"A Time to Laugh" (Rose)

As the door closes and I hear the prince's footsteps echo down the hall, I can hold in my laughter no longer. "I saw that, Merlin."

"What?" he plays innocent.

"Unlike others, I am not oblivious. Books cannot move on their own," I raise my eyebrow.

Now Merlin laughs, "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."

"You," I point at him, "Are a brat."

"Guilty as charged," he smiles childishly.

I simply smile at him. It is so opportune at this time in my life to have a friend like Merlin to remind me that there is a time to laugh, as well as a time to cry. I can only imagine what kind of mess I would be without him and Gaius at my side to help me during my grief. The pain of loss has not left me once since the night of the onslaught, but there have been moments like now, when the nagging feeling is lesser and more tolerable.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asks sweetly, and adds, "That can't have been easy ... seeing Uther's son and being so cordial with him."

I smile once more, "I am ... Do not concern yourself with my negative feelings toward Arthur- strictly, because they don't exist. I have no quarrel with him. I have not suffered at his hand, but his father's. It would be perfectly unjust of me to charge him for another's wrongdoings. I would be no better than Uther if I did. I refuse to stoop to his level."

He smiles supportively at me, happy to hear my words, "I don't think you could go that low if you tried."

"Merlin," I say in a playfully authoritative tone, "As much as it pains me to correct you on this, he is still your king and, what's more, your master's father. As hard as he makes it, you, and even I to a degree, need to respect him."

"Oh, I do," he nods in agreement, "I have seen the side of Uther that little to no one ever sees anymore- his tender, and caring side. However, he is still a royal dollop-head."

I burst out with laughter, "A dollop-head?!"

"A royal one," he reminds, "Like father, like son."

"You are terrible!" I laugh.

"Terribly funny," he says pretending to boast.

"Okay," I cross my arms under my chest, "I'll give you that."

"Sweet Release" (Merlin)

"I'm kidding," I make sure to say, although I don't know why...

"I know," she nods, smiling warmly. I return her smile gratefully. It's nice to have someone around who understands me and doesn't get worked up at my jokes no matter how pointless and stupid they really are; and I admit to them being so. "Do you suppose Gaius has gotten hold of some supper for himself?" she changes subjects.

"Um," I think for a quick moment, "By now? I would say so. Cook will have provided something for him, especially if either the Prince or King ordered it. She's not one to give away food without a fight. She's always smacking at my hands when I so much as look at a pot."

She giggles slightly, "Oh, poor Merlin ... She sounds more like a crook than a cook."

"Your instinct would be correct," I laugh.

"Are you, by chance, hungry now?"

"Not really. What about you?"

"I haven't much of an appetite today," she says with dimness of grief in her eyes.

"Me either," I look at the ground, then a realization strikes me that I wish to share, "But I feel better, thanks to you. I mean, I had spoken to Gaius of Freya and everything, and he comforted me, but I never really felt like he truly understood, simply because he doesn't know what it is to crave sincere understanding from those who have the same struggles as you."

"I completely get you, Merlin," she looks at me with that same understanding I have longed for in another since Freya's death. "I feel a bit better myself ... and I have you to thank for that, so thank you."

"It's the least I can do," I shrug. "Why don't you go ahead and get some sleep? I'll wait up for Gaius."

She yawns, "Maybe so ... but are you sure? I can stay awake to see that he gets home safe. You're the one that actually has to work after all."

"Oh, no, no," I shake my head, "I am definitely staying up. You've had a long day. I'll be fine. There have been many sleepless nights for me since I've arrived in Camelot, and I got through a day's work nonetheless."

Sympathy crosses her face, but she reluctantly agrees and retires to the bedroom. She goes to escape reality, which has been weighing hard on her these past days... but I, I get a sweet release from just being near her. For this, I see, I am truly blessed.