make sense," Merlin rambled. It only made Anna laugh harder.
"We haven't completely decided on a name yet."
"Well, I want to be the first to know!"
"Yeah, sure Merlin, stay around long enough and I promise to tell you what name we decide on," Anna joked. She turned towards her husband and Hunith, who had both been watching the interaction with amused smirks.
"Good! I have a present for you by the way," Merlin said casually, glancing at the two watchers. He unfolded his arms, and brought his hands together in front of him.
Anna just smiled and waited patiently. Her green eyes twinkled, guessing at what Merlin was about to do.
Merlin smiled, but at the same time concentrated on his folded hands, as if staring right through them.
"Crescere casia flos," Merlin whispered. His eyes shone gold, making Anna giggle a bit. Hunith gazed on happily watching her son do what he loved, and John just stared at them smiling. Anna had always loved magic; she was part Druid after all.
Merlin unfolded his hands to show a long stalk of purple leaves. The aroma that immediately filled the air made everyone take another whiff of the air. It was Anna's favorite flower. Lavender. Anna smiled and brought Merlin in for a hug once more. Then she gently took the flower out of his hand and walked around him to retrieve a vase. She put water in it, along with the flower, then placed it on the table.
Suddenly, she stopped, her face pinched slightly. she rested her hand in the table and placed a hand on her large belly. Merlin and the others rushed over immediately.
"What's wrong?" Merlin asked before anyone else could. He placed a hand in her shoulder, softly but firmly.
"What? Oh, nothing. The baby just kicked," Anna said, relaxing. The tension in the room eased as they all took a step back.
"She's getting stronger," Anna said, laughing a little.
"He!" John interrupted.
"Definitely a girl!" Anna shot back, good-naturedly.
Merlin just laughed. Was it always like this between expecting parents? He walked up to Anna, tilting his head forward slightly and raising his thick eyebrows.
"May I?" He asked, nodding towards her belly.
"Sure." Anna said. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her pregnant stomach. John and Hunith just laughed, still only watching. Merlin eyes flashed golden as they all looked into them. They all wondered what he was doing, and soon got their answer.
"Oh." Merlin said as he felt the baby kick. "She is strong. Sorry John, it's definitely a girl."
"What?" John gaped.
"It's a girl," Merlin repeated, taking his hand off of Anna's stomach.
"What! Really?" Anna said. Her narrow face just stared at his in wonder. Merlin nodded. "Told you!" she said playfully to her husband.
John walked over and took his wife's hand. "Well, we had better start thinking of girls names then," he laughed.
"There is one other thing as well," Merlin said. He folded one arm across his chest, resting his other elbow on his fist, while his hand touched his lips, covering them slightly.
"Well, what is it?" Anna asked after a moment of silence.
Merlin pressed his hand to his mouth and dragged it across, stretching out his lips before he talked.
"She also has magic," Merlin said bluntly.
"Really!" This was where Hunith finally came in, soon repeated by the husband and wife.
"Really, she has a lot of potential, though I don't think it will manifest itself until she's older," Merlin said.
"That's great!" Anna yelled, startling her husband. She took her husband's hands and squeezed them. Merlin just smiled at her. "And you can tell all that from just touching me?"
"Well, yeah, I guess. I've never actually done that before, she just kind of reached out."
"Wow!" Anna said grinning widely.
"She has magic?" John asked. Apparently he was still shocked. "How?"
"Well, it's kind of passed on, I'm not sure how, but I guess it kind of chooses too," Merlin said wisely. "I have it from my father, and because I chose me I guess, there's also the whole Dragonlord thing. That's why my magic is so powerful."
Anna just grinned. Hunith had told them what had happened to Balinor, and how Merlin was now the last Dragonlord. It was all very fascinating and brilliant. Her and John both also knew about his alternate identity as Emrys. Merlin with very powerful magic, serving a prince that would soon become, and now was king. It hadn't been to hard to believe Hunith when she told them. Anna might have only been half Druid, but she knew their prophecies.
Hunith just smiled. "Well, now we have two magic users from this village...well, there will be two, after your daughter is born. That'll just be more of an excuse for Merlin to visit more, won't it Merlin?" She asked her son.
Merlin just grinned deviously. "I can transport myself here in seconds."
Hunith just rolled her eyes. "Then why haven't you before?"
"I have to look after the prat! And transporting magic takes a lot of energy, and I already have a ton of chores to do for Arthur," Merlin said, mock-defensively. It was Anna and John's turn to watch. John had an arm around Anna's waist, supporting her slightly as they both leaned against the table.
Hunith just raised her eyebrows in a very Gaius like manner until Merlin caved.
"Alright! I promise to visit more! At least once a week! How does that sound?" he asked smiling. It was so hard to be mad at his mother, especially when she gave him that look.
"Good," Hunith said, laughing. "I'm going to hold you to that!"
"Me too," Anna chirped in.
They all laughed while Anna set about the house, getting things tidier, Hunith did most of the work, telling Anna to sit down. She finally complied, but only after John told her. Anna was very stubborn when she wanted to be. Then Merlin was the one telling Hunith to sit down while he did the work. With a flash of his eyes, everything flew to its proper place, which wasn't many things at all. A discarded book. A fallen blanket. A tipped over basket. Anna giggled while everything happened.
Hunith made them all lunch, which they ate while discussing various things. How the crops were this year. How everyone was doing in Camelot. How Gaius was. Merlin and John started a light-hearted bet about when his daughter would arrive, which made Anna blush furiously. It was all very funny and friendly.
Eventually, Merlin started feeling restless.
"I think I'm going to go for a walk," he said, while standing up, stretching.
"Alright," Hunith said. "But be back by dinner time."
John and Anna nodded their goodbyes as well as their threats against him if they didn't see him again soon. Merlin laughed as he pushed open the squeaky door.
It was about mid-afternoon. The sun cast soft shadows on the sides of the huts as children ran to and fro making their way around the village. Some women walked around carrying drying laundry or water vessels. Men walked about tending to crops, carrying hay and water.
Merlin turned the corner, letting his feet guide him. A soft breeze played at his neck, up turning the corner of his red neckerchief. He left his jacket at his mother's and had no desire to go and get it. It was too nice out.
Merlin's feet eventually led him to a clearing covered in tall green grass; flowers sprouted randomly here and there, their colors brightening when Merlin's magic flocked the field. No one was around, but if they were they would have seen golden and blue swirls weaving their way around the field, giving the air a heavenly golden glow despite the small amount of blue mixed in.
Merlin himself just closed his eyes and breathed. He loved doing this; it was so relaxing. He could just be himself without worrying, without stressing about something. This was often how he would relieve his stress in Camelot. Though he would, of course, go into the woods or the Lake of Avalon when he did.
He let his magic flow back into him, not wanting to chance luck. He looked around him, recognizing the field that he and Will had often played in as children. Over to his right was the stream where his mother washed clothes, where Merlin had taught Will how to swim. To his left was their favorite climbing tree. The one Merlin had fallen out of only to twist his ankle. Will had had to help him home that night. Both boys had been given lectures by Hunith as she tended to his swollen ankle, telling him that he'd have to stay off it for a few days.
Merlin smiled sadly as he thought of his friend. He was gone now, but not forgotten. Never forgotten. He was the first person to find out about his magic by chance. Anna and John had been told, but Will had seen him doing it. It was after a big storm, when they were both about sixteen. All the flowers had been killed in the fierce wind, so Merlin had tried healing them. He had succeeded too, the petals of the flowers reaching out as if to thank him for his gift, but Will had seen. He had also accepted. He had accepted Merlin. Will knew Merlin wasn't evil. That he would never hurt someone with his magic. Merlin had been exponentially happy that he wouldn't have to hide his magic from his best friend. Sure, Will had been mad that he hadn't been told, but he supported Merlin.
A week later, Hunith found out that Will knew. A few days after that, Merlin had been sent to Camelot in the hopes that his great-uncle would be able to help him with his gift. Hunith didn't want anyone else knowing. So with goodbyes from the villagers and shoddy explanations as to why he was leaving, Merlin walked to Camelot. He hadn't really fit in anymore anyway, so it hadn't been that hard to leave. Except that he was also leaving his friends. His mother, Will, John and Anna. He would miss them, and he had. It was so good seeing everyone again. He only wished that Will was here too.
It was with these thoughts that he heard movement in the forest to his left. A lot of movement. He turned to see a group of people in the distance. A large group of people. Possibly an entire village.
What in Albion? Merlin thought.
He stumbled forward to meet the group, lightly jogging. When he got closer, he started running. There were reasons for this. There were injured, people limping, everyone as far as Merlin could see were dehydrated and exhausted.
Oh, and the group was being led by Gilli. Yes, this was a good reason for haste. Why was Gilli here, and what was he doing with these villagers. He looked horrible too. He was covered in soot. His normally light brown hair speckled black, his pale face now drenched in grey. His clothes were covered too. The small child he was carrying looked the same, though Gilli's arm was also wrapped, which made Merlin worry more.
"Gilli!" he called, while jogging.
"Merlin?" Gilli said looking up. "Merlin! Well, fancy meeting you here."
Merlin ran the last few feet before slowing to a brisk walk. He was breathing heavily through his nose trying to slow his racing heart.
"What in the world happened here?" Merlin asked.
Gilli suddenly turned serious. The villagers were watching the two, just watching them. Gilli shook his head slightly, silently telling him now was not the time to talk. Merlin understood and got the villagers moving.
"Is everyone alright for now?" He called, his voice slightly made louder through magic so everyone could hear him. He received audible 'yes,' and nods. "Ealdor isn't far. Just a few more minutes. Is anyone seriously injured?"
A woman with black hair came out from behind Gilli, carrying a small girl.
"These three were caught in a fire. Gilli saved the two children, but they were all in there for a few minutes."
Merlin looked towards Gilli, who was blushing, and smiled. He stepped forward as the woman set the girl down. He kneeled to her height, gently touching her shoulders as she flinched away.
"Don't worry, I'm a physician," he said gently. She calmed and allowed him to touch her shoulders as he examined her, checking for burnt marks and blisters. He asked her to open her mouth so he could check her throat as well as her breathing.
"Physician now, Merlin?" Gilli said, he knelt down so Merlin could examine the boy. Gilli's voice was hoarse, but he otherwise seemed ok, other than his arm. He'd check that later when he had fresh bandages.
"What? Oh, yeah. Well, when you live with Gaius you learn a few things," he said, checking over the boy. He didn't have any burn marks, but his throat was rough.
"Gaius? The Court Physician?" One of the villagers asked.
"One and the same," Merlin said, still checking over the children.
"I thought I recognized you. You came with Gaius to treat an outbreak a few years ago. It was in a village a few days from here."
"Maybe. I honestly don't remember." Merlin said. "Well, you two look great" He said while pinching the boy's nose, making him squeal with laughter. The girl smiled and started laughing as Merlin tickled her a bit. He then stood up to their mother, she still worried.
"A spoonful of honey with some tea and a good night's sleep is all they need," Merlin said lightly.
The mother let out a breath and said her thanks to Merlin.
"This way everyone," he said.
Gilli picked up the boy again, and Merlin picked up the girl, relieving the tired mother of her load. They took the lead in herding the villagers who strayed a few feet behind the foursome.
"So what happened?" Merlin whispered, satisfied that the girl was distracted by a passing butterfly.
"Morgana," Gilli said grimly.
"Morgana?" Merlin echoed. A look of bewilderment crossed his face.
"Merlin, she's looking for...she's searching for...Merlin she's after you, after Emrys," he said stumbling. There was no easy way to tell Merlin that his arch nemesis was after him.
"Emrys? She said that?"
Gilli nodded. "She told the village to spread word that she was looking for you."
"Great! Why can't I ever get a vacation?" Merlin grumbled.
"Cause you're Emrys," Gilli joked. Merlin rolled his eyes, but grinned.
"Yoos Emis?" The boy said wide eyed.
"Really?" the girl put in.
Merlin shifted her in his arms and brought up his index finger to cover his mouth.
"Yes, but we have to keep it a secret. Alright?" He whispered, but loud enough so both if them could hear him.
"Ok?"
"O-tay" Both children giggled at the secret they now shared.
By this time, they had reached the village, the villagers looking at the newcomers curiously. A few came forward to help with the injured. Merlin handed the little girl off to the mother. A woman came forward, a resident from Ealdor. Brine. He grasped her shoulder, making her look at him.
"Can you take them to Will's old place?" He said. She nodded and walked towards the villagers. Will's old house was large and spacious as his father had once been a blacksmith before joining Cenred's army. The space hadn't been put to use as of yet, but now it would make a good infirmary.
He turned back to Gilli who was watching him, waiting for instructions.
"Go with the villagers. I'll be back with supplies," Merlin said. Gilli turned away to follow the crowd of villagers to the large house. Merlin set off at a run to his mother's house. She was probably back by now, it was nearly dusk.
He rushed through the door, the wood protesting from the rough treatment.
"Oh, Merl-" his mother started.
"Mother, there are injured from a nearby village. I told them to go to Will's place. Some of them need medical attention." He stated, rushing around the room, gathering supplies.
His mother was instantly in business mode, the dinner sitting at the table lay forgotten. She went to her storeroom and gathered anything she thought they might need. Fresh gauze. Poppy Seeds. Potions of a variety of colors. Merlin reached in and quickly grabbed a jar of honey, putting it in his bag.
"Two of the children were in a fire, and their throats are torn up," Merlin explained.
Hunith nodded. She was going to grab that anyway, honey helps fight infections, but Merlin had beaten her to it.
The two marched out the door, slightly jogging to Will's old house. It was sad seeing it. Merlin missed his old friend. He turned his attention to the people crowding around it as they turned towards the pair.
Hunith went around; asking for the most injured, and treated them. A twisted ankle. A slightly burnt arm, leg. A scraped knee. Sunburn. A cut foot.
Merlin did the same after treating the two children. He made them a small bed in the corner with their mother, and the threesome fell asleep quickly. It was past nightfall by the time they were finished. A few candles had been lit by volunteers from Ealdor. The volunteers making sure everyone was comfortable and had room enough to sleep.
Gilli had refused treatment until all the other villagers were settled, so now Merlin walked over to him and pulled him outside, a little ways off. He caught his mother's eye and nodded to her, silently pulling her over. She nodded and followed, leaving behind the man that was quickly falling asleep, tired from their long journey on foot.
They all went behind the nearest cottage, going in the back, where there was nothing but an open field, and no one was around.
"First, introductions. Gilli, this is my mother. Gilli, Hunith, Hunith, Gilli."
They briefly shook hands, recognition clicking in place in their eyes as they recognized each other from Merlin's letters.
"It's about time I met her! Merlin speaks very highly of you," Gilli said smiling.
"As he does you. Merlin, I really need to meet more of your friends," Hunith said, laughing. It seemed like everyone wanted to meet her. It was funny to her, as well as very sweet.
Merlin rolled his eyes. "I think we have bigger problems to worry about," he said it gently, trying not to sound pressing.
"Right," Hunith said. "So what happened?"
Merlin gestured to Gilli's arm and he extended it so Merlin could finally examine it. It stung a lot, but there were others worse off than him.
"It all happened really fast, but basically Morgana transported herself to the village, you know all the wind and transporting spells. Anyway, the villagers were all freaking out, but Morgana said she wasn't going to hurt them, she only wanted them to pass on a message," Gilli explained.
"Gilli! This is horrible! I should have looked at this first!" Merlin interrupted.
Hunith gasped at what she saw. Even in the dark, she could see it was bad. It was very red and blistered. Some of his skin was black from soot, other parts from being charred.
"Well, it didn't look that bad at first," Gilli said.
Merlin glanced at Gilli before turning his attention to their surroundings. No one around, no one to see him.
"Hang on. We don't really have time for this," Merlin said.
Hunith caught onto what he was doing and stepped to the side of Gilli to block any light or sound as much as her slim body could. Merlin looked at Gilli, he nodded, knowing what he was referring to. Merlin put his hand over Gilli's forearm, his other hand holding Gilli's elbow.
"Sana adolebit, emendandum cute plene," Merlin whispered. A blue light made its way out of Merlin's hand, glowing brightly. It continued to grow until it had enveloped Gilli's arm. The healing magic felt warm and safe and comforting. The blue light slowly went to work healing Gilli's arm while Gilli continued his story.
"Anyway, Morgana said to pass along the message that she was looking for Emrys, then left. She burnt the whole village down for all her trouble. Then I heard screaming and found them in a burning old barn so I went in after them, I guess I burnt my arm doing that. Then we made the decision to come here, it being the closest town, and you know the rest," Gilli concluded.
The blue light had finished its work and receded back into Merlin's hand. Gilli's arm was as good as new, except that his skin was slightly pinkish as a result from the magic, but his burn was completely gone.
Now Gilli felt exhausted, he allowed himself to now that he had told Merlin the story. Merlin was fatigued too. He had tended to a lot of people, and then had just used a lot of magic healing Gilli's arm. Both men needed sleep, and Hunith could see it.
"Gilli, you could come and stay at our house if you want to," Hunith offered.
"Hm. Oh, thanks. Yeah, sure. Thanks," Gilli replied sleepily.
Hunith smiled and guided both drowsy men to her house. She quickly made a bed for Gilli by the hearth, but still giving Merlin some room. Both men stumbled to their respective beds after Hunith gave them each some bread to eat. Merlin took off his boots and his neckerchief, crawling under the blanket. Gilli took off his boots and did the same.
Hunith smiled fondly at her sleeping son and walked to her own bed. She took off her boots and fell asleep wondering what adventures were in store for them next.