A/N— This is a collection of 21 Merlin drabbles. The prompts for this challenge (called "Beginnings") were created by Heatherlly on whimsicalwanderings dot net.

The ratings range from K to M; there will be language, sex, and violence (not in all drabbles, and generally not simultaneously). I will rate each drabble clearly at the beginning.

First Challenge: An Interesting Use for a Scarf

Category: Gen (Canon Era)

Characters/Pairings: Merlin

Ratings/Warnings: K

Word Count: 254

Come up with an interesting or unusual way one of Merlin's trademark scarves might be used.

It was Merlin's first winter in Camelot, and he trudged through the ankle-deep snow blanketing the narrow path in the Darkling Woods.

Merlin craved solitude and a break from his duties to Prince Arthur. Normally, Merlin found the prince's petulance amusing, but today, Arthur's ceaseless demands grated on Merlin's nerves. Perhaps Merlin was more sensitive because Yule drew near, and he missed his beloved home in Ealdor more than ever.

When Merlin reached a dense copse of underbrush, he heard a high-pitched squeaking sound. He stopped short, cupped his ear, and the odd sound came again, rising from the shrubs. A puff of wind ruffled the leafless branches, exposing a baby hare, pure white and small enough to fit in Merlin's palm. The animal lay trapped on the ground, its tiny foot caught in a simple twine snare. Serpentine brambles tangled in the creature's fur kept the poor animal pinned down.

Without another thought, Merlin bent and, with deft fingers, freed the tiny being from its trap. Soaked, half-frozen, and obviously in pain and terrified, the hare began trembling.

Merlin clucked his tongue. "This won't do. Let's get you home and warmed up."

He untied his well-worn red neckerchief and gently swaddled the hare. Within moments, the terrified creature settled in the soft wrapping, breathing a low grunt of approval.

"I seem to have found a new friend," said Merlin, "and just when I needed one."

Cradling the precious package close to his chest, Merlin trekked back to the castle, his spirits lighter.