Wow. My first Merlin fanfiction. If you'd like to head straight to the story, by all means, go ahead. But first I would like to say something.
I haven't been on fanfiction, writing that is, in a fair few months, for reasons such as exams. And lately I decided it has been far too long.
I used to watch Merlin, up until series 2, but I stopped for whatever reason. But since finishing my exams last Friday, I have been catching up, ready for series 5. Some of my facts in this story may well be slightly incorrect and if so please forgive me, it's been a while. But let's set things straight. This is set before it is revealed that Morgana is evil, so Uther isn't dead but there is a bit of Arthur/Gwen in the air ;) Of course there will be Arthur/Merlin bromance but that's about it. Okay, here goes full summary.
The annual sword fighting tournament is at its end, with Arthur facing off to the mysterious unknown Knight Carmichael. But things are not always as they seem. The weeks that follow are the strangest of Arthur's life. Arthur also finds out Merlin's secret later on, features some Arthur/Gwen and others.
Well, as they say, on with the show!
*0*0*
Merlin was meant to be cleaning Arthur's chambers (of course, Merlin very rarely did what he was meant to do, if you asked Arthur), but he wasn't, instead he was gazing outside onto the castle grounds watching Arthur try (and fail) to swordfight with another knight in the ongoing downpour of pesky rain. Merlin never really had that much against rain before he came to Camelot. Now, it was a source of on-going trouble. Rain almost always meant moody Arthur. And lots of clothes to wash. And boots to clean. And armour to polish. Merlin chuckled slightly when Arthur slipped over on the wet grass, but soon got back to work in a hurry after noticing his master storming back into castle.
Only a minute later, the sound of clanging and grumbling was to be heard as the Prince made his way to the chambers. He barged in; opening the door with such force it slammed against the wall and caused Merlin to whack his head on the underside of his bed.
"What was that for? You scared me half to death!" Merlin grumbled as he emerged out from underneath Arthur's four poster bead.
"If I've told you once I've told you a thousand times Merlin, that is no way to address a prince." Arthur said coldly.
"Sorry Prince Grumpy Pants...sire." In reply, Arthur rolled his eyes and walked behind the screen and started throwing his muddy clothes at Merlin.
"I'll need these clean for the tournament tomorrow Merlin, and make sure my amour is polished too. Then you can be dismissed for the evening, I'm going to get an early night."
"Does Prince Dollophead need his beauty sleep?" Merlin said in a softer tone. He was aware that his friend (but don't let anyone hear him say that out loud) was not in the best of moods. The knight he was lined up to fight against tomorrow for the final was a mystery to both of them, as both had been too busy to watch him fight, but from what everyone else had told them he was quite something.
"Yes he does." Arthur muttered in response, reappearing from behind the screen in his night clothes, not even acknowledging the insult. He moved to sit on his bed and gazed up at Merlin, who was watching him for any signs of nerves or fear. "What? Stop staring at me and get on with your chores, you're lucky I didn't give you more you big idiot." He completed that sentence with a smirk and the flinging of a pillow at Merlin's head. Merlin, who had long since gotten used to this treatment, ducked and barrelled out of the room with the call of:
"Nighty night princess!"
*0*0*
By some miracle, the rain had let off sometime during the night, leaving a damp Camelot behind. Many had already awoken, getting to their seats in the stand, ready for what was sure to be an interesting fight. They were not wrong.
Meanwhile, in the castle, Merlin and Arthur were walking side by side towards the main doors. Strangers passing might hear light conversation between the two, but really they were just swapping their favourite insults and desperately trying to get the upper hand on the other.
"Idiot."
"Dollophead."
"Girl."
"Princess."
"Bumpkin."
"Arthur."
"That's my name you twerp-"
"Yeah but I'd be insulted if someone called me that." Merlin snorted. In reply, Arthur pulled Merlin's head under his arm and ruffled his hair about, causing Merlin to drop his armour. "Look, just because you're nervous doesn't mean you can take it out on me."
"I'm really not nervous Merlin, trust me. Why should I?"
"Need I remind you of what happened last year?" Merlin nudged Arthur slightly.
"Yes well, that's very likely to not happen this year. My father has made sure no magic users will be anywhere near me this time." Merlin rolled his eyes, unseen by Arthur.
*0*0*
A few hours later, Merlin and Arthur were making their way to the Tournament pitch.
"Honestly Merlin! You couldn't have just put my armour on properly in time could you? Now we're late!" Arthur snarled, striding towards their destination while his manservant Merlin jogged hurriedly behind. As they turned the corner into the arena bordered by great stands where the people of Camelot gathered, they finally got their first glimpse of the rival Knight. You couldn't tell much for the armour, but it was obvious that it was second hand and very light. Which also means weak... Arthur thought. As the opposition turned to face the approaching Arthur, it was seen that the helmet guarded the most of the Knight's face, with a slight slit for his eyes.
"Good luck Arthur." Merlin slapped him on the back before retreating to the stands with Gaius and Gwen.
"We are all here today to witness what I'm sure will be a very memorable final to this year's Tournament. The finalists, my son Arthur Pendragon and Knight Carmichael will compete for the title of champion. We must all remember that this tournament is, first and foremost, a show of peace between kingdoms. I look forward to seeing all our competitors, winners or losers, at the grand feast this evening. But for now, let the final battle begin!" King Uther Pendragon threw his hands up in the air to the cheer of the spectators and sat back down on his throne next to Lady Morgana.
The fight began. It was soon revealed to all that Knight Carmichael was very light on his feet, easily dodging many Arthur's thrusts, and managing to even land a few of his own. It was a duel of speed and stamina verses strength and power. Soon however, Arthur learned of the opposing Knight's techniques and managed to trip him up, causing his sword to fly across to the other side of the stand. But in one quick movement, the Knight shoved himself out of Arthur's grasp and skidded to a halt in front of Merlin and Gwen, near crashing into the stands. With what most would describe as a 'cheery' wave, Knight Carmichael ducked just into time to dodge Arthur's shield and pick up his sword. In one swift movement, Arthur found himself cornered, and, before long, his sword was torn out of his grasp, too far away too reach. The rival held his own sword against Arthur and, after a moments consideration filled with the silence of the entire crowd, Arthur threw his hands up in a sign of surrendering.
The tension was unbearable. Nobody knew weather to cheer for the winner or be shocked at the loss of their own Prince. It was broken however by Arthur reaching out his hand and grasping the other's arm in a sign a friendly peace. After the spectators had quietened down at the raise of Uther's hand, the two Knights went to stand in front of the King.
"I would like to announce the winner of this year's Tournament, Knight Carmichael! Now come here Knight, and allow me to see the face of the kingdom's new champion." Uther stepped down from the stands to place himself in front of Knight Carmichael. Once more, silence fell on the stands and its occupants. The subject of Knight Carmichael's identity had never been questioned before, but now many realised that nobody had seen him under the armour. Nonetheless, he showed no hesitation in reaching up to his helmet, and after an initial struggle, pulled it off. A thick head of brunette hair was revealed, many would comment after how it was much too long for a Knight, and then a face. Gasps were heard. Shouts of 'No!' echoed the area. But no reaction was similar to that of Arthur Pendragon, who's hand had released the sword he was holding, letting it clatter the floor with an air of finality. Because it had hit him with such force that the brave, quick Knight who had just beaten him, was in fact...a woman.