Breakfast

I awoke in front of the fireplace, which was still going, and found a red pillow to be under my head. I sat up and a red silk blanket slipped away from me. The room was dimly lit by the sunlight coming from a window, but no one seemed to be around. I got up quickly and made my way back to my own room, frightened i'd find Merlin and Edgar awake and unhappy.

Several servants were bustling about, but non of them paid me too much attention. When I reached Merlin's I opened the door quietly, thinking they may still be asleep. Yet, what I found when I opened the door was Merlin rushing around the room in a half-panicked state.

"Where are my shoes, Edgar? Did you move them? You must stop moving everything!" Merlin was looking under the table by the time I shut the door. Merlin heard the door and jumped, hitting his head against the table. "Ouch!"

Edgar was just sitting in front of the fireplace, shaking his head at Merlin. "He has just received word that the king has returned and is awaiting his presence at breakfast. What have you been up to, miss Fia? You were gone when we awoke this morning."

"I went for a walk in the castle." I said nervously.

"Found them!" Merlin cried. "Sister, you must get dressed at once." Merlin then rushed to find his belt.

Edgar helped me get ready by picking out a light green dress with golden trim for me to wear. "Why is Merlin so distressed?" I asked Edgar. "Surely he knows the king will not hold his being late against him."

"I believe our Merlin is simply eager to see his friend returned safely." He explained.

"That makes sense." I said, holding back the smile that crept towards my lips.

I walked with Merlin down to the dining hall where we found Uther and Aurelius, seated as they were when I first ate with them. Merlin greeted Aurelius with a hearty hug and slap on the back.

"It is good to have you back, sire." Merlin said, a great big smile on his face.

"It's good to be back." Aurelius replied. "Please, do have a seat."

We all sat down in the same arrangement as before, Aurelius at the head, Merlin and Uther to his sides and I next to Merlin. Our meal consisted of breads, meats, cheeses, and eggs, but i could hardly concentrate on my meal. I kept glancing over at Aurelius, who spoke animatedly with his brother and Merlin. He was now free of dirt and grime, and his hair was neatly combed. He wore a blue tunic, which seemed to make his eyes brighter, and a brown vest made of leather. When there was a lull in their conversing I thought to ask Aurelius about his wound, but thought better of it. I would not wish to make things awkward between everyone.

After a little while, a servant came in, keeping his head down and hands behind his back. "Sorry for the intrusion, master Merlin, but I cannot find your bucket to do my chores. I have searched practically everywhere."

Merlin's eyebrows furrowed and he glanced over at me, knowing full and well that I had left the room quite mysteriously before the bucket went missing. "Fia, what do you know of this? I used the bucket last night to smother the fire, it should have been by the door."