Time flew round and it wasn't long before Merlin was walking with just one stick. He was clearly happy and felt better about himself. It would be months before he was fully independent but the progress he was making was sufficient that Elyan talked to him again about having his arm straightened. It took a fortnight of talking with all his new family before Merlin finally agreed. So early one morning he set off with Gwaine to the hospital.
The operation went well and Merlin woke up once more to find the metal cage but this time on his arm. As with the previous operation it was where the bone had been taken from his hip that gave the most pain. But even so it was just a week before he was allowed to go back to his Uncle Uther's. In some ways he found it harder this time, as with his leg he had been in a chair which took the weight and he could still do things. But with one arm out of action and the weight of the frame when he moved he felt more debilitated.
As a result his normal cheery nature was less visible and he became grumpier. It was Gwen that seemed to get most trouble as she was still teaching him and Merlin was finding it difficult. After a particularly difficult session with Merlin Gwen asked to speak with Gwaine and Ygraine.
""I think Merlin is becoming depressed. He has had a difficult time for the past year and it is catching up with him. I have spoken to Elyan and he agrees that Merlin might benefit from a change is his regime. So I propose that the formal lessons are stopped for now and we increase the amount of time we do other things, clearly he can't do his gardening at the moment which isn't happening. And with the winter months it is difficult but what I would like to do is start taking Merlin out for visits."
Gwaine nodded "Did you have anything in mind?"
Gwen hesitated before continuing "There is an authentic Hindu temple 'BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir' in Neasden London. I would like to take him there first. They also have a weekly assembly for Merlin's age group Saturday early evening and I think that would finish the day nicely for him. I know he has been seeing the people from the local temple but this might be nice for him. I know Merlin's religious beliefs are important to him."
"That sounds a very good idea. Who do you think should go with him?" Ygraine asked.
"I'll go" Gwaine said at the same time. "I should know more"
Gwen smiled "I think that would be a great idea. There is lots to see there and they welcome all faiths although the assembly is something he will want to do on his own I think. They split them up during the day by age group. I have spoken to the Temple and they would be pleased to offer Merlin a personal tour and look after him and a guest for the day."
Once the details had been gone over and a few other ideas kicked around Gwen said "Elyan also thinks a course of anti-depressants might be useful but he will contact you direct."
Ygraine looked concerned so Gwen added "It might also be an idea to start planning the visit to India. That might be just the boost Merlin needs"
"He needs that frame off first and his rehab underway but I suppose we could make loose plans" Gwaine muttered.
It was Morgana that had the first chance to really talk to Merlin about how he was finding life and how he thought he was. One day they found themselves in the conservatory together and after chatting together Merlin looked at Morgana and asked her "What do you want to do with your life?"
"Well once I have my degree I want to work for Dad for a while. But one day I want to have a husband and children and I will want to look after them myself, like Mum did. We had such a happy childhood and most of that was down to mum. But I do want to work first and prove I can and once I have children do some work from home. Does that sound silly?"
"No it sounds nice" Merlin said thoughtfully
"How about you? What do you want to do? Have you thought yet" Morgana looked at the boy beside her thoughtfully. She had heard Gwaine's plans but not Merlin's.
Merlin stared into the distance then said "I want to go to India first. I don't want to be ungrateful but it does feel like my home. I want to help the street children but I don't know how." He was silent for a minute then said "But I also think I want to be here, you are all….important to me. I love growing things. Gwaine said about me running the walled garden on the estate so the house had fresh food and we could sell the rest. I feel at peace there." He looked at Morgana very seriously "I don't want to travel like Gwaine wants us to. I don't need to have things just because I haven't had them. I want to be useful. I have worked all my life, do you understand?"
Morgana put her hand on Merlin's arm "Of course I do, don't let Gwaine bully you. He feels guilty that you lived the life you did. There is nothing wrong in him wanting you to have the best, but only if you want it, it is your life" she paused thinking how to phrase what she said next. "I hope things work out for you Merlin, but in the end I hope you decide to stay here in England. Even if it is on the estate. I know I haven't seen you much but I do like you and I would miss you if you left. And to be honest I know India is important to you but it wasn't good for you and we all need you in different ways and I think you need us." With that she hugged him.