DAY SIX

The next day was a weekend so Merlin wasn't seeing Mithian, unless she was called. They had a plan set out for the two days that included several new things for Merlin. Each would be discussed with him and they would only do them if he was in full agreement and seemed happy. The first was to get him used to more people. So after breakfast Arthur asked Merlin if he wanted to see the dogs again, knowing his would almost certainly be a yes. So he got Leon and Morgause to bring them up, Gaius came with them. The pair had been told of Merlin's present state and were both sensible people.

Merlin looked wary when the couple came in but when Arthur asked if they could stay Merlin seemed happy but didn't speak. Leon broke through by getting on the floor with Merlin and the dogs. After about an hour Titch clearly wanted to go out and spend a penny so Morgause asked Merlin if he would like to go outside with the dogs. Merlin looked blank until Morgana asked him again "Merlin the dogs need to go outside so they can pee, if you like you can go outside with them onto the grass outside."

"kay" came the whisper, it was the first word he had spoken since Leon and Morgause had gone into the room.

Once Merlin had been got into a coat Arthur put the dogs on their leads and gave Lucy's to Merlin to hold. Then taking his other hand he went to the door. Gwaine, Percy and Lance were all waiting. They had all volunteered to be on duty that morning so Merlin would have fewer new faces. True he hadn't seen much of Percy and Lance but he did know their faces. Morgause and Leon disappeared to get their coats and would met them outside so reduce the crowd in the corridors. As Arthur led Merlin out of his rooms for the first time since entering them Merlin went rigid and tried to go back inside.

Gwaine stepped forward "Prince Merlin, You know I said I would make sure no one hurt you, well I won't I promise" Gwaine turned to the rest "Perhaps if most of you went ahead first, to show the Prince it's safe"

Arthur nodded so everyone but the King Gwaine and Merlin, still holding Lucy's lead, went head although Percy also hung back once he had gone a short way. Arthur looked at Merlin "You can stay inside if you want to, with Gwaine, but the dogs need to go out. We won't be long"

Merlin looked from one man to the other. Then looking at Arthur "won't be mad"

"I won't be mad whether you stay or come with me Merlin, I just thought you might like to go outside"

Merlin looked very indecisive and also scared then he seemed to make a decision and took two more steps towards the door before he stopped and started to shake then walked backwards, it was clear to Arthur that Merlin was going to be to distressed to go out. So he took the lead from Merlin's limp fingers and aske Percy to take the dog to find the others. Percy was soon back but kept out of sight.

Gwaine had a better ideas of what was happening having seen similar things with his father. By Now Merlin had sunk to the floor by the wall. Gwaine knelt down beside him "Merlin come back to us, there's nothing there you're fine, nothing will hurt you, I'm here and so is your brother, take a deep breath." Gwaine looked at the King "Sir I think he's having a flash back we need to convince him he's safe"

Arthur nodded pleased Gwaine was there. Gwaine indicated to Arthur that he came close "Don't touch him yet" he warned.

"Prince Merlin you are safe you are in your new room, no one here will hurt you." Gwaine took his phone out of his pocket and some music going then turned back "Listen to the music Merlin, concentrate on the music. I'm going to take your hand is that alright" he waited then very carefully touched Merlin's hand "Put your hand on my chest and breath when I do" as soon as Merlin's hand was on Gwaine's chest Gwaine removed his own hand so he was no longer touching Merlin. Gradually Merlin's respiratory rate matched that of Gwaine's.

After a nod from Gwaine Arthur spoke quietly and gently. "Merlin its Arthur, you are safe we are with you nothing can hurt you"

Merlin looked towards Arthur his eyes still full of panic "Keep calm Merlin, just rest and breathe easily, we are here with you"

It took several more minutes for Merlin to calm completely and when he had Gwaine started to talk once more. "You had a flashback Merlin, to something that happened before, but you are safe now we won't let anything hurt you. Can we touch you now?"

Merlin nodded so Arthur put his arm round his brother. And with Gwaine's help walked Merlin into the bedroom and got him to lie down. He then closed his eyes and fell into an exhausted sleep.

Gwaine indicated to Arthur and they stepped out into the anteroom. Percy joined them "The Prince had a flash back, actually going to step out the door seemed to trigger it, I wonder if he actual managed to get out once and was caught. He was clearly terrified. I will phone and ask if there has been any mention of it. I think we will have to work with the professionals before we try to get him outside the door."

"Thank you Gwaine I'm not sure how I would have handled it without you." Arthur said

"My Dad used to get flashbacks, they got better once we knew what triggered them. The music helps to give them something to focus on sometimes a really bitter taste will do it like a slice of lemon" Gwaine told the King. "I wouldn't mention this unless he does first. Mithian or Gwen will be best"

When the others came back it was decided to leave Merlin alone for a while. Gaius said he would sit with Merlin until he woke. The others speculated about what had happened but agreed to leave it.

Merlin woke up later feeling very disorientated, Gaius waited until Merlin spoke but when he did it made the old man's heart break "sorry" came a small voice "couldn't"

"That's alright my boy, not your fault, do you want to get up and have a drink and look out of the window?" he asked gently.

Merlin sat up and took a few deep breathes before standing and walking on wobbly legs to the desk so he could look outside. Gaius went into the other room and called for some tea. It wasn't long before the footman arrived with a tray. Gaius asked Merlin to come into the anteroom and have a drink. Merlin did as he was asked and they sat together on the sofa looking out of the window.

When Merlin had finished his tea he looked at Gaius and said one word "Can't"

"can't what my boy" Gaius said cautiously

"go outside" Merlin whispered

"Don't worry, you will and soon, the doctors will help you, just relax no will make you now"

"want to"

"And you will, just not today" Gaius said "It doesn't matter the dogs can come to you"

Merlin nodded timidly then to Gaius astonishment Merlin spoke once more in his normal whisper "tried once….beat me"

Gaius shut his eyes for a moment "Do you want to talk about it?"

Merlin shook his head vigorously.

"Then let's forget it for now, but no one will beat you never again, for anything, we won't let anyone do that to you." Gaius patted his nephew's hand. "Your brother will make sure you're safe my boy, trust Arthur."

After that Merlin didn't speak of it again, Gaius remained with him, the trouble man seemed to find comfort in his uncles company. Gwaine came in a bit later to check on Merlin and once again Merlin surprised them when he looked up at the protection officer and whispered "thank you"

Gwaine smiled and reassured Merlin "Anytime Sir, I told you no one will ever hurt you while we're here to watch"

Nothing more was said Merlin remained quiet through the evening meal with his siblings but seemed easier with Arthur than he had been on occasion.

DAY SEVEN

The next day they made no effort to get Merlin outside, but took the dogs up to him again. They all made the effort to go in to see Merlin throughout the day. Leon and Morgause going in accompanied by someone Merlin was already comfortable with.