Thank you everyone for all the comments, I really appreciate that you take the time to comment on my stories.

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Morgana was planning Merlin's birthday party as the first one properly celebrated since his he had been incarcerated. This would be a public event and the country had decided to celebrate with them. Many commemoratives had been produced and cards and presents were arriving at the Palace daily. Merlin had gone to the hearts of the people. On the day the first thing that happened was that Merlin was woken up with his family around him and he was given his personal presents from them and they ate breakfast together. As he opened his cards he looked reflective and said quietly "His Majesty the King Uther gave me a card every year and a present, my best one was my radio. But I never had so many things before." A tear ran down his face and he looked down at the floor "He told me you were ashamed of me and didn't want to see me" Even now on this special occasion Merlin's past came back to haunt him.

Morgana reached for Merlin "No tears on your birthday Merlin, we didn't know you were still alive, we would never and will never be ashamed of you. We are proud of you and love you to bits. Come on family hug"

Arthur looked at his sister but joined in the hug ruffling Merlin's hair as he did so. "You are my favourite brother"

Merlin looked puzzled "I am your only brother aren't I?"

At his expression Arthur laughed "Yes you are, but even if I had dozens you would be my favourite"

Merlin looked at Morgana "He's daft sometimes"

"Yes he is" his sister told him "but you are my favourite brother and I have two!" she stuck her tongue out at Arthur.

"Oi I am the King" Arthur protested. With that they all dissolved into a fit of the giggles.

After breakfast Gaius and the rest of the close friends came in with their presents including Gwaine who had started back at work that day. Then Morris came in with a present from all the staff. Merlin was stunned by the gesture and was pleased with the gift of a camera which Morris told him "We hope that you can used it on your holiday Sire"

Once everything had settled Merlin had a shower and got dressed before he was taken to Buckingham Palace where he went out onto the Balcony with Arthur and Morgana so the crowds could see him. Merlin got Aithusa to put her paws on the balcony and the crowd could just see her head. He was shaking at the numbers there, but dealt with it well thanks to Aithusa, his siblings and Gwaine who stood discretely behind him, he couldn't believe so many people wanted to see him. Once again there was a fly past of the red arrows.

Once back inside the Prime Minister was presented to Merlin when he was given a present from Parliament. After seeing some of the many public gifts and ones from the commonwealth and other heads of state Merlin was totally bemused. But he enjoyed his afternoon visit to a Butterfly House where he was fascinated by the exotic insects he was allowed to walk amongst and had land on him. It seemed Merlin continued to be totally fascinated by the natural world.

Later that evening Merlin attended his first formal banquet, all be it much smaller than normally held at the Castle and all agreed that the day had been great if stressful.

The next day Arthur was presenting honours and some medals. After talking to Merlin they decided to surprise Gwaine and Ian. Merlin would present their medals to them. They had no idea until Gwaine walked up to receive his George Cross. Arthur didn't step forward but Merlin came out from where he had been standing out of sight. He took the medal from the attendant and walked forward to stand before Gwaine.

Then he spoke to Gwaine "Thank you for saving my life at great risk to your own." He then pinned the medal to Gwaine's chest as Arthur had told him.

Gwaine had tears in his eyes as he accepted the tremor in Merlin's hands and knew it had taken a great deal of courage to stand there the medal. He couldn't believe that Merlin was facing all these strangers for him. He could see it had taken a great deal of courage for the Prince to do this. "Thank you Sir, this means a lot to me, more so because you have presented it" he stepped back with a smile not making Merlin stand there longer than he needed to.

Then Gwaine watched Merlin presenting Ian with his medal. Both men were overwhelmed with what the Prince had done for them. Merlin quickly disappeared back out of sight where Morgana was waiting to give him a hug and remove him to somewhere he could recover his nerves. Which was just as well as he then went into a seizure.

When Gwaine heard he was devastated but Merlin told him he was honoured to have done it and would do it again. "I won't live my life frightened of my fits, I was locked away for years because of fear." That sentence made them all realise that Merlin was beginning to accept what had happened and understand. It gave them all hope for the future.

As the holiday plans progressed the final group was settled on Arthur, Morgana, and Merlin would go, added to that was Leon and Freya. Morgana and Leon were a known item by then anyway. With a full security detail it would make a small but exclusive group and would of course include Gwaine, Elyan, Percy and Lance. Mithian was added by Arthur as he felt they should have medical backup and although she was a psychiatrist she did also have a good knowledge of Merlin and his conditions. The Gwen was added as a favour to Lance although he knew he would be on duty and would only be able to see Gwen out of hours. They had a month to go but Merlin was looking forward to it and the press agreed to leave them private in exchange for a few photos.

Morgana decided to make sure Merlin had some more casual clothes for the holiday and went on a mission to buy him some. He was measured and then had to try on loads of things. He complained but it made no difference. During one such session Arthur walked in "You have my sympathy Merlin, the harpy is making me have a new wardrobe as well."

Merlin looked at his brother "What is a harpy?"

Arthur chuckled "In a word Morgana, it's a female monster from Greek legend"

Merlin looked at his brother scandalised "Morgana isn't a monster!"

"Well I think she is when I have to be measured and try on clothes after clothes" Arthur complained "Now tell me you don't agree?"

Merlin looked down at the floor then glanced at Morgana and the Arthur "Maybe a little harpy"

Morgana looked fondly at the two men, slowly Merlin seemed to be recovering and opening up more. To start with he appeared to have no sense of humour but gradually it was manifesting and she didn't care being the butt of it as long as he was happy.