"Where are you two taking me?" Merlin asked from atop his horse. He had a bag on his head with Gwen behind of him on another horse and Morgana in front on her horse.
"You'll see," Morgana responded.
"You'll like it. Just wait a little longer," Gwen said. Merlin sighed.
They rode for five more minutes before they stopped and Morgana and Gwen got off of their horses and helped Merlin off of his. They guided a few feet away.
"Okay. I'm going to count to ten then you're going to take the bag off your head. One… two..." her voice seemed to be getting farther away with each number, "Three… four… five." Her voice was barely audible when she said five. Merlin didn't even hear Gwen say six. He heard a more masculine voice that was very dear to his heart instead.
"Six…" Merlin felt a smile creep across his face, "Seven…" the voice was getting closer, "Eight…" the voice was behind him now, "Nine…" warm arms circled his waist, "Ten…" the voice was right next to his ear.
Merlin pulled the bag off his heard and turned around to face the man behind him.
"Arthur," Merlin breathed. The blond smiled and kissed his lover.
"Merlin," he mumbled when they pulled away. "Come on." He took Merlin's hand and led him down the bank of the river where Morgana and Gwen had apparently taken him. Arthur had set up a picnic for him and Merlin. Merlin was speechless when he saw it. It was on a flat area of the ground (Merlin had no idea how Arthur had found it) with meats, fruits, desserts, and cups of wine.
"Do you like it?" Arthur asked, gesturing around him.
"Like it? I love it! Did you do this for me?" Merlin asked, astonished.
"Yes. After all you've done this is the least I could do for you." Arthur blushed.
"Thank you. I love you, Arthur," Merlin kissed the prince softly.
"I love you too, my prince," Arthur replied. Merlin giggled and Arthur smiled.
They sat down and ate the delicious food laid out for them. They kissed and talked and laughed and blushed. It was the best date Merlin could imagine. It was about to get better though. After they had eaten, Arthur stood and walked down to the lake.
"What are you doing?" Merlin asked.
"Going for a swim. Come on," Arthur replied, gesturing for Merlin to follow him. He smiled and joined his lover at the lake. They pulled off their jackets, shirts, and boots and walked into the cold water. Merlin started shivering and Arthur pulled him to his chest. He kissed Merlin's head.
"Come on." Arthur walked further into the water until it was up to his chin. He started swimming and shouted for Merlin to join him. His prince complied. They swam around for a bit then started splashing each other in the face. They laughed and smiled. Eventually, Merlin became too tired to continue so they walked back up to the picnic where they found cloths to dry themselves with. When they were dry, they put their clothes back on and sat down on the blanket again.
"That was fun," Merlin exclaimed.
"Yeah. Merlin?" Arthur sounded nervous.
"Yes?"
Arthur kneeled in front of Merlin and held up wooden ring. Merlin's hands covered his mouth.
"I love you. I want to be with you forever. Will you be mine for eternity?" Arthur's face was as red as a tomato. Merlin started nodding ferociously.
"Yes. Yes! Yes!" Merlin pulled Arthur into his arms and squeezed him. When they parted, Arthur slipped the ring on Merlin's finger. Merlin kissed him.
"I love you too."
