TITLE: Solus et Fidelis
AUTHOR: Inukshuk
SPOILERS: None
DISCLAIMER: The characters and situations of the television program "Merlin" are the creations and property of Others, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
FEEDBACK: yes please … writers need food. Suggestions, comments constructive criticism always welcome.
Chapter 7
Goodbye #1
All the time Merlin packed, he kept the door open and could see Gaius move about in the next room. The old man took up a book, flipped through the pages and set it aside for the next where he did the same with the next book. The same pile of books was stacked and unstacked – the location on the desk the only thing that changed. After a time, he shifted his attention to glassware, inspecting Merlin's final cleaning task before he left. Gaius held a flask up to the light and squinted, then seemed to tear with sun in his eyes.
Merlin flipped the cover of his satchel and ducked his head under the strap. With one last look around his room for any small final choices, he satisfied himself that he had all he needed. He looked through the archway into the next room. He took one step, then stopped. Once through the door, it would begin. It would be goodbye. Perhaps one from Gwen. Then onto the stables and then? Then the war.
He looked up at the ceiling; then to the fire place and the quilted bedding. It was so warm and dry here. Did he ever sufficiently appreciate this sanctuary? He looked to the cupboards and the one floorboard where the books of magic were hidden. It was such a pleasant place this room he had.
In the next room, Gwen rushed in. Strands of her hair curled around her face like a halo, her skirts swinging with the speed of her sudden movements.
"Have I missed him, Gaius? Tell me I haven't missed him."
"No." Gaius said. "He is still here." He pointed beyond and the two of them carried on as if he could not hear them.
The two put their heads together and looked at him. They waited and did not call him forth. The longer he stayed the longer he remained safe and sound.
"Take your time." Gwen held up a hand.
"I am ready," He said and ducked into the room. Gwen held a jar of peaches that she held out for him awkwardly.
"Here. It's not much." She said. "Might be a treat one day. If your spirits get low."
"That's wonderful." Merlin said, putting it into his satchel. "Thank you."
She came forward and lightly kissed him on the cheek. Then, without preamble, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Be safe." She whispered with a raspy voice.
They parted and then Gaius came forward.
"Well, boy." He looked up with rheumy eyes, focussing on flattening his collar that had been twisted under the edge of his tunic. "Can't even dress yourself." He muttered, smoothing out the corner more than once. "How will you ever hope to stay out of trouble?"
"I'll be fine. I promise."
"Yes." Gaius agreed patting him on the shoulders, not wanting to end the moment. "You will be perfectly fine."
"Nothing to worry about."
"Nothing at all." Gaius still could not meet his gaze.
"Gaius." Merlin said softly, inching his way towards the door. He looked up at Gwen whose nose had gone runny and lashes had gone wet. She came forward and touched Gaius on the shoulder. All at once, he appeared old and frail. "Gwen will be here to take care of you. I have to go now."
"I don't need taking care of, boy. Mind that." Gaius flashed and finally looked into Merlin's eyes. "Come here," He held open his arms and hugged him, then let him go in stages, tracing his hands down - first to Merlin's shoulders, then elbows, his wrists, then finally hands – these he gripped with strength.
"Be safe."
"I will." Merlin promised, then turning once more to wave at them, he left.