Alaia Skyhawk: And here's the next sub-ep, although I know everyone probably really wants to see the next real ep, and see Merlin whupping Nimueh's ass. This one will be interesting though, and give a chance to cover how things have now changed for Gwen.

And I've ordered the proof copy of my book! It should arrive some time next week (I decided to pay for express delivery, instead of having to wait THREE AND A HALF WEEKS for it to get to me in the UK -_-;), so I'll finally get to see what my cover art looks like on the real thing instead of just a computer screen. All going well after I give it a thorough reviewing, all the pre-publish work should be done by the end of the month :D

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.

Music: Campfire (Tangled OST clip, 1:18-2:26)

"Whom History Won't Remember" Episode: N/A

~(-)~

Chapter 70: Support ~Part 1~

Eyes glanced furtively over their owner's shoulder, peeking out through the gap in the door, while inside the room various objects and items flew about as though of their own accord, leaving a spotless and tidy chamber in their wake.

Merlin was cheating at his chores, using magic, but not to slack off.

He frowned a little to himself, checking how much was left to do. Just the floor and the dusting, and that meant he'd be able to get out of here in a few more minutes. Morgana had changed Gwen's routine, giving her extra time off. If he wanted to get down into town before the maid did, then cheating at his chores was the only way.

His expression darkened a little, reminded of the king's ward. Yes, she'd realised her mistake before it was too late, but that didn't change the fact he had a sinking feeling that something like this could happen again. He'd have to keep an eye on her, or at least on anything that might upset her in the same way again, and he still had to find somewhere to permanently stash the Mage Stone. Damn thing, reacting to him no doubt, kept resonating at random when he was close to it. Something that was proving to be extremely irritating given it kept waking him up during the night.

Merlin yawned, a flick of his hand calling the various cloths and cleaning tools over to him, their jobs now complete. It only took a few minutes to take them to the relevant storeroom, another handful to go to his room and put a few coins into his belt pouch, and then he was off to the market with a glance at the sun confirming he'd managed to get out of the castle before Gwen would be setting off.

Reaching the market, going round it briskly, he bought all of the main things he knew she usually bought each week. He wanted to cheer her up, give her something to smile about after all that had happened, but he also wanted to in some way thank her for what she'd said to him. If not for her, he'd have let the king die. He still felt guilty about hesitating, even now.

He eventually left the market, trying not to stumble under the weight and bulk of the items he carried. He'd probably bought far more than he'd needed to, but he didn't care as he carefully set most of it down in order to open the door of Gwen's house. He made three trips to get it all inside and set on the table, looking around and pausing in regret when he realised he'd half been expecting Tom to come and greet him. The blacksmith had usually been in the house at this time on Gwen's market day, to help her put everything away when she got back with it.

Today, and from now on, if it would be anyone it was going to have to be him.

He sat down to wait, knowing she'd come here first to check what she needed to get. And arrive she did about fifteen minutes later, pausing in surprise at the door and regarding him with gratitude even as she scolded him.

"Oh, Merlin, you shouldn't have."

He smiled, shrugging.

"But I wanted to... I wanted to thank you for what you said yesterday."

Having come over and begun checking what he'd bought, Gwen gave him a knowing look.

"You knew about Tauren planning to kill Uther at the cairn, didn't you?"

He averted his gaze, bowing his head a little in shame at his hesitation.

"I came across him while doing a late errand for Gaius, talking to his allies. One of them had managed to sneak into the castle, and heard that the king was planning to go to there with Morgana. I was angry at Uther for having your father killed, and didn't know whether to say anything or not. I was going to sit and do nothing, until you said what you did."

Gwen pulled another chair out from the table, sitting down on it to face him.

"Tauren's men, not the ones that were found dead near the guardsmen, but the ones further up the hill. That was you, wasn't it?" He hunched down at bit, and she shook her head with a smile. "You can tell me."

Merlin raised his eyes to look at her, a bit bashful even as he tweaked events a little.

"Well I'm not a total slouch with a sword. I got to the brow of the hill just after Morgana stabbed Tauren, and I just left. If I'd been spotted, it would have been obvious I'd known what was going to happen but hadn't said anything. Uther probably would have had my head for it."

She sighed.

"But you still you saved them, you gave them the chance they needed when otherwise they'd have been outnumbered... And you walked away with no one the wiser."

He grimaced a little at that, resigned.

"Believe me, you get used to it. The number of times I've stopped Arthur being stabbed in the back, and he's completely oblivious to it."

"You do far more than you let people think, don't you? Just how much do you do to protect people behind their backs? Never getting any thanks."

Merlin avoided the subject, filling his tone with false humour.

"Please, I don't really do that much. I just stick my nose where it doesn't belong, and tell Gaius when I see something suspicious. That's all."

Gwen folded her arms.

"But still, defeating Tauren's men."

Merlin raised his hands, forestalling any further praise.

"They were already injured by the guards. It wasn't really a fair fight, and the first didn't see me until I was right behind him. It's not really brave to stab a man in the back."

There was a tinge of guilt in his tone now, guilt for having killed. Gwen, realising she was making him uncomfortable, changed the subject.

"Well, anyway, thank you for going to the market for me. I appreciate it." She got up and went to where she kept her money hidden, getting several coins and forcing him to accept them. "And I don't want you using up your savings buying me food, just to say thanks for something I'd have helped you with anyway. That you went to the market for me is more than enough."

Merlin reluctantly pocketed the coins, knowing all too well how stubborn she could be, and also got to his feet.

"Do you need any help with anything else?"

She nodded, after some hesitation, glancing over her shoulder to the sleeping area of the house."

"Well there is one thing..."

~(-)~

"What time do you call this? You're late, Merlin."

"Sorry, Sire."

Merlin made no further comment, enduring the glare that Arthur was directing at him, and ignoring the boot that was also thrown in his direction. Yes, he was late, but putting up with Arthur's reprimands was a price he was willing to pay to have done what he had. Helping Gwen when she needed it, was worth it.

He set down the tray bearing Arthur's supper, the prince watching him with a small frown. Something was up, he knew it, and folding his arms across his chest he regarded his servant.

"Ok, what's wrong?"

Merlin looked a little surprised.

"What?"

"You're not whining. And you only do that when something is wrong."

The two of them stared at each other, Merlin acting non-committal even as he moved the plates from the tray and onto the table, something he only bothered to do when he felt he had to make up for something.

"I was late, I know I was late, so why should I whine about being told off for it?"

"Merlin..."

Arthur continued to stare, and Merlin sighed. It looked like he wasn't going to get by him this time.

"I was... I was helping Gwen move her father's bed out of her house, and took most of his clothes to the market and sold them to one of the vendors for her. She couldn't face doing it herself, alright. Morgana's also agreed to give her a bit more time to herself during the week, so Gwen is planning to start making more dresses for the court ladies than she's been able to do up until now. I mean, I know she doesn't need the money for the rent anymore, you gave her the house, but she still wants to feel like she's doing something useful."

Arthur flinched, ceasing his stare and seating himself at the table, going very quiet for several moments before moving to make a start on his food.

"Giving her the house doesn't really make up for what my father did, though."

"Gwen doesn't hate him for it." Merlin watched as Arthur was once again startled into silence, sighing again as he explained. "As she put it when I asked her, she pities him for his hate and the way it blinds him. Hating him in return, would solve nothing. Wanting him dead, would change nothing. Her father wouldn't want her to live with only that. He'd rather she continue with her life and live for her dreams, not squander it seeking revenge. Living only for revenge was exactly what Tauren was doing, and look where it got him."

Arthur looked at him, eyes searching, even as those words of wisdom sank in. It had been quite a while now since the servant's last seemingly inspired little speech, and as such this one had caught him off guard.

He sighed, eating a mouthful of his food and swallowing it before speaking.

"I want you to go to her and commission some new clothing for me. Several of my shirts are becoming worn, as are some of my breeches, and I wouldn't mind a new formal jacket as well. Find out how much it will be, and I'll see to it she gets the payment in advance."

Merlin nodded, hiding his small smile. He knew as well as the prince did that most of his clothing was still in excellent condition. Arthur was just making excuses to do Gwen a favour and give her some business for her seamstress side-work.

"I'll speak to her in the morning, Sire."

He left Arthur to his thoughts after that, moving to turn back the covers of the bed and lay out clothing ready for the morning. The prince remained quiet until he left with the now cleared tray, Merlin taking it to the kitchens in the knowledge that his own day wasn't done yet... He still needed to check with Gaius, and see if his mentor had found anywhere safe to hide the Mage Stone.

~(-)~

Alaia Skyhawk: There we go, part one done. I think it's cute when Arthur tries to be nice, without admitting he's trying to be nice :)