A Joyous Yule

"Merlin, this is…"

Merlin could hear that Arthur was doing his best to avoid too much enthusiasm while gazing around his chamber. Maybe he should help him along, just a little? "Beautiful?"

"I wouldn't go as far as that, but…"

"You're impressed, amazed, totally mesmerised?"

"Will you stop finishing my sentences."

"So, you are impressed."

"Well, maybe... a little." A finger waved in front of Merlin's eyes. "But if you tell anyone about this, especially Guinevere, I'll, I'll..."

"You'll kill me where I stand."

"Exactly."

"Thank you, sire." Merlin tried to hide the grin that threatened to appear.

It was the first time Yule was upon them after Arthur had made Gwen his wife and queen. The king wanted it to be special, but of course Arthur never had a clue where to start. It had become Merlin's task to figure out what it was he wanted, and it had taken him more than a week, and lots of whining from the king, to come up with a brilliant idea.

It felt like a long time ago; the moment when Arthur had asked Gwen to become his wife. Merlin remembered he had filled the room with candles for the occasion. The king had watched his every step that day, so lightening them with magic had been out of the question. But this time a training session with the knights, while Gwen had been visiting friends in the lower town, provided Merlin with enough time to light them all at once. The royal dining chamber looked amazing, and after throwing some logs into the fireplace and starting a fire, Merlin had felt warm and content with his work. He was glad to see his friend was to.

"Is there anything else I can do for you this evening, sire?"

"No, you can go." Arthur seemed enthralled by the lights, but when Merlin turned to leave he heard him whisper. "Thank you, Merlin."

Closing the door behind him, the semi dark and cold corridor greeted him, and the warm feeling disappeared instantly. On days like these he always felt torn between happiness and loneliness. It was going really well with Camelot, so there were reasons to celebrate. The Yule season was always full of magic, as the sun made its way back to the earth. His destiny seemed to press down even harder on his shoulders though, for reasons beyond his knowledge. As if something bad was going to happen.

Shuddering, he made his way to Gaius' chambers, as fast as he could. There was a wreath of all sorts of greenery and pine cones securely fastened to their door. Gaius was happy to follow tradition, even though all signs of magic were forbidden of course.

"Merlin," Gaius' bright voice welcomed him home. "Look what was brought to us from the kitchen this afternoon."

Then Merlin became aware of the biggest turkey he ever saw, roasting above the fire. His stomach growled as soon as the smell reached his nostrils. He had been too busy to eat much today, and it smelled like heaven. Merlin felt confused, a little suspicious even. What was that about it being brought from the kitchen?

"For us?" He heard himself stammer, "why?"

"There." Gaius, turning the turkey, pointed at the table, a non readable look on his face.

Merlin could feel his eyes following him, as he found a small piece of paper, folded. Opening it he recognised the handwriting right away. This came from Arthur, written by the king himself. It said; "Dear Gaius and Merlin, we wish you a joyous Yule, and a good meal. Thank you for everything you do for us. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere."

Blinking a couple of times he opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He stared at Gaius while all sorts of emotions raced through him. Arthur cared. Of course he did. So why did this gesture make him emotional like a little girl, as Arthur would say?

In the blink of an eye, Gaius stood in front of him, a smile on his face. Then he gave him a big hug.

"Let's eat my boy."

The End