Betaed by CJaneCoulson, my eternal Thanks, really, without you I don't think that I would never write this to its end. (11.5.14)
Now...
When one wakes up in the morning, one can usually know if it whether it will be a good or a bad day. For instance, if Merlin was late, or if the breakfast was half-burnt, or if Guinevere was mad at something he had blurted out the night before and now refused to speak to him, then that would likely be a bad day. However, if Merlin actually remembered to do his job as Arthur's new secretary, if Gwaine wasn't hung-over on the training ground and if Guinevere promised to do some of his jobs that day, then the day would prnobably be more than good-it would be splendid!
Though that never happened though, but one can always hope...
Then there were the days that just seemed doomed from the first. The days where -while nothing happened- the feeling of dread hung over the world until -surprise!- the world abruptly brightened and the day was the perfectly well and good.
Of course, both good and bad days were often able and subject to change. Unfortunately, it was far more common for the good days to turn bad; but occasionally the reverse did happen.
Arthur looked Merlin, then Gwaine. Both of them were covered with blood and dirt. And they smelled. Badly. He looked around him at the half-destroyed remnants of the Great Hall.
"I'm curious, tell me. Please, you can speak freely." There was hint of sarcasm on his tone. The king of Camelot was surprisingly very calm. Too calm.
Merlin moved nervously and glanced at Gwaine. Gwaine looked the great hall and the people.
"I said…" Arthur started.
"It was an accident." Gwaine said quickly, instantly regretting his choice of words when he watched how Arthur's face went blank. Gwen shook her head fast, warningly. Gwaine looked Merlin for help.
"Maybe you should tell him." Gwaine muttered.
"Are you insane? He will kill me." Merlin hissed back, nervous as hell with the whole situation.
"And why Merlin, I would kill you?" Arthur asked icily and Merlin jumped and swallowed, trying to find the right words. Gwaine chose to watch his dirty boots.
"Can we speak more privately?" Merlin asked, hoping, knowing that it was too late. Arthur had seen it. Seen him!
"No. We speak here and now. That way everyone can hear your excuses."
The whole audience-including half of the Camelot's knights, the visiting Queen Annis, and what seemed like hundred of nobles and servants-held their breath.
"We are so deep in sh..." Gwaine mumbled and Merlin poked him on the side.
"Maybe if you start from the beginning." Gwen suggested kindly. Merlin looked nervously at her, then Arthur and the again at Gwaine who nodded.
"You have to tell him." Gwaine sighed and Merlin looked like he wanted to run and fast.
"And I call you my friend."
"I am. So is he." Gwaine nodded toward Arthur who frowned. Merlin hesitated, avoiding Arthur's gaze. He looked Gwen.
"Alright. But first, Gwen-my Queen."
That form of address startle Guinevere. Merlin never called her his queen. They were friends!
"I want your word that while I tell what happened, no one do anything to me or Gwaine; And that after I am finished, you will just let us go."
They stared each other for a few minutes.
"I promise." Gwen said finally, both curious and afraid to hear what had happened. She, like everyone else in the Hall, still couldn't believe what they had witnessed.
"Guine…" Arthur began, but his wife's eyes stopped him.
"He asked me, not you Arthur. And by your own hand, I'm the Queen of Camelot. Remember that. I don't want you to go and kill him." The steel in Gwen's voice startled everyone present.
Arthur never could say no to his wife, so he nodded his agreement. "This had better be a very good explanation." Arthur said as he sat back in his chair after George hoisted it up again.
"Right." Merlin sighed, his eyes seeking Gaius.
Gaius watched him with concern, but also nodded his agreement.
"Right." Merlin repeated. "It started two days ago…"