Merlin and Lancelot worked to pitch the tents for the entire group while Arthur and Percival hunted, Leon secured the horses for the night, and Gwaine and Elyan gathered firewood. Lancelot nudged Merlin and pointed and he found Elyan retying Gwaine's chainmail with a tender smile on his face. Lancelot leaned over and whispered, "They're not very subtle, are they? We'll hear them tonight, you know we will."
"Lucky bastards," Merlin muttered, mostly to himself. "I'd give anything to just warm Arthur's bed for one night." Lancelot frowned and shook his head at him. "What? Like you don't feel the same for Gwen."
"Are you two done gossiping?" Arthur asked Merlin and Lancelot as he strolled into the clearing they had chosen for their campsite. Gwaine and Elyan didn't jump away as they probably should have and Merlin worried for a moment before Arthur clapped Elyan on the back and said, "You tied his shoulder too loose. Not that it matters but you should learn to do it properly. Merlin could give you some tips."
"Yeah?" Elyan asked with a grin. "I'll have to talk to your little husband about that." Arthur shoved him and Elyan laughed as he stumbled.
"Little husband," Arthur muttered to himself, shaking his head. He handed Gwaine the rabbit in his hands and Gwaine sat down to prepare it for cooking. "Almost done?" He put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and Merlin grimaced and nearly gagged when he realized said hand was almost completely covered in blood. "Oh. Sorry." Arthur pulled out his handkerchief and began to wipe away the blood. "I didn't realize it was bleeding that much."
"That's disgusting, Arthur," Merlin complained quietly. He reached out and took the cloth. "And you're not going to accomplish anything like that." He picked up his flask from the ground and poured a little bit on the cloth. "Hands out."
Arthur did as told and Merlin began to wipe at his hands. Lancelot patted his shoulder on his way over to help Elyan with the fire. "It's just blood, Merlin. It's not something you haven't been around before. You have been on plenty of battlefields, in case you've forgotten. In fact, you've killed before."
"That's different. Those are evil men bent on killing you and taking Camelot. Taking your throne. That poor little bunny didn't do anything to deserve to die." Arthur couldn't help but laugh and nod. It was moments like these, moments where Merlin had his bottom lip stuck out and sympathy for someone –or something – he didn't even know in his eyes that made Arthur just want to kiss him and never stop. He was adorable.
"You're right, Elyan. They are married," Lancelot spoke up. "Look at Merlin. Such a little wife, taking care of his husband." Merlin threw the wet, blood covered cloth at the knight's head and Lancelot tried to dodge it but failed. Gwaine laughed at him.
"Merlin's just mad that he doesn't get the rights of a wife," Gwaine said, taking Arthur's handkerchief off Lancelot's shoulder. Arthur and Merlin both blushed and Arthur walked over to the horses to hide his blush. Merlin frowned at them and returned to his task. If only Arthur liked men as well as women. Then he could have him. At least at night. He would give anything to know what Guinevere knew. The taste of Arthur's mouth, the feel of his lips, the press of his body against his.
Gwaine clapped Merlin on the shoulder comfortingly and Merlin offered him a small smile. Merlin lied out his bedroll on the ground next to Lancelot's but Arthur walked over and leaned over to whisper, "You sleep in my tent tonight, Merlin. Move it."
*Merlin*Merlin*Merlin*
Merlin trembled from the cold in Arthur's tent and burrowed deeper into his bedroll. He had added his rather old and raggedy fur blanket to Arthur's bed and told Arthur he had forgotten it. He didn't want Arthur to be cold. Now, he was kind of regretting that decision.
"It's freezing," Arthur said suddenly. Merlin jumped slightly in surprise. He had thought Arthur had fallen asleep hours ago.
He nodded before he remembered Arthur probably couldn't see him and stuttering, "Yeah," through his chattering teeth.
"Merlin," Arthur sighed. "Come here, Merlin. Put you bedroll over mine and crawl in with me. We'll have to share body heat. Neither of us is going to sleep like this." Merlin forced himself to move slowly and not eagerly jump into Arthur's bedroll like he wanted to. Arthur helped him force the bedroll on top of his blankets then kept them lifted until Merlin was inside with him. He immediately let out a hiss when their feet bumped.
"What's wrong?" Merlin asked worriedly.
"Your feet are like ice," Arthur replied through clenched teeth. He reached down and manoeuvred Merlin forcefully until his feet were trapped between his legs. "There. That should warm them up. Give me your hands." Merlin obeyed in hopes that Arthur would offer him some warmth for the freezing appendages he called fingers. Arthur placed his hands on his sides under his shirt and Merlin's eyes widened. He was touching Arthur. And Arthur was so warm! Like a small fire or three warm blankets. Arthur put his arms around Merlin and held him close. "We have to warm you, Merlin. We can't have you catching a cold, can we?"
"Thank you," Merlin said gratefully. Suddenly, a loud moaning reached their ears. They both immediately flushed. Gwaine and Elyan, Merlin thought.
"God. They couldn't wait until everyone was asleep?" Arthur grumbled. He adjusted their positions so Merlin was half on his chest but with his feet and hands still trapped. Merlin wiggled his hands under Arthur contently. Arthur smiled and rubbed his back affectionately. "What shall we do with you, Merlin? Forgetting your blanket like that." Merlin blushed and looked down. He didn't like listening to Elyan and Gwaine. It was uncomfortable. However, Arthur seemed to have the art of distraction down, thankfully. "We'll make a brief detour to the nearby village and buy you a blanket. My treat, of course. You needed a new one anyway."
"Arthur –" Merlin started to say, guiltily about to confess his sins.
"Don't bother, Merlin. I know your blanket is the one on top of us. I let you learn a lesson. Sometimes you have to be a bit selfish. I'm buying you a new blanket. Also, a new coat, though that'll have to wait until we get back to Camelot. A winter one too. Something with fur lining. I won't have you dying from the cold. Who else would give me such wonderful massages?" Merlin smiled. Arthur slipped his hand under Merlin's jacket and yawned loudly. "Oh. I'm tired. We'll talk more in the morning."
"Okay," Merlin agreed. He wiggled closer and Arthur allowed him to without comment. They closed their eyes and both were asleep in moments. The next day, Arthur was in a surprisingly good mood. He helped with everything…and kind of annoyed everyone by constantly buzzing around them, trying to help more than he already was. He was particularly nice to Merlin and it was very noticeable.
Gwaine finally called him on it when they were back on the move. He nudged his horse up until he was level with Arthur and asked Merlin to excuse them. Merlin reluctantly did so. Gwaine leaned over and whispered, "Finally took Merlin to bed, did you?"
"No," Arthur replied with a chuckle. "But he shared my bedroll with me. I've never slept so well."
"Yeah, I know that feeling. But you can't keep acting like this. Everyone already thinks you're sleeping with him and he's bound to find out you want to," Gwaine whispered back. "We really don't need him distracted and clumsy, do we?"
"No, I suppose not," Arthur agreed reluctantly. Gwaine fell back and Merlin reclaimed his spot beside Arthur. "You're getting used to that, aren't you?"
"Being at your side? Yeah," Merlin said softly. "If you see any herbs, let me know. I forgot my pouch of spices and, unless you want another bland dinner, we're going to need something to add to it." He hated when Arthur complained about his cooking or didn't eat all his dinner because it wasn't very good.
"Perhaps you'd do better as the chef when I'm king, rather than my adviser, Merlin," Arthur teased affectionately.
"The menu would be far less grand with me in the kitchen," Merlin replied with a smile. Arthur smiled and nodded his agreement. Merlin pouted at him. "Your wife is going to be miserable without any compliments, Arthur."
"I thought you were my little wife," Arthur countered playfully.
"Husband!" Merlin protested vehemently. "Gwaine said little husband!" Arthur looked at him with raised eyebrows and the ghost of a smile on his lips and Merlin immediately flushed and looked down at his horse. "That came out wrong."
"Perhaps the court jester instead, Merlin. That way you can mess up all you want and I can put you in the stocks all I want." Merlin glared at him but Arthur just grinned and continued on the trail. "Oh, stop it. You look like a spoiled little boy pouting to get his way."
"And how would we know how to describe it, Arthur? Spend a lot of time looking in the mirror as a child?" Merlin grinned at his own retort and Arthur couldn't bring himself to say anything mean in reply.
"Are you calling me vain, spoiled, or both?" Arthur asked, amused.
"Both," Merlin replied cheerfully.
"Very clever, Merlin," Arthur complimented sarcastically. "There, little husband. Was that a good enough compliment?"
"Oh, shut up," Merlin said sourly. "I'd never marry such a prat," he muttered to himself, falling back a bit. Arthur's smile vanished and his knuckles went white under his gloves from the intense grip he took on the reigns. He couldn't help but feel hurt, even if marrying Merlin had never been a real option. It had still been his favourite fantasy. Merlin with a crown upon his head, a throne beside his, and a permanent place in his bed as his husband. Not to mention the freedom to do as much magic as he pleased whenever he pleased. How could such a thing not be his favourite fantasy? And Merlin had to go a squash it, of course. He grumbled to himself until they reached the town he had said early on that they were going to stop in on the way. He ordered Merlin to stay behind with Gwaine, Elyan, and Lancelot while he and Percival went into the town. Merlin stared at him looking very confused.
"Arthur's mad at me already," Merlin complained to Lancelot. Lancelot just smiled and offered him a comforting pat on the back. "What'd I do this time?"
"I don't know, Merlin. Maybe his arse is sore from riding," Gwaine suggested with a grin. "Is your arse sore, El?" He turned to his lover with a suggestive smirk in place and Elyan glared at him. "What? I'm just being concerned."
"No, you're being a pervert, Sir Gwaine. In front of exactly who I told you not to be one in front of, too," Elyan replied irritably.
"What? Me?" Lancelot asked, obviously confused.
"No, not you. No offense to you, Merlin. It's just...Well...Arthur said we had to keep it inside the knights or he'd have to break us up because of the rules," Elyan explained nervously. He couldn't seem to meet Merlin's eyes but he didn't take any offense in it.
"Elyan, I'll be the last one to tell you there's something wrong with a man loving another man," Merlin said with a laugh. "I'm in love with the bloody prince, after all. Besides, I'm not the type to destroy love. I like playing matchmaker with your sister but that's the closest I come to meddling in affairs of the heart."
"Thanks," Elyan said gratefully. Merlin just shrugged and waved as he waddled into the wood in search of safe herbs for supper later on. His rubbed his sore bum and frowned. There was way too much riding going on and it was only their second day. He didn't even want to think about how sore he would be by the time they reached the Druids.
*Merlin*Merlin*Merlin*
Arthur returned after a while and the knights waiting where he had left them immediately stood up and got their horses ready to go. He looked over at the horse he always made sure Merlin rode because it was the most reliable and friendly, grinning with excitement but also feeling nervous because he had bought things for Merlin and he worried he might not like them, only to find Merlin wasn't there.
"Where is he?" Arthur asked and everyone immediately looked at Merlin's horse. When no one answered, he repeated himself demandingly, "Where is he?"
"He went for herbs right after you two left," Lancelot replied. He flinched at the crunch of Arthur's boots when the prince dismounted, his chainmail creaking unhappily, and stomped into the woods with an unpleasant expression on his face. "Well, he's a little cross, isn't it?"
All the knights looked at him and nodded.
Inside the cover of the trees, Arthur moved swiftly, quickly finding Merlin's footprints and following them like the trained hunter he was. He found a one of Merlin's neckerchiefs lying at the base of a large tree, a small pile of herbs inside and folded it up then tied it so they wouldn't spill out before continuing to track him. The trail ended in smudges and a dip in the landscape. Digging his heels into the dirt, he looked down the small hill to find Merlin lying on the ground, unconscious. He carefully slid down to him and knelt beside him. "Merlin," he whispered, feeling the love bursting in his chest and twisting his stomach with worry. "Merlin, wake up."
He patted his cheek gently and Merlin opened his eyes with a soft groan. He opened his eyes, looked at Arthur for a moment, then sat up and looked around. Arthur watched him with concern. Suddenly, Merlin looked at him with his bottom lip quivering and said, "I lost the herbs. And I found really good ones too, Arthur."
Arthur smiled at him and rested the urge to nibble away that cute little quiver. "I found them, Merlin." He held up the tied neckerchief and Merlin beamed at him. "Did you slip?"
"Yeah. But I didn't hit my head, so that's good. I just went to sleep because I hit my back on something and it hurt really badly," Merlin explained. Arthur pushed him to lean forward and examined Merlin's back for injuries under his tunic. "How does it look?"
"Very pale," Arthur quipped with a smile. "Everything's fine, Merlin. Just fine." He ran his hand over Merlin's back and Merlin blushed. "What's this?" He leaned closer and squinted at the tiny imperfection in Merlin's skin. "I think that's a needle...Merlin, where did the pain start?"
"Up there," Merlin replied immediately, pointing up at the top of the hill. Then his smile vanished and his eyes widened. "Someone shot me, didn't they?"
"We need to move. Now." Merlin nodded, pocketed his herb-filled neckerchief, and pushed himself up. He wobbled so Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist and forced his arm over his shoulders. "C'mon. Let's go."
They moved as fast as they could, Arthur always making sure to be between Merlin and the lack of cover in the woods while Merlin forced his legs to listen to his brain and his mind not to be so fuzzy. They made it back to the knights and Merlin started to go to his horse but fell so Arthur forced him onto his and climbed on in front of him. "We need to go, now. Stay in the open."
"What happened?" Gwaine asked, looking at Merlin wrapping his arms securely around Arthur and Arthur's panicked –and slightly furious – expression.
"Someone shot Merlin in there. Drugged him, I think. Move!" he barked firmly. Immediately, the knights lurched into action, Percival taking both Merlin and his own reigns. No one was going to argue with Arthur when he was worried over Merlin and ready to kill someone for harming him.
*Merlin*Merlin*Merlin*
Merlin rested his forehead on Arthur's back and sighed contently. Arthur removed one hand from his reigns and touched the hands clasped together on his belly affectionately. "Feeling better?"
"My legs aren't numb anymore and my arms feel very much alive. My back is still sore and my head's a little fuzzy but I think I'm okay," Merlin confessed with a smile. "Not ready to move to my own horse yet but definitely okay."
"Ah. All right then. You'll be sharing my bedroll tonight, Merlin. No arguments. I'm not leaving you alone. We should probably stop later as well, just to make sure we're far enough away." Merlin nodded and nuzzled his face into Arthur's back despite the chainmail. "I'm beginning to think you should be wearing chainmail, Merlin."
"Please, no. I hate the stuff and I can never put it on right. I'll be more careful, I promise." Arthur smiled and nodded. "Thank you. Perhaps, if you're not too tired before bed, I could give you a massage. You feel tense."
Arthur shook his head. "Not tonight. I'm already exhausted. But tomorrow you can, if you'd like." Merlin stifled a disappointed sigh but nodded all the same. "You rest. Hopefully, your head will smooth out." Merlin nodded again and closed his eyes. Arthur returned both hands to his reigns.
The moon was high in the sky when they decided to stop. They ate some of their rations then turned in, only Merlin and Arthur in a separate tent from everyone else. Arthur allowed Merlin to strip him of his chainmail and help him into a clean, sweat free shirt then wipe the dirt from his arm, neck, and face before returning the favour and leading him into bed.
"I bought your new blankets today," Arthur whispered when Merlin and he were both lying on their sides, Merlin facing away from him and him facing the back of Merlin's head. He slid his cold feet in between Merlin's legs and wrapped an arm around him, putting the other behind his head.
"I'll look tomorrow. Thank you," Merlin whispered back with a smile. He wrapped both arms around his pillow, since his head was on Arthur's arm instead, and snuggled into it happily. "You're so warm. Like a little fire."
"That's good because you are freezing," Arthur told him seriously. "Are you always this cold?" He ran a hand down Merlin's arm and Merlin shivered, feeling the heat of that touch across his entire body. He nodded. "It's strange that you're so cold and so pale. It's like the sun isn't able to soak into your skin and make you warm. It's strange that you're warm inside but still so pale, like you're always cold. I mean, there's a miniature sun inside you, Merlin." He slid the hand draped across Merlin's side to his heart and Merlin placed a hand over it. "I can feel it pulsing with warmth and love, just below my hand."
Merlin blushed and turned his head into Arthur's arm. "My heart, Arthur? You think my heart is a miniature sun?"
"Like a miniature sun, Merlin. Open your ears. Listen closely. What I'm about to say is very important. I've thought about this a lot, actually. It's always amazed me," Arthur told him. He unbent his arm and pulled Merlin close until his mouth was right next to his ear and he could be heard very clearly even though he was whispering. "Your heart shines exceptionally bright among everyone else's dull light, making everyone else seem like they have candles or tiny moons in their chests while you have a sun. Even on the worst of days, a little bit of your warmth makes everything better, especially when a lot of time is spent in that warmth. When I feel it soaking into my skin, it warms me to the very core. You're warm and welcoming to everyone, no matter who they are. Your heart is just amazing, Merlin. Just like the sun."
Merlin felt his heart swelling and attempting to burst free of his chest, so full of affection for Arthur. He felt very flattered and his entire body was warm and tingling. He had never felt so good about himself before. He couldn't help but marvel at the fact that his sun god/prince was the one telling him this. He always associated Arthur with the sun and to hear that Arthur associated him with the sun as well was astounding. "Wow," he uttered, at a loss for words.
"Yeah," Arthur whispered, chuckling softly. His breath tickled Merlin's ear and he blushed.
"Your heart is just as beautiful, Arthur. You're just as beautiful inside as you are outside," Merlin told him. His tone demanded no argument and Arthur wouldn't have fought him anyway. Fighting Merlin was fruitless; he had learned that rather quickly. "And I think you definitely know how beautiful you are."
"I've been told I'm rather gorgeous, actually," Arthur replied jokingly. Merlin smiled then turned over and wrapped his arms around his prince. Arthur rubbed his back gently. "Merlin, I need you to promise not to wonder off on your own while we're on this trip."
"Okay," Merlin agreed. "I promise." Arthur nodded and closed his eyes, yawning. "Goodnight, Arthur."
"Goodnight," Arthur muttered back, suddenly very tired. Merlin yawned as well and snuggled into Arthur. He closed his eyes and went to sleep almost instantly. Arthur wasn't far behind.
In the morning, Arthur woke to a hard bulge against his own. He opened his eyes and stared at Merlin with wide eyes. The wizard was asleep and pressing fully against him. He moaned softly and Arthur's jaw dropped. He looked amazing. His eyes were shut but his hair was messy, his mouth was open, and his clothes were dishevelled. He was definitely hard and he was panting, even in his sleep. He was very aroused. Immediately, Arthur himself hardened and he bit his lip to keep in his groan. The sight of his beloved manservant like this was going to fuel his fantasies for the next month, maybe two.
He leaned in and whispered into Merlin's ear, "Wake up," firmly. He emphasized the order with a firm shake and Merlin whined pitifully as he opened his eyes. His eyes bulged when he realized their position. "Good morning, Merlin. I trust you slept well," Arthur said calmly.
"Oh, crap. I'm so sorry, Arthur." Merlin rolled over and escaped as fast as he could. Arthur lied on his back and watched Merlin scramble into clean breeches and a tunic, hearing the soft little whimper and gasp every so often. Then Merlin hurried to get the prince's clothes.
"Merlin, go take care of that before you start hurting," Arthur ordered. "I'll dress myself today." Merlin nodded and rushed out of the tent to do as told. Arthur reached into his breeches and grasped himself. He closed his eyes and allowed the image to return to his mind and the noises to play repeatedly. His sweet Merlin had been so aroused. Arthur hoped it was even a little bit because of his proximity –just like he wished some of the warmth in Merlin's heart was for him – but knew it probably wasn't. Then he remembered and scrambled out of bed.
Merlin hurried passed the knights rousing from their sleep until he was hidden behind two thick trees. He panted quietly and palmed himself through his pants. He was so wrapped up in trying to get relief; he didn't hear anyone approaching until the twig snapped. He jerked around to see Arthur staring at the forest floor with wide eyes. "What're you doing?" he asked, horrified.
"Nothing," Arthur replied hastily. "I just came to bring you back to camp. I shouldn't have let you go off alone." Merlin grimaced but nodded and followed him back to the tent. The knights weren't around, already working on packing up camp and starting breakfast. Arthur led Merlin into the tent and retrieved his tunic from his bag. "Sorry. I know it's uncomfortable but you're going to have to...you know."
"Think nasty thoughts until it goes away," Merlin said with a nod. He sighed heavily and bent down to roll up the bed. Arthur sighed as well before shaking his head and dropping his tunic on top of his bag. He wrapped his arms around Merlin from behind and forced him up gently until they were back to front. He slid his hand to the front of Merlin's breeches and Merlin groaned, his head falling back on to Arthur's shoulder. "W-What are y-y-you do-doing?"
Arthur chuckled. "Stuttering already? You must've been hard for a while." He slid his hand inside Merlin's pants and wrapped his fingers around his shaft. Merlin shuddered against him and let out a strange, "Urghhhhhh," sound. "Hush, Merlin. Too loud and everyone will know what's going on."
"I'd like to know what's going on," Merlin replied immediately. Arthur smiled and gave him a slow, hard stroke. Merlin bit his lip and, out of the corner of his eye, Arthur saw a ball of white light start forming in midair. He smiled even more. He hadn't figured Merlin's magic would react with his body but, now that he thought of it, it made some sense, since it was a part of him. He stroked Merlin again and held him up around his middle as his knees went weak. "Arthur," Merlin moaned softly. Arthur nuzzled his nose against his cheek soothingly. "Wha-What're you d-doing?"
"What do you think? I know you and you won't just masturbate in front of me. But you can't walk around hard. So relax. You're in good hands," Arthur assured him. Merlin sighed and nodded. At the same time, they thought; Well, might as well enjoy it. This may be my only chance to experience something intimate with him.
Arthur couldn't see Merlin's expression in their position but he could see that ball of light. He watched it to know if he was doing anything wrong. He watched it grow and shrink and dull as he touched Merlin. Merlin had a hand over his mouth to keep quiet and the ball pulsed when he let out muffled moans. Merlin put his arms behind his head and linked them behind Arthur's head. Arthur kissed his neck gently and continued to watch the light. Merlin started panting heavily. "Ugh," he groaned. Arthur kissed his jaw. "It's so...Ooh...Arthur, it's so g-good."
Arthur nodded and worked him faster. Merlin groaned again and the light grew brighter. Brighter and brighter it grew as Merlin's noises came more and more. When Arthur felt Merlin starting to explode, he watched the ball literally do the same. He worked Merlin through his orgasm and watched the ball burst, sending bursts of different coloured light all over the tent, Merlin moaning the entire time and gasping his name softly.
When it was over and the lights were gone, Merlin sagged against Arthur and he held him up easily. "We really need to put more meat on your bones," Arthur decided out loud. "You're much too light, Merlin." Merlin just hummed his agreement. Arthur chuckled. "No sleeping, idiot. Get dressed."
He let go of him and Merlin forced himself to do as told. As soon as they were both clothed and packed, they left the tent and started to take it down. When they were done, Arthur finally noticed something strange about the campsite. It was empty. The bedrolls were still out and the fire was dying but still there. The horses stood tethered to their trees. But the knights were gone. He wondered what they could have been up to that required all of them to be gone so long.
"Let's get the bedrolls packed up so we're ready when everyone gets back," Merlin suggested, stroking Arthur's arm to soothe him. Arthur nodded and smiled slightly at him. They worked quickly but someone still should have been back by the time they were done. No one was. Arthur started to worry. He grabbed his sword and tossed Merlin his. Then he led him into the forest, blade unsheathed and at the ready. Merlin followed his example.
"Stay close," Arthur ordered. Merlin nodded. Arthur followed the tracks his knights had left, Merlin practically plastered to his side he was so close. Suddenly, Merlin moved away. Arthur stopped and looked at him as he knelt beside a large tree. He picked up a pink handkerchief Arthur recognized as Guinevere's and frowned at it. "Lancelot. A token from Guinevere." Merlin looked up at him with wide eyes. "He wouldn't have just left that behind."
The hair on the back of his neck stood up as he moved until he was beside Merlin again. He touched the tree Merlin was beside. There was a nick in it. An arrow mark. And on the one across from it, marks from swords swiping at opponents and getting tree instead. He had the horrible feeling they were being watched but couldn't see anyone around. Merlin had gone still and Arthur knew he was feeling the same thing. Then Merlin reached his hand across the ground and picked up an arrow. A very familiar arrow. Cold washed over Arthur and he grabbed Merlin's arm. He yanked him up and immediately started running. Merlin clasped his hand tightly and they ran for camp. Arthur skidded to a stop as three arrow came down at them, landing in front of them in the ground. He looked up and his eyes widened at the blue skinned men perched in the trees. Merlin's eyes narrowed at them and Arthur saw a flash of gold inside them. He shoved Merlin and yelled, "Go!" firmly.
Merlin ran as ordered and Arthur wasn't far behind him. More and more of the horrible red arrows rained down on them. They reached the camp and Arthur sliced the rope keeping their horses tied up together to the tree. He jumped on his and Merlin swung himself onto his own. "Go," he ordered again.
Merlin kicked his horse and they tore off, heading out of the forest as fast as they could. More arrows flew over their heads, some coming so fast they whistled in the air. They were constantly ducking to keep from being hit. One grazed Merlin's arm and he cried out but kept guiding his horse on. Frustrated, Arthur pulled out his dagger and threw it. He struck and one of their assailants fell from its perch, dead. As he rode passed, he leaned over to retrieve it skilfully. A shrill thrilling, higher and more powerful than any war cry Arthur had ever heard, came from all sides and he looked around fearfully. Suddenly, their horses were being latched onto and the blue men were thrilling at them loudly. Arthur elbowed one and kicked another as his horse reared back and whinnied in distress. He heard Merlin cry out as he swiped his sword at the small, quick opponents. One grabbed his front and locked eyes with him. Arthur mentally flinched. Such disgustingly bright yellow eyes, wide and boring into his own. "Bring us Emrys," it demanded in a high-pitched, hiss filled version of English.
"Never," Arthur spat, before he stabbed the creature and tossed it off his horse. Merlin was having a worse time than he; he saw when his vision was no longer obstructed. He rode up to him and knocked two of the five creatures clinging to him and his horse off. Merlin swiped at two others and they fell off out of fear rather than being hit. Arthur slapped Merlin's steed on the ass and it whinnied angrily before tearing off. He kicked his own and shoved the last creature off his horse's side. He grabbed the last one off of Merlin's horse and threw it under his own. A sickening crunch was heard as it was trampled. A glance back let him know all the creatures were either dead or staring after them, injured and immobile. He heard a quieter thrilling from them. It sounded like whining, almost. Crying, maybe?
A few hours later, when they had gotten a safe distance away from their assailants –far enough the thrilling whine could not be heard – and as far out of the woods as they could, Merlin questioned, "What about the others, Arthur? We left them back there. The horses too."
"I know," was Arthur only reply. Merlin turned to face him and frowned. Arthur continued to stare ahead of himself. His sword had yet to be sheathed. The creature had demanded Emrys. Did that mean they didn't know Merlin was Emrys? If so, did that mean they hadn't had an altercation with him before? If it wasn't a grudge, why did they want him so badly? And what the bloody hell was wrong with him? He had been taking advantage of Merlin's need to get off while his knights were kidnapped. Or worse. What was he going to say to Guinevere when, if, they returned without Lancelot? She was going to be devastated.
"Why didn't we hear them?" Merlin asked suddenly.
"We were distracted. And from the looks of it, they lured the others away before attacking," Arthur replied.
"No, no. I already knew that. But why didn't we hear them when they were attacking?" he clarified. "The little blue things, I mean."
"What're you talking about? They were impossible not to hear," Arthur spat irritably.
"Arthur, they didn't make a sound. I saw their mouths open but they didn't make a sound," Merlin insisted, frowned at him in concern. Arthur looked at Merlin and found nothing but sincerity and worry on his face. He truly hadn't heard.
"You didn't hear anything?" Arthur asked, his narrowed eyes going wide and his pace slowing. "You didn't hear it demand Emrys? The thrilling?" Merlin shook his head and Arthur looked away from his suddenly wide open eyes. "Strange. You'd think you would be the one to hear them," he muttered, mostly to himself.
Neither one of them actually looked at the other for another hour, both too focused on their thoughts. Then Merlin finally broke the silence, as he often did. "Is there anything you're not telling me? Did you have a strange dream last night? Did your food taste strangely? Did you touch or ingest any strange liquids?"
"No, no, and no," Arthur replied, shaking his head. "Maybe you couldn't hear them because..." He stopped himself from voicing the thought out loud just in time. Merlin wasn't ready for him to know so he had to pretend he didn't. "I don't know why, actually. Maybe they didn't want you to hear."
"Why wouldn't they want me to hear their battle cries?" Merlin muttered, obviously agitated. Arthur ignored him. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Merlin retrieved a small, leather bound book from his saddlebag and opened it.
"What're you doing?" Arthur questioned, slowing his horse to match Merlin's pace. He leaned over to sneak a peek but Merlin pulled it to his chest protectively. "Wrong time to be updating your diary, Merlin."
"It's a book on magical creatures," Merlin confessed. "I want to see if those things are in here."
"And why can't I see?" Merlin rolled his eyes and waved his hand like he was trying to bat away a fly. Arthur sighed and took a grip on Merlin's reigns. "Fine. You read. I'll guide the horses." He finally sheathed his sword but continued to look around periodically. After a few hours of Merlin muttering to himself, reading out loud it seemed, and Arthur being constantly on guard, Merlin let out a triumphant cry and Arthur glanced at him. Merlin took his reigns and nudged the horse until he was level with Arthur again. He held the book out and Arthur frowned at it. "Their ears were pointed, Merlin."
"So are these," Merlin insisted, tapping the drawing. "I know you can't really tell but the description says so." Arthur read through the paragraph Merlin indicated and nodded. "It even explains...You know what? Maybe this has something in it about why they want Emrys."
Arthur snatched the book before Merlin could hide it from him. Merlin stretched, trying to get it, but quickly returned his hands to the horn of his saddle to keep from falling over. "You're right. It does explain why I could hear them and you couldn't. That is, if there's anything you're ready to confess?"
"C-Confess?" Merlin stuttered nervously.
"You know what? I resolved to wait until you were ready to tell me, Merlin. But this game is getting old. I'm not stupid and you're not that sneaky. I know you're him. The one they want. I know you're a sorcerer. I know you're Emrys," he hissed the last word just in case someone was around and Merlin stared at him. Arthur almost rolled his eyes at the fear he saw in Merlin's eyes. "I've known for months. If I was going to turn you in, I would've done it by now. Stop worrying. And stop lying. Just talk to me, Merlin."
After a long moment, a smile creeped its way onto Merlin's face and he held his hand out for the book. "Thank you, Arthur." Arthur nodded and Merlin let him take his reigns again as he started to talk, surmising the books' description of their enemy for Arthur. "So, it says they're a form of goblin mixed with elves. Children call them Gobs, since their real name is unpronounceable."
"Gobs. Cute," Arthur muttered, amused. He shivered as the wind curled around him before carrying on its way. Merlin nodded and muttered a spell quietly. Arthur's cloak left his bag and found its way to his neck. Arthur smiled. "Thank you."
"A manservant's job is never done," Merlin replied playfully. Arthur's smile widened and gave Merlin his reigns back to reach into his bag and retrieve the spare cloak he had brought along. Squeezing the saddle with his thighs to stay on, he leaned over to put it on Merlin's shoulders. "Thank you."
Arthur just nodded. "Tell me more about them. We need to know why they're after you. I mean, you've never encountered them before, have you?" Merlin shook his head. "Then they're slaughtering good men for no reason. There's no grudge, no revenge to be sought. They have to be stopped. Maybe we should forget the Druids and track them."
"No," Merlin said, shaking his head. "I have some questions for the Druids. I think they can help us. They're good people, believe it or not."
"All right," Arthur agreed with a nod. The wind whooshed around them again, colder than before, and they both shivered. "Damn it. Merlin, give me your reigns." Merlin obeyed and he tied them around the horn of his saddle. Then he reached over and pulled Merlin onto his horse in front of him. He pulled Merlin's new blanket out of the saddlebag beside his right leg. "Magic my saddlebags over to your horse."
Merlin obeyed again and Arthur wrapped them in the blanket. "It's going to rain," Merlin told him, looking up at the gray clouds overhead. "I can put a shield over us to keep the rain off."
"Good," Arthur said with a nod. "You read. I'll guide the horses. We're not stopping to camp tonight unless we absolutely have to."
Merlin glanced over at his abandoned horse and smiled, wondering when it became so normal for the poor animal to be nothing more than a pack mule and him to ride in Arthur's arms like a rescued damsel. He snuggled into their combined heat and read through the page on the Gobs. The writing didn't even take up a full page; just barely making it passed half of it. Most of it was a description of their appearance and what they ate. But it did mention they only fought with bows and arrows and their claws. Nothing remotely helpful but at least they didn't have magic. When he was done, he leaned back against Arthur and sent the book back to his saddle bag.
Arthur put one arm around him and rested his chin on his shoulder. Merlin smiled. He felt good. Safe, even. His prince knew he was magic and didn't care. But there was something that was nagging on his mind, other than the need to cry over the missing knights. "Arthur, about this morning," he started to say. However, he was interrupted.
"I'd rather not discuss this morning," Arthur immediately cut in. "No need to make things awkward." He turned his head and rested his forehead against the side of Merlin's head, inhaling the scent of his hair. "Besides, because of that distraction, we lost our knights. I was indulging myself, being selfish, and it may have resulted in the death of four good men. I'd rather not discuss it."
Merlin turned his head to look at his prince and marvelled at the sadness and self-loathing in his beautiful blue eyes. "No, Arthur. It's not your fault. They are all skilled fighters. They had their swords. Us being with them probably wouldn't have done much good. We'd all be dead, probably. I don't even know if my magic works on them. And, anyway, you were hardly indulging yourself or being selfish. You were tending to my needs."
"Not so much," Arthur said, chuckling softly. Merlin raised his eyebrows at him curiously. "I could have let you wait it out. I chose to 'help' you. Just because I wanted to. It was entirely my fault they were kidnapped. Or worse."
"Stop that. It was not," Merlin insisted firmly. "If you're to blame, so am I. I mean, I'm the one who woke up hard and ran off. I'm the one who needed the help. I'm the one who was having an orgasm while our friends were being taken." Arthur started to protest then smiled and nudged the side of Merlin's head with his nose, knowing Merlin didn't really blame himself. "No more blame, okay?"
"Yeah," Arthur agreed. He pulled the blanket tighter around them as the wind once again picked up and flinched as an icy drop of rain splashed on the back of his hand. "You'd better put that shield up to keep us dry."
No sooner had Merlin gotten the invisible cover over them than the single drop turned into a heavy downpour. They kept pressed together and urged the horses on despite their constant stopping from fear of the thunder. Merlin's horse needed constant petting and soothing. A town came into their sights and Arthur was surprised to find he recognized it. Aurora. The last town and last landmark before entering the Druids' lands. The little bit of land Uther had given them to stop the fighting before his war on magic began. Had it not been for Gaius' advice, he would have restarted the war between himself and the Druids. But Gaius convinced him that breaking a treaty with the Druids would lead to distrust from his allies he had treaties with as well, thankfully.
"We'll stop here and wait out the rain. The horses need a break," Arthur decided out loud. Merlin nodded and, as soon as they reached the town's borders, dropped the shield so none would see. They both flinched as the rain pelted down on them. They found an inn halfway through the town, when they were both completely soaked through and freezing. A man came running out to see if they needed a room with his coat over his head and a place for their horses. They dismounted and unloaded the horses as fast as they could then he took the horses around the side of the two story home he had came out of and told them to go on in. A woman, his wife, greeted them at the door and Arthur pulled out his coin pouch to pay her with.
"Pay me after you dry off, darling. Your hands are like ice." Arthur smiled gratefully at her and she led them upstairs and to a room. "Is this all right or do you want separate rooms?"
"This is perfect. Thank you," Arthur replied. It was a small room with a wooden tub in the corner, a stone fireplace, and two small beds positioned only two feet apart. They would be easy enough to push together and the blankets looked very warm, thankfully. The bath being right beside the fireplace was to their favour as well, since it would keep them warm while they bathed. Arthur could feel mud inside his boots and it was not pleasant. Merlin was shivering and Arthur yearned to take him into his arms and warm him but knew it was inappropriate in front of the kindly woman.
"I'll have my girl bring water for the bath and start a fire. How long were you out in that rain?" She opened the cupboard beside the bed furthest from the door and extracted several towels. She placed them on the bed and tied a clothes line up.
"No more than a few hours." Arthur took Merlin's bags and set them carefully on the ground. He picked up a towel and started to help Merlin out of his jacket and cloak. "You're going to catch ill," he muttered worriedly. He wrapped him in the towel and rubbed his shoulders, trying to warm him. "How did you end up so much wetter than me?"
"N-no i-idea-a," Merlin stuttered, shivering. The woman glanced at them and Arthur forced down his blush at her knowing look. She smiled and took Merlin's cloak and jacket to hang them on the clothes line. Arthur watched he wring them out first so he would know how to do it properly himself. He knew to hang the wet clothes but he didn't know you were supposed to wring them out first. She left them alone and he began to pull Merlin's clothes off him slowly. He wrung them out over the tub like she had and hung them. Merlin was red as he dried himself off but Arthur wasn't sure if it was because he was naked or because he was cold.
Arthur pulled his top and cloak off, wrung them out, and hung them with everything else. Then he removed his shoes and walked over to Merlin. He picked up another towel, one that wasn't tied around Merlin's waist, and Merlin smiled as he put it on his head and rubbed his hair gently, tugging away the moisture for him. Arthur touched his cheek in what was supposed to be an affectionate pat and they both hissed. "I can't tell what's colder, your cheek or my hand."
"Your hand," Merlin automatically answered. He took both of Arthur's hands in his and blew hot air across them. He rubbed them quickly and blew on them again. There was a knock on the door and Arthur called, "Come in," without thinking. Merlin quickly dropped his hands and took a step back and away.
"Hello," the young woman who entered greeted. She immediately started blushing as Arthur turned to face her. Not that one could really blame her. There was a shirtless and completely gorgeous prince looking at her attentively, after all. She set her firewood carrier down beside the fireplace and knelt down to get a fire started. "Papa asked if you two needed dry clothes."
"No, thank you. We have some clothes that managed to stay dry in the bags," Merlin replied. He picked up another towel and moved to stand in front of Arthur, gently wiping away imaginary moisture for an excuse to hide Arthur from the girl's sight. Arthur placed a hand on his hip and stroked his thumb over the skin above his towel, the soft touch making Goosebumps break out across Merlin's flesh. Merlin looked up at him and he mouthed, "Subtle," teasingly. She left to get water for the bath and Arthur grinned at Merlin. "What?"
"Nothing. I just find your little attempt to preserve my modest intriguing, if that was what it was," Arthur replied, still grinning. "As well as the fact you're just as exposed as me and don't seem to care."
Merlin blushed and patted Arthur's chest with the towel gently. "Shut up," he muttered. "So, why didn't you mention who we are?"
"I thought you got annoyed when I introduced myself, title and all," Arthur replied with a shrug. "Would you prefer I did?" Merlin shook his head. He had just been wondering where the modesty had come from so suddenly. Arthur stroked the damp hair behind Merlin's ear and smiled. "You don't want to boast about being the prince's manservant?"
"Of course. I mean, I have so much to boast about. I clean the prince's boots and his dirty breeches," Merlin replied sarcastically. Arthur grinned. He couldn't help but lean into his prince's touch a bit. It felt wonderful to be touched so tenderly. "Absolutely not. I let you get all self-important and I end up being lectured about calling you 'Arthur' instead of 'sire' or 'you're Highness'."
"I don't mean to intrude but are you a prince, sir?" They turned to find the little woman standing there holding a bucket of water and looking at them with wide eyes and a bit of a blush on her cheeks.
"No, no. Just a knight," Arthur replied, softening his smile for her. "It's a joke between Merlin and I. He says I think I'm as important as the prince." She didn't appear to believe them but nodded as well and moved to pour the water into the tub. She left and came back with two more buckets. She poured them in then curtsied and started to leave. "Wait a moment, milady."
Merlin watched as Arthur gave her a small pouch of money and smiled. "This should cover the room and a little extra for you. And do tell your parents thank you, please. I'm sorry if the pouch a little damp."
She smiled and curtsied again. "Thank you, sir. Is this also for my discretion?" she asked, tilting her head to the side curiously.
"Yes, please," Arthur replied, still smiling like he was harmless. She nodded and left the room. Arthur shut and locked the door behind her. "Do something about the water, will you?" Arthur requested as soon as he could no longer hear her footsteps. Merlin nodded and walked over to the tub to see what needed to be done. It was halfway full but the water was much too cold. He muttered a spell to heat it and fill it a bit more then turned to face his prince. "Thank you. You know, that permanent blush was because she thinks we're lovers."
"We give a lot of people that impression," Merlin said with a shrug. "Gwaine asked me the first two days he was with us how long we had been sleeping together and Lancelot asked me the first time we met him how long we had been in love. Even Percival and Elyan asked."
Arthur chuckled and shook his head, forcing away the sadness that threatened to creep up and wrap around him at the mention of his knights. "Guinevere asked me last month who was more important; you or her?" Merlin looked surprised but Arthur just shrugged. "Apparently, I spend too much of my free time with you. Why do you think she has moved on to Lancelot?"
"I'm sorry," Merlin said sincerely. "I know you loved her." Arthur shook his head. He really hadn't. He loved the thought of having such a perfect queen and someone to love him. But he loved Merlin. He stepped out off his breeches and hung them up eagerly. It felt so good not to have then chafing against his thighs from the water anymore. Merlin scoffed and raised his hand. A few whispered words and they, and everything else in their possession, dried. "There. Much better."
"Very good, Merlin. I think I like this magic thing." Arthur strode over to him and smiled. "How should we decide who bathes first?" He cupped Merlin's face briefly then slid his hands down his neck to his chest. "You're still so cold. But I am too. Let's bathe together." He slid his hands down Merlin's chest and felt his heart rate increase under his hands. Merlin's skin flushed and he looked away bashfully. Arthur smiled and tugged away the towel. He hummed his approval when he saw the other male was half-hard. "Thinking naughty thoughts, Merlin? Any about your prince?"
"Shut up," Merlin muttered, still refusing to make eye contact. Arthur smiled and stepped around him and into the tub. He held out his arms and helped Merlin inside. He settled him between his legs and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Merlin moaned softly. "It's so warm."
"It is. It's fantastic," Arthur replied contently. He leaned back and pulled Merlin with him, keeping him pressed to his chest. He cupped water in his hands and let his dribble down onto Merlin's chest. "I can already feel you getting warmer. I'm glad. I just hope you don't catch a cold."
Merlin just leaned back into Arthur's embrace and closed his eyes. Here was heaven, he decided. But it was much too odd to be left alone. "Arthur, today's been odd for us. In fact, this entire trip has been odd for us. We've shared a bedroll, shared a horse, and you've touched me. Intimately. Now tonight. The touching, the bath, and you've been extremely attentive. What's going on?"
"I have no reason to stifle my urges," Arthur admitted with a shrug. "We're alone and you seem to be consenting. Do you want me to stop?" Merlin shook his head. He never wanted Arthur to stop. "Good. Now relax and let the water warm you. We'll have to worry in the morning but tonight, let's just forget."
TBC...
Probably not the best chapter. But at least I did my best. I'm very sorry it took me so long to update. I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner. Thanks for reading.