Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I've written anything, not to mention a fanfiction, I hope it'll be any good :) I've watched the last season only recently, but it's not like I can set this story after the finale for obvious reasons :p So I decided between fourth and fifth seasons would be fine, it didn't really make me any difference.
There's one twist: Arthur's not married to Gwen, I just can't stand her (I also happen to dislike Angel too, not because of this role though) and this way I can just leave her out. You can think their wedding simply got postponed and will still happen in the future if you want, or you can take a slashy approach ;) I'll be sure to leave enough room for both to be possible and just choose whatever makes you happy.
Claimer: I own Merlin, of course, I'm the one who invented Arthurian legends and all, and then I convinced the BBC people to make it into a TV show. You can show me your gratitude by leaving a review.
Merlin absolutely hated hunting. He hated it with a burning passion. There were many reasons, none of which would Arthur ever listen to. Or rather, he did - but only to make fun of his exhausted servant for being such a wimp. Said servant was forced along on three hunting trips in the recent weeks and was practically on the verge of tears when informed about the fourth.
"Merlin? Are you in here?"
There have been no great threats to Camelot for a long time and the king has relaxed, for he was able to handle every problem should the danger arise. Life never got boring as there still were sorcerers hoping to avenge their beloved ones or travelers from the others kingdoms with the strangest requests, but none of those were actually any trouble in the long run. No Morgana in sight, no traitors. Arthur was extremely cautious for any signs of danger for the first few months, then he seemed to calm down a little, got used to the situation, to himself being the king. Finally, he felt truly confident again, his current position his strongest advantage rather than a burden.
"Merlin! Oh for the love of…"
Merlin remained by his side, proud and patient. Arthur was on the right path, all he needed now was some more time, they had to wait just a little while longer and he'll be ready. He's already begun accepting the fact not all sorcery is evil, at least in some cases. There's hope, Merlin often thought with relief. On the other "MERLIN! WAKE UP, YOU USELESS IDIOT" hand, the young king still had his moments of blindness, when he forgot his own heart and followed his father's lead, especially when not given enough time to think. It was still not good enough for Merlin to reveal himself.
"Sire? What is the matter?"
"Ah, Gaius. Can you believe that? He's sleeping. He was supposed to wake me up hours ago and get ready for our trip to Caerleon. Queen Annis is not one to be made waiting."
If Arthur was faced with a sorcerer whose only crime was possessing magic, he could show them mercy as long as they truly didn't pose a threat and there was no witness - a few times he has purposely sent Merlin and the knights away with some idiotic excuses. No one knew for sure what happened in the throne room during their absence, many haven't even given it any thought. Those who did, of course had their suspicions, yet they wouldn't dare question the king since the kingdom remained at peace. He's most certainly not enchanted and there haven't been any change in his behavior, maybe after some eye-to-eye interrogation Arthur managed to get a proof they have not practiced magic after all. Letting them go would be an only option in such case.
But there were times when Arthur was not given the time to consider whether a magic creature facing him has good or bad intentions. He still didn't trust them really, and treated them as enemies. Although he was starting to see, he was not "I am sorry, Sire, has no one informed you? I made sure to ask the guard to find a servant who could take over Merlin's duties for a while longer" ready yet. Merlin has suffered incredible guilt every time he didn't manage to help his kin in time, knowing that he could be able to prevent the deaths if only he revealed himself. But he couldn't. Gaius reminded him often enough, Arthur is not ready yet. He would see this as another betrayal. Not because he doesn't trust Merlin - quite on the contrary, because he trusts him too much. Just a while longer…
"No. What happened? Is he still unwell?"
"Unfortunately yes. He is better, but I doubt he would be able to accompany you, my lord."
As Merlin patiently waits, Arthur keeps getting stronger. In fact, he's so strong he can finally afford some fun, hence the hunting trips. It's been so long since he's gone on one, always worrying about leaving the castle kingless, but no more! He established a new council which consisted of his most trusted friends, the Round Table indicating he thought them equal. Some times has passed and they proved capable of handling various issues. "Oh. Well, in that case, Gaius, make sure he is of good health when I come back. The stables can't muck themselves out."And as realization dawned on Arthur, Merlin despaired: the king was no longer confined to the city.
The weather seemed to ignore all of the latter's prayers and turned bad the moment he learned about the first hunting trip. The rain just wouldn't stop and by the end of it, they were all covered in disgusting mud, dirty and cold. Merlin just couldn't comprehend how it was possible for him to be the only one put off by that. The others had a blast.
"Of course, Sire. There is no need to worry, he will be fine soon enough."
It's been a similar story for the next three trips. The temperature dropped significantly, the rain was cold and his clothes were completely soaked after the first few minutes. "Who said I was worried? Why would I even be? Gaius." It was just this time of the year when people should stay inside, Merlin thought, it didn't even matter inside of what exactly, as long as it was warm there. He seemed to be the only one affected by the weather, it wasn't really a big surprise, though. Arthur and the few knights he took with him weren't freezing the whole time, their thick clothes protecting them. He only had his tunic, jacket and, of course, the neckerchief.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Not a word to anyone. Make him get better."
It was also not a shock to anyone that he's gotten sick. Gaius has already started working on a medicine for him and he was getting better rather fast.
As Arthur left for Caerleon Kingdom, Gaius allowed himself to smile widely at the sleeping man. The king truly held him dear in his heart even if he would never admit it, a friend of different kind than the knights. One to confide in and one to protect since he's so obviously defenseless. Merlin has accomplished the impossible, turning the prat into the man Arthur was now.
He's gonna be ecstatic to learn he's got a few days off. Arthur won't be back until next week and that gives him plenty of time to recover and rest. Gaius hummed contently walking to his chamber where he started mixing the next dose of Merlin's medicine.
It was not until hours later than Merlin ran down the stairs and startled the physician who was deep in thought over some book. He looked absolutely frightened, with his eyes wide and face pale. He gripped the doorframe tightly, yet didn't seem weakened by the sickness anymore.
"Gaius. It's so bright outside. What time it is?"
"Don't worry, Merlin" Gaius smiled at him reassuringly. "I told Arthur you're still too unwell to go with him this time. Just rest for now."
"You did what?" For some reason Merlin's face only paled even more as he frowned. "You practically push me outside when he forces me to go on those stupid, meaningless hunts, yet when he actually might need me you just let me sleep in? Gaius!"
The man sighed, slightly taken aback and put his book away.
"Calm down. He's with his best knights on his way to our allied kingdom. Take this opportunity to regain your strength." He rolled his eyes as Merlin ran to his room. Moments later he was back fully dressed and packed with the most important supplies. "For God's sake, Merlin, you're still not good enough to travel such a distance."
"Hundreds of things could happen during the ride! We may be at peace now, but don't forget Morgana is still out there somewhere." When he was ready to go, Merlin turned to Gaius one last time and smiled warmly at his worried expression. "I feel fine, really. Your medicine works wonders, thank you. Please, you surely understand why I'm doing this."
Gaius sighed again and nodded in defeat. "Be careful."
"Aren't I always?" Merlin grinned and disappeared through the door, leaving the physician with an uneasy feeling he couldn't quite name.
Sorry if it's boring for now, there will be some actual action from the next chapter :) I really wanted to finish it before going to work so I kinda had to cut it there. I'll check it for mistakes later, feel free to point them out if you want to.
Thanks for the read, I hope you'll stick with me until the next chapter is out! :D