"Antics and Encounters" (Rose)
I cannot get over how hard Merlin makes me laugh as he tries to say, "Follow me," with a roll stuck in his mouth. He's such a joy, and a bit of a dunderhead. I love that about him- the fact he can be himself and not worry about coming across as just plain silly. That's who he is. He is silly, and simple, yet serious and complex. He is a mystery and yet, he is the most open person I know. I do not feel that there are any barriers between us.
In the current moment, I also cannot grasp how all of this is going through my head as my sides are cramping from running and laughter. I can hardly breathe! I am at a huge disadvantage to keep up with Merlin as he charges up the stairs and around the corner to Arthur's chambers because he has those lanky, long legs. I am swift, yes, and quite light on my feet; but this is no forest I am traveling through, this is a palace.
Being made of cold, smooth stones also makes the ground beneath us slippery. Once past the stairs, I quickly catch up to Merlin, only to have him attempt to slide to a stop to not to smash into Arthur. This doesn't turn out given the fact that I noticed this a split second too late. I crash into Merlin, sending both of us flopping onto our very own dear Prince.
"Typical" (Merlin)
Isn't this just my luck? I feel Rose hurriedly push herself off of me, and I rapidly follow suit. I pull back to find a horrified look on Arthur's face. His bulging eyes do it for me, and I burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. I hear a girlish giggle from behind me join my guffaw in its chorus and they just gradually get louder while Arthur sits there on the floor completely dumbfounded.
"Merlin! You idiot!" his eyes shoot fiery darts at me, "Don't just stand there chortling like a bubbling fool! Help. Me. UP!"
"Yes, Sire," I swallow my laughter and lend him a hand, hoisting him onto his feet, and then proceeding to brush off his clothing.
I purposely make a fuss out of this job, and he's had it with me. He swats repeatedly at my hands, "That's enough!"
"My lord, I do so apologize for my clumsiness," Rose speaks out in a surprisingly calm manner. I know she found this whole ordeal equally as funny as I did. "Please, do not blame Merlin for my foolishness. I wasn't paying close enough attention to what was in front of me."
Arthur coolly pushes past me, making sure to knock into my right shoulder as he does. "That's quite alright, milady. We all make mistakes," he attempts to put on the charm, even after making a spectacle out of himself through his unkempt temper.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she curtseys as he takes her hand and kisses it. I see her blush slightly, and I can't help but wonder if this is out of embarrassment, or if she is uncomfortable with such gestures, or if it is something more ... Now, a question fills my mind that strikes me to the core with fear, regret, and mad jealously ... Does she have feelings for Arthur?
I shake my head at the notion, believing that it may be true. Arthur is the handsome and brave prince, after all. What am I? A lowly serving boy ... "Typical," I mutter under my breath.
"What was that, Merlin?" Arthur turns to me, sharply.
"Nothing. It was nothing," I blurt, and then try to look like my normal, carefree self. At this, Rose eyes me with a gentle suspicion. She wasn't convinced by my facade. I offer her a weak smile, which she returns almost immediately, but I can tell, this isn't going to simply blow over. I will certainly get a few questions from her later.