The next time Arthur saw Merlin he continued the charm offensive and Merlin started to warm towards him. They even had polite chats while Arthur waited to see his sister. On the Friday nights when Merlin joined the others at the Dragons Lair the rest of the group watched with interest. Gwaine secretly smiled to himself. The plan seemed to be working. Merlin appeared to be more comfortable round Arthur. Soon it would be time to start stage two, for that he would need Will again, so he would need to try to get the conversation turning the right way. It would be no point in asking Will to help, Gwaine knew he wouldn't willingly. However Gwaine thought he might have a secret weapon.

The weekend for the trip to Ealdor to see Merlin's mum soon came round and on the Friday evening the men set of in a hired car for Wales. They all loved Merlin's mother, Hunith, she was like a mum to them all. The boot was full of presents and they planned on taking her out for a meal on the Sunday. Hunith's cottage was small, only three bedrooms and the third was hardly big enough for a bed so Gwaine would sleep on the sofa. Gwaine and Will took it in turns whenever they stayed.

When they pulled up outside Hunith was there to meet them. She gave Merlin a hug and kiss before giving the other two the same treatment.

"Come on in boys I've got your supper waiting. Don't worry Gwaine I've cooked plenty!" she grinned at Gwaine who was famous for his good appetite.

"I should hope so to Hunith, I've been looking forward to this."

As they all ate they caught up on all the news. Hunith was missing them all but especially Merlin, they were very close. She was please he had a good job and was branching out on his own in the world. But she did worry; she'd heard so many tails of London. That made her pleased that both Will and Gwaine live close to him. She knew Gwaine especially would make sure Merlin was safe. Will was more likely to get Merlin in trouble than keep him out of it, although she knew he was fiercely protective.

They chatted until midnight before they all settled down for the night. The next morning Hunith was up early as usual and was in the kitchen when Gwaine joined her for a tea.

"You're up early fy mchgen."

"Well as comfortable as your sofa is Hunith, the pull of a cup of tea was greater." He smiled at the woman he considered a mother.

"How's my aderyn bach settling in the big city?" she asked.

Gwaine grinned he loved how she sometimes called Merlin her little bird. "He's doing very well, and making lots of friends."

"Any boyfriend on the horizon? Only he won't tell me." Hunith was happy with her son being gay but she wanted him to find someone special.

"Oh he has someone who is very keen; Merlin likes him, but won't admit it yet. They'll be good together." Gwaine looked at Hunith. "They got off to a bad start but they're slowly getting there."

"Are you meddling Gwaine? Let him find his own love, such things can't be forced." She scolded.

"I know that, I'll just giving Merlin a gentle push in the right direction. Arthur will look after him, and he's already fallen for Merlin hard."

They stopped talking as they heard someone coming down the stairs. Will walked in the kitchen still in his pyjamas and rubbing his eyes. "Hi, I heard talking and figured they'd be tea going."

"Here you are Will, once Merlin's up I'll cook you boys a breakfast."

"I was just telling Hunith how well Merlin's settling in." Gwaine said to Will as the other man sat down.

"He's doing good, he's even had a couple of boyfriends, nothing serious yet. Mind you some are keener on him than he is them!" Will knew that Hunith wanted Merlin to find someone special.

"How about you two are you courting?"

"No were boys about town and too careful to get caught." Will laughed "Merlin's the one looking"

"Do you know this Arthur Gwaine mentioned?" Hunith asked.

"He's a rich tosser, all posh he is, na Merlin won't fall for him." Will said derisively.

"You lot talking about me? And who won't I fall for?" Merlin asked from the doorway.

"That tosser Arthur!" Will said.

Hunith noticed Merlin blush slightly and smiled to herself. It seemed Gwaine was a better judge than Will. She would speak to Merlin later.

"Anyway what's my love life got to do with you lot." Merlin demanded.

"Nothing my dear, it was my fault I asked. Now cooked breakfast, go and get washed and dressed."

Later that day when Hunith got her son on his own she asked about Arthur.

"What's he like then your Arthur?"

"He's not my Arthur mum! We haven't even been out on a date. He's my boss's brother. That's all."

"Has he asked you out?" Hunith persisted.

"Yes and I said no, he has a different boyfriend every week, not my sort at all." Merlin protested.

"It doesn't matter how many boyfriends he has before you cariad, as long as he doesn't afterwards. Do you like him?"

Merlin blushed again "A bit I suppose, he's a bit of a prat, but he's been nicer lately."

"Well then he's trying for you. If you like him give him a chance. What does he do for a living"

"He's training to be a barrister." Merlin admitted.

"Well he can't be all bad then can he? Gwaine seems to like him."

"Alright ma, can we talk about something else now." Merlin pleaded.

"Ok but bring him home to see me sometime, I want to meet this man who can make my boy blush."