Chapter Four: Memories

A new day was upon them, the first light chasing away the darkness that laid upon the lands. The city was already full of activity at dawn break, preparations already being well underway for the ceremony that was to be held on this day. The ceremony that would be held in honor of their late King. The people wore black clothing today, not a single white or coloured fabric in sight. Merlin himself was awake before dawn break. He was to spend the day at Guinevere's side, serving her in any way she would need. She had objected against the suggestion that had been made in the early morning.

"Guinevere, I want to serve at the ceremony. It will give me something to do, something useful" Merlin had spoken to Guinevere after he had sought her out. Guinevere hadn't had an expression of understanding on her face, objecting profusely to the suggestion.

"You've served for long enough as a servant, Merlin. You've been such a good friend to Arthur, and I do not wish to have you work on a day like this. I want you by my side for this Merlin, as my friend." She had stated, attempting to make Merlin see reason. "I need this Gwen. I spent so many years of my life serving Arthur. I've always been there, standing at his side, serving him. I want to do so one last time, even in his death. Please Gwen, let me serve him one last time." He had begged, desperation visible in his eyes.

Guinevere saw this, and therefore she agreed, on one condition. "Alright, Merlin. On one condition. You'll be by my side" She had stated, leaving little room for Merlin to object.

So now he made his way towards Guinevere's chambers again, carrying her breakfast on a tray as he walked down the hallway. He dodged servants who moved through the halls in a rush, nearly running into someone and dropping the food and drink to the ground. He narrowly saved himself a new trip to the kitchen, pushing open the door leading to her chambers. "It sure is hectic out there" Merlin remarked as he stepped inside the room, setting the tray down on the table. Guinevere appeared from behind the privacy screen, fully dressed with her hair already did for the events of the day. A maidservant must have been there before him. "Breakfast" Merlin spoke, gesturing to the food briefly before he trekked towards the bed, adjusting the covers and making the bed, tidying up the general area. "I must say, your chambers are much cleaner that Arthur's ever were.. I don't know if that reflects badly on me as a servant, or on Arthur, for being overly messy" Merlin chatted on as he moved about. He glanced around, realising that her chambers were practically spotless. "It must be a walk in the park to be your maidservant" he let out, turning around and catching a glimpse of the look Guinevere was sending him.

"Sorry." He let out, grinning sheepishly. "It's quite all right. Have you had anything to eat this morning?" She questioned, raising a brow. Merlin quickly nodded, averting his gaze for a brief moment as he flashed up his most innocent smile. "Yeah, of course. I wouldn't skip breakfast" he replied, pretending to feel insulted at the mere accusation.

"Merlin." Guinevere said in a harsh tone, keeping her eyebrow raised in a very Gaius manner. "Ah, been spending too much time with Gaius lately?" Merlin questioned, a smirk appearing on his face. "I think he's rubbing off on you, Gwen. You raise your eyebrows just like him now." he added. At this statement Guinevere couldn't help herself but to let out a small laugh. "I suppose you are right, Merlin. How very observant of you" she smirked, as she sat down at the table, plucking away an apple, bread and some of the meats, and setting them aside on the tray for Merlin. "Now eat. You need all the strength you can get today. And thank you, for putting a smile on my face on this day where I have not much left to smile for" she spoke before she took a sip of her drink. "It's the least I could do" Merlin spoke in response, the two exchanging soft smiles between themselves. Merlin sat down across Gwen, and begun to eat the food he had been given, and together they shared a moment of silence.

The meal had finished, and Merlin scrambled to tidy up and carry the tray from her chambers. He pushed open the door and disappeared into the hallway, blending in with the masses of servants and following the stream until he had to leave i order to get to the kitchen. He deposited the tray and made his way back towards Guinevere's chambers, seeing the sunrise on his walk back to his Queen. He came to a halt, appreciating the sunrise for a few moments, sending his thoughts towards Arthur, thinking back to all the times he walked down these hallways at this time, already late, for Arthur needed to be up before sunrise. He could likely have expected some sort of object chucked his way upon waking him.

Those had been good times, and he would miss those moments dearly. In many ways, it had almost felt like they were brothers. He continued the walk back to Guinevere's chambers, his mind flooding with fond memories. The grief and sorrow was still strong in his heart, but he was now able to look back at the good times they had shared, instead of being blinded by his grief. However, each happy memory brought a feeling of sadness with it, for he would no longer be able to experience moments like those again. Or rather, he would not for a long time. Should Arthur return, and Merlin was still alive, then they could have moments like that again. It brought him some comfort.

He entered back inside Guinevere's chambers, finding her at her writing desk, clearly working on her speech for the memorial which would be held after the funeral ceremony. "Need any help? Arthur always had me help him with his speeches, or rather, completely write them after he told me what he wanted to cover. Well.. he often had me help him at least." Merlin chatted on. Guinevere looked up, casting him a quick glance. "It won't be necessary, Merlin. Actually, you should be working on your own speech." she stated.

"I'll be serving. I won't be holding a speech, Gwen." The woman smirked lightly. "You're right. I just thought that you may want to say a few words in remembrance of your friend." Merlin blinked a few times, before he shook his head.

"I already said my goodbye, Gwen. I am content with just listening."

**I felt very inspired today, and ended up making two entries to the story today. I hope you enjoyed the beginning of the first chapter. I am so thankful that so many of you have been reading the story so far. Thank you a bunch!**