See other A/N for reasons behind this little bit of fun and absolute cluelessness on Arthur's part. WARNING: a fairly fun chapter, though it contains the dreaded curse of shortness.
Arthur grumbled as Merlin pulled out his fancier clothing. How Merlin managed to pack every single piece of dreaded cloth that Arthur owns and wasn't able to even bring Arthur's favorite tunic astounded him. Merlin knew why Arthur hated those outfits. The servant never even changed his own attire, so how in blazes was he able to remember each outfit Arthur had worn while he was unceremoniously flirted with by the pompous daughters of the weasels from foreign courts! If he ever wore that shade of green or, god forbid, pink (that particular laundress had quit soon after the bleaching incident), or even that embroidered black over shirt…it would never end. He would be forced back into the world of politics and women with no escape! He would be forced to dance, listen, and make playful chatter with the obnoxious females all night. Curse Merlin!
Because, oh yes, he knew it was Merlin's plotting. He had seen his servant smirk as he packed Arthur's bags. Even now, with Merlin all in his doom and gloom mood, Arthur could see the barely contained laughter, the tension around his eyes and mouth, as Merlin laid the articles of clothing on the bed. Oh, Merlin would pay. Arthur wasn't sure how yet, since he couldn't send him out to clan the stables (as they were not in Camelot), but he would pay. He would just have to of think of something else.
XXXXXXXXXXX
After watching Arthur glower at the clothing choices and finally decide on the least flattering one, in an attempt to tone down his future appearance, Merlin took pity on him and pulled out a simple pair of trousers to go with it. The surprised look on Arthur's face at the sudden appearance of normal clothes made Merlin's lungs hurt as he tried to control his laughter.
Once Arthur was suitably dressed, the pair started wondering about, stalling time until the dinner. The afternoon had barely started and the dinner didn't start until dusk. They walked around aimlessly, trying to find the stables.
Despite Merlin's many complaints that his backside was already sore and he did not want to go riding, thank you very much, Arthur was making him go.
"Think of it as your punishment for packing all those ridiculous clothes," the prince replied stiffly, hiding his grin at the fact Merlin was talking again.
"Ridiculous! Ridiculous! You and I both know those ridiculous clothes were designed by your father's personal tailor, O Prince of Clotpoles. Are you suggesting that your own father, the king, wears ridiculous clothes?" Merlin looked scandalized.
"You know that's not what I meant, you idiot."
"Oh, really? I can't imagine anytime—" Merlin was cut off by a chirpy, "Hello!"
The prince turned towards the bright voice. "Why, Lady Jolene! I did not expect to see you until tonight."
"Well, I live HERE don't I? Oh, well, NO matter. How ARE you, Prince Arthur?" Lady Jolene's voice kept going up and down at strange intervals, showing that one thing hadn't changed…she was still a ditz.
"How am I? How are you? I was not the one o go missing and manage to escape on my own. Camelot was so very pleased to hear of your safe return. My father also wished he could attend, but unfortunately matters of state withheld him from coming to this joyous celebration." Gone was the brat clotpole Merlin had been talking to, Arthur had gone all regal. "Allow me to introduce you to my manservant, Merlin," he said, gesturing to the pale and shaky servant. Merlin had gone slightly rigid upon first hearing Jolene's voice. As if sensing, not seeing, the glare Arthur was pointing at him, Merlin shook himself and promptly grinned, wide and easy, as bent into a graceful bow.
"My Lady."
Arthur had never seen him manage to do something like that without fumbling it up somehow, so he jumped to the wrong conclusion.
While Merlin was truly terrified and masking it with the gracefulness of Emerys, Arthur thought he liked the Lady Jolene.
Oops.
To Arthur, this was the perfect opportunity for revenge, especially after watching Jolene become slightly breathless at his actions and curtsy deeply.
But before he could tease Merlin relentlessly, he had to set them up.
"Lady Jolene, would you like to go on a ride with us?"
XXXXXXXXXX
Merlin was almost forced to believe that all his dreams had been false. There was no way this, this, this, girl was Nimueh! She was continually loosing her train of thought, asking stupid impersonal and personal questions like, What is your favorite color? Isn't the sky so blue today? I like blue. Do you like blue? Your eyes are blue. My eyes are green. Ha-ha!
Seriously. This girl was Nimueh in disguise? Merlin could hardly believe it.
And Arthur didn't help the matter. He was continually encouraging her to ask questions, and Merlin to answer. If Merlin didn't know otherwise, he could have sworn the prince was enjoying this.
"Excuse me, but I must be going." Arthur said. "Merlin, feel free to stay out here with the Lady as long as you like." Only Merlin could see the smirk on his face.
"Oh, no, my lord," he could play the part f a servant very well when he wanted to, "I should stay with you."
"No, Merlin, I insist. Have a good time. Farewell, My Lady." Arthur turned and rode into the forest, barely able to keep in his chuckles of evil glee and satisfaction as Merlin seemed unable to respond.
"Do you have a girl you like, Merlin?" Lady Jolene's voice startled Merlin out of his thoughts.
"I'm sorry?" He asked. Where had that come from? he wondered.
"Is there a girl in Camelot for you?" Arthur snickered while Merlin looked surprised. Jolene stared into the forest as they went on, not meeting his eyes.
Merlin was silent for a long time, deciding to be truthful in the end. "There was once a girl I loved," he said quietly.
Jolene stiffened. "Was?"
"She died."
"Sorry."
"I'm used to it."
There was silence, and then, "Do you like me?"
Wow, this girl is quick. Do I like her? I just met her! And, no, I don't. I am still in love with Freya! Why am I even having this inner dialogue? It makes no sense, and is a little dramatic. But, seriously, why is this girl so obsesse—Wait. Nimueh was obsessed with something. What if—
Merlin's musings were interrupted as a bell rang out.
"Oops, looks like we better head back!" Jolene called as she quickly steered her horse before taking off. "We'll continue this conversation at the feast! We wouldn't want to be late!"
Blame one of my reviewers for this strange filler, they wanted a Cupid Arthur for Merlin and Nimueh, but they only got this. Don't worry, it was supposed to be weird and rushed! I kinda wanted to get it out there. Please remember I am taking liberty with timelines, so, yes, Freya is dead, but it has not been a very long time since her death...next chapter has all the big stuff happening, and please don't leave a review JUST saying that since I haven't posted in awhile, so I should. That kinda annoys me and makes me less likely to post. I try to update every Saturday, but (like today) I might get one or two days off schedule. Thanks to all those who have given meaningful/encouraging reviews, favorited (yes, I know that's spelled wrong, but I just can't think of the correct spelling. Has that ever happened to you? It sucks.), or followed! Please R&R
