The Sum of His Roles
Knock Knock 7
Author's Note: Any recognizable dialogue is written by Julian Jones, Howard Overman, Ben Vanstone and taken direct from the episodes, 'The Dragon's Call" , and 'Valiant', with great help from Merlin wiki. No copyright infringement intended.
So, I had this idea that Merlin is rather a hard person to get to know and there are so many times through the series that he acts—or simply is—certain roles for Arthur and I wanted to delve into that. And this is pretty much just purely for my pleasure and being able to watch the show, again—for research, of course! Hopefully, it makes sense to everyone else, it was certainly fun to write. I do intend to go through the whole series but this is season one and it is complete (so if I never get around to the others, this one has an ending at least!)
A huge thank you to AntiKryptonite, again, for editing and reading and pushing me to post! You're incredible!
Feedback is most welcome and appreciated! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter One: Stranger
"Do I know you?" He was a gangly, pale looking youth that Arthur didn't believe he had ever laid eyes on. He was a stranger ("Merlin," he supplied with a hand outstretched) who did not know how to keep his opinions to himself. He'd learn soon enough.
Arthur deals with him as easily as he had suspected but not too harshly. A trip to the dungeons then (to teach the boy some manners), but not for too long (because the act had been foolish but heroic nonetheless).
So when the court physician comes begging leniency, Arthur grants freedom (at a cost, of course). The stranger (inexperienced and naïve but brave enough) means nothing to him. Arthur puts it out of his mind but that night he thanks his servant without realizing that he is doing anything different.
"I could take you apart with one blow," Arthur says, enjoying himself the next day, unable to pass up the chance to speak to the boy again.
"I could take you apart with less than that." A challenge. A threat. A death sentence if Arthur chose. (But what brave words spoken with a confidence that belies his appearance and in his eyes a strength not easily broken.)
Arthur deals with him once more (but not nearly as easily as before).
"Let him go," he orders. "He may be an idiot but he's a brave one." He could leave it at that but something about this young man intrigues him so he adds quietly, "There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Arthur walks away (he'll probably never figure him out).
Arthur believes him still. The court had laughed at him, believed him to be a coward. His father thought him a disappointment, a failure. And Arthur...what did he think of himself? A fool, is what he was. To trust in the word of a servant who knows nothing of anything (he's not even from Camelot, he knows nothing of their ways!). And Arthur had trusted his words and accused a Knight (of nobility, of honor, of purity) with no proof. No witness. Only the word of a servant (and not even a good and trusted one at that). Arthur is a fool...
Except... He still believes Merlin or at least he believes that Merlin thought his words were truth. This wasn't a trick or a trap; it was the truth. Arthur has no doubt of that (though why he should trust a stranger he doesn't know).
Arthur fires him, he throws him out, and still Merlin begs him not to fight (to withdraw), not to die. And Arthur doesn't know why he is trying so hard (just as Merlin is a stranger to him so is Arthur to Merlin) and he doesn't understand the sorrow in those eyes (the eyes of an old, old man). So he casts him aside again. Arthur may believe him (does believe him), but it changes nothing (can never change anything).
Arthur will fight and he will die (or maybe a miracle will come to pass and he will defeat both a magical shield and a mighty warrior and live). It's his duty. And whatever else Arthur is, he is a dutiful son.
