Chapter 28 Plans and Preparations

Camelot awoke to sunny skies and a happy go lucky mood of contentment. Sir Leon noticed it as he walked to the lower town, everywhere there seemed to be happy faces and a totally relaxed atmosphere. As he walked to his favourite tobacco stall, he was stopped by person after person, all asking the same question. Was it true that the Queen was appointing Merlin as the Court Sorcerer tonight? News travels fast he thought to himself with a smile, as he laughed and nodded for the umpteenth time.

"Hello Matilda, can I have my usual please?" he said with a smile.

Matilda was in her seventies, a woman who had seen it all. Before the purge and everything that came after it. She looked him in the face, and said softly.

"In all my years I never thought I would see magic back in the kingdom. I am pleased for Merlin of course, but it is such a change."

"Yes I know, it has amazed us all. I'm still trying to get it into my head just what Merlin had done for us all, in truth. At times it seems hard to believe."

"Yes indeed, it is good he is now being recognised of course. Also I'm pleased for the Druids, I always managed to have a good relationship with them even after the purge. I feel it is a positive step, but something still makes me wary."

"You don't need to worry Matilda, that is our job. We will have our eyes peeled for any trouble, rest assured." Leon lightly touched her hand, as he paid for the tobacco. "I trust you will be attending the banquet tonight. I'm delighted the Queen has invited such a wide range of people tonight."

"Oh I wouldn't miss it for the world Leon. I don't get the chance to dress up too much now."

"I will look forward to seeing you." Leon nodded his head, as he left.

As Leon walked towards the castle a voice made him turn around. He straight away recognised the tall Druid Cerdreu.

Sir Leon smiled, "Glad you could make the banquet," he smiled.

"I wouldn't off missed such an event for the world." Cerdreu smiled. He turned to the man beside him, "I think you have met my friend Delfar before."

His companion nodded his head towards Leon and smiled.

"Of course I think we met at one of the earlier meetings." Leon smiled shaking his hand.

"I am looking forward to speaking with the man of the moment." Cerdreu smiled.

"Ah I take it you mean Merlin, I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you again." Leon said, as he led the two Druids into the castle.

"Yes a big moment for him tonight I suggest." Cerdreu smiled.

"Ah the secret announcement." Leon said his eyes brow rising

"So secret everyones talking about it." Delfar said.

"Yes as you can see, secrets don't go far in Camelot." Said Leon, "unless you are Merlin of course." The three of them smiled at Leon's joke.

"Would you like to freshen up before I take you to see the Queen?" Leon asked.

"That would be nice." Cerdreu replied smiling "thank you."

Leon shouted to a soldier to take the Druids to their rooms.

"I will arrange for someone to escort you when you are ready." Leon promised.

"Thank you Sir Leon, I'll look forward to meeting with you later." The two Druids nodded as the soldier took their bags and escorted them to their rooms.

Merlin woke up to find that Gaer had crawled into bed between him and Vivien. He smiled to himself as stroked the little girl's hair. He was still in a happy daze at the thought of being reunited with his mother and Vivien. Not for the first time he wondered why on earth he hadn't arranged it before. Being with Vivien and Gaer seemed so good and easy, all of a sudden he had less time to ponder and worry. He made the most of each minute, even though he had a lot on, and would do for the next few days, he was determined to make time for them all.

He felt Vivien stretch, as she turned to him she smiled.

"Hello." She said, reaching across Gaer's still frame, to hold Merlin's hand.

"I trust you slept well." Merlin smiled back, reaching over to kiss her.

"I did, a better sleep than I've had in a long time." She said. "I'd better get this one up."

"Don't be in such a rush, we can have a few minutes longer, before Gaer wakes up, and goes running round the castle." Merlin laughed.

"I was worried that you may not want us here, when Gwen first suggested us coming." Vivien said, softly.

"I am glad you are here, I was wrong to leave you both behind. Having you here relaxes me." He smiled "it goes without saying I will be busy over the next few days, but I'm determined we will have some time to ourselves." He promised.

"That would be really nice," Vivien smiled. "I'm sure Gaer will be occupied exploring the castle the rest of the time."

Merlin laughed "Yes I can imagine that."

With that Gaer's dark head began to move, before Merlin knew it she gave him a big sloppy kiss "Hello, are you going to show us the castle today?" she asked, her eyes wide open and smiling.

"I'm not sure I will have the time today, but over the next couple of days I'll see what I can do." He promised, seeing her down cast face, he said, "But I'm sure I will find someone who will take you round." He smiled.

That was enough to cheer Gaer up, and suddenly she was running about like a mad thing.

"You need to get washed first Gaer." Vivien said, exchanging a smile with Merlin. He briefly took her in his arms for a few minutes, and gave her a long searching kiss. "I'll be in a few meetings today, before the banquet, but hopefully we will get a few minutes in the afternoon. Take care until then."

He softly pulled away from her.

"Thank you." Vivien smiled.

"For what?" Merlin asked curious.

"Just being you." She replied.

He leaned on the door for a minute, a happy contented smile on his face, by the time he had shut the door, he realised his smile had become even wider. It was nice to be able to smile again and mean it, he thought as he walked down the corridor.