DAY THREE LATE MORNING

As Leon and his sister drove through Windsor they were surprised at just how many people were still about, they had both had expected that with the announcement that most people would have at least allowed the Royals some space. But there still seemed to be hundred's more people about that normal. Leon had also done his best to avoid anything but the main news on television as there seemed to be almost constant speculation, as well as photos and film of when the Royals were small, showing Merlin. Not to mention the very tactless showing of the episode of the US Presidents visit, even though the cameras had swung away from Merlin as soon as they realised what was happening, and of course Merlin's funeral procession . He hoped that Arthur and Morgana had been too busy to watch any of it.

Gaius had spent a couple of hours with Arthur and Morgana and was brought up to date on all that was happening before they took their uncle to meet Merlin. They were going to have lunch in Merlin's room. But before they left Arthur had a phone call to say the police had formally arrested and charged the last person they had been looking for a Doctor Edwin Muirden, the 'E' in the suicide letter.

Mithian had spent several hours with Merlin, mostly just gently trying to get him to tell her some of what happened and reassuring him that nothing that had happened was his fault, and also letting him know he no longer had anything to fear and could if he wished talk in louder than a whisper. Although she believed that would take several months. Merlin had remained mostly quiet, he had cuddled the two soft toys throughout eventually telling Mithian they were called Afer and Gana, and he said it made him feel safer when they were with him as he could talk to them. Afer was the dragon and Gana the Teddy. It was clear he had projected all his need for comfort and loss of family onto the toys by calling them after his siblings.

Mithian let Merlin have a lie down for an hour prior to his meal, even though they hadn't got far, the session had clearly worn the boy out. Then she told the King and Princess of the names for the toys and that the fact that in some way they had been with him should help Merlin settle with them now. They treated that as good news.

Arthur managed to have a short chat to his Uncle before they went to dine with Merlin. Merlin was very quiet during the meal, they had finger food so to take away the need for cutlery, at the suggestion of Mithian. They would have their main meal in the evening as was the custom at the castle. Merlin said nothing as he was introduced to his Uncle Gaius but kept giving the older man surreptitious glance's throughout the meal. Gaius felt extremely sad as he watched his youngest nephew it was clear the boy had suffered for the past sixteen years not to mention the shooting beforehand and losing his mother. All of Uther's children hadn't had easy lives, the man had a lot to answer for.

One the meal was over Gaius left the siblings together and went off to think about what he could do to help them all. He then emailed Dr Mithian Nemeth

'Doctor I realise that you cannot discuss Prince Merlin's case with me however I have had some thoughts and ask you consider them. My nephew has clearly been traumatised. I wondered whether you had considered whether a dog might help him. I understand there are dogs that can predict seizures, so it might be good in more than one way. He might find and animal comforting. I am staying at the castle and hope to meet you. Yours Gaius Emrys.'

Arthur left Merlin's room leaving Morgana with their brother. Arthur had another meeting to attend. Gaius caught him on the way out. "Arthur may I have a word"

"Come with me Uncle, I have to go to my chambers before my meeting." Arthur said, he already had a headache forming.

Once they were sat down and Arthur had taken something for his head. Arthur looked at his Uncle and waited.

"My boy I have had a thought and have emailed Merlin's physiatrist I hope I haven't overstepped my mark. I know it's very early days yet but have either of you introduced Merlin to your dogs? It might help him, but I queried whether an animal of his own might help, they are good friends as you well know. If it does help there are seizure predicting dogs I am patron of the group and can get someone to talk to you."

"It might be a good idea Uncle, our dogs aren't here at the moment, as you know Uther didn't approve of animals in the palaces, mine are at Clarence House and Morgana left hers at home as well. We left them when we were called to the hospital about the King… You might well be right, my dogs are coming over this afternoon with all my other stuff, I will phone Mithian now I want to ask her something anyway. Lucy and Titch might will be just right being small" Arthur had two Jack Russell's. "I suspect Morgana could do with hers her as well, we are both under a lot of pressure, Jasper is larger but as soft as anything" Morgana had a golden retriever.

Arthur immediately phoned Mithian who thought it was an excellent idea, suggesting that the smaller dogs might be better, in the first instance, if they were friendly. But to let Merlin have a good look before taking then to close and allowing him to decide.