Characters: Arthur, Merlin, Gwaine, Elyan, Lancelot, Percival, Leon
Rating: K+
Summary: They all see it, because around a table it's pretty hard to miss. They all see it, except for a certain prince. 3x13
Leon saw it first. It was the way Merlin would always insult the prince without a second thought, the way he'd hang onto his every word as if poised to retort. But most of all it was the way he'd follow the prince headfirst into any danger, ready to give his life at anytime. It was the way Arthur would not let him, ignoring the social status and the witty remarks.
Then Gwaine saw it. The tiny slivers of Merlin's unquestionable loyalty towards Arthur showed through the small yet vehement protests of Arthur's virtue and even risking his life going after him into the Perilous Lands. He wondered why Merlin would do such a thing. Wyverns, Fisher Kings, magical guardians of a bridge. It would have been a bit too much for a normal servant, but somehow not for Merlin.
Of course Elyan saw it. Merlin, going after Arthur like that straight into Cenred's clutches. The self-explanatory eyes and tone were enough for Gwen's brother to suspect the loyalty between the pair. Perhaps the loyalty was one-sided? Elyan shook the thought off. That was impossible; the prince was noble. He'd better be, for the sake of his sister and for the sake of the people Merlin stood for.
Even newcomer Percival saw it as they stood around the round table, pledging their allegiance. Merlin's small joking smile shone through as he engaged in a small teasing quarrel with the prince. The apprentice couldn't fathom how a servant would dare mock and jeer at a noble. This had to be some kind of exception. All the more for him to stand by Arthur's side.
But Lancelot saw it the most. He knew the most. Therefore, it was only natural. "You know Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it." He knows that cannot and should never be for the sake of the future and prosperity of Camelot. The warlock's words only confirm it but to Lancelot it just seems unfair.
They've all seen it, the loyalty that Merlin held for the prince who could cast him away without a second thought. They all saw the way that Merlin got himself into some situation that was impossible to get out of. And they had all saw the way that Merlin had a knack for coming out unscathed. They all saw it, just not Arthur. Ignorance? Maybe. But ignorance is bliss.
Contemplating writing a fic based on post-3x13 where Merlin has to reveal his secret to a trusted few - no comment there
Should I? I promise action and romance! :]