The party for and penny went well. A large marquee was put up in the garden and they had a barbeque. They invited all their friends and many stayed over using the marquee overnight. Arthur and Merlin went to the barbeque but left shortly afterward leaving the youngsters partying to the disco Arthur had provided. Both the dogs managed to scrounge quite a few tip bits so Merlin decided not to give them their meal that night. Finna loved being made a fuss of but Gi stayed with Merlin most of the time. It was quite apparent to everyone that the pair were in love and everyone hoped that they would stay together. Both the men were awake until the early hours due to the noise so had a lay in next morning.
The next morning everyone helped to clear up before they all went their separate ways. William stayed until the Sunday evening when he had to go back to Cardiff. He would be back for the summer holidays so would be there for the next party, even if it wasn't common knowledge as yet. Arthur was working hard to get someone special to provide the music he had several ideas but needed to find out who was available. It was such a pity that Merlin's favourite singer had been dead for some time. Merlin loved listening to Elvis, Gwaine suggested an Elvis tribute but Arthur thought not.
In the end Arthur found two people who were happy to come he booked both of them in case of problems both where aware and didn't mind. He kept their names secret for two reasons, one so Merlin didn't find out and also as he didn't want gatecrashers to the party. Both were singers Merlin loved. The guest list had been drawn up and invitations sent out. So far Merlin didn't have a clue. The next problem was to sort out the garden without Merlin getting too much of a clue. The Marque was going to be put up in the morning and Gwaine was given the job of keeping Merlin and the dogs out for as long as possible. The hog roast was going to be started elsewhere and set up during the morning. The catering was going to be outside sourced but Gwen, Freya , Mithian and Penny found out and were offended so in the end it was decided they would do most of the food preparation but in the cottages but on the day an outside company would do the serve ring and last minute items. Penny was making the cake.
In the run up to the party Merlin became unwell once again his chest was causing difficulties. He was back on oxygen again which always made his mood suffer. Arthur was getting anxious hoping all would be well for the party. He had so wanted to do something special for Merlin. Both the stars confirmed they would attend and one would be staying overnight with his family. The other one didn't live very far away. So Gwen made up the rooms secretly.
Merlin was feeling really down one morning two weeks before the party and due to feeling so unwell his appetite had also dropped off. Arthur got the doctor out who advised protein drinks which Merlin hated. He was also put on antibiotics. Iseldir came and spent some time with Merlin but it was beginning to look like the party wasn't such a good idea. Merlin was sinking into one of his dark periods once more. Arthur tried to get him to talk to him but Merlin just sat quietly. He was feeling useless he hated the feeling of breathlessness and having to wear the nasal cannula all the time, he knew he needed the oxygen but that didn't help. At night he had to sleep sitting up, Arthur was doing the same but Merlin knew that his husband found it difficult to sleep that way. Once again Merlin was causing problems for Arthur. His self esteem was taking a hit.
The children were all back having broken up for the summer. Miranda had brought home her boyfriend for them all to meet. Both Leon and Morgana like him. Morgana joked to Arthur saying her daughter had picked him as he was so like Merlin. His name was Mordred, he had come to stay at the bungalow for the weekend. Miranda asked Merlin if he minded if Mordred shared her room. Merlin was surprised and said it was ok with him but only if her parents and Arthur were also ok with it. Mordred took a liking to Merlin and ages talking to him. Mordred was studying medicine, and after watching him with Merlin Arthur thought he would have a very good bedside manner. Both the dogs liked Mordred and that was good enough for Merlin. Despite the age difference the two men soon became friends. Slowly with all the children about once more Merlin's mood began to lift. And once he was able to take off the oxygen he improved quickly. Just in time for the party.
One the morning of Merlin's fiftieth birthday he was given lots of presents and cards which he loved. Arthur told him he would have his from him later. But laughing gave Merlin a kiss to tide him over. Gwaine and Percy then took Merlin out for a walk with the dogs. For a change they took him off in the car to some woods the other side of the village. Merlin had no idea what was going on. He asked Arthur to go with them but Arthur said he had to make a few phone calls so couldn't but they would spend the rest of the day together.
As soon as the car was out the drive operation party started. The lorry arrived with the marquee and it was soon up. The hog roast team arrived and started up their fires and the pig and side of beef were transferred onto the spits. They had been started in a friends garden the other side of the village. All the food was brought over from the cottages and the outside team came to set it all out. The garden was decorated and all the extra seating was set up. Just before lunch Arthur set out to the pub were Gwaine and Percy had taken Merlin.
Arthur met them and they sat and had a drink out in the pub garden to celebrate Merlin's birthday. They had a small snack and told Merlin they were having a special meal that evening. They sat there until about three o'clock when Arthur's phone rang. He looked at the message and then a few minutes later told them they needed to get back.