A/N: I wasn't planning on writing this, but your reviews just tickled my muse ;p Hopefully it will be delightfully unexpected :D
*Prepares bedding for Daydreamer91*
After Gaius had abandoned him Merlin hesitantly looked out his door to see a pair of guards and -George. Of course he did.
The warlock cleared his throat and all three looked to him expectantly.
"Ah, um.. guards... could you take Percival to his chambers, please?"
The pair looked at the still-snoozing giant, then at each other.
"We're not really supposed to leave..."
"I'm sure it'll be fine- I am a powerful sorcerer, after all," he quirked his lips and the guards gave in, dragging the over-sized knight away with great effort.
"Might as well come in, George."
"Of course, M'lord." Merlin rolled his eyes as the servant entered obediently, wearing the outfit that so resembled his own signature garb.
Without a the other man went to the armoire -and isn't it just ridiculous that Merlin, of all people, now had one?- and selected a fine blue shirt and dark trousers, draping them over the changing screen along with a leather jacket.
Good old Gwen. Apart from the rich materials they were nearly identical to his old clothes.
That being the case he felt no compunction about wearing a neckerchief with them.
"Would you like me to assist you, M'lord?"
"I think I can handle it- and stop calling me that."
"Of course, My Liege."
"Seriously? I don't think that's even accurate."
"M'lord, then."
Merlin stepped out from behind the screen (another thing to get used to) and found George tidying the non-existent mess in the room.
"You can stop the act, George. I know you only do this to Arthur to wind him up."
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're speaking of, M'lord."
"You do realize I could make it so your trousers vanish every time you think about that maid- what was her name again... Eylis?"
The servant managed to maintain his look of slightly-appalled innocence for only a moment before breaking into a smile and chuckling.
"Alright, you win- but surely you won't blame me for trying? Or are you too high-and-mighty for such frivolity now, Master?"
Merlin groaned. "I swear I'll follow up on that threat if you ever call me that again. Besides- your pranks wouldn't be half as successful without my help."
George raised his hands in surrender, "I concede. Is there anything else you need?"
"Someone to convince Arthur this is all a terrible idea."
The other man drew himself up, standing in 'proper servant' stance once more.
"I'm afraid I cannot, in good conscience, give my king such poor council."
He locked eyes with the man who was now his superior, gaze earnest, "You deserve it, Merlin."
"Thank you," his voice was warm and sincere, his smile bright.
It touched the warlock's heart to hear that George, at the very least, did not begrudge him his elevated status.
"Well, I'd best be off. Can't keep the prat waiting."
He was already in the corridor when an important task came to mind and he popped back through the doorway to find George slipping something suspicious under the bed linens. I wouldn't expect any less.
The servant pretended to be smoothing the coverlet, whistling innocently.
"First, you're not fooling anyone; second, I do have a job for you- go through the cupboards and burn any hats you find."
