The remainder of their stay at the estate went well, as gradually the brothers settled back into a happier relationship. Merlin worked hard at his rehabilitation with Percy. He also spent a fair amount of time going through things in his room. By now even he hoped he would have some sort of flashback to his past. So he could settle things for himself. But although sometimes he had a vague feeling of recognition there were no real memories. He did however love the house and grounds and would sit for hours looking at the views. Merlin was disappointed when the time came to leave, but he realised the others needed to return to school and university.

Back at Uther's Merlin slowly got involved in the preparations for Christmas. Ygraine had talked to him about the holiday and explained its significance in the Christian religion. But she also told him that to their family it was as much an excuse to be together and celebrate as a family. Merlin had continued with his own faith and told Ygraine that he had no problem with what was happening and was pleased to be involved, explaining that there were many gods in his faith and always room for more.

Merlin was excited about the idea of giving presents and decided to make things for people. No matter how often everyone told him that he had money he still didn't see it as his. But his time was, so if he used that for making things and put love into what he was doing at least he was giving part of himself. Ygraine showed him a book she had on sweet making and they spent hours making different sweets which Merlin wrapped individually and placed in boxes. It was during this time that he started to become closer to Morgana. She hadn't ended up spending much time with Merlin, her age and other interests had taken over. Although she was two years older than Merlin, she found due to his experiences, he was much more mature than boys her own age.

Then a week before Christmas Merlin went into hospital once more this time to have the metal frame removed from his leg. He was only in overnight then back out. He still wasn't allowed to put much weight on it but with Percy's help he was using a gutter frame to walk short distances. Merlin's crippled arm was making it harder for him but he was a fighter and worked hard. But he still needed his wheelchair for most of the time.

When he was in hospital Elyan had spoken to him about his next operation. "I can schedule it for February by then you should be gaining more mobility in your leg. We will do a very similar thing as we did with your leg."

Merlin was doubtful "Do I have to have it done?" he asked, knowing if he didn't his new family would be upset.

Elyan was sympathetic, the teenager had been through so much. So being totally honest he said "No you don't, but I know you get pain from it and also it does stop you doing somethings, it seems a shame to stop now. It could be done later but at the moment your bones are still growing so this makes it easier on your body."

Elyan spent a couple of hours talking through the operation with Merlin. Gwaine came in to listen and in the end Merlin somewhat reluctantly agreed. Even though he wasn't using his leg fully he had already noticed the difference. Especially in his back pain. He was however not looking forward to the bone graft, as it was that that had given him the most pain before. He went home with lots to think about.

But before all that he had his first Christmas, since he was four, to look forward to. As far as he was concerned it was his first ever Christmas. He loved having the tree indoors and the decorations. And having everyone about. Especially Mordred who was getting more excited by the day. Gwaine told him about the visits the young ones had from Father Christmas and Merlin wished they had someone in the house that still believed such things could exist. All the others found they were enjoying the season more as they watched it through Merlin's eyes.

On Christmas Eve the family all went to church for midnight mass. A rare thing for them but Ygraine thought it would add to Merlin's understanding. She had asked him first if it was something he wanted to do. Merlin had happily agreed wanting to understand as much as he could. It hadn't shaken his own beliefs but he was endlessly curious. It was the first time Merlin had stepped into a Christian church and he looked round in wonder. It was less colourful than a Hindi temple but he loved the carvings in the stone, and was fascinated by the way everybody worshiped together.

When they returned home they all went to bed tired by the late hour. The next morning Merlin smiled as he found someone had come in during the early hours and placed a small stocking at the end of his bed. Transferring into his wheelchair he carefully put the stocking on his lap and looked inside and found two satsumas and an envelope. Looking at the envelope for some sign as to who had left it he found none so carefully opening it he read the letter inside. Thankful that whoever had left it had used type, as he was still struggling with reading.

Dear Merlin,

This is to make up for all the Christmas's you have missed.

To be used once you can walk without sticks and your arm

is healed. I know it is what you have wished for. They are

return tickets as your family need you. I thought your brothers would like to keep you company so it is also for them.

Love, Father Christmas

Merlin opened another smaller envelope and looked inside his face broke out into a huge grin and tears formed in his eyes. Inside was a set of three return plane tickets to Mumbai. Merlin thought if this was Christmas he loved it.