The Twelve Days of Christmas: Merlin Style.

Day Seven

With the seventh morning dawning, Merlin awoke to shouts in his ear. "Merlin! Up! Now!" Arthur's voice ordered. Instead of getting up, as he knew he should have, Merlin rolled over and pulled his pillow over his head.

Arthur sighed, though it came out as more of a growl. "Merlin, get up!" A hand tore the pillow away from his face and Merlin whimpered in protest. "Fine, stay in bed, even though it is snowing." Unseen to Merlin's eyes, Arthur made a big show of gesturing to the window.

Merlin bolted up in bed, ignoring the self-satisfied smirk on Arthur's face, and ran to the window. "I love snow," he said to no one in particular.

"I know," Arthur replied in a bored tone. "That's why we're going riding."

* * *

Two hours later, Merlin and Arthur were sitting in the Prince's chambers and playing chess. "Why are we doing this again?" Arthur asked, upending the board once again.

"Because it's snowing outside and they wouldn't let us take out some horses," Merlin replied, setting the board up again only to have it knocked over by Arthur. "Would you please stop doing that?!"

Arthur placed his hands threateningly on the back of Merlin's chair. "No Merlin, I can't stop doing that, do you know why?" Merlin shook his head meekly, even though he thought he knew the answer. "Because I'm bored, that's why."

A knock echoed around Arthur's chambers and both boys jumped. "Well?" Arthur demanded. Merlin gave him a look that said 'what are you talking about?' "The door Merlin. Get the door."

Merlin stood up and opened the door to reveal a petite blonde maid. "I have a gift for you Merlin." She handed him a large black box and curtsied to Arthur before ducking back into the hallway. "Merry Christmas!" she called before running off to continue whatever duties she had around the castle.

"Another one?" Arthur asked, not quite surprised anymore. He stood up and lifted the box out of Merlin's hands, placing it on the table.

"Thanks," Merlin muttered, whatever was inside was heavy. He took the note and read it quickly before passing it off to Arthur without being asked.

Dear Merlin,

Seventh day already. I hope you've enjoyed all your gifts so far and will continue to enjoy the ones to come. Merry Christmas Merlin.

Love,

Your Secret Admirer.

"Well, what is it?"

"Books," Merlin answered. "Blank books." He looked confused for a second before a thought struck him. "To go with the quills and ink."

Sometimes a little slow aren't we Merlin? Arthur thought with a smile.

On the seventh day of Christmas Merlin's true love gave to him: Eight blank books.

Author's Ramble: Sorry it's late! God I'm on a bad streak, aren't I? Ah well, only forty five minute late.