Gaius opened the door after the first knock, raising his eyebrows. "Merlin? Aren't you supposed to be at the feast?"
"I couldn't handle it. Not right now," Merlin replied, walking in. "Not after everything." Merlin had already told Gaius all that had happened with Morgana at the mines and how Mordred had come to join their company. "I was thinking… can I have dinner with you? Just for old times' sake?"
Gaius smiled. "You are always welcome here, Merlin."
Merlin hugged him, feeling some of the tension ease out of his body. "Come on," Gaius said, leading him to the small table. "I made stew."
Merlin found himself grinning. No matter how old you got, there were some things only a parent could make better.