Summer is getting closer. Someone drops in on Merlin and Gwen. Merlin belongs to BBC.
Merlin and Gwen slowly walked through town to reach the castle. Over the last few weeks, things had changed drastically in Camelot. Arthur's knights rebuilt the town in the afternoon. Hammering went well into the night. Each servant was given new clothes. Aredian complained as he examined every resident and treated their ailments. None of the children arrived home to lock doors. The women of town laughed freely. The townspeople began to respect and love their young king. Harsh conditions of Uther's reign faded into memory. Often, Arthur walked through the town. He spent hours talking and listening to his subjects. Igraine smiled as she watched her son become more than a knight. Arthur quietly grew into a steady noble man. A better man than his father. Arthur ruled with fairness. News of Arthur's fairness drifted around Albion. Common people hoped that Arthur would defeat their idle, unjust Kings.
The nobles grumbled. Arthur threatened to leave Camelot unguarded from attack during his absence. Quickly, the nobles realized that Arthur wasn't Uther. Uther's brutal rule was over. Arthur 's age of fairness would not change.
Arthur stood outside of his mother's chamber. He listened to Gwen's laughter. He kept his word. He hadn't spoken to Gwen in weeks. He avoided her like a plague. Gwen didn't wait on the steps for Merlin. His mother bought a different maid to the Council Room. Gwen kept out of his sight. It didn't work. Still, Arthur longed for Gwen.
Arthur knocked on his mother's door.
"Enter."
His mother and Gwen hung pink and purple fabric around the chamber. Arthur looked a little confused. His mother redecorated her chamber last year. He notice Gwen didn't look in his direction. His mother beamed at him.
"Hello, darling," Igraine called," Can I help you?"
Arthur waved his hands at the decorations. "What is this?'
Igraine smiled. She walked over and pressed a kiss on Arthur's hard cheek. "It's Gwen's birthday tomorrow. 21 years. Just a small party."
Gwen stood with her back to Arthur and Igraine. Her fingers traced a stained glass pane. He won't stay long. Stay calm. Ignore him. Summer is three months away. It was hard to ignore Arthur. Gwen's eyes viewed his positive changes in Camelot. He made everyone hopeful for the future.
"So, mother, did you forget my invitation?"
Igraine laughed. She waved at Arthur. Arthur stood in confusion. "Arthur! You're not allowed to Gwen's birthday parties. Have you forgotten? You were forbidden almost 16 or 17 years ago. Gwen, what is it 16 or 17 years?"
"16 years, milady," Gwen whispered.
"What in my own castle?"
I'm forbidden from party in my own castle. I really don't care. To have one's mother laugh about it.
"Why?" Arthur asked.
Igraine thought for a moment. Her beautiful face wrinkled in puzzlement. "I can't remember. Gwen, dear one, come here." Gwen's body tensed.
Igraine realized that something had happened between Arthur and Gwen. They actively avoid each other. It was for the best. Gwen moved towards her milady. She stood very close to Igraine. Gwen gave Arthur a slight smile. Arthur tilted his head in acknowledgement. He noticed dark circles under Gwen's eyes.
"Gwen, why was Arthur banned from your birthday celebrations?"
Gwen wrinkled her nose. "Arthur, Lancelot, and Morgana are banned from my birthday celebrations for life. Morgana placed goats in your chamber. Lancelot threw cake at Merlin." Gwen's eyes met Arthur's shocked blue eyes. "You ruined my doll, Arthur Pendragon."
Arthur stepped back from the venom in Gwen's face and words. "I was a child. We made a mistake."
Gwen's shook her little fist in Arthur's face. " Wished for dolly for months. I was so good. It was the best moment of my life. She had brown yarn hair. Painted on blue eyes. A green dress. I was good for months! I didn't run in the castle! I ate my supper!"
Arthur shrugged. "So, you didn't get your dolly," Arthur replied carelessly.
"No, Gwen yelled," You chopped her head off. You sentenced her to death for being silly. You took your stupid sword and chopped off her head. In the middle of my celebration. I was cakeless. Without a present. A room full of goats! You laughed with Morgana and Lancelot. Only, Leon is allowed to attend my birthday celebrations."
Gwen's body shook in anger. Igraine chuckled. Arthur stared in wonderment at Gwen. The corners of his mouth formed a reluctant smile.
"You can hold a grudge."
"I didn't speak to you for ten years. Not until you attacked Merlin."
"He turned my skin a different color."
"So, sometimes, I could go another ten years."
"If, that makes you happy."
"Leon is the only one of you that I can deal with."
"You're never difficult with Leon, just me. I respond to kindness."
Gwen walked around Arthur to reach the door. "Milady, I'm off to the kitchen. It's almost your lunch time."
"Gwen", Arthur called," can you bring me a bite to eat?"
"Can I spit in it?"
"Didn't expect it without a little drool."
Gwen opened the door. "Arthur, the changes in Camelot are nice. Common people respect you." Arthur was surprised at Gwen's praise. He rubbed the back of his golden head in embarrassment. "So, I get a spit free lunch?" Gwen slammed the door.
Arthur laughed. He imagined Gwen's short legs carrying her to the kitchen in a fury. His mother stood in horror. Her mouth gaped.
"Arthur Pendragon, what was that?"
Arthur's hand enclosed his mother's. He drew her towards a velvet chaise. "Mother, it's nothing. We always argue. I can't be around Gwen. She makes my blood boil. My heart races. Other things happen. I enjoyed her fiery eyes."
Igraine brushed Arthur's hair from his blue eyes. She ignored his comments about Gwen."I'm so very proud of you, Arthur. Camelot is a better place. I'm glad that you aren't a hard man. Arthur, have you relinquish your pursuit of Emrys?"Arthur shook his head. "No, mother, Morgana suggested that Emrys might be covered in shielding spell. I've sent for a powerful sorceress named Nimueh. She's legendary. Hopefully, she will locate him. Also, I've met with my subjects. I changed the tax laws. Relationship laws. Physician laws. I'm a busy man."
"So, you aren't pursuing Gwen any longer."
"No. Arthur Pendragon doesn't chase women."
"Good to know that your ego is intact."
Arthur grimaced. "Mother, I can't have everything. I rather have Emrys than Gwen."
"Really, then, why did your eyes linger over her?"
"Mother." Arthur kissed his mother hand. He rose to leave her chamber.
"Arthur, you aren't staying for lunch?"
"No, I don't care to eat Gwen's spit. Knowing her, Gwen let my horses lick my lunch."
"Arthur, before, you leave. I need a favor."
Arthur handed rested on the doorknob. "Yes, mother."
"I'm going to visit your aunt for a fortnight. I want to be back before you leave to meet Alined. I need a carriage and a few soldiers."
"Of course."
Gwen laughed as she ate cake with Leon, Merlin, and Queen Igraine. Bernadette refused her invitation to the party. She claimed she was heartbroken over Merlin. A few candles illuminated the room. Leon blushed as he handed Gwen a small package. Her small hands quickly unwrapped bunches of rainbow hair ribbons. Gwen kissed Leon's cheeks.
"I thought you could wear them in your hair. Lancelot and Morgana bought some of them."
Gwen arched an eyebrow at Leon. Don't speak their names. They don't exist on my birthday."
"Well, I wish they didn't exist any day, "Merlin muttered. Morgana will probably wrap one around Gwen's neck.
"Merlin," Igraine chided. Merlin shot her a huge smile.
Merlin placed a package in front of Gwen. "I hope you like it." Gwen removed a beautiful white shawl with embroidery purple flowers and green leaves.
"Merlin," she squealed. "It's lovely. Who made it?"
"Bernadette."
Gwen noticed Leon blushing. That's different. Gwen rolled her eyes. Merlin would be the death of her. Gwen spied one last package . Queen Igraine gave her a new pale green dress with white stitched flowers and hair ornaments last night. Gwen's hands smoothed her new dress. "Is that one last gift? I feel so lucky."
Leon looked sheepish. "Well, Arthur made me bring it. He said to make amends. A birthday truce."
Merlin and Gwen eyed the brown package cautiously. It wasn't moving or dripping.
"Too small for a goat, Gwen," Merlin observed. "Doesn't have a foul smell." Igraine frowned in apprehension. Leon pushed the package towards Gwen.
Her fingers pushed at it. "Well, he wouldn't harm his mother." Gwen unwrapped one edge. They saw a piece of red fabric. Gwen unfolded a larger piece of paper. Igraine gasped in shock. Merlin frowned. Leon smiled. Gwen's heart ached.
"It's a doll," Leon cried. Gwen's eyes peered at her gift." It looks like the one, Arthur executed when you were five." Igraine slapped Leon's head.
Gwen's present had brown yarn hair with painted blue eyes. She wore a red dress. A green crystal on a fine sliver chain hung from her neck. Gwen's finger traced her doll's face.
"Oh, that's why Arthur asked what I bought you, Gwen. The necklace matches your dress."
"How sweet, "Merlin replied. Oh, no. He's back.
Gwen smiled sweetly. Leon grabbed the dainty necklace and dropped it around Gwen's neck. "It looks perfect. So, beautiful tonight."
"So, Gwen, what will your named your doll?," Igraine asked.
Gwen thought for a moment. "Artemis."
"Great name, Gwen, just remember that ,Artemis, is the goddess of the hunt and virginity."
Igraine paled as her head shook.
"Actually, I named her for Arthur. The same first three letters." Merlin grimaced.
"Oh. Jolly times," Merlin mumbled.
Merlin and Gwen slowly walked through the palace as they headed towards their small house. Merlin stuffed Gwen's ribbons in his pocket. The green crystal shimmered in the moonlight. Gwen clutched Artemis in her arms.
"So, you're 21. Seems like we were just nine, Gwen."
"Merlin, it was awful after nine. Terrible things happened around us."
"Well, summer is almost here."
"Yes, our grand adventure."
Merlin and Gwen reached the stairs that led to Arthur's chamber. Merlin exhaled a deep breath. His fingers brushed a curl away from Gwen's forehead.
"Look, Gwen, let's just go say "Thank you". Then, I can go home and practice magic. You can play with your doll."
"Are you sure?"
"We can't fight fate. I saw your face when you unwrapped Artemis. You wanted to see Arthur. We'll be quick." Merlin pulled Gwen up the stairs.
A guard gave them a strange look. They paused outside Arthur's door. Gwen struggled to find the right words. "How about thank you. Good night, sire."
"Merlin."
Merlin rapped Arthur's door. He wasn't hanging outside any longer. Gwen slapped his arm.
"Come in."
Gwen rested her brown hand on the doorknob. Her hand trembled. Merlin pushed the door open. Gwen lowered her eyes as Merlin ushered them into Arthur's chamber. Arthur smiled when he spotted his doll cradled in Gwen's arm. His necklace hung around her neck. Lancelot sipped his wine. He smirked at Merlin's annoyance.
"Sire, good evening. Lancelot, how are you?" Merlin began. "We came to say thank you." Did she lose the ability to speak. I hope she can't talk in the morning. She shrieks every morning," Merlin, wake up! The sound could wake the dead. Merlin push Gwen closer to Arthur and Lancelot. Just say it, so, we can leave.
Arthur rest his face on a broad hand. Gwen looks stunning. The green dress made her look so tiny and delicate. Arthur gave Gwen an encouraging smile. So, now she's shy.
Lancelot tapped his fingers on the table. His eyes darted from Arthur to Gwen. This is so wrong. It's like a moth to a flame. Gwen has the look of a woman in love. Lancelot closed his eyes briefly.
"Lancelot, thank you for the ribbons. Could you please give my thanks to Lady Morgana? I'll wear one tomorrow."
Arthur cast Lancelot a dark look. He bought her ribbons. Gwen's going to wear his ribbons in her beautiful hair. What is going on?
"It was very nice for you, Lady Morgana and Leon to remember me."
"You're welcome, Gwen. I'm deeply sorry about your fifth birthday."
Merlin scrunched his face at Lancelot. Lancelet laughed at Merlin. "Actually, Merlin, I'm deeply sorry. I was a foolish youth."
"Sure," Merlin muttered.
"Arthur, thank you so much for the doll. She's perfect. I love her. The necklace is beautiful, "Gwen gushed.
Merlin felt sick to his stomach. Lancelot sat in amazement. Arthur's heart beat rapidly. His skin felt hot.
"Well, Gwen, can I come to your party next year?"
"No," Merlin yelled. "One gift doesn't mean your trustworthy. By the way, Gwen named your doll, Artemis. Remember, the goddess of the hunt and virginity. Gwen. Let's go before I sleep in a dungeon." Merlin dragged Gwen from Arthur's chamber. She threw Arthur one last look as the door slammed shut.
"Gwen, you're going to bed. No more, swoony eyes at Arthur.", Merlin ranted as they walked home.
Lancelot drained his goblet of wine as the door slammed shut. He realized that he couldn't stop it. Just let it happened. Arthur will lose interest. Arthur tilted his head as he thought about his visitors.
"What was that about?"
"I follow you into battle. Now, I'm worried about your head, man. Gwen sought you out. Merlin didn't trust her in a room with you. He didn't know that I stopped in for a goblet of wine."
Arthur nodded in understanding. "I moved past Gwen."
" Moved on? You bought her a doll. Your matched a necklace to her dress. What's wrong with you? Oh, Arthur, she's your for the taking. Her eyes sent you a message."
Arthur poured another goblet of wine."I thought you were against my amorous pursuit of Gwen."
"I am. I can't stop it. Neither can you. Neither can Merlin. Neither can Gwen."
Arthur laughed. "Honestly, I wanted to make amends for her ruined birthday 16 years ago. We behaved horribly."
"It was funny."
"Hilarious."
"Next year, buy Gwen a goblet or a pot for her birthday. Ribbons are a little too intimate."
Lancelot turned an annoyed gaze on Arthur. " I thought you were past it. Leon picked them. I wanted to get her a pair of gloves."
"Gloves are wonderful."
"So, you really don't hold affection for Gwen."
Arthur shook his head quickly. Too quickly for Lancelot's liking.
