Anthi35: I'm sorry, Anthi!
MerlinMorgana1579: Hehe, yeah.
Mersan123: And many thanks for reading. :)
MeMe: Guess you'll find out...
Britt30: Here 'tis!
Causa: Oh my goodness - there aren't enough, are there? Well, here's the last chapter to this one... :)
Sparky199: Here you are...
Merlin huffed out an annoyed breath, his expression one of annoyance - at least, if anyone could actually see it around the armor piled in his arms. He followed Arthur's voice, praying there weren't any stairs in his path. It had been two weeks - two weeks of calm. (Or at least, his-normal-life-calm.) Although, the knights, and Arthur himself had begun to wonder why Merlin and Mordred started getting drinks together at the tavern - talking whenever they weren't working, or in Mordred's case training.
They were altering what everyone had said was set in stone - destiny. Merlin was sure now, Mordred wouldn't kill Arthur, at least not of his own accord. So they discussed possible other options, and tried various spells that could block mind control, among other things.
"Merlin, keep up! Just because you had a close call recently doesn't mean you get to slack." Arthur commented. He strode forward, glancing over his shoulder. "Where's Mordred, he was supposed to meet me for training? I figure you would know..." Arthur huffed.
Merlin's lips drew back over his teeth in more of a grimace then anything - he tried to peer around the armor. "I don't know, he's your knight." His expression turned into one of amusement and he grinned, then repositioned the heavy metal in his arms, flinching at the loud clanging.
Arthur nodded. "That's true-but you see him more than I do." Arthur continued on, oblivious to his manservant's struggles.
"Maybe he likes me better than you." Merlin grumbled.
Arthur snorted. "I doubt it."
"Well I supposed it would be difficult for you to actually -" Whatever insult Merlin tried to retort was cut off when he toppled on the ground in a mess of armor, boney arms and long legs.
Arthur paused and turned around. He crossed his arms and looked down expectantly. "Whenever you're through, meet me at the training grounds, Merlin." The young king turned and headed off. The sound of his boots echoed through the hall as he left.
Moments later, Mordred came around the opposite corner. "Merlin? Do you need help?" His eyes scanned the scene before him.
Merlin's frustrated sighs echoed through the hall. He looked up, short raven hair disheveled - and before he got a chance to speak, something hit his face and he ducked underneath the shining metal once more, grunting.
Mordred took that as a "yes" and moved forward. He scooped up several of the metal objects, and looked at Merlin. "Was Arthur angry I was late? I had to pull Gwaine out of the kitchen..." Mordred stated.
"I wouldn't say..." Merlin paused as he grunted, "Angry," he paused again, trying to stand up, "I've seen him, *Angry*. But, he did ask where..." He hoisted several pieces of armor up, "You were."
Mordred held a hand out to Merlin. "Oh, all right... I'll blame it on Gwaine then."
Merlin laughed and took the outstretched hand, helping himself up.
"Where do you suppose the Jester went?" Mordred asked.
"Somewhere outside of Camelot. Perhaps a village in Odin's lands - no one would look there." Merlin shook his head, even as he began walking once more.
Mordred nodded. It seemed likely. "We should go-before Arthur actually gets *angry.*"
Merlin grinned in agreement - he was already moving.
Mordred walked beside him as they headed through the long halls. "Destiny" wasn't something that mortals could cause to be one way or another. Friendships could be made, and what could have ended in tragedy could be completely avoided... if a person would simply take the time to be kind-even if that kindness wasn't deserved.
A/N: We have come to the conclusion! Thank you all for sticking with VanillaJ and me. :) Merci, gramercy, spacibo, danke - God bless!
