"Gold Lining" (Rose)

Gaius and I exchange a set of curious glances before catching up with Merlin. We carefully lined the hallway with gold, leading up to the room with the chest lying in wait … As Merlin rolls the last coin into place, we duck behind a corner, peeking out to see if the goblin had fallen for our trap.

Not too soon does the little thing pop down the nearest staircase and "ooo" at the gold piece, picking it up. "Oh, lovely gold," it exclaims with pleasure.

It promptly licks the gold, before seeing all of the other coins in a convenient line, heading for a room … The goblin surely didn't seem to mind as he continued "oh-ing" and "ah-ing" at the sight. He eagerly traipsed down the line, gathering as he went.

'Be ready, Merlin,' I signal him telepathically, 'He's heading right for you!'

'On your mark, m'lady,' his teasing voice fills my head and warms my heart.

'Be serious,' I reprimand in jest.

'If I must,' he agrees.

Then all falls silent, but for the proclamations of delight coming from the greedy creature.

As he enters the room and his "oh's" escalate in excitement, I quietly run up to the door and pull it shut, as Gaius assists its closing from the other side. I listen and lie in wait, ready for anything.

The boys don't take long to spring into action. I almost immediately hear the goblin's joyful tone turn into a muffled groaning full of frustration and struggle. But then I hear a noise stranger still. It sounded almost like a small monster hissing, followed by heightened buzzing. I press my ear against the door, making sure not to miss a thing.

Finally, I hear a clunk, and then, nothing.

"Worth a Try" (Merlin)

About three seconds after I hit the floor, I rise and Rose pushes through the door.

"I knew the silence was either very good or very not so good," she says hastily. "So which is it..?"

I am completely befuddled and without explanation. "Gaius, did you see where it went?"

Gaius jumps on that question without a beat between sentences. "You let it escape, you stupid boy!" he gives my head a slap. Granted, both of us by now are used to Gaius being stern, but the smack seems sorely our of character. "Now, you just stand there like a sack of potatoes," he adds with a sense of disgust. "Go after it," he demands.

The struggle to take this all in is just too much for quick witted responses. My mouth is agape, searching for words.

"Go," he urges, "Shoo! Shoo!"

I swiftly make eye contact with Rose, who motions for me to lead her. We run off without a second thought.

"What happened?" she asks as I pass her.

"I don't know," I answer, flabbergasted. "It turned into a tiny, flying ball of light."

"That would explain the odd sounds," she concludes with a touch of laughter in her voice. "And with Gaius?"

"That, I really have no idea," I puff as we turn a corner. I halt abruptly. "I also have no idea where it went," I admit in defeat.

"Well," Rose begins thoughtfully, "I imagine it wants to be as far from its prison as possible, but not too far from its beloved gold. Perhaps it headed up stairs somewhere."

"This is why I should just make thinking your job between the two of us," I laugh. "I never would have thought of that."

"It's just that though," she says shyly, "A thought."

"It's worth a try!" I say with hope, charging up the stairs.