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Merlin

Percival set the bottle in motion safe in the knowledge that he was done in this particular game. Merlin and Lancelot were left to do dares, although the latter was truly trying to push the fact that he had helped Leon and therefore had already done a dare, while Leon and Gwaine were waiting for their truths.

The bottle stopped opposite Gwaine who was truly relishing this game and grinning broadly.

He considered the men before him before announcing, 'Leon. What would you like to know?'

Leon shook his head at Gwaine's demeanour. Only Gwaine would have such enthusiasm for this game.

'I'm going to ask the question that I'm pretty sure most of us would like to know the answer to,' Leon paused as he looked around the room.

'Go on,' Gwaine urged but he suspected that he knew what the question would be.

'What is the strangest place you have woken up in?' Leon was grinning broadly as everyone in the room, including Gwaine, burst out laughing.

It took a while for the laughter to die down before Gwaine spoke, 'Where do you want me to start?' he said exasperatedly which just started another few minutes of laughter.

'Well,' Gwaine was thinking of many of the scrapes he'd got himself into and there had been far more than he thought. 'There was this one time when I woke up in barn with no recollection of how I got there...or the woman who was asleep beside me. I swear I never met her but...she certainly knew me...' All the men were grinning broadly and trying to keep their laughter under control.

'What happened?' Merlin nudged Gwaine knowingly.

'Let's just say...her father wasn't too happy about it,' Gwaine actually looked rather embarrassed but everyone could sense that there was more to this story. 'I managed to grab my clothes and found my horse which was still saddled. I really don't remember riding to the farm but I must have done and I had to ride away...naked.'

Gwaine looked to the floor guiltily but with a rather large grin on his face while everyone else tried and failed to stop their laughter as they imagined a naked Gwaine bolting from the farm in disgrace.

'When was this?' Merlin laughed.

'Just after Uther banished me,' Gwaine replied. 'I wasn't in the best frame of mind then.'

'Did you ever find out who she was?' Percival asked as Gwaine shook his head in response.

'There was also the time I woke up in Jarl's castle,' Gwaine added. 'Of course Merlin and Arthur know about that too,' Gwaine teased.

'Don't remind me,' Merlin answered.

'But maybe the strangest place I've woken up was...,' the knights all looked at Gwaine eagerly, 'Merlin's bed,' he turned to Arthur's servant and raised his eyebrows.

'NOT LIKE THAT!' Merlin reached behind him and managed to find a cushion from one of Gwaine's chairs and threw it straight at the giggling knight while laughter rang throughout the room. Merlin did his best to look grumpy but his mouth was twitching as he tried to suppress his smile.

Once the laughter started to die down Lancelot looked mischievously at Merlin as he commented, 'I'm sure we've all woken up in Merlin's bed...for different reasons.'

'And he's never moaned when he had to sleep on the floor,' Leon lifted his mug in toast to Merlin and the other knight's followed suit.

'A true gentleman,' Elyan added while Gwaine gave Merlin a slap on the back and Merlin looked rather embarrassed.

'Indeed,' Percival addded.

Gwaine picked up the bottle and looked directly at Merlin and Lancelot who were side by side a looking a little uncomfortable. Arthur had become suspicious and their dares were now more likely to be caught.

'Well, if I keep regaling you with tales of all of my indiscretions we will be here all night,' Gwaine made to spin the bottle.

'Indiscretions. That's a big word Gwaine,' Lancelot grinned. 'I don't think you're drunk enough yet.'

Gwaine glared playfully at his friend, 'Oh Lancelot you have forgotten that you have not yet done your dare,' Gwaine raised his eyebrows and wore a devilish grin. Lancelot stared back, clearly amused.

The bottle started to spin and stopped opposite Percival who just smiled knowing that he was done. The next spin pointed to Leon but Leon was due a truth so Gwaine spun again. This time it landed on Merlin.

'Alright Gwaine,' Merlin sighed. 'What do you want me to do?'

The knight's devilish grin told Merlin that this was going to be a challenge.

'I want you to play a prank on Lord Agravaine,' Gwaine was clearly brimming with enthusiasm while Merlin ducked his head. Agravaine was Arthur's uncle and was rather uptight. 'My only rule is that he must get wet.'

'Agravaine hates being wet,' Elyan smiled.

'Remember how he moaned when he came with us to that village and there was light sprinkling of rain?' remarked Percival as he remembered Agravaine's discomfort.

'Not to mention that Agravaine looks down on all of us. As if we have no right to be knights,' Lancelot added as the knights nodded in agreement.

'He's not the only one,' Elyan grumbled as the others nodded in agreement. 'Even Leon gets it and he's been a knight the longest and he's noble.'

'I understand them to a point,' Leon said quietly as all eyes turned to the blonde knight. 'I'm not saying their right but before all of you,' he indicated the men before him with a flourish of his arms, 'I would have found it difficult to accept knights who weren't noble.'

'Why?' Percival asked curiously with no hint of the anger Leon was expecting.

'You have to understand that the first rule of being a knight, as Lancelot knows well,' Lancelot nodded as he remembered his failed attempt to be a knight, 'was that you had to be a noble. The idea was that nobles could trust each other because of their status.' At this point Leon rolled his eyes without realising it but everyone else noticed and smiles appeared on their faces.

'I was the third son so I was generally ignored and the only way I felt I could do anything to honour my family was to become a knight,' Leon continued. 'I thought I would at least be the equal of the other knights but status was important even there. Uther, as you all know, has always believed that titles and status are the most important thing and would always believe a nobleman over a common man, even if the commoner was telling the truth.'

'Don't I know that!' Gwaine exclaimed causing a ripple of laughter.

'Arthur has always been different and really sees people for who they are,' Leon looked earnestly at his friends who all nodded. 'I came to realise that nobility isn't a birth right but has to be earned. Most of those men that oppose you,' he gestured to them all, 'will never understand what you did. How you all fought when you didn't have to. It grates on them even more that Arthur stays close to all of you-'

'All of us,' Lancelot interrupted and Leon looked down slightly embarrassed.

'All of us,' Leon corrected. 'The fact that I spend more time with all of you makes me as much of a target for some.'

'Leon,' Gwaine called as the blonde knight looked to his friend, 'You know we love you right?' Leon blushed at Gwaine's comment and the cheers from the others that followed. Percival and Elyan rocked the blushing knight back and forth between them while Gwaine, Lancelot and Merlin laughed.

'I know they're wrong now but many will not change their minds,' Leon said once everyone had quietened down. 'Agravaine also believes that status is important which is why he targets us.'

'All the more reason for Merlin to give his comeuppance,' Gwaine grinned as the others all smiled to Merlin.

'Can I have that as my truth?' Leon asked hopefully.

'NO,' was the resounding response.

The next day the knight's had training with Arthur and this time all looked rather bright-eyed. Merlin, however, clearly had not slept very well. He had been racking his brain to try and think of a way to get at Agravaine but being Arthur's servant meant that he would have little time to accomplish this.

Arthur had all the knights training but as he often did he spent more time with those he considered to be his most loyal knights. Or as some had come to call them: The Favourites. Merlin was dutiful as ever when Agravaine made his appearance known.

'Arthur,' he called across the field.

'Uncle,' Arthur smiled back and took his uncle's hand. 'Why don't stay and watch my finest knights?' Arthur's tone made it clear that it wasn't really a suggestion.

Arthur was aware of his uncle's contempt for the men he trusted the most. The circumstances of their birth made no difference to Arthur as these men had followed him when he was sure many knights may not have. Agravaine also had a habit of dismissing Merlin and making comments that Arthur thought should only be directed at his servant by himself.

Agravaine was about to argue that he had other jobs to do but noticed Arthur's tone and nodded his agreement. For a while the two men watched the knights and the knights did their best to show how good they were. Agravaine couldn't help but be slightly impressed, not that he was willing to show it.

'Are you all set for the arrival of the nobles this afternoon for the solstice banquet in two days time?' Agravaine asked Arthur.

'I believe so,' Arthur responded. 'Look how Lancelot moves there and how Percival knows exactly when to use his strength. You can't teach that,' Arthur tried to change the subject when he felt a pull on his sleeve. 'What is it Merlin?' he asked quietly.

'I may have forgotten to get your clothes ready for the greeting,' Merlin whispered.

'What?! I told you last week!' Arthur whispered back but with clear anger and urgency trailing in his voice. 'Go and get it ready!'

Merlin gave a very short bow and ran off.

'Problems Arthur?' Agravaine asked knowing full well that something was amiss.

'No Uncle,' Arthur replied but his stiff posture told otherwise.

'You know, you could easily get a better servant,' Agravaine looked innocently. 'I know many young men of fine quality who would be honoured to serve their Crown Prince.'

'Merlin's fine,' Arthur moved away from his uncle to spar with Lancelot. Agravaine had before suggested that Arthur replace Merlin but with all his faults Arthur rather liked his servant.

Merlin smiled at his deception. Arthur's clothes were all ready and had been for days. Agravaine was outside watching the training and his quarters would be deserted. Merlin quickly acquired everything he needed and quietly made his way to Agravaine's rooms.

Merlin was almost finished but realised that training would soon be over so hurried to complete his task. He was aware that he wouldn't see his prank in action but would most likely see the effects of it. He smiled to himself as he prepared to put the last piece in place.

'Situla fuge!' he murmured as his eyes flashed gold and smiled as he left Agravaine's chambers.

Arthur was angry and was really letting the blows fly against Lancelot. Thankfully the knight had the skill to temper Arthur's attack and also realised that Arthur needed to get whatever it was out of his system. Arthur was annoyed at Merlin, annoyed at his uncle, annoyed at his father and right now he wanted to attack. Lancelot deflected and parried against Arthur's attacks with skill and grace and when he finally saw his chance he swiped Arthur's feet out from under him, sending the Prince crashing to the ground with a thud.

Arthur lay on the ground winded slightly and looked over to a smiling Lancelot who had knelt beside him.

'Feel better?' Lancelot asked as the other knights stood around looking amused. They all had their moments when they had to get anger and frustration out. Lancelot held out a hand Arthur took it and the darker haired man pulled the prince into a sitting position.

'Yes. Thank you,' Arthur looked gratefully at his friend.

'What's he done then?' Lancelot smiled.

'He's being Merlin,' Arthur responded as though it was a throw away comment but Lancelot saw him glance at his uncle. Lancelot moved to make it look as though he was wiping mud from Arthur's armour but made sure he was covering Arthur's face from Agravaine.

'The truth?' Lancelot whispered. Arthur huffed. His knights knew him too well.

'My uncle is questioning my decisions and while I appreciate his help, some matters really are not for him to talk about,' Arthur growled.

'Such as?'

'My choice of knights, my choice of servant, just stuff that I don't need or want advice on,' Arthur glanced up at Lancelot and could see the understanding. 'Sometimes I just wish that somebody...' Lancelot raised an eyebrow. 'That somebody would just teach him a lesson.' Arthur got up and announced the end of training and started to walk back to the castle.

'What's up with him?' Gwaine asked quietly as the other knights surrounded Lancelot.

'He wants someone to teach Agravaine a lesson.' The knights all smiled knowingly.

Arthur stomped back to the castle but felt his anger easing as he had manged to disperse most of it in his spar with, or rather his attack on, Lancelot.

'Merlin?' Arthur could see his servant approaching.

'It turns out I did most of it but needed to do the final preparations,' Merlin smiled while Arthur rolled his eyes.

'You alright?' Merlin looked slightly concerned.

'Fine,' Arthur sighed. 'Luckily for you, Lancelot bore the brunt of my bad mood.' Just then the knights entered, laughing and joking.

'Alright princess,' Gwaine grinned at Arthur. Arthur rolled his eyes while the others laughed.

'You can't address me like that,' Arthur responded but there was no heat in his words.

'Oh sorry,' Gwaine did his best over the top apologetic face. 'Are you ok, princess?' and he bowed causing everyone to laugh, including Arthur.

Agravaine joined them and was rather unhappy at Gwaine's treatment of the prince. He also knew that Arthur trusted these men beyond compare which made it worse.

'I'm glad I caught up with you all,' Agravaine announced in his most cheerful voice. 'I was wondering if you would come with me so we can have a talk.'

'About what exactly?' Elyan asked suspiciously.

'I barely know you all and I realise I have been remiss,' Agravaine was trying his best to smile. 'I think it would be better if I got to know you all better.'

A suspicious look passed around the knights but they all nodded and followed Agravaine.

Merlin looked to Arthur and could see the prince was worried but Merlin suddenly realised that his prank would be seen by all of them!

'Now I'm officially worried,' Arthur stated.

'Yep,' Merlin agreed and both men made eye-contact and silently decided to follow quietly behind.

'What do you really want to talk about my lord?' Leon asked as he stopped just outside Agravaine's room.

'Let's talk inside,' Agrvaine moved to push open the door but Gwaine cut him off.

'No, let's talk here,' he said with his arms folded across his chest. Arthur and Merlin were as close as they could manage without revealing themselves.

'It has come to my attention that some of you may not be acting in the required manner for Knights of Camelot,' he said rather pompously. 'There are many who do not believe that you should hold this station. Arthur may believe it and at the moment the decision lies with him but none of you have endeared yourselves to those who are opposed to commoners being knights.'

'So...?' Percival spoke staring harshly and Agravaine looked slightly scared of the big man.

'I merely wish to give you pointers about the best way to get these...critics onside,' Agravaine was doing his best to keep the contempt out of his voice. The knights were clearly not impressed and from Arthur's bristling next to him Merlin knew neither was the prince.

Agravaine pushed open the door and the bucket spilled its contents all over the man and narrowly missed hitting him on the head. In his confusion Agravaine stepped into his room and instantly slipped on the honey covered floor and slid on his back straight into the table and chairs resounding in a loud clatter.

For a moment there was only silence but the knights could not contain themselves as they burst into laughter at the sopping wet man who was trying to disentangle himself from the table and chairs. Merlin couldn't hold his laughter either and couldn't believe that he had actually witnessed his prank working perfectly. He turned to Arthur expecting a very cross man but Arthur was doubled over in laughter.

'I'm surprised you find this funny?' Merlin chortled.

'Well. The funny thing is...I just said to Lancelot that I wished somebody would teach my uncle a lesson,' Arthur laughed. 'Wonder who did it?' Merlin just shrugged in response.

Arthur and Merlin emerged from their hiding place as Leon reached Agravaine having recovered first of the knights. Once Agravaine was on his feet he turned to Arthur who doing his best to keep a straight face at the sight of his sopping wet uncle.

'This is what I mean!' Agravaine roared. 'This type of action is not worthy of a Knight of Camelot!' Agravaine glared at the knights daring them to confess.

'Uncle, you have no proof that it was any of these men,' Arthur defended his knights. 'None of them left training so wouldn't have had time for it.'

'Merlin left,' Agravaine pointed to Arthur's servant.

'Merlin left because he forgot to get my clothes ready for the greeting this afternoon,' Arthur sighed, 'even though I told him last week,' Arthur looked to his servant and Merlin looked suitably chastised.

'They can at least help clear up the mess,' Agravaine was seething but Arthur was having none of it.

'Sorry Uncle but I need my best knights to be looking their best to greet the nobles,' Arthur then turned to Merlin, 'and I need Merlin to help me but I will make sure that servants come to help you as soon as possible.' Arthur turned on his heel and left as he couldn't hold a straight face any longer. The knights and Merlin followed and as soon as they were far enough away everyone burst out laughing.

'Alright, whoever did it...Well done,' Arthur said as he moved towards his chambers and the knights and Merlin grinned at each other knowingly.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully but Agravaine was nowhere to be seen. All the guests had been greeted and the knights and Merlin found themselves back in Gwaine's chambers for the final round.

'Nice one Merlin,' Gwaine grinned and shook Merlin's shoulder.

'How did you get the bucket on top of the door?' Percival asked curiously as Elyan and Leon nodded also curious.

'I have my ways,' Merlin responded as everyone laughed but Lancelot sent him a knowing look.

'Now, we know it's Leon and Lancelot but let's just spin the bottle to see what order the challenges are in,' Gwaine announced.

Merlin picked up the bottle and spun it as Leon and Lancelot looked on tensely.

A/N: Yes I know I used the old bucket on the door trick. It's a classic so I had to!

Situla fuge! - Bucket fly!

Well that's what the Latin translation app said. :)