"Two's a Company..." (Rose)

I've been far more alert today than I have any other. I, unfortunately, was asleep during that girl Gwen's visit. I wanted to introduce myself to her and thank her for watching over me. I am sure, however, that I will get the chance soon. I am feeling much stronger now.

The evening is fast approaching, and yet, it is not fast enough for me. Merlin will be back soon. There's something about him that is so intriguing to me. I can't quite put my finger on it... He seems a fairly simple lad, but he's not. I can tell. Upon thinking about it, I thought, maybe it has something to do with his personality, but it's more than that. Don't mistake me, I am really impressed by his lovely qualities, but there's more than meets the eye. I guess I should not worry myself about it. Perhaps, I'll find the missing piece to the puzzle that is Merlin by him handing it to me through his words.

I am entranced with my own thoughts, when the front door opens with a loud "clunk". I assume it is Gaius coming back from collecting herbs, when Merlin bursts through the door.

"Hi," he pants.

I smile heartily at him. "Did you run all the way here?" I laugh at his silliness.

He laughs at himself, "Maybe."

"Well, either way, I am glad to see you."

"And I, you," he walks forward and goes to sit on the floor again. I clear my throat and give him a look, reminding him of earlier. "Oh, right," he gets back on his feet, smiling sheepishly. He sits on the end of the bed, the way he did before. He begins the conversation as well, "If you don't mind, I have some questions for you."

"I don't mind in the least bit. Ask me anything your heart desires, and I shall try to answer to the best of my ability."

"Great," he grins that big grin, "Gaius had mentioned that he and your father were had known each other a significant amount of time and were very close. Did you meet him as a child then?"

"Yes," I nod, "But it wasn't an ideal circumstance." He looks at me eager for me to elaborate. "I have suffered from a condition that sometimes hinders my breathing my whole life. It's a kind where, especially in certain instances (like the other night's weather), my airways become restricted and I have coughing attacks that can become quite painful. From the time when I was a newborn babe, I developed a sickness that, when combined with my constant breathing abnormalities, can be fatal. Sometimes, the illness could be contained. However, one occurrence of said ailment spiraled out of my parents' hands, and they were the most knowledgeable in the department of healing amongst our people. (My mother was a healer before the ban on magic was in place.) I was about three years of age when this happened. My father called upon Gaius who came with urgency and treated me skillfully. That was the first time he saved my life, and I never forgot that night. I was so scared, not being able to breathe. I was shaking like a leaf in a windstorm that is barely clinging to its branch. When Gaius arrived, he spoke to me in a calmed, soothing voice that helped me to relax. He told me the silliest things at the most sporadic of times and made the most ridiculous faces just to make me smile. He has been like a second father ever since, and has never missed an important event in my life."

"Wow," he laughs thoughtfully, "That is incredible ... That also explains a great deal. What was it this time?"

"What was what this time?" I feel my forehead crease.

"What was the important event that Gaius visited you for the other night?"

I bite my lip, "It was my birthday- my coming of age ceremony, to be more exact ..." I trail off, fighting the oncoming tears brewing in corners of my eyes. I shall not let them expose themselves as they wish.

"Oh," he tightens his lips to the side and averts his eyes from my own.

"It's alright, Merlin," I turn to face the window.

"No, it's not. It's a terrible thing, what you've been through. No one should have to endure such an awful happenstance," he says sympathetically. I feel him looking at me again, but I don't return his gaze. I keep my eyes on the setting of the sun long enough for me to push my emotions away and recover from my heart's reopened wounds.

"Finding Answers" (Merlin)

I sit here feeling the weight of the awkward tension of our silence. I do hope that I haven't pushed her too far and that she doesn't hate me and my stupidity. I can do nothing but cautiously survey her for the time being, which I don't mind. I've already expressed how fetching she is to me. She is facing the window, the soft pinks of the sunset complimenting her complexion. The wildly rich orange lighting is dancing in the strands of her hair as she looks at me once more. She must have sensed I was awaiting some sort of response, because she gives me a small smile seeming to try reassuring me that she is stable to continue talking. Which that is kind of embarrassing, because that also means she knew I was staring at her. I clear my throat and try to make the mood lighter by asking a question of the more curious nature, "Why have I never heard of Woodwards before you?"

"Ah, that's simple, actually." She holds up her right hand, pointing up with her index finger, seeming a good deal perkier now, "Woodwards are often mistaken for Druids. We are similar in appearances and our ways of life are very much like one another to the outside world."

"Makes sense," I nod slowly, "It's mainly strange that I have never crossed you or any of your people before. I have been in the woods were you lived dozens upon dozens of times."

"Most of us were a private people and we are all very good at our craft which is being in touch with nature. We have always been so much so that we just blended in."

"You must be very sneaky," I give her a playful look.

"Indeed," she confirms, returning my goofiness with a sly look, raising an eyebrow. She can be making a face and still make me feel a welcoming warmth inside. It is almost frustrating, for the fact, she is making it very difficult not to fall for her. I'm pretty sure a part of me already has. Possibly, every part of me has, but my brain. I can think of nothing but trouble for the both of us coming from me developing feelings for her and acting on them. From the way things are going, I don't think I'll always be able to deny my feelings to myself, but I am good at keeping secrets. So if I can't stop myself from caring for her, I can still stop myself from blabbing it... I hope.

I had forgotten that we were talking whilst I was deep in my mind, engrossed in thought. She is staring at me so intently, as if trying to read my thoughts. I smile tightly. 'Well that was stupid,' I think to myself.