Sleepy azure eyes slowly opened as Merlin woke from his now-habitual slumber, complete with a book face down upon his chest. He paid it little attention. Yawning furiously he lazily rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. Absentmindedly rubbing the back of his head he smacked his lips together to get the blood flowing. Merlin rolled out of bed, clumsily kicking over a tall wooden staff he had found in the woods the day before. He rushed to grab the staff, although his arms were but a few inches too short. The staff hit the ground with a resounding "thwack," causing Merlin to squint his eyes in response.
There is no way Gaius didn't hear that…
Merlin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as the loud clamor was met with silence. After concluding Gaius was not in the room Merlin crept out the door, not wanting to waste another moment. He gave half a thought to where his father-figure would be at this time of the morning then discarded it as nothing. He had no time for those thoughts today. After all, it was Gwen's birthday. She had been so tied up with doing her job that she had forgotten, and Merlin was determined to make it memorable…despite the absence of a few key people. His face began to resemble the thoughts of his heart as sadness made its way through his features.
Her father and now Arthur…
As he approached a staircase Merlin's steps became more determined, the confident strides affecting the rest of his body.
NO. This is a good day. Guinevere has been through so much, she deserves an escape from all of this. She deserves so much more than the sorrow she carries around.
Merlin's lips parted, making way for a loving smile that erased all the wrinkles of stress and melancholy. She was truly the strongest person he knew, and in truth the most beautiful. The way she handled everything this world hurled at her, and managed to still bring joy to any who crossed her path. Merlin smirked, remembering the bumbling nervous young woman he met on his first day in Camelot. He had barely noticed her as more than a friend, to think of her now he swelled with pride. A confident young woman had taken the girl's place, with a ferocious hunger for justice and a compassionate heart she stole the hearts of Camelot's people…and, at one time, its Prince.
Merlin was so lost in his thoughts he ran straight into his mentor, not seeing him. "Gaius! I didn't see you." The older man cast him an annoyed look and raised his left eyebrow in a threatening manner. "Merlin. Where are you off to in such a rush?" Merlin opened his mouth with an excuse but Gaius held up his hand to stop him, "Arthur is on the wall, looking over the kingdom." He paused, looking pensively at nothing in particular, "He does that so often these days, and it worries me. Perhaps you could speak with him?" Merlin nodded, though other thoughts consumed his mind. "Yes, but it's Gwen's birthday and I wanted to make it special. Could you cover for me with Arthur for a bit?" Gaius started to sigh as Merlin quickly added, "Tell him I'm anywhere; at the tavern, getting supplies, anything. I'll be back soon!" Gaius nonverbally conceded, and ushered Merlin off with a motion of the head. "Give Guinevere my regards." Merlin smiled cheekily, "Thanks!" And rushed off without another word, leaving Gaius standing by himself at the top of the stairwell.
He didn't have much time, though. He still had to sneak out a picnic basket from the kitchens and nab Guinevere before she came into work. It was going to be an interesting day.
Gaius shook his head; Merlin was always rushing off to do something "important." Funny how the "important" things never seemed to include his chores…the sound of chainmail and the Prince's rather aimless footsteps came clattering down the hall as Gaius looked up to greet the man. Arthur looked slightly better; having gotten some fresh air had done him good. "Sire," Gaius addressed politely as the Prince laid eyes on him. "Gaius. Thank you for your…" he thought for a moment, "…silence this morning. It was appreciated." The first small smile Gaius had seen on the young man's face since the accident appeared, bringing with it a little hope. Gaius smiled, "Of course, your majesty."
But before Gaius could turn and continue on his journey, Arthur stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Did you happen to see Merlin? He's late, I can't find him anywhere." Gaius responded quickly without thought, "He went to visit Guinevere." As soon as the words were out of his mouth Gaius regretted them. Arthur was unfazed and musingly responded with merely, "Guinevere…and where might she live?"
Naturally, Gaius hesitated.
The Prince will find someone else to tell him where Guinevere lives if I do not. Either way, she is going to get a surprise visitor. Maybe it would be good for her to stop hiding in the shadows when he is around? Maybe she needs to speak to him directly.
Making up his mind Gaius gave him the directions, praying that nothing ill would come of their meeting. Arthur nodded to him, "thank you. I'll try there."
After the Prince had walked past him, Gaius's features contorted in wonder and he said a prayer as he continued on his way.
So Be It.
