A/N - And we're back with the humour! As we never see Merlin in the ceremonial outfit for feasts after the poisoning incident (series 1, episode 4 - 'The Poisoned Chalice'), and Arthur (especially series 1 Arthur) doesn't seem likely to let Merlin off being humiliated for no reason...I came up with a reason.
As always, I hope you enjoy it, and please let me know what you think!
-JKelly
Frivolous:
adj. - not having any serious purpose or value.
"But Arthur-"
"No buts, Merlin. It's traditional, and you're wearing it."
Merlin glared at the ceremonial outfit laid out on Arthur's bed, as though his gaze alone could cause it to burst into flames. A moment later, Merlin realised that with his magic, that was a very real possibility, so decided to glare at the much less flammable prince instead.
"I don't like that outfit Arthur. Remember what happened the last time I wore it?"
"Just don't drink any poison this time, Merlin, and you'll be fine."
"Ugh! It's just so...frivolous! I mean, the hat...has feathers in. Feathers. What's the point of the feathers?!"
"The point," said Arthur, picking up the offending hat and wielding it in what seemed to Merlin to be a very threatening way, "is that I'm the Prince, and you're my manservant. And if I have to show up to another one of these stupid feasts, then the least you can do is make it entertaining for me."
Merlin stood for a minute, in thought.
"What if I do you a deal?" He asked.
"What sort of a deal?" The arching of Arthur's eyebrow told Merlin that he was at least considering the proposition.
"If you don't make me wear this ridiculous outfit...I'll 'accidentally' spill some wine all over Lord Meredith. You know what he's like - by about halfway through these things he's so drunk he wouldn't notice if the sky turned green and an army of pixies attacked the citadel."
For a long moment, Arthur only stared at Merlin.
"If I don't make you wear this, you'll attack a valued member of the royal court with a jug of the King's wine?"
"...yes."
"...deal."