Commanding Respect
Author: Gilli_ann
Title: Commanding Respect
Rating: G
Characters: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: Arthur worries that he's not respected. Merlin does not necessarily make things clearer.
Word Count: 150
Prompt: 507 'Respect'
Author's Notes: Canon, dialogue only
Commanding Respect
"The knights treat me as their mate, or their little brother. I don't think they really respect me."
"Of course they do, Arthur."
"Everyone behaved much more deferentially around my father."
"They were afraid of Uther. Whether they honestly admired him is another matter."
"But-"
"True respect is earned, it cannot be commanded."
"Still-"
"Would you want the knights to fear you?"
"Of course not, but when they joke and-"
"Arthur. Think of Gwaine's wandering ways. Would he remain here and stay in line if he didn't hold you in the highest regard?"
"Maybe not. But what about you, Merlin?"
"No man is a hero to his manservant."
"You're full of old sayings today."
"I do respect you, Arthur."
"That's good to hear. Would be even better if your behaviour sometimes proved it."
"That is, I respect you on those rare occasions when you're not being an arrogant, condescending clotpole."
Title: Commanding Respect
Rating: G
Characters: Arthur, Merlin
Summary: Arthur worries that he's not respected. Merlin does not necessarily make things clearer.
Word Count: 150
Prompt: 507 'Respect'
Author's Notes: Canon, dialogue only
Commanding Respect
"The knights treat me as their mate, or their little brother. I don't think they really respect me."
"Of course they do, Arthur."
"Everyone behaved much more deferentially around my father."
"They were afraid of Uther. Whether they honestly admired him is another matter."
"But-"
"True respect is earned, it cannot be commanded."
"Still-"
"Would you want the knights to fear you?"
"Of course not, but when they joke and-"
"Arthur. Think of Gwaine's wandering ways. Would he remain here and stay in line if he didn't hold you in the highest regard?"
"Maybe not. But what about you, Merlin?"
"No man is a hero to his manservant."
"You're full of old sayings today."
"I do respect you, Arthur."
"That's good to hear. Would be even better if your behaviour sometimes proved it."
"That is, I respect you on those rare occasions when you're not being an arrogant, condescending clotpole."