To those who were confused by what I meant by OOC, that means "out of character". So Arthur and Merlin's character traits are slightly different then to how they act in the show, but it's only slightly different don't worry! And Arthur's character is explained too :) Don't worry this is definitely merthur because I honestly just love them 3
THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS!
A couple of days later, Arthur held another meeting for his knights, this time at the round table.
"The thieves have moved from the northern border, ransacking small villages in the night," Arthur stated. "I have decided to send out a group of knights to deal with this threat."
The talking amongst the knights began; how many knights would go, how long it would take to reach the northern border, what guard Camelot could let go on such a mission.
Arthur wasn't sure which group of knights to send out. He could send out a lower rank of knights, which would leave the higher ranking knights in Camelot's defense, but would not guarantee the immediate removal of the threat.
"Geoffrey, what do you think?" Arthur asked without thinking. It was an old impulse from his childhood to ask Geoffrey's opinion.
Without hesitating, Geoffrey moved to stand next to and slightly behind Arthur. "Send out the higher ranking knights. Camelot is not under attack and faces no threats. Besides, the knights will deal with the thieves immediately and can come back to Camelot fast if they are needed."
"Yes, that was what I was thinking," Arthur turned slightly and smiled at Geoffrey, missing the looks of surprise of many of the knights' faces to see their King ask advice from Geoffrey instead of sharing his thoughts with Merlin.
But this was a trivial matter, so Arthur's closest knights brushed off the feeling of surprise and confusion.
Arthur was sitting in his room, enjoying the lunch Merlin had brought up for him. Initially, Merlin had sat with him to eat (Merlin continuously stole food from Arthur's plate, so Arthur finally went to the kitchens and told them to make two plates so his manservant could eat with him), but now the dark-haired boy moved around the room, cleaning up the mess Arthur had managed to created in the fifteen minutes he had been alone before Merlin had brought up the food.
"Honestly Arthur, I don't know how anyone could be this messy!" Merlin was plopped on the floor, folding clothing and sheets into various piles.
"That's your job Merlin," Arthur grinned. "You clean up my messes."
"Yes, well you probably make half these messes on purpose because you're a prat and want me to suffer!" Merlin complained dramatically.
Arthur rolled his eyes and took a sip of water. There was silence as Merlin stood up and stretched, and then turned towards the dresser to put Arthur's clothes away.
Arthur jumped as Merlin suddenly tripped over his own two feet and fell hard to the floor.
"Merlin!" Arthur gripped the handles of his chairs, unsure if he should get up, when he saw Merlin's shoulders shaking.
Merlin rolled over laughing hysterically.
"Merlin," Arthur slowly relaxed, settling back in his chair. "Are you okay?" He asked slowly.
Merlin still had giggles coming out of his mouth, but he raised himself onto his elbows, a wide smile on his lips and a faint blush from laughter and embarrassment covering his cheeks.
"Yes, I'm fine," Merlin was still laughing slightly. "I tripped over nothing!"
The hilarity of this fact outweighed Merlin's embarrassment as he laughed, grinning at Arthur. Arthur shook his head, now relaxed in his chair and turned his head slightly to the side to hide his fond smile. Merlin stood, still giggling and went to finish his work.
"My King?" A guard at the door stuck his head in.
"Yes?"
"Sir Geoffrey is here to see you." The guard bowed and opened the door wider, and the knight walked in.
Arthur nodded, eyes narrowing slightly in remembrance of the conversation that had taken place a few days prior. The knight moved further into the room as the door shut behind him.
"Arthur…" Geoffrey was looking down. "I want to apologize for what I said. The way I acted was completely unfit for that of a knight and though it was done in concern for you, it is no excuse for what I did." The knight's eyes flickered up to Arthur and then back down. His hands were held behind his back. "I am only here to apologize because even I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness. I only hope that we can try to regain our friendship."
Arthur stayed silent for a moment, considering Geoffrey's words. If he had taken a look at his manservant, he would have noticed that Merlin was frozen in spot. But Arthur was instead reminded of his childhood and all that he missed from that time as he gazed at Geoffrey.
"Geoffrey," Arthur stood and grinned widely. "You are already forgiven. You're my best friend; you know me better than anyone. Your words were out of turn but I accept your apology. Besides, they did have some truth. I do need a second opinion in military matters, and you give me good advice."
Geoffrey lifted his head a relaxed his stance. "Thank you Arthur." He moved forward to grip Arthur's shoulder. "I was so angry at myself for the past few days. I only worry about you because you have less people you can trust now that you're King."
"I know," Arthur nodded, reaching out to sling his arm around Geoffrey's shoulders, exactly as he used to do when they were younger, and pulled him closer. "But it doesn't matter now."
Geoffrey grinned up at the King. "I never pegged you as the sentimental type Arthur."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You did say you know me better than anyone."
"Yes, and I do." Geoffrey laughed. "So I know you are quite sentimental."
"Well, only with those that matter." Arthur tugged Geoffrey towards the door. "Come, let's get to training with the others."
If Arthur had bothered to look back, he would've seen his manservant still frozen near his dresser with a look of confusion and hurt in his eyes.
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