When Merlin had fixed up the room, Percival went to get my things. He came back with them in a small sack. Then he had to go back to his duties.

"Would it be alright if I came back to see you tonight?" he asked.

My heart fluttered around inside my chest. "Of course," I said breathlessly. What had I done to deserve his attention?

Merlin went to be of service to King Arthur. I lay down in the bed and fell slowly asleep listening to Gaius' quiet bustling around. I felt strange, being among strangers, laying in a strange bed. But they were so kind. I had forgotten that people could be so kind and I didn't know what they might expect from me in return. They did not even know me, but they made me feel like I was among friends. I felt good somehow, but I was still worried about the future. I had to rely on Percival to help me.

When I awoke it was late in the afternoon. I offered to help Gaius prepare supper. I was happy Merlin was not there to do it, because I felt useless unless I could help out with something. Gaius accepted my help kindly.

After supper Percival came back. For the first time I saw him not wearing chain mail, just a regular shirt. It looked good on him. I became all nervous again. Why did he show interest in me? I dared not believe he actually meant anything by it. Why would he want me? I had nothing to offer.

Gaius mumbled something about some herbs that would be most effective if gathered at this hour of the day, after which he slipped outside.

"Percival. Please sit down," I said, pushing the stubborn words up through my clenching throat. I sat down across from him at the table that had been cleared after supper. What if someone came in and saw us alone together?

"Do you want something to drink?" I asked, getting on my feet again.

"That would be great."

I went and got some elderflower lemonade and made a cup of it for each of us. I hoped he would not notice how much my hand was shaking when I placed his in front of him.

"Thank you, Drea," he said. He looked directly into my eyes and I felt a swooping sensation in my stomach, like I was dropping off a cliff.

I sat carefully down again, hardly daring to look at him.

"Are you okay? Is there anything you need?" he asked.

I shook my head nervously. "No … "

A little bit of awkward silence ensued. But Percival kept talking a little bit at a time and slowly I also found my voice again.

He wanted to know what my life with Gertie and Elvin had been like. I told him mostly about my work and the shop, and also some things about the way they had treated me. But I still did not feel safe putting them in a completely bad light. While I talked, he simply looked at my face. Sometimes I thought he was staring so much that I was embarrassed and most of the time I looked at the table or the walls. But I loved that he was there. With me.