Thanks to those who reviewed. Here's the next one.
I don't own Merlin.
Here is the Light/Two
"…and Merlin? Be sure that you polish my armor well enough that I can see my face in it in the morning, got it?" Arthur called from his desk just as Merlin was getting ready to take his leave.
"Yes, sire." Merlin murmured as he exited, all the while hiding any signs of displeasure as he carefully rearranged the King's heavy bundle which held the blonde's armor in his arms. He didn't have time to be spending his evening polishing the King of all prats' armor! He only had six days until Lancelot would inform Arthur and leave Camelot for what could very well be the last time!
He needed to find a woman who'd be able to ensnare the most noble of knights and get him to love her enough that the mere thought of leaving her would set him off. She can't be too much like Gwen, though. Merlin thought with a small wince on behalf of his brunet friend. There's no way that he could look at her without being reminded of who he's lost. He nodded to himself as he began to descend the steps, making his way towards the armory. I won't be able to find her, though, if I don't hurry and complete the chores that Arthur has decided to grace me with today. The warlock thought sourly.
Merlin turned a couple of corners, and entered the armory, his brows shooting up as he paused at the spear racks. "Lancelot?" He blurted, surprise evident in his voice as his brilliant blue eyes blinked down at the kind knight who sat at one of the tables, diligently polishing his own armor.
The knight in question glanced up, his chocolate orbs warming at the sight of the hesitant young man. "Merlin." He grinned as his eyes slid down to the bundle that Merlin practically had to hug in order to hold up. "I see that the King has given you the task of polishing his armor tonight."
This is good. Merlin thought to himself as he made his way over to the seat across from the kind man. I can use this time to get the information needed for finding Lancelot a woman! He slid onto the bench and parked himself directly in front of the knight, carelessly dropping Arthur's armor onto the table. He ignored the brunet's amused stare at the action but found his lips curling despite himself as he untied the knot that held the bundle together.
Merlin didn't jump straight into a conversation as he so desperately wanted to. He spent about five minutes organizing which pieces of armor would be the first to be polished, and which were going to need a little more time spent on the job. As soon as the necessary things were in order, he lifted the thin rag and a small bucket of the polishing solution and picked up his first article, glancing up at Lancelot, who was still polishing the same piece that Merlin had walked in on him doing.
"So…" He started off a bit hesitantly. Although he knew the things that he needed to ask, he wasn't sure how to go about asking them. Lancelot's curious eyes flickered away from his armor to meet Merlin's desperate gaze, his usual charming smile coming to his lips at the warlock's obvious expense.
"You needn't walk on eggshells around me, Merlin. Go ahead and ask your questions."
Merlin's hand stilled on the cloth right before his chest was filled to the brim with warmth. This was why he wanted—no—needed Lancelot to remain in Camelot. The noble knight just always seemed to… to understand Merlin without much effort.
Merlin glanced back up at his friend and allowed a sheepish smile at being caught slide over his features before starting up on his task once more. "Ah… Well, I was wondering…"
"Go on." Lancelot urged politely.
"What kind of disposition do you find the best in another person?" Merlin bit out. Though the brunet had given him leave to ask anything, he knew better than to take advantage of it. Best keep it on a friendly level at this point in time.
"Hmm…" The knight tipped his head to the side thoughtfully, pausing in his ministrations. "Well, I can admire someone who works hard, someone who is loyal to their friends and family… Someone who is kind and above all, loving."
That description fits most of the citizens of Camelot. Merlin thought with a slight frown. He shook his head lightly to himself before pressing on. "Anything else?"
Lancelot released a small stream of chuckles as he carefully placed his shin guards on the table before picking up another article to polish. "I am a simple man, Merlin. It doesn't take much to please me."
How is it that he doesn't have a steady line of women trailing after him? The warlock thought with a sigh. His friend was a knight of the mightiest kingdom that this land has seen in centuries, the noblest of all knights. He was polite, humble, chivalrous, highly skilled with a sword, and it certainly didn't hurt that he was quite dashing in the looks department…
"Merlin?"
The slender male in question managed to pull himself from his thoughts, blinking in surprise when he found his companion was now standing and had all of his materials gathered in a small satchel.
Once Lancelot was sure that he had the warlock's attention, he sent him a small nod and smile. "Well, it's getting late. I'm going to bed. Now don't go getting lost in thought like before, or you'll surely be here the entire night."
Merlin had the grace to blush at the statement, ducking his head in embarrassment of getting caught in the act. "Good night, Lance."
Warm chocolate hues were dancing merrily as the brunet slowly backed towards the door. "Good night Merlin." The knight retreated, closing the door to the armory with a light clack.
Well now… Merlin thought, his back stiffening when he took in the sight of all that he had left to do before he could retire for the night. Looks like I've got my work cut out for me. He grimaced before picking up the breastplate and the cloth. I'll have to hurry if I'm to go to sleep on time and have enough energy to scour Camelot in the morning for potential women for Lancelot. He carefully rolled up his sleeves. And the King of all prats' armor will not keep me from finding the means of getting Lance to stay!
Two/End
Thanks for reading. Next chapter should be up in a week or so.
