Hello everyone! Welcome to The Long Lost Friend! This was my first every fanfiction and I hope you guys enjoy it! I'm slightly amused by the fact that I put some insurance up here that you would have to wait no more than a week for updates, when it has, in fact, been several months. If any of you regulars are reading the updated version, I am horribly sorry and can promise that I am in the editing stages and hope to have it finished soon. Really, I feel awful. Anyways, hope you guys enjoy and I don't feel the need to do so really, but I obviously (and sadly) don't own Merlin...Unless you count dvds.
Edit: So, of course, I once again messed up the chapters. I came to read everything over once more and found that only half of the first chapter posted. I am so done with this.
The sun was shining brightly as the young servant stepped out into the courtyard, his boots clicking against the cobblestone as he made his way through the noisy crowd to his master's chambers. He barreled hazardously up various flights of marble steps, only stopping to retrieve the breakfast tray from the kitchens before hurrying off.
"Rise and shine!" Merlin called over his shoulder, smirking as he pulled the curtains open to reveal the brilliant sunlight.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted. He pulled his pillow out from behind his head and replaced it over his face, grumbling all the while.
"Come on, Arthur!" He sighed, the silver plate of meat and cheese clattering as he set it on the table, eying the shifting form beneath the linens.
"Shut up Merlin!"
"Do you not remember what today is?" he questioned, eyebrows raised. He sidestepped the pillow that shot through the air.
"What do you mean 'what today is'? You're probably just making-." Arthur growled but his complaints cut short when he sat up, a look of realization on his face.
"There we go…" Merlin muttered to himself, laying the king's clothes for the day carefully at the end of the bed.
Arthur slid out from the comforter and dragged himself over to the table, falling into his chair. He picked absently at the bread atop his plate, more of it crumbling than passing his lips as he stared ahead, eyes glazed over in thought.
"Before our guests arrive I'm going to need you to prepare the guest chambers, muck out the stables and ensure that the cook will have the food ready on time."
"Yes, sire." Merlin exited the room with a small bow, noting Arthur's concerned look. They had received word that Sir Lot and the Lady Emily would be arriving earlier than planned for the Peace Talks. Ever since he heard this news, Arthur has been ordering Merlin to make sure everything had been prepared early. Whether he had cleaned the guest chambers two or five times now, Merlin couldn't remember. But still, to ease the King's mind he went back to the room and checked that it was still in the condition he left it. Opening the door, he smiled proudly at the sight that met his eyes. The place was spotless, golden light dancing through the windows, reflecting off the table's waxed surface. He closed the door and continued down the corridor, descending countless flights of stairs to the kitchens.
"Audrey!" The scent of fresh bread mingled with rosemary filled his nose as he burst through the door, making his mouth water. He stared longingly at a passing tray piled with pastries.
"What is it this time, Merlin?" the plump cook asked impatiently. She was aggressively kneading a lump of pale dough, a scowl plastered across her flushed face.
"The king wanted me to ensure you will have the food ready for Sir Lot and the Lady Emily by the time they arrive."
"Well of course, I don't need to be checked up on! I know my duties and am perfectly capable of preforming them correctly and on time!" She waved the rolling pin threateningly at Merlin who was backing out of the kitchens. "And keep your grubby fingers off my food!"
He then proceeded out into the courtyard, making his way to the stables holding three damp carrots in his right hand, his left shielding him from the blazing sunlight that assaulted his eye.
"Hello Julie," Merlin ran his hand down the horse's black snout as she nibbled at the carrot, moving on to the next horse once she finished.
It was noon by the time he finished mucking out the stables, meaning he had limited time to wash up for their guests. He hurried back to his chambers, continuing his dance around the bustle, nearly getting flattened by a man with a bucket.
"Ah, Merlin!" Gaius exclaimed. He looked up from a rancid, sizzling blue potion that he held in beaker.
"No time to talk, sorry Gaius." He ran to his room and managed to get washed and dressed in record timing. He was merely a blur as he ran past the physician on his way out the door, trying to make it to Arthur's chambers before he could complain. Unfortunately he was too late.
"Merlin, where have you been?" The king was descending the stairs, annoyance practically radiating from him.
"I assumed you'd prefer me to wash after mucking out the horses? I don't think you would have made such a good impression with a servant covered in horse dung."
"Don't be such a girl, Merlin." Arthur drawled, trying to disguise his look of reason with some friendly banter.
"Prat." Merlin followed in Arthur's wake.
They stood out on the steps to the castle with the knights and a select few servants, awaiting the arrival of the royalty. Ten minutes after a late knight stepped, panting, into to his position, the sound of wheels on cobblestone echoed through the square.
"Arthur!" Sir Lot was peering out the window of a small, powder blue carriage, grinning like a maniac as the horses slowed to a stop.
"Sir Lot!" Arthur made his way down the stairs to shake hands with his fellow king. "Here, allow me…"
He reached a hand out to the stunning Lady Emily. Her long, dark brown hair shone in the glittering sun, brown eyes glinting with kindness, and she wore a smile that could cause any living being to beam in return.
"Thank you, Arthur," the princess took his hand and stepped out of the carriage. Her dress was made from a stunning, forest green velvet, grey piping lining every thread. A triangle silver extended from her waist, expanding to the bottom of the dress. She lifted it slightly off the ground and sank into a curtsey. "It is a privilege to meet you."
"Likewise," He grinned in return, lips grazing the back of her hand. "My servant Merlin here will lead you to your chambers."
"Follow me please," Merlin said with a smile, gathering their bags.
"Here, allow me." Lady Emily reached out to take one of the satchels.
"No, it's fine, you should rest. You've had a long journey."
The new arrivals followed the boy up to the guest chambers where they found a large platter of cheese and a selection of mouthwatering fruits settled at the center of the table.
"This is magnificent!" Lady Emily was positively glowing as she took in her surroundings, Sir Lot just smiled at her.
"How do you get this place so clean?" she marveled, admiring the shining surfaces.
"Ah, a servant must never reveal his tricks! I will leave you to get settled, please call if you require anything else."
"Thank you Merlin.".
It wasn't long until the others arrived. Bayard, Odin, Olaf, and Godwin, all with proud smiles as they laid their eyes upon the new king.
"Welcome," Arthur greeted once more. "It is my honor to have you all gathered here today. I hope to update the peace treaty made a few years back under my father's rule…"
"Merlin," Arthur hissed from the corner of his mouth. His speech had obviously finished and he had been instructed to lead the new guests to their chambers.
"Sorry, what did you say?" Merlin inquired, shaking free from his thoughts.
"I asked you to lead our guests to their rooms…"
"Right, sorry." Merlin scurried off to lead the royalty into the castle, leaving Arthur in his desperate attempts to keep the concern off his face.
"Merlin, are you alright?" Arthur set aside the speech he was going over, looking at his, once again, disconnected servant. "Merlin!"
"Yes, My Dollopness?"
"I asked if you are alright." He decided to let that comment slide.
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" he replied with a half-hearted smile, blue eyes still unfocused. Merlin wasn't one to complain about injuries, whether they were physical or mental. Unless it was truly dangerous.
"No reason…" He stared once more as Merlin nodded, a pained look finding a home on his face once more.
"Wait, did you just ask if I was all right?" he asked, suddenly coming out of his trance. Confusion battled amusement for dominance in his tone.
"Yes Merlin." Arthur responded, rolling his eyes. They never quite came back up to meet his servant's.
"Why…?" Merlin dragged the word out, starring suspiciously at the king.
"I just…I mean I…I'm the king of Camelot, I don't have to answer to the likes of you!"
The next morning saw Merlin entering the king's chamber, breakfast platter in hand. He stopped short, nearly dropping the food at the sight before him.
"You're up!" He observed sounding thoroughly surprised.
"I am capable at doing things for myself…" His brow wrinkled just a fraction as he noticed the dark circles under Merlin's eyes, standing out against his pale skin. It went unnoticed while the boy laid out breakfast. "What is there to do today?"
"First you are to give a speech in front of all the kings, then you'll discuss the treaty, take a break for lunch, rounding the day off with the rest of business."
The renewing of the treaty didn't take as long as they had anticipated; there wasn't much to discuss aside from a few things to polish off. They removed Sir Alined from the list of reliable kings and altered the map of territory, adding the portions of land the noblemen gained over the years. Only three days had passed since the meetings began and they were already standing on the steps saying their farewells to the retreating friends of Camelot.
"Oh no," Lady Emily sighed. "I've forgotten my bag back in our chambers!"
Merlin walked over to them, having heard the woman's disappointment. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear; I will go and fetch your bag, if you wish, my lady."
"Thanks you so much Merlin, you're a life saver!" She exclaimed, squeezing his hand.
Merlin ran up the steps and opened the large wooden doors. Going as fast as he could without bodily protest, he finally made it to the Lady Emily's chambers to find a small, colorful satchel sitting on the floor beside the bed. He retraced his steps slowly, allowing time to catch his breath, holding the bag in his hands. As he neared the castle doors, he stopped dead in his tracks, dropping the satchel.