A/N: This is an edit of the first chapter as I had to post new warnings to keep certain people out.
Warning: First warning is excessive warnings ahead.
Warning 2: I have usually treated these pretty lightly, assuming that you awesome people out there are pretty intelligent and understand that on this site you get out what you put in. I mean you don't accidentally come up with a slash M rated story but apparently in one case I was wrong. If you are the smart cookie I thought you were and think, no I want slash M rated Merthur then ignore this, if you are confused that you have somehow 'stumbled' into a homosexual themed story with adult content then sit back, relax and continue reading for your own benefit.
You have made an 'oops', that is you have come into a story that's clearly not for you! You do not like the sex scenes or the malexmale pairing and although from this story's description that is clearly what it's about you have, for your own reasons, come in anyway.
Let me just explain to you that the television show Merlin is widely known for its homoerotic content (that is where two characters of the same sex give each other special looks and say lines/do actions that are traditionally played out by characters in a romantic relationship with one another) this has given the show an edge but it is frustrating for people like me who have nothing against explicit homosexual relationships (in general) and on TV. Using fanfiction as an outlet people can combat queerbaiting or the created sexual tension of characters by writing up imagined sexual contact between them.
In the case of Merlin I strongly doubt there can be much else to find in fanfiction as the episodes are already extremely creative and sex is pretty much the only defining characteristic that sets this story apart from the show, as that is all it is.
I explained this early on in the story that this is NOT an expression of creativity but a manipulation of the existing script to see how seamlessly the relationship could be escalated.
Someone missed the memo. Luckily I had a month of exams to cool off.
Warning 3: There will now be even more slash, I will try not to make it ludicrous to ruin what I had going but it will be there, when you sense Merlin and Arthur are flirting or they start kissing and you don't like that because you have made a really weird mistake by coming here or for some reason you wanted to read the Merlin script typed out by me word-for-word, then scroll past those bits. (You do this by using the middle bit of your mouse, or the down arrow on your keyboard, or by using two fingers on the touch pad if you have a Mac.) I don't intend to offend anyone and that is why you must purposely change your rating on the main site to M to even find this story (I know you all do it) but someone still managed to feel strongly enough about the content to leave quite a funny review (I would direct you all to if you want a laugh). It wasn't the worst flame in the world but it has made me change my tune to the warnings, no one can say now that I didn't do them.
Disclaimer (Just to be extra safe): Merlin is a BBC run drama created by Julian Jones, Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps and Jake Michie. Last I checked I was none of these people, nor am I BBC, therefore I do not own Merlin. This fanfiction is not Merlin, I make no money from it, I never intend to make money of it, there is no way on earth I could make money off it even if I tried. I copy the dialogue seen off the shows which I tape and watch when I'm bored and want to write for a few hours. I don't own the script; I make no money off the script. If you want to sue me I ask you to first assess your priorities.
*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*. ..*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*... *...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...*.
In a land of myth and a time of magic the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy, his name, Merlin…
"I knew you were an arse, I just didn't know you were a royal one."
Arthur stood shocked, had anyone ever spoken to him like that and gotten away with it? He needed to do something! People were staring. He would soon be king for goodness sake!
It wasn't enough having this strange boy sent to prison, the physician had gotten him out. Of all the luck he was his apprentice or some other such nonsense.
There was nothing left to do they'd have to fight.
The boy had luck on his side; the greatest of knights couldn't last against Arthur so long. It seemed that anything that could trip the young prince up, did, yes there was definitely something odd about the boy.
Arthur got him down. He was the obvious winner and satisfied with that. The boy's name was Merlin he helped him up.
"There's something about you Merlin." Arthur told him calmly; glad to see he was struggling to catch his breath. "I can't quite put my finger on it."
That night began everything between them. The night of the ball honoring guest lady Helena, she was a friend of his father's. She was beautiful and had an unrivaled voice. The entire palace had been busy all day in preparation for her appearance. Meanwhile she dined with the King.
"May the Lord have Mercy!" Arthur exclaimed as Morgana arrived, clad in revealing scarlet. She was beautiful, like princesses from books but Arthur's remark was entirely for his knights and squires who nodded approvingly. He had no interest in Morgana or her silly dress.
Unfortunately she heard his remark and strolled over to him whilst those around him snickered.
"I heard that, brother."
"Brother is it? Last I checked we were unrelated. Merely betrothed to be wed?"
"And here I was thinking you were uninterested in my kind." She whispered so softly in his ear no one else could hear. Still Arthur blanched.
"What? Do you mean ridiculously overdressed?" He retaliated.
She smiled warmly at him.
"Your secret's safe with me." Affectionately she straitened the fastening of his cape. "At least when I'm overdressed we match." She added.
Meanwhile Morgana's handmaiden looked on with a slightly bruised and pale boy, new to Camelot.
"Some people are just born to be queen." She sighed full of awe.
"What? No…" The boy replied, not sure why this news upset him so much. Maybe Gwen meant that Morgana would marry King Uther, than again he was so old. Guenevere was so sweet, not typical in the looks department but pretty all the same, Merlin barely knew her and yet he liked her, there was nothing in her heart but love.
Also she knew a bit about the castle and he found himself interested in what she had to say.
"You saved my life." The words were out before Arthur completely knew it, not that he intended to take them back, still not too long ago he'd been asleep and awoken to find Merlin on top of him! There was no time to think. The strange boy got off and helped him to his feet. Where he'd been sitting had been shattered and a large knife had lodged deep into the iron and bronze. He hated to think what it would have done to his body.
There was a sticky film on him, cobwebs. He could see them on everyone else. Someone had cut down the chandelier; it had fallen on a hag. That's right she'd thrown the knife, he recognized her from somewhere.
Arthur looked at Merlin; he was even more pale than usual.
How on earth did he cut the chandelier down? Arthur knew he'd done it, call it intuition but there was no chance the century old fixture had fallen down by luck and just happened to land on his would-be assassin.
Why? Was the next question, however Merlin had managed to do it, was it all to save Arthur?
"-A great reward is in Order!"
His father was talking, he hadn't been paying much attention, Merlin's eyes were too far apart, and shaped like crescents, why was that? And his mouth, when he smiled it was all on one side and not the other, it was annoying, and why did his ears stick out?
"No you really don't have to."
"To serve my son Arthur here in the castle!"
"Wait what?" Arthur meant it, had his father just made Merlin his manservant? No that wasn't a good idea, he already could tell. There was Morgana with not even a drop of drowsiness about her and she was grinning in her evil sister way.
"Father please, reconsider."
"Nonsense son." Uther smiled but his eyes shot daggers, Arthur knew instantly he'd made a mistake questioning his father's decision in front of so many.
And so Merlin was his manservant, he lay awake thinking about that, hands folded behind his head. It was dangerous; Morgana claimed she could just tell about Arthur by looking at him, that she knew since they were little. What if one day someone came to the kingdom that could also tell by just looking? And here was Merlin who intrigued him much more than usual, whom he thought resided some mysterious power he'd used to save his life.
No he was just a regular peasant, his over-active imagination was telling him the boy had a secret power to distract from the truth.
He awoke to the sun peaking through the windows, making gray his dreary room. He had no recollection of sleep the night before.
"My Lord."
Merlin was standing in his room, he looked stiff and displeased, how long had he been there?
Instantly Arthur grabbed for his sheets.
"So what am I meant to do?" Merlin asked, raising his shoulders to convey his helplessness. His face looked bored, did he always pout so much.
"You're supposed to get me dressed."
Merlin made to approach the bed.
"Not now!" Arthur snapped, panic rising, he wasn't exactly descent and what ever he'd dreamed of last night had left him, out of sorts…
"I need to make water." He lied quickly.
"Oh." Merlin pulled a face of slight disgust and slight confusion.
"Get out!" Arthur barked, to help him along.
Acting fast the prince got into his own underclothes and dressed himself.
"You can come back in!"
Merlin stepped round from behind the door.
"Oh look you did my job for me!" He exclaimed, smiling.
Arthur adjusted his tunic.
"Yes, now once you're done cleaning this room you'll have time to exercise my dogs, muck out the stables and fetch the coal oil from the market."
"What's that for?"
"It's to polish my boots." Arthur pointed to the row of boots; even he could admit his collection was quite extensive.
Merlin stood there gaping. Good, he'd definitely be kept away from the castle and away from Arthur.
"Is there anything else?" Merlin asked with an air of sarcasm.
"No that will be all." Arthur replied and strolled away.
He needed breakfast and preferably a large one. The dining hall was appropriately set for the feast he planned. His father and Morgana already sat, his sister picked boredly at some exotic fruit she had in front of her. She sat up as she saw Arthur enter. Greeting them both cordially Arthur st and began seizing everything he fancied, just before he began to eat Uther spoke to him.
"I hope you haven't forgotten the coming tournament."
Arthur dropped the bread that was in his hand. Indeed he had forgotten it, with the terrors of the previous night.
"They found lady Helena dead, everyone agrees the sorceress killed her."
Morgana's words did little to increase the spirits but they did distract from Arthur's mishap.
The sorceress was the woman who'd tried to kill him, he remembered her now, from the execution. It had been her son, Arthur remembered her cries now, they stuck cruelly in his heart.
Only one thing distracted from them and that was how he'd need Merlin constantly in the coming week. He'd have to teach the idiot boy how to put on armor and how to help him spar, an almost impossible task, not to mention one that would keep them in close contact.
He pushed away his breakfast, which definitely got Morgana's attention. She leant in close to him.
"Worried about having that strange new boy tightening your armor straps for you?"
Arthur sat up straight, his father was a seat away, he wished she'd hold her tongue.
"If you want, teach him to do it loosely, I'll come and tighten it, it will be much more comfortable for you, the lord knows I don't turn you on."
That really did it. Arthur stood up quickly.
"Father you must excuse me, I'm afraid I must practice my swordsmanship some more."
The weary king waved him away as he sped from the hall.
It was frustrating practicing alone, his usual comrades would be his competitors next week, this was the time he needed his servant. Winning in the face of the public was more important than avoiding Merlin; he'd have to begin training him.
Arthur spent all day against the wooden dummies, until he was sore and sweaty. Once inside the castle walls and safely on rout to his chambers he tore the tunic off his overheated torso.
He opened his bedroom doors and waltzed in without thinking.
From the floor surrounded by polished shoes Merlin looked up. Arthur threw his tunic back on making the other boy laugh.
"Was that on my account?" Merlin asked, finishing the last shoe.
"No I planned to put it back on anyway."
"You planned to put on your smelly old sweaty tunic even though there's a cupboard full of clean ones right here?"
"Yes."
Merlin gave a look of disbelief.
"Because I was looking for you! Since you're finished here I need you to come and help me spar." Arthur made up quickly.
"Haven't you done enough of that?"
Arthur really had and was beginning to regret his words.
"Come, I've only just warmed up."
What was he saying?
It took some time but he eventually had Merlin swaddled in enough padding and armor that the lithe figure and most the peculiar face were hidden. Much better.
"Ready?"
"Would it make any difference if I said no?"
Arthur turned to Merlin, grinning, he had his sword in hand.
"Try and block me." He instructed, rushing at his poor servant.
"Head, body, head, shield!"
Merlin was surprisingly resilient and Arthur felt a little sorry. When he thought he'd had enough Arthur let him up.
"You're much braver than you look." He commended.
"Are we done now?" Merlin asked.
As soon as he did Arthur realized he had more energy left in him. He pulled out his mace.
"Not quite."
After the mace work Arthur knew they'd both had quite enough.
"You're done for the day, tomorrow I'll teach you to do my armor."
"Right, do you want me to read up on it or something?" Merlin panted.
"No, that won't be necessary, I have a certain way of doing my armor, it needs to be loose. I'll show you tomorrow. Just go home and rest, you'll be needing it."
Arthur didn't stick around to watch Merlin undress. He rushed to his chambers where he'd have to prepare his own much-needed bath.
The tournaments arrived and so did the Knights from throughout Albion. It was clear that the favorite this year was Sir Valiant.
It had been a week, Merlin had somehow learnt to do armor, insisting that the way Arthur wanted it was too loose and wouldn't protect him in an attack.
Morgana found this highly amusing and Arthur made sure to give Merlin no mercy as dished out his duties.
Arthur had loved the crowds and banquets so much as a boy but now all he felt was anxiety at the challenge. Perhaps it was the knowledge he could not lose or perhaps it was the fact he'd given up tricking Merlin into leaving his armor loose and had to stand still and try to manage his temper as Merlin prattled on.
"You nervous?"
"I don't get nervous."
Merlin was yet again tightening the armor around his shoulders; did he have to stand so close?
"Really? I thought everyone got nervous?"
"Will you shut up!"
Trumpets sounded as the knights and Arthur entered the arena so his father could greet them.
His first victory was swift, he was glad to see Merlin had watched, soaking up the cheers of the crowd he walked over to him.
Together they watched the matches, Arthur tried to act as if it were normal.
It wasn't much easier as Merlin continued to prepare Arthur for his following matches. When they were all done the Prince returned and together they watched Valiant. The man was a storm, the only match for Arthur.
"Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword." Merlin remarked, confirming Arthur's fears.
The Knight won his match and as soon as formalities were over swaggered toward the pair.
"Congratulations on your victories my lord." He greeted before walking on.
"Creep."
It was Merlin who said it, Arthur looked to him grinning. He liked that he'd said it, not just because it belittled Valiant but because normal serving men didn't speak like that, no, Arthur guessed Merlin wasn't a regular servant, he was much more.
They'd spent too long smiling at one another; Arthur had to commend his ways. Instantly he began reeling off orders.
Before the formalities of the previous night Arthur had been sure to set Merlin an impossible amount of tasks. The day had seen his armour damaged beyond repair; he sent Merlin to fix it before the next morning. He was sure he'd be unable to do it and had already sent for a new set and shield to be brought by the smith's hand. In his mind he'd already be suited when Merlin would arrive. Unfortunately he was wrong. He arrived in his tent to find all the armor repaired to new and laid out, Merlin standing by.
"You did all this by yourself?"
"Yes."
It was impossible, it sent Arthur back to the night with the sorceress, the night Merlin saved his life. There was definitely something odd about him.
"Alright let's see if you can get me into it."
Arthur cringed at his own choice of words.
Merlin complied, dressing him quickly and with barely any contact. Arthur was pleasantly surprised.
A few matches in they were standing on the sidelines and Merlin wanted to tighten his shoulders again.
Arthur felt pleased he chose to ignore Valiant's match but there was no way he was letting him touch his armour.
Suddenly Sir Ewan, the opposing Knight was down and Merlin began paying attention.
"I think he's badly hurt."
Arthur had to agree.
Merlin left to help Gaius and Sir Ewan, Arthur was left to finish the next match on his own, it was a fierce but shallow victory.
The next match after that arrived and Merlin came bounding up.
"You've been a while."
"I was kept busy."
"Help me with this." Arthur's armor had become undoubtedly loose and Morgana was with her handmaiden. Merlin had to re-do it all. The next opponent was a formidable one. Merlin looked over to the Knight, taking in his sheer size.
"You have to fight that?" Merlin asked.
Arthur felt pride swell within him.
"Yes, but he's slow." He claimed.
Merlin smiled crookedly back.
"Oh, and you're fast?"
"Yes." Arthur had answered without thinking, had Merlin meant what he thought he meant? The boy definitely looked to be submerging a smile but Arthur couldn't be sure. He decided to ignore it all together and focus on the match.
The day finally ended with the finals decided at the end of it all. Arthur would face Valiant, just his luck.
It meant another night of dining with the vile Knight as his father gushing over him.
He managed to leave early, ordering supper to be brought to his chambers. He sat down to enjoy the food in peace when in burst Merlin. Arthur tried to stay calm.
The serving boy dumped something on the table, Arthur ceased eating as he recognized the serpent's head.
"Valiant's using a magical shield to cheat."
Well it was a lot to take in, tentatively Arthur picked up the head.
"Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot."
"Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom, when Ewan is conscious he'll tell you. If you fight Valiant in the final he'll use it against you though, it's the only way he'll beat you."
The words struck Arthur, so Merlin did look up to him after all? it was good to know he didn't just think of him as a royal arse.
Merlin took a step closer and lowered his voice.
"I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything." Arthur looked him in the eye. "But what I'm saying is true. I wouldn't lie to you."
Arthur already believed him but he needed more.
"I need you to swear to me, do you promise what you're telling me is true?"
Merlin's stare increased intensity.
"I promise."
And with that Arthur knew he trusted the idiot completely, he'd even go against his father for him.
That he did, not just his father but the court as well, he called valiant out. Presented the snake head, pointed out the shield, but then came the word, Ewan was dead.
Arthur took his last chance. "My Servant fought with the snakes… He claimed.
"Your servant? You make these outrageous accusations against a Knight on the word of your servant?"
"I believe he's telling the truth."
Arthur realized his mistake, everyone could see, his father could see, his feelings toward Merlin weren't normal.
Morgana's eyes pleaded with him to say something to fix it.
"My Lord am I really to be judged on some here say from a boy?" Sir Valiant spoke up.
"I've seen it those snakes come alive." Merlin said, stepping forward. He really hadn't grasped the weight of the situation.
"How dare you interrupt!Guards!" They began to drag Merlin away.
Nothing, there was nothing he could do.
It was Valiant who saved him.
"My Lord."
"Wait!"
"I do not want the boy punished on my account. If Arthur doesn't want to fight me because he's afraid then I will graciously accept his withdrawal."
Uther looked upon his son with cold reverence.
"Is that what you want?"
The stare of his father conveyed murder should he say the wrong thing, and not his own. He knew his weakness now, his strange connection to his manservant.
"Obviously there has been a misunderstanding, I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology."
It was the worst possible scenario, not only did his father and the entire royal court think him a coward but now Merlin was in danger all thanks to their crude handling of things. There was only one thing left to do and it was what was best for both.
"Your sacking me?"
The words he'd said were harsh.
"I need a servant I can trust."
"You can trust me!"
"And look where it got me this time, get out of my sight."
It hurt, more than it should, but Merlin was gone and hopefully the damage would be minimal. He was safer this way, he'd face Valiant on his own and the day's mistakes would hopefully be erased in that match.
If only it had been that simple, Merlin would not stay away, he came back that night, heeding warning Arthur already knew too well. He wished Merlin would leave the castle and the dangerous game of politics Arthur was so entangled in but at the same time he felt relieved, he got to send Merlin away this time with words less harsh than before.
"You can't fight Valiant, if you do you'll die."
"Than I die!"
This time Merlin's face showed hurt more than it had before and Arthur realized he was wrong.
"I have to fight Valiant, it's my duty."
Merlin stormed away.
There was no way Arthur would get a proper night's rest.
Morgana helped with his armor, it was the least she could do. He'd wished Merlin would show up again but knew it was for the best that he didn't.
His armor was better done than it had been all week but his spirits weren't. The young prince faced the Knight and couldn't manage to hide his fear.
Indeed Valiant's style was aggressive, Arthur struggled to gain dominance, a strike, which meant to disarm, de-helmed his opponent and with proper etiquette he removed his own.
The fighting continued with more vigor, one two-three and Arthur was thrown against the stands, his head knocked back and he saw Merlin standing mere yards away, what was he doing?
Arthur looked back, why hadn't he been struck? People in the crowd began to gasp. Out from the yellow shield of the Knight protruded two snakes.
"What are you doing I haven't summoned you?" Valiant spoke to them.
Of course he hadn't, but then who had?
Logic brought forth all the answers at once, the random things that tripped him up, the chandelier falling on the sorceress, the list of chores being done in half the time, his armor, it was Merlin, he was magic.
It was the only explanation and he knew it all along. Only Arthur didn't know why Merlin was using his magic to protect him, it couldn't just be because he was the King's son. He did know one thing though, that he was going to live to find out. With a mighty blow he severed the serpent's heads and struck at Valiant, swiftly he'd plunged his sword into the Knight's chest cavity. It was a mercy really, saving him from the messy execution that would have come.
Arthur hoped to see Merlin at the feast, he decided not to let him know that he'd uncovered his secret. And all in good time he'd find out why he was going to such lengths to protect him.
Sacking the boy obviously wouldn't keep him away, never mind the danger Arthur posed to him, Merlin was a danger to himself! It was only a matter of time before someone else figured out what he was. Arthur would need to keep a close eye on him to make sure he didn't get himself killed.
Sure enough Merlin was there with Gaius, a flimsy cover.
Arthur left Morgana's side and bee-lined toward him.
"I just wanted to say, I made a mistake, I was wrong to sack you."
Merlin smiled making Arthur instantly regret his decision.
"Buy me a drink and we'll call it even."
How on earth he spoke like that and got away with it Arthur would never know.
"I can't really be seen buying drinks for my servant." Arthur said, though there was nothing he'd love more.
"Your servant? I thought you sacked me?"
"Yes, well now I'm re-hiring you."
Merlin grinned and Arthur's insides went giddy. This was going to be a lot harder than expected.
A/N - So I've only just begun watching Merlin, I'm up to episode 7 season 1. I therefore know it's risky starting a fan fiction because I don't know where the show heads.
From now on this fiction with be entirely Arthur's perception as he keeps Merlin's secret safe and manages his own feelings toward him. I've tried to make a chapter for every second episode but had to do a chapter for Lancelot on its own.
I'm struggling on the fourth chapter currently, trying to come up with why Merlin was okay with Arthur drooling over Sophia (Gates of Avalon) and even if I do manage to fill the gaps now it's allowed me to glimpse that in future I will have to diverge away from the actual episodes as I add more and more of my own scenes in.
Lastly I just need to add that this fiction is mere fun for me, I started watching the show with no intention to write but found I couldn't stop. I decided to post it since it takes up so much of my time, if you don't like it for whatever reason I don't actually want to know, for anything else I write I'm happy for criticism but this story exists beyond my control for now.