I know I haven't updated for a bit and I'm sorry! I had writers block, and plot bunnies for other stories distracted me! So, I have decided to remake the first chapter so its a bit slower and more detailed. So, here is chapter 1 redone. I will keep the old chapter 1 up for a little longer though. Enjoy, and don't forget to review!

~TragedicMerlin

Camelot was celebrating a great festival. The festival of the founding. This festival, which took place every five years, was to celebrate Camelot's founding. During the festival, the Lords and Ladies of the kingdom came to the city, and each was required to bring a guest from one of Camelot's allies. There were a great many banquets and events going on for the entire week. Which, of course, meant that the servants were rushed off their feet. Merlin in particular, being the King's manservant.

He felt himself rushing about from place to place, grabbing those beige pants, that crimson cape and this light brown tunic. Arthur's boots were GLEAMING, you could practically see your face in them. This of course tired Merlin greatly.

And to top it all off, Merlin still had to attend to his regular duties and whatever errands Gaius had him run. After returning from herb picking from a damp cave, and slipping and bruising what felt like every part of his body, Arthur caught him.

"Ah, Merlin. I trust you have everything ready? After all, only a few hours until the feast." If Arthur had been looking at Merlin, he would have been on the receiving end of the most magnificent death glare ever seen since Camelot's founding. As it was, he didn't notice and carried on;

"And I still need my chambers cleaning, my bath making and my lunch bringing to me" As Arthur prattled on, Merlin's death stare became more and more intense. Passers-by could practically see a red haze above Merlin. When Arthur looked up however, Merlin wiped his face and put on a goofy grin.

"Of course sire, everything will be done."

Merlin returned to Gaius, mumbling the whole way about Arthur, or as Merlin was currently referring to him as, his 'massive pratliness' and moaning about how unfair he was. Gaius heard all of this and just chuckled as he applied a poultice to Merlin's bruises.

"Its the way he was born Merlin, he can't help it."

More mumbling and cursing.

"Really Merlin, you are so stubborn. There, I've patched you up, you best attend to your duties, and after, I have a few herbs I'd like you to go get for me."

"Merlin! That's not the kind of language I expect from you!" Merlin was treated to a sharp smack across the face. "Now go about your duties, or I'll give you something to moan about"

Sighing, Merlin left Gaius' chambers and went to the kitchens to pick up Arthur's lunch. Knowing he would only stuff himself at the feast, Merlin placed the base necessities on Arthur's plate. Some bread, cheese and an apple. Picking up a pitcher of water, he headed for Arthur's chambers.

To say Arthur thought there wasn't much on the plate was an understatement. "Are you trying to starve me Merlin?! There's hardly anything on this plate!"

"I know you'll stuff yourself at the feast, I'm preparing you. Last thing we want is you being called King Chubs."

"Who on earth would call me that?"

"Gwaine, Gwen, Leon, Percival, Elyan, Me..."

"Get out Merlin."

"But I thought you wanted me to -"

"Get. Out."

"Okay, but when you need your bath-"

Arthur had heard enough. He began to throw things at Merlin until he left. Looking around his room, seeing how messy it was, and how dirty he was from training. He noticed the large mudstreak on his face, which must've been what Merlin was laughing at."

"MERLIN!"

Despite the threat of being placed in the stocks for a week, Merlin had eventually cleaned both the chambers and Arthur. Making his excuse, Merlin returned to Gaius to go collect his herbs.

Merlin returned later, covered in mud and branches. Cleaning himself with magic, he brought Gaius some herbs that looked strangely like ears.

"Thank you Merlin, you may want to hurry up, its almost time for the feast to start." Merlin paled and sprinted out the door.

Rushing into Arthur's chambers, he presented the King with his attire. "Ah, Merlin at last" spoke the king, who had his arms crossed and was tapping his foot impatiently. "Late as usual. No excuses!" he exclaimed. "We have just enough time to change for the opening feast" he said as he begin to dress. "You mean enough time for you to change, sire" replied Merlin. Arthur snorted and replied after struggling to get his arms through sleeves.

"Well Merlin, some of us have to look presentable"

"Look presentable? You just put your head through the arm sleeve"

"And?"

"How can you expect to look presentable when you still can't dress yourself?"

"That's why I have you, useless as you are"

"Clotpole"

Arthur was stopped from replying by the appearance of Guinevere.

"Oh. There you are Arthur. Will you be much longer? The guests have almost all arrived" she smiled at him, the sweet smile that Arthur loved about her.

"I shall not be much longer, I just have to put on my cape and I shall be down". With that, Guinevere left the chamber and Arthur turned to Merlin. "Help me put this cape on would you?"

As they both descended the stairs near the hall, a guard stopped them.

"Sire, I'm sorry to inform you that we have had to postpone the feast."

"Why on earth would you do that?"

"Sire... The nobles, they have all been captured by a small bandit army."

Arthur paled. "Don't worry, the knights and myself will save them."

"I was also given this note for Merlin."

Merlin took the note and read it. His face became a cold mask while reading it.

"Merlin? What is it?"

"They're not bandits. They're mercenaries, and I know the leader."

Merlin couldn't believe it. He had left Gavin's service years ago. And the letter states Gavin wants him back. He can't be a killer again, he just can't. He turned to Arthur, with a look in his eyes that scared the king. "We will get the nobles Arthur. And we will sort these mercenaries out."

So, do you like the remade chapter? I plan to look at Merlin's past in the next few chapters while they rescue the nobles. The other half of the original chapter will be picked up after. Hope you enjoy. Tell me anything you want, suggestions etc. by reviewing! I'll write faster if you review, as I'll know people actually read it. Reviews are appreciated so much, thank you! :)

~TragedicMerlin