Thanks everyone for reviewing, and to Paralelsky for beta-ing and catching my mistakes! I love you all to bits :)
o}O{o
It was three hours before midnight when Morgana left the physician's chambers. The evening had been enjoyable for her and she decided that she had to visit more often. A content smile made her lips curve at the thought of Merlin and Mordred. But it adopted a sad edge when she remembered how cheerless the youngest boy was. Gaius had told her that her presence had made Merlin happier, but the boy had not looked it in the slightest. He had not grabbed her hand until before he had to go to bed, and trying to get him to smile had been difficult when it was usually fairly easy. She sighed, and could only hope the boy would cheer up tomorrow. She would know before breakfast when Mordred promised to bring him by.
Her smile disappeared when she remembered how Mordred was put in the stocks and left in the pouring rain. Mordred had been a bit put out when it was revealed that Morgana had told Gaius of the day's events but he could not stay unhappy with her it seemed. But Gaius wasn't the only person she planned on telling. She was now heading to Arthur's chambers to make the boy's treatment an issue.
From what Mordred had told her, it seemed like Arthur was on his best behaviour which in and of itself was a miracle, but Arthur's friends were his responsibility. By the time she reached the prince's door, she had worked herself into a fury so she took a breath to calm down before she knocked. Morgana endeavoured to remember that Arthur was innocent in all this. She reached a slender hand toward the wooden door and knocked firmly upon it.
Arthur's voice bid her to enter and when she did, he looked up to see who it was. "Morgana," Arthur greeted with mild surprise, "what are you doing here so late?" He put aside his sword and the oiled rag he was polishing it with, before standing up. It was a task Morgana knew that he did when he was bored and did not feel like training.
Her mouth shifted with the effort of containing her annoyance. She let the door shut behind her before answering. "Your friends are utter pigs," she spat.
Arthur looked alarmed before his face took on an angry cast. "Did they hurt you?"
Morgana felt her misplaced anger at Arthur cool in response to his concerned tone. "Not me," she replied calmly and glided further into the chambers. She removed a cushion that was on the seat she went to and placed it on the table before sitting down. "But two of them thought it was a good idea to put Mordred in the stocks during the storm."
Arthur blinked at her. "So I suppose the story of him getting lost in the forest was untrue."
"Of course, he was embarrassed about it. Your friends put him in the stocks for no reason at all."
The prince lost the tension from his shoulders and gave her a sidelong glance. "Now why would they do that? And which friends are these?"
Morgana's eyes narrowed and she placed her forearms on the table to better lean forward. "Brightmore and Whittard," she spat, "and they are most likely jealous of Mordred."
Arthur scoffed. "Leonard and Alan? They wouldn't dare trifle with anything of mine." When he noticed that his words did the opposite of appeasing Morgana he hurried to interrupt her. "Why would they be jealous of a servant anyway?"
The lady's gaze turned condescending. "You've been spending less time with them, haven't you noticed? And you bring Mordred everywhere with you."
"I don't tell him to," Arthur said in a defensive manner in response to her tone, "he follows me even when I don't need him."
Morgana lifted her chin imperiously. "The fact remains that two grown men decided to bully a boy who is half their size. You need to deal with them."
Arthur only stared at her as if trying to work out a puzzle. "Why does it concern you so much?"
Morgana fell quiet and leant back in the chair. "There's just... something about those boys. Mordred and Merlin, they- I've never felt so connected with anyone before."
Arthur smiled warmly at her. "You've a kind heart, Morgana."
But the smirk she suddenly gave him was wicked. "But I know how to be unkind, especially to those I do not like."
Arthur sighed loudly at the reminder, knowing that the king's ward would never let it go. "I'll deal with them," he stated impatiently.
"Good," she said brightly and then stood up. "I expect I shall see you tomorrow."
"Not if I can help it," Arthur told her but grinned to let her know that he was joking. She made a face at him and turned to leave. Just as she reached the door, Arthur called her back. "Oh, Morgana! Mordred mentioned that you were going to visit Gaius?"
"Yes, I just came from there," she replied.
"Well how was Merlin? He wasn't himself this morning."
Morgana sighed sadly. "Not much better, I'm afraid. Perhaps by tomorrow." Arthur nodded and hid his disappointment. Morgana noticed it however. "It is you who has the kind heart, you know."
The prince's face reddened and he looked away from Morgana as she opened the door. "And Arthur," Morgana simpered sweetly, "if your little friends cause trouble again, I will deal with them myself." She flashed a stunning smile at him before sweeping from the room.
Arthur was left nonplussed. Only Morgana was able to compliment him and then threaten him right after. He sighed and wondered if he should just not loose Morgana on the lords anyway- all they had been doing the last few times he saw them was testing his patience anyway. But Arthur would remind them that he was the prince anyway and to disrespect his servant and subject was to disrespect him. Not that they would see it that way but they would take his meaning.
The prince placed his sword back on the rack and thought that all three of them would likely steer clear of him afterwards. He was unsurprised that he did not care if they did, for the term friends defined them very loosely. As Arthur flopped onto his bed he supposed that he was well shot of them. The prince yawned and fell into a pleasant field of dreams.
o}O{o
It was a brilliant day outside the window. The sky was a clear blue, with puffy white clouds littered across its expanse, and the golden sun was out in all its glory. But Merlin had no desire to venture outside. The young boy sat at the prince's table, idly moving his toy around on the wood while both Mordred and Arthur attended to their duties. Merlin's brother was cleaning up around the prince's chambers with an uninterested look to his face while Arthur was rifling through the small stack of papers in front of him, equally as bored.
Merlin sensed Arthur's gaze again and he looked up to find the prince studying him. Usually when Merlin met someone's eye he would look away, but with the prince he did not. Arthur hesitated and smiled, putting down the paper in his hand. "Not interested in your toy, Merlin?" he asked.
Merlin glanced at his wooden knight and shook his head before setting it down. He looked around for Mordred who had stopped in his cleaning to look at them. His large blue eyes turned sad for some reason Merlin did not know so the boy slid off his chair to go give him a hug. Merlin tilted his neck up as he wrapped his arms around Mordred's waist and was rewarded with a smile. The older boy crouched down and ruffled Merlin's unruly hair.
"Do you want to go outside, Merlin?" Mordred asked him.
Merlin shook his head and leaned forward so his head was resting on Mordred's chest. He did not see the glance exchanged between Mordred and Arthur, a particular glance that was becoming familiar with them. "Well, do you want to go visit Gaius?" Mordred tried.
Merlin did not know what he wanted so he did not respond to the older boy as he tried to get him to answer. Well, Merlin knew that he wanted his mother but she was lost to him now. The thought caused him to huddle closer to his big brother figure and cling onto his teal cloak tighter.
"I've got it!" Arthur suddenly announced. Merlin paid no attention as Arthur smiled proudly at Mordred. "Go saddle two horses; it is a perfect day for a ride. We shall meet you down in the courtyard."
Merlin blinked at Arthur's suggestion and looked to a smiling Mordred. "Yes, Sire." He stood up and laid his hands on Merlin's small shoulders. "Stay with Prince Arthur, Merlin." After hesitating, Mordred spared a parting grin for Merlin and even one for Arthur before leaving for the stables.
Merlin watched the closed door for a moment before turning to Arthur with curious eyes. The prince was smiling at him and stood up, beckoning him over. Merlin dutifully obliged and grabbed Arthur's proffered hand. His own hand was swallowed within the prince's and he stuck close to Arthur's side as he walked them to the window.
The prince then picked him up and held Merlin so the boy was looking into the courtyard. Merlin looked at Arthur's face - it was one of his favourite faces - and rested his head under the prince's chin and his arms around Arthur's neck. The arm that Arthur wasn't using to support Merlin returned the hug.
"We'll go riding in the forest today," he reported and gazed at the distant ocean of trees. "You've never been on a proper ride have you?"
Merlin shook his head and looked to where Arthur was gazing. Suddenly he did not mind going outside. He hugged Arthur tighter to let him know that he approved.
"Only for a few hours though," Arthur went on, "we don't want to miss dinner, do we?"
Merlin shook his head. Gaius had said earlier that they would be having roast ham with capers, and he had never eaten roast ham with capers before. Arthur gave him a grin that was slightly smug and he carried Merlin to the door before setting him down. "Let's go then."
Arthur held the door open for the boy and then began leading the way to the courtyard with Merlin trailing after him. Arthur did not grab his hand, even though Merlin wanted him to. But he dared not reach for it. People were hailing the prince as they walked by and gave Merlin curious looks. Down by the corridor leading outside, they went past a knight and Merlin could feel the hostile gaze on his back that scared him and made him hunch his shoulders. He made to shuffle closer to Arthur but when he looked up; Arthur had his prince face on so Merlin faltered. He knew that Prince Arthur had less time for Merlin than Arthur did. Arthur glanced down at him and blinked and at once looked worried. But then he offered Merlin a smile and his hand. The child gaped a moment before hurriedly grasping Arthur's fingers. Warmth spread through Merlin's chest and he could not resist smiling at Arthur when the prince did not let go of his hand.
Arthur looked slightly embarrassed but continued on to the courtyard like nothing was out of place. They courted incredulous glances and a fair few giggles from the ladies but both of them ignored it. Or Arthur tried to at least. When they arrived in the courtyard the sun was warming the stones at their feet and rebounding brightly off of them. Merlin breathed in the pleasant day and searched for Mordred but found three of Arthur's friends instead. They were lounging at the base of the steps and stopped their chattering when Arthur led Merlin down. Alan, Leonard, and Raymond stared at them and did not bother hiding their disgust when they looked at Merlin. His old friends were looking on with distaste as Arthur went by them but the prince paid them as much attention as he gave the soft breeze. He just squeezed Merlin's hand tighter. The child clinging to Arthur's hand tried to peer past him but the prince walked on and left Merlin wondering what had happened between the four.
It was then that Mordred came into view slowly leading two horses. Arthur's mount, Hengroen kept swishing his tail in annoyance while tossing his head occasionally, making it difficult for Mordred to keep a hold of him. Arthur laughed and waited until the boy was closer so he could relieve him of the ill tempered horse. Hengroen was instantly calmer when Arthur took his reins and Mordred sent the light bay stallion a sullen look. The servant patted the other horse's head and stepped closer to it.
"You're lucky he didn't bite your fingers," Arthur smirked, "he did that to Morris all the time." The prince patted Hengroen's nose before climbing up. Merlin looked up at Arthur and smiled when the chestnut stallion bent his head to look down at him.
Arthur then reached out his hand for Merlin to take. "Hold on tight," Arthur warned. Merlin grinned and hopped excitedly before standing on his toes to reach for Arthur's hand. The prince grabbed his arm and then hauled him upward easily. "Up you go," he proclaimed and sat Merlin in front of him in the saddle.
The child grinned and waved at Mordred who let out a relieved breath. The servant smiled wryly at Merlin before going to his own mount and climbing up. Mordred tottered when he swung his leg over the saddle but he sat himself successfully. He turned a proud smile toward Arthur.
"Congratulations," Arthur said sarcastically, "but now let's see how well you can ride." He gave Hengroen a light kick and the stallion started ambling forward.
Mordred kicked his own mare and followed Arthur slowly. "I can ride," Mordred huffed and tried to appear at ease and even smiled when Merlin peered around Arthur. The prince kept one hand on Merlin's arm to secure him and another on the reins, managing to direct his horse easily.
Merlin sat atop the horse happily, greatly enjoying the view as the horse carried them forward and past the gates. He even forgot about his earlier sadness. They soon left the city behind and neared the thick wall of trees. Mordred scrounged up the confidence to ride faster and was now keeping pace beside Arthur. The prince cast an amused glance at the white knuckle grip Mordred had on his reins.
"Where are we going, Sire?" Mordred wondered as they proceeded into the forest, several yards from the main trail. He fell in behind Arthur as the prince led them on a smaller path.
"Just a game trail," Arthur answered, "there won't be any travelers. And I know a spot where we can rest the horses."
Mordred nodded and they fell into silence. The only noise was contributed by the horses who were snorting back in forth. Merlin imagined that they were having a conversation and made up the words in his head. Mordred's horse was now offended at the rather rude comment from Hengroen and was keeping her silence. Merlin then patted the stallion's neck to offer comfort.
Arthur smiled down at him. "Did you want to try the reins, Merlin?"
The boy's eyebrows shot up and he gazed at Arthur with incredulity. Behind them Mordred straightened in the saddle and frowned at Arthur's back. "Go on, I won't let you fall."
"Sire, I don't think that's a good idea," Mordred called but was ignored.
Merlin smiled shyly and then gingerly grabbed the offered reins. Arthur then launched into an explanation on how to ride and Mordred listened in too. Merlin listened raptly and delighted in steering the horse. They could not go far since the trail was narrow and the child laughed when they approached a bend in the trail.
"That's it," Arthur said proudly, "just pull this arm back. Just a little more." Arthur's hand hovered over Merlin's skinny right arm and pulled gently at his navy cloak. The boy was too gentle with the reins so Arthur used his legs to steer the horse along the trail.
"Very good, Merlin!" Mordred called from behind.
Merlin flashed him a grin and accidentally pulled on the reins but to no effect. Hengroen followed the direction of his master's legs and not Merlin's novice hold on the reins.
"We'll turn you into a rider yet," Arthur told Merlin to the boy's delight. Merlin commanded the reins for a bit longer before giving them up to Arthur and happily settling in the saddle to enjoy the ride. An hour into their excursion Merlin was hopelessly lost but not worrying at all about it- he was riding a horse with Mordred and Arthur so the day could not get any better in his opinion unless Gaius, Morgana, and Gwen joined them. The prince and Mordred were even getting along, and hadn't disagreed on anything since breakfast.
Merlin leant half an ear to their conversation which was somehow on the subject of knights, as happened so often with Mordred. But Merlin did not care about the duties of a knight. Only when Arthur's tone changed did Merlin take his attention away from the squirrel sitting on the tree branch to the two.
"I've been thinking," Arthur mused slowly, "since you seem to be so interested, you can learn the ways of the sword-"
"-really?" Mordred breathed.
"Don't act like you haven't been hinting towards it," Arthur drawled. "Besides it will make for more interesting training sessions."
"Thank you, Sire!" Mordred said exuberantly.
Arthur pulled his horse to a stop and Merlin looked to see his eyes turn serious. The prince turned Hengroen to block Mordred's path and force him to stop as well. "It isn't a game, Mordred. While there have been no reports of bandits I will be going on patrols when there are and I will not have my servant unprepared. A young boy will present an easy target so you need to be able to defend yourself. At least until myself or a knight can protect you." Mordred nodded fervently but could not clear the smile from his face. "But all in good time." Arthur said lightly and turned his horse back around.
Merlin could practically hear Mordred buzzing with excitement. "Thank you, Sire, I won't forget this!"
"I should hope not," Arthur called back. "Especially since you are going to need all the help you can get." Merlin blinked up at Arthur and grinned when the prince winked at him.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Mordred grumbled at once.
Arthur let himself grin since his servant could not see his face. "Well look at you, all I'd need to do is wave my sword and the wind will knock you down."
Mordred made an offended noise and did not even notice Merlin when the boy stole a glance at him. His face was starting to flush red. "That's impossible!"
"I don't know..." Arthur considered.
Merlin listened with amusement as Arthur teased Mordred, making the boy so flustered he was no longer responding to Arthur's jibes. His silence did not last long but his comments only served to make Arthur laugh and not angry as Mordred intended.
Merlin began nodding off and eventually fell asleep against the prince.
o}O{o
There, that's the last of that. Now we can move on to the next episode! Stay tuned and thank you for taking the time to read. Reviews let me know if you guys like the story so please drop a line!
Tootles :)