A/N Thank you to those of you who have favourited or followed this story, as well as reviewed it. Don't get to used to regular updates, I was bored, figured I should write another chapter. Might make the chapters a bit longer, they're quite short.
Red silently watched as blue moved through the streets of Camelot, silently their capes flowing, coiling and dancing in the breeze. This would be a momentous occasion for both kingdoms.
For many years before the purge, Deaestidria and Camelot had been on the best of terms, but the young King of Camelot wasn't to know this. What he also didn't know was that his father had been friends with the twin princes of Deaestidria at the time, laughter often echoing of the walls of Camelot, or in the great halls of Deaestidria. It had been many years since there had been this kind of laughter in Camelot, or any at all since Arthur's mother had died.
There were eight people in the Deaestidrian party. The crown prince, Balinor and his niece, the crown princess Rayna, five knights and of course, the royal scribe master were among the party.
Merlin stood observing the newly arrived, standing just a step and a half behind Arthur, his interest piqued by the sudden rush of magic he could feel coming off of them. This could get interesting, Merlin thought, a slight smirk appearing on his face, breaking through his mask of the perfect servant.
It was because of these thoughts that he completely forgot that as the King's manservant it was his duty to attend and show the visiting nobles to their rooms, and when Arthur motioned him forward, tripped and stumbled, falling face first at the feet of none other than Prince Balinor Ambrosius, first of his name, Bringer of Light, Son of the Earth and Sky, Cardinal of the West, Commander of the Watchers, Knight of the kingdom of Deaestidria.
Merlin stared at the riding boots that were now in front of him, slowly making his way to his feet, head bowed.
"Well if I knew your people would trip over themselves in excitement to greet us, I would have suggested this treaty a long time ago, your majesty."
Arthur guffawed, happy that Balinor would not be one of those nobles.
"Yes, Merlin is one of our more clumsy servants I'm afraid, do accept my sincerest apologies, your highness."
Balinor smiled, his eyes crinkling as he did so, "There is no need for an apology, your majesty, as there has been no harm, except for perhaps a couple of bruises on Merlin."
The two royals shook hands, both approving of each other, a firm and steady friendship already beginning to form.
"Well, as I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, this is my manservant Merlin, and will kindly show you to your rooms. If you need anything at all during your stay, do not hesitate to ask him."
"Thank you for your kindness King Arthur, I am looking forward to working with on this treaty with you."
And with that, the ceremony was over, for that was all it was, a formality, a tradition that had and would last throughout the years.
"And this would be your room, your highness."
Merlin bowed to the prince and stepped aside, allowing the man entrance to what would be his quarters in the following weeks.
"Thank you, Merlin. I do hope that you are alright though, sometimes even a small tumble can end up with vast consequences."
Merlin's face flushed, this was the first time anybody, royal or noble (apart from the knights of the round table, and Gwen, ok and sometimes Arthur) had ever shown him any concern.
"I am quite all right, your highness, nothing that I haven't accidentally done to myself before."
Balinor laughed, a deep throaty laugh, it was the type of laugh that brought warmth and comfort to the souls of those surrounding them. The type of laugh that rolled over people in waves and gave them massive hugs.
"Well, I hope I will be seeing you around, Merlin. I don't think I have met anyone quite like you."
With a smile a nod of his head, Balinor swept into his room, leaving one very stunned manservant in his wake.