5 M/A Drabbles
1.
With features proud and fine
he stood there tall and straight,
a king at Christmas time
amid great merriment.
Waking to soft sheets and warm covers and filtered early morning sunlight,
Merlin savoured the cool air, the scent of nutmeg, of pine, and of soap and clean skin,
the action of breathing, the lift of his ribcage, the expansion of his lungs, and the tickle of Arthur's hair.
the sound of a city coming to life, the hum of the radiator and of Arthur snuffling as he started to wake.
Arthur, who was staring at him, bleary and rumpled, with a soft smile and love in his eyes.
Most of all, Merlin savoured waking up to his other half.
2.
a metal suit that shone;
gold spurs which gleam with pride;
a keen sword swinging from
the silk belt to his side.
"Everyone will receive the same amount of rations, regardless of their station."
Demands and promises filled the council room, entangling with the unforgiving summer heat. The smell of acrid sweat crawled on Arthur's skin.
"Nobles will suffer the same punishment as peasants. You will set an example for the people."
Entreaties and honey coated threats wrapped around Arthur, suffocating and stinging, polluting his thoughts. Outside, the sun continued to shine, proud and hostile.
Sunlight glinted off the plain silver band around his ring finger.
Arthur thought of blue-gold eyes and soft smiles, and of promises of a new Albion.
3.
The houseguest and his host
repeat their pact again.
That lord knew more than most
which tricks would entertain!
"You interest me, I'm going to keep you."
Arthur watched as, like a wary stray, the boy woke up and automatically curled up like a bug, shoving his back to the corner. His eyes bright blue from under a fringe of inky hair.
"Where am I? What do you want from me?" the waif demanded. He was dangerous, with bared teeth and sharp elbows and the gleaming eyes of a wild animal.
"You're in Camelot," Arthur replied. "My name is Arthur. What about you?"
Tense with anticipation for blows that would never come, never in Camelot, the boy replied.
"Merlin."