A/N: Hi *waves* this is my second attempt on writing a story. The first one did not went well but that was a year ago so lets forget that ;)

This is going to be a merthur fic so don't like,don't read. In this chapter no Arthur but that comes later on.

reviews would be greatly appreciated. Don't hesitate to tell me if it is horrible or what i can do better

i'm very nervous! I am not English by birth so I found this difficult to write at times. And I also find it hard to not rush in straight to the plot.

disclaimer: I do not own Merlin. I think that if I did it would not be a family show if you get what I mean ;) (and it would have 10 seasons or something like that)

warning 1: this chapter is rated T for some violence and some language.

This is beta'd by Samerys707, who offered bravely to help a newbie like me


Merlin felt the wind wave through his hair, while he was in the line for his breakfast. And by calling it breakfast he was really nice, it tasted like horse shit (it wouldn't surprise him if there was actually horse shit in it somehow).

When he finally got his food he went over to Lancelot, his only friend on this goddamn ship. No matter what others said, it was not because of him! It was because he told Cenred to fuck off, when he laughed at Merlin's ears. This was before Merlin noticed that Cenred was the man where everybody listens to, because they are afraid of him. Now everybody was too scared, to say something nice or at least civil towards him. Too scared that Cenred would beat them black and blue.

Lancelot was probably the reason Merlin hadn't jumped from the ship in the first week. He had a sort of strength and nobility about him, that even Cenred let Merlin be, if he was with Lancelot.

The two of them had met when Merlin crashed into Lancelot. Merlin, expecting another beating, already cringed but was surprised when he heard the man asking, if he was alright. Merlin looked at the man in slight confusion and shock. He had short black hair and was lightly tanned, yet he was absolutely handsome.

Lancelot shocked Merlin as he stared at him in concern, his eyes betraying nothing. Sensing this man was a kind and decent bloke, he told him what happened. The man didn't laugh at him, or run away scared, ready to tell Cenred.

Merlin asked him what his name was. After that they decided, Cenred's nose was much more ugly than Merlin's ears. Lance had called them cute, to Merlin's utter embarrassment.

Of course before he reached Lance he was deliberately tripped up by Cenred. ''Watch where your going!,'' smirked the bully.

His friends cracked up laughing, like it was the best joke, they ever heard.

Merlin was well and utterly pissed off as he snapped ''Me? you are the one who can't walk in a straight line, your foot was totally out of direction!'' He challenged.

Merlin gulped, regretting his words as Cenred's face morphed from smug to angry. He had a feeling this was 'challenge accepted'.

Cenred exploded as he advanced towards Merlin ''y-you complete..arggh!" he spat.

''Cenred are you drunk already?'' Merlin asked in a completely unconcerned tone.

"First you can't walk properly and then you stutter,'' continued Merlin.

Cenred and his mates loomed threateningly over Merlin, blocking his view to where, he was sitting.

Merlin knew this wasn't going to end well but he certainly wasn't going to let them see he was slightly anxious. ''ooh scary, what are you going to?'' he drawled sarcastically.

The crowd formed a circle around Merlin and Cenred . Merlin saw Lance's face. It was a mix between: Merlin-you-idiot and I-should-do-something. He shook his head towards Lance, telling him not to get involved.

This was something he had to do himself. Merlin knew Lance would understand, still he would hate the thought of feeling useless. He saw Lance walk away and understood that he did not want to see Merlin beaten half to death.

That was the moment Cenred's fist connected with his head.

Merlin was sprawled on deck now, "Wow, aren't you so brave, punching guys who aren't even on their feet," he managed to choke out whilst gently feeling his cheek.

It throbbed and burned. Cenred's face seethed in anger as he continued the beating. Merlin felt kicks and fist everywhere.

Cenred was certainly not holding back. Pain seemed to be coming from every direction. His whole vision was blurred as pain continued to form all around his body. His body felt as if it was on fire. He protected his head hoping, he wouldn't get a concussion. Merlin could barely hear the insults screamed in his direction. He felt a warm tear slip from his eye, which he hastily wiped away. He would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him cry or looking so broken.

Merlin could feel warm wetness sticking to his clothes. He felt his breathing hitch as he panicked. Maybe it wasn't worth it after all. It wasn't worth all this blood, that was currently pooling all around him.

He tried to gulp for breath but he was hyperventilating. He felt something warm and thick trickle into his mouth. knowing what it was he spluttered the red liquid out. He felt like he was either drowning or choking in his own blood.

Merlin gathered all his strength for the sake of living. He found himself clutching his stomach as he went into a coughing fit. His body trembled in exhaustion and weakness took over.

Finally it stopped. He slowly unfolded himself. When he blinked up, he saw everyone was walking away.

Only Cenred and his friends were standing above him. ''Learned your lesson, did ya?'' Cenred smirked in triumph.

Merlin said nothing. One of Cenred's friends thought it was time he should be tough "he asked you something, you son of a whore".

Merlin glared in a look of pure hatred. They can kick him, punch him but no-one, NO-ONE insulted Hunith.

With some difficulty he tried to stand up. He felt as if he was drunk when his body swayed in all directions. His vision blurred and he stumbled trying to stay upright.

Merlin caught Cenred laughing at him, clearly not seeing him as a threat. Anger pulsed through every fiber of his body as Merlin balled his fists. He tried to land a punch towards Cenred, ready to knock his vile sense of humor out of him. Yet it seemed Cenred had good reflexes as he easily dodged Merlin's punch. He kicked Merlin in his balls who stumbled before flying into a corner. He gasped as pain shot through his body before he found himself lying on deck once more.

Merlin's head connected with the wood, his vision blurred as dots crept around the edges of his eyes. He felt he was about to vomit, but instead he numbly felt soft kicks around his body. He felt his eyes droop shut, before darkness closed all around him. Welcoming him like a friend.


A/N : again please tell me if there is something I could do better.

For those who re-read this and are confused, after I found my beta she changed some things (for which I'm very grateful)and I edited this chapter.