A/N: Hey, people. Here's an actually serious one. :)
THANKS to the amazing smuffly for reviewing this! :D Hopefully you enjoy this.
This snip isn't for any particular episode, just general musings and character exploration.
Be the reason someone smiles today! :)
Arthur wears a cloak.
It's big, and flashy, an unmistakable symbol of Camelot's elite. It makes him conspicuous wherever he goes, and trips him when he isn't paying attention. It's satisfying the throw across the room after a row with his father, and is a comforting blanket when far from home. It is the perfect balance between propriety and practicality.
...
Merlin wears a neckerchief.
It's small, but eye-catching in a crowd, if you're looking for it. It's attracted plenty of (good natured) ridicule from Arthur and the knights, but Merlin is attached to it. It's not a common garment, after all, and surprisingly useful in the castle and out. He can bind wounds with it just as easily as insulating his hand against a hot poker. It's the perfect balance between fashion and functionality.
...
The garments are perfected suited to each man, each being almost of extension of their self. They are, too, incredibly similar despite dramatic differences. And yes, Arthur and Merlin will always tease each other about them, but that is their way, and it does not diminish Merlin's reverence towards Arthur's cloak, nor Arthur's quiet respect for Merlin's neckerchief. The garments are much like the men themselves, seemingly simple, seemingly different, but full of hidden layers and common purpose.