It's almost the end of the year and no matter which holiday you celebrate, it's always a good time to show your appreciation to the people around you who - no matter what - have your back. Always. In that spirit, this story is basically writing itself.

"I still think this is a ridiculous idea." The King commented as he and Guinevere strolled down the hallway. She linked her arm in his and gave him a look that was probably meant as an admonishment.

"Hush, Arthur."

It didn't have the desired effect though because she kept smiling. Arthur felt weak at the sight but he didn't mind.

They had had a beautiful day so far.

The colder months were always quiet. As a child Arthur had found them boring. He couldn't go out to play, visitors were rare and his tutors made him study book after book so they could stay close to the warmth of the fireplace.

Later in life long hunts were out of the question, his father used his presence to drag him from council meeting to council meeting and training session were cut short.

In short, it was stifling and he always yearned for the day he could race his horse again.

This year however wasn't that bad. It was the first one since his marriage and after only a few days of frost he decided that staying indoors wasn't so tiresome at all. People didn't expect to see him out and about, so he took full advantage of that to stay inside – with Guinevere.

They might have scarred Merlin for life though. On the upside his servant had finally learned the advantages of knocking whenever he brought more firewood, dinner and warm wine or prepared a hot bath.

From the moment he'd woken up this morning – well rested and satisfied – he had smelled the clear inviting air. The biting cold couldn't stop him. Guinevere admitted that a walk to the Lower Town was just what she needed and they had spent the hours of daylight strolling through the City.

It was during their whispered talks that Guinevere had shared her idea. Shared is the wrong word. She said it in such a way that Arthur didn't have the heart not to go along with the plan. That didn't mean he was fully behind it. Frankly it was a ridiculous idea, but his half-hearted protestations had met with that smile every single time. It turned him into a sap for a few minutes. He didn't mind that at all either.

"And it's still a month away." He complained because he could.

"Arthur, you can't just snap your fingers and expect the perfect gift to appear." Gwen said, "Such things take time."

"Besides, admit it." She looked up at him, her eyes filled with playful mirth, "It will be fun."

Arthur sighed demonstratively but his expression echoed that of his wife, "Fine, just as long as Merlin doesn't pick me. I can't imagine what he'll consider appropriate." Probably something bizarre as woodworm repellent, he thought.

...

"And now for the last point of this Privy Council." Arthur announced and then turned to his left, "Guinevere?"

The Queen laid down a red velvet satchel on the table, "Arthur and I thought it would be a good idea to exchange gifts this Winter Solstice. In here are pieces of parchment with everyone's name on. You each pick one and find a gift for that person."

While Gwen made the announcement Arthur carefully scanned the table to gauge everyone's reaction. However he didn't need to see Merlin to know what his servant was thinking, he was practically bouncing in his chair. Yup, it's official, Arthur thought, Merlin has the mind of a child.

"However to make it a bit more challenging your goal is to give your present to the person without them realizing it's you."

"Challenge accepted," stated Gwaine loudly as he grinned widely.

"So everyone's agreeing to this?" Gwen asked just to be sure. She didn't need to worry. Despite the fact that Arthur stated multiple times that the idea was ridiculous, he knew everyone would jump for this chance. With the darkening days some ridiculousness was in order.

"Are there any requirements for the gifts?" Leon asked as always very thorough in every task he's assigned.

"No, just be considerate and try to find a gift that would genuinely be appreciated." Gwen said and opened the satchel, "Who wants to go first?"

"Ladies first." Elyan replied before anyone else and they all nodded their acquiescence.

Gwen picked a piece of parchment without looking and then held it close while folding it open. Even if Arthur had tried to read it – which he wouldn't do as Guinevere would be severely disappointed if he did – from that angle he couldn't. Gwen smiled mysteriously as her eyes swivelled to each of them, but she didn't linger and when she passed the satchel to Gaius, Arthur was still trying to figure out who was the lucky one among them.

The rest followed her example. Percival however didn't have much luck. He picked his own name twice to the others' amusement. Merlin was taking his time for some reason and Arthur felt his anticipation grow. He was the last one to pick and if it was his own name then the whole game would have to start again.

The lone piece of parchment felt heavy and he took a deep breath before unfolding it. He must have been staring at the name for too long because Guinevere touched his arm and asked, "Arthur, did you pick your own name?"

He was tempted to say yes for a second, but since someone else clearly picked his name already the lie would fall through immediately.

"No, I'm good."

He glanced back at the parchment. Of course it still read Merlin.

I'll finish this before Christmas as tomorrow is a little ambitious :) Any thoughts on gifts? And who picked who?