Characters/Pairings: Merlin, Arthur
Rating/Warnings: K+
Universe: Canon
Challenge: Come up with an interesting or unusual way one of Merlin's trademark scarves might be used.
Merlin was kneeling next to Arthur's prone body, ignoring the blood stains that littered the moonlit grass from the battle. He had been knocked unconscious by a crazed mercenary, but the warlock had soon taken care of that, now he just needed his friend to wake up.
"Come on Arthur, we need you!" he whispered, shaking the limp body helplessly "Well, I don't, I could always find another master. Maybe someone who's such not a supercilious, condescending, overbearing prat!"
Nothing.
He shifted back so he was sitting on his feet, his head in his hands as he drew in a shaky breath. If Arthur didn't wake up soon, all would be lost. Unless he used his magic…
"Who're you…calling a prat, idiot?" a sluggish voice muttered.
"Arthur!" Merlin had his signature cheeky grin plastered across his face, his bright blue eyes lighting up with joy.
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily!" Arthur laughed, sitting up against a tree and closing his eyes.
"Arthur, we need to-." The raven cut off his urgent instructions, omitting a loud choking cough
The king wrenched his eyes open, standing quickly and unsheathing his sword.
"Let him go!" Arthur yelled, his voice practically dripping with authority
"Not unless you surrender!" the large man snarled.
The back of Merlin's neckerchief was balled up in his hands as he pulled it as tight as possible against the boy's throat, cutting off any and all air supply. The bandit was round and dirty, the crooked leer exposing his yellow teeth. The boy clawed helplessly at the cloth, trying desperately to retrieve some needed oxygen.
"Surrender to you? Never!" he laughed.
The thug merely tightened his grip in reply and the warlock started to sag slightly.
"Let. Him. Go." Arthur whispered, his voice dangerously calm, eyes narrowing.
Before the ruffian could respond, a loud snap echoed throughout the clearing and the two men fell, both lying motionless on the ground.
