A/N Thanks to my beta LyricalSinger. I've also put in a few bits of wisdom from her choir experiences. And my usual thanks to my daughter (Amandamoo here, though not at home!) – now also an official Merlin fanfic author :)

HARMONY 10. A Performance

By the second day after Merlin's punishment had started, the young servant had given up pretending to dislike his new chores. It was just so far from the truth that he realized there was no way that Master Randall would not be able to see through his deception.

But the Master did not really seem to mind, and Merlin gradually began to forget his worry that the chores may be taken away if the he was appearing to enjoy them. In fact, once the private lessons had started, Merlin was pleased that the musician had begun to do with the bass viol what he'd been doing with the singing – having Merlin test out exercises or even songs that he wanted to use with his students.

Besides getting more and more chances to play the viol, Master Randall also had Merlin do more transcribing of music. It became common during the lessons that rather than having the servant sit on his chair, instead he would be told to write out several copies of an exercise he had been taught that day or the evening before, or even something he had heard for the other viols or the lute. Once, the Master even had Merlin write out his harmony for the duet they had been singing, with the words and everything! The young warlock had been particularly proud to hand that one over to the musician at the end of the day.

And probably because he had Merlin using them so often, maintaining the writing tools in good condition also became an important part of the servant's everyday chores. The Master seemed to need a never-ending supply of quills cut! Merlin was not sure exactly why, but rather than simply cut his quills as needed while he transcribed, the man actually preferred to keep a box of them on hand and ready to use, and so at least twice a day Merlin was asked to sit and trim them all.

Not long after the private lessons and the ensembles had started, Master Randall began to ask some of the students to prepare songs to be played in front of the King at formal dinners. With all of the noble families who were visiting Camelot, these dinners had become quite frequent and gave good opportunities for the young musicians to perform before an audience.

"Marvin, tonight I have assigned young William to sing in the Great Hall," said Master Randall one morning as Merlin was busy putting away some of the instruments that had been borrowed by the students. If they wished, and Merlin noted that the better students always did, the Master now allowed them to take instruments for their practicing. Some kept theirs in their chambers, but most simply took the instrument to one of the nearby rooms which had been set aside for the purpose, and used it for an hour or so before bringing it back to the Small Hall.

"Well, I'm sure he will do well, he has a nice voice," answered Merlin noncommittally.

Master Randall quirked his mouth. William had an immense talent, and knew it, but the youngster still had a lot to learn about performing. Judging by the Marvin's reaction, he thought so too. The musician was curious to know what the young servant would have to say after he heard William sing that evening. Now, he just had to ensure that the boy would be present to do so.

"Our string quartet will also be playing," added the Master.

"Really?" asked Merlin, looking up in surprise. "Are they ready?" The group was comprised entirely of beginners, although in Merlin's opinion the four young ladies were among the hardest working of all of the competitors, so he was very glad for them.

"They have a few things to tidy up, but I dare say this will give them some incentive!" the musician answered.

"Huh, I might as well put their instruments in the next room right now then," said Merlin, "because I just know they will be here to collect them as soon as they've finished their breakfasts."

Master Randall chuckled, "I think you are right, boy. We shall see. But I am telling you all this, because I am hoping you are free to attend me at the dinner tonight."

Merlin furrowed his brows in confusion. The Master had never needed him in the evenings before this, other than on the nights of the eliminations.

Seeing his surprise, the musician added, "At the last dinner, Lords Alton and Withrop monopolized the serving staff, and so I wanted to have you there to ensure I got my fair share of the wine. Camelot does provide the best, after all."

Merlin snorted, "I wouldn't know. I just pour it! But yes, I can be there if you need me."

Merlin enjoyed himself more than he thought he would, although he wondered why the Master had really needed him. Master Randall and his wife together only called on him three or four times during the entire meal, and even that was at the beginning before the music had started. Merlin supposed that they must have been too engrossed in watching their students perform. The young servant was glad though, since that gave him a chance to listen properly, without any interruption; he didn't consider Arthur's eye roll, nor George's almost continual look of disdain to count.

Besides William and the string quartet, one of Mistress Mathilda's flute students also performed. The young girl started the music of the evening off by playing a fast, lilting melody that had the nobles clapping by the second verse. Merlin chuckled when he saw dignified Sir Geoffrey tapping away on the table top with his fingers, not at all on the beat. Merlin thought that this song was not so different than the music played in Ealdor, although he was certainly not willing to say so to Arthur. Glancing over at the Prince, Merlin was happy that Arthur also seemed to be enjoying himself, while George standing behind him was his usual stone-faced self. Merlin had a momentary urge to start George dancing, but luckily he managed to control it. George never did know what to make of that sudden grin the Merlin flashed at him.

William was … perfect … but in the same way that a diamond or ice or, perhaps the floor in the Small Hall were perfect; pristine, pure, and cold, thought Merlin. Clearly, William had thought he was wonderful though, and managed to give Merlin such a look of smugness that it rivalled even George's best look of superiority.

And if William was perfect, the quartet was, well... not. But what they lacked in finesse the four smiling young women more than made up for in enthusiasm and in their sheer joy of playing. Merlin was not surprised that they managed to take home the loudest of that night's applause, his own amongst the most zealous.

It was still quite early after Merlin had been dismissed by Master Randall, and since the servant really did not feel like going back to his empty quarters just yet, he signaled to Arthur that he would be able to attend him later.

The look George gave him clearly showed what he thought of that idea, but the Prince's grin said differently.

"Merlin, you are certainly enthusiastic tonight," the Arthur said as he watched Merlin bounce around the room picking up the formal garments and boots that the Prince had shed in favour of his nightclothes almost as soon as he had entered the room.

"Well, I had a good time tonight. Master Randall didn't have me running about every ten seconds so I'm not nearly as exhausted as I am after serving you… milord," he added with a mischievous grin.

"Yes it was quite a nice evening. Was the girl who played the flute one of Master Randall's students? I would not mind watching her play again," said the Prince waggling his eyebrows.

"Arthur! She's working far too hard on her studies to be bothered with you, I'm sure," answered Merlin with a laugh. "And she is one of Mistress Mathilda's students, not the Master's. She does her voice lessons with the Mistress too, so I have not really seen her before. She was good though, wasn't she?"

"Yes she certainly was. And so was that quartet. I think Sir Leon may even be in love," said the Prince.

Merlin laughed at the thought of the usually serious knight being smitten. "But now, here's a question, Arthur. Did you actually listen to the music, or did you knights just spend your time ogling?" asked Merlin as he brought the Prince a cup of sweetened tea.

Arthur took a grateful sip of the warm drink and said, "It may surprise you to know it, but of course I listened. I have to say there was just something… fun about watching the ladies, although I was less impressed by the boy…William?"

Merlin grinned, "Maybe he was just not your type," he said, before turning to look at the fireplace, hands on his hips. He wondered if he should light the fire. It had been raining that day, and so was on the cool side for a summer night.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Seriously, Merlin. I could tell that he was a very good singer, perhaps even a better musician than the others, but there was just … something. I found him … boring. Or maybe it was just not my type of music he was singing."

"Maybe," answered Merlin, glancing back over at the Prince with a smile. "Most likely his voice was just too refined for your knightly ears." Turning back to the fire, Merlin knelt and set to lighting it, having noticed that Arthur had been clutching his teacup in both hands, as though trying to warm them.

The Prince smiled back at him, and Merlin chuckled when he realized that Arthur had not disagreed.

With Arthur settled in his nightclothes, and the fire burning, Merlin decided he had better return to his own chambers. He still had a batch of medicines to make before he would be able to head to his bed. So with a last goodbye, he took his leave.

The next day began with the usual routine. Master Randall said nothing to Merlin of the previous evening, not that Merlin expected him to. After all, what was there to say; the Master and his wife had required wine and the servant had poured it. In fact, Merlin did not even want to say anything lest the Master realize that he had not been very useful; the young servant dearly hoped that he would be asked to serve at another dinner.

That didn't stop him from almost having to bite his tongue when William strolled in for his singing lesson that morning, late, and preening like a peacock.

"Good morning Master Randall," said the young man, as though he was granting his teacher a favour by gracing the man with his presence.

Naturally the Master was not going to stand for it. "William, what do you mean by arriving at least a quarter of an hour after your lesson was supposed to start!" he said angrily. "I almost decided to teach Marvin in your stead, and I may well still do so unless you have a very good excuse."

William glanced over at Merlin with scorn, and the young servant quickly looked down and pretended to be writing. "I would like to watch that then, Sir," William said, "although I would be worried that his braying may so offend my artistic sensibilities that I may never be able to sing again."

Merlin's lips tightened in indignation and was about to retort, but William had not quite finished digging his own hole yet.

"Much like that quartet, Master Randall. I still don't understand why you even let them play. They mustn't have had more than two right notes in a row during their entire performance." Removing his cloak with a flourish, and placing it on one of the chairs, the young man made his way over to the music stand in front of his teacher, seemingly ready to start. "And as for why I was late," he explained to the incredulous Master, "well, my father and his friend were so taken with my singing that we were invited to the man's home after my performance. They asked me to sing again and naturally I could not refuse them, and then we were served some very fine wine from Gaul and so returned to our rooms quite late."

Merlin sat open-mouthed, not believing that William could be so stupid as to speak to the Master Musician of all of Camelot in such a condescending tone. But it seemed that even now, the young man had not noticed the growing rage of his Master. "And since you have insisted that my lessons be in the mornings, even though I expressly asked for afternoons or evenings, is it any wonder that I am late today of all days?" he had the nerve to ask.

Master Randall's face had been getting redder and redder all through William's little explanation. Merlin did not remember ever seeing the man so angry, and he had not yet even had the chance to speak. The musician was about to do so now though, and Merlin was glad he would not be at the receiving end. Not even pretending to work anymore, the servant put down his quill and got ready to watch the show.

"So boy," the Master spat. "Are you questioning my decisions then? And you have been teaching arrogant young students for exactly how long?"

William took a step back at the venom in the man's voice.

"And are you now such an expert on viol and lute that you are able to judge the quality of my students? Your own endeavors even at basic level of drum have fallen short of expectations, if I understand Mistress Mathilda correctly. Unless of course you also doubt her ability make such judgments?"

"No sir, not at all, that's not what I meant…" stammered the young student, but Master Randall held up his hand for silence.

"And as for your own performance, you have had how many with which to draw comparisons? Oh, that's right, it was your first!" continued the Master relentlessly. "In fact, I think an impartial witness to your own success may be in order. Forgive me if I do not concur with your father."

William had gone deathly pale by this point, and Merlin, struggling not to laugh, wondered if he should perhaps run to fetch a chamber pot, or maybe some smelling salts. He took a look over towards his cleaning bucket and thought for a moment that maybe a whiff of the window-cleaning liquid may work. Snorting in his amusement, the young servant almost missed Master Randall's next order.

"Marvin, come over here please," the Master called.

Merlin looked up wide-eyed at the musician, not knowing why he had been brought into the discussion. But when the Master nodded at him, the young servant slowly stood and went to stand beside the man. "You heard William sing last night, and now I wish to hear your thoughts on what you have heard," Master Randall ordered.

Merlin gulped while William looked on in horror. "My thoughts?" Merlin asked, "But why? I'm not a noble…"

"That's precisely why, boy," the Master explained, "You may have noticed things that I have not considered before, and I certainly doubt that William here has either. It would be remiss of us not to take advantage of a new point of view when we have one so readily at our disposal. Would you not agree, William?" he asked the gaping young man.

When William was slow to respond, the Master asked again, "William, I am waiting. Do you agree?"

"Ye-es, of course," came the strangled answer at last.

Merlin thought that perhaps the need for the chamber pot was getting more urgent, but since Master Randall really appeared to want his answer, he ignored William and considered his words for a moment before simply saying, "I don't think I would want to sing with him."

"And why is that?" asked the Master, as William's look of fear became one of confusion.

"There is no question that he is very good," said Merlin, "but I think it would feel too much like a competition. That's fine for jousting but I don't think it's what people want when they are watching a performance. They want harmony and not combat. Watching him sing with his accompanists, it was like he was trying to overpower them."

Master Randall nodded, "Anything else, Marvin?" he asked, as William now looked offended.

"Well, it was easy to tell which songs he liked and which he didn't," Merlin said, pausing for a minute before blurting out, "Also…, when he was singing the ballad he was frowning. I mean… it's a love song!" When Master Randall's mouth began to quirk up, the servant added quietly, "Just… I would have expected a smile or something, not…that."

"And?" prompted the musician.

"And…well… then, when he sang that last song … I mean I know it was meant to be a challenge for him, but he didn't seem involved at all. It looked…like he was reciting a list of armory supplies during a council meeting or something. No emotion at all!" Merlin passionately.

Looking over towards the glowering William and then back at a grinning Master, the now embarrassed young servant said, "Sorry sir. It's just that I liked that song so I guess I expected…more or something?"

"Anything else?" asked Master Randall.

"No, that's it," answered Merlin.

"Very well, you may return to your chores," the Master said, dismissing Merlin with a gesture. Merlin didn't need to be told twice and practically ran to the table, pretending to immerse himself back in his transcription without daring to look up at the singing student.

"So William, many interesting points have been raised by our kitchen boy. What have you to say about it?"

"With all due respect to you, Sir, I think his opinion should stay in the kitchen," William dared to answer, though hesitantly.

"I mean, I don't see why you asked him," the student continued more confidently when Master Randall made no comment, "I know he has been in the classroom for most of our lessons, but really how would he understand what it takes to sing in front of the King?"

"You may be right," conceded the Master with a shrug, "But unfortunately for you, you are not, because everything Marvin has said is exactly what I would have told you myself."

Master Randall did not miss the smile that his statement had brought to the young servant's face as the boy worked away. But what the musician had said had been true, and he was quite impressed, though not entirely surprised that the young servant had both picked up on the key points, and had dared to express them to a noble. It was exactly as Master Randall had hoped.

"And bearing these things in mind, let us begin your lesson, shall we William?" Master Randall said sternly.

"So Merlin, you seem very thoughtful tonight," said Arthur as he watched his unusually quiet manservant pour a bath, "Although that seems almost a contradiction in terms."

Merlin turned and gave the Prince a quick smile, "Well, something happened today and I'm trying to figure out if I did the right thing," he answered.

"Oh? Well if nobody died, and no instruments have been broken, no limbs have been injured, and if the Master's classroom has finished in a cleaner state than it started, I would say you probably did. At least, I have not heard tell that Master Randall has been ranting about the castle demanding your replacement!" said Arthur.

"No, although he sure was ranting for a long while!" Merlin said, and at Arthur's raised eyebrows, the servant added, "No, not at me, at one of his students. William. You know, the one who sang at the dinner last night?"

"Ah, well what could you possibly have had to do with that, Merlin?" asked Arthur, curious now.

"Nothing really," said Merlin, going back to his pouring and his thinking, while leaving a confused and curious Prince in his wake.

Shaking his head, when Merlin did not seem about to elaborate, Arthur said, "So… what right or wrong thing, exactly, do you think you did or did not do?"

"Oh, right. Well, I gave my opinion about William's performance, and he was not very pleased. Maybe I should have just not said anything, after all he is a noble and I'm just a servant," said Merlin furrowing his brows.

Arthur stared at him for a few moments before saying, "And when has that ever stopped you before? You tell me things I don't want to hear on a daily, if not an hourly, basis! In fact, Merlin, it's one of the things I li…. I find the most annoying about you!"

Merlin turned and smiled at the Prince again, "Yes, but that's a bit different. I am your manservant, so I consider it my sacred duty to remind you when you are being a prat."

Arthur snorted, "And you apparently forget the first time we met! You were not my manservant then, and it most certainly did not stop you from telling me what you thought of me. " Seeing Merlin's ears begin to redden the Prince became serious. "Merlin, did you speak uninvited?"

"No, Master Randall actually called me over and specifically asked me to tell them what I thought," answered the young servant.

Nodding, Arthur said, "So, invited. Well that's actually different for you! But good! And did you say anything that was untrue, or did you say it disrespectfully?"

"No, of course not. When am I ever disrespectful to a noble?" Merlin asked, offended, and then at Arthur's raised eyebrows, he added a sheepish, "Unless they really deserve it."

Arthur smiled brightly, "Merlin, you did the right thing. Sometimes certain nobles need a little dose of the truth, and when it comes from somewhere they didn't expect, it drives home the message all that much harder. I suspect William will heed what you've said because, take my word for it, he surely will want to prove you wrong in your criticism. And I suspect that Master Randall asked you for that very same reason."

Merlin smiled back, "Thanks Arthur. That makes sense. You should have seen the look on William's face though. He thought he'd been sooo perfect! Yes, there is no way will he make those same mistakes again, especially not if I'm anywhere looking on!"

Arthur laughed at the image, and then, with Merlin's uncertainties satisfactorily resolved, the Prince slipped into his bath for a relaxing soak while Merlin carried on with his usual evening duties.