The next day Gwaine went to the temple, a converted church in the town. He was greeted by a man who introduced himself as a Pundit, which as far as he could work out was a priest or teacher. He took Gwaine through to small room where Gwaine explained why he had come. "We have clearly neglected Merlin's faith and want to put that right. Now what does he need for his shrine? And how often should he come here for services?"
The Pundit showed Gwaine the items he needed and explained where he could get them. "Hindu faith does not have services as such, individuals pray and may Hindu's do all their prayers at home. Or they are welcome here anytime. We do have special celebration days." He handed Gwaine several leaflets and went through them. "Would you like me to visit your brother and assist him should he wish?"
All in all the visit was useful and gave Gwaine a better insight into what before had been an unknown religion. In a way he understood it's attraction to Merlin and the street children and poor of India with its belief in rebirth and therefore the chance of a better life next time. Gwaine said he would ask Merlin if he wanted to see anyone and would anyway bring him to the temple if he wished. Gwaine went to the shop suggested and purchased for Merlin the other items he needed for his shrine, to go with the statue his Aunt had already ordered. He also arranged for his mother's table to be transported to Pendragon Manor. Gwaine thought his mother would approve of Merlin having the table for such a use.
Meanwhile back at Pendragon Manor Gwen had arrived and was giving Merlin his lessons. Today he was trying once more to learn to read and write. He found it difficult it had been easier when he was copying the words for the bin labels, but now Gwen wanted him to remember how to write his name without copying. He found reading easier and sums the easiest of the lot. After all he had been using sums all his life to make sure he got paid properly. After an hour he had a drink before they went on to the next thing, which was learning about England and its customs. He was overjoyed when dinner time came. Even if he did have to use a knife and fork and not his fingers.
That afternoon Merlin was with Percy for his exercises. That was hard work but at least he could rest from thinking. As they finished the exercises Merlin went to find Mordred who was due home from school. In a way Merlin was envious his younger brother seemed to have lots of friends and he enjoyed school, Merlin wasn't sure if he would want to be with lots of people all day but he listened as Mordred told him about his day and playing football at playtime.
Then he went to the kitchen to help Ygraine get the food ready. Merlin was getting quiet good at using the wheelchair and his aunty would set him up at the table peeling the potatoes. When Merlin arrived in the kitchen there was a parcel waiting for him. His statue had arrived. Ygraine had paid extra to have it delivered specially. Merlin opened it and was thrilled. Very carefully putting it back in its box he did his chores before disappearing up the stairs with it. Merlin had perfected doing his bottom shunt up and down stairs to such a degree that he could easily take things with him safely. Once in his room he very carefully put his goddess on his table along with the items Gwaine had got him earlier. He was so proud of his shrine. Carefully lighting a josh stick he said his prayers for his mama and added one for everyone in the house.
That evening Gwen and Percy had a meeting with Gwaine and Uther to discuss Merlin's progress and their future plans. Gwen explained "At the moment I am working with Merlin to gain basic reading, writing and arithmetic, he is making progress, but he is having to learn a language and other skills at the same time. His use of English is improving all the time, thank all the family for helping him. I'm not sure when he will be able to go to a mainstream school but that's a goal. I do however think we need to be realistic and say I don't think he will ever be in a position to take exams. But as long as he can get by and fit in with society I think we can consider that to be a reasonable goal."
Uther looked at Percy who smiled "Merlin is doing very well with his exercises he seems motivated. Even if he does try too much. As to the other things I am doing with him, the job he has been given to do with the recycling has increased his confidence and given him purpose. What I would like to do more of with him and expand is the farm. I think it will be good for him to work in the open air and they have space for him on their allotment, he has shown great interest. He also likes the animals. Now I know the teenagers who spend time there are both mentally and physically handicapped but it does allow Merlin to mix in a safe environment. Merlin has enough physical problems to qualify and mentally he does have issues." Percy looked at Gwaine expecting an argument. He knew how protective the elder brother was. "I know Merlin is old for his age in many ways, but he has never had a childhood and it has left him with issues. He finds discipline difficult and he also doesn't trust easily. He has to learn that he has to follow rules rather than just find ways round them." The big man grinned "I like Merlin's attitude he is a determined lad and I think with time he will settle. I'm just not sure what he will settle at. Merlin will always need to feel he is making a contribution and keeping himself. The farm might let him find what he is looking for."
Gwaine scowled "He won't need to work, he will have enough money for anything he needs and he will always have my support."
"But he will want to feel independent and of use, remember he has worked full time all his life" Percy pointed out
"Percy is right Gwaine, I'm sorry but you won't be able to stop Merlin's independence, far better to channel it" Gwen agreed. "I think the farm is a great idea. Then he if he enjoys it he could perhaps find a job on your estate but still feel he has a genuine role and purpose to his life."
"Will he be strong enough?" Uther asked
"Once he has had all his surgery then yes, as long as he is supervised. Doctor Elyan can't give guarantees but I think we need to start down that route. Even if what he achieves is a decent home garden where he can provide the house with vegetables it will allow him to keep his pride, and Merlin is very proud" Percy said.
"He has a lifetime to improve his literacy but having an interest like the farm we can use that to set what he is learning. Merlin is far better if he is learning what he wants than a forced programme." Gwen said "And I don't think that will ever change. As to my work on his memories, I'm not sure he will ever will remember, but that won't stop him building strong ties with you all."
"What do you mean?" Gwaine demanded, it was still his hope that Merlin would remember.
"I have spoken to several experts the trauma Merlin went through and the young age leaves a good possibility that he won't remember. Nor will he necessarily benefit him if he did. I believe we have already discussed his. If he remembered he will have three parents to grieve for as well as a lost life of experiences. The pain and trauma of the months following the crash would have been such that it might be nicer if he didn't have to relive that. He does have some flashes and that's good, he has accepted you are his family deep down, even if sometimes he fights it." Gwen smiled "A loving stable relationship will do the rest" She looked at Gwaine "He sees you as the family head, even with Mr Pendragon present, he knows you, Mordred and his grandfather are his 'family' and rest as his extended family. He has come a long way in a short time."
Gwaine was doing his best to see what they were saying but he added "I would rather Merlin be happy than anything. I want him to experience all the things he missed as a child. I would be lying if I didn't tell you I don't want Merlin to work because he has done enough. I don't care if he never contributes anything but I do see what you are saying. We have learnt lesson about projecting our thoughts and feelings by missing his religious beliefs. Just do what you think is best for him. I'll buy him a far if that's what he wants. A whole herb of pimply pigs!"
Uther looked at Gwaine "Pimply pigs?"
"Arthur said that's what Merlin called Gloucester old spots." Gwaine grinned. "He couldn't remember the word for spot and came up with pimple"
Uther shook his head "I'm not sure being round you two is a good idea"
"Hi you should have heard him giggle last night just because Arthur made a mess in my room. It was great a real giggle." Gwaine smiled at the memory. "We are good for him!"
Gwen nodded "Yes he is lightening up, soon one of you will end up having to tell him off when he acts like a typical teenager." She warned
"Not me" Gwaine said "I can't wait"
Uther rolled his eyes. "Well I have managed two boys now Morgana and Mordred had had his moments. The trouble is if I do tell him off I think my wife will have my guts for garters. Let's hope I never have to"
"I think you will find Merlin is basically a good lad. I wouldn't think he will be too much trouble" Percy added hopefully. "If he is I suggest his grandfather, Merlin has the Indian respect for older people"
Gwaine laughed "Grandads eyebrow of doom! Gets you every time."
