After Merlin had rushed off Morgana turned to her older brother "Do you really think this is a good idea? I know it's been seven months but he still seems very fragile to me." Morgana had been at the meeting with Mithian but was still unhappy

"You heard what Mithian said, if Merlin was an 'ordinary citizen' she would have got him to go to the corner shop, to meet strangers and expand his horizon but clearly merlin can't do that. He has had a very restricted group of people he has been seeing regularly and even the other staff he meets are mostly in livery. It's not many more than he was seeing in the room"

"I know but even so, look Arthur I don't want to stop his development but I worry about him" Morgana protested

"And you think I don't? It scares me as well Morgana but I won't have him live his life in isolation, if he does Uther has won. I want Merlin to be able to live as normal a life as he can, and if that means pushing him so be it." He paused before adding "His first visit has been well chosen. The Blind Dog Association have worked with us on this. There will be six people with their dogs and four officials. No one else will know about it. Aithusa, Freya, Gwaine and Elyan will be there. He will get to see the other dogs and talk to people he doesn't know, and give a small speech. A single camera man will be there to record the event. Merlin gets to meet new people and the Association get some publicity afterwards."

"I want to go" Morgana said determinedly

"No Morgana he needs to do this without us, we have to follow Mithian's advice." Her brother told her.

"Then send Percy with him as well, he's so big that no one will do anything they shouldn't" Morgana added half in jest.

"No! I think Gwaine is more than capable of handling the situation, remember he was SAS, and he wouldn't let anything happen to Merlin. Now change of subject…..Merlin's first Christmas with us since childhood, we need to make it special"

Freya soon got into the swing of her new job, after all Merlin had a very light workload. She was sure that in reality she wasn't needed at the moment but if it meant that she could stay with her friend and not find work elsewhere she was more than happy. She sat the Merlin and ran through the intinery for the visit and they thought about the speech. Once they had something written down Freya asked press office to look at it for her.

The night before the visit Merlin lay worrying he was trying to sleep but couldn't. He wished people would leave him alone, he would rather not see anyone than have to face new people. He knew that was why Mithian and Gwen wanted him to start facing his fears, but that was easier said than done. His footman Morris can in with a hot drink of milk at about eleven "Here you are Sir, I thought you might still be awake"

"Thank you Morris" he looked at the young man who he had got to know well "Do you think I'm being daft"

Morris knew that the Prince was referring to his nerves about the next day's visit "No Sir, but I also know you will do very well. Better than I would, you have an easy manner that people love" he paused "Drink your drink and try to relax Sir"

Merlin drank the hot milk and eventually drifted off to sleep. When the morning Morris woke him in plenty of time to shower and dress in one of his suits. Then Princess Morgana arrived to wish Merlin luck. "I know you will love the dogs, just don't bring any home" she joked

Merlin as often happened took her seriously "Don't be silly they are needed by their owners who can't see. It must be horrid not to see"

"I think some of them can see a bit, just not enough to be safe" Freya told her new boss.

Merlin looked thoughtful "I suppose I relish my sight so much as for years I only had one room, I can remember seeing outside for the first time, it was scary but glorious"

When Merlin made comments like that it reminded everyone just what his life had been like. "Just enjoy yourself Merlin and they will love you" Morgan told him "And don't worry if you don't remember your speech, just speak from the heart."

With that Arthur turned up "Well good luck Merlin, it will be nice for you to see different people"

"Thank you, I hope I don't disgrace you all" Merlin looked nervous

"You won't no matter what happens we will be proud of you. You have Gwaine and Freya with you as well as Elyan, you have nothing to worry about" The King gave his brother a hug "We'll have tea together and you can tell us all about it."

They set off in the unmarked car with the tinted windows so no one would realise who was travelling. There was also a car following for extra security. The Police would be keeping an eye on the route but without the normal motorcycle escort keeping the route clear. The police hadn't been happy but if they had made their normal arrangements it would have been to obvious there was a Royal visit going on. They made good time and they were soon pulling into the training school. Elyan got out first followed by Gwaine to make sure all was clear then Merlin and Freya got out with Aithusa. The manager came forward and welcomed the party before taking them inside where the small group they were to meet were waiting. As always with these events there was a lot of formality until Merlin smiled and said firmly but quietly "Please just call me Merlin or Sir if you really can't manage that not Your Royal Highness." He turned to his dog "and this is Aithusa she is my assistance dog." He then went on to give a very short speech, it wasn't how he had planned but can from the heart.

"I have come today to see the marvellous work that is done here to provide dogs to those in need. I have experience myself of and assistance dog and I know she has made my life easier. I find it easier to relate to my dog, as a friend and I'm sure you owners are the same. I am glad if my visit will help raise the charities profile"

He then waited as several of those present wanted to take pictures, they had been warned not to use flashes. The television camera had been discreetly filming since he had arrived. Then Merlin shook everyone's hand and spoke to everyone, it was clear he was finding it difficult at first he was particularly interested in talking to the owners of the dogs. The manager and workers were side lined until they got Merlin to look around, and watch some training taking place. There was then a drink and light lunch. When Merlin once more spoke to the dog owners and asked lots of questions in his own halting manner. Although sometimes it was clear he was depending on Freya to talk for him. Gwaine and Elyan stayed close to help to give him confidence.

As Merlin prepared to leave he was given a photo of him with all present and also asked to name one of the new puppies, he had been warned about this and with a smile asked if it was a boy or a girl. Being told it was a male "In that case I think he should be called Arthur"

Once Merlin was back in the car he sagged into a corner and started to shake. Aithusa immediately got as close as she could and comforted him. Gwaine gave Merlin a drink of water and a small tablet. "Take this Merlin, it will calm you, you did very well we are all proud of you"

Gwaine settled by Merlin's side and the younger man lent his head on Gwaine's shoulder. Gwaine While opposite then Freya settled down, she couldn't see the king or Princess resting their heads on their protection officers, but at the same time she found it sweet. Merlin soon drifted into an uneasy sleep, he had found the whole thing very stressful, but had persevered as he wanted please to his family and friends. He didn't speak at all on the way back, and once in the Palace he went straight to bed. Only removing his suit jacket, Morris came in and removed his tie and trousers and cover him allowing him to rest. Gwaine took Aithusa for a walk and left Elyan sitting nearby in case his was needed. Freya went to speak to Arthur as she had been asked to.