There can be no place for magic in Camelot

Feast for Magic

Gwen had planned a pilgrimage to her fathers resting place in the coming days, before the excitement of Merlin having magic came around. Gwen refused to make the trip, regardless of the Knights who would accompany her, until Merlin came back. Merlin had helped her when her father had died. Had stayed with her and comforted her, helping her not feel so alone. She was determined to make sure her friend would come back. Fixing the unjust laws that Uther had put in place seemed a small thing in comparison to what Merlin had done for her. The council had actually cowered when she sat in charge of their sessions. Arthur had told her repeatedly how much he adored her and worshipped her for being so amazing during this time. He was at his wits end and she stood strong and resilient. She had taken to setting up large dinners every few days where she would have Arthur dine with the Knights. Percival, Elyan, Leon, and Mordred were grateful to be able to help their King wind down some. Of course, at least one of these dinners Gwen would attend. She would dress down in one of her old dresses, not wanting to feel too Queenly in the midst of friends. It was getting closer to the evening of the grand feast they had planned for the Druids, and they were feeling fairly sullen. Gwaine had left days ago and had yet to send word back.

"Do you suppose he's found him yet?" Elyan asked, cautiously. Each time the conversation turned to Merlin and his absence, the others usually got quiet.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he's been with him all this time and they've been otherwise occupied." Percival snickered. Gwen blushed and held her hand to her mouth trying not to laugh too much. Leon couldn't stop his laughter and soon everyone was chuckling or out right laughing. For several minutes, they all laughed. When the sound died down, everyone ate in comfortable silence for a time.

"Gwaine is going to be insufferable when he gets back. He was never subtle when he made moon eyes at Merlin. Now that he knows he has a chance, ugh. Hopefully Merlin can keep him somewhat under control." Leon said into the silence.

"I never knew, so he wasn't completely obvious about it." Arthur added. This caused more snickering. "What?"

"Sire, he was never subtle about it. During training he would stand to the side and just blatantly stare. On patrols or hunts he was always right next to him, or watching him in his peripheral vision. It was like they were magnets and Gwaine was being pulled to him. If these reciprocated feelings mean he'll stop gaping at him anytime he sees him in the corridor or during Round Table meetings, I'm for it." Percival stated.

"I don't think this will stop him, if Merlin returns with him. If anything I think he'll do it more. But I imagine he'll be a lot more forward with it." Mordred said, blushing. The blushing caused more rounds of laughter.

"Honestly, Arthur, I can't believe you never saw it." Gwen chided.

"Did you know?" Arthur asked, skeptically.

"I didn't know that Gwaine had feelings for Merlin. No. But. I knew that Merlin watched every move that Gwaine made. His eyes would follow him through the banquet hall or he would linger after a meeting to trade a few words. His smile would soften slightly and no matter whatever mask he may have built up, the longing in his eyes was overwhelming. I could never figure out why he didn't make any declarations or anything though." Gwen replied.

"So it seems that everyone knew about Gwaine's feelings and only you and Gaius knew of Merlin's. Hmm. What about...what about Lancelot? I can't really see them together." Arthur stated. Leon choked on his drink and nearly spit it across the table, making the others laugh more. "What is it?" Arthur asked, getting annoyed at how little he seemed to know.

"Erm, well, I learned, quite recently, sire, that apparently, Lancelot didn't have his own quarters for most of the time he was a knight. He'd only had his own for a few short months before the Isle of the Blessed and the dorocha." Leon was wiping his napkin on his mouth trying to get the remainder of his drink cleaned up from his face.