"Details" (Rose)

I take to drawing out my thoughts as Merlin sneaks into Arthur's chamber to borrow some of his gold for our trap. Normally, I would simply explain my idea, but I need something to do while Gaius broods in silence. I can't stand sitting here and letting worry creep into my mind, thinking about what Arthur could and would do if he caught Merlin.

I take a great amount of care in etching the grooves of the stones that make up the walls of Camelot. I never truly realized how much of this place I have absorbed in my deepest memory. I didn't think another place could feel so much like home outside of my forest.

Then again, perhaps it isn't so much the location as it is who dwells within …

As I finish up my sketch, I am startled by Merlin's abrupt return. He closes the door quickly behind him.

"Another close call, I take it?" I comment lightly.

He nods with a boyish grin. "But it was so worth it."

I laugh, "Why is that? Was Arthur sleep-kissing his pillow?"

"No, but he did get awful cozy with his bed dressings," he snickers.

"Oh, no," I laugh again. "What did you do?"

"Nothing, nothing," he feigns innocence. "I just used a little .. small .. itty bitty …"

"C'mon," I prod, making my way over to him. "Out with it."

"… Spell," Merlin winces.

"Are you mad?!" Gaius interjects.

"Only to distract him!"

"Well, now, why would he need distracting?" Gaius knowingly raises his eyebrows and lowers his head toward Merlin.

"Because … I may or may not have stumbled a bit and knocked over some dishes," Merlin admits.

"How unfortunate that Arthur's manservant didn't think to make certain that his work was thorough."

"Let's just be thankful nothing came of it!" I jump in before he scolds Merlin any further. Merlin grants me a thankful look. I smile in return and proceed to walk back to my sketch. "And now, gentlemen, I would like to direct your attention to this little piece of paper in front of me."

"What's this?" Merlin quizzes with a smile.

"This," I pause, pointing to my picture, "Is how we will make use of your plundering." I hand him the paper, allowing him to scan over it.

"Wow," he mutters as he passes the sketch to Gaius.

"Do you think it will work?" I ask hopefully.

"Hm?"

"My plan … ?"

"Oh, yes," he shakes his head, as if previously distracted, "I do!" he adds brightly.

"Something on your mind?" I ask, interest piqued.

"No," he smiles sweetly, "There were just so many details."

"Oh," I shy, "I'm sorry … Was it too much? Too complicated?"

"What? No!" he laughs lightly. "It's just … You've been here for such a short amount of time compared to me, and yet, you've noticed the crack in the hallway already that I just saw for the first time yesterday."

"Oh! Well, that isn't so bad…" I smile, almost to myself.

"No," he shakes his head, "Not at all."

"Now that we have the gold, we should be ready. All we have to do is make the trail and wait for it to spring the trap," I say with a sly smile.

"Porcelain" (Merlin)

Once Gaius sets the drawing down, I can't help but pick it back up again. The paper, though light as a feather, holds such a weighting testament. This simple sketch represents Rose's true delicacy. It resounds in everything she does. The strength of her mind and the power of her love and care for Camelot is astounding. She's adapted so well to her new home …

Guilt strikes a chord in me. She loves this place so much, and today, I've turned everything all around again, making it a stressful environment. "Now, I'm the dollophead," I mumbled.

"What was that, Merlin?" She asks with underlying concern.

"Oh," I quickly smile, "Nothing! I was just reviewing," I hoist the paper up a little.

She grins, and then returns to her preparations whilst I continue to mentally beat myself up for this mess. As harmless as it may seem, that book seemed to have a few warnings about goblins. I probably sorely underestimated its powers. I worry that it will ruin the feeling of home. Home is supposed to make you feel safe, not harassed. And Rose is like porcelain, beautiful and strong, but should be handled gently. Her security should not be, say, thrown at a wall and expected to hold together.

A wave of determination swells within me. "So," I say aloud, "What are we waiting for?"

Without really waiting for an answer, I grab the chest and set off out the door and into the hallway. I've officially decided that this goblin has overstayed his welcome.