I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I am incredibly sorry for the late update. The last few weeks of the semester have arrived. In other words, I am living in hell at the moment.

And I'm very sorry for how short this is. But I figured something was better than nothing. And again, no secret in this one. I swear on the life of my cats that it will be in the next one. I know how I'm going to do it, I just need to look some stuff up before I can. And I think there is only going to be about two or three more chapters.

Anyway, someone a while ago wanted to see more of the others in this story. Well, we get Gwen in this one, and Gaius will be in the next chapter. :)

Merlin glanced up from the sock in his hands, holding it out for Gwen to check his work.

"Yes, Merlin?" asked Gwen, setting one of Arthur's tunics in her lap.

He held it out further, an expectant look on his face, but Gwen simply smiled at him.

Arthur had found her bringing a stack of fresh linens up to Morgana's chambers. He accompanied her there, asking Morgana if he could borrow Gwen for the day, to help with Merlin. The Lady had a soft spot for the boy, same as the rest of them, and Gwen had been excused to help teach Merlin to mend the Prince's clothing.

As they had walked back to his chambers, Arthur had told her that Merlin had begun to speak, but that he was too scared to do so around Arthur. He told Gwen he wanted her to encourage Merlin to speak, but not pressure him to. He had looked a bit sheepish as he told her if anyone could get Merlin comfortable with talking, it would be Gwen, with her easy going manner and talkative nature. Gwen had smiled in response, knowing the description was true.

"What is it, Merlin?" asked Gwen, leaning forward to inspect the sock.

"I-Is this right?" Merlin stuttered, his voice quiet.

Gwen eyed the stitching, nodding slowly. "Yes. That's very good," she said, smiling up at him.

Merlin smiled back slightly. "T-Thank you."

"Would you like to try a tunic now?" Gwen gently took the sock from him and passed him the shirt in her lap.

"Same way?" Merlin stared down at the tear in the fabric.

"Yes," answered Gwen, handing him the needle and thread. "Remember how to get started?"

Merlin nodded. "Y-Yes."

"Alright. Just ask if you need any help," said Gwen kindly. She picked up the sock to finish.

They continued, Gwen chatting away about various happenings in the castle, pausing now and then until Merlin would utter a short response. He had learned the mending very quickly, his thin, nimble fingers making it fairly easy, but he still was reluctant to speak.

"You have a very nice voice, Merlin," said Gwen after a while.

Merlin's cheeks flushed with color. "Oh, t-thank you."

Gwen smiled kindly. "You really do. And it is so great to hear you speaking. It makes me very happy. And I know it makes Arthur very happy."

"I-It does?"

"Yes, very much." Gwen's face grew serious. "He is so proud of you, Merlin, with how far you have come since you first arrived in Camelot. I've never seen him this way, with anyone." She reached out and clasped Merlin's hand. "You've changed him Merlin, in a very good way. I can see the man he will be as King, and I look forward to seeing what you two will do. I just know together you will achieve great things." She squeezed his hand. "I can feel it. You two complete each other, you make each other stronger and wiser and you bring out the compassion and selflessness in the other. Good times are coming, I just know it."

Merlin stared at Gwen, his eyes wide and a bit misted. "I… I don't know w-what to say," he whispered.

Gwen smiled, squeezing his hand one last time. "You don't need to say anything, Merlin. You and Arthur just keep changing each other for the better. And finish mending that last sock."

Merlin laughed, a grin lighting his face.

I was maybe pushing it with Gwen's little speech, but in the show she randomly breaks out into moments of spontaneous wisdom, so I figured it might work.

Any Criminal Minds fans reading this, I wrote a short little Morgan/Reid story and posted it.

Again, sorry for being so late.