{Arrival}

[creatdnikkiheat]

When Richard Castle came to consciousness, he immediately knew that something was wrong. The bed underneath him wasn't his own, and it wasn't Kate's either. It was entirely unfamiliar. Without opening his eyes, he stretched a hand across the bed under the sheets. No one was in bed with him, that was a positive sign. He was pretty sure no amount of

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[youngmerlin]

Merlin was doing errands for one of the professors at the magic school again which meant he was carrying far too many things in his arms than he should be. It wasn't that Merlin didn't like doing multiple trips, but rather that he wanted to help the professor out as quickly as possible which meant getting all the potions and trinkets there in an expedient manner.

The door to the elevator chimed and Merlin stepped out with a box that was overflowing with vials of strange coloured liquids and some wooden boxes with ancient languages on it. The box was heavy, but he was determined to carry it.

As he made his way through the lobby, someone else who was in a much bigger hurry brushed passed him. It caused Merlin to lose his footing and stagger back which then resulted the context in the box to shift. First a scroll rolled down from atop the items and onto the floor, then a bag of herbs joined it. Merlin tried to re-adjust the box so that everything would stop moving and the box clicked softly.

He stopped moving and inhaled deeply as if to pause and recollect himself.

[creatdnikkiheat]

Castle observed the kid trying to balance everything and forgot his own confusion for a moment as he rushed over, arms extended, ready to help.

"Here buddy, let me help you with that."

[youngmerlin]

"Oh, um, thanks." His accent was British, but not entirely modern and he smiled sheepishly in thanks. "It's heavier than it looks."

Plus Merlin's upper body strength was not up to par as Arthur's was.

[creatdnikkiheat]

Castle took the box from him and grunted a little. The guy wasn't lying, the box was heavy.

"Where are you headed?"

[youngmerlin]

A small panicked look crossed his face. "Are you sure you want to hold the box?" Merlin didn't like imposing, after all. Though he did take the opportunity to bend down and retrieve the items that had fallen.

[creatdnikkiheat]

"Yeah, yeah, it's uh..." he shifted the box a bit, "it's fine. Where are we going?"

[youngmerlin]

"The magic school... it's for a professor there." He still looked overly worried. "I can show you the way."

He started for the lobby doors, then paused. "You're sure it's alright?"

[creatdnikkiheat]

"The magic school, of course." Castle sighed. "Where else would we be going?"

He nodded and gestured to the door.

"It's fine, I swear. Let's head to the magic school. Perhaps we could ride the Magic Schoolbus?"

[youngmerlin]

"No, I don't believe there is a school bus. Besides, it's not far." Merlin had no idea it was actually a pop culture reference.

He held the door open for the man. "Thank you. I really appreciate this." He paused. "My name is Merlin, by the way. It's nice to meet you."

[creatdnikkiheat]

"Merlin from the magic school. Of course."

Castle nodded to him.

"Nice to meet you, Merlin. Name's Rick Castle. I'd shake your hand, but..." He shifted the box again.

[youngmerlin]

"It's alright." He smiled back as he lead the way toward the magic school. "If you need anything, just ask. I owe you something for taking your time to do this."

[creatdnikkiheat]

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

He walked alongside Merlin, shifting the box every now and then.

"I'm already learning my way around. Go me!"

[youngmerlin]

That made him pause and his eyes widened a little. "Are you new here?"

Way to introduce the village, Merlin.