Character(s): Arthur, Merlin only insofar as Arthur is considering him
Relationship(s): Arthur and Camelot/Arthur and the throne; to a lesser extent, Arthur and Merlin, Merlin and dirt, and Arthur and uncomfortable and unfamiliar truths, lol.
Brown
Dirt and Worth
"Dirty" had always described peasants. It meant lesser, in importance, in worth, everything.
But Merlin picked up dirt as he worked each day: earth and bits of plant from picking or handling herbs; polish from boots, armor, tack; sawdust from firewood; blood from tending injuries; even battle sweat—the list went on. Merlin was dirty, but he wasn't less than anyone, no, he was hard-working and did what was needed without hesitating. His dusty brown jacket was as much a symbol of the Camelot Arthur was trying to forge as Arthur's own scarlet cloak.
Dirty was a badge of honor.