Summary: Merlin isn't the weak, clumsy fool that everyone thought he was. He hasn't been that way since he trained to fight as a young adolescent. In order to better protect Arthur, and himself, Merlin keeps the facade up. What happens when that facade starts to break?
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Facade
Another week, another enemy. Merlin had barely recovered from the rogue sorcerer whom plotted to kill the king last week, and now there were reports of a group of expert assassins trying to accomplish the same goal. The whole court heard about the assassins, so security increased in the castle, especially around Arthur's room. That provided Merlin with a little sense of security, but he knew that the group was smart enough to think of a way to get to the king. He'd just have to stop them somehow.
Groaning, the young manservant rolled out of bed, aching from training last night, and got ready for work. He wasn't able to sleep well last night out of worry for his master. Once at Arthur's chambers, the two friends went about their daily routine, teasing and mocking each other, yet still managing to get work done.
Before Arthur left to attend to his duties, he turned to Merlin and said, "Remember, Lord Arnid is visiting tomorrow. He's staying for a week, and I expect you to tend to him."
He turned towards the door before he could see Merlin pale considerably. I need to get out of this! Thinking quickly, the servant used the first excuse that came to mind.
"Sorry Sire, I have to go to a village and help care for the sick children."
Raising his eyebrows skeptically, the king asked, "And what exactly is this sickness that is so bad, you have to go there and care for the children when a lord is visiting?"
Shoot, I haven't thought that far. Laughing nervously, he answered, "I'm going to cure them of... of... of a common cold. Yeah. I'm going to care for children that are suffering from a common cold. We don't want that spreading in through the walls of Camelot."
"Merlin you better not be skipping your duties to go to the tavern again."
His eyes showed a flash of annoyance and anger when Arthur mentioned the tavern excuse that Gaius oh-so-kindly created. As if I ever go to the bloody tavern! Biting back a retort, Merlin settled with rolling his eyes and going back to work as Arthur left.
After finishing his day's work, Merlin went to his chambers, starting to pack some food and water. He didn't notice Gaius enter.
"Merlin. What are you doing?"
He stopped in his tracks, a loaf of bread in hand.
"Um... I'm just checking if this bread is still good to eat."
Gaius didn't believe him in the slightest, and showed it by raising his eyebrow.
"Just- Don't worry about me, Gaius. I'll stay in Camelot."
Adding the loaf of bread into his satchel, Merlin went to his room to finish packing. I'll need a blanket, some clothes, and a few candles. Satisfied with what he was able to fit in his bag, he went back out to where Gaius works.
Right before he left the room, he said, "If Arthur comes, tell him I'm in an outlying village, caring for sick children. They have colds."
He made his way out the castle easily. Merlin had snuck out enough times to know exactly how to do it without getting caught. Checking for any guards nearby, he stealthily entered the catacombs in which he once hid Freya. I'll be safer here than I would be in the forest, that's for sure.
If Lord Arnid saw Merlin, all of his hard work would be lost. He'd be recognized immediately, and it would show that he never died, contrary to what the report said. Merlin didn't like that part of his life, and didn't want any reminders.