There was a knock at the door of Merlin's new chambers- which Arthur and Percival had deposited him in the night prior. Their aim had been poor and the warlock now slumbered on his dining table- but that was a step up from Percival, who had curled up on the floor, and Arthur, who had passed out in the hallway with his arms wrapped around a statue.

Merlin groaned and rolled over, a quick burst of magic ceasing his sudden descent before he smashed into cold stone. "Coming," he croaked, eyes slitted against the slight sunlight leaking through the curtains. Where am I? He gazed around for a moment before another knock came, louder than the first.

"I said I was coming," the warlock grumbled, shuffling to the door and opening it to reveal his mentor, eyebrow raised and slight smile on his face.

"Gaius!" He winced at the volume of his own voice.

"Good morning, Merlin. I brought something you might have use for," the physician held up a bottle of yellow liquid.

"Bless you," the younger man said with feeling, desperately grasping the hangover cure and swallowing it in one go. He grimaced at the combination of unsavory flavors on his tongue but sighed as his headache eased. "Thank you, Gaius."

The old man's grin broadened, "You're welcome, my boy. You certainly deserved a night of relaxation." Wrinkled hands came to rest on thin shoulders. "I want you to know how proud I am of you, Merlin. You've done very well. You deserve every good thing you've received and more."

The warlock was tearing up a bit, and pulled his mentor into a warm embrace. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"You'd have managed- but I'm glad I was of some help."

Merlin simply held him tighter as the physician rubbed his ward's back before pulling away slightly.

"Now, best check your wardrobe; I believe Gwen has had some things made for you and you're expected at the royal luncheon in an hour."

"My- Gaius, are these my chambers?" He spun around, taking in the lavish quarters that weren't much smaller than Arthur's own.

"He did tell you he'd be giving you your own, did he not?"

"Yes, and mother, but- Gaius, this is too much."

"Merlin, you are second only to the king and queen now- you'll have to get used to all this." He patted his surrogate son gently before turning back to the door. "Oh, and your servant has been standing in the antechamber all morning- best call him in."

"My what?!"