Arthur was woken up by the sound of knocking on the door. He cracked open one eye and was blinded by sunlight. He shut his eye and mumbled out "Go away." He rolled over to escape the direct light. The cold air brought up goosebumps on his back. Something under him was particularly warm but it wiggled. He flipped back over, searching blindly for the blankets. Finding them, he rolled over again and threw the blankets up. Something moved again, this time under his arm. Stop moving. Finally, it settled down though he could still feel his arm rising and falling slightly. What was in his bed?

Merlin!

Arthur dragged his eyes open and expected to find Merlin looking unhappy at being squashed. Luckily Merlin was still asleep and seemed quite comfortable with Arthur's arm over him. As he watched, Merlin nuzzled against it. Relieved, Arthur let himself fall back asleep.

It felt like moments later that he was woken again. Once again, something was moving in his bed. Why was his bed so alive this morning? He told it to go back to sleep and it seemed to obey. A few moments later, he felt the bed move again, this time further away. He opened one eye and finally understood. Merlin had woken and was at the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes blearily and looking around. Finding what he was looking for, he flipped onto his belly and slid down to the floor. Curious, Arthur pretended to still be asleep and listened. He heard Merlin's pattering footsteps on stone muffled only where he crossed a rug. A moment later, he heard the chamber pot being moved and used. He couldn't believe it! He smiled proudly, Merlin was really progressing. He heard a splash as Merlin washed his hands (in his tub maybe?) and then running footsteps back to the bed. He felt the blankets pull – again and again. Sneakily opening one eye he saw Merlin's head appear as he jumped up and tried to pull himself up… only to have the blankets move down. Merlin tried gripping the mattress but although his arms shook with effort, not more than his head made it up before he fell back down. Taking pity on him, Arthur reached over to help Merlin climb up. He half expected Merlin to stay awake, but Merlin merely burrowed into Arthur's side and looked up at him. Arthur tucked him in. "Sleep more?" Merlin closed his eyes and relaxed, sniffling. Arthur took that to mean yes, and drifted off once more.

The next time he awoke it was to a chorus of snickers and a poorly muffled "Awwwwww!" Blinking his eyes open, the first thing he saw was a mass of black hair. Confused, he moved his head up.

He was lying spread eagle on the bed. Merlin was completely perpendicular to him, wrapped around his arm, hugging it loosely as he sucked his thumb, asleep. There was a small wet spot where his nose had dripped onto Arthur's shirt and he grimaced.

"This is the most adorable scene I have ever seen."

Oh no. He groaned. Arthur turned his head and waited for his eyes to adjust to the light. There stood Morgana and Gwen (who appeared to be bouncing) and behind them Leon was building up the fire.

"What are you all doing in my room? Why are you up so early? Did something happen?" Arthur blinked his eyes, trying to wake up quicker without moving or dislodging Merlin.

"Early? Arthur, it's almost midday!"

Arthur looked at the window. It was true, he realized. He wondered why he hadn't been woken – even with his door closed, by now the noise in the courtyard should have been easily heard. He looked back at Morgana.

She raised an eyebrow. "You locked your door. The servants couldn't wake you and you didn't answer when they called. They became worried as it got later and came to tell Gwen. We found Leon outside, with a message from Gaius and decided to come through the servant's entrance. And then we found you like this!"

Arthur grimaced at Morgana's smirk. Leon was smirking too that bastard! He looked back at Merlin and had to admit that he was kind of cute. As he watched, Merlin stirred and opened his eyes. He smiled tiredly at Arthur, yawning, and Arthur smiled back. "Good morning, Merlin. It seems we've overslept!"

Merlin rubbed his eyes and Arthur took the opportunity to liberate his arm. He stretched under the blankets and was amused to see Merlin mimicking him. He noted that Merlin was still favoring his left arm and side. On top of that, Merlin's face was still slightly flushed and his nose was runny. Perhaps it was time to get him to Gaius. Sitting up, he said, "Good morning, Morgana, Guinevere, Leon." Behind him Merlin squeaked and clung to Arthur's back. He felt Merlin peering around him and pulled him out in front. Merlin waved at everyone before hiding his yawn in Arthur's chest.

Morning greetings exchanged and seeing that everything was indeed alright, Morgana and Gwen left them with promises of sending food up. Arthur moved the wash basin to the table so Merlin could reach it with a chair. He helped Merlin up and wiped his nose. He turned to Leon remembering Morgana's story. "Morgana said you had a message from Gaius? Has he arrived already?"

Leon nodded. "Yes, they arrived this morning. I think the knights rushed him back. He says he is too old to have his bones jostled like that."

Arthur smiled as he imagined Gaius saying that. Leon continued. "Percival tells me Caradoc was a bit sore that you left him to carry his packs."

Arthur laughed. "I didn't really stop to think about which horse to take. I just picked the nearest one though I should have guessed Caradoc's horse would be as well behaved as mine. I'll make it up to him when he returns. I'll give him an extra ration of apples so he won't have to hide from the cook."

Leon laughed. Everyone knew Caradoc loved his horses to the point of stealing apples from the kitchen for them. He spent all his free time training them and Arthur decided that perhaps the knights could stand to learn from Caradoc's example. That his horse hadn't spooked with all the magic in that clearing spoke well of Caradoc's methods. He would have to remember to discuss that with Leon later.

Leon turned serious. "The king came to meet Gaius as soon as they returned. Gaius wants you to bring Merlin by as soon as possible. I think the king is anxious for a report."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes, he wants to meet Merlin. I'll take him to Gaius as soon as we've eaten. We have a lot to discuss as well. Will you be free this afternoon?"

Leon nodded. "I am meeting with some of the squires but after that, I have no plans."

Arthur took that to mean that Leon had been hoping for some quiet reading time. "Then I will come find you for a short debriefing. Your counsel is always helpful."

Leon bowed his head. "It will be my pleasure. I will leave you to get ready. Merlin appears to have beaten you at that." He said it with a smile.

Arthur turned to look and indeed, Merlin was already washed and dressed. He was sat on a rug pulling on his stockings and boots. Arthur's face must have shown his surprise because Leon laughed as he walked to the door. "Merlin is wise to have learned to wash and dress himself. I suppose there is only so much fussing he can take from Morgana and Guinevere's combined efforts." He unbolted the door and closed it behind him.

Arthur laughed. "Is that true, Merlin? Did Morgana and Guinevere fuss over you?" Merlin paused in his task to nod emphatically. Still laughing, Arthur washed up and dressed. He was trying to finger comb Merlin's hair when the food arrived. Giving up, he decided to ask Gwen to cut it. Merlin's hair was quite long and easily tangled. "Let's eat breakfast – er, lunch and get down to Gaius before anyone gets impatient." He settled Merlin into the cushioned chair and sat down next to him to eat quickly. Arthur was so hungry he practically inhaled his food and ended up waiting for Merlin to finish. Merlin ate slowly, methodically, as if he savored each bite of his soft cereal. He spooned some honey into Merlin's bowl deciding that it wouldn't hurt and Merlin beamed. It made Arthur wonder what Merlin would think of better food, real food, not the bland and soft foods he had been eating for so many weeks. Finally finished, Arthur wrapped Merlin in his little cloak and donned his own before setting out.

Merlin held tightly to his hand as they walked to Gaius' chambers. He took the stairs slowly to give Merlin time to be careful. Upon reaching the courtyard, Arthur realized why everything had been so quiet today.

The courtyard was buried under knee-deep snow. There were servants clearing pathways through it but when Arthur looked at the sky he could tell by the oncoming clouds that there would be more snow tonight. Merlin was looking around, awed. "Have you ever seen snow before, Merlin?"

Merlin nodded slowly without looking away. "Not this much snow?" Merlin shook his head. He held his hand above his head and wiggled it. Arthur thought he was miming falling snow. "You've only seen falling snow?" Merlin nodded. "Well, this is a bit deep for you to walk through. I'll carry you. Gaius would have my hide if I brought you to him cold and wet!" He picked up Merlin and crossed quickly. He let Merlin down once in Gaius' tower and helped him up the stairs. Merlin was quite winded at the top, but seemed happy at having made it on his own. Arthur knocked on Gaius' door and entered.

Gaius was snoring in his chair by the fire. Merlin looked around the room apprehensively. "Do you remember this room?" Merlin nodded but still looked wary.

"We're just here to have Gaius check you. You remember Gaius, don't you?" Again, Merlin nodded but didn't look at all comforted. Arthur glanced at Gaius, and seeing him still asleep, he crouched down next to Merlin to determine why Merlin was upset.

"Merlin, can you tell me why you are worried?" Merlin bit his lip and waved vaguely around the room. "You don't like this room? Does it scare you?"

Merlin shook his head. "Can you tell me why? Use your words."

Averting his eyes, Merlin took a deep breath. "B-bad m-m-mem-mories."

Arthur held Merlin's hands between his own. "Bad memories, from when I rescued you?" Merlin shook his head. "From before? Another physician?" Merlin nodded. Arthur raised Merlin's chin. "You are safe here, Merlin. Gaius won't hurt you. Try to focus on that." Merlin nodded. "And I'll be with you the whole time." Arthur ruffled Merlin's hair and stood again. He walked close to Gaius and cleared his throat.

Gaius snorted awake. "Arthur! You're here. Tell those knights of yours that they should be kinder to an old man! I'm sore in places I shouldn't be and exhausted from their forced march!"

Arthur laughed and replied, "Maybe I should have taken all of their horses, Gaius, and left them to walk?"

Gaius stood with a groan. "I dare say the exercise would do them well though I am glad not to have to spend a night in the snow. Now, where is young Merlin?"

Merlin edged out from behind Arthur. Arthur pulled him forward. "Can you say hello to Gaius, Merlin?"

Merlin waved at Gaius. He looked a little less worried though he held Arthur's hand tightly.

"Hello, Merlin! You look much better now! Do you feel better?" Gaius smiled kindly.

Merlin looked at Arthur so he nodded encouragingly. Merlin looked back to Gaius and nodded.

"Good! I'll just give you a quick check up and then you'll be free of me. My chambers haven't had enough time to warm up so perhaps you would prefer to be near the fire." It was true, his chambers were still chilled and it would take a while for the warmth to spread from the fireplace throughout the stone room. "Arthur, help him undress and settle him on the cot near the fireplace. I'm going to check on some of the draughts I just made. Perhaps you could take them to Morgana after we're done."

Arthur felt Merlin stiffen but he tried not to react to it as he guided Merlin to the cot. "More of her sleeping draughts?"

"Yes, she ran out while we were gone and I found the supplies on my desk. I wish all my patients were as considerate as to fetch their own herbs!"

Arthur helped Merlin with his boots. "Why, Gaius, I thought you liked frolicking in the fields?" Arthur hoped the light conversation was comforting Merlin. He was sure that Merlin's nerves were from having to undress. As soon as he pulled off Merlin's cloak and shirt, he wrapped him in a blanket. He whispered to Merlin, "Can you pull off your trousers? You can stay under the blanket." Merlin looked deeply unhappy but did as Arthur asked. He pulled the blanket tightly around himself when he finished. Arthur pulled two stools over and continued to hold Merlin's hand as Gaius came over.

"I'm too old for that, Arthur. My bones would sooner frolic into their grave! Now, you, you have enough energy for the both of us. You could fetch herbs all day long! Or those knights of yours. If they have enough energy to ride all day and night, then they have enough energy to fetch my supplies. I suggest you add it to their training regimen." Arthur laughed. He saw Gaius note that he held Merlin's hand. "Now, Merlin. Don't be frightened. I'm merely going to look you over. You can hold Arthur's hand if it helps. Can you sit up for me?"

Merlin sat up, clutching the blanket to him. Gaius sat on the stool and leaned over, running his hand on Merlin's face. "You're a little warm, a mild fever, but nothing to worry about. It might just be from the stress of everything." To Arthur's surprise, Merlin nodded. Gaius seemed surprised too. "Has that happened before, Merlin? Did you get fevers often?" Merlin nodded again. "Well, then, I won't worry too much about it. If it gets worse, Arthur, just bring him back." Gaius pushed gently on Merlin's cheekbone. Merlin winced slightly. "Does that hurt?" Merlin shook his head. Gaius hummed thoughtfully.

Arthur pulled the blanket down and tucked it around Merlin's waist. Gaius checked his back and said, "You look perfectly healed, Merlin. I'm going to remove these stitches before you leave. Now lie back."

Gaius checked his chest. He had Merlin roll his shoulders, arms, and wrists. Arthur spotted the weakness in Merlin's left shoulder and knew Gaius would leave it to him to help Merlin strengthen it again. Gaius checked Merlin's healed wounds and began prodding his ribs. When Arthur bathed Merlin, he had been happy to see that Merlin was far less skeletal than he had been initially. His arms and legs were still too thin and knobby at the joints, but there was more flesh around them than before. His spine and shoulder blades pushed out on his back, and his ribs were still there for the counting. Arthur was about to bring up the subject of food when Merlin jerked under Gaius' touch. Gaius pushed lightly again on one of Merlin's ribs. "Does that hurt there?" Merlin shook his head.

Arthur asked, "Is it sore?" Again Merlin shook his head. Then he pointed at his cheek. "It feels like your cheek?" Merlin nodded.

Gaius drew his attention. "Can you tell me what it feels like?"

Merlin glanced at Arthur and Arthur uncomfortably realized that it was as if Merlin was asking permission each time he did that. He would have to address that. "Can you show us?"

Merlin let go of Arthur's hand. He brought his fists together and rubbed his knuckles against each other. Arthur didn't understand but Gaius' brow cleared. "It grinds?" Merlin nodded. "I think the bones haven't quite joined. I don't feel much give but that may be due to Iseldir's spell. Most of your bones have healed completely but with so many things to heal, your body may need more time for these." Gaius hummed again, thinking. He went to the door and locked it. Sitting down again, he held Merlin's hand. "Merlin, can you feel Iseldir's magic?"

Merlin looked at Arthur. Arthur thought that Merlin's memories might be hazy. "Iseldir was the druid that helped Gaius. They know about your magic. It's fine." Merlin studied Gaius before closing his eyes. When he opened them, Arthur saw the gold fading away. Merlin nodded. "What are you thinking, Gaius?"

"Well, I think Merlin may be able to boost the magic there with his own."

"Do you think that's a good idea? After all the magic he did before?"

"Only Merlin can answer that." They both looked at Merlin. "What do you think, Merlin? Do you feel up to using your magic? Can you do what I described?"

Merlin nodded. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes again. For a moment, Arthur saw a light shine around the points Gaius had pointed out. It faded quickly and Merlin opened his eyes. Arthur made a mental reminder to ask about Merlin's magical training. If Cenred had wanted him as a weapon, it would be prudent to know the extent of Merlin's abilities and knowledge.

Gaius smiled at Merlin. "Clever boy! That should help bolster the original spell. Now, on to the rest of you."

At this Merlin shook his head desperately. Arthur started to reassure him but Gaius seemed to understand. "You can keep the blanket over you. I just need to check your legs and feet. I don't need to see any higher than that." Merlin looked at Arthur.

Arthur lifted the blanket slowly and folded it on top of Merlin. "You know we won't hurt you, Merlin. Gaius is going to check you over and that's it." He held Merlin's hand while Gaius quickly checked Merlin's legs. As soon as he was done, Gaius pulled the blanket down further.

"There now, you see, Merlin. Is that better?" Gaius smiled at Merlin's nod. He had Merlin roll his ankles and wiggle his toes. He checked the bottom of Merlin's feet and smiled. "Overall, you are doing much, much better, Merlin. If you'd like, you can put your trousers back on while I get ready to take out your stitches."

Merlin definitely seemed happier with his trousers on. Arthur handed him his stockings too and wrapped him up to his waist. Merlin looked at him questioningly. "We're going to take these out." Arthur pointed at the stitches. Gaius came over holding a tray of his tools and with one look, Merlin scrambled onto Arthur's lap. "Merlin? Merlin, you're going to be fine. We just have to pull the thread out, that's it." Arthur looked at Gaius for help. Gaius shook his head sadly.

He set the tray down and patted Merlin's head. "Merlin, I am only going to remove the thread from the stitches. They have to be removed." Merlin had wrapped his arms and legs around Arthur, hiding his face in Arthur's shirt. He was shaking badly and sniffling wetly. Arthur was sure he was probably crying as well. He ran his fingers through Merlin's hair and looked up at Gaius who seemed to understand. "Would you be more comfortable if Arthur held you while I did it?" Merlin nodded but kept his face hidden away.

Gaius nodded at Arthur and motioned him closer. "We can still work this way. There's no need to force him away." Arthur moved the stool over and let Merlin cling to him. As soon as Gaius touched him, Merlin whimpered and turned to look. Arthur turned his head back. "Don't look, Merlin. It looks worse than it is. You'll hardly feel it, I promise."

It didn't take long. Arthur was relieved when Merlin stopped trembling. He remained tense throughout, but Arthur couldn't blame him for that. He could only imagine what memories those the sight of the tools evoked. Gaius was right, it would take time to work through all of Merlin's fears. At least Merlin was willing to work through them.

When it was time for Gaius to remove the stitches on Merlin's chest, Arthur used his hand to cover Merlin's eyes. Finally, Gaius tugged the last stitch free. He began rubbing a salve into the small pinpricks in Merlin's skin. "They were in for too long but this should help soothe the skin. And that's done, Merlin! Very good job!"

Arthur echoed Gaius' praise and helped Merlin back into his shirt. He left Merlin wrapped on the cot while he sat at Gaius' table. He wanted to discuss Edwin and thought it might be too upsetting for Merlin.

Merlin, it seemed, would not be left behind. He slipped off the cot and ran to Arthur. Arthur sighed and settled him in his lap, wrapping the blanket tightly around him. He looked up to see Gaius watching with an eyebrow raised. "He's been a bit – clingy – since I came back. I'm not sure why."

Gaius sat across from them and set cups of hot tea on the table. "Well, you have become a guardian of sorts for him. That was the first time you were away from him and if you think about it, he's lost everyone that cared for him recently. All this mess with Edwin will have stressed him in ways we can only guess."

Arthur thought about it. It was true that it was the first time, at least as far as Merlin was aware, that Arthur left him. He had reacted so strongly when Arthur left his side at the druid's haven – and that was after only a few days! Besides, as Gaius mentioned, Merlin had lost everyone since his escape. He would have been afraid even before Edwin threatened Arthur – and that triggered a memory.

Why hadn't the flames been able to reach him? Did that have something to do with how Merlin knew Arthur was in trouble?

Arthur decided to start at the beginning. He adjusted Merlin in his bundle and let him have a sip of his tea. "Gaius, you knew Edwin." It wasn't a question.

Gaius nodded. "Briefly. I knew his father. We shared an interest in using medical applications of magic. We met while I was traveling and training healers across Camelot. His father lacked direction for most of his life; he would research anything, including the darker side of magic. That was how he came across the beetles. Their original intention, as well as his, was to be used to find the cause of ailments in a patient's body and destroy it. However, it soon became clear that they often caused more damage than benefit and could easily be used for malicious purposes. I thought he destroyed them, but obviously he merely hid them."

"Did he use them at all?"

"No, at least not to my knowledge. You see, on our travels he grew fond of a certain healer."

"Edwin's mother."

"Exactly. They married and she was the one that finally gave him the direction he needed. He focused on using magic to strengthen her tinctures and balms. They were a brilliant team. We corresponded infrequently – only ever about methods or spells."

"Did you know they had a child?"

"Not until the end. When magic was banned, they continued using magic and their townspeople protected them until one finally became greedy. He turned them in for the reward. I intended to warn them, but I was detained." Arthur took that to mean that his father had prevented it. "By the time I arrived, the pyres were lit."

"Edwin tried to save them?"

"Yes, he jumped in to try to reach his mother. A knight pulled him out. I carried him to a nearby town and found a family to take him in. I stayed as long as I could to prepare medicines and balms for his burns. I knew he would scar, but I hoped he would be able to build a life of his own. I didn't know he had left. I'm ashamed to say I never kept in touch. I was afraid of drawing unwanted attention to him. I think, now, that perhaps I was wrong."

Arthur noticed that Merlin was listening intently. "You couldn't have known what would happen to him, Gaius. I think a lot of his resentment was built by the reactions of people around him. If more people had shown him kindness, he wouldn't have felt the need to run away." He remembered how Edwin had taunted Merlin. "Even then, I can't say I believe his character would have won anyone over. He knew what was happening and did nothing. Worse, I think he added to the torment."

Gaius nodded, understanding what Arthur was referring to. Merlin was looking sad again, so Arthur distracted him with more tea. Gaius nudged the pot of honey closer and Arthur smiled remembering Gaius doing the same when Arthur was young. He added a generous dipperful to the tea and encouraged Merlin to hold the warm cup. "Gaius, I have been meaning to ask, can Merlin have regular foods now?"

Gaius looked at him, surprised. "Of course. What have you been feeding him?"

"Well you said to give him soft and bland foods…"

Gaius frowned at him. "Only at the very beginning while he was still very weak." Gaius met Merlin's curious gaze. "Do you mean to tell me you've been eating gruel this whole time?" Merlin shrugged and nodded. Gaius chuckled and shook his head. "Poor boy. Well, at least you'll enjoy the food at dinner tonight."

Oh right. Arthur saw Merlin look at him, confused. "About that – "

Gaius looked at him seriously. "Your father already spoke his wishes. There is no medical reason to keep Merlin from him."

"Yes, but last time – "

Gaius interrupted him. "He does feel badly about that."

It was Arthur's turn to look at him with his eyebrows raised. Gaius didn't even blink. "He does. He is a father, Arthur. Sometimes he just gets carried away by his responsibilities and forgets that. I will make sure to remind him."

Arthur couldn't argue that. He knew the struggles first hand. "Well, while you're at it, remind him that Merlin can't talk." Arthur didn't miss that Merlin stiffened.

Gaius frowned again. "Can't or won't?" He studied Merlin.

"Well, he's really only spoken a handful of times. He seems to struggle with it every time though."

Gaius came to sit next to them. He palpated Merlin's throat and looked inside Merlin's mouth. "Merlin, is there something preventing you from speaking?"

Merlin didn't answer. There were tears pooling in his eyes. "Is there a spell?" Merlin shook his head and ducked down.

Arthur rubbed his back. "Were you hurt before? In a way that hurts you to speak now?" Cenred could have caused permanent damage for all that they knew.

Merlin hiccupped. Arthur wasn't sure if that was confirmation or not. He looked to Gaius who asked, "Merlin, perhaps it is that you are afraid to speak? Because you've been told never to speak. Maybe you were punished for it?" Merlin turned to bury his face in Arthur's shirt and sobbed.

So that was it then. Arthur couldn't imagine what horrible punishments Merlin had endured for simply speaking. He remembered Merlin's memory with the kitten and knew that Cenred would have enjoyed tricking Merlin and punishing him for it.

Gaius spoke softly while Arthur soothed Merlin. "It can be very difficult to break a slave's conditioning. I've seen grown adults that were liberated but retained the habits for the rest of their lives."

Arthur pulled Merlin up higher and turned his face until he could look at Arthur, feeling Merlin's hiccups. "You don't have to be afraid anymore. You are free to speak here." He remembered Merlin's aversion to eye contact. "You can look at everyone, you can speak to anyone. You won't be punished for it here. It's allowed."

Merlin shook his head and put his hands on his throat where the collar had been. Gaius leaned closer. "You are young, Merlin. Whatever training has been forced on you, you can break it, and much more easily than an adult." Merlin was looking at Gaius skeptically, still hiccupping. "That's not to say it won't be hard, you'll have to be brave, but you can do it. It will take time. Right now, the memories are fresh and that's what may make it feel like the collar is still there. But soon, and with practice, your head will overcome those memories. I promise you that."

Merlin looked at Arthur for confirmation. Arthur smiled at him "You can do it. You can practice with me all you want. I quite like your voice and it makes me happy when you speak." Merlin threw his arms around Arthur, smiling through watery eyes. Arthur hugged him and drew him back. "But your magic still has to be a secret, Merlin."

Merlin nodded seriously. Gaius patted his back, drawing Merlin's attention. "That reminds me, I do believe I have you to thank for saving us. You were protecting Arthur even before we were attacked, weren't you?"

Arthur was surprised at that comment coming from Gaius. "Really?" Merlin nodded, looking a bit sheepish, and hiccupped. Arthur chuckled and turned back to Gaius. "How did you know?"

Gaius poured more tea. "There were hints. Edwin had to physically knock you out because his spell didn't work. Then there were the flames."

"You noticed that too?"

Gaius shrugged. "I was rather worried about you at the time."

"I did notice that they wouldn't come closer. Was that you, Merlin?" Merlin nodded. "Was that what I felt before I left? When Morgana brought you to the window?"

Gaius looked mildly surprised as Merlin nodded. "That is unusual. Merlin wasn't touching you yet you still felt it?"

Arthur nodded and added honey to the hot tea, checking the temperature. "Yes, I felt it. Merlin was up in Morgana's chambers. It's not the first time I've felt his magic. Thank you for that, Merlin." He patted Merlin's head. "And here I thought I would be the one protecting you! It's a good thing to know we can protect each other." Merlin beamed at him and it warmed him.

Arthur could tell that Gaius had more questions but he seemed to decide not to ask them. Arthur had more questions eating away at him but he was sure they would upset Merlin. He let Merlin sip at his tea and placed the mug on the table while he picked one to ask. He decided that he wanted to confirm something Edwin said that Merlin had avoided revealing before. "Merlin, Edwin mentioned someone named Mordred. Was he another sorcerer?"

Merlin's happiness dimmed so abruptly it was painful to watch. He nodded to Arthur.

"Was he closer to my age or closer to yours?" Merlin pointed at Arthur. Arthur wondered how long Mordred had been under Cenred's control – and what atrocities he had lived. Edwin had made it sound like Mordred was more obedient to Cenred, had earned "rewards," and was given a room. He was still there, with Cenred and 100% of his attention now that Merlin was gone. Deciding he didn't want to know any more about it, he hugged Merlin tightly and let him cuddle.

"I'm glad you got away, Merlin. I'm glad you found me." In his head he heard Merlin say me too. He let himself be reassured once more by how well Merlin had overcome his aversion to touch. He was so affectionate and seemed to crave tactile comfort so much that it was hard to believe he had ever flinched away from contact. He still feared quick movements, and Arthur was sure unfamiliar people would still trigger those reactions. It could have been worse. Like Gaius said, there were adults that kept those unfortunate reflex reaction – Mordred was probably more deeply conditioned. He wondered if he could have helped Mordred, if it had been him instead of Merlin that escaped. He shook his head. Mordred was beyond his reach, but Merlin wasn't – and Arthur was determined to see Merlin thrive.

Gaius was watching them happily. "Merlin will be just fine. You two are off to a great start. Now, Arthur, before you go, it's your turn to be examined."

Merlin drew back and looked worriedly at Arthur. Arthur grimaced. "I'm fine." Neither Merlin nor Gaius believed him, and all it took was Gaius' raised brow to persuade Arthur to comply. Settling Merlin on the bench, Arthur pulled off his shirt. He could feel the soreness where he was probably bruised on his back from the impact with the tree. Looking down at his chest, he could see light bruises from the scuffle with Edwin. Merlin reached up to gently touch the edge of one bruise. Arthur didn't like how sad he looked. "It's nothing, Merlin. I'm fine. I have had worse from training!"

Merlin didn't look at all reassured by that. Gaius hemmed and hawed as he examined Arthur, finally retrieving a jar of balm. He dipped his fingers in and offered the jar to Merlin who looked up at him, surprised. Arthur laughed. "Would you like to help me, Merlin? You can get Arthur's front while I rub this into his back. You can hold the jar."

Merlin accepted the jar with exaggerated care. It amused Arthur to watch Merlin mimic Gaius and gingerly spread the ointment over his bruises. Merlin touched him so lightly and yet still checked Arthur's face to see if he had been hurt. "You really have to rub it in, Merlin. You won't hurt me." Arthur placed his hand over Merlin's and pressed harder.

When they finished, Gaius handed the closed jar to Merlin and brought over a basket full of vials. "Please take these to Morgana and pass along my thanks for the supplies. Now I have to go report to your father and catch up with my other duties. Come visit again soon."

"Thank you, Gaius. We will." Arthur made sure Merlin was bundled up warmly before they left.

He carried Merlin back through the courtyard. They walked to Leon's chambers first and left a note of his desk. They delivered Morgana's medicines and Arthur confirmed that Morgana would join them for dinner.

"Of course I will join you!" Morgana crouched in front of Merlin. "Will you be my escort, Merlin?"

Merlin looked up at Arthur with wide eyes. Arthur laughed. "I thought that was my job!"

Morgana winked at Merlin. "You are much more handsome," she whispered in conspiring tone.

Arthur laughed loudly when Merlin's face turned scarlet. It was hard to see him as anything but adorable but Merlin's reaction was priceless.

Morgana stood and accepted a bundle from Gwen behind her. "These are for Merlin to wear tonight. Katrina designed them – I think we have a stronger ally in her than we anticipated." Arthur accepted it, wondering why Merlin needed this particular outfit today. They agreed to escort the girls and finally made their way back to Arthur's chambers. Merlin wobbled unsteadily just a few steps from the top and Arthur had to carry him the rest of the way.

"You look tired, Merlin. Why don't you take a nap while I work?" Merlin's answer was to yawn and rest his head on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur pulled the cot close to the fireplace and made a nest of blankets. Merlin had fallen asleep almost immediately and Arthur gently laid him down, hushing him to keep him asleep. Merlin still shivered occasionally despite his slightly warm temperature and Arthur hoped resting near the fire would warm him through.

His discussion with Leon satisfied him. They were able to talk about everything from Merlin's rescue through the events with Edwin. There were some questions that only Merlin would be able to answer, but with Leon to talk through theories, they became less urgent. They lingered on Edwin's attack to talk about ways to prepare the men for similar situations. Arthur enjoyed the discussion – Leon was one of the few people that would listen to Arthur as much as he guided. It satisfied Arthur in ways he couldn't explain, to be treated so equally and with honest respect.

With their late start to the day and the shorter winter daylight, it felt like the afternoon slipped away too quickly. Arthur let Merlin sleep as long as possible while he readied himself. He laid out Merlin's clothes and was surprised to recognize the design.

Morgana was right, Katrina was definitely working on their side.

The outfit closely resembled one that Arthur had worn when he was about Merlin's age. It had been his favorite – to the point that his nurse had desperately ordered exact replicas so that Arthur could wear clean sets when he inevitably became dirty. The main difference was the color; where Arthur's shirt had been red with blue edging, Merlin's was blue with red edging. The golden embroidery was replicated perfectly as far as Arthur could remember. The trousers featured a line of buttons down the side with ties of the same colors as the shirt.

All Arthur could think was that Katrina was a shrewd woman. She had planned and made an outfit that would play to Uther's nostalgia – if he had any. Feeling a lot better about the evening, Arthur finally woke Merlin and got him ready as he explained that they would be dining with Uther tonight. Merlin seemed fairly calm about it, content to follow Arthur as long as Arthur held his hand. Arthur hoped he continued to be calm when they arrived.

Hi everyone! Just a short update today with some fluffy fluff for fluffiness' sake. I have another section written but no time to edit/polish it before I leave - but at the same time I didn't want to leave you hanging too long. Thank you all so much for continuing to read this! TN Sarah and mersan123 - thank you for your consistency and lovely comments. They mean the world to me!