So this is my second story. It's got some aspects to it that are unlike anything I've written before (a.k.a the whole romance side of things), plus it kind of incorporates two stories into one (necessary for later moments to work) so I'm hoping it all turns out on page the way I picture it in my head. I've got a lot of work to do right now, so the updates may be a bit slower than for my previous work, 'Nightmares', but I'm still going to try to aim for one every day or two. Oh, and if at any point you think I've mucked up on choosing the rating, please let me know. Thanks.

So that's pretty much it for my mumblings. I hope you like it :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

Chapter One

Merlin heaved a great sigh as he walked out of the laundry room, the pile of clothes in his arms piled so high that it was only by straining that he could see over the top. Honestly, it never ceased to amaze him just how much washing the Prince needed to be done. It was like he did it on purpose in an attempt to make his servant's life just that little bit more difficult.

Turning the corner, he found himself about the crash into a similarly-laden person walking in the other direction. In a display of agility he would never normally be capable of, he span nimbly to one side- the other person performing a similar feat almost simultaneously. They ended up on opposite sides of the hallway, both laughing briefly as they lowered their bundles in order to see the other's face.

"Nice moves." It was a girl he had never seen before. Her blonde hair was tied in a loose plait, which hung over one shoulder. She was slender, with sparkling green eyes, and freckles dotted across her otherwise pale skin. She couldn't quite be described as pretty, but there was something in her smile which immediately told Merlin that she was a good person. He smiled in return.

"You too." They paused for a second, wondering what to do next, before Merlin suddenly remembered that he still had about a thousand different chores to do. "I've got to go." She nodded politely, and they each left in their separate directions, barely even allowing another thought of their brief encounter to pass through their minds.

Later that day, Merlin found himself following Arthur to the training fields. Today yet another man was to face the young Prince in order to find out if he was worthy of becoming a Knight of Camelot. As they walked, Merlin tried to keep up a conversation.

"So, what do think then, will he pass?"

Arthur looked back at him derisively. "Do you honestly think I'd be doing this if I had the answer already?"

He stared back, unabashed. "That's not exactly an answer sire."

"Merlin." The Prince glared at him. "Shut up." Turning back to face ahead as they entered the grounds, the next words Arthur spoke were quieter. "He shows promise, but it all depends on how he performs today. If he fails, he must return home shamed until he's ready for his next attempt. It's a lot of pressure Merlin- you wouldn't understand." Merlin grimaced internally. That's right. What would he know about pressure? It's not as though he had the future of Camelot resting upon his shoulders or anything.

As they entered the area in which the test would be taking place, they were met with the sight of a young man, maybe a few years younger than the Prince. He had brown hair and eyes, his colours- in the form of a strip of orange cloth- were tucked into his belt, and he wore a bit of a cocky expression. That was wiped off, though, when he saw his examiner draw near. He bowed his head.

"Sire." Arthur ignored him, turning to take his weapon from his manservant before deigning to speak. Several Knights began to gather round, eager for a show. Merlin settled back to watch as his master spun his sword in his hand, raising his voice for all to hear.

"Right you useless lump, here we are. This is your final challenge. To pass, you must last one minute of free combat against the man who is possibly the most lethal killing machine this world has ever known. You must face- me." The young man nodded, settling into a fighting stance. "Alan, first son of Haskel, your time starts," he indicated to the old timekeeper, "now."

As the hourglass turned, Alan immediately lunged forward, almost managing to catch the Prince off guard. Arthur met his opponent head-on, a breathtaking flurry of blows passing between the two. The younger man was obviously a skilled fighter, even in Merlin's eyes.

As the timer began to near it's final moments, Alan was gradually forced backwards, losing the advantage he had almost gained at the beginning of the fight. Just as he parried one final blow, a shout echoed across the field.

"Time!"

Immediately, both men lowered their swords. Alan grinned triumphantly as the Prince shook his hand.

"Congratulations Alan. You're a fantastic warrior. I look forward to seeing you at the Knighting ceremony later today." Merlin followed as Arthur left the field, leaving a swarm of Knights rushing forward to congratulate the newest recruit on a job well done. It had been a while since someone had managed to pass the test, and Alan evidently had enough skill to be a fine Knight.

"I knew he'd pass."

His master shot him a withering look.

"You did not."

"Did too."

"Merlin."

"Honest- it's like you said. He had a lot of potential."

"Are you honestly going to continue this topic?"

"Why shouldn't I?"

"I'll tell you why." Arthur answered, wearing the smug expression he usually put on when he was about to dish his servant up a big plate of torture. "You've still got to polish my plate armour, sharpen my sword and clean my room. Not to mention the stables need mucking out, the dogs need walking, and…" Merlin hastily interrupted before any more orders could be given.

"I get the general idea sire. But may I request that I be allowed to leave the matter of the stables until tomorrow? After all, you wouldn't want me to turn up to the Knighthood celebrations stinking of manure now, would you?"

"Honestly Merlin, I actually find the idea quite pleasurable." The cheeky grin which Merlin had allowed to form quickly faded, only to return moments later, as the young Prince continued to speak. "However, as how you smell reflects on me, I'll let you off this time."

"Of course sire. After all, we wouldn't want your reputation to get any worse than it already is." Ducking to avoid the light punch Arthur aimed at his arm, he skipped backwards. "I'll just go see to that room of yours then, shall I?"

That evening, the great hall was in uproar- the celebrations for the newly-Knighted Sir Alan well underway. Merlin leant on a pillar in the corner of the room. Truth be told, he would have enjoyed the party a lot more if he didn't have to keep an eye on Arthur all the time in case the Prince needed him to do something.

It was as he was there, considering whether or not it would be worth it to magically make Arthur trip up in the middle of the hall, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking down, he noticed the girl from earlier.

"Oh, it's you."

She smiled up at him. "Evidently. I thought I'd come over and introduce myself, as we were both in a bit of a hurry this morning. My name's Elira. I'm new to the staff here."

"I'm Merlin."

"Well, it's nice to officially meet you Merlin." A small frown creased her brow. "Merlin… I swear I've heard that name somewhere…"

"Was it in the kitchens? I hear they're always talking about my good looks in there." She just gave him an amused look. "What? You don't think I'm handsome?"

"Hardly." She paused, evidently realising by his slightly raised eyebrow that this may have come across as slightly rude. "Oh no- I didn't mean it like that! Not at all! I just meant that you weren't the typical example of what I'd call handsome. You're far more… how do I say it?"

Merlin couldn't help but feel pity for her- she just looked so flustered. A good-natured laugh escaped his lips.

"Look, don't worry about it." He nodded his head towards the throng of Knights. "I wouldn't want to be known as being similar to that lot in any way. Besides, I'm a firm believer in inner charm."

"Me too!" There was an awkward pause as they tried to figure out what to say next. Elira was the first to speak, clapping her hands together as she did so.

"I remember now! Merlin! You're the Prince's clumsy manservant!"

Merlin grinned, head cocked slightly to one side. "I see my reputation precedes me."

"Oh yes- I've heard all about you! Like the time when you fell asleep in the stables, letting the Prince's horses escape! And how often you run into people when you're rushing around corridors! And how often you've been in the stocks! And how…" Merlin stopped her.

"I know, I know. The list goes on. I can't help it though- life would be so dull without the odd slip-up here and there."

She laughed. "I can well imagine." Just at that moment, Merlin looked up to see a certain young Prince sitting on a table and staring at him rather pointedly, dangling an empty goblet.

"Ah. Looks like duty calls."

Elira followed his gaze to where Arthur was now tapping his foot rather impatiently. "Have fun."

"Oh yes, always." He walked over to Arthur, removed the goblet from his hand and, completely ignoring the mildly annoyed glare directed at him, spoke with mock politeness. "Would you like me to fill that up for you sire?" Arthur pushed him towards the refreshment table in reply.

As he walked, Merlin glanced over towards the pillar where he had just been standing. Elira was gone. He smiled to himself, hoping he would see her again soon. He had a feeling they would get along quite well.

So there you go. I hope you like Elira's name. It apparently means 'free', and I just fell in love with it. Hope you enjoyed the story so far, and please review :D