Hello. This is my first ever atempt at fictional writing. I'm normally writing essay assignments on childbirth or post partum heamorrhage, so a bit of a departure.
I intended it to be a little one shot using the frame work of the episode by the same name from season 3 - it kinda took on a life of its own and I'm still not finished.
So the Merlin concept isn't mine its the beebs etc. And the story frame is theirs too, where I have used some scripted dialogue i've marked it #.
I haven't had anyone else edit and I'm dislexic so sorry for spelling and typos. Its manxman and m for sex. Review and advice welcomed. Hope you enjoy :-)
The Eye of the Phoenix – augmented (or what they didn't show you)
From the moment Merlin heard that Arthur had chosen to go on this blasted quest to the Perilous Lands, alone, he had felt dread, loss and mounting frustration.
Dread, because that couldn't go well. Arthur. Alone. In the Perilous Lands.
Bound to be a disaster.
And he, Merlin would have to fix it... again.
Not that he minded really. He just wished he could show Arthur his true self, his true talents. His magic. Most of all his love and desire.
There had been times recently when he'd felt that his master's gaze lingered on him longer than was usual, times where he seemed to want to say or do something but held himself back.
But, the rest of the time he was his usual, "princely" self. Obnoxious, bossy and almost unthinking. So, Merlin thought, he had probably imagined it, let his day dreams cloud his vision. The prince showed no interest in men, beyond a brotherly bond. And certainly wasn't going to have feelings for a mere serving boy.
So it was not a surprise, he felt, that his head was turned by that wondering, wonderful, free spirit; Gwaine.
Merlin's fear had been confirmed; as he had bade Arthur farewell he had found out about the gift from Morgana. An eye of the Phoenix! It was sucking the life from his beloved even as he searched for the means to save him.
A gift! Gods, that woman was manipulative! Arthur was as blind to her true intentions as he was to his own servant's feelings.
And now, he was on his way to find Gwaine.
He had a feeling this could get complicated.
As he galloped his horse out of Camelot he thought of how best to track down Gwaine.
Taverns. he would have to search the taverns. Merlin hoped that Gwaine had not gone to Mercia like he said he may. Or worse, that he had been killed in a tavern brawl. He was not sure he could save Arthur alone.
/
Let him be in the next tavern; let it be this one! thought Merlin as his horse approached the 13th tavern of the day. It had been a warm and pleasant ride so far really, through forest and along track ways, passing through village after village. But the longer it took to find Gwaine the further away Arthur was from him.
It would be nice to see Gawaine's handsome face again, he thought, as he approached the next village. Oh and just imagine if his lust had been stirred by Merlin! He sighed at the thought.
Back on track Merlin, he told himself. Either way his heart was given to Arthur. But then again, was a heart only capable of loving one person at a time? A man with a family loved his wife and his children. Albeit that he didn't desire his children. He didn't love any of them less with the birth of a new child.
Merlin imagined loving both Arthur and Gwaine together...it sent shivers down his spine.
Approaching the tavern he tethered his horse. It sounded like a riot was going on inside; that was promising; stepping inside he felt his heart leap into his mouth. Gwaine!
"Merlin! A sight for sore eyes!" Gwaine said, grinning impishly at him. "Run!"
They burst out of the tavern with several men on their tail. Once they had made away, with their horses Merlin explained where he was going and that he needed Gawaine's help. Gwaine accepted happily and as the first stars appeared in the sky they set off to the Perilous lands.
/
Arthur felt beyond bad. He couldn't understand it. He felt so weak, every step was a slog. At least he was in the Perilous Lands.
Gods, he missed Merlin! Things were always a little smoother when he was around. Even if he did witter on sometimes.
Arthur had thought of some inventive ways of silencing him recently.
Confusingly his feelings were growing; of late he had felt a mounting tenderness towards him. He told himself to forget it. It was not only that Merlin was just a serving boy (though that meant technically he could do what he wanted with him) but Arthur doubted Merlin would have feelings towards him; he'd seen him staring at Morgana.
Arthur would however be the first to admit he was a fine specimen of maleness. And of course talented, a great leader of men, why wouldn't anyone desire him.
Yes, the next time they were alone he would test the waters.
Gods, he felt awful. He must keep going; find the castle of the Fisher King, find his Trident, get back to Camelot and get it on with Merlin.
/
They had stopped for the night once they had entered the Perilous Lands. Gwaine built the fire and Merlin cooked a brace of rabbits they had caught before crossing from Albion.
A loud screech broke the quiet of the night.
#"What was that?" Merlin said with alarm.
#"Pheasant." Said Gwaine
#"Pheasant?"
#"Great big one."
Merlin laughed and sighed with relief, it was hard to be afraid with Gwaine around.
#"You can turn back if you want." Merlin offered, hoping that Gwaine wouldn't accept.
#"I'm not scared of a pheasants."
#"I don't know... Why do you want to do this?"
#"Same reason as you; help a friend."
#"Arthur's lucky to have us." Merlin said looking at Gwaine out of the corner of his eyes.
#"Not Arthur..." Gwaine said, holding Merlin's gaze intently.
At Gawaine's words Merlin felt his heart skip a beat. He looked away feeling shy and unsure. They were sitting close enough to touch.
He risked another furtive glance up at Gawaine's face,
#"I'd do the same for you." He said smiling; his heart galloping in his chest, so hard he would be surprised if Gwaine couldn't hear it.
Looking up properly he found Gwaine still staring at him with a fire in his deep brown eyes that was not reflected from the one they sat round.
#"I'd hope so" said Gwaine and before Merlin could say another word Gwaine had closed the distance between them and his lips were crushed against Merlin's.
Desire coursed through him as he felt Gawaine's strong muscled arms come round him, drawing him towards his chest, pressing Merlin to him.
Merlin felt him himself grow hard. His initial shock was replaced by fierce desire. He returned Gawaine's kiss with a passion that surprised them both.
By Gods, thought Merlin, this was even better than I had hoped! A small voice, one that he forced to the back of this mind, wished it were Arthur – or even better, both of them – he nearly came at that thought alone.
He raised his hands and roughly grabbed Gawaine's hair, half pulling, and half caressing.
They pulled back, searching the others eye's for confirmation; for permission to continue. Finding it they moved to lay on the blankets by the fire. Kissing and caressing they struggled to pull the clothes from the other, to feel their bodies touch skin to skin.
The night was pleasant with a gentle warm breeze blowing over their skins, adding another layer of sensual pleasure to their coupling.
Naked now the kisses started again, first tenderly, then as Merlin felt Gawaine's weight on him, they became deeper, rougher, more boundless, until they were both panting and moaning with want.
Merlin could feel Gawaine's cock pressing into his abdomen; suddenly Gawaine's weight lifted off him and Merlin felt his mouth moving down to his neck, his chest, his abdomen. Merlin ran his hands over the smooth muscled back giving himself over to the flood of sensations.
He moaned with pleasure as Gawaine's mouth found his rock hard cock and moved his tongue over it, licking and teasing.
Gods, I may come immediately he thought, as Gawaine's strong talented hands took firm hold of his shaft and his mouth sucked and moved on him.
Merlin grabbed handfuls of Gawaine's hair, threw one long leg over his back, moved with him, drawing him closer, calling his name.
Just before he would have spent himself in the other man's mouth, Gwaine stopped. Merlin shuddered and arched his back. Gwaine gripped him roughly round the waist and growling flipped him on to his stomach, then his long hair tickling down Merlin's back, parted his buttocks bent his head and licked a part of him than Merlin never even realised could be licked. Moistening and stimulating, before rising up, he gently, oh so slowly entered him.
They cried out in unison and neither moved for a moment, both panting, adjusting to the feeling, waiting, until they could move again without either of them finishing too soon.
Moving with increasing pace and force Gwaine thrust until they both reached glorious, screaming climax.
As they lay panting and shuddering in each other's arms, more animal cries came shrill through the night.
"Three pheasants" said Gwaine, they laughed.
/
Later as they lay by the light and heat of the fire, Gwaine on his back with his arms behind his head, Merlin propped on one elbow looking down on him.
Gwaine said, "I had wanted to do that since the moment we met."
"Me too" said Merlin with enthusiasm, "I never dreamed it would actually happen."
"I had assumed that you were, well... spoken for?"
"By who?" asked Merlin genuinely puzzled.
"Arthur of course you dolt! The way you two cast eyes at each other when you think no one is watching!" Gwaine said with something close to exasperation.
"Oh Gods, am I that obvious?" Merlin dropped down on to his back so he lay next to Gwaine. Covering his face with his hands, he groaned. Then, rapidly sitting back up so he could look Gwaine in the eyes "Hang on. Are you saying Arthur looks at me too?"
Gawaine's eyes widened in surprise, and he began to chuckle, "Oh you mean..." he was laughing now.
"What!" demanded Merlin, smiling, "What are you laughing at?"
"Are you saying..." he hooted with laughter, "Have I got you before the Prince! Well that is funny!"
More calmly he said, "But yes, I think you're Lord and Master likes you. I wouldn't mind a bit of Royal action myself!"
"Well," said Merlin, "first we better find him before he gets eaten by giant pheasants or whatever the hell they are. That man can get in trouble walking across a courtyard! The kind of mess he could get into out here doesn't bear thinking about!"
"You really love him don't you?"
"Yes, every pig headed inch of him" he sighed; leaning over he took Gawaine's face in his hand's and kissed him tenderly. "Let's go get some Royal action."
/
Arthur staggered towards the ruin of the Fisher King's Castle. He felt fevered, could barely see straight, and what exactly was making that noise?
He soon found out as a pair of Wyverns swooped down on him.
He swung his sword, overbalancing, the weight of the movement sending him to the ground, luckily, as a Wyvern's claws barely missed his head.
He half staggered, half dragged himself through the gateway of the ruined castle lowering the portcullis behind himself; the Wyverns circled away overhead to find access to their quarry.
/
Watching the scene unfold from the ridge above were Merlin and Gwaine. With the sun high in the sky they could hardly make out the details on the boulder strewn plain blow them. Even without details it was clear they needed to get down there now.
They careered down the gravely slope and ran full tilt towards the castle.
/
What in the name of the Goddess were those things, thought Arthur, as he dragged his protesting body along a gallery, he knew he needed to find a safe place and soon, as he was close to collapse, in no condition for a fight. His vision was fading as he pushed open a door off the gallery. He staggered through into a bare room with one window and a second door. He slammed closed the door he had passed though and passed out.
/
Gwaine and Merlin had decided to split up on entering the castle, with hope of halving the time it would take to find Arthur before the Wyverns did.
Merlin raced up a staircase, as he passed a door he heard the shrill call of a Wyvern from inside. He barrelled thought the door, his heart in his throat at what he may find inside.
A Wyvern was stepping through the remains of a wooden door that now hung off its hinges, and there collapsed on the floor was Arthur.
Merlin could not tell if he were alive or dead, he looked so waxy and drawn.
Oh, please, please dear Lady, let him live, that the one I love live, he pleaded silently.
The Wyvern regarded him, sizing him up as pray; it appeared to decide that Arthur was the easier of the two targets and turned to lunge at him.
At that moment Merlin, warlock and dragon lord, spoke. In the commanding tones of the old language, he bound the beast to his will. Bowing it turned and left.
Merlin sighed with relief. Quickly he bent down to Arthur.
"Arthur!" he called, "Come on! Please wake up". He pressed his fingers to the great vessels of his neck and with joy found the weak pulse that beat there.
He wrenched the torc which held the eye of the phoenix from his love's wrist and placed it in his pocket. The effect was immediate. Arthur stirred and stared up at him though fluttering lids. Merlin's arms were around his shoulder as he pulled him into his lap. Arthur's hand stroked Merlin's high cheek bone gently, tenderly even, making his heart turn over in his chest.
"Merlin?" Arthur sighed still tracing his cheek "Merlin?"
"My Lord, I found you, thank Gods, your alive!"
Arthur shook his head like a dog wet from the lake; this seemed to bring him more to his senses.
#"What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded.
#"Why can't you never just say thanks?" Merlin grinning at the return of Arthur to his usual self.
#"Thanks! For completely ruining the quest." He bellowed, pulling himself from Merlin's embrace.
#"Well it's a good job I was here otherwise you would be Wyvern fodder by now."
#"How many times do I have to get it in to your thick skull, I am supposed to be doing this alone!"
Merlin shook his head, smiling incredulously.
A Wyvern neither had seen enter thought the door from the stairs screeched and was silenced with a sward through its chest, dropping to the floor to reveal Gwaine.
#"Great, this just gets better and better! Are Gwen and Morgana here too? Why don't we have a surprise party!" Arthur nearly screamed, dragging himself to his feet and moving towards the door.
"Merlin, hurry up, I still have a Trident to find!"
Gwaine and Merlin exchanged a look of exasperation, both understanding that all that had just passed was to be expected, and turning, followed Arthur. Merlin with joy lightening his steps as he thought of Arthur's initial reaction to finding him there.
/
Walking through the long disused corridors the three men continued the search for the Trident. Arthur still curt and huffy over not doing it alone. Gwaine and Merlin good naturedly teasing him.
The bare stone of the castle radiated cold and a musty, almost rotten smell clung in the air. No sounds other than the tread of their boots on the passage way, their breathing and occasional banter broke the still of the tomb like building.
A slight dizziness and a chill, like someone blowing on his neck, stole through Merlin, making him shudder as he passed a door to his left.
The lingering tang of magic coloured the flavour of the air.
Stopping dead he peered into the long, dark cobwebbed draped room.
"Arthur...Gwaine..." he called, "come and look at this...it might be the throne room."
The blond and the Hibernian turned, coming quickly back to Merlin's side.
All three peered through the doorway. Merlin taking a tentative stepping forward felt a stone more slightly beneath his feet, and a rumbling above his head. Before he could react Gawaine's large hand had slammed into his back propelling him through the doorway to land sprawled on the floor. Looking round he saw the stone slab slam down where he had been standing, shutting him in the dully lit room.
"Arthur!" he called, hearing nothing, he turned to explore the room and immediately felt the waves of cold and magic radiating from the throne near the unlit fire place; magic so strong it set his teeth on edge.
Cautiously he approached the throne and peered round to see if it was occupied; the man in the chair was beyond old. Merlin thought he could be dead but for the flesh still clung to his bones and the chest rose and fell.
Cobwebs hung all about him, covering his crown and robes, even the trident that was clasped in his gnarled hands.
The Fisher King's eyes sprung open, startling Merlin so he jumped back.
"Emrys..." the voice was more an exhalation than speech, "At last, my time is nearly done."
"What do you mean?"
"My kingdom and I have been trapped like this, in this state of semi-death; waiting for the time of the once and future King to come." His voice held more substance now. "That time is nearly at hand or you, Emrys, would not be here. Arthur thinks this is his quest but it is yours. Though you could only succeed with his courage and Gawaine's strength."
"The Trident means little now, let him take it." He let it fall to the floor with a loud clang. "Here is what is needed." Standing he removed a glass vile, full of a clear liquid, held in a wooded safety cage from the folds of his robes.
"What is it?" Asked Merlin, taking the proffered object.
"Water from the lake of Avalon. When the time comes. During Camelot's darkest hour, use this, it will aid you." the King sighed. "Now I believe you have something for me?"
"I have nothing to give."
"Oh, but you do."
Light dawned in Merlin's mind and putting one hand on the eye of the phoenix in his pocket he looked up through eyes filling with tears, "If I give you this you will die."
"It would be a relief to finally go Emrys."
Merlin handed the torc over and the King slipped it on his arm. A small smile came to his lips, "Thank you Emrys..." And with a swift swirling of wind he was no more.
A moment passed in silence so complete that Merlin could hear his own heart beat. The stone slab blocking the door sprung open causing Gwaine and Arthur to barrel though.
"Merlin!" They said in unison. Arthur walked past patting his shoulder absent mindedly, whilst Gwaine hugged him glad that he wasn't trapped for good. From behind them Arthur exclaimed #"Look what I've found!" Brandishing the trident and grinning triumphantly he strode past them, "Come on let's get out of here."
Gwaine and Merlin rolled their eyes and followed the Prince.
/
Night was fast approaching and a storm was brewing in the west. The three men decided to stay in the castle for the night. They found a large room with a fire place in the tower that was warm, dry and importantly defensible.
After they had eaten a meal of bread, cheese and dried meat, Merlin found that he needed some time alone to think about the Fisher King's words. Excusing himself from the two men, who were sitting by the fire trading battle stories, he walked up the stairs to the ramparts at the top of the tower. He lent on the stone balustrade and gazed over the vista before him.
Already the land was changing; the magic that bound it to the King's suffering had lifted with his death. Before night fell Merlin had seen the first patches of green appear in their surroundings.
A strengthening breeze ruffled his dark hair as the night darkened and a hunter's moon rose burnishing his already pale skin. So deep in thought was he that he didn't hear the door to the battlements open.
/
Arthur stepped on to the flags at the top of the tower sucking in a lungful of air. He felt more nervous now than he had ever felt facing blood thirsty warriors or mythical beasts. How could one person bring about such a response in him? He hadn't shown it but he felt immensely grateful and happy when he had found himself in Merlin's arms.
The tenacity of that man always amazed him. Always he was there just when Arthur needed him, as if it were he, Merlin, who protected him.
He looked over at Merlin leaning on the balustrade. He was clearly deep in thought, as the long legged, slim figured man, hadn't turned as Arthur steeped out.
Arthur was captivated by the ethereal radiance of Merlin's skin and how his unruly black hair was lifted and tousled by the wind. He steeled himself, walked over to him and placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder.
Merlin, in his surprise, spun round so fast that he overbalanced. He found his shoulders gripped by strong hands and looked up to be met by Arthur's sapphire eyes. A blond beard was just beginning to show through on his strong jaw. Arthur still hadn't let go of his shoulders.
"Arthur!" he exclaimed, "is everything alright?"
"Err...yes...umm...Merlin...I...I wasn't very polite earlier, when you found me. For that I am sorry. I wanted to tell you... to let you know... well thank you Merlin. If you hadn't disobeyed me then I would likely be dead now."
Merlin's glacial blue eyes widened in surprise. He stammered out "I... I... couldn't not help you Arthur... I... I care for you too much." He looked down bashfully, biting his lip.
Arthur blinked, temporarily stunned at what he had heard. Tentatively he reached out a sword callused hand and placed his palm to Merlin's pale cheek, tracing the high cheek bone with his thumb. To his delight Merlin blushed and with lidded eyes lent into the touch.
Arthur's heat hammered in his chest as moving closer he brought his other hand to cup the other side of Merlin's face.
Merlin had closed his eyes completely now, savouring the moment. One that he never believed would come. He could feel himself trembling like a mount before battle.
He opened his eyes to be sure this was real. Finding the mesmerising blond prince still standing before him; his eyes wide, lips parted, breathing ragged, Merlin closed the distance between them. Standing chest to chest they could each feel the others heart beating a tattoo against their ribs. Merlin slipped one long fingered hand around Arthur's taut waist and the other on to the back of his neck. Arthur let out a small gasp, looking startled.
Oh don't let him change his mind, thought Merlin. Deciding action was called for he gently brushed his lips to the perfect bow of Arthur's mouth.
Arthur started like a man believing himself falling whilst asleep. This is happening, actually happening, he thought; half with delight, half with panic.
Merlin pulled back slightly and placing one hand firmly over Arthur's heart said, "Arthur; it's alright. Breathe. Breathe."
Arthur took a shaky breath; he slid his hands from Merlin's face to his shoulders and round to his back feeling the lean muscles beneath the fabric of his blue tunic. Breathing deeply he drew Merlin to his chest, nuzzling his neck, finding his panic calmed and replaced by desire. He was stunned at the strength of it. He had never felt this strongly with any of the tavern wenches.
"Merlin." He breathed into his neck. Suddenly his passion overtook him, raising his head he brought his lips down on those of the dark haired man he held against him, kissing him deeply. Merlin replied in kind. Their bodies intertwined as if they were trying to get closer than was physically possible. Their hands ran over every available inch of the others body, tugging at clothes, they managed to remove their shirts and then laughing at their haste and the difficulty of removing someone's britches without first removing their boots stepped back and divested themselves of their clothes.
The sight of Arthur's muscled and battle scared body stole Merlin's breath away. He reached out with something like reverence on his face and stroked the firm chest, defined abdomen. Where Merlin's fingers touched Arthur's skin tingled with energy.
Arthur grasped Merlin's well sculpted deltoids, spinning him, pushed him backwards until he was pressed up against the gently curving, cold wall of the tower. He kept him pinned like that as they kissed.
The storm that had been threatening all evening broke in the sky overhead with a flash of lightning and a crash of thunder. The first spots of rain splashed off their bare flesh.
They stopped their kiss to look up at the heavens; Merlin returning his gaze to Arthur's smouldering eyes chose to lay his soul bare. "Arthur Pendragon, I love you. I will love you for this life and all lives to come." As if in response to his words thunder and lightning again split the sky above them and wind whipped fiercely around them.
In response Arthur's mouth crushed down on Merlin's and he mumbled though kisses, "I love you...Oh God's Merlin, I love you."
Their passion mounting, Arthur ran three fingers over Merlin's lips and slipped them into his mouth, Merlin gently sucked on them moistening them with his saliva. Arthur's strong hands gripped Merlin's firm backside. He walked his now wet fingers round further; finding entrance his pushed in first one, and then as Merlin relaxed, the other two fingers. Merlin squirmed with pleasure. He reached down and placed one slender hand on the Prince's ample sex and stroked; eliciting a guttural groan from the man.
Lightly biting Merlin's neck, Arthur slipped his fingers out, and lift Merlin so his legs come around his waist and the tip of Arthur's cock tickled him, teasing. Arthur licked one palm and ran it over his cock, then steadily, holding Merlin's gaze all the while, slid into him.
Maddeningly slowly he began to move in him. Merlin brought his lips back to Arthur's, rocking and gasping with pleasure. Moving his lips up he tenderly kissed Arthur's closed eyes, his cheek bones and back to his mouth kissing him deeply, exploring his mouth with his tongue. Arthurs pace increased and Merlin matched him stroke for stroke as the rain fell in heavy sheets around them.
Merlin arched back against the wall crying out with delight; Arthur was surpassing even his wildest dreams. He decided to take a bit more control of their love making. Leaning forward he whispered into his ear, "Lay on the floor."
Arthur capitulated, without comment, unusual of the prince, and slipping out of Merlin, lay on his back on the cool, wet, stones of the tower floor. Looking up wide eyed and smiling as Merlin straddled him and holding him firmly lowered himself down on to Arthur's yard* smoothly.
Arthur moaned and arched his back, thrusting into Merlin involuntarily. He gripped the man's slender hips as slowly, tantalizingly; Merlin began to move on his prince. Rising up so that Arthur nearly left his rear, before sliding back down. Arthur gritted his teeth; a primal growling grew in his throat, trying to hold back from forcing Merlin's hips on him faster and harder.
When he felt he could take it no longer he sat up so they were chest to chest, and kissed Merlin's full lips, roughly, bighting and tugging.
Merlin moaned, "Arthur, Arthur, my Prince, my King."
Their love making became more frenzied as they approached the peak of ecstasy. Arthur growled Merlin's name into his chest so that it was more felt than heard as they come together, powerfully. Sinking back to the floor, wet, panting, and shaking they could do no more than lay in a tangled heap tracing gentle spirals on the others skin.
/
"How did you get this one?" Merlin asked, dipping his head down and tracing a puckered scar on Arthur's hip with his tongue, smiling slyly as he watched the skin twitch from his touch and goose bumps raise on the surrounding skin. He looked up through his brows at Arthur.
The storm had almost past by; a few stray drops fell on them, cooling and mingling with their sweat. Through a gap in the clouds the moon and a few stars were visible.
"Spear wound. From a Pict in the far North" Arthur was laying on his back one arm cushioning his blond head the other ran fingers up and down Merlin's spine.
Looking closely at Merlin's face he wondered how well he had ever truly seen it. Watching now it seemed so full of concern, and wisdom, and something else he couldn't put his finger
on. Such a youthful face, but with a guardedness Arthur found surprising. What was that about, he wondered; well, he would try to get to the bottom of that from now on.
"There the women are trained as warriors like the men. Fierce as bated bears."
"I hate thinking of you hurt." Merlin said softly, his eyes flashing.
"Well, let's hope it won't happen again for a while." Grinned Arthur, enjoying the effect his words had.
Merlin, lay his body the length of Arthur's, softly placing kisses on his chest and neck, while Arthur twirled his fingers thorough Merlin's hair.
"I suppose we better go down before Gwaine comes to see if we have been eaten by Wyverns." He said between kisses.
"Too late" drawled a voice from the doorway.
Their fair and dark heads snapped up in unison and they froze to the spot.
The lean form of Gwaine lounged against the door frame.
Merlin relaxed, blushing and grinning inanely, he looked up at him.
Arthur, however, jumped up, stammering, "Err...Gwaine! We were...we...we were just..."
Gwaine flung his shaggy haired head back and barked a laugh, "I know what you were doing your sire! About time to!" he sauntered towards them coming to lean on the balustrade.
Arthur's face was a picture as he stood opened mouthed and naked staring at the bearded Hibernian.
"So Merlin, everything you hoped for?" asked Gwaine.
Merlin shook his head smiling broadly "And more, Gwaine."
The storm had fully passed them by now leaving a starry sky and a warm breeze.
Arthur shook himself, running a hand through his dishevelled locks and looked down at Merlin. "You've talked about your feelings to Gwaine?" he said his voice taut, simultaneously reaching for his red tunic and pulling it over his head.
Merlin, sensing clothes were the order of the day answered while moving towards his "More Gwaine talked to me about our feelings Arthur; it seems it's been obvious to everyone but us for a while."
"Everyone! Everyone!" choked Arthur, going pale.
"Well, not everyone...probably not everyone," Gwaine said still grinning. "Relax, Arthur, to most you seemed like nothing but friends and will continue to seem the same now. Besides what a Prince does with his servant is up to him, surely. "
"Arthur", Merlin said walking over to the prince who had covered his face with his hands. Gently he took Arthur's hands away from his face, "Arthur," he repeated searching the other man's eyes, "Really, its O.K. no one is going to know any different. We know what we know. They won't see anything different from what they saw before."
"You're right, They won't see anything different. It's fine." He took a deep breath and finished dressing. "Come on, we should get some rest, we have a long ride ahead of us to get back to Camelot."
/
They returned to the warm room they had eaten in earlier and lay down to sleep, Merlin held by Arthur, with Gwaine lying to his other side.
When he awoke he was pleasantly aware of the press of both men against him, each had an arm slung over him. He lay there in the cocoon of warmth and comfort, savouring his memories of the last few days, especially of the previous night. He loves me, he thought to himself, maybe soon I'll be able to show him my true self, if what the Fisher King had said was true, then Arthur's time was swift approaching and when he became King then Merlin would be safe to reveal himself. He grinned to himself feeling like the cat that had got the cream.
/
Their exit from the Perilous lands was anything but. Apart from the scene around them it was completely uneventful. The land was visibly regenerating as they journeyed back to Albion.
Once back in Albion they still had a two day journey before reaching Camelot; where Gwaine would have to leave them as he was still banished by King Uther.
The ride was pleasant, the sun shone; it was late spring nearing Beltane. Blossom covered the Hawthorne and the forest was a riot of bird song. Grass grew richly in the open postures with a jumble of yellow dandelion, pink herb Robert, and the white of comfy and valerian, breaking up the green.
They made camp that night above the gorge of Ashfathid. The forest crowded in on their left as they faced west, so the steep sided gorge with its swiftly flowing river fell away to their right.
Merlin made camp and hobbled the horses' while the other two went to hunt. He had the fire going brightly (magic) in no time and set about collecting edible greens, aromatic ransoms and other herbs. When Arthur and Gwaine returned with pigeon and rabbit he had a hide container full of water boiling over the fire with the vegetables in. Between them they plucked, skinned and cut the meat, and added it to the pot.
Once they had eaten they sat close to the fire relaxing, digesting and talking. Merlin with his back to Arthur's chest gently kneading his thigh while Arthur stroked the side of his face as they listened to Gwaine regale them with tales of his travels.
"...and her husband joined in too!" Gwaine crowed; as the other two fell into fits of giggles.
Gwaine sat down next to Merlin, with his back to the fallen tree they had built their fire next to, still laughing to himself. He sat with his left leg straight out and the other bent with his arm resting on it. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at the couple next to him. He patted Merlin's knee affectionately and smiled at him. "What a world ay Merlin."
"It is that Gwaine, it is that." Merlin replied. A slyly naughty thought had occurred to him earlier in the evening as he had waited for the two men to return with dinner. He had remembered Gwaine's words after they had coupled about wanting some Royal action. He thought it could happen but that Arthur wouldn't instigate it and Gwaine despite all his bravado and experience may hold back around the Prince. That left him with the honour, if only he could find the opening and the courage to get things started.
He must have been grinning to himself as he contemplated all this as Gwaine with a smile in his voice said, "The expression on your face makes me wonder what you're thinking of Merlin?"
Merlin laughed, "Oh Gods I really am transparent sometimes. I was thinking about the pair of you...and me, and well..." He knew he was blushing now. He tilted his head back and kissed Arthur seductively, then sitting forward on to his knees, he stretched out his slightly shaking hand and placed it against Gwaine's bearded, weather tanned face, leant in and kissed him.
He felt Arthur's surprise and confusion swirling behind him like a purple cloud. Breaking the kiss he turned keeping his right arm around Gwaine's shoulders, fingers caressing his hair, and stretched out his hand for Arthur. He focused his will and energy on both men, particularly the Prince, hoping to reassure and encourage him. "Arthur, it could be fun."
"Are you...What are you suggesting...That we, the three of us...err..?"
"Listen to your boy, Your Highness, like he said, it will be fun." beamed the Hibernian, sure of his prowess.
/
*Yard – penis – old English (in use during Arthur & Merlin's "time" whenever the hell that's meant to be, but yard it was until penis – Latin - replaced it. It is known to have been in use from 1300 something to 1600 something).
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Sorry for leaving it hanging, I'm still working on the next bit.
