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"Merlin!"
The young warlock rushed into Arthur's room, arms full of freshly polished metal.
"Yes, sire. I have your armour and I'm going to clean the stables."
"Finally. Honestly, Merlin, your ineptitude never ceases to amaze me."
"And your unwavering gratitude never ceases to leave my imagination."
Arthur pursed his lips, "Funny. Now get back to work."
"You know," Merlin began putting the armour on the prince. "Tomorrow's my day off. I don't know how you'll manage."
"I think it will be great without your irritating wisecracks."
"A simple 'thank you' would be sufficient," Merlin smiled and handed Arthur his helmet. The prince rolled his eyes and left his room. Merlin ran passed him and down to the stables. He was about to enter when he heard a strikingly familiar voice call out, "I thought you got nervous around horses!"
He whirled around to see the bright face of his friend Will heading towards him. He quickly ran forward to throw his arms around him.
"What are you doing here?"
Will opened his mouth to answer when a familiar shout of "Merlin" sounded from behind them. Merlin stepped back to see Arthur heading towards them, his face the usual mask of annoyance. Will looked behind and laughed.
"Really, Merlin? You're serving him? He seems arrogant."
"Oh he is..." Merlin mumbled as Arthur reached them.
"Aren't you supposed to be cleaning out the stables?"
"Yes, sir. Sorry. My friend showed up and..." He trailed off as Arthur turned to glance over Will.
"Who are you?"
Will put an arm around Merlin's shoulder and Arthur's frown deepened when Merlin returned the gesture.
"Will. Best friend to Merlin and visiting for a few days."
"Huh. I didn't know you had any friends."
Merlin rolled his eyes, used to the insults, but Will's smile left his face.
"He does. He is loved by his entire village and it's our job to let him know when he's somewhere he shouldn't be, because he's to selfless to do so himself."
There was an awkward pause followed by an even more awkward laugh on Merlin's part. "I don't think the whole town loves me, especially after what happened with Ulick that time."
"Nah. I'm sure he appreciated the...redecorating."
The two laughed, the picture of nostalgia, and Arthur felt even more annoyed. He knew Merlin had a family and a life before serving him, but he thought of himself as Merlin's best friend, even only friend aside from Gaius. This Merlin was so carefree and happy. He looked at Will in a way Arthur was never looked at and it made Arthur feel...not annoyed, something else. Close to anger, but not quite. He shook it off and returned his mind to the scene before him.
"Well that's enough dawdling for today Merlin. Back to work."
Merlin sighed and removed his arm from around Will, an action which brought Arthur...relief?
"Sorry Will. Go to Gaius for now. I'll meet with you later and tomorrow I have the whole day off. We can spend it catching up."
Will smiled at Merlin and inclined his head to Arthur before running off.
"Sorry if he's a bit cold towards you. He doesn't like royalty all that much."
"Why not?"
"His father was a soldier and died because of it. His mother was refused any payment to help out and they've been fending for themselves ever since. My mum and I would help when we could and in turn they have helped us as well."
Arthur looked at Merlin, wondering about his past. What made him leave? What was life like at his home?
Home. He knew it was stupid of him to think Merlin considered the palace home, but wasn't it now? They had been through a lot and surely Merlin felt he belonged here. Right?