Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, this is an alternate universe fan fiction, in which I have used the characters, places, quotes and story form the BBC TV show which I do not own.
A/N: Hi! So this is a really short chapter and I apologise, but I read somewhere that shorter scenes that switch back and forth increase tension and suspense?
No-One Knew
~ARTHUR~
The six of them were sitting around the newly made fire, courtesy of Percival, waiting for Emrys to return: it was dark already. The man had given no indication on when, or even if he did, intend to return.
It had been extremely awkward, to say the least, when Lancelot had said the words. At some point during it all, Arthur had accused them by stating the obvious: "You're smugglers."
"We prefer to think of it as free trade." Isolde had said easily with a smile exchanged with Tristan.
"It's forbidden. Under...usual circumstances, by the edict of Camelot, you could be killed."
"Caught? Tristan and Isolde? I don't think so. We're too quick and too smart for you and your knights. With all due respect."
Somehow, Arthur didn't think he meant any respect at all. It almost reminded him of Merlin, but this time, they really did hate him.
"You don't say."
Tristan and Arthur stared at each other, silently daring each other. If both parties hadn't trusted Emrys, they definitely wouldn't have been sitting together, trying to avoid eye contact. He was thankful that they had come to an unspoken agreement, but the tension could have been cut with a knife. It was rather unnerving.
Arthur spent the silence staring at the fire and mulling over Emrys. The way he interacted so easily with him and the knights, as if he was used to it, or had done it several times before. The way he whispered to Lancelot so easily. The way he and joked about with Gwain. The way he had shared an exasperated shake of the head with Percival..the way he responded to Arthur's insult so...so...familiarly? There was something about him, Emrys. (You know, apart from not knowing his real name, or where he came from, or how long he had being protecting Camelot, or what he looked like.) He just couldn't quite put his finger on it.
He was broken out of his thoughts when Gwain suddenly gave a shout of exclamation: "Merlin?!"
What!?
A/N: I think that I went wrong somewhere in the last chapter - I have no idea why though. The number of views were constant, but hardly any reviews...which naturally makes me think that you didn't like it, or a part of it. If that is the case please do drop me a PM or review, whichever you prefer so I can make amends: after all, this fan fiction...the thing that makes it so great is that you can interact with and learn from others! Hope you liked this one!