A/N: Well, I've found a way to enable me to update fanfictions, but I won't be able to do it regularly as it involves using my mum's laptop and there's almost always someone on it :/ Damn my laptop breaking o_o
You can still vote for pairings if you wish c:
Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I do not own Merlin.
Sorry for grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. Also, feel free to criticise/critique anything; I really don't mind and I never take offense. I'm always greatful for criticism.
/
Merlin knocked gently on Arthur's door, forcing a smile onto his face that he was hoping no-one would see past. He felt like he would be unable to genuinely smile as he wasn't happy, and feared that he wouldn't be for a long time. In the end, he'd managed to slip back into a dreamless sleep, but the nightmare had vanished from his brain. Each image remained crystal clear and exactly the same as they had in the dream. He feared it was a warning, but he also knew that his mind could just be playing tricks on him.
"What's with you?" Arthur said as Merlin slipped through the door. The king's manservant flinched, wondering if it was really that obvious that something was bothering him. Arthur frowned, but continued speaking. "You never knock."
Merlin laughed half-heartedly, sighing with relief when he realised that the King had just been joking with him. "Maybe I've finally learnt my lesson."
"You never seem to learn." Arthur said slowly. "I need you to wash these-" He threw a pile of clothes directly at Merlin's head- "And then polish my armour for training today."
"Anything else, sire." Merlin mumbled, barely heard through the clothes hanging over his face. Arthur grinned, shaking his head before remembering that his useless manservant couldn't see him.
"That'll be all."
/
Mordred pulled on his boots, trying to think more about training that the nightmare that was still dwelling in his head. His hands were shaking slightly, and he couldn't stop them; even just thinking of the horrible dream made a sick feeling of fear bundle at the pit of his stomach. With every move, he was afraid that he would spot something from within the dream, terrified that the actual events would come to pass. Even though the dream had just been in flashes, he'd managed to piece together some type of story, and he didn't like that idea. He would rather die than live to watch it all come true.
He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping to force himself of something different he could think about. But all he saw was the vivid images from his nightmare. Mordred immediately opened his eyes and darted to his feet, determined to find something he could distract himself with. He was greatful to have duties that he knew would distract him, especially if he was to train with Arthur again. Having sword fights with the king took a lot of energy from him as it was quite a challenge, but he knew that he was improving. Maybe one day, he'd actually be a good match for Arthur and their fights would last longer.
Thinking about what moves he could try to use in training today, Mordred left his room and hurried towards the training grounds. One of his favourite things was training as it helped him improve his combat skills. He also loved spending time with the knights as they'd become some of his greatest friends. They were a lot more true and loyal than any of the friends he'd ever had. It was different to have people who truly cared for him, no matter who he was. The only thing he feared was that everything would change if they ever found out that he was a druid.
"Mordred." Gwaine said cheerily, patting his friend on the shoulder and walking alongside him. "I have a great story to tell you about what happened at the tavern last night."
"I can't wait to hear it." Mordred grinned, knowing that the knight's story definitely would help take his mind of everything; Gwaine's stories were unique and somewhat exciting. There was only one thing he would be able to guess about the story and that was that Gwaine would be drunk.
/
Merlin scrubbed effortlessly at Arthur's sword, unable to properly concentrate on his task. He knew that he was supposed to be polishing the King's blade, but he just couldn't remain focused on it. No matter how much he tried to focus on it, which was a rare thing because normally he didn't want to do the job, he quickly lost his concentration. He had hoped that if he was given lots of chores, he would think about them instead of the nightmare that was haunting him.
In his head, Merlin could clearly see the blazing fires and tears of blood. His heart ached as he thought about the other flashes and tears pricked his eyes. The nightmare was like nothing he'd ever experienced before with it clarity and the fact that whatever he did, he could not forget it. It felt like it was taking over his brain, and banishing his other thoughts.
"Merlin?!" Arthur called angrily, snapped his manservant out of his trance. "That blade better be polished to perfection otherwise you'll be cleaning my chambers with your tongue!"
Merlin's eyes glowed amber to speed up the polishing process before the King entered and found that his sword was still in exactly the same state that he had given it away in. The sword polished itself in record time, seconds before Arthur burst through the door. He picked up the blade out of Merlin's hands and examined it carefully.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing." Merlin said quickly, wondering why he had been asked.
"You never polish this well." Arthur muttered, frowning at his sword again before placing it in his belt. "You can clean my chambers now."
"Yay." Merlin said sarcastically, though part of him was actually greatful to have another task to do. Hopefully, this one would preoccupy his brain more than the last one had. And if not, Arthur would probably kill him.
/
"Mordred." Arthur said fondly, happy to see his youngest knight. He was going to train with the young knight again today, hoping to see some improvement although Mordred barely needed to improve. His skill with a blade astonished Arthur and he thought he was an excellent knight.
"Yes, my lord."
"You shall be training with me again."
"What a privilege." Gwaine laughed and some of the other knights joined in. Arthur smiled briefly before moving to the middle of the field. Mordred drew his blade and clutched it loosely as he approached Arthur. The King casually grabbed his own blade, and pointed it towards Mordred, ready for their fight.
"Are you ready?" Arthur asked, watching as Mordred nodded. He smiled, knowing that the young knight would put up a good fight. The times they'd fought before, Mordred had almost won several times, using his skills to his advantage. His only weakness was that he sometimes left himself open, and he could be defeated even without a blade.
Arthur darted forward, keeping his sword close to his own body, but also lunging for Mordred. Their blades clashed together and the battle commenced. The King moved to his right, his blade constantly meeting with Mordred's. He sliced the air, and moved closer to his opponent. His blade met with the young knight's once again, and Arthur applied more pressure than Mordred had obviously expected, because he tumbled backwards.
"You don't seem like yourself." Arthur said bluntly, kicking Mordred's blade away and offering a hand to him.
"It's nothing, my lord." His young knight reassured him, taking his hand and climbing to his feet. "Thank you, my lord."
/
Merlin lay down on the floor, exhausted from scrubbing it tirelessly. He'd managed to distract himself for two hours as he worked on Arthur's room, doing everything in his power to keep himself busy. The pace and level he had been working at left no room for extra thoughts which meant he'd managed to stay focused and keep the nightmare at bay. But now he was collapsed on the floor, the visions flooded back into Merlin's brain and he sighed.
"At least there's a feast tonight." He whispered to himself, hoping that if he spoke aloud, it might help distract him. The only problem was that if he spoke too loud, someone could hear and believe he was insane. "They'll be talking, drinking and laughing. I'm sure that'll be enough distraction."
Merlin clambered to his feet clumsily, almost knocking over a nearby vase. He grabbed it quickly, trying to keep it upright so none of the water would jump over the sides. Carefully, he pushed it back into its rightful place and examined the floor for water marks. He sighed with relief, thankful that there were none.
"Now where has Arthur put what he wants to wear." Merlin muttered to himself, searching for the clothes he guessed the King would want preparing for tonight.
/
"It brings me great pleasure to have you all gathered here this evening." Arthur smiled, standing before his chair at the top of the feast table. He then lowered himself into his chair and pulled it closer towards to table, placing one of his hands on Guinevere's. She looked at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness, and smiled softly.
"Long live the King!" Sir Leon said loudly, and the other knights joined in, raising their glasses. Arthur smiled at them in thankfulness, not wishing for greater knights. His father had been wrong; people who were not of noble blood also served as fine knights.
Mordred glanced around at the food before him, but he knew that he would not be able to bare eating any of it. The thought of eating was making him feel ill, and he had to suppress the urge to be sick. The nightmare was still lingering in his mind, dancing through his memories and haunting him like a ghost. He knew he had to do something about it, but he was unsure if there was anything he could actually do.
"MY LORD!" A guard shouted, bursting in through the doors. Arthur rose to his feet immediately, his expression darkening. He feared that Morgana had been sighted, or that she'd decided now was the time to declare war. "We have the remainders of a nearby village seeking your help."
"We must hold a meeting at once." Arthur said solemnly, trying not to feel disappointed that his feast had been ruined and concentrate more on the people that needed his help.
/
I've never wrote a swordfighting scene before, so that was new.
Um, I hope you liked this chapter, and I'm going to try and update this soon and make the next chapter longer c: