A/N: I wasn't kidding when I said that this story keeps evolving. This chapter literally sprang into existence this last week. I'm just lucky Spring Break exists otherwise I wouldn't have posted this chapter today.
I was planning uploading every week, but with school picking back up with more assignments and projects that may not happen. I will attempted every other week at least since I have most of the chapters pretty much written out unless another chapter springs up.
Again, I don't own Merlin, DnD, the Legends of King Arthur, or anything else referenced in this story.
Merlin found himself walking towards the throne room in his travel gear one morning. King Arthur's retaking and renewing of Camelot had been surprisingly smooth. Within a few months, many of the nobles in Camelot had sworn fealty to their new king. Only a few decided to fight against him, all of whom were quickly dealt with.
"Perfect timing," Merlin mused as he approached the throne room. The lords of Camelot were beginning to exit the doors, signaling the conclusion of the royal council.
Lord Isildor, Camelot's Court Sorcerer, approached Merlin and pulled him into a quick, tight hug which caused Merlin to release a surprised breath. Despite approaching his 74th year, Isildor still had some strength in him.
"You are leaving," he stated, voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Only for a few years Grandfather. Before you know it, I'll be back to pester you again!"
Isildor gave Merlin a pointed look. "And hopefully accept a position in the court."
Merlin looked away briefly before looking back at his grandfather.
"You know why I asked Arthur to appoint you as Court Sorcerer. I'm not ready for that kind of authority yet. I need to further my studies and studying under Iseldir Feldspar is the best way for me to do so. You and Father have taught me so much already, but I know there is more out there. If I am to truly fulfill my role as Court Sorcerer, I need to at least understand and be familiar with the different types of magic. Magic may be rare in these lands, but that does not give me the right to stay ignorant of its many different aspects."
Isildor clasped Merlin's shoulder, a proud smile spreading across his face. "You will go far in life with that mentality Merlin. I am proud of you and I know your father is proud of you as well."
"Thank you," was Merlin's soft reply. Despite his father having passed over two years ago, Merlin still felt the sting of loss whenever his father Balinor was mentioned.
Balinor had died protecting his son from an ambush by King Brutus and his men. King Brutus had sought the services of an experienced warlock to fight for him when he discovered that a part of Draco's bloodline had survived his grandfather's purge and was a part of the rebellion against him. Balinor was successful in defeating the warlock, but at the cost of his own life.
"Well, I should go speak with Arthur before I go."
"That's probably a good idea. We wouldn't want him to send a patrol after you just because you did not say farewell to your king," Isildor said with a chuckle. "Stay safe Merlin."
"I will Grandfather."
King Arthur was speaking with Lord Ector when Merlin entered the room. As he was facing the door, Lord Ector was the first to notice Merlin's entrance.
"Ah, the troublemaker has arrived," Lord Ector proclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.
Merlin placed his hand over his heart in an exaggerated show of pain. "You wound me with your words, Lord Ector! I am no troublemaker. Trouble just tends to follow me."
"Or you go looking for trouble," Arthur interjected with a laugh as he turned to face his friend.
"He's got you there Lord Merlin," Lord Ector said with a chuckle.
Merlin's smile gained a slight pinch to it at Lord Ector's words, which did not go unnoticed by Arthur.
Lord Ector turned to address Arthur. "I should go attend to my other duties. By your leave, Sire."
Arthur gave Lord Ector a nod. Once the doors closed, Arthur turned towards his friend, a slight frown on his face. "Are you alright?"
Merlin turned to his friend. "Of course I am! What makes you think anything is wrong?"
"Your smile became forced after something Lord Ector said." Merlin looked away just long enough to let Arthur know that his guess was correct. Merlin began to say something only to be interrupted by Arthur.
"Whatever comes out of your mouth had better be the truth, because I know something Lord Ector said bothered you."
Merlin clamped his mouth shut and stayed silent.
"It's because Lord Ector said 'Lord Merlin' isn't it?" Arthur stated after a few moments of silence. Merlin's continued silence and fidgeting answered for him. "You are going to have to get used to that soon you know."
Merlin released a resigned sigh. "I know. I just…" Merlin trailed off, attempting to find the words to explain to his friend his aversion to becoming a lord of Camelot.
"I guess I'm going through the same thing you were before you were crowned king. I have magic, which already sets me apart from everyone else. You remember when we still lived in Caerfryddin. Few boys would let me join in their games because they were scared of my magic. If they ever did, there was always tension between me and the other boys. That changed with our campaign against King Brutus. Sure, at first there was some wariness between me and the others, but that was quickly overcome as time passed. I guess... what I'm trying to say is that I already know how power can isolate someone and I don't want a high position to isolate me from everyone again."
"You have nothing to worry about, Merlin."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because, as you said, I have experienced what you described already. As king, I have been given power and position above everyone in Camelot. Despite this, few of our friends have treated me differently. Sure, everyone is more respectful during more formal settings, but that is only because they are following protocol. Otherwise, it is just like old times. I know you have witnessed Sir Kay mess with me since I became king. True friendships will not grow distant because someone's position changes."
Merlin looked noticeably relieved after Arthur's little speech. "Thank you, Arthur."
"No problem." Arthur gave Merlin a light punch on the arm. "Now stop acting like a girl. From your attire I take it that you are heading out to begin your magical studies."
"Yes! Now would you stop hitting me like that! I don't care how many times you and the knights say that you do it to cheer me up, it does not help me cheer up!" Merlin exclaimed while rubbing where Arthur had hit him. Although the punch didn't truly hurt him anymore, Merlin still acted as if it did.
"I'm pretty sure I have a permanent bruise there from all of the hitting," Merlin murmured.
"Maybe if you stopped acting like such a girl, we wouldn't feel the need to hit you." Arthur went to give Merlin another playful punch when he felt a sudden jolt of electricity go through his body.
"Akk! Merlin!"
"What?"
"You shocked me!"
"You were going to punch me again!"
"A friendly punch! I wasn't going to actually hurt you."
"Well I just gave you a friendly shock. I didn't actually hurt you."
The two friends glared at each other for a moment before Arthur suddenly swiped at Merlin. Merlin ducked under the swipe and, upon seeing the mischievous gleam in Arthur's eyes, bolted for the doors with Arthur at his heels.
The only warning anyone in the halls had was the pounding of feet and the occasional shout. All quickly moved out of the way or risk being knocked down to the ground. Many of the lords would huff and shake their heads in exasperation and fondness at their king's antics. The servants would laugh and quickly spread the latest chase between their king and resident sorcerer while the knights would often shout encouragements at them.
This chase didn't last very long. One of the newly hired servants, a boy only 16 years old, was unable to move aside quickly enough to avoid Merlin. Merlin attempted to dance around the servant to avoid knocking him over. He was able to avoid running into the startled boy but ended up on the floor after tripping over his own feet.
Arthur, who witnessed the entire event, began laughing heartily before approaching his disgruntled friend and the frightened servant. The young servant began to stutter.
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't, I didn't know what w-was happening a-and I d-didn't…" Arthur raises his right hand, effectively cutting off the servant. At this time, Merlin lifted himself off the floor while rubbing the arm he fell on.
"You have nothing to apologize for. What is your name?"
Startled at a lord inquiring about something as mundane as his name, the servant hesitated before responding.
"Hallam my lord."
"Nothing was broken or twisted," Merlin muttered softly during the exchange between Arthur and Hallam. "Though I'm sure there will be a spectacular bruise by nightfall. I can put on…"
"Well, Mr. Hallam. I hope you can forgive this idiot for almost knocking you down." Merlin stopped his muttering at that last statement, finally tuning in to the conversation. "He loves running throughout the halls of Camelot even though he is quite clumsy…"
"Oi!" Merlin interjected.
Arthur continued as if Merlin didn't say a thing.
"And is constantly hurting himself." Hallam began to chuckle softly at the two men's antics. Merlin began speaking, his entire focus on Arthur.
"The only reason I ever run through the halls, Arthur, is because either you or one of the knights is chasing after me!" Merlin exclaimed with exasperation in his tone.
Hallam's eyes went wide and his smile fell when Merlin said Arthur's name. He had been conversing with the king of Camelot and he didn't address him properly!
Merlin didn't notice the servant's distress due to his focus being entirely on his friend, but Arthur did.
"Merlin, shut up." Merlin promptly shut his mouth at his friend's tense tone. Hallam's eyes grew even bigger at the widely known name of the king's best friend and the man he had been searching for.
Arthur gestured towards Hallam, causing Merlin to look at him.
"Oh," was all he could say when he saw the boy's expression.
Realizing that both of their attention was on him, Hallam quickly turned towards Arthur before bowing. Without rising, Hallam's mouth opened as words began spilling out of his mouth.
"Forgive me, King Arthur, for my ignorance. I did not recognize you or Lord Merlin and you both were so carefree and open like my friends and I forgot that I was supposed to find Lord Merlin and tell him that his horse was ready but I didn't and I-I'm sorry!"
Both Arthur's and Merlin's ears perked at Hallam's words. Before asking about his horse, Merlin slowly approached the boy and placed his left hand on Hallam's shoulder blade.
"You can rise now, Hallam. Arthur will not punish you for something he himself encourages." Hallam rose slowly back up. Pleased, Merlin smiled widely at the boy who returned a more subdued smile of his own. Arthur then spoke up.
"Merlin is right, Hallam. Outside of formal occasions, I encourage a more lighthearted atmosphere in my court. Just ask any of the older servants, they can attest to what I said. They will also be more than willing to describe in detail some of the knights' and Merlin's more notorious escapades," Arthur concluded with a smirk.
"And yours as well Arthur!" Merlin interjected.
Arthur and Merlin began laughing heartily, a few of those escapades running through their minds. Hallam soon joined in the contagious laughter.
When they finally calmed down, Merlin went to address Hallam.
"I understand that my horse is ready for me?" Merlin asked, slightly breathless from the laughter.
"He is, my lord." Merlin winced a bit at the title but plastered a smile on his face to hide it from the boy.
"Excellent. Could you tell Sandon thank you and that I will be there shortly?"
Sandon was the servant who oversaw all the horses cared for within the royal stables and took great pride in his work.
"Right away sir," Hallam replied with a slight bow. He immediately turned and began rushing down the hall towards the royal stables.
By mutual consent, Merlin and Arthur both began heading towards the stables at a more sedated pace.
It wasn't long before Arthur broke the comfortable silence that had fallen between them.
"Are you sure you won't reconsider and instead complete your studies here?"
"I'm sure Arthur. I may already know some magic, but there is so much more for me to learn. By studying under a master spell caster, I will learn more powerful spells along with other forms of magic and how they work, even if I cannot personally wield their form of magic."
Arthur and Merlin finally reached the main court, but Arthur was not finished speaking his mind.
"That seems like a lot to learn. Doesn't it normally take years to learn all of that?"
Merlin paused for a moment before answering.
"From what I remember, it does normally take the average magic user about ten years to master their lessons."
Arthur's face fell at that statement. That was a long time to be away from Camelot, from his friends and family.
"But," Merlin's voice interrupted Arthur's thoughts. "From what my grandfather said, it should only take me about five years to master my studies since I have already learned a lot about the theory of magic and its different forms during our campaign. That is, I won't be gone for more than five years so long as my studies are not interrupted." At that last statement, Merlin gave Arthur a pointed look very much like the one his grandfather had recently given him.
Arthur threw his hands in the air in a placating gesture as they reach the royal stables.
"Alright, fine. No interrupting your studies for anything," he conceded. "But you will be back in five years? No letting other supposedly interesting topics distract you and lengthen your studies?"
"I promise to not get distracted by other subjects, no matter how interesting they may be," Merlin affirmed, though his voice did carry a slightly sarcastic tone at the end of his statement.
Arthur gave him a skeptical look. Once he was sure that Merlin would follow through with his promise, Arthur went to clasp Merlin's shoulder. "Good luck Merlin."
Merlin returned the clasp. "Thank you, Arthur."
Merlin walked the rest of the way towards the stables while Arthur turned back towards the citadel. There was still much that needed to be done in order to return Camelot to its former glory.
Please tell if I missed any mistakes.
