Bookworms
Summary: Arthur finds Merlin asleep in the library, drooling on a thick stack of tomes.
Rating: K
Disclaimer: Don't own!
The only upside Arthur could see to the situation was that Merlin, for once, wasn't in the tavern. When he'd been directed to the library, of all places, Arthur had felt a split second's disbelief at the notion. But then he remembered that Merlin was an educated peasant.
So he started on a quest to retrieve his wayward servant, which required a long trek across the citadel. It was only understandable that his patience had worn thin by the time of his arrival.
"Merlin!"
Geoffrey of Monmouth stood abruptly and bowed hurriedly, looking startled. "Sire," he greeted. "Merlin is just farther on, researching some old herbal remedies for Gaius."
Arthur nodded curtly and swept past regally. Just as the old librarian had indicated, Arthur spotted him just around the corner, slumped over a thick, musty tome. He cleared his throat loudly and awaited the response.
Only none came.
Thoroughly irritated, the prince approached him, intending to smack him upside the head. He stopped short when he heard a small, rasping snore. Arthur frowned and prodded Merlin sharply in the ribs.
Merlin yelped and nearly leapt out of his skin, knocking the books from the table. "Wha-! Oh...Arthur!"
"What are you doing, Merlin?"
"Oh, uh, I'm looking for..." His eyes wandered down to the mess he'd made, and he absently wiped the drool from his cheek with a sleeve. "I'm looking for bookworms."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Bookworms."
"Yes...Bookworms." Having come up with an excuse, Merlin grinned cheerily at his master. "Well, none here!"
Arthur rolled his eyes.