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I TRIED TO DOWNOAD A PLAN OF THE BUNGALOW BUT NO LUCK. Plan is now in a small size at the side. If you want a larger copy PM me.
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The court case was approaching fast and Alator was a frequent visitor to the penthouse. Merlin liked him, but found it hard mentally to cope. Alator was planning to call Merlin to give evidence but had got permission from the judge to do it via video link to reduce the stress. This had pleased Dr Kilgarrah who had expressed doubts as to Merlin's ability to cope with a courtroom appearance.
The defendants had hired a very well respected team, their QC who was acting for all four accused. Their QC was known to be a hard on witnesses and wouldn't pull his punches with Merlin. Arthur hoped the judge would be on the ball to stop Merlin getting to upset.
The trial was set to last for six weeks and would start in a month's time. Arthur and their group of friends had a full time task keeping Merlin diverted from spending all his time thinking about the case. His nightmares and panic attacks were becoming more frequent. Luckily the bungalow was keeping Merlin's mind busy as Arthur started to bring him sample of finishes and choosing things for their new home.
Gwaine had surprised them all by proposing to Mithian- and she had said yes. They were going to live in the two cottages Gwaine had bought from Arthur. He had the same company doing the alterations as Arthur was using for the bungalow. The couple planned on getting married once the court case was over so Merlin could be best man. Once Morgana knew this she told Merlin she would buy his tuxedo and nearer the time would get him measured up. He got an eye roll from Merlin but he agreed since it was for Gwaine's wedding.
Gwen had been made redundant from her job and Arthur had asked her if she would like the housekeeper come cook's job for them and after talking it though with Lance had agreed. Gwen loved Merlin like a brother and she loved cooking so it was a perfect chance for her. They were also thinking of starting a family and Arthur had assured her that she would be welcome to bring her little ones to work with her. It was decided that they would to live in the cottage with the large garden, so she was travelling down to start decorating. Arthur gave Lance a month off to help her. They would move just before Arthur and Merlin did. Afterwards Arthur and Lance would travel together to London using the train station in the nearby town and working from the bungalow when they could. Things were beginning to sort themselves out.
The court case was horridly stressful for Merlin and he didn't cope well. Eventually both Valiant and Cendred admitted to being involved in the kidnap but both denied sexually abusing Merlin and said his injuries were due to falls as they had never beaten him.
This meant Merlin had to testify. Alator objected to the strong questioning whenever he could and tried to protect him. Both Morgause and Edwin insisted throughout the trial that they were innocent of all charges.
The police did have independent witnesses who had come forward to say both of them had been seen in the area on many occasions in the two year period of Merlin's incarceration. This combined with other evidence found both at the farmhouse and their homes, was all helpful.
On the third day of questioning Merlin collapsed and had to be taken to hospital, and he was admitted to a psychiatric ward for a few days- much to Arthur's distress. Merlin was not called again afterwards and stayed at home with Mithian.
The court used Merlin's statements to the police and notes taken at the sessions with Dr Kilgarrah and Aithusa to fill in the gaps.
Arthur was well used to the high court but found being on the other side very stressful. He found also it difficult not to butt in to protect Merlin. The case overran and lasted a full month longer than anticipated.
But in the end the jury was quick to find all four guilty on all the charges presses against them.
There were cheers for the gallery as the verdicts were announced, with Gwaine's being the loudest. As Arthur left the court he made a short statement before going home to tell Merlin.
Merlin had several nightmares and two daytime panic attacks in the following week and spent many hours either crying or completely withdrawn. Hunith was staying with them for the length of the court case. She had also found the whole experience harrowing. Seeing her son breakdown had confirmed her decision to move permanently into the annex of the new house.
Arthur insisted on giving her an allowance to buy some new furnishing for her new home. She would be bringing only her favourite pieces from Wales. Morgana took her shopping and used Arthurs card so Hunith had trouble keeping an eye on what was being spent. Freya had a week of annual leave due and tagged along.
Due to Merlin's fragile mental health Arthur and Morgana went out together to buy was needed for the main bungalow. Merlin could always get something different later on if he wanted to. Seven months after the bungalow started, Arthur, Merlin and Hunith moved to their new home.
Gwen and Lance had moved a fortnight before as planned and Gwen did the final bits to the bungalow. Stocking up the kitchen and making it all ready so the two men would just move without worrying. She also stocked up Hunith's kitchen. Gwaine helped Hunith sort out her old home and transport the things she wanted to keep.
Two of the bodyguards decided they didn't want to travel or move so Arthur started to look for two more. Percy had applied for one of the posts and Arthur was pleased to take him on. Merlin liked Percy and felt comfortable with him so Arthur arranged suitable training for him. He was not only protective of Merlin but on size alone would intimidate any threats. Percy would take over the last of the cottages with Freya as none of the other bodyguards said they wanted to use it. The team had an office in the bungalow and there was a bed there if needed in emergencies.
Freya handed in her notice and started to look for work nearer their new home. Luckily a local taxi firm was looking for a receptionist and call taker. It was less money but she hadn't been happy in her previous job.
Gwaine surprised them all by applying for the other post. The gym where he was based for his personal training was changing hands and he didn't like the new owners. Also his attendance record over the past three years was against him. He suggested to Arthur that he take the post and combine it as personal trainer to Merlin once his physio had finished. Merlin was doing well with his exercises. He did get frustrated at times with his exercise regime, but with Gwaine's help, as well as the Physiotherapist visits he was progressing.
Arthur gave it some thought before agreeing, as long as Gwaine did a course to get registered as a body guard. He reasoned that if Gwaine was Merlin's personal trainer he wouldn't need the second body guard at the same time and he had already thought of asking Gwaine to do some work with Merlin to strengthen this muscles and core stability. Gwaine would be a good companion when Arthur was at work and there was no one he trusted Merlin with more.
The best news was that the hospital had arranged for Merlin's feeding tube to be removed. Although he was still underweight the young man had gained enough weight that they were happy for him to stop the overnight feeds, so at least now Merlin would be free of that problem and would also have a better appetite for his meals.
Merlin was seeing the physiotherapist less often now, but continued with his exercises. He was sleeping with a squidgy ball in his hand, to help his finger position. He was coping with his wrist and hand exercise's and could now grip larger items in his left hand. He was still going to the hydrotherapy pool once a week which was helping his leg muscles.
The move went well and Merlin got to see his new home for the first time. He had seen lots of photos thought out the build, but nothing prepared him for the real thing. He loved it and it lifted his mood for the first time since the trial. He couldn't find anything he would have done differently. Merlin loved the pool and wanted to get straight in but Arthur resisted his pleas saying Gwaine would go in with him the next morning. Merlin had to be content with that.
The views were stunning and although there was still landscaping to be done it was otherwise completely finished. On the first night when Merlin went to bed and Arthur switched on the planetarium he was stunned. It was more than he could have hoped for. They both spent ages lying on their backs looking at their own night sky.
The design of the whole bungalow worked very well for then both and over the next few days they settled into their new life. Hunith showed Merlin her new home and was obviously thrilled.
Mithian was going to stay on for a while until Merlin felt able to cope without her. Arthur was happy for her to stay she was good company and a calming influence on Merlin. His weekly wage bill was gradually becoming similar to a small company but he didn't care as long as Merlin was well looked after.
Alator's firm was working on a private prosecution to recover compensation from Morgause for Merlin's suffering. When her husband had been found guilty the state was unable to recover anything as all their assets were in her name. So it would be rough justice if he lost his assets this way.
Arthur wasn't worried about the money but felt that it would give Merlin security against any future needs. If they were successful then some of the wages could be taken from that source if needed and off set tax.