FIC: Fealty (5/?) - Merlin/Arthur, PG-13
TITLE: Fealty - part five
AUTHOR: Demon Faith
CATEGORY: Hurt/Comfort, Drama
PAIRING: Merlin/Arthur
SPOILERS: Up to 1x03, to be safe.
RATING: PG-13
WORDS: 2,203
SUMMARY: A faithful and good servant is a real godsend; but truly 't is a rare bird in the land - Martin Luther
DISCLAIMER: I own not the boys, nor the show. Thankfully, they’re doing just fine.
NOTES: I made the fatal mistake of telling openskies that I was being harassed by a plot bunny. She then made me write on pain of capslock. ;) But give her lots of praise, because she also made my stunning banner!
Previous parts here.
Gaius put his head into his hands. Morgana just shook her head. "Idiots. A pair of idiots."
Uther was already on his feet, along with most of the crowd - what was their prince doing? Gaius wasn't sure if the boy was a genius or completely stark raving mad. At the moment, he was considering a bit of both.
"He's disgracing the whole court," Uther said, disgust in his voice. "Arthur! Step away from that…man!"
"I won't do it, father." His voice was surprisingly strong and Gaius wondered what Merlin was furiously whispering in his ear. "I won't see him punished for saving my life. If you kill him, you'll have to kill me too."
Morgana shot Gaius a look. He held up his hands. "What? Does this sound like my idea? Only Arthur could come up with something this uniquely stupid."
"Shh," Gwen said. "It might just work."
It seemed Uther sensed the damage was already done, and turned away with a sigh. "Stay the execution."
Gaius released a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. "Praise be."
Arthur had raised his head now and was trying to stand, with Merlin's subtle assistance. The boy was still whispering in his ear, looking both livid and exasperated with his prince.
Uther then turned back to the courtyard, possessed with a new fury. "I order the sorcerer banished from the land of Camelot, never to return on pain of death."
Arthur broke away from Merlin, hand on his hip. "Then I'm going with him!"
Silence. Gwen gasped softly beside him, whilst Morgana's lips twisted: she didn't look surprised. Gaius didn't quite know what to think - had Arthur actually lost his mind?
Uther sneered, waving his hand dismissively. "As you wish. You have until nightfall to leave the city, and may the wolves eat you."
"Pleasant, as always," Morgana muttered under her breath and Gaius offered a small smile. They were alive. Banished, but alive.
"It could be worse," Gwen said, and Gaius quite agreed.
~
Merlin felt like he'd been hit over the head with a castle. "I thought I told you to think it through!"
"We're alive, aren't we?" Arthur seemed ridiculously pleased for someone who looked about two minutes away from a coma. Merlin pulled Arthur closer to him and secured an arm around his waist - the last thing Arthur needed was to crack his head on the stones, though he was beginning to wonder if he already had.
"We've been banished! How are you meant to become king if you've been banished?"
Arthur's face fell. "A 'thank you' would be nice," he muttered, as Gaius, Morgana and Gwen came hurrying up to meet them.
"Well, that was a lucky escape," Gaius said, supporting Arthur's other side before he fell over.
"I think it went rather well," Arthur said cheerfully, swaying so wildly that Merlin thought he might be drunk.
"You were stupid. Brave, but stupid."
"Like you can talk," Gwen said, clearing a path for them through the crowd who had gathered to watch their walk of shame.
"Hmm…yes, about that. You never told me you were a sorcerer. I'm rather hurt."
"You never told me you were an idiot," Merlin retorted, desperate not to have this conversation right now. He had been fully prepared for his head and neck to part ways, but Arthur had turned up and saved him. Admittedly, he'd almost gotten himself killed in the process - and didn't that leave food for thought?
"I should think that, at least, was obvious," Morgana said, glaring at anyone who tried to disturb their progress. "And now you're banished."
"Isn't it great?" Arthur said, as if this was all some grand adventure. Merlin was beginning to wonder if he'd lost serious brain cells.
They arrived at Gaius' chambers and Merlin realised Gaius was directing them towards Merlin's room. "Lie down before you fall down. Merlin will help me prepare breakfast."
As he helped Arthur onto the bed, he realised that his room had been taken over. A few of Arthur's books were scattered about and that was definitely one of his shirts over the chair. There were also far more blankets than he remembered and they all smelled faintly of Arthur.
The prince curled up his side, as Merlin pulled off his boots and then spread the covers over him. "You're an idiot," he said, but there was affection in his voice.
"So you keep saying," Arthur murmured sleepily. Merlin resisted the urge to stroke his hair and gripped his shoulder instead.
"But I am grateful," he said softly and a hint of smile appeared on Arthur's face before he drifted off to sleep.
~
Merlin looked exhausted as he stumbled out of his room - the cells weren't the most comfortable place to sleep, and he had to have been worried. Gwen offered to help Gaius with the breakfast instead and Merlin was too tired to protest.
Morgana had stayed, which had surprised Gwen a little. It was true she had been around Gaius' chambers more since Arthur had moved in but it was still odd to see the royal lady surrounded by the crude comforts of a physician's home.
"How is he then?"
"Sleeping," Merlin said, with a small smile. "I can't believe he did that."
"I think you'd be surprised at what Arthur would do for you," Morgana said, a cryptic smile lighting her face and causing Merlin to blush.
"Just yesterday, he was trying to don his armour and fight his way to the dungeons." Gaius shook his head in amazement, as Merlin frowned.
"But he can barely stand up!"
"Well, he didn't get very far. But he was quite determined."
Gwen watched Merlin eat his porridge, silent and thoughtful. Had he really not expected Arthur to rescue him?
"But then you took quite a risk yourself, Merlin." Morgana smiled and patted his arm.
"Oh, it was nothing," he said dismissively, scraping his bowl clean. "Got to keep the master alive, really. Part of the job."
"Have you given any thought to where you might go?" Gwen said, and Merlin's face fell. They'd all been a bit carried away in Arthur's victory to realise the consequences, and Gwen wished she hadn't said anything.
"Not really," he said, poking at the table with his spoon. "I mean, can we just go to one of the villages?"
"If Uther's men found you, you would be executed. Though I can't imagine they'd be looking that hard."
"We'll probably stay close by for a few days, until Arthur's more himself. I don't want to, ah, risk the wolves until one of us can hold a sword."
"You're getting quite good with a sword. I'm sure you can handle it." Arthur stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms folded. He looked every bit the prince, even in Merlin's worn-out clothes.
Merlin climbed to his feet, smiling as he crossed the room. "I thought you were resting."
"Couldn't sleep." Arthur accepted Merlin's arm and made his way slowly to the table.
"You'll need to save your strength for tonight," Morgana said sternly, nudging her half-eaten porridge towards him. He took the bowl gratefully but only managed a couple of mouthfuls before pushing it aside.
Merlin sat down beside him, looking concerned and…something else? Gwen had heard Morgana's thoughts about them, and she wondered if they might be true.
Arthur caught Merlin's eye and patted his hand. "I'm fine, you know."
"You look like death."
Arthur made a face. "Such compliments. Last time I save your sorry hide."
Merlin grinned. "Sorry. You're just…I was worried, okay?"
Nobody moved. Arthur gave him a lopsided smile. "So was I."
Gwen was suddenly aware that she was disturbing a private moment, and hurried to clear the dishes. Morgana excused herself for an unspecified appointment and Gaius insisted he had to start his rounds.
She shut the door behind her, leaving them alone. It seemed they had a lot to talk about.
~
"Well, that will be enough food for three days. After that, you should be able to hunt again."
Arthur looked up from where he was attempting to stuff his bow into his knapsack. "I should think so. I'm feeling better with every minute!"
Merlin smiled, something playing behind his eyes. "You do look better," he said, almost wondering, and Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I'm not a china doll, Merlin. I won't break."
A twist of his lips, and he had turned his back, sorting through the pile of clothes on the table. Arthur frowned - what had he said now?
"Merlin?"
"You weren't there," he said quietly. "You don't know…I thought you were going to die. I…knew I had to think of something, but I didn't know what…and I was…so scared, to use magic, in front of everyone." He turned around, and his eyes were shining. "I almost got you killed!"
Arthur stood and walked over to him, resting his hands on Merlin's shoulders. "You saved my life, and you…almost died for it. Don't you dare apologise to me."
Merlin's face relaxed into an easy smile. "Okay then," he said, a whisper so intimate it stabbed Arthur through the heart. Reluctantly, he released Merlin's shoulders and went back to his knapsack.
"Couldn't you just-" he waved his arms about "-magic this all into place?"
Merlin gave him an indulgent smile. "Yeah, I could."
He affected his best commanding prince pose. "Get on with it then."
However, Merlin was immune to this tactic and just sighed affectionately, sending random piles of clothing into the pack. It was amazing to watch, especially the way Merlin's eyes turned sun-gold. How had he never noticed it before?
Merlin looked around, surveying his handiwork and blushing. "I, uh, think we're done then."
Arthur glanced at the window - the sky was darkening. Reluctantly, he climbed to his feet, swinging the knapsack over his shoulder.
"Are you all right with that?"
Arthur looked at him. "Merlin, I can carry a few arrows!" He strapped his sword to his side, feeling much more secure with it close at hand; Merlin smiled at him, maybe a little teasing in his eyes, and perhaps some affection.
They had been dancing round each other all day, neither saying very much but never straying too far. Gwen and Morgana had said their goodbyes and it had been a little tearful; he had realised then exactly what he had gotten himself into, but surprisingly, he wouldn't change it for the world.
He knew exactly how long Merlin would last in the woods, magic or no, and he wouldn't send him to another execution. His father's guards would think twice before attacking a prince.
Was he still a prince? He wasn't quite sure of the technicalities. He was still Uther's son, still the heir of Camelot in theory - and when he was king, he would just overturn Merlin's banishment and it would all be fine. He was just facing a few years in a village, that was all. Just him and Merlin.
It sounded strangely appealing, and he didn't know why.
"Merlin? Arthur? Are you ready?"
They gathered their things, Merlin's pack significantly bulkier than his - just until he was well, he insisted. Merlin was definitely not his manservant anymore. He wasn't actually sure what he was, but there wasn't much he was certain about now.
Merlin gave Gaius a hug and the old man hurriedly brushed away a tear. And then Arthur also found himself being hugged, something he'd had little experience of in his life, but…it felt good. He felt wanted.
"Now, be off with you before Uther hangs you both. Keep safe - and don't come back here under any circumstances. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Gaius," Merlin said, with an affectionate roll of his eyes, and then they were leaving. Leaving Camelot.
Arthur had never felt so happy.
~
"Look at them."
As she watched the retreating figures, Morgana kept her own counsel, knowing they were seeing two very different things.
"I see them," she said.
"Debasing himself like this. Running off with a servant! He's enchanted him, I'm sure of it."
Uther looked strained, and Morgana wondered if he believed what he was saying. "What are you going to do?"
She would have to get a warning to Merlin, so that he could protect himself. He'd have to leave Arthur behind, but was the companionship worth his life?
"Nothing," Uther said coldly, and she relaxed. "If he comes to his senses, he'll return. And if he remains…well…an heir who is so easily ensorcelled is of no value."
Morgana heard his words, but his clenched fist spoke differently. He was worried for Arthur and, whatever he might say, he did not want to lose his son. She would have to watch him carefully. "Perhaps."
Uther glanced at her, an appraising look at his face. "Have you said your goodbyes then?"
She kept her face impassive. "Have you?"
He turned away from the balcony and retreated into the castle. She continued to watch, noting Merlin pulling Arthur's arm around his shoulders, the easy affection they held between them.
They reached the gates as the sun fell from the sky, and then she could see no more.
AUTHOR: Demon Faith
CATEGORY: Hurt/Comfort, Drama
PAIRING: Merlin/Arthur
SPOILERS: Up to 1x03, to be safe.
RATING: PG-13
WORDS: 2,203
SUMMARY: A faithful and good servant is a real godsend; but truly 't is a rare bird in the land - Martin Luther
DISCLAIMER: I own not the boys, nor the show. Thankfully, they’re doing just fine.
NOTES: I made the fatal mistake of telling openskies that I was being harassed by a plot bunny. She then made me write on pain of capslock. ;) But give her lots of praise, because she also made my stunning banner!
Previous parts here.
Gaius put his head into his hands. Morgana just shook her head. "Idiots. A pair of idiots."
Uther was already on his feet, along with most of the crowd - what was their prince doing? Gaius wasn't sure if the boy was a genius or completely stark raving mad. At the moment, he was considering a bit of both.
"He's disgracing the whole court," Uther said, disgust in his voice. "Arthur! Step away from that…man!"
"I won't do it, father." His voice was surprisingly strong and Gaius wondered what Merlin was furiously whispering in his ear. "I won't see him punished for saving my life. If you kill him, you'll have to kill me too."
Morgana shot Gaius a look. He held up his hands. "What? Does this sound like my idea? Only Arthur could come up with something this uniquely stupid."
"Shh," Gwen said. "It might just work."
It seemed Uther sensed the damage was already done, and turned away with a sigh. "Stay the execution."
Gaius released a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. "Praise be."
Arthur had raised his head now and was trying to stand, with Merlin's subtle assistance. The boy was still whispering in his ear, looking both livid and exasperated with his prince.
Uther then turned back to the courtyard, possessed with a new fury. "I order the sorcerer banished from the land of Camelot, never to return on pain of death."
Arthur broke away from Merlin, hand on his hip. "Then I'm going with him!"
Silence. Gwen gasped softly beside him, whilst Morgana's lips twisted: she didn't look surprised. Gaius didn't quite know what to think - had Arthur actually lost his mind?
Uther sneered, waving his hand dismissively. "As you wish. You have until nightfall to leave the city, and may the wolves eat you."
"Pleasant, as always," Morgana muttered under her breath and Gaius offered a small smile. They were alive. Banished, but alive.
"It could be worse," Gwen said, and Gaius quite agreed.
~
Merlin felt like he'd been hit over the head with a castle. "I thought I told you to think it through!"
"We're alive, aren't we?" Arthur seemed ridiculously pleased for someone who looked about two minutes away from a coma. Merlin pulled Arthur closer to him and secured an arm around his waist - the last thing Arthur needed was to crack his head on the stones, though he was beginning to wonder if he already had.
"We've been banished! How are you meant to become king if you've been banished?"
Arthur's face fell. "A 'thank you' would be nice," he muttered, as Gaius, Morgana and Gwen came hurrying up to meet them.
"Well, that was a lucky escape," Gaius said, supporting Arthur's other side before he fell over.
"I think it went rather well," Arthur said cheerfully, swaying so wildly that Merlin thought he might be drunk.
"You were stupid. Brave, but stupid."
"Like you can talk," Gwen said, clearing a path for them through the crowd who had gathered to watch their walk of shame.
"Hmm…yes, about that. You never told me you were a sorcerer. I'm rather hurt."
"You never told me you were an idiot," Merlin retorted, desperate not to have this conversation right now. He had been fully prepared for his head and neck to part ways, but Arthur had turned up and saved him. Admittedly, he'd almost gotten himself killed in the process - and didn't that leave food for thought?
"I should think that, at least, was obvious," Morgana said, glaring at anyone who tried to disturb their progress. "And now you're banished."
"Isn't it great?" Arthur said, as if this was all some grand adventure. Merlin was beginning to wonder if he'd lost serious brain cells.
They arrived at Gaius' chambers and Merlin realised Gaius was directing them towards Merlin's room. "Lie down before you fall down. Merlin will help me prepare breakfast."
As he helped Arthur onto the bed, he realised that his room had been taken over. A few of Arthur's books were scattered about and that was definitely one of his shirts over the chair. There were also far more blankets than he remembered and they all smelled faintly of Arthur.
The prince curled up his side, as Merlin pulled off his boots and then spread the covers over him. "You're an idiot," he said, but there was affection in his voice.
"So you keep saying," Arthur murmured sleepily. Merlin resisted the urge to stroke his hair and gripped his shoulder instead.
"But I am grateful," he said softly and a hint of smile appeared on Arthur's face before he drifted off to sleep.
~
Merlin looked exhausted as he stumbled out of his room - the cells weren't the most comfortable place to sleep, and he had to have been worried. Gwen offered to help Gaius with the breakfast instead and Merlin was too tired to protest.
Morgana had stayed, which had surprised Gwen a little. It was true she had been around Gaius' chambers more since Arthur had moved in but it was still odd to see the royal lady surrounded by the crude comforts of a physician's home.
"How is he then?"
"Sleeping," Merlin said, with a small smile. "I can't believe he did that."
"I think you'd be surprised at what Arthur would do for you," Morgana said, a cryptic smile lighting her face and causing Merlin to blush.
"Just yesterday, he was trying to don his armour and fight his way to the dungeons." Gaius shook his head in amazement, as Merlin frowned.
"But he can barely stand up!"
"Well, he didn't get very far. But he was quite determined."
Gwen watched Merlin eat his porridge, silent and thoughtful. Had he really not expected Arthur to rescue him?
"But then you took quite a risk yourself, Merlin." Morgana smiled and patted his arm.
"Oh, it was nothing," he said dismissively, scraping his bowl clean. "Got to keep the master alive, really. Part of the job."
"Have you given any thought to where you might go?" Gwen said, and Merlin's face fell. They'd all been a bit carried away in Arthur's victory to realise the consequences, and Gwen wished she hadn't said anything.
"Not really," he said, poking at the table with his spoon. "I mean, can we just go to one of the villages?"
"If Uther's men found you, you would be executed. Though I can't imagine they'd be looking that hard."
"We'll probably stay close by for a few days, until Arthur's more himself. I don't want to, ah, risk the wolves until one of us can hold a sword."
"You're getting quite good with a sword. I'm sure you can handle it." Arthur stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms folded. He looked every bit the prince, even in Merlin's worn-out clothes.
Merlin climbed to his feet, smiling as he crossed the room. "I thought you were resting."
"Couldn't sleep." Arthur accepted Merlin's arm and made his way slowly to the table.
"You'll need to save your strength for tonight," Morgana said sternly, nudging her half-eaten porridge towards him. He took the bowl gratefully but only managed a couple of mouthfuls before pushing it aside.
Merlin sat down beside him, looking concerned and…something else? Gwen had heard Morgana's thoughts about them, and she wondered if they might be true.
Arthur caught Merlin's eye and patted his hand. "I'm fine, you know."
"You look like death."
Arthur made a face. "Such compliments. Last time I save your sorry hide."
Merlin grinned. "Sorry. You're just…I was worried, okay?"
Nobody moved. Arthur gave him a lopsided smile. "So was I."
Gwen was suddenly aware that she was disturbing a private moment, and hurried to clear the dishes. Morgana excused herself for an unspecified appointment and Gaius insisted he had to start his rounds.
She shut the door behind her, leaving them alone. It seemed they had a lot to talk about.
~
"Well, that will be enough food for three days. After that, you should be able to hunt again."
Arthur looked up from where he was attempting to stuff his bow into his knapsack. "I should think so. I'm feeling better with every minute!"
Merlin smiled, something playing behind his eyes. "You do look better," he said, almost wondering, and Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I'm not a china doll, Merlin. I won't break."
A twist of his lips, and he had turned his back, sorting through the pile of clothes on the table. Arthur frowned - what had he said now?
"Merlin?"
"You weren't there," he said quietly. "You don't know…I thought you were going to die. I…knew I had to think of something, but I didn't know what…and I was…so scared, to use magic, in front of everyone." He turned around, and his eyes were shining. "I almost got you killed!"
Arthur stood and walked over to him, resting his hands on Merlin's shoulders. "You saved my life, and you…almost died for it. Don't you dare apologise to me."
Merlin's face relaxed into an easy smile. "Okay then," he said, a whisper so intimate it stabbed Arthur through the heart. Reluctantly, he released Merlin's shoulders and went back to his knapsack.
"Couldn't you just-" he waved his arms about "-magic this all into place?"
Merlin gave him an indulgent smile. "Yeah, I could."
He affected his best commanding prince pose. "Get on with it then."
However, Merlin was immune to this tactic and just sighed affectionately, sending random piles of clothing into the pack. It was amazing to watch, especially the way Merlin's eyes turned sun-gold. How had he never noticed it before?
Merlin looked around, surveying his handiwork and blushing. "I, uh, think we're done then."
Arthur glanced at the window - the sky was darkening. Reluctantly, he climbed to his feet, swinging the knapsack over his shoulder.
"Are you all right with that?"
Arthur looked at him. "Merlin, I can carry a few arrows!" He strapped his sword to his side, feeling much more secure with it close at hand; Merlin smiled at him, maybe a little teasing in his eyes, and perhaps some affection.
They had been dancing round each other all day, neither saying very much but never straying too far. Gwen and Morgana had said their goodbyes and it had been a little tearful; he had realised then exactly what he had gotten himself into, but surprisingly, he wouldn't change it for the world.
He knew exactly how long Merlin would last in the woods, magic or no, and he wouldn't send him to another execution. His father's guards would think twice before attacking a prince.
Was he still a prince? He wasn't quite sure of the technicalities. He was still Uther's son, still the heir of Camelot in theory - and when he was king, he would just overturn Merlin's banishment and it would all be fine. He was just facing a few years in a village, that was all. Just him and Merlin.
It sounded strangely appealing, and he didn't know why.
"Merlin? Arthur? Are you ready?"
They gathered their things, Merlin's pack significantly bulkier than his - just until he was well, he insisted. Merlin was definitely not his manservant anymore. He wasn't actually sure what he was, but there wasn't much he was certain about now.
Merlin gave Gaius a hug and the old man hurriedly brushed away a tear. And then Arthur also found himself being hugged, something he'd had little experience of in his life, but…it felt good. He felt wanted.
"Now, be off with you before Uther hangs you both. Keep safe - and don't come back here under any circumstances. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Gaius," Merlin said, with an affectionate roll of his eyes, and then they were leaving. Leaving Camelot.
Arthur had never felt so happy.
~
"Look at them."
As she watched the retreating figures, Morgana kept her own counsel, knowing they were seeing two very different things.
"I see them," she said.
"Debasing himself like this. Running off with a servant! He's enchanted him, I'm sure of it."
Uther looked strained, and Morgana wondered if he believed what he was saying. "What are you going to do?"
She would have to get a warning to Merlin, so that he could protect himself. He'd have to leave Arthur behind, but was the companionship worth his life?
"Nothing," Uther said coldly, and she relaxed. "If he comes to his senses, he'll return. And if he remains…well…an heir who is so easily ensorcelled is of no value."
Morgana heard his words, but his clenched fist spoke differently. He was worried for Arthur and, whatever he might say, he did not want to lose his son. She would have to watch him carefully. "Perhaps."
Uther glanced at her, an appraising look at his face. "Have you said your goodbyes then?"
She kept her face impassive. "Have you?"
He turned away from the balcony and retreated into the castle. She continued to watch, noting Merlin pulling Arthur's arm around his shoulders, the easy affection they held between them.
They reached the gates as the sun fell from the sky, and then she could see no more.