A/N: Just a little bridge chapter, hopefully the next will be up today though I'm feeling a bit un-motivated.
Also, there was a quick chapter of Passing the Time falling at the end of the last chapter, if anyone's interested.
Re-edited Patient Zero the other day, just 'cuz I could, so if you ever feel like (re-)reading it... it's new and improved.
Nothing anyone's likely to notice on a second go-through, but I feel better about it now.
It's amazing how much one's writing style can change in just a few months of regular practice.
Merlin rolled out of his bed at first light, feeling rested and at full strength for the first time in weeks.
At least something good's come of this little diversion...
Looking over to where Arthur was still curled up in bed, he snorted at the sight of the prince snoring with one of his blankets pressed into service as a head-rest.
Throwing the man's pillow back at him, he pulled the curtains open as if they were back in Camelot.
"Rise and shine, Sire! Time to face our deaths once more!"
If the blond had been more conscious he would have been utterly disgusted at the cheer in those words.
Instead he just cuddled with his makeshift pillow, grunting "go 'way Merlin".
A light knock sounded at the door and the warlock grinned.
"More breakfast for me then!"
He let the servant in and helped with the trays of food before thanking and dismissing the boy.
"Would you look at this- bacon!"
Merlin exclaimed with exaggerated wonder, relishing the thick rasher of meat as his fingers picked through the fruit and cheese that had also been brought.
If the servant hadn't known better he'd have thought his master teleported to the table, the man appeared so quickly.
"Mmmph. Why do I not get breakfasts like this at home, Merlin?"
The royal's voice was muffled as he spoke around the food he was cramming into his mouth.
"I see you've gotten your appetite back, Sire."
Was the cheeky response.
Arthur looked up at him, eyes narrowed.
"Are you-"
"Yes, I'm calling you fat."
"Merlin..."
"Better keep eating, we'll have to leave soon."
The blond wanted to argue, if only to be contrary, perhaps pointing out that Merlin had called him fat and then immediately urged him to eat more; but ultimately decided that getting more food in his stomach took priority.
He was standing in his chain mail, Merlin chanting over it until it gleamed a faint gold, when Ardale arrived to escort them.
"Ready for another day?"
He asked, his smile conflicted.
"Oh, Arthur was born ready."
The warlock couldn't resist the jibe- not that he tried.
Having become used to their relationship, the young noble mostly ignored the remark and the prince's glare.
"Then we'd better get going."
There were noticeably fewer pairs milling about the common room this time and Merlin suspected that several participants had been unable to survive the previous round's poisons. He frowned in regret.
He had wasted several moments the previous day brooding over how he could have helped the other contestants and had come up empty-handed (aside from blowing the whole arena apart and staging a massive break-out).
That didn't keep him from feeling bad about the situation.
In a strange fit of understanding, Arthur discerned his mood and the reason for it- placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.
Merlin nodded in thanks, quirking a small smile before turning his attention to the blue-robed man now speaking to them.
Are the officials color-coded as well?
The aged man explained that the next round would have two parts: first, an obstacle course that would determine the order in which pairs faced the second round- scouring a mysterious old ruin for some hidden object.
As per usual, Merlin assumed there was more to it all than was presented.
"This event will continue until all pairs have either completed their tasks or perished- those finishing earlier will be obliged to remain in the arena dungeons until such time as the round ends."
Well that's hardly fair...
He was not looking forward to spending any amount of time in those cursed cells.
Little help for it now, however, as the gate was being opened and the contestants forced out into the arena.
The two stared up at the stands packed with the roaring audience- mostly nobles with their attendants.
"Well, let's not leave our adoring public waiting."
Arthur said, flashing Merlin a bright grin as they strode forward.