It was the hottest day in Camelot Arthur could remember. Children were playing in streams, and nobles were languishing in their chambers, fanning themselves futilely. Arthur had even called off the knight's daily training. Camelot was at a standstill.
Merlin dropped Arthur's armor on to the floor with a clang and a sigh. Even during a heat wave, servants have to work. After all, the kingdom can't fall into disrepair. "Merlin!" Arthur called. "Can't you do something about this wretched heat?"
"Sorry sire, I have no control over the weather," Merlin retorted, although he probably did.
"Honestly, what use are you as a manservant?" Arthur groaned, closing his eyes.
"Not much it seems," Responded Merlin in a flat tone. Arthur's eyes snapped open to scrutinize Merlin. His response to Arthur's taunt had no bite, and Merlin almost never missed a chance for an argument. In fact, Merlin did seem rather listless. His eyes were slightly unfocused. His arms hung limp at his sides, as if the mere thought of moving them took too much effort. Merlin's most alarming feature however was his lack of sweat. Though it must have been near boiling out, his brow was devoid of any trace of perspiration. Arthur had enough field experience to know this was a sign Merlin needed water and to cool off quickly.
"Merlin you idiot!" cried Arthur, causing said idiot to jump in surprise. "You're of no use to me if you've fainted from the heat! Take that stupid scarf of yours off and drink some water." Merlin curled his arms around his throat protectively. Now that he thought about it, Arthur had never seen Merlin's bare throat. That damnable scarf always covered it.
Although he didn't take his scarf off, Merlin did pour himself a glass of water. The red scrap of fabric around his neck baubled as he took a long draft from the goblet. "It's not as if removing one piece of clothing is going to make a huge difference in cooling me off," said Merlin, after he had drained the goblet.
"Maybe not, but you look as if you are about to collapse. Besides, if you don't, I can order you to completely strip down and run through the castle to 'cool off'," Said Arthur with a threatening gleam in his eyes. Merlin's eyes widened, but made no move to take his scarf off. Arthur walked over to Merlin and attempted to remove the scarf himself. Merlin ducked under Arthur's hands. He quickly dashed across the room, ending up by Arthur's window.
"I'd really rather keep it on, thanks," said Merlin nervously.
"Alright, if you want to die of heat, it's no concern of mine." With that, Arthur washed his hands of the matter. He let it drop. He did, however, file it away in his memory for future contemplation.