Fury all but blinding him, Arthur grumbled under his breath as heArhured through the town, his appearance the epitome of messy. His shirt was wrinkled and on inside out, and his hair was tousled from his sheets and pillows. Across the town he went, mounting fury rising in his composure. When he reached his destination, the home of his lazy, inconsiderate servant, he shoved open the door.
"Gauis! Where is Merlin?" He growled.
The old man, startled straightened himself and turned his torso, revealing a small child on the table, looking fearful. Arthurs brow furrowed in confusion, words lost for a moment before he looked back at Gauis. He was about to repeat his question when his eyes fell on those of the childs, a brilliant blue. Arthur knew those eyes. he stopped, words again caught in his throat.
"...Merlin?" He was finally able to utter.
Gaius nodded, turning back to the boy and picking him up. Merlin clung to the mans cloak, hiding his rubyface in his shoulder. Gauis chuckled softly at the innocent behavior. Arthur was taken back by the sudden knew way of seeing Merlin.
"I believe that a spell has been placed on him, from something he drank or ate. I'm unsure, but I know there is a remedy," Gauis sighed, glacing over to his books.
"He looks like a bloody toddler! How am I supposed to go around without a servant? Arthur huffed.
"I've not a clue, sire. But the journey is a week long to get he ingredients." Gauis told him.
"I'll gather my best men and set out a-"
"No, sire, you are needed here. That is a two week journey, one week there and back. You have responsibilities in Camelot." Gauis said sharply.
Arthur frowned, considering this. Gauis shifted Merlin on his arm and held him out to Arthur. Arthur, surprised, took him shakily. Merlin looked at Gauis then up at Arthur warily. Gauis smiled, pattin the boys head, causing him to relax a bit in the princes arms.
Arthur blushed and scowled at the doctor.
"He is one of those responsibilities. I will go myself, sire."
Arhur went to argue but his voice was silenced as the weight on his chest came in one motion, Merlin now resting his small, tierd frame against Arthurs strong, secure shoulder. Arthurs face became a faint crimson.
"An endearing pair you two make, sire," Gauis teased, chuckling.
"Oh, do shut up." Arthur mumbled.
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It was not too much later that Gauis set off, leaving Merlin and Arthur watching from one of the balconies in the hopped up and down with aggravated grunts before sighing, pouting because he couldnt see. He looked up at Arthur with curious eyes.
"Art'ur!" He huffed, finally saying something.
Arthur shifted and looked down,"what? What do you want?" He asked, exasperated.
Merlin lifted his arms up, hands opening in closing in gesture to being picked up,"Up?"
Arthur scowled,"No. Walk on your own feet."
Merlins brow furrowed, disappointed that he'd been rejected. Arthur turned and stalked away, forcing Merlin to hurry after him. With such small legs, he had to jog to keep up. He began to pant and got upset that Arthur was so much bigger than he was, reaching out and grabbing Arthurs cloak. Arthur stopped and turned to the small child.
"What in gods name is it now, Merlin?" He hissed.
Merlin, bound and determined, glared back up at him, yanking his hand back from Arthurs cloak and crossing his arms.
"You'we going too fast," he huffed.
Arthur rolled his eyes'"keep up then."
Merlin scowled at him as he turned again, walking back to the palace. But this time, Merlin noted the bit of a change in his speed. Merlin smiled,satisfied, and followed him.