Chapter Text
"Magister!" Chippy's voice echoed around the mostly empty house, earning a soft, but amused, sigh from the man in question.
"I'm in the library," Merlin called back, shutting his book and turning to the door just in time to see both of his familiars appear. Both hamsters were bundled up in warm clothing, and Hammie even had a blanket tossed over her head to keep her ears warm.
Merlin stood, frowning slightly, "It's not that cold, is it?"
"It's freezing," Hammie huffed, shaking her head. "This is the warmest room in the house!"
"Ah," Merlin nodded, leaving the library to head downstairs. "And Dolly isn't here, so there's been no one to start up a fire."
Chippy and Hammie followed close on Merlin’s heels, chattering away with some excuse or explanation as to how the temperature wasn't his fault. All comments were waved away by Merlin with a smile.
"Now, don't be making up excuses for me. I've gotten too used to having people around to do things for me." Merlin stopped by the fireplace, crouching to get a good look inside. "Next issue, do we have any firewood?"
Both hamsters went silent, glancing between each other.
"No," Hammie fussed with the blanket she had wrapped around herself.
"Right." Merlin paused, then nodded and stood. "You two bundle up in the library, gather as many blankets as you want or need." He smiled, reaching out to ruffle between Chippy's ears, "I'll go out to gather some wood."
"Chippy can help!" Chippy protested, earning another amused chuckle from Merlin.
"No, don't worry about it. You and Hammie should focus on staying warm. I won't be gone too long."
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Word Count: 277