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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 9:55:22 GMT -5
*Gawain continued to smack his lips, his fingers reemerging with a chewed chunk of sandwich. He looked to Merlin helplessly.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:00:50 GMT -5
*Merlin smiled warmly and looked over at Gawain. He found a paper napkin and helped wipe off Gawains fingers. Then he poured some milk in a glass and tried to help Gawain drink it by holding the glass for him.*
"Try to drink something, to get it away. Then we could try some smoother food, to let you get used to it. How about some hot porridge, or pancakes?"
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:05:54 GMT -5
*Gawain tried to drink the milk as the cup was held for him, and while it did help with the peanut butter, he also succeeded at getting more than half of it on his new clothes.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:11:18 GMT -5
*Merlin smiled calmly.*
"Don't worry about the clothes, lad. They can get clean again when we wash them. And you have other clothes as well. Your mother has made sure you have a well-filled wardrobe. It takes time to learn so many new things at once, and I think you adjust very well."
*He stroke Gawains head gently. Then he filled up a tiny bowl of hot porridge. He put a spoon in the bowl and offered the porridge to Gawain.*
"Do you want to try some porridge instead?"
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:15:14 GMT -5
*Gawain stared at the bowl, watching it carefully like it might do something. He sniffed it. Then he stuck his fingers in it. Letting out a yelp, he withdrew them, sticking them instinctively in his mouth.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:18:33 GMT -5
*Merlin looked at the boy.*
"Oh, I'm sorry. I should have told you it is hot. My mistake. Let me help you."
*He took some porridge on a spoon and blew carefully on it until it wasn't that hot. Then he offered the spoon of porridge to Gawain.*
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:21:36 GMT -5
*Gawain leaned back hesitant, his eyes full of concern, but finally he cautiously opened in mouth.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:24:47 GMT -5
*Merlin smiled gently to Gawain and gave him a mouthful of porridge with the spoon.*
"If you don't like the taste of it, I can add some sugar and cinnamon. But I want to see if you like it first."
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:33:39 GMT -5
*Gawain carefully pushed the mush around in his mouth and swallowed, opening his mouth again dutifully.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:37:30 GMT -5
*Merlin smiled warmly. He filled the spoon with porridge again and blew gently on it, until it was not too hot. Then he gave Gawain the new mouthful of porridge. He knew the boy was intelligent because of the quick way he had adapted to his new life, and that Gawain soon would figure out how things were functioning. All it took was some time. And Merlin had all the time in the world.*
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:40:36 GMT -5
*Gawain ate slowly, trying to figure the way of the thing as his eyes wandered the room, taking it all in.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:44:55 GMT -5
*Merlin continued helping the boy with his meal, happy he finally had started eating. He had been worried when Gawain refused to eat, and promised himself quietly that he would do his best to keep the boy well fed. He knew that Gawain needed time to think and figure out how things were working, so he didn't say anything. If the boy had questions later, Merlin would be there for him.*
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 10:48:10 GMT -5
*Finally, Gawain turned his face away, wiping at the porridge that had dribbled over his chin.*
"No." *He mumbled.*
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Post by Merlin on Jul 30, 2008 10:57:46 GMT -5
*Merlin smiled and removed the empty dishes.*
"I'm glad to see you're eating again, Gawain. A man will always need to keep his strength up, and there are several ways to do that. But we can work on that later, when you have settled down and gotten used to your new life."
*Nightfall carried the dishes into the kitchen, where she did the dishwashing. Merlin sat down in a chair and took up a big brown book, with a gold token on the front side. Inside the book were mysterious signs and beautifully illustrated pictures. Merlin started reading the book.*
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Post by Gawain on Jul 30, 2008 11:20:53 GMT -5
*Gawain followed him, sitting on the floor and watching the book with wide-eyes.*
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