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    Gwen sits, awe struck, opposite Uther. Beside her Arthur is calmly leaning against the chair, his fingers locked with hers, gently caressing. His touch calms her senses but they do nothing to her racing heartbeats. Gwen expected this when she agreed to Присоединиться Uther for ужин but what she didn’t anticipate is the kindness Uther been showering her and Arthur since their arrival. This is a totally renewed Uther Pendragon. Arthur is right after all. His father did turn over a new leaf. How come Merlin didn’t see this? Gwen hasn’t really known Uther in detail but she learned quite a lot from Merlin to have her own assessment done on him and nothing reads well about Uther. But whatever she heard from Merlin differs from what she is witnessing first hand here. Looks like she may have to reassess Uther.
    “Gwen?” Uther calls, raising his goblet to his lips.
    “Huh? Yeah… sir,” Gwen Ответы quickly to avoid embarrassment. Beside her Arthur straightens up.
    “You haven’t touched your food? Don’t Ты like it?”
    “No, it’s very good, sir. Thank you.” Gwen replies, forking her meat to prove her point.
    “Now, Ты have to stop calling me sir, Gwen. It makes this whole ужин look terribly official and reminds me so much of my lunch today with my board members. Ты can call me Uther или Dad, или Father… whatever Форс-мажоры you.”
    Gwen feels humbled. She really didn’t anticipate this and it warms her heart. She clasps Arthur’s hand and brings it to her lips, Поцелуи it warmly. Uther smiles and lays the goblet down on the table. Gwen smiles at him in appreciation.
    “Arthur… thank Ты so much for bringing me here,” she tells Arthur, leaning slightly towards him.
    “I told Ты you’d like it here, didn’t I?”
    “Yes…” she Ответы to him and looks back at Uther. “Thank you… Dad.”
    “There Ты go, that’s better.” Uther laughs, followed by Arthur. Gwen smiles and feels her cheeks colour. Geoffrey smiles and pours еще wine for Uther.
    “How is the meat, Miss Guinevere?” Geoffrey asks, circling the таблица to offer to pour wine for Gwen.
    “It’s delicious, Geoffrey and please, Guinevere alone would do. или Gwen,” she says, politely refusing the wine. Geoffrey nods and steps back.
    “Didn’t I tell Ты she is a modest girl, Geoffrey?” Uther informs Geoffrey.
    “She is, sir.”
    “You’ll be surprised when Ты find out еще about her, Geoffrey,” Arthur chips in. Gwen beats his thigh softly.
    “I’m just reminding them what to expect from you, sweetheart,” Arthur tells her.
    “I think you’re exaggerating a bit, Arthur.” Gwen replies.
    “Am I?”
    “Yes Ты are…” she tells him with a smile. “There’s still a lot for me to learn about everyone here and I don’t mind starting with Ты Geoffrey.”
    “Me? There’s nothing interesting about me. I am just a simple servant.”
    “Now, Geoffrey… are we being humble here?” Uther asks, scooping up his суп to his mouth.
    “No sir, just being truthful,” Geoffrey adds.
    “There Ты go Guinevere, Geoffrey, the simple man, has spoken. This is who he is… always being modest and simple with his ways,” Arthur whispers. Gwen smiles and keeps watching the friendly banter between Uther and Geoffrey.
    As time flies, Gwen didn’t realize how much fun she’s had for the night. The Еда is excellent, the hospitality was generous, the host is exceptional and above all she feels welcomed. The fear she’s been plagued with all week evaporates into thin air. She wishes she had agreed for this ужин appointment long time ago. But she is glad she didn’t waste еще time pondering whether she should go или not. Arthur too seems to have fun tonight. The feud between Merlin is long forgotten and he seems to be in peace in his father’s company. Father and son speak in friendly terms, discusses plans for their projects, Arthur explains about his eye appointments and Uther is interested in everything. He listens and speaks only when deemed necessary. Apart from that, he listens. Gwen watches both father and son and her сердце warms up to them. She remembers her own moment with her father and Elyan; recalling how her father used to bring both brother and sister together, cuddled in his arms while he talked to them. A single tear streaks down from her eyes, unknowingly. It catches her by surprise and she thumbs it off before anyone notices it. Uther looks up at her and smiles. She smiles back and he gets back to focus on his son.
    “So, there are two еще appointments for Ты before your operation, huh? What is the name of the doctor?” Uther asks.
    “Father… Ты promised.”
    “Of course I did, Arthur. I just want to know the name of the doctor.”
    “I don’t want Ты to interfere…”
    “I won’t, Arthur. I promise. I want to find out еще from the doctor regarding the operation. Gwen dear, will Ты help me here? He does not trust me again!” Uther calls for Gwen’s assistance.
    Gwen, who’s been busily flipping through the family album, looks up at the senior Pendragon, seated opposite her. Uther shrugs his shoulder and looks sympathetically at her. Gwen understands the meaning of the look and turns towards Arthur. “Arthur, I thought we had an agreement.”
    “We do…”
    “Then?” she asks again.
    Arthur keeps quiet and sighs. He purses his lips and taps his cane. “Doctor Rhea Grimley,” he answers.
    Uther turns towards Gwen and winks. “Finally, someone who can control your temper! Do Ты have any idea how long I have waited to meet the person who can keep the lid on you? Thanks Gwen,” Uther says and playfully pats Arthur’s shoulder.
    Arthur smiles. Gwen smiles and gets back to her album.
    “I’ll call the doctor tomorrow and find out about your treatment. I’ll keep Ты informed или best, I’ll tell Merlin so that he can convey the messages to you.” Uther informs.
    Gwen looks up in a beat and watches the expression changes on Arthur’s face. But Uther doesn’t notice it and carries on talking.
    “Talking about Merlin… how is his mother, Arthur? Is she still in Ealdor? And the other lads, Gwaine and Leon… how are they?”
    “Hmm, they are fine. Merlin is fine… his mother is fine.” Arthur Ответы uneasily. Uther’s brow arches as he listens to Arthur’s uninterested replies. He turns towards Gwen and catches her expression reveals she’s disturbed as well.
    “Is something wrong? Is there something I need to know?” Uther asks, changing his glance from Gwen to Arthur and then back on Gwen.
    Arthur keeps quiet. Gwen fiddles with the cover of the album and looks down.
    “Arthur?” Uther calls. No answer.
    “Gwen?” Uther asks her instead. Gwen looks at him and then at Arthur. “What is it Gwen?”
    Gwen knows there is no reason why Uther shouldn’t know. That man deserves the truth and if Arthur won’t tell him, then let her be the one to do it. “Merlin and Arthur had a slight misunderstanding today. Something happened which led from one event to another and finally both ends up hurt. They have parted ways temporarily,” she explains to him.
    “What is this, Arthur?” Uther asks him, clipping his chin and turning it to look at him.
    “I сказал(-а) some bad things to Merlin, father.”
    “You should be ashamed of yourself, Arthur!” Uther scolds his son. “Do Ты have any idea how fragile and vulnerable that boy is? And he’s your best friend Arthur, how could you?”
    Gwen couldn’t believe what she hears. ‘Uther is on Merlin’s side and seems to be nothing but nice on him so… why does Merlin refusing to trust Uther?’ the Вопрос plays in her head.
    “You don’t know what he said…” Arthur starts to argue.
    “I don’t care what he said, Arthur! Let it be anything, I don’t care!”
    “He сказал(-а) some bad things about you, Father!”
    “Who hasn’t, Arthur?” Uther Ответы angrily. “Who hasn’t…?”
    “But…”
“He might be upset, Arthur, have Ты thought of that?” Uther asks. Arthur quiets down. “I don’t blame him for not trusting me. I haven’t been helpful on that part, have I?” Uther adds. “I have been nasty to Ты and Merlin has spent his whole life watching the treatment I gave Ты since Ты were small. And it doesn’t surprise me he hates me, as Ты did.”
    “But, Father…”
    “Let me finish, Arthur. Do Ты know why Ты end all your conversations with me in fight? Because Ты hardly listen to me, that’s why. Now please listen. For once in your life, just listen. I don’t know what happened between Ты and Merlin but what I know is that he is your best friend, one who’ll stand up for you; be it wrong или right. And I know Merlin enough to say that boy always looks out for your best interests. So, he might have been troubled by something we don’t know about and just wanted the best for you. Perhaps his delivery wasn’t as Ты expected, but that doesn’t mean we should judge by it. Try to reconcile and find out why he сказал(-а) all the things he did. Understand him, Arthur, and I shouldn’t have to tell Ты this. Ты know it already, only sometimes Ты allow your judgment be clouded by your temper.”
    Gwen, who’s been listening, feels as if Uther is Чтение her mind. He is right, every word of it. Arthur fails to understand Merlin because he allows his mind to decide not his heart. And now look how that cost him?
    “How can Ты be so nice to him after all those things he сказал(-а) about you, Father?” Arthur asks.
    “It’s human to forgive and forget. I still don’t blame him for cursing the hell out of me. I deserve it, Arthur.” Uther still defends Merlin.
    “I don’t believe you, Father. And how I wish Merlin could hear Ты now! At least he’ll know he is wrong in his judgment. “
    “No, Arthur… it’s me who needs to apologise to him for all the troubles I laid on his shoulders. I completely ignored you, and he took over my duties, taking care of you. And he did it without complaint. And that’s why I say he owns the right to criticize me.”
    “But if Merlin could hear Ты now, Dad…” Gwen chips in.
    “I know, but aren’t we forgetting the issue at hand here? This is about Ты and Merlin, Arthur. Not me. I still think you’ve done a terrible thing, dismissing Merlin away. Ты must apologise and get his friendship back.”
    “Father…”
    “Did Ты listen what I just said, Arthur?” Uther asks, sternly.
    Arthur sighs. “Yes Father. I did and I will… but not right away, yeah. I am still горький with all those things he сказал(-а) about you. It might take some time but I will eventually.”
    “Good… and Gwen dear? Will Ты be my eyes and ensure it happens?”
    “Sure will,” Gwen answers.
    “Good,” Uther turns back to his son and cups Arthur’s cheek. “I just want the best for you, Arthur, and Merlin as well as the others are part of that. I don’t want Ты to break your friendship with them because of me. Ты need them, so try to get them all back in your life,” he tells Arthur.
    “I will, Father… I will.”
    At that moment, Geoffrey walks in and announces that чай and cakes will be served on the patio. Uther nods at Geoffrey and invites both Arthur and Gwen to Присоединиться him for tea. Gwen leads Arthur out followed by Uther from behind. чай is excellent and the cakes are delicious, each type еще delicious than the previous. Gwen has never tasted anything like this before and enjoyed each type there was. Uther heaps еще praise on Geoffrey until the old butler starts blushing and politely asks Uther to stop. Uther promises to do if Geoffrey makes him his тыква pie for breakfast the following morning. Reluctantly Geoffrey has to agree as long as Uther can make good of his promise.
    “I wish Ты could stay here tonight, Gwen, so that Ты can taste Geoffrey’s тыква pie. It’s the best pie I have eaten in my life.” Uther tells Gwen after Geoffrey has left.
    “I agree there, Father,” Arthur seconds, sipping his tea.
    “I wish I could, too, but I have work tomorrow and I need to be there early. Maybe Далее time,” Gwen says.
    “I understand Ты work with Gaius, Gwen … how is he?”
    “He is fine. He is extremely excited at the prospect of opening his third outlet by Далее year.”
    “He is one of the most hardworking men I have known. I am not surprised by what Ты tell me.”
    “You should listen to what Guinevere does, Father… she is the female version of Gaius,” Arthur says with a laugh.
    “Are Ты planning to work after marriage, Gwen?” Uther asks.
    Gwen stops munching her cakes. This is one Вопрос she been fearing all день and now it’s out. What should she tell him? “Hmm… yes, I suppose.”
    “Don’t get me wrong, dear, but… with all the wealth you’d be inheriting after your marriage with Arthur, there’s no need for Ты to work anymore. Don’t think I’m humiliating Ты или testing Ты with my Вопрос but this is something I need to know before your marriage. Do Ты really have to?”
    “I hope Ты don’t misunderstand, me, Dad but… I am marrying your son for who he is not what he’s been. Meaning, I am marrying him alone not the wealth his attached to. I want nothing to do with his wealth или fame. Those are his and yours alone and I really am not interested in it. I Любовь my work. I told Arthur that I will still continue to work after marriage because until Arthur gets well and finds himself a job, I need to support us both. Please, don’t think we are humiliating Ты but this is our decision, we are in agreement in this, so… I hope Ты understand, Dad,” Gwen tells Uther and waits for the old man to erupt. But she is in for disappointment, because instead of erupting into anger, Uther laughs.
    “Arthur… I must say Ты are the luckiest man on earth. I could not find a better person than her for you, son, and Ты are really lucky to have met someone like her,” Uther tells them both.
    “You are not angry, Father?” Arthur asks.
    “Why should I be? I asked her a simple Вопрос and she gave an honest answer. I am happy with what I hear, Arthur… I am fine with her decision. If Ты are fine with her pursuing her career after marriage, then I am fine with it, too.”
    “I mean… what about your concern about status, dignity…. All that?” Arthur asks, still curious as why his father seems to have changed his thoughts over this issue. He remembers Merlin’s statement today regarding his father; Uther’s take on Guinevere and he still hasn’t certified if what Merlin told him was true или not. Probably now would be a good chance to ask his father.
    “I have absolutely…”
    “Before Ты answer that, Father… I have a Вопрос to ask Ты and I pray Ты tell me the truth.” Arthur cuts his father short. Uther arches his brow and listens.
    “Go ahead,” Uther tell his son.
    “Merlin tells me today that Ты asked him to investigate Guinevere. Is there any truth in that, Father? And is it true that Ты had doubts about her as well?”
    Uther looks at Gwen and then back at his son. Sighing, he lowers his head. “I did Arthur. I am sorry.”
    “God!” Arthur covers his mouth. “Merlin was telling me the truth after all… and I didn’t listen! And I shut him out!!”
    “Look, Arthur, I know this hurts but I wasn’t myself then. I was pressured by Godwyn’s insistence to get his daughter married to Ты and when I found out about Gwen, I felt like a stranger in your life. I didn’t know that my only son was in Любовь with someone, so I asked Merlin to investigate about her. As for the doubts; I am sorry Arthur. And you, too, Gwen. I was being Uther Pendragon, the tyrant. Not the father I am trying so hard to be now. I know what I сказал(-а) probably caused the rift between Ты and Merlin and I wish I could do something to repair that, but… I first seek forgiveness from both of you. I am sorry Gwen, and you, Arthur,” Uther apologises, shaking his head and burying them in his hands.
    “No, Ты don’t need to apologise, Dad… anyone in your shoes would do exactly that… please. Arthur? Help me here, please!” Gwen pleads, seeking Arthur’s attention.
    “What do Ты want me to say, Guinevere?”
    “He is your father, Arthur, and he is trying. Give him a chance.”
    “No, Gwen… I understand if he doesn’t …” Uther starts.
    “I forgive you, Father. I will talk to Merlin later and apologise to him, too. It wasn’t the wisest Переместить from you, but I understand why Ты did it,” Arthur replies, much to Gwen’s relief. “But surely Ты wouldn’t turn on your words anymore, Father?”
    “I won’t, Arthur. I give Ты my promise and if Ты ever find me so, Ты can disown me или best, think I’m dead in your life.”
    “Father…”
    “No, Arthur… I am serious about this and you. I gave a promise to your mother that I’d ensure your happiness, but I failed. And I don’t want to carry on failing so I have to do something to see that your life is back on the right track. There is no way I can turn Ты to my path, so I have to direct my course into yours. So be it, then,” Uther replies.
    “Thanks, Father. Now that I have gotten that off my chest, let’s get back to what we have been discussing before. Are Ты sure Ты have no problem with Guinevere keeping her job after marriage?”
    “Not at all, Arthur. I told Ты I have дана this matter a long serious thinking and find this it is the best option to ensure Ты are happy. I just want to see that smile on your face, son, and if this answer can assure that, so be it. Gwen can work like Ты both wish, and I am fine with it but I am just asking a favour in return: Please come and stay with me here. I am old, Arthur, and I can use company and perhaps later, a grandson to play with.”
    Gwen squeezes Arthur’s hand. “Father… of course… of course we will,” Arthur promises.
    “Good,” Uther replies.
    Gwen smiles and grabs Arthur’s hand between both of hers now, clasping it tightly. Uther smiles.
    “Thank you, Father,” Arthur replies, his smile widening as he pulls Gwen closer to him.
    “Pleasure’s all mine,” Uther Ответы shortly.


A week later…

    Lancelot walks into Gwen’s office looking bright and excited. In his hand, he holds a portable hard disk and a book. He whistles his way in and sits down opposite Gwen, laying the book and the disk on the table. Gwen looks up from her work.
    “What’s up, Lancelot?” she asks, leaning against her chair.
    “I need an opinion from you. Are Ты busy?”
    “Nope… not right now. Probably will be in about two hour’s time. What is it?”
    “I have a friend who has another friend and it’s that friend’s birthday Далее week. Are Ты following?”
    “Hmm… yeah, sort of. Carry on.”
    “All right, so this friend of mine wants to buy a gift for that friend and has asked me for my opinion, of which I obviously don’t have, and I could use your expertise right now.”
    “This friend of yours’ friend… are they a he или a she?”
    “She, and that’s why I need your opinion.”
    “Oh that’s easy… what does she like?”
    “There’s another issue as well, Gwen. Ты see, my friend likes that friend… like in a sense of… really like. Get what I mean?” Lancelot asks, as he notes the puzzled look on Gwen’s face.
    “Like?”
    “Like… Ты know, like crush type of like, like which can lead to Любовь type of like. Are Ты following me Gwen?” Lancelot asks, scratching his forehead.
    “Lancelot?” Gwen scratches her head in confusion and holds up her hands in defeat. “You are really confusing me!”
    “I know… but Ты need to help me please.”
    “I can’t if Ты don’t stop confusing me. Do your Друзья have names? And what is this like business is all about? Is he in Любовь with her или what? или is it just a crush?”
    “I think he might Любовь her.”
    “Might…”
    “Hmm…” Lancelot trails.
    “Lancelot?” Gwen straightens up and eyes him curiously. “Are Ты telling me the truth?”
    “Why? Why do Ты ask that?” he asks, his eyes widening.
    “Because I think there is something Ты are hiding from me. Are Ты really sure about this characters или is it you? Tell me the truth please, Lancelot. I am your friend and I have never hidden anything from you, have I?”
    Lancelot closes his eye and leans back, biting his lips in frustration. If he wants Gwen to help him, then he has to be truthful to her. There is no way she can help with all these lies. “You win, Gwen. It is me… and I need to buy a gift for Elena. Will Ты help me?”
    “Elena?” Gwen is shocked. She had suspected Lancelot to be in the fray but Elena? Now that’s a surprise. And to some extent, a relief.
    “Is there something wrong?”
    “No, no, actually I am happy. Really happy for you. Are Ты in Любовь with her?”
    “I think I am though I don’t know yet.”
    “What do Ты mean Ты don’t know and how did it happen? Where did Ты meet her?”
    “Remember the день I met her here, well… I’ve been thinking about her a lot and then I bumped into her again at the супермаркет last week. We went out for coffee and a lot of things were discussed. We got to know each other and exchanged numbers. I started calling her after that and she does the same, so… that’s how we grew closer. And her birthday looms ahead and I want to give her something but not just anything; I want to profess my Любовь to her and I don’t know how. I could use some advice, Gwen.”
    “Oh, I am so happy for Ты both Lancelot! Sure I’ll help… usually girls loves flowers. If Ты want to make a statement about your love, Ты need to give her something she’ll cherish. Something solid. Цветы are a must, though, make it red Розы and then Ты must also give her something that’ll speak of your Любовь for her.”
    “What is it?”
    “What does she like?”
    “She loves book, music, chocolates, dresses…”
    “What about bracelet или a chain?”
    “Jewels?”
    “Yeah, does she like them?”
    “She сказал(-а) she hates diamonds but she loves pearls. She told me that.”
    “Then get her something pearly. Like earrings. She’ll like them.”
    “I think I saw some pearl earrings somewhere. I’ll get them.”
    “And make sure Ты profess your Любовь for her as well, Lancelot. It will mean nothing if Ты give something dear and печать your Любовь within yourself. Ты need to tell her, understand?”
    “Yes, I will… thank you, Gwen. The flowers… how many should I give?”
    “That’s really up to you, Lancelot. Give her as many Ты want… this is your girl,” Gwen says with a smile.
    “Thanks a million, Gwen. Ты are my angel!” Lancelot says with a smile and then a wink. He picks up the hard disk and prepares to leave. He pushes the book gently towards Gwen. “I bought this for you, dear. Take it.”
    “What is it?”
    “Take a look,” Lancelot pushes the chair back and stands up.
    Gwen takes the book and reads the title. THE JOY OF MARRIAGE. She looks at him, smiling.
    “I know you’ll Любовь it.” Lancelot says.
    “Thank Ты so much, Lancelot,” she says. He winks again and leaves. But just as he reaches the door, Gaius pushes himself through, looking painfully in fear.
    “Have either of Ты heard anything from Morgana?” he asks. Lancelot turns to look at Gwen.
    “No, but I thought she’d gone back to visit her sister,” Gwen answers, looking at Lancelot and then at Gaius.
    “That’s what she told me and she сказал(-а) it would be a day’s visit, and now it’s a week. She is not answering her phone and there isn’t anyone at her apartment here and no one is picking up the phone at her sister’s, either. Did she call either of you?”
    “No… she didn’t. That’s strange!” Lancelot muses, pursing his lips.
    “I didn’t call her either. I hope nothing’s wrong,” Gwen replies. Her сердце racing in fear.
    “So am I… that poor girl’s been troubled with problem after problem. I really hope she is fine. Can Ты try to call her, Gwen? I won’t rest until I hear from her. Lancelot, I’d like to pay a visit to her apartment. Can Ты drive me there?”
    “Sure… let’s go. Let me know what Ты hear from her, Gwen,” Lancelot advises and Gwen nods in assurance. Both Gaius and Lancelot leave and Gwen doesn’t waste any time, pouncing on the phone immediately, dialing Morgana’s number.


    Merlin sighs and stops at the door of Arthur’s apartment. His hands firmly thrust in his pocket and shoulders hunched, he remains still by the door. Someone taps his shoulder. Merlin doesn’t need to turn to find out who does that. It’s Gwaine.
    “What is it?” Gwaine asks.
    “I can’t do it, Gwaine.” Merlin tells him, shaking his head.
    “But Ты promised Gwen, remember?”
    “I know, but…”
    “Listen, Merlin. Arthur is sorry for what happened and he wants to apologise. He would have sought Ты out if he wasn’t blind and that’s why he asked Ты to meet him. And Ты heard what Gwen told Ты last night, didn’t you? He knows the truth and Uther had admitted it in Arthur’s presence! Everything is falling back nicely and the final piece is your reconciliation, Merlin. Come on, Ты two. We can’t have two of Ты sulking about like ladies!” Gwaine slaps Merlin’s shoulder gently.
    Gwaine is right, Merlin thinks. Arthur is like his own brother and it hurts him to see his friend drift away from his life. Merlin needs everyone in his circle; all his friends. And Arthur is part of that круг too. Yes, he’d been hurt by what Arthur said, but he contributed to that cause as well. If only he had controlled his temper and his outburst, Arthur wouldn’t have shut him off, shunned him. Merlin is as much to blame as is Arthur. And now, he has to forgive Arthur and reconcile. He promised Gwen he would, but he still does not believe Uther has changed. Gwen didn’t try to change that in him and he appreciates it, but he doesn’t try to convince her otherwise too. Uther can convince anyone in the world about his change, but he will never convince Merlin. He has known Uther longer than that to fall for that sweet talk. And he will be wary of that man. If he tries to hurt Arthur and Gwen, Merlin will be ready.
    The door opens and Arthur stands in the way, topless. Merlin looks at Gwaine and the latter shrugs his shoulder.
    “You were dragging your feet, Merlin, so I did the honours. Hello Arthur?” Gwaine says before Merlin can complain.
    “Gwaine… Merlin?” Arthur is surprised. “Come in… how long have Ты both been here?” Arthur says and steps back, allowing the other two to step inside.
    Gwaine nudges Merlin inside and helps Arthur with the door before leading Arthur to the living room. “So, where are Ты going?”
    “I have an appointment with the doctor today. Just getting dressed.” Arthur answers.
    “You’re going there alone?” Gwaine eyes Merlin.
    “Yeah… Gwaine, is Merlin there with you?”
    “Yes, he is here, Arthur.”
    “Merlin… look I understand Ты are still angry with me and I am sorry.” Arthur says as he searches for Merlin. Gwaine wants to help Arthur but he shrugs him off. “No, let me Поиск for Merlin myself, Gwaine. I will find him, I always do,” Arthur says and keeps searching. He almost trips over a vase but Merlin catches him before Arthur falls.
    “Merlin?” Arthur clasps Merlin’s hand tightly in his. “Please talk to me, Merlin. I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have сказал(-а) those nasty words, I am sorry. Won’t Ты talk to me?”
    “It’s all right, Arthur,” Merlin says quietly.
    “No, Merlin. It’s not. I regret what I said… I сказал(-а) Ты are not family… I was wrong, Merlin. Ты are my family. Ты are my brother, Merlin, the brother I never had… and I cherish all you’ve done for me. All of it. I am fool for not appreciating your Любовь and friendship, Merlin. And I understand that now… as much I hurt you, I hurt myself too. And I would be lying if I told Ты I was fine after Ты left. I wasn’t… I missed you, Merlin. I missed your laugh, your banter, your stories… God! I missed Ты so much I just wanted to get out there and seek Ты out on my own! But blast my blindness, I couldn’t, and that’s why I had to ask Guinevere to help me talk to you. But I swear Merlin; I will not hurt Ты anymore. I swear!”
    Merlin feels his eyes moist and he looks at Gwaine. The latter smiles sadly and nods back at Merlin. Merlin pulls Arthur close and hugs him, tear streaking down his cheek.
    “It’s all right, Arthur. I am sorry, too. I shouldn’t have сказал(-а) all those things about your Father…”
    “No, Ты have the absolute right, Merlin,” Arthur pulls back. “You took care of me, Merlin, and Ты know еще about me than I do myself. Ты have the right to say anything about anyone, including Guinevere.”
    “No, Arthur. I should know to hold my ground on your personal life. I must learn to draw my limits…”
    “That’s bollocks, Merlin. I have heard enough from Ты today… no еще apologies from you. The only apology comes from me and me alone. I am sorry and I want Ты back in my life. Things haven’t been the same without Ты and I want it to be back on track like always.”
    “All right, Arthur.”
    “Finally… it happened! Thank Ты god!” Gwaine says and nears them both. Hugging them together, he kisses both Arthur and Merlin on the cheek.
    “Gwaine!” Arthur says, his face shocked.
    “Was that really necessary?” Merlin wipes his cheek, shaking his head.
    “Hey, I’m Показ my appreciation, yeah. What… are Ты going to offend me too?”
    “No, no… my friend, we are not going to,” Arthur smiles. “But I could use a lift to the hospital.”
    “That, I can do… well, go and get yourself dressed… I have plans this evening and I can’t waste time.”
    “Be back in a jiffy,” Arthur says with a smile and leaves both Merlin and Gwaine.


    Gwen hurries up the escalator and pushes through the line of people at the reception and reaches the receptionist. She hears the people behind her complaining but she ignores them.
    “I’d like to see Mr. Reagan, now!” it was еще of an instruction, not a request.
    “I am afraid Ты might need to get in line to see…”
    “Are Ты going to let me pass или shall I break your face to make my point clear to you?” Gwen slams her fist on the counter, stunning the receptionist as well as an old lady behind Gwen. There were murmurs along the line bur nothing seems to upset Gwen еще than she already is. “Will Ты call him или shall I do that myself?”
    “This… this… way, pl-please,” the receptionist gets up and leads Gwen towards Reagan’s office. Gwen hurries behind her. They go through a glass door; down a small flight of steps and head left to end up at the door of a luxury office belonging to the man Gwen clearly needs to meet.
    The receptionist taps on the door but Gwen clearly has no patience and passes through the receptionist and slams the door open, barging in. Reagan is in conversation with another lady when he looks up, stunned and shocked both rolled into one. The receptionist follows Gwen from behind, looking apologetically at Reagan as if to say she tried all her best to hold Gwen back.
    “What on earth…” Reagan says, straightening himself.
    “I need a word with you, Mr. Reagan! Now!” Gwen impatience is running out and she looks as if she is ready to devour Reagan right where he stands.
    “I’m sorry, sir… I tried to hold her back, but she…”
    “It’s all right, Nancy; I’ll take it from here. Will Ты be kind enough to escort Miss пейсли to the lobby?” Reagan asks his receptionist and then looks at the lady in front of him. “I’ll meet Ты at the lobby in a short while.” He tells her. The lady smiles and looks at Gwen sharply, quite disappointed her meeting with Reagan was cut short by the unexpected intrusion by Gwen. The latter couldn’t be bothered by the sharp look exchanged by both the receptionist and пейсли and has her eyes fixed on Reagan.
    Reagan gets up and opens the door for the ladies to pass through before closing it behind them. He then turns around and walks back to his table, smiling politely at Gwen. “Now, what can I do for you?”
    “I want to know why on earth my friend didn’t receive a single penny from this account when Ты clearly had the transfer sanctioned right in my presence. And if Ты had decided to stop the transfer from proceedings, why wasn’t I notified? And why was it not sanctioned when Arthur had issued the green light? WHY?” Gwen slams the таблица again, her anger impeding all her ethics.
    Reagan looks surprised. “The transfer didn’t go through? What do Ты mean?”
    “Do I look like I’m joking here, Reagan? Do I look like a joke to you?” Gwen lashes out. “This is a matter of a life and death and Ты can still ask me a stupid Вопрос like that?”
    “Now, Gwen, I understand Ты are angry…”
    “It’s еще than angry! I am furious! I’m disappointed, Reagan… I am…” Gwen heaves her hand to pound the таблица again but she stops, and slumps on the chair; burying her face in her hands instead. She feels defeated and lost. Everything seemed to be running smoothly until she received the call from Morgana an час ago. It seems the money never arrived and now the loan sharks are threatening to kill Morgause if they don’t get the money in the Далее twenty-four hours. Morgana didn’t know whom to call because she knew Gwen has done all the hard work in getting the money and didn’t want to trouble her friend further. And since the loan sharks have placed guards outside their home, she is unable to come back to Camelot.
    She noted Gaius tried calling her number of times but was afraid to receive the line and opted to ignore it. But with the pressure and the threat looming, she knew she has to look for help and the only one she could think of was Gwen. She sneaked off into the bathroom to make her call. Her friend sounded desperate, in fact Morgana was almost whispering through the line making it hard for Gwen to understand but what she did hear though was the money didn’t make it to Morgana and now they have дана timeline for Morgause’s life. Morgana cried over the phone, breaking Gwen’s сердце and now she wants to know what happened with the transfer and the one who can answer that Вопрос is the man who made the transfer.
    “Gwen… please calm down. I’ll find out what happened. Just give a moment,” Reagan says and leaves the room. Gwen didn’t even notice him leaving as her mind is all muddled with the events of the day. She is bitter, angry and completely shaken by Morgana’s troubles. She wants to help, she in fact did but help never reached her friend, leaving her reeling. What could have gone wrong? Everything seemed fine a week ago.
    Reagan comes back in and sits down in front of Gwen, holding some files and documents. Gwen looks up at him. “It seems the bank opted to reject the transfer regarding some wrong information in the paperwork. I didn’t know anything about this because this was done in the accounts department. They usually finalise the transfer and found some information not valid and opted to reject it, without letting me know или you, in that case. Which is why I was quite surprised.”
    “Invalid information? What the bloody hell is that?”
    “I don’t know, Gwen…”
    “Then get the bloody accounts staff here and I’ll ask them myself!”
    “Gwen, lashing out will not do any good.”
    “You have no idea how much this transfer means to me, Reagan! Ты don’t know how many lives are depending on this money… Ты don’t know anything!!” Gwen slams the таблица multiple times, hurting her palm. “I need this money, Reagan… please!” she pleads to him.
    “Gwen… I understand.”
    “Do I have to bring Arthur here to get all the information verified?’
    “No, but there is one person who can get this transfer proceeded without a single check through. Uther.”
    Gwen’s eyes light up. “I know him… can I call him?”
    “No, let me do the work. I’ll get him through and tell him about the complications Ты are facing and I am sure he will get the transfer through and the money to your friend in minutes!” Reagan says and gets up. “I won’t be long.” He promises and leaves.
    Gwen’s сердце lifts as she hears the name of her father in law. Yes, he will help her. He’s been a kind man to her during the ужин and has been nothing but the father in law every woman would dream to get. He’s also planned to take both Gwen and Arthur for shopping, no expenses barred for their upcoming wedding. Gwen rakes through her hair, wipes her temple and bites her lips in frustration as Reagan takes longer than he promised. But when the door opens, she is on her feet. “So?”
    Reagan smiles at her, giving her hope. “Mr. Uther has spoken to the bank CEO personally and asked for the transfer to go through. Your friend will be receiving the money before Ты reach home, Gwen.”
    “Oh my!!” Gwen covers her mouth as happiness spreads through her body like wild fire. She doesn’t know how to thank Uther and Reagan for the help they have invested for her. “Thank you, thank Ты so much!”
    “No, don’t thank me… thank your future father-in-law. He did all the work.”
    “I will, soon… but first, I am sorry for all the nasty things I сказал(-а) to Ты and for barging in rudely on your meeting a while ago. I was desperate, and I am sorry and thank Ты for the help.”
    “It’s all right, Gwen. I understand your emotions there… I am happy to help,” Reagan says with a smile.
    “I have to call my friend… and my father-in-law. Thank you,” Gwen says and leaves the room.


A месяц later …

    Morgana smiles and waves at Lancelot before nearing Gwen who’s still busy with her project. She taps on Gwen’s shoulder. Gwen looks up and pulls up her Чтение glasses.
    “What on earth are Ты doing here? I thought Ты are supposed to be at the hospital today?” Morgana asks, sitting down beside Gwen.
    “Yeah… I was wondering the same?” Lancelot tells them and closes the lid of the CPU he is working on. He wipes his hand and nears the girls. “The operation is tomorrow isn’t it?”
    “Yeah… but I have this project to finish and thought I might do this before heading to the hospital.”
    “Gwen… this is Arthur we are talking about and this project can wait, right Lancelot?”
    “Yeah… Gaius won’t mind.”
    “I know, but I don’t want to be interrupted once Arthur gets his operation done. I want to stay with him and help him to get back on feet. I can’t have minor interruptions like this on my schedule, yeah,” Gwen says and smiles.
    “Ahhhh…” Morgana looks at Lancelot and smiles sheepishly. Lancelot smiles, shaking his head.
    “I get it… I totally get it!” he says.
    “Anyway… how are Ты and Elena?” Morgana asks. “Gwen kept me informed about Ты and Elena while I was away. I am happy for you, Lancelot.”
    “Thanks. Well… in a way I can assure Ты we are making good progress. I am due to meet her father in a week’s time and I can use some good Совет from Arthur. After all he knows that man in and out, yeah.”
    “Yeah he does. He almost became his son in law, remember?” Gwen reminds Lancelot.
    “Thankfully he didn’t…” Lancelot replies.
    “You can say that again, Lancelot.” Gwen laughs. “I am happy Ты are trouble free now Morgana.”
    “Thanks to you, Gwen. If Ты didn’t come up with the money in time, I don’t know what could have happened. I am just happy to have all that past me now. I am really looking вперед to the future and everything else is my nightmare.”
    “Yes, Morgana, I was going to tell Ты the same. That was one nightmare we are glad to have passed by. How’s Modred?”
    “He is better. He feels indebted to Ты and Arthur and vows to get every single penny repaid. He’s got himself back in school and doing very well indeed. Just like old times,” Morgana replies.
    “How are Elyan and Percival?” Morgana asks. “I miss them both.” She adds.
    “They are coping well. Percival’s facing a slight stumble in his business but from what I heard from Elyan last night it seems they are coming off good again. It won’t take long before Percival hits the charts once again.” Gwen informs.
    “And when can we expect wedding bells from Elyan?” Lancelot asks.
    Gwen blushes. “After mine, that’s for sure,” she says and laughs, followed by other.
    “Well, looks like everything going to end well after all,” Lancelot says, smiling at the girls.
    Gwen smiles. “I hope Ты are right, Lancelot. I am quite worried about the operation though.”
    “Don’t be silly, girl… Arthur’s a Храбрая сердцем man and he will make it through. He has your Любовь to hang on to and he will get his eyesight restored,” Lancelot says, giving her hope.
    “Well, in that case I better get this project done as fast as I can… I want to be there tonight before he heads to the operation theatre. Can Ты debug and test run for me, Lancelot?”
    “Anything for you, lovely one,” Lancelot winks, causing both the girls to laugh.