Sorry for the lack of updates! However, there is one word to explain it all: exams. Anyway, here's the first chapter of Emrys! No slash, as always, but as much bromance as I can get away with! Plus, if you want some Merlin/OC, check out the poll on my profile! Enjoy!

'Rise and Shine!'

Arthur groaned and pulled the covers over his head as Merlin threw open the curtains. Merlin paid him no attention as he began to gather up the clothes strewn all over the floor, dropping the breakfast tray noisily on the table.

'Merlin…'

Merlin ignored him, grabbing the covers and wrenching them off the bed, wrapping them into a ball in his arms.

'Merlin!'

'You should have got up, then,' came the cheeky replied. He ducked as a pillow went flying over his head, and Arthur finally sat up, rubbing his face with his hands.

'You know, I don't appreciate these unorthodox wake-up calls.'

'That's a big word, Arthur,' Merlin smirked. 'And if you responded to orthodox wake up calls, I wouldn't have to be unorthodox, would I?'

'Shut up, Merlin.'

He grinned as hr dropped the laundry into a basket and grabbed a shirt, tossing it to the King.

'Agravaine's called a Council Meeting. Said it was urgent.'

Arthur suppressed a groan. 'Another one? What could possibly have happened now?'

Merlin shrugged and turned away, trying to ignore the feeling of unease in the pit of his stomach. The last time Agravaine had tried something like this, Gaius had almost died and Morgana had almost found out his secret.

'Oi!' Merlin jumped as Arthur's jacket hit him. 'Are you just going to stand there looking gormless, or help me get ready?'

'You mean you still haven't learnt to dress yourself? The future of the Kingdom rests on a man that can't dress himself?'

'I can dress myself!'

'Then why do I need to help you get ready?'

'Because you're my servant, that's why!'

Merlin's only response was to role his eyes as he made his way over to the King. He was just helping Arthur with his jacket when someone knocked at the door.

'Come in!'

The door opened to reveal Gwen. She smiled as Arthur tried to wave Merlin away. The servant put on a fake confused expression. 'But, sire, I thought you needed help…'

He stopped when Arthur turned to look at him, his expression deadly. Merlin nodded, sharing a knowing glance with Gwen.

'Right; OK. I see… you want Gwen to help instead?'

He immediately ducked, and dived for the door as the King swiped at his head, grabbing the goblet that was on the table next to him.

As the door shut behind him, Merlin saw Gwen make her way over to Arthur's side, and wrap her arms around his neck. He smiled sadly to himself as he made his way down to the laundry room.

XxX

Merlin stood at the back of the hall behind Arthur's chair as the Council Members filed into the hall. As Agravaine took his seat at Arthur's right hand, Merlin grit his teeth together and shot the man a glare. The traitor, of course, took no notice.

'Thank you for coming, Sire.'

'You said it was urgent.'

Agravaine nodded. 'Indeed it is,' he paused for a moment, making sure all attention was on in him before he began to speak. 'Recently, I have heard rumours of Morgana's activities; it appeared that she was searching for something. I wanted to gather more information before presenting it to the Court; and I believe I know what she is after.'

Arthur sat forward, slightly. 'How bad is it?'

'Very bad, sire,' Agravaine sighed dramatically. 'Morgana is searching for a powerful sorcerer; a warlock by the name of Emrys. It is imperative that we find him first.'

Merlin visibly paled. Luckily, no one noticed. Emrys…

'And what do you suggest we do once we find him? Try and persuade him to join us instead?' Leon frowned, his gaze flicking between the King and his Uncle.

Agravaine scoffed. 'Of course not. How do you know he isn't already in league with Morgana? No, there is only one solution.'

'And what would that be?'

'Emrys must die.'

And there we end the first chapter! It's not as long as I would have liked, but hopefully it will get longer as the plot develops. There's going to be roughly 13 chapter's to this story, give or take. I'm not going to promise any specifics for updates, seeing as I'm awful at keeping those promises. I will say, the more reviews the sooner the updates (no bribery intended. Much.)

Thank you again to my darling beta's, Arthursmol and Hollyblue2! Any mistakes from here in are their fault.

TTFN

Valkyriexx