A Meeting of Heads and Tails
The lakeside was, in a word, beautiful. Arthur didn't think he'd ever set eyes on a more enchanting place. The trees, the grass, and the water all seemed to shine; glowing with life. He couldn't help spinning trying to see it all at once, to soak it all in, giddy with the need to imprint the place into his mind for all eternity. He must have looked a fool, he was sure, but he couldn't help it. All this time Merlin had been right here, a stone throw away from Camelot, and he'd never even suspected it.
"I see you've lost your mind, then," a voice called. "I don't have it, if that's why you're here."
"I have not lost my mind," Arthur said indignantly, not turning to face the man. "I'm admiring the scenery."
"Oh? My mistake, it looked like you were trying to escape an invisible swarm of bees."
Arthur turned to face the man and it was all he could do not yelp in delight at the sight of him. Tall, lanky and dishevelled with a cheeky grin on his face: it was Merlin alright. Arthur stared at him, completely forgetting to make a snarky retort, and Merlin stared back. For a moment the two just stood there in joyful wonder, taking in the sight of the other before Merlin nodded in greeting.
"Arthur."
"Merlin," Arthur nodded back.