[Fic] The Lion and the Unicorn (3/3)
The Lion and the Unicorn 03
Author: lunadeath02
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: R
Warnings: language, sex, slight angst
Notes: At end.
~**~
The first thing that Merlin noticed upon waking was that there was something rather warm and solid against his cheek. The second thing was that he was engulfed by strong arms. Thirdly, he could hear a strange commotion coming from outside and he couldn't identify the source. When he opened his eyes, all he saw was the large span of a chest with blond hairs and a pink nipple; he also realized that it was still night.
The noise, which was what probably woke him, was louder now that he was more fully aware, and it woke Arthur too. Merlin looked up and their eyes met. It was somewhat embarrassing when they realized they'd been cuddling, but then it had to take a backseat because Arthur was in alert mode when the noise ripped through the air again and they both scrambled out of bed and dressed enough to be decent before stumbling outside to see what the commotion was. Arthur grabbed his sword on the way out, and Merlin ran a stream of magic spells in his head in habit.
The moon was full and high above them, bathing everything in its moonlight so they could see perfectly that it was the unicorn, and she was fighting something. As they turned, Arthur and Merlin saw that it was a lion. Or more appropriately, a lioness. There was no mane.
"What is this?" Arthur gasped, blinking sleepily at the scene. "This isn't some strange dream, is it?"
"If it is, then I'm dreaming it too," said Merlin. "I thought all the lions in Britain had been killed."
"No!" shouted Lavina as she ran out of Magus' hut. She was waving a little stick in the air at the fighting couple. "No, no, no! You mustn't fight! Stop it, Lynn! You're going to hurt my Ariel!"
Merlin's jaw dropped and Arthur's eyes widened.
"That's Ariel?" Merlin screeched. Well, more like shouted but with a slight hitch in his voice.
"I think we've discovered why the bandits wanted the stuffed toy now," said Arthur. He was looking bemused by the sight, as if not sure if he should try stopping Ariel or not, because of Lavina.
"We have to stop them before they kill each other," said Merlin. He made to move, but Arthur stopped him with an arm, which was still bare and warm.
"No, you might get killed."
Merlin gave Arthur a peculiar look. "I'm a sorcerer, Arthur," he reminded him. "I'm sure I can take care of myself."
"Not in a fight such as that, you idiot!" Arthur pointed at the two, and just as he did, Lynn got a good stab with her horn and Ariel shrieked and backed down.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Lavina cried, and then lifted her stick in the air and hissed something that only Merlin recognized. Merlin's eyes widened when everything became somewhat darker.
Then, Ariel was suddenly a toy again. Lavina ran to it and picked it up. Lynn shook her mane, some of the lioness' blood still on the tip of her horn, and then grazed as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.
Merlin and Arthur could only stare as Lavina hugged and cooed at the stuffed animal and Lynn slowly trotted back behind Magus' hut.
"What the hell just happened?" Merlin said.
~*~
"I guess I owe you both an explanation," said Magus. He was pouring them all some tea. It was nearly dawn, and even though Merlin wished to go back to bed he had to admit that it would've been useless seeing how they'd get up within the hour anyway. Lavina was sitting at the table with them, hugging her toy lion to her chest and staring gloomily at the table.
"That would be nice," said Merlin.
Magus set some water to boil and then with a wave of his hand some cheese and freshly baked bread flew onto the table in front of them. "You see, I'm not the only one with magic in this village, as you may have guessed. Lavina comes from a long line of magic users. Her father was burned at the stake for sorcery," and to his credit, Magus didn't look at Arthur when he said this, but the implication was there, "and her mother by association, but she was a witch too; they just didn't have any evidence to prove it." Magus took a sip of his tea, and Arthur and Merlin stayed silent as they waited for him to go on.
"I'm the closest thing Lavina had to family," Magus explained. "After her parents died. So, I made it my duty to raise her. It is fitting, also, that I too am a sorcerer, so that I could teach her all she needs to know. Her father-Harold-was the one that enchanted her toy lion. It was to help protect her, you see, when she was in trouble. Unfortunately, the spell had gone wrong, and Harold didn't know about it before he died. Ariel can only come to life when the moon is up and shining."
"A full moon?" Merlin asked.
"Not just a full moon, Master Merlin," replied Magus. "But whenever the moon is out and shining. If there are clouds or if anything is obstructing its rays, then Ariel becomes a toy once more."
"That thing that Lavina did," said Arthur after clearing his throat, "with the stick…?"
"She was able to block the moonlight with a spell, yes," said Magus, nodding. "And that stick, as you so quaintly put it, is her wand. It helps her to focus her magic better, so that she doesn't lose control."
"But why would Lynn attack Ariel?" Merlin asked.
Magus shook his head, frowning, and looked over at Lavina, who was silently sipping her tea. "That I cannot say. I wonder if maybe they just don't like each other for some unfathomable reason. If your unicorn could talk, I'm sure she'd tell you."
"She's not really our unicorn," said Merlin.
"Right," said Magus, nodding almost sagely. "Of course. My mistake."
Once they were finished with breakfast, Magus offered to show them around. Arthur wanted to see if his horse (which Merlin had been riding, but really belonged to Arthur) was being properly taken care of. Ban was hitting a glowing sword with his hammer on an anvil when they arrived, and when he saw them enter he stopped to stick the hot end of it back into the forge.
"Good morning, good sirs," he said, wiping his brow. "What a dreadful wake up call, eh? Never thought I'd see a lion and a unicorn going at it. Well, odd things like that can happen 'round here from time to time."
"What other odd things would that be?" Merlin asked.
Ban looked reluctant to say, but then just shrugged and said, "Oh, you know… odd things."
"Like magic?" said Arthur, not beating around the bush. When Ban wouldn't answer, Arthur waved a dismissing hand, "Don't worry, I won't turn anyone in to my father. I had just learned about Merlin having magic abilities, as well as Magus-"
"And Lavina, don't forget," said Merlin.
"Yes, and her," said Arthur. "So you see, you need not worry about me arresting you or anyone here. As long as there is no evil plot against the king or Camelot, that is."
"Of course not, sire," said Ban, bowing with the utmost respect. "We'd never dream of such a thing here! We've had the occasional 'bad' sorcerer visit, but they rarely stay. I think it's because of all that evil plotting they do that makes them so animated."
During his little speech, Merlin had gone over to see how his horse was faring. She nickered softly when she saw him, and he petted her muzzle lovingly. Although the stables in Baldera were much smaller than the ones in Camelot, it looked spacious enough to harbor at least ten horses, and Merlin's horse looked rather comfortable and well looked after. He was glad, because even though the horse Merlin rode often belonged to Arthur he had grown quite attached to her. He'd named her Urtha, after Urth the goddess of destiny (and sometimes doom), which sounded like Earth or earthy to him, so he liked it. Urtha didn't mind the name either, because after a bit she responded to the name whenever he called her.
"Your horse is doing well, Master Merlin," said Ban. "She is even-tempered, but seems a little down. Has she been sick recently?"
"Er, no," said Merlin. "Not that I know of, but I think maybe she's missing Arthur's steed, the one Arthur normally rides. They like each other quite a lot, and I wouldn't be surprised if Urtha became pregnant by him."
"Urtha," said Ban softly, patting the horse on the neck. "Lovely name, Master Merlin. She is a beautiful mare."
"Thanks," Merlin smiled. "And please, just call me Merlin."
"As you wish," said Ban, smiling back. "Merlin."
"All right, are we done here?" came Arthur's sharp comment behind them, which sounded a little jealous to Merlin's ears. "I'd like to see the rest of the village, if you don't mind."
With a promise to treat Urtha well, they left Ban do his blacksmithing duties and followed Magus to another part of the village. There they stopped beside a vegetable garden and two of the townsfolk were working in it. They lifted their heads when Magus hailed them, and then stood after noticing who their visitors were and bowed.
"Your Highness," said Magus, "These two are the green thumbs of our village: Cora and Attis. They're married and have three children. The eldest son, Adda, is off exploring different lands, but the other two are still here; twins: Erua and Terra. They are not magical, from what I've gathered, but very eager workers who enjoy the work they do."
Attis stepped up to Arthur, bowed humbly again, and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Prince Arthur. We've heard so much about you here, in Baldera."
"It's nice to meet you as well, Attis," said Arthur. "I take it my reputation is spread thanks to the sorcerers who seek refuge here."
Attis colored slightly and ducked his head. "Yes, well… we did not know they were sorcerers until just before they left, sire, so we are not at fault for harboring them, I assure you!"
"No need to fear, sir," said Arthur in a very princely tone, which Merlin couldn't help reacting to nowadays. "I won't be arresting anyone."
"Merlin here is a sorcerer," Magus informed the gardener. "And a very loyal one of the prince at that."
"I see," said Attis, looking more at ease now from that information. "You are much wiser than your father, then, sire. I do not mean to speak ill of the king, of course; it is merely a known fact."
This time it was Arthur's turn to blush softly. "Thank you. I shall do my best to be a fair and just once I am king - in all things."
Cora came to stand before Arthur then and curtseyed in a low bow, and then took Arthur's hand to kiss, to show her loyalty, and Arthur smiled and said, "No need to do that, madam…"
They were courteous and attentive hosts after inviting Arthur and Merlin into their cottage, making them tea that was freshly grown in their garden and offering them some strawberry tarts that Cora had just made before dawn. They had a lovely conversation, with Arthur promising all sorts of things to them and explaining his stance on certain rules that will most likely change once he became king, before they left to see the rest of the village. It was almost noon by the time they finished their tour of the village and greeting other people, and ended up at Magus' hut again for lunch.
Merlin loved it there. If he were to ever leave the castle he would be most comfortable living here. But they had to leave soon so that they had ample time to bring the unicorn back to the deepest parts of the forest, try to convince Lynn to stay there, and then make their way back to the castle. Lavina wanted to come with them, just until they reached the sacred springs, but Magus forbid her, saying it was best if she stayed home where she won't get into any danger again and that the prince and Merlin were to do this on their own.
"I'll miss you, my prince knight," she wept into Arthur's arms. Arthur had to crouch on one knee in order to give her a hug goodbye and ended up with her soaking his good shirt, Lavina's stuffed lion smashed between their bodies.
"You'll see me again one day," said Arthur, patting the distressed child on the back. "Just stay out of trouble while I'm still prince, so that no one would turn you in to my father for sorcery. He'll have you beheaded, then."
She squeaked a small hiccup through the tears and Merlin gave Arthur a sharp look to show he disapproved his use of words.
"What?" said Arthur, looking up at him. Merlin sighed and just shook his head.
They gathered their things slowly, and in mostly silence. Merlin fetched his horse from Ban (whom he just realized looked a little familiar to him, but he couldn't place it), and Arthur had Lynn saddled and ready as well. The unicorn looked really pleased to be heading out again, and with Arthur as her rider.
Attis and Cora gave them some food for their trip back, their daughter Terra swooning when she saw how handsome the prince was in person, which earned him an amused smile from Merlin; Ban gave the prince a new dagger, which he had forged with all his might and strong regard (it was beautifully crafted with the Camelot dragon embossed on its handle), and Magus gifted Merlin with a magical amulet that was said to bring protection and great luck.
"Um, thank you," said Merlin upon receiving it, a bit speechless. Because what else was he to say? It wasn't often when another magic user gave him a true gift of magical properties.
"It is not a big deal, Master Merlin," said Magus. "You helped save my niece after all, and you are a great magician, are you not? It is the least I can do. Only other thing I can do is wish you all the luck in the world, and hope that you will take good care of our prince. We need him on that throne."
"Oh, I will," said Merlin, smiling. "Trust me."
"Indeed I do, Master Merlin, for you are the greatest warlock in the world."
It was only after they left the village that Merlin realized that Magus had known who he was all the time, and it made him wonder if Magus had any other secrets as well.
**
When they finally reached the sacred springs, they set up camp for the evening so they could eat. They had plenty of rations from the gardener Attis, but there wasn't any meat, which Arthur wanted, so he went off to hunt. This time Lynn stayed at the camp with Merlin, drinking from the sacred spring, while Merlin got a fire going with the use of magic and then set up their bedrolls.
He was staring at the amulet Magus gave him, his mind churning as he thought on everything that happened. It didn't seem like a coincidence that they ran into Lavina and her magical toy lion Ariel, or the fact that Magus was also a warlock and that they had met the unicorn in the first place. Merlin had thought, because things often happen this way with many adventures that they'd end up running for their lives or get into some great peril, but everything seemed to have worked out fine. Apart from not knowing every single thing about Magus and his niece that was. And his mind also kept going back to when he woke up this morning curled up in Arthur's warm embrace, feeling so secure and content. Merlin knew that he could take care of himself, thanks to his magic, but he still felt so safe when he was close to Arthur. His feelings for Arthur had been growing since day one, even if he had considered him a spoiled brat when they first met.
He was still staring at the amulet in his hands when Arthur returned, but Merlin's mind wasn't on the magical charm; it was all on Arthur.
"Got a peasant and a hare," announced Arthur the moment he stepped into the campsite. "Get it cleaned up while I bathe, Merlin."
"What, no please?" Merlin griped. Arthur sighed as if put upon and then tossed the wild game at him. Merlin just caught them before they could fall into the fire.
"Now, Merlin," Arthur ordered. Merlin let out a loud sigh, irritated, but did as asked.
He tried not to stare too much as Arthur bathed, completely nude, while he cooked. His trousers became painfully tight whenever he stared for too long, and he didn't dare let their food burn. When it was done, he took out a few of the other rations from the bag to prepare them a decent meal. Cora had even given them some tealeaves, so Merlin boiled some water in order to make tea. It was slightly bitter, but very healthy.
Arthur finished just in time, pulling on just his riding trousers, and plopped down in front of the fire across from Merlin. He was still a bit wet, but the fire will no doubt dry him off. Merlin didn't dare offer to use the drying spell on him again, instead he offered the plate of food he had carefully arranged for his prince and a cup of tea.
"This is lovely, Merlin," Arthur said after a while, surprising him. "You did good, especially with the tea."
"I'm glad you like it, sire," said Merlin, pleased smile gracing his features. He had put the amulet back around his neck in order to cook and it shined a deep mahogany in the firelight. Arthur's eyes locked on it now and then, as did Merlin's eyes on Arthur and at times on Arthur's own necklace, which gleamed a brilliant red as well. Lynn was curled up nearby a few feet from the sacred springs looking as if asleep, and Urtha was tied to a tree, possibly also asleep.
When it was time to sleep, Merlin had slight butterflies in his stomach. He thought about keeping their bedrolls a few inches separated from each other, but whenever he would try Arthur would scoff at him and order him to put them back together.
"It'll be warmer if we shared," Arthur told him, which made Merlin's stomach flip again and his trousers chafe.
They ended up in each other's arms, and in the cover of darkness with barely a star shining through the tree canopy, with nary a word said between them, they found each other's lips. They fell in step, almost instinctual, with the sweet touches and moans between them, warm skin pressed together and limbs entangled. No words, only body language and soft sighs expressed their feelings and their surrender to each other. Arthur moved with deliberate slowness over Merlin, face pressed into Merlin's neck and breathing hotly over his skin, Merlin's nails digging into Arthur's broad shoulders with every sharp thrust of Arthur's hips. Merlin curled into Arthur as his belly tightened, and then his release was so sudden and strong he let out a strangled cry into the night.
The next morning, Arthur was smiling down on Merlin as he opened his eyes. Merlin smiled back.
"Morning," said Arthur, voice scratchy from sleep.
"Good morning, Arthur," said Merlin, a bit dazed from his dream world, and then his face bloomed a lovely red as he recalled everything that happened last night. Arthur noticed and chuckled.
"Yes, a very good morning," said Arthur. "Although it would have been better had I not slept on a rock most of the night."
"I think that's me you're referring to," said Merlin, slowly sitting up and stretching. "You cling in your sleep."
"I do no such thing," Arthur groused, which was the beginning of another morning ritual of light banter and cheap shots. Arthur even commented on how he had no idea that underneath all those baggy servant clothes he was quite well-hung and Merlin commented back about Arthur's large ball sac.
"I think you bruised my tailbone with it," he said, and Arthur rolled his eyes and pushed Merlin's shoulder lightly. They were naked, uncaring, as they teased each other on the way to the spring, but before they jumped in to wash they finally noticed something.
"Where's Lynn?" said Merlin, looking around the site.
"Maybe she got the hint and buggered off with some male unicorn, or something," Arthur shrugged. "C'mon, Merlin, less talking more washing."
They helped wash each other, occasionally kissing and touching along the way, smiling and laughing. Once done and out of the water, Merlin voiced his worry for Lynn again.
"This is a good thing, you realize?" said Arthur. "We wanted to return her to the forest and make her stay and not follow us back to Camelot, so her being gone is a good thing. We should pack our things and get moving."
"But Lynn is still wearing the saddle and bridle," said Merlin. "Unless you took it off her? Because I sure didn't."
"No, I didn't take it off her, Merlin. Look, just don't worry about it, all right? Consider it a good thing she isn't around."
As they got dressed, Merlin continued to worry, and after a few more pouts and pleads, Arthur gave in and decided to help put Merlin's fears to rest by looking for her to make sure she was all right.
Because they only had one horse now, they shared, with Merlin riding in the front. Merlin didn't mind one bit, because it forced Arthur to keep an arm secured around him as he steered. He leaned back against Arthur, enjoying the feel of a firm, well-defined chest at his back and a warm, sweet breath against his face. He wiggled once in a while in the saddle to feel the effect he was having on Arthur as well. Arthur's only reply to it was a soft kiss to Merlin's neck and a hitched breath. Merlin tilted his head back to let his prince taste him as much as he pleased.
It so happened they didn't have to go too far. When Lynn walked out from between two trees, Merlin was so relieved to see her that he dismounted from their horse and ran to her. When Lynn was finally fully revealed, Merlin halted in shock to see that sitting in the saddle was Lavina. Merlin gaped at her for a moment before he could make his mouth work.
"Lavina?"
"Hey, Mr Sorcery Man," she said. "Look who I found."
Merlin took a few steps closer and held a hand out, happy to see Lynn was all right, but then Lynn reared back in fright. Merlin frowned, his chest tightening with the sudden knowledge of why Lynn was now reacting toward him in such a way.
"Oh, Lynn…"
Arthur put his arms around Merlin in comfort and kissed his temple. "It's better this way, Merlin."
"I'll take good care of her, my prince knight," said Lavina. "I promise."
"What about Ariel?" said Merlin, worried for the fact that Lynn and the enchanted toy lion won't get along.
"I'll keep Ariel indoors during the night, unless I need her for something," Lavina said. "Besides, I don't really own Lynn. She belongs to the forest. She's a part of the Old Religion. Like you, Emrys."
Merlin stared, dumbfounded once again, and completely speechless.
"And Merlin belongs with me," said Arthur, an arm still around Merlin's middle. Merlin looked at him in shock, cheeks pinking. Arthur turned his head slowly to grin back, a very pleased look in his eyes.
"He's the other side of your coin, Prince Knight," said Lavina, and her voice sounded more mature than it ever had since they've met. "Keep each other safe. For the sake of Camelot."
And with a tug of the reins, Lavina and Lynn disappeared into the forest.
"Well," said Arthur after a moment's pause, "at least that problem is solved. Now, let's get back…" Arthur finally brought his gaze back over to Merlin and noticed immediately the solemn look on his face. Arthur sighed. "Merlin, you know it's best that Lynn stays in the forest, yeah?"
"I will never be able to touch her again," Merlin said very softly, his eyes not leaving the empty space where Lynn had just been.
Arthur nearly groaned aloud, a bit of frustration showing. "Merlin… surely you'd rather touch me? Am I not a good exchange for a magical horse?"
Merlin stared into Arthur's face, eyes softening as love clutched at him from his very core, tingling straight down to his toes. The only answer Merlin could give him didn't involve any words, only action; and Arthur smirked into the kiss before deepening it. They held each other, kissing, and they would have continued to do so if it weren't for a rain clouds above them. The shock of the cold rain made Merlin gasp, and Arthur laughed, but the pause was short-lived and they kissed again, wet and slick and tasting rain with each sweeping kiss.
"Time to go home, Merlin," Arthur whispered against his lips, and Merlin could only agree with a nod. They kissed again, wet and dripping.
**
Back at Camelot, Arthur had to report to his father about what happened and where he'd gone, but he couldn't tell him the complete truth. He had to wing it, he knew. So, quickly Arthur dried off best he could, put on some dry clothes, and immediately went to the throne room with a slightly fast beating heart.
"So you found the owner the horse belonged to?" asked Uther.
"Not exactly, father," said Arthur. "The owner is, as you thought, dead, but his daughter was still alive."
"So you left the horse with her."
"Yes, Sire," said Arthur.
"And your manservant is to be punished for his improper behavior?"
Arthur nearly forgotten about that, but he nodded and said, "Yes, sire, I shall give him his punishment, and it won't be the stocks as you've requested."
"Good," said Uther, and then his demeanor changed slightly as he stepped up closer to his son and lowered his voice. "Speaking of your manservant, I have to ask you, Arthur: just how close are you two?"
Arthur's heart leapt into his throat and he swallowed hard before answering dutifully, "What do you mean, father?"
"I've noticed the way you treat him, Arthur, and it isn't how a normal nobleman would treat his servant. You let him get away with too much, you allow him to call you by your first name quite often, and you've taken a lot of liberties with him…"
"Let's remember, father, that it was you who put him in my service in the first place."
"I do not deny that, but I had no idea you'd treat him like some sort of paramour. I just want you to be honest with me."
He wanted honesty, thought Arthur, then he'll get honesty.
"Okay, father, I admit that I hadn't been treating him like an everyday servant, but he does mean more to me than anything in the world. I hadn't come to understand my true feelings for him until last night, and I suppose now one could call him my paramour, but he hadn't been one during the time you had suspected it. What you had noticed, sire, was the slow build of our feelings for each other and our hesitancy to show those feelings. Now, we are more than just master and servant. And I do love him, father; I love him so very much."
He had no more to add to that, he didn't think it mattered if he did, because what he said was straight from the heart.
Uther sighed, closing his eyes as if in pain. "And there's nothing I say that will make you reconsider being this close to the boy?"
"I'm afraid not, father," said Arthur.
Uther's mouth was drawn in a tight, thin line and his eyes hardened slightly, but Arthur could see understanding under those cool features.
"Just as you loved mother," Arthur said, so there was no doubt left, "I love Merlin. So I'm sure you understand how I feel."
Uther nodded, knowing there was no way he could change his son's mind. "I understand most acutely. As long as you plan for an heir some time down the line."
"Of course, father," said Arthur, feeling a lot lighter than he had since he first set foot in the throne room. "Will that be all?"
"Yes, you may leave."
**
When Arthur got to his chambers, Merlin was already there, in dry clothes as well, making Arthur's bed. Arthur closed the door as quietly as he could, not wishing to disturb Merlin just yet, and with soft footsteps, moved over to lean against the bedpost. He watched as long as he could in silence, and in doing so made his heart skip just a little bit faster. The moment Merlin looked up and saw him watching, Merlin jumped in surprise and put a hand to his chest.
"You scared me!" Merlin panted.
"Sorry," Arthur said, smirking in a way that meant he wasn't all that sorry. "Just didn't want to interrupt you in your bed sheet changing; you seemed so into it."
"Oh, yeah," said Merlin sarcastically. "Changing the sheets is such hard work; one has to keep constant vigilance with this particular job."
"That's quite an impressive vocabulary you got there, Merlin. You sound almost like a learned man."
Merlin gave him an unimpressed eyebrow and smirk. "Yeah, like you're so intelligent."
"I am!" Arthur exclaimed, feeling a bit insulted. "I'll have you know that I had one of the best tutors this land could provide!"
"If he's so great than why're you still a prat?" Merlin said promptly.
Arthur was so very not amused and quite annoyed by Merlin's comment that he grabbed a nearby pillow (which had been just lying there at the end of the bed while Merlin was fixing the sheets at the top) and threw it at Merlin's head as hard as he could. Merlin instinctually raised an arm to shield his face as the pillow hurled toward him and it fell with a flop onto the bed. He picked it up, about to throw it back just as hard, but Arthur pointed a finger at him in warning.
"Don't you dare."
"Oh, I dare," Merlin smirked.
"No throwing pillows at the Crown Prince."
"I'm not gonna throw it at the Crown Prince," said Merlin easily. "I'm gonna throw it at a spoiled prat."
"Oi! I could have you in the stocks for that! But actually I'm supposed to give you another punishment because of how you behaved in front of my father during a meeting, so don't make me add the stocks to your other punishment."
That made Merlin pause, pillow still raised in the air as if he were about to throw it. "Oh, right… I forgot about that."
"Yeah, I'm sure you did."
Slowly, Merlin put the pillow back on the bed. "What punishment are you giving me for it, then?"
Arthur pulled the most ridiculous smirking face Merlin had ever seen on his prince and it nearly made him laugh.
"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you, Merlin?"
The second he turned around, he felt a pillow hit the back of his head. He stopped, and then slowly turned around. He kept his face blank.
"You did not just throw a pillow at me."
Merlin gave him his best 'who me?' look. Arthur slowly started to walk toward him. Merlin backed up until he was trapped in the little corner Arthur's bed and nightstand made.
"Do not make me-" Arthur began, but Merlin tried to bolt over the bed in order to get away. Arthur charged after him, leaping over the bed faster than Merlin, and then grabbed the back of Merlin's tunic and pulled him down. He ended up pinning Merlin into the mattress with his hands locked above his head and his knees keeping Merlin's legs in place. He used a little of his bulk to keep Merlin from flailing about under him too much, but secretly he enjoyed the little wiggles against him.
"Oi, let me go!" Merlin nearly yelled as he struggled.
"It's useless, Merlin, give it up," Arthur gave him a wicked grin. "You can't match my strength."
"No kidding," Merlin grinned up at him, jutting his chin out. "Your body odor is strong enough to knock out even a unicorn."
"You little--!" Arthur was stopped mid-swear by Merlin's lips. His body lost all of its fight and soon he was melting into Merlin's kiss, their hands nearly everywhere, and they rolled around on the bed in their passion. Arthur got a little too excited as he tried to take Merlin's shirt off and wasn't paying attention (neither of them were) and he ended up on the floor with Merlin peering over the side of the bed at him sporting a huge, amused grin.
"What're you doing down there, Arthur?" he said. "Wouldn't it be more comfortable on the bed?"
Arthur's answer was to reach up and grab Merlin by the back of his neck and pull him down on top of him.
-The End
Notes:
Most Original Character's names and other things were names of gods and goddesses (according to my crossword dictionary). Lavina is just a name I found in a name book, and Ban in legend is Lancelot's father (this is why he seems so familiar to Merlin).
Baldera (the town name) is taken from 'Balder', meaning god of peace (or peace god?)
Attis is the god of vegetation, Adda is the god of the winds, Cora is the goddess of vegetation, Urth is goddess of destiny (or doom), Erua is goddess of waters, and Terra is goddess of earth.
Although this is the end for this fic, it still feels a bit unfinished to me, so I might do a sequel - I’m not sure yet.
Author: lunadeath02
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: R
Warnings: language, sex, slight angst
Notes: At end.
~**~
The first thing that Merlin noticed upon waking was that there was something rather warm and solid against his cheek. The second thing was that he was engulfed by strong arms. Thirdly, he could hear a strange commotion coming from outside and he couldn't identify the source. When he opened his eyes, all he saw was the large span of a chest with blond hairs and a pink nipple; he also realized that it was still night.
The noise, which was what probably woke him, was louder now that he was more fully aware, and it woke Arthur too. Merlin looked up and their eyes met. It was somewhat embarrassing when they realized they'd been cuddling, but then it had to take a backseat because Arthur was in alert mode when the noise ripped through the air again and they both scrambled out of bed and dressed enough to be decent before stumbling outside to see what the commotion was. Arthur grabbed his sword on the way out, and Merlin ran a stream of magic spells in his head in habit.
The moon was full and high above them, bathing everything in its moonlight so they could see perfectly that it was the unicorn, and she was fighting something. As they turned, Arthur and Merlin saw that it was a lion. Or more appropriately, a lioness. There was no mane.
"What is this?" Arthur gasped, blinking sleepily at the scene. "This isn't some strange dream, is it?"
"If it is, then I'm dreaming it too," said Merlin. "I thought all the lions in Britain had been killed."
"No!" shouted Lavina as she ran out of Magus' hut. She was waving a little stick in the air at the fighting couple. "No, no, no! You mustn't fight! Stop it, Lynn! You're going to hurt my Ariel!"
Merlin's jaw dropped and Arthur's eyes widened.
"That's Ariel?" Merlin screeched. Well, more like shouted but with a slight hitch in his voice.
"I think we've discovered why the bandits wanted the stuffed toy now," said Arthur. He was looking bemused by the sight, as if not sure if he should try stopping Ariel or not, because of Lavina.
"We have to stop them before they kill each other," said Merlin. He made to move, but Arthur stopped him with an arm, which was still bare and warm.
"No, you might get killed."
Merlin gave Arthur a peculiar look. "I'm a sorcerer, Arthur," he reminded him. "I'm sure I can take care of myself."
"Not in a fight such as that, you idiot!" Arthur pointed at the two, and just as he did, Lynn got a good stab with her horn and Ariel shrieked and backed down.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Lavina cried, and then lifted her stick in the air and hissed something that only Merlin recognized. Merlin's eyes widened when everything became somewhat darker.
Then, Ariel was suddenly a toy again. Lavina ran to it and picked it up. Lynn shook her mane, some of the lioness' blood still on the tip of her horn, and then grazed as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.
Merlin and Arthur could only stare as Lavina hugged and cooed at the stuffed animal and Lynn slowly trotted back behind Magus' hut.
"What the hell just happened?" Merlin said.
~*~
"I guess I owe you both an explanation," said Magus. He was pouring them all some tea. It was nearly dawn, and even though Merlin wished to go back to bed he had to admit that it would've been useless seeing how they'd get up within the hour anyway. Lavina was sitting at the table with them, hugging her toy lion to her chest and staring gloomily at the table.
"That would be nice," said Merlin.
Magus set some water to boil and then with a wave of his hand some cheese and freshly baked bread flew onto the table in front of them. "You see, I'm not the only one with magic in this village, as you may have guessed. Lavina comes from a long line of magic users. Her father was burned at the stake for sorcery," and to his credit, Magus didn't look at Arthur when he said this, but the implication was there, "and her mother by association, but she was a witch too; they just didn't have any evidence to prove it." Magus took a sip of his tea, and Arthur and Merlin stayed silent as they waited for him to go on.
"I'm the closest thing Lavina had to family," Magus explained. "After her parents died. So, I made it my duty to raise her. It is fitting, also, that I too am a sorcerer, so that I could teach her all she needs to know. Her father-Harold-was the one that enchanted her toy lion. It was to help protect her, you see, when she was in trouble. Unfortunately, the spell had gone wrong, and Harold didn't know about it before he died. Ariel can only come to life when the moon is up and shining."
"A full moon?" Merlin asked.
"Not just a full moon, Master Merlin," replied Magus. "But whenever the moon is out and shining. If there are clouds or if anything is obstructing its rays, then Ariel becomes a toy once more."
"That thing that Lavina did," said Arthur after clearing his throat, "with the stick…?"
"She was able to block the moonlight with a spell, yes," said Magus, nodding. "And that stick, as you so quaintly put it, is her wand. It helps her to focus her magic better, so that she doesn't lose control."
"But why would Lynn attack Ariel?" Merlin asked.
Magus shook his head, frowning, and looked over at Lavina, who was silently sipping her tea. "That I cannot say. I wonder if maybe they just don't like each other for some unfathomable reason. If your unicorn could talk, I'm sure she'd tell you."
"She's not really our unicorn," said Merlin.
"Right," said Magus, nodding almost sagely. "Of course. My mistake."
Once they were finished with breakfast, Magus offered to show them around. Arthur wanted to see if his horse (which Merlin had been riding, but really belonged to Arthur) was being properly taken care of. Ban was hitting a glowing sword with his hammer on an anvil when they arrived, and when he saw them enter he stopped to stick the hot end of it back into the forge.
"Good morning, good sirs," he said, wiping his brow. "What a dreadful wake up call, eh? Never thought I'd see a lion and a unicorn going at it. Well, odd things like that can happen 'round here from time to time."
"What other odd things would that be?" Merlin asked.
Ban looked reluctant to say, but then just shrugged and said, "Oh, you know… odd things."
"Like magic?" said Arthur, not beating around the bush. When Ban wouldn't answer, Arthur waved a dismissing hand, "Don't worry, I won't turn anyone in to my father. I had just learned about Merlin having magic abilities, as well as Magus-"
"And Lavina, don't forget," said Merlin.
"Yes, and her," said Arthur. "So you see, you need not worry about me arresting you or anyone here. As long as there is no evil plot against the king or Camelot, that is."
"Of course not, sire," said Ban, bowing with the utmost respect. "We'd never dream of such a thing here! We've had the occasional 'bad' sorcerer visit, but they rarely stay. I think it's because of all that evil plotting they do that makes them so animated."
During his little speech, Merlin had gone over to see how his horse was faring. She nickered softly when she saw him, and he petted her muzzle lovingly. Although the stables in Baldera were much smaller than the ones in Camelot, it looked spacious enough to harbor at least ten horses, and Merlin's horse looked rather comfortable and well looked after. He was glad, because even though the horse Merlin rode often belonged to Arthur he had grown quite attached to her. He'd named her Urtha, after Urth the goddess of destiny (and sometimes doom), which sounded like Earth or earthy to him, so he liked it. Urtha didn't mind the name either, because after a bit she responded to the name whenever he called her.
"Your horse is doing well, Master Merlin," said Ban. "She is even-tempered, but seems a little down. Has she been sick recently?"
"Er, no," said Merlin. "Not that I know of, but I think maybe she's missing Arthur's steed, the one Arthur normally rides. They like each other quite a lot, and I wouldn't be surprised if Urtha became pregnant by him."
"Urtha," said Ban softly, patting the horse on the neck. "Lovely name, Master Merlin. She is a beautiful mare."
"Thanks," Merlin smiled. "And please, just call me Merlin."
"As you wish," said Ban, smiling back. "Merlin."
"All right, are we done here?" came Arthur's sharp comment behind them, which sounded a little jealous to Merlin's ears. "I'd like to see the rest of the village, if you don't mind."
With a promise to treat Urtha well, they left Ban do his blacksmithing duties and followed Magus to another part of the village. There they stopped beside a vegetable garden and two of the townsfolk were working in it. They lifted their heads when Magus hailed them, and then stood after noticing who their visitors were and bowed.
"Your Highness," said Magus, "These two are the green thumbs of our village: Cora and Attis. They're married and have three children. The eldest son, Adda, is off exploring different lands, but the other two are still here; twins: Erua and Terra. They are not magical, from what I've gathered, but very eager workers who enjoy the work they do."
Attis stepped up to Arthur, bowed humbly again, and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Prince Arthur. We've heard so much about you here, in Baldera."
"It's nice to meet you as well, Attis," said Arthur. "I take it my reputation is spread thanks to the sorcerers who seek refuge here."
Attis colored slightly and ducked his head. "Yes, well… we did not know they were sorcerers until just before they left, sire, so we are not at fault for harboring them, I assure you!"
"No need to fear, sir," said Arthur in a very princely tone, which Merlin couldn't help reacting to nowadays. "I won't be arresting anyone."
"Merlin here is a sorcerer," Magus informed the gardener. "And a very loyal one of the prince at that."
"I see," said Attis, looking more at ease now from that information. "You are much wiser than your father, then, sire. I do not mean to speak ill of the king, of course; it is merely a known fact."
This time it was Arthur's turn to blush softly. "Thank you. I shall do my best to be a fair and just once I am king - in all things."
Cora came to stand before Arthur then and curtseyed in a low bow, and then took Arthur's hand to kiss, to show her loyalty, and Arthur smiled and said, "No need to do that, madam…"
They were courteous and attentive hosts after inviting Arthur and Merlin into their cottage, making them tea that was freshly grown in their garden and offering them some strawberry tarts that Cora had just made before dawn. They had a lovely conversation, with Arthur promising all sorts of things to them and explaining his stance on certain rules that will most likely change once he became king, before they left to see the rest of the village. It was almost noon by the time they finished their tour of the village and greeting other people, and ended up at Magus' hut again for lunch.
Merlin loved it there. If he were to ever leave the castle he would be most comfortable living here. But they had to leave soon so that they had ample time to bring the unicorn back to the deepest parts of the forest, try to convince Lynn to stay there, and then make their way back to the castle. Lavina wanted to come with them, just until they reached the sacred springs, but Magus forbid her, saying it was best if she stayed home where she won't get into any danger again and that the prince and Merlin were to do this on their own.
"I'll miss you, my prince knight," she wept into Arthur's arms. Arthur had to crouch on one knee in order to give her a hug goodbye and ended up with her soaking his good shirt, Lavina's stuffed lion smashed between their bodies.
"You'll see me again one day," said Arthur, patting the distressed child on the back. "Just stay out of trouble while I'm still prince, so that no one would turn you in to my father for sorcery. He'll have you beheaded, then."
She squeaked a small hiccup through the tears and Merlin gave Arthur a sharp look to show he disapproved his use of words.
"What?" said Arthur, looking up at him. Merlin sighed and just shook his head.
They gathered their things slowly, and in mostly silence. Merlin fetched his horse from Ban (whom he just realized looked a little familiar to him, but he couldn't place it), and Arthur had Lynn saddled and ready as well. The unicorn looked really pleased to be heading out again, and with Arthur as her rider.
Attis and Cora gave them some food for their trip back, their daughter Terra swooning when she saw how handsome the prince was in person, which earned him an amused smile from Merlin; Ban gave the prince a new dagger, which he had forged with all his might and strong regard (it was beautifully crafted with the Camelot dragon embossed on its handle), and Magus gifted Merlin with a magical amulet that was said to bring protection and great luck.
"Um, thank you," said Merlin upon receiving it, a bit speechless. Because what else was he to say? It wasn't often when another magic user gave him a true gift of magical properties.
"It is not a big deal, Master Merlin," said Magus. "You helped save my niece after all, and you are a great magician, are you not? It is the least I can do. Only other thing I can do is wish you all the luck in the world, and hope that you will take good care of our prince. We need him on that throne."
"Oh, I will," said Merlin, smiling. "Trust me."
"Indeed I do, Master Merlin, for you are the greatest warlock in the world."
It was only after they left the village that Merlin realized that Magus had known who he was all the time, and it made him wonder if Magus had any other secrets as well.
**
When they finally reached the sacred springs, they set up camp for the evening so they could eat. They had plenty of rations from the gardener Attis, but there wasn't any meat, which Arthur wanted, so he went off to hunt. This time Lynn stayed at the camp with Merlin, drinking from the sacred spring, while Merlin got a fire going with the use of magic and then set up their bedrolls.
He was staring at the amulet Magus gave him, his mind churning as he thought on everything that happened. It didn't seem like a coincidence that they ran into Lavina and her magical toy lion Ariel, or the fact that Magus was also a warlock and that they had met the unicorn in the first place. Merlin had thought, because things often happen this way with many adventures that they'd end up running for their lives or get into some great peril, but everything seemed to have worked out fine. Apart from not knowing every single thing about Magus and his niece that was. And his mind also kept going back to when he woke up this morning curled up in Arthur's warm embrace, feeling so secure and content. Merlin knew that he could take care of himself, thanks to his magic, but he still felt so safe when he was close to Arthur. His feelings for Arthur had been growing since day one, even if he had considered him a spoiled brat when they first met.
He was still staring at the amulet in his hands when Arthur returned, but Merlin's mind wasn't on the magical charm; it was all on Arthur.
"Got a peasant and a hare," announced Arthur the moment he stepped into the campsite. "Get it cleaned up while I bathe, Merlin."
"What, no please?" Merlin griped. Arthur sighed as if put upon and then tossed the wild game at him. Merlin just caught them before they could fall into the fire.
"Now, Merlin," Arthur ordered. Merlin let out a loud sigh, irritated, but did as asked.
He tried not to stare too much as Arthur bathed, completely nude, while he cooked. His trousers became painfully tight whenever he stared for too long, and he didn't dare let their food burn. When it was done, he took out a few of the other rations from the bag to prepare them a decent meal. Cora had even given them some tealeaves, so Merlin boiled some water in order to make tea. It was slightly bitter, but very healthy.
Arthur finished just in time, pulling on just his riding trousers, and plopped down in front of the fire across from Merlin. He was still a bit wet, but the fire will no doubt dry him off. Merlin didn't dare offer to use the drying spell on him again, instead he offered the plate of food he had carefully arranged for his prince and a cup of tea.
"This is lovely, Merlin," Arthur said after a while, surprising him. "You did good, especially with the tea."
"I'm glad you like it, sire," said Merlin, pleased smile gracing his features. He had put the amulet back around his neck in order to cook and it shined a deep mahogany in the firelight. Arthur's eyes locked on it now and then, as did Merlin's eyes on Arthur and at times on Arthur's own necklace, which gleamed a brilliant red as well. Lynn was curled up nearby a few feet from the sacred springs looking as if asleep, and Urtha was tied to a tree, possibly also asleep.
When it was time to sleep, Merlin had slight butterflies in his stomach. He thought about keeping their bedrolls a few inches separated from each other, but whenever he would try Arthur would scoff at him and order him to put them back together.
"It'll be warmer if we shared," Arthur told him, which made Merlin's stomach flip again and his trousers chafe.
They ended up in each other's arms, and in the cover of darkness with barely a star shining through the tree canopy, with nary a word said between them, they found each other's lips. They fell in step, almost instinctual, with the sweet touches and moans between them, warm skin pressed together and limbs entangled. No words, only body language and soft sighs expressed their feelings and their surrender to each other. Arthur moved with deliberate slowness over Merlin, face pressed into Merlin's neck and breathing hotly over his skin, Merlin's nails digging into Arthur's broad shoulders with every sharp thrust of Arthur's hips. Merlin curled into Arthur as his belly tightened, and then his release was so sudden and strong he let out a strangled cry into the night.
The next morning, Arthur was smiling down on Merlin as he opened his eyes. Merlin smiled back.
"Morning," said Arthur, voice scratchy from sleep.
"Good morning, Arthur," said Merlin, a bit dazed from his dream world, and then his face bloomed a lovely red as he recalled everything that happened last night. Arthur noticed and chuckled.
"Yes, a very good morning," said Arthur. "Although it would have been better had I not slept on a rock most of the night."
"I think that's me you're referring to," said Merlin, slowly sitting up and stretching. "You cling in your sleep."
"I do no such thing," Arthur groused, which was the beginning of another morning ritual of light banter and cheap shots. Arthur even commented on how he had no idea that underneath all those baggy servant clothes he was quite well-hung and Merlin commented back about Arthur's large ball sac.
"I think you bruised my tailbone with it," he said, and Arthur rolled his eyes and pushed Merlin's shoulder lightly. They were naked, uncaring, as they teased each other on the way to the spring, but before they jumped in to wash they finally noticed something.
"Where's Lynn?" said Merlin, looking around the site.
"Maybe she got the hint and buggered off with some male unicorn, or something," Arthur shrugged. "C'mon, Merlin, less talking more washing."
They helped wash each other, occasionally kissing and touching along the way, smiling and laughing. Once done and out of the water, Merlin voiced his worry for Lynn again.
"This is a good thing, you realize?" said Arthur. "We wanted to return her to the forest and make her stay and not follow us back to Camelot, so her being gone is a good thing. We should pack our things and get moving."
"But Lynn is still wearing the saddle and bridle," said Merlin. "Unless you took it off her? Because I sure didn't."
"No, I didn't take it off her, Merlin. Look, just don't worry about it, all right? Consider it a good thing she isn't around."
As they got dressed, Merlin continued to worry, and after a few more pouts and pleads, Arthur gave in and decided to help put Merlin's fears to rest by looking for her to make sure she was all right.
Because they only had one horse now, they shared, with Merlin riding in the front. Merlin didn't mind one bit, because it forced Arthur to keep an arm secured around him as he steered. He leaned back against Arthur, enjoying the feel of a firm, well-defined chest at his back and a warm, sweet breath against his face. He wiggled once in a while in the saddle to feel the effect he was having on Arthur as well. Arthur's only reply to it was a soft kiss to Merlin's neck and a hitched breath. Merlin tilted his head back to let his prince taste him as much as he pleased.
It so happened they didn't have to go too far. When Lynn walked out from between two trees, Merlin was so relieved to see her that he dismounted from their horse and ran to her. When Lynn was finally fully revealed, Merlin halted in shock to see that sitting in the saddle was Lavina. Merlin gaped at her for a moment before he could make his mouth work.
"Lavina?"
"Hey, Mr Sorcery Man," she said. "Look who I found."
Merlin took a few steps closer and held a hand out, happy to see Lynn was all right, but then Lynn reared back in fright. Merlin frowned, his chest tightening with the sudden knowledge of why Lynn was now reacting toward him in such a way.
"Oh, Lynn…"
Arthur put his arms around Merlin in comfort and kissed his temple. "It's better this way, Merlin."
"I'll take good care of her, my prince knight," said Lavina. "I promise."
"What about Ariel?" said Merlin, worried for the fact that Lynn and the enchanted toy lion won't get along.
"I'll keep Ariel indoors during the night, unless I need her for something," Lavina said. "Besides, I don't really own Lynn. She belongs to the forest. She's a part of the Old Religion. Like you, Emrys."
Merlin stared, dumbfounded once again, and completely speechless.
"And Merlin belongs with me," said Arthur, an arm still around Merlin's middle. Merlin looked at him in shock, cheeks pinking. Arthur turned his head slowly to grin back, a very pleased look in his eyes.
"He's the other side of your coin, Prince Knight," said Lavina, and her voice sounded more mature than it ever had since they've met. "Keep each other safe. For the sake of Camelot."
And with a tug of the reins, Lavina and Lynn disappeared into the forest.
"Well," said Arthur after a moment's pause, "at least that problem is solved. Now, let's get back…" Arthur finally brought his gaze back over to Merlin and noticed immediately the solemn look on his face. Arthur sighed. "Merlin, you know it's best that Lynn stays in the forest, yeah?"
"I will never be able to touch her again," Merlin said very softly, his eyes not leaving the empty space where Lynn had just been.
Arthur nearly groaned aloud, a bit of frustration showing. "Merlin… surely you'd rather touch me? Am I not a good exchange for a magical horse?"
Merlin stared into Arthur's face, eyes softening as love clutched at him from his very core, tingling straight down to his toes. The only answer Merlin could give him didn't involve any words, only action; and Arthur smirked into the kiss before deepening it. They held each other, kissing, and they would have continued to do so if it weren't for a rain clouds above them. The shock of the cold rain made Merlin gasp, and Arthur laughed, but the pause was short-lived and they kissed again, wet and slick and tasting rain with each sweeping kiss.
"Time to go home, Merlin," Arthur whispered against his lips, and Merlin could only agree with a nod. They kissed again, wet and dripping.
**
Back at Camelot, Arthur had to report to his father about what happened and where he'd gone, but he couldn't tell him the complete truth. He had to wing it, he knew. So, quickly Arthur dried off best he could, put on some dry clothes, and immediately went to the throne room with a slightly fast beating heart.
"So you found the owner the horse belonged to?" asked Uther.
"Not exactly, father," said Arthur. "The owner is, as you thought, dead, but his daughter was still alive."
"So you left the horse with her."
"Yes, Sire," said Arthur.
"And your manservant is to be punished for his improper behavior?"
Arthur nearly forgotten about that, but he nodded and said, "Yes, sire, I shall give him his punishment, and it won't be the stocks as you've requested."
"Good," said Uther, and then his demeanor changed slightly as he stepped up closer to his son and lowered his voice. "Speaking of your manservant, I have to ask you, Arthur: just how close are you two?"
Arthur's heart leapt into his throat and he swallowed hard before answering dutifully, "What do you mean, father?"
"I've noticed the way you treat him, Arthur, and it isn't how a normal nobleman would treat his servant. You let him get away with too much, you allow him to call you by your first name quite often, and you've taken a lot of liberties with him…"
"Let's remember, father, that it was you who put him in my service in the first place."
"I do not deny that, but I had no idea you'd treat him like some sort of paramour. I just want you to be honest with me."
He wanted honesty, thought Arthur, then he'll get honesty.
"Okay, father, I admit that I hadn't been treating him like an everyday servant, but he does mean more to me than anything in the world. I hadn't come to understand my true feelings for him until last night, and I suppose now one could call him my paramour, but he hadn't been one during the time you had suspected it. What you had noticed, sire, was the slow build of our feelings for each other and our hesitancy to show those feelings. Now, we are more than just master and servant. And I do love him, father; I love him so very much."
He had no more to add to that, he didn't think it mattered if he did, because what he said was straight from the heart.
Uther sighed, closing his eyes as if in pain. "And there's nothing I say that will make you reconsider being this close to the boy?"
"I'm afraid not, father," said Arthur.
Uther's mouth was drawn in a tight, thin line and his eyes hardened slightly, but Arthur could see understanding under those cool features.
"Just as you loved mother," Arthur said, so there was no doubt left, "I love Merlin. So I'm sure you understand how I feel."
Uther nodded, knowing there was no way he could change his son's mind. "I understand most acutely. As long as you plan for an heir some time down the line."
"Of course, father," said Arthur, feeling a lot lighter than he had since he first set foot in the throne room. "Will that be all?"
"Yes, you may leave."
**
When Arthur got to his chambers, Merlin was already there, in dry clothes as well, making Arthur's bed. Arthur closed the door as quietly as he could, not wishing to disturb Merlin just yet, and with soft footsteps, moved over to lean against the bedpost. He watched as long as he could in silence, and in doing so made his heart skip just a little bit faster. The moment Merlin looked up and saw him watching, Merlin jumped in surprise and put a hand to his chest.
"You scared me!" Merlin panted.
"Sorry," Arthur said, smirking in a way that meant he wasn't all that sorry. "Just didn't want to interrupt you in your bed sheet changing; you seemed so into it."
"Oh, yeah," said Merlin sarcastically. "Changing the sheets is such hard work; one has to keep constant vigilance with this particular job."
"That's quite an impressive vocabulary you got there, Merlin. You sound almost like a learned man."
Merlin gave him an unimpressed eyebrow and smirk. "Yeah, like you're so intelligent."
"I am!" Arthur exclaimed, feeling a bit insulted. "I'll have you know that I had one of the best tutors this land could provide!"
"If he's so great than why're you still a prat?" Merlin said promptly.
Arthur was so very not amused and quite annoyed by Merlin's comment that he grabbed a nearby pillow (which had been just lying there at the end of the bed while Merlin was fixing the sheets at the top) and threw it at Merlin's head as hard as he could. Merlin instinctually raised an arm to shield his face as the pillow hurled toward him and it fell with a flop onto the bed. He picked it up, about to throw it back just as hard, but Arthur pointed a finger at him in warning.
"Don't you dare."
"Oh, I dare," Merlin smirked.
"No throwing pillows at the Crown Prince."
"I'm not gonna throw it at the Crown Prince," said Merlin easily. "I'm gonna throw it at a spoiled prat."
"Oi! I could have you in the stocks for that! But actually I'm supposed to give you another punishment because of how you behaved in front of my father during a meeting, so don't make me add the stocks to your other punishment."
That made Merlin pause, pillow still raised in the air as if he were about to throw it. "Oh, right… I forgot about that."
"Yeah, I'm sure you did."
Slowly, Merlin put the pillow back on the bed. "What punishment are you giving me for it, then?"
Arthur pulled the most ridiculous smirking face Merlin had ever seen on his prince and it nearly made him laugh.
"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you, Merlin?"
The second he turned around, he felt a pillow hit the back of his head. He stopped, and then slowly turned around. He kept his face blank.
"You did not just throw a pillow at me."
Merlin gave him his best 'who me?' look. Arthur slowly started to walk toward him. Merlin backed up until he was trapped in the little corner Arthur's bed and nightstand made.
"Do not make me-" Arthur began, but Merlin tried to bolt over the bed in order to get away. Arthur charged after him, leaping over the bed faster than Merlin, and then grabbed the back of Merlin's tunic and pulled him down. He ended up pinning Merlin into the mattress with his hands locked above his head and his knees keeping Merlin's legs in place. He used a little of his bulk to keep Merlin from flailing about under him too much, but secretly he enjoyed the little wiggles against him.
"Oi, let me go!" Merlin nearly yelled as he struggled.
"It's useless, Merlin, give it up," Arthur gave him a wicked grin. "You can't match my strength."
"No kidding," Merlin grinned up at him, jutting his chin out. "Your body odor is strong enough to knock out even a unicorn."
"You little--!" Arthur was stopped mid-swear by Merlin's lips. His body lost all of its fight and soon he was melting into Merlin's kiss, their hands nearly everywhere, and they rolled around on the bed in their passion. Arthur got a little too excited as he tried to take Merlin's shirt off and wasn't paying attention (neither of them were) and he ended up on the floor with Merlin peering over the side of the bed at him sporting a huge, amused grin.
"What're you doing down there, Arthur?" he said. "Wouldn't it be more comfortable on the bed?"
Arthur's answer was to reach up and grab Merlin by the back of his neck and pull him down on top of him.
-The End
Notes:
Most Original Character's names and other things were names of gods and goddesses (according to my crossword dictionary). Lavina is just a name I found in a name book, and Ban in legend is Lancelot's father (this is why he seems so familiar to Merlin).
Baldera (the town name) is taken from 'Balder', meaning god of peace (or peace god?)
Attis is the god of vegetation, Adda is the god of the winds, Cora is the goddess of vegetation, Urth is goddess of destiny (or doom), Erua is goddess of waters, and Terra is goddess of earth.
Although this is the end for this fic, it still feels a bit unfinished to me, so I might do a sequel - I’m not sure yet.