First Challenge: An Interesting Use for a Scarf
Category: Gen (Canon AU)
Characters/Pairings: Merlin, Jonas, Leon, and Arthur
Rating/Warnings: T for violence
Word Count: 300
Arthur's Note: This is set in mid-season 2. I noticed that was when Merlin started to always wear his neckerchief.
The day was perfect; that should've been a clue to Merlin that something was going to be amiss. Birds chirped overhead as they fluttered through the flawless sky. A breeze tickled the back of the warlock's bare neck as he picked dandelions for Gaius.
There was a crunch behind him. Before Merlin could react, the man had grabbed him by the neck and squeezed. "What…want," the warlock gasped. As he tried to swallow, his Adams apple bulged against Jonas's hand.
"Revenge," Jonas replied as he let go of Merlin, who fell to the ground. The creature's tail whipped out and struck the warlock about the neck with a sickening [i]thwack[/i]. The force of the strike cut Merlin's skin. As Jonas was about to strike again, the sound of horses hooves filled the air.
"What do you think you're doing," snapped Arthur. He slid from his horse and strode over to Merlin. "Leon, arrest the man. Take him back to Camelot."
"Very well, sire," said Leon, dismounting. His went to Jonas and grabbed him by the arm. Pulling out a bit of rope, he tied the man's wrists. Satisfied with the knots, the knight guided Jonas off towards Camelot.
Kneeling, Arthur examined the wound around Merlin's neck. It wasn't too deep, but it would leave a scar. Figuring it ought to be covered until they got to Gaius's, Arthur looked in the herb bag that was near. Finding a red neckerchief, he pulled it out, and tied the cloth around the semi-conscious warlock's neck.
"Come on, Merlin, let's go have Gaius check you out," the Prince whispered as he picked the man up. Arthur didn't say anything, but he was worried. He didn't like his manservant's pale complexion. He hoped that nothing was seriously wrong and Gaius could relieve his mind.