It is already getting dark again when Arthur rides through the gates of Camelot with Gwen, Mary, Morgana, Merlin and Elyan. They are immediately greeted by some knights and Morgana is escorted to her room. Sir Leon heads off to fetch Gaius to tend to Morganas foot.
Arthur gets off his horse and helps Gwen dismount. Elyan watches the prince treat his sister with care and attention. He frowns and hopes that this will not make her life more difficult. A servant and the prince, that can't go well.
Merlin guides his horse next to Elyan's and says, "Can you help me? If you help Mary down, I can take the horses to the stables."
Elyan nods to him and, after dismounting himself, helps Mary off the horse. The girl has dozed off against Merlin's chest during the trip back. The herbs she took, not only took away some of the pain, but also made her sleepy. But now, when Elyan puts his hands around her chest to lift her down, it takes all her energy not to cry out loud. Elyan notices her stiffening and looks at her apologetically, "I'm sorry. If you'll give me directions, I can take you to the court physician."
Mary wipes the cold sweat from her brow and nods at him. Merlin takes the horses by the reins and brings them to the stables, while Arthur also goes up the main stairs, to freshen up for dinner. Gwen looks after her brother, who slowly helps Mary up the stairs, "I'll wait for you here! Then we can go home together."
Elyan looks around and nods, smiling at Gwen.
When Merlin enters the stable, Stefan is with the horses. The young stable boy immediately sees that Merlin is tired and there is concern in his face. He walks up to Merlin and takes two of the five horses from him. "Where have you been? Out with the prince?" Stefan recognizes the horses and asks further, "And with Lady Morgana, Gwen and Mary? Is everything all right?"
Merlin directs the horses to their stalls, "Yes, I'm fine. Mary and Morgana are injured, but I'm sure Gaius is already taking care of them."
Stefan frowns, "What happened?"
"We rescued Gwen's brother from the clutches of Cenred."
"I didn't even know Gwen had a brother."
Merlin smiles, "Yeah, I guess no one knew that. Looks like we'll have another Blacksmith in the village soon. I have to go, will you rub the horses dry?"
Stefan nods, "Of course! Say hi to Mary for me."
Merlin is just coming up the stairs to the great hall when he is met by Elyan, who is on his way back. "Oh, Merlin. Mary is in the physician's chamber. He hasn't returned yet. He's probably still with Morgana."
Merlin says quietly to himself, "Yes, but Mary's injury is certainly worse..."
"Sorry, what?"
"Um, nothing. I'll go check on her."
Elyan nods, "That's what I thought. Thanks to you too, for saving me today. If it wasn't for you guys, I probably wouldn't be able to return home with my sister now."
Merlin tilts his head, "Are you staying?"
Elyan looks uncertain, "I don't know."
"Gwen needs you. You're still her only family."
Elyan looks around: "I think she's got herself a new family."
"Yeah, she's got friends. Good friends. But she needs her brother too!"
Elyan shrugs, "I'll try to be a good brother."
Merlin leaves it at that, says goodbye and hurries on through the castle.
When he gets to Gaius chambers, he finds Mary sitting in a chair. She is pale with pain and her breathing is shallow. "Mary! Why don't you take something for the pain."
"The paindrops are in Gaius' bag, but he took that with him to see Morgana. There are some paindrops over there in the top rack. But I can't get there right now. Yes, those right there in the blue vial." Merlin reached for it and now brings the drops to Mary. He quickly fetches a cup of water and places it next to her as well. Mary puts a few drops of the tincture into the water and drinks the cup empty.
Merlin drops to his knees in front of her: "Mary, we need to treat your injury. You're barely breathing and it could develop into pneumonia."
Mary laughs out, only to immediately press her hand to her ribs, whimpering, "If Gaius heard you now...he'd probably start teaching you all his knowledge right now."
Merlin smiles at her, "But he already has an apprentice, who is much better at it than I am."
Mary tries to sit up straight and says, "Let's let the pain drops work some more. If Gaius is not back by then, I will instruct you to treat my ribs."
When Gaius still hasn't returned after fifteen minutes and Mary's breathing becomes more and more wheezy, Merlin can't take it anymore and stands next to Mary: "Come, lie down on the bed. We're going to bind your chest. We can't wait any longer."
Mary stands up swaying and holding onto Merlin for balance. As she lies on the bed, Merlin retrieves some of the wide bandages. He has watched Gaius treat the knights' bruised ribs several times. He quickly has the right ointment in hand as well and lays it all next to Mary's bed.
He sits down on a chair and looks at Mary seriously. She avoids his gaze, "You need to bind my upper body tightly, but not too tight. The ointment must be applied thinly first." The whole situation is visibly uncomfortable for her. Merlin, too, feels tense. With Arthur or any other man, he would not have hesitated and would surely have finished bandaging by now. But Mary is a girl. His best friend. Merlin swallows empty and his heart beats up to his throat as he reaches out to Mary. She closes her eyes, but nods at him. He's about to roll up the hem of her blouse a little when the door opens and Gaius calls out, "What do you think you're doing?"
Merlin and Mary flinch in equal measure and Merlin quickly pulls his hands back. Mary gasps in fright and stifles a cry as pain runs through her. Gaius comes at the two of them with large strides. Merlin turns red, up to both ears and stammers, "Mary bruised her ribs...if not broken them. We waited as long as we could for you, but..."
Gaius looks anxiously past Merlin at Mary who is lying pale on the bed, "How could this happen?"
Mary smiles in anguish, "Let Merlin tell it while you fix me up, Gaius."
And so Merlin tells everything. How Morgana had deliberately brought Mary down, and how they were surprised in the tunnels by Cenred's men, though those had certainly known nothing of the underground passages beforehand.
Gaius looks at Mary's chest in horror. Her right side is completely bloodshot, and Gaius is certain she has broken at least one rib. After stabilizing her chest, he listens to her lungs. He is relieved that it seems uninjured. After giving her something for the pain again and watching with satisfaction as her eyes close wearily, he sits down with Merlin. The young man had sat down at a table in the back, to give Mary the privacy she needs.
Gaius looks at him and says, "Morgana is becoming more and more ruthless. I fear for both your lives. In addition to that of the prince and the king."
Merlin nods grimly, "I wanted to leave her behind because I suspected she was planning something. But she didn't let me stop her from coming along, despite the injury to her foot."
Gaius looks at Merlin questioningly, "So you had something to do with that snake, that spooked her horse? Merlin, how many times do I have to tell you, she can't know you can do magic. You're playing a dangerous game!"
Merlin slumps his shoulders, "I know Gaius. I'm sorry."
The physician sees how drained Merlin is. The restless nights with too little sleep and the increasing burden of his destiny are tugging at the young man. Gaius stands up with a sigh, "Have some soup and then take this sleeping draught. You need to give your body a break."
Merlin just nods wearily. He has no strength to disagree.
Arthur sits at his table and looks ahead of him. Lost in thought, he runs his fingers through his hair. Actually, he's tired from the whole rescue operation, but he's still too wired. He wouldn't sleep a wink. He is worried. Morgause has allied with Cenred. The threat against Camelot has intensified. He should tell his father right now, but he will be furious when he knows that Arthur risked his life to save the brother of a servant.
There is a soft knock at the door. Arthur frowns. Actually, he told Merlin that he wouldn't need his help tonight. Then again, Merlin wouldn't knock and then wait to be invited in. "Yes?"
The door opens a crack and Gwen pokes her head through, "Sorry, Sire."
Arthur stands up as he recognizes Gwen and replies, "Guinevere! How can I help you?"
Gwen closes the door behind her, but remains standing there. Embarrassed, she looks down at the floor, "I just wanted to thank you. Without your help, I wouldn't have my brother with me right now."
Arthur walks up to her with a smile and takes her shoulders in his hands. "Guinevere, you don't have to thank me! How is Elyan? Does he plan to stay?"
Gwen smiles at him, "Yes, I think he's trying. If he may, he would like to take over my father's smithy."
"Of course. As far as I know, everything is still in place, isn't it?"
"Yes. That's very generous of you. Thank you."
"Where will Elyan be staying? Does he need a room in the castle?"
"He lives with me. The little house was big enough for me and my father. It's big enough for me and my brother, too."
Arthur sees sadness settle over her face. Without thinking, he takes her face in his hands, "Guinever, if you need anything, let me know."
Gwen takes a step backwards and curtsies, "Thank you, Sire!" She quickly opens the door and leaves the prince's room.
Arthur sits down on his bed and tries to calm his heart again, which is beating faster for the girl than it should. He lets himself fall backwards onto his bed. Why does everything have to be so complicated. Arthur does not notice how tiredness overcomes him and he falls asleep.
Mary wakes up because her pain is getting worse again. Strained, she sits up in bed. Just as she sits up on the edge of the bed, Gaius stands next to her and looks at her uneasily, "You shouldn't be getting up"
"I have to...lying down hurts."
Gaius nods, "Very well, but first you let me look at your injury."
Mary sighs and lifts up her blouse. Gaius unties the bandages and looks at the swelling and dark blue marks. Satisfied, he nods, "It hasn't gotten any worse. Come, eat something, I just finished cooking breakfast."
"What? Didn't you even have time to take off your dirty boots?" Arthur startles to see Merlin standing in front of him with his hands on his hips. As the prince sleepily looks down at himself, he realizes that he still has yesterday's clothes on, as well as his boots. Slowly he sits up and looks at the traces of dirt on his bed. He shrugs and says, "I was too tired to take them off. What's the matter? After all, I have you to clean all this up."
Merlin makes no reply and puts the breakfast tray on the table. Arthur watches him. Usually the servant has a snotty reply ready, but today he lacks sarcasm, it seems. Probably his concern for Mary is taking too much out of him. Arthur sighs and asks, "How is Mary?"
As the prince moves behind the screen to change, Merlin sets about removing the dirty coverlet from the bed, "Gaius treated her. She was still asleep when I got up this morning."
Arthur sits down at the table and watches his servant, "Then I'm sure she'll be better soon. How did this happen, anyway? You're usually the clumsy one."
Merlin bites his lips to keep from telling what he had observed and that Morgana was to blame. After a moment, he shrugs and says, "She must have tripped. The path was uneven and the visibility wasn't great. Didn't you ever wonder why Cenred's men knew where we were coming from?"
"Yes Merlin I did, but Cenred must have known of the tunnels. Maybe one of his men knew. What worries me more is, that he's working with Morgause. He's probably plotting something to take over Camelot. That's why he questioned Morgana."
"If you don't need anything else, I'll go and wash your blanket so you'll have it back tonight."
Arthur is already thinking about Cenred and Morgause again and beckons Merlin to the door: "Yes do that! I will train with the knights later. I'll expect you at the training meadow on time. Maybe we need a moving target again today." Merlin pauses in his stride briefly, but then heads for the door without another word.
Two days later, there's a knock on Mary's bedroom door. When she opens and sees who is at the door, she beams, "Gwen! Come in."
Gwen hugs her friend. But quickly lets go when Mary flinches. "Oh I'm sorry. I didn't think about you being hurt. That's why I'm here, though. How are you feeling?"
Mary smiles, "Better. Gaius is taking it easy on me and I'm bored. I was just about to collect my laundry, but I actually can't yet. Come on in. Have a seat. How's your brother doing? Is he settled in? Is the forge running yet?"
Gwen laughs, "Mary, Mary! Slowly one question at a time." The girls sit down and Mary gets Gwen a mug of tea. Gwen says, "Elyan has settled in surprisingly quickly. He knows Camelot from before, after all. But he doesn't seem to have forgotten anything. Some people recognize him. The smithy is just starting to get going again. But many of Father's customers, are now coming back to Elyan as well." Her smile disappears, "It's so nice to have him here. I hope he doesn't suddenly disappear again."
Mary squeezes her hand, "If the smithy is running, he has every reason to stay here. I'm so happy for you, Gwen!"
Gwen's eyes fall on a beautiful red rose on Mary's nightstand. "Oh, it's beautiful. So rich in color. She looks fresh, have you been to the royal garden? Are you allowed out yet?"
"Now you're the one with the questions. No, I'm not allowed out. Gaius still forbids me. Although if you accompany me, maybe he'll let me."
"Of course I'll accompany you. Shall we ask him now?"
The girls get up and go to the physician's chamber just next door. Gaius is standing at one of the tables, mortaring herbs. He looks at the two young women over his glasses, "Gwen, how are you? Mary? Are you all right?"
Mary clears her throat, "Gaius, Gwen and I want to walk in the castle gardens. Will you allow me if Gwen is with me? Please. I miss nature and fresh air."
Gaius has noticed that Mary seems rather pale and some time in the sun would do her good. He looks at Gwen, "Just a little round. Nothing rigorous. I want her back in her room in half an hour."
Mary cheers, but immediately has to hold her sore chest. Gwen nods to Gaius and they make their way to the castle courtyard.
Mary looks around the castle garden. The flowers are blooming and butterflies are dancing. She closes her eyes and breathes in. But only as deep as her broken ribs will allow her. Gwen pulls her friend by the arm to a bench and they sit down on it.
Gwen asks, "Very well. You're out. But you haven't answered all my questions yet. If you didn't cut the rose yourself, who did you get it from?"
Mary notices the blood rising in her cheeks as she thinks of Merlin's rose. "I got it for my birthday." The words are barely out of her mouth as she bites her lip.
Gwen turns to Mary in surprise, "Birthday? Was it your birthday yesterday?"
Mary shakes her head, "No, I had it five days ago." A tear runs down Mary's face and she suppresses a sob, which ends in a quiet whimper as her chest aches with the effort.
Gwen puts her arm around Mary's shoulder, "I'm sorry. I suppose there's a reason you never told me when your birthday was. That was tactless of me. Please don't cry. Your ribs will let you suffer."
Mary nods, "No one knows when my birthday is. Not even Gaius. My father's birthday was on the same day. We celebrated all the years together and the memory of it, is just too painful." Mary is crying now, racked with pain between sobs. When she finally calms down Gwen says, "Come on, I'll take you back inside. I'm sure Gaius has something for the pain." Together they stand up. Gwen looks at Mary with her caring brown eyes and says, "But someone must have known about your birthday. Now who gave you that rose. It's amazing that it stays so beautiful for so long."
Mary smiles. She's wondered the same thing. But since she knows what powers the person who gave it to her has, it doesn't surprise her that the flower is still blooming as it did on the first day. "Merlin gave it to me. Actually, he wanted to cheer me up because he noticed I was so sad that day."
Gwen raises an eyebrow, "So Merlin gives you flowers."
Mary says, "He's a good friend. He'd do the same for you!"
Gwen grins, "Maybe. But a rose...that's special."
Gaius immediately notices Mary is in pain as Gwen escorts her to his chamber. He frowns, "I guess it was a bit much, the walk?"
Mary sits down in a chair. The old man sees that she has been crying and looks questioningly at Gwen, who doesn't notice. She looks worriedly at her friend and says, "Can you give her something for the pain, Gaius?"
Gaius is already going through his vials and picks one up. He looks at the label and nods. Not only will it take away Mary's pain, but it will calm her down. He turns to the girls, "Gwen, I'll escort Mary to her room. She can rest there. Do you still need to see Morgana?"
Gwen shakes her head, "Lady Morgana gave me the day off. She also has limited mobility with her foot, so she stays in her room most of the time. I'll go home and cook something for Elyan and me in that case. He will be hungry when he gets home. Mary, will I see you tomorrow?"
Mary nods at her and tries to smile, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Thank you for the walk."
Gaius escorts Mary to her room and has her sit on the bed. He hands her the drops, which she drinks up completely. Then he sits down next to her and asks, "Do you want to tell what made you so upset?"
Mary smiles her sad smile, "Since two already know, there's no harm in me telling you too. It was my birthday a few days ago." Gaius raises his eyebrow in surprise, but lets Mary continue. "My father's birthday was the same day. That's why I didn't tell anyone. The memory of it is painful. Actually, your own birthday should be a day of joy and happiness, after all."
Gaius looks at her fatherly, "Oh, Mary, if I had known. I have an idea about that. But now lie down and rest."
Mary notices the drops beginning to take effect and lies down on her bed. It doesn't take long for her eyes to fall shut. Her last glance falls on the rose on her bedside table and a soft smile settles on her lips. Gaius has followed her gaze and is looking at the rose with interest. He can guess where it came from. Slowly he gets up and leaves the room.
When he returns to his chambers, Merlin is standing by the hearth cooking. Gaius looks at him questioningly, "I would have taken care of that already."
Merlin looks into the pot, "I just had time. And no offense, but tasting your cooking two days in a row is enough." Merlin looks guiltily at Gaius.
The latter laughs and says, "You're getting too used to Mary! You didn't used to mind my meals so much."
"Where's Mary?"
"She was outside with Gwen and it wore her out more than she thought. She's in her room resting. We'll bring her some food over later."
Merlin nods and tastes of the stew. "Almost done."
A short time later, as the two sit together eating like old times, Gaius looks up from his plate and says, "A long-lived rose you gave Mary there." Merlin looks sheepishly at his plate and his cheeks and ears flush. Gaius looks at his ward in frustration, "Merlin, I told you..."
"She was so sad that day. Even more than usual," Merlin interrupts him.
Gaius hesitates, then says, "I know. Do you know why she was so sad?"
Merlin looks around uncertainly. He doesn't want to reveal Mary's secret, the old man realizes, and he puts his hand on the younger man's arm, "I know, too. It was her birthday. She just told me earlier. However, her birthday always reminds her of the family she had lost in such a brutal way. I was thinking, what would it be like if we celebrated her birthday with the new family?"
Merlin looks at his friend with interest, "What do you mean by new family?"
"Well, me, you, Gwen, everyone, Mary has come to care about, here in Camelot. I am aware that we cannot take away her sad memory. Her father will always have a place on her birthday, too. But she would not be alone. I thought we could still celebrate this one from this year. To sort of usher in the new ritual. What do you think?"
Merlin smiles, "That's a wonderful idea. Do we tell her? Or will it be a surprise? Who will we invite? Where do we celebrate?"
Gaius raises his hands defensively, "Merlin! You're spending too much time with Mary! Your questions are making me dizzy." Merlin folds his mouth shut and looks at Gaius expectantly. The court physician notices how tired the young man looks. Although he is always laughing and pretending to be in a good mood, Gaius has been detecting a deep sadness in the young sorcerers soul for some time. He looks at Merlin seriously: "Merlin, I'll explain everything to you in a moment, because I will need your help. But first I have a question for you." Merlin tilts his head and waits for the question. "When was the last time you were with your family?"
Merlin's eyes darken and sadness settles into his gaze: "I buried my father deep in the forest, where he died. I've never been back there, though. It is too painful. The last time I saw my mother was, when she was here in Camelot and so ill." Apologetically, he looks at Gaius.
The old man sighs, "That's what I thought. Before I tell you what I want to plan for Mary, you must promise me that you will travel to Ealdor, to see your mother. She needs to know about Balinor. A family is meant to share happiness and sorrow. I know that I and Mary are like family to you, but you still have your mother. She has a right to know what happened and what you know about your father."
A tear escapes Merlin's eye and slowly rolls down the left side of his face. His lips quiver and he says softly, "I know! But it's so hard..."
Gaius puts his hand on Merlin's arm again and squeezes it affectionately, "Yes, it is. But no one said, you had to walk the path alone. Do you promise?"
Merlin nods, "I promise that as soon as Arthur is on his way to his quest, which I am not allowed to accompany him on, I will make my way to Ealdor to see my mother."
Gaius nods in satisfaction, "Good, then let's plan. I think Mary needs another 4-5 days to let her rib heal some more...but then..."
The two men sit together until deep in the night.
It is a few days later when Mary gets up from her bed and looks out the window. The sky is blue and some clouds are passing by. It promises to be a beautiful and warm summer day. Mary takes a testing, deep breath. Satisfied, she notices that her broken rib holds out almost to the end of the breath. The pain isn't as sharp anymore, either. More of a slight twinge that reminds her to do everything with careful and steady movements. Laughing, sneezing or coughing are the things that make the injury uncomfortable. Good thing she doesn't have a cold. Mary smiles to herself. Before she goes on her rounds in the Lower Village, which Gaius has allowed her to do again since yesterday, she wants to stop by the physician for a moment.
She knocks cheerfully on the door and opens it. Astonished, she stops in the doorway. Gaius is not here. Mary hopes that nothing bad has happened during the night. The physician is usually in his chamber at such an early hour. Mary only glances at the other door in the room to notice that Merlin is not here either. The door is open and the room empty.
Mary hangs her herb bag around herself and makes her way to the lower town. Perhaps Gwen will meet her on the way. She hopes to invite her friend for tea and a little chat tonight. Mary breathes in the warm summer air and closes her eyes. If it weren't for Morgana and her double-crossing always present in the back of her mind, Mary would say life on Camelot is peaceful and restful.
Unfortunately, she doesn't meet Gwen on the way. She knocks briefly on the door of Gwens cottage, but Gwen and Elyan are already gone. Mary tries to get rid of the disappointment that afflicts her, by humming to herself.
A good two hours later, she arrives back at Camelot. She is glad to be able to talk to the people on her rounds again. She has missed the contact with them in the last days.
She opens the door and is surprised that Gaius is still not back. Frowning, she begins to build a fire to prepare lunch later. She sits down at one of the tables and chops some vegetables.
At noon she hears footsteps in front of the door and turns that way, full of expectation. A knock, the door opens and Gwen pokes her head through: "Mary!"
Mary walks up to her friend, "Gwen! What brings you here? Do you know where Gaius is? Did something happen?"
Gwen furrows her eyebrows, "No, nothing happened. Gaius isn't here, you say?"
Mary shakes her head, "No, I haven't seen him yet today. Neither have I seen Merlin, if you want to know."
Gwen looks around the empty room: "Hmm, I guess I'll have to find someone else to help me with my cart. I was in the woods and one of the wheels broke."
"What were you doing in the woods?"
"Oh, I was going to gather wood and branches, my cabin has holes and cracks all over it. It's best to patch them up in the summer to keep the heat in better in the winter. Elyan has offered to help, but he had to be at the forge early today, to shoe the royal horses." Gwen sighs, "I guess I'll leave the cart there and see, when I can find someone to help me."
Mary has to laugh out loud, "Gwen! You come to ask Gaius and Merlin for help? Gaius is an old man, he can't push or carry heavy things. And Merlin...why don't you ask Arthur or Sir Leon? That seems more appropriate."
Gwen nods, "I was going to! But Arthur is on patrol with his knights. I thought Gaius and Merlin together would definitely work."
Mary pulls the pot of bubbling stew from the fire, "Come, I don't think anyone is coming to eat with me. Let's go check on your cart. We can look for Stefan in the stable on the way. I'm sure he'll help us."
Gwen smiles, "That's a great idea! Thanks Mary!" Mary stops and looks inquiringly at her friend. Gwen asks, "What is it?"
"You said Elyan was shoeing the royal horses today...how did Arthur go on patrol then?"
Gwen shrugs, "I don't know, maybe they're on foot. In any case, they're not here. Are you coming?" When Gwen sees Mary following her, she exhales in relief. Lying to her friend is anything but easy.
Mary follows her friend across the castle courtyard, through the main gate to the lower town. There's something Gwen isn't telling her, and it makes her nervous. As they pass the smithy, she sees that no one is working in it. In the background, she sees some knights coming down the alley toward them. Mary stops again.
Gwen notices and turns to her, "What?"
"Gwen, you're making me nervous. What aren't you telling me?"
Gwen takes Mary's hand in hers and pulls her along. Smiling, she says, "You'll see soon enough. Don't be nervous...it's a beautiful thing!"
Mary continues to stumble along behind Gwen until they come to the edge of town. There is a fire burning at the edge of the woods with a pot over it. Some tables and benches are there and people. People she knows and cares about. All of them are busy with something. Gaius is standing by the pot but Merlin is just taking the wooden spoon out of his hand. Mary has to laugh. Stefan is talking to Elyan and Sir Leon and Arthur are showing Matthiew their swords. Mary looks at Gwen with tears in her eyes, "What's going on?"
Gwen squeezes her hand, "We're all here to celebrate you. We know your birthday is a hard day for you and we want to show you that you can make new memories. You are not alone! We could have invited many more people, but we know how hard you are to let friends into your heart. That's why we're here, as a small group, but they all have a place in your heart and you have one in ours. Whether you like it or not."
Mary has to suppress a sob. "Mary!" she hears Matthiew call, and she sees him running toward her through her veil of tears. When he is with her, he wraps his arms around her and looks up at her, laughing. When he sees her tears, he becomes serious and asks, "Mary? Aren't you feeling well? Aren't you happy about our little surprise? Come, I have brought you the most beautiful pine cones from my collection. I looked for them myself and cleaned them. I had no money to buy you anything."
Mary crouches down in front of the child and now takes him tightly in her arms: "Oh Matthiew, that you are here is gift enough! I am very happy about the surprise! Will you take me to the others?"
The boy takes her hand firmly in his and pulls her with him to the square near the forest. Everyone looks toward her and Mary hesitates briefly, embarrassed. She is uncomfortable being the center of attention like this, but Gaius comes up to her now and laughs happily at her, "I'm amazed you followed Gwen. She was unsure how to get you here."
Gwen, who walks behind Mary says with a laugh, "Believe me, it wasn't easy. I'll never tell Mary anything that isn't true again. I got caught up in countless fibs and she kept asking questions."
Gaius takes Mary in his arms, "Yeah, that sounds a lot like my girl. Nice to see you here. Come on, we've been cooking. That is, Merlin and Gwen have been cooking. I wasn't allowed to help them."
Embarrassment quickly falls away from Mary as she eats lunch surrounded by her friends. The mood is relaxed and cheerful. Arthur gives her a fine bracelet set with a light blue stone. Mary looks at him, startled, "Sire, I can't accept this. It's far too precious."
Arthur closes her hand around the precious piece, "No, it is the least I could give you. The stone on the bracelet reminds me of the one on the necklace you wear. Don't look at me so frightened. I know you always wear it under your clothes. It must be important to you. You don't have to hide it." Mary reached for her necklace under her blouse. Quietly she said, "I wear it because it reminds me of important people. Under my clothes, so it's closer to my heart and i wont loose it. Thank you, sire. I will treasure the bracelet." Arthur seems satisfied with the explanation. He is the first to leave the group with Sir Leon to have another training session.
Mary lets go of her necklace, feeling it through the fabric with trembling fingers. She hopes Arthur never tells the king about this. Then again, why should he.
All afternoon the rest talk and sit. Gwen gives her friend a light blue scarf that perfectly matches Mary's blue eyes. Gaius presents her with a small booklet on flowers and medicinal herbs that fits right in her herb bag. Elyan has made her a hair clip.
Mary is caught off guard by all the kind words and gifts. Matthiew puts the two pine cones down for her. "I think they look like you and me. See? The small one fits right into the bulge of the bigger one. It's like they're hugging."
Mary runs her hand through the blond boy's hair, laughing, "You're wonderful, Matthiew. Thank you!"
In the end, only Mary, Gwen, Merlin and Stefan are sitting on a bench. Dusk is setting in and the first stars twinkle in the sky.
Gwen stifles a yawn and stands up tiredly, "Sorry, I need to lie down. I was so busy getting everything ready and so nervous that I barely slept last night."
Mary stands up as well and hugs her best friend tightly, "Thank you, Gwen. For everything!"
Gwen whispers in her ear, "I want to hear all about how the rest of your evening goes. You're literally being wooed! And you don't even seem to realize it!"
Mary hisses, "Gwen, just because you have a crush on the prince doesn't mean I'm looking for love too. I'll be leaving soon, too. I hate to admit it, I'm noticing my broken rib. But don't you tell Gaius that."
The girls break away, giggling. While one walks towards the city, the other turns to the young men still sitting on the bench. They were engrossed in a conversation, but now interrupt it when they realize that Gwen has left.
Stefan stands up and stretches: "I have to go home, too. I'm scheduled to be at the stables tomorrow morning. If you don't mind, I'll take the bench back with me. It really belongs in the stables."
Mary nods, "Of course! I think I need to get back slowly, too. It's been a lovely but tiring afternoon."
Stefan takes a step toward her and says, "I'm sorry. I don't have my gift here. I had your name pressed into Mel's halter. Since you always ride her, I thought it was fitting. Mel likes you very much. She's a loyal horse."
Mary hesitates for a moment, then wraps her arms around the neck of the stableboy, "That's a wonderful idea. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yes, she's a great horse and I wouldn't want any other."
Stefan sheepishly breaks away from her and smiles at her. He lifts the bench, from which Merlin has also risen, and waves to them once more before disappearing down one of Camelot's alleys.
Mary walks over to the fire, which is just glowing. She empties a bucket of water over it to smother the embers. Gaius' pot is still beside the fire. She is about to pick it up when Merlin stops her by the wrist: "I'll take the pot. You still need to take it easy." Mary turns to Merlin when he doesn't let go of her. He clears his throat sheepishly and presses something soft into her hand. "I didn't know what to get you. It's not much but..."
Mary looks down to her hand. In it, lies a small leather bag. The leather looks very used and you can see that it was once dyed blue. She opens it slowly and inside is a single flower 'forget-me-not'. She looks at Merlin and he explains, "I wanted to give you something to connect you to your father. I went to your home village. Stefan was kind enough to take me there. We were at your home and at first I thought I wouldn't find anything. But in a dark corner of a box on one of the upper racks I found an old leather vest that must have belonged to your father. It was torn and very worn but I was able to make a small piece of it into this bag. It didn't turn out very nice, but it serves its purpose."
Mary clutches Merlin's arm and looks at him with tears in her eyes. Hesitantly, she asks, "What purpose?"
Merlin is unsure. The gift seems to upset her. He points to the flower inside, "I put a spell on it. It doesn't have much room, but whatever herbs you put inside, will stay fresh until you need them. The blossom is from your parents' and your brother's grave. Ingrid took me there. I'm sorry, it was a stupid idea with this gift, I'm sure I can find something else." Merlin wants to reach for the bag. Mary meanwhile is shaking uncontrollably. But she closes her hand tightly around the small pouch and says, "Merlin...I...it...I'm just...very bad...at handling my emotions right now." A sob escapes her throat and Merlin looks at her in horror, "I'm sorry."
Mary has to smile, "Oh, Merlin. You don't always have to apologize for everything." She wraps her arms tightly around his neck and pulls him close. Surprised, he also puts his arms around her. Mary is still shaking and he runs his hand over her back soothingly. Mary lifts her head and presses her tear-soaked cheek firmly against his. She whispers, "This bag is the most important thing I have ever received or owned, next to my necklace. I thank you from the bottom of my heart! It fills me with sadness and joy at the same time to be able to have a part of my father so close to me, always."
Merlin feels every fiber of her body vibrate with her emotions. He holds her close, wanting to give her the stability she needs. His heart beats in his chest like it's going to burst, needing all his strength to keep his own emotions under control.
Mary notices that Merlin is trembling, too, and she would prefer never to let go of him again. Nevertheless, after some time she slowly detaches herself from him. A smile is on her lips. "Come, we should go before Gaius sends out a search party for us."
Merlin rolls his eyes, "Yeah, that would be embarrassing."
They laugh. Both are aware that something has changed between them tonight. The buzz of energy around them had been palpable to both of them. Tonight, they both take a little longer, to calm their pounding hearts.
