The harsh yell brought Merlin back to reality…as his brain cleared and eyes refocused to reveal an object blocking his way.
Merlin staggered and squinted his eyes. On second thought the object appeared to be breathing and moving.
Merlin blinked again and suddenly a very angry prince was standing in front of him. The said prince had his arms crossed; a frown on his face and his foot was tapping in annoyance.
Arthur's lips began moving, but it sounded as though he was under water. The words were heavy and muffled. Merlin began tilting his head and shaking to unblock his ears.
Nothing Happened.
So he began hitting the side of his head and jumping on one leg. Suddenly there was sound. "MERLIN, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING. YOU IDOIT." Arthur yelled "for god sake put some clothes on before you start jumping around like a headless chicken."
Merlin started and quickly looked down. His privates were all on display for anyone to see. He quickly covered them with his hands. Then he realised he has just been jumping around and was mortified. He started to splutter….
Arthur held up his hand. "Merlin let me finish. First I find you running around the castle in the early hours of the morning making a racket. Then I find you devoid of any clothing. Now in my presence you behave like an idiot without acknowledging me at all. You better have an explanation for this disturbing scene."
Merlin quickly blurted out with a smile "I sleep walk sire". Arthur looked unconvinced "you mean you were unaware of your actions?" Merlin grinned "yes sire, I have no idea what I'm doing. I've done it since I was little. One time…" Arthur nearly shouted "MERLIN, I do not care. As long as magic is not involved."
Arthur gave him a piercing glare to rival that of his fathers and sauntered off, not before turning around smirking "I suggest you invest in a good lock on your door before any of the castles inhabitants are as unfortunate as I am to witness such a disturbing event."
Merlin glared at the blond princes armour clad back "prat". Merlin quickly ran off down the corridors and the stairs towards his room.
He quickly got changed into his usual servant's attire and raced out of the room nearly colliding with Gaius. "Merlin my boy, why are you in such a hurry. Arthur has just called for you to attend his chambers." Merlin nodded in the old man's direction as he sped out the door.
To anyone who was watching Merlin did not take the stairs to the prince's chambers but made his way out the front door and into the courtyard.
Unfortunately for Merlin Arthur was at that moment watching out his window at the morning hustle and bustle in the courtyard. Needless to say he was very surprised to see the very familiar shape of his servant Merlin, but this time with clothes.
Arthur shook his head "well at least he understood the clothes part!" Arthur made ready and began to follow the footsteps of his servant.
Merlin pushed through the crowd of people at the morning markets, ducking ladders, swerving chickens and little children. At last he was out of the castle walls and onto the paths that led to the forest.
The presence of the dragon was growing stronger within him and he knew he was going to transform again soon.
He ran through the dark forest to a clearing where he gasped and fell to his knees. He clawed at his clothes, ripping his shirt open and yelling ferociously. He fell onto all fours and felt the transformation begin.
The pain was relentless.
Arthur ran from tree to tree in the forest trying to sneak up on whatever mischief his servant was up to. He came upon a clearing where something blue caught his eye. A ripped piece of blue cloth was lying on the forest floor, looking very out of place in the natural surroundings. Surely this was a piece of Merlin's clothing. He looked around finding more and more tatters of cloth.
Starting to get worried he called "Merlin. This is not funny. Whatever you are doing please stop it."
A terrifying roar answered back. Arthur tensed and drew his sword in defence mode. Suddenly a huge crashing was hear as trees were broken and torn down. Arthur became frightened as a huge blue dragon crashed out of the trees towards him snarling.
Arthur pointed his sword in the dragon's direction, calming himself and giving himself courage. "Beast! What have you done with my servant? You will pay for the slaughter of innocents! Upon my father's name I will slay you!"
The dragon stopped as if listening and sat down upon its hunches, cocking its head to one side almost like a dog. It folded its wings and almost knocked itself out with its own strength.
Arthur advanced "I do not fear you, beast!" The dragon shook itself and beared its teeth almost like it were smiling at him. Arthur frowned, he had the feeling the dragon could understand him. "If u can understand me, you know it is unacceptable to prey upon innocents in my father's land."
The dragon blew smoke from its nostrils and dipped its head. Arthur was even more worried, he was used to slaying beasts with no mind of their own, only with the intent to mindlessly kill. "I'm sorry but the law against magical creature's calls for your death."
The dragon lay down, resting its head on its front legs and closed its eyes. Arthur edged towards the dragons neck and raised the sword.