"Brats" (Rose)
"I see you've been busy undoing the goblin's magic," Gaius says to Merlin as we watch the soldiers' blades collide in combat.
"As usual, I get no thanks for it whatsoever," Merlin whines, and even I must laugh.
"Since releasing the goblin was entirely your fault, Merlin, I'm not sure you deserve any thanks," Gaius corrects.
"It is good to have you back, Gaius," I laugh.
"Arthur doesn't know that," Merlin argues his point.
"For your sake, you better hope it stays that way," Gaius counters.
"Yes, or you might end up where that knight is," I say as we leave behind Arthur pummeling one of his men. He and some others break into laughter, which then ceases when Arthur brays.
We stop and look back at the scene, and then to Merlin who stands laughing his place.
"You didn't," I giggle.
"Merlin," Gaius says in a low, scolding tone.
"Just one more day," the young sorcerer requests. Arthur coughs in a weak attempt to cover up his oddity. "It's too good," Merlin presses with a hint of puppy dog eyes. This time, Gaius allows himself to laugh, and Merlin and I join him.
"You are both gigantic brats," I tease.
"Lasting Effects" (Merlin)
I naturally set the course of things right again, and the lasting effects of the goblins magic were not very lasting at all- all except one. Arthur has been needing a dignity repair that I cannot seem to give him.
"I mean, I've tried everything," I explain, gazing at the concerned look in Rose's eyes. "I've let him beat me to a pulp in training, I've made a complete fool of myself by tripping over things, or walking into stuff. Nothing I do seems to work. He keeps sulking!"
"Well, don't break any limbs over it," she lightly squeezes my arm. "Maybe I'll speak to Gwen about giving him some encouragement."
"Believe me, she's given it her all, but every time they see each other, you just know they're still thinking that the other is thinking about what state they saw each other in that day."
"That was the most perceptive and confusing statement I've heard in a while," she blinks in rapid succession, with thoughts fully processed but a little stunned. Suddenly her eyes begin shifting slowly from side to side with a new string of thoughts. "What if you take him to the lower town? Perhaps the outskirts. The people of Camelot really adore him, and maybe, if he heard them say so, he might easier forget his wounded pride."
The idea strikes me like lightning. My eyes and mouth widen, and before I lose my gumption, I gently cup her face in my hands and kiss her forehead. "You are a genius!" I break into laughter.
"I don't think so, but.. Th-thank you," she stutters, blushing slightly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Would you come with me?" I ask, feeling a little impetuous.
"I would love to, but," she pauses mellowly, "I think Arthur would be the best sport in the company of men. That way you can do things that men like to do, and he will have less of a tendency to show off."
I purse my lips and nod, "Yeah, you're right … I'll miss having you along, though."
"And I'll miss being there," she smiles. "But I think it's safe to say we still have many adventures ahead of us."
"Right you are," I return her smile. "Well, I'd better go pry the prat from his beauty sleep. It doesn't do him any good anyway."
Rose laughs, "Get all the teasing out now while you still can. Do remember he is fragile for the time being."
Her reminder is so gentle, I catch myself smiling almost uncontrollably. "I will," I say. "I promise."
"I know," she says sweetly. "Best of luck!" she calls as I head for the door.
"Hopefully this won't take too long," I say over my shoulder, then I turn to face her as I step halfway out the door. "I hope you have a nice day.."
"Thank you, Merlin," she grins, "I wish the same for you."
I smile once more before leaving, although my happiness fades with my oncoming steps. Re-inflating Arthur's large, royal head to its normal size is NOT going to be easy.