Arthur just couldn't put his finger on it something was wrong with Merlin but what? Ever since he saved him from the Lamia Merlin hasn't been acting like he usually does. It started with the pat he placed on Merlin's shoulder when they were at the town which merlin flinched from and his lack of enjoyment on the ride back to Camelot. Take this morning for example no rise and shine, no lazy daisy not even an up and at'em, the chores all done before Arthur even had a chance to utter them and not even Gaius could find Merlin. Merlin where are you? thought Arthur as he paced his chambers restlessly "My lord it's time for training," interrupted Elyan knocking as he entered the Kings chambers, the oak doors opening behind him.
"Thank you Elyan but surely you should still be resting with that cut on your arm."
"Nonsense it's nothing more than a scratch."
Arthur turned to leave when the thought struck him "Elyan you're close to Merlin do you have any idea why he's acting like he is?" At this Elyan turned away nervously glancing at the floor
"No sire"
"Oh it was just a thought he has been acting strange recently. Even more strange than usual for Merlin and that's an achivement."
The training grounds were the pride of Camelot when Uther was king and Arthur liked to think under his reign they grew even more, the constantly polished swords gleaming in the midday sun ringing as they collide against each other in a fierce battle of strength and wit echoed though the castle making Arthur proud. However, the training was not all as it usually is with Arthur's key knights, usually the ones engaged in the training first and longest, standing in opposite sides of the training ground as if each other's presence repelled them and disgusted them. "Sir Leon, Gwaine, Percival and Elyan come here!" Arthur gestured towards himself with his other hand resting upon his sword at his waist. "Gwen's told me about the lamia herself and Merlin, what do you have to say for yourselves?" bit out Arthur angry at the thought that a magical creature put Gwen in danger, ensnared his best knights (and closest friends) and nearly killed them if it wasn't for Merlin, Gwen and himself. Gwen told him how they during their travels encountered a young girl who enchanted the knights and tried to steal the life out of them but Arthur knew there was something she was hiding but in a moment of rare tact Arthur decided not to push it. Sir Leon immediately looked shocked, stepped back and placed his arms out placatingly
"Sire I promise you we never meant to harm them it was the Lamia we couldn't help it we were powerless."
"Hurt who?" asked Arthur becoming more alarmed with every word out of Leon's mouth.
"Merlin" replied Gwaine looking nervously at Arthur "If you would please let go of your sword Arthur we can explain ourselves." Arthur looked down and his hand was gripping onto the hilt of his sword so hard it turned white
"No, I don't think I shall until I get an explanation why my four best knights have just admitted to abusing my manservant!"