Arthur hid himself behind a tree in the woods, his bow and arrow in hand, ready to shoot an antelope that was feeding. Merlin was behind him.
"Arthur, are you sure you want to kill the poor helpless animal?"
"Shut up Merlin, the animal is not helpless, it has four legs and two wide ears."
Arthur shot at the antelope and the arrow pierced right into the animal's side then, it fell.
"Perfect," Merlin said and ran towards the animal that was struggling for dear life. "This'll make a nice stew," Merlin said petting it.
Arthur hissed in provocation. "What did I see in you that makes me like you so, Merlin, you have such a disgusting and embarrassing character."
"I guess it's the disgusting and embarrassing character you like."
Arthur gave Merlin his I hate you look and turned towards the animal. "Wow," Arthur said pulling out the arrow.
There was a crack a distance from where they stood. They both turned to where the noise was coming from. "Who's there," Arthur asked bringing out his sword.
"I mean no harm," came a voice.
"Then show yourself," Arthur said.
"Okay," came the voice. Lancelot walked out with his sword in his hand.
"Lancelot!" Merlin called surprised. They all stared at each other before Lancelot looked down and saw the animal.
"Wow! You guys have got a good catch here. Arthur looked at the antelope and back at Lancelot. "I thought you'd never come back to Camelot after what my father did," Arthur said.
"Me too," said Merlin.
"Well, here I am," Lancelot said smiling.
"It's so good to see you again Lancelot," Arthur said, going to give Lancelot a hug. "We've missed you."
"Me too," Lancelot said.
The three of them were now inside the castle. "So, Lancelot, where would you be staying? You're still a knight in Camelot you know."
"I'll be staying with Merlin and Gaius if they are okay with it."
"Of course," said Merlin. "We told you, you are welcome any time." Arthur looked at the both of them.
"Merlin, today is your lucky day, you're relieved of today's chores. Lancelot needs to be taken care of."
"I can tak-"
"It's okay Lancelot I know you can take care of yourself, a little help won't hurt. See you later," Arthur said walking away.
"I'll send you some part of the antelope later sire."
"Give it to those that need it more," Arthur said back.
Merlin turned to face Lancelot, both smiling.
"You haven't changed a bit Merlin."
"You too Lancelot. It's time to see Gaius," they both said and left.
Arthur was few yards to his room when he saw Gwen walking down the hallway. She wanted to turn the minute she saw Arthur, but it was too late. "Guinevere," Arthur called. Their hearts skipped the moment they saw each other.
"Sire!"
"Please come in, I've been wanting to talk to you," he said. He opened the door and made enough room for her to go in. She stood by the door while Arthur stood close to his table.
How can his presence affect her like this, oh God, he'll see through her, why can't she just be herself? She could feel his gaze on her. "Guinevere, please relax, I am not going to bite you."
She looked up to meet his gaze. "I am relaxed sire she breathed out." Oh God, she'll suffocate.
"Gwen, I've noticed that you've been avoiding me these past week. Oh my God, how did he know? "Guinevere," he said in a tone that says you're not good at lying.
"Sire!"
Arthur licked his lips. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for nursing me while I was ill."
"You don't have to sire, it's my job. I'll leave now," she said and left. She rested her back on the door and gave a deep breath. Arthur was staring at where Gwen had been standing before she left. He hit the table in frustration. He loved her. How can I make her know that I care? He sat on his bed deep in thought.
