Sorry for the short chapter, but i'm running a little dry on ideas. I know where I want this story to go, but i'm not sure how to get there. I'm still trying to get in regular updates though, so if not every week then it will be every other week.
For all of you who can smell the impending fight scene as well as Falcon and Merlin's reunion, they are coming. I'm not saying who the fight is with or anything else, but they are coming. Once again my beta didn't have time to read the chapter, seeing as most of it was written today, but hopefully it's going in a good direction.
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING you recognize as cannon.
As always, onto the story!
The next night they made camp was beside the river. They decided to keep close to the river so they could cross the closest shallow area. Just before they decided to call it a night they all agreed that they needed to take a dip in the river. It was still too deep to cross, but there was a small alcove of sorts that formed a small pool-like area. While the knights stripped their clothes and jumped into the pool, Merlin just stood off to the side, sighing before moving to pick up the clothing from the ground so he could drape them over tree branches and bushes.
"Oi! Come in with us Merlin!", Came Gwaine's shout, "The water feels great!"
"I'd rather bathe in private, thank you very much." Merlin called back, clearly annoyed.
"What's got him in such a stiff?" Asked Percival to Mordred quietly, "He normally only uses that tone when he's mocking Arthur."
"I'm not sure, but he's been off for a few days now." Responded Mordred, who had a thoughtful look on his face.
They were both pulled out of their thoughts by Gwaine, who had decided to pull Merlin into the small pool when he tried to pick up an article of clothing that was close to the edge. The pool was large and deep enough that Merlin went completely under when he lost his balance from Gwaine's pull and fell in. Seconds later, he burst out from under the surface gasping for air with a small degree of panic in his eyes. Without a word, he climbed out of the pool and headed straight for the camp. Nobody said anything. They were all too busy looking at where Merlin had left from while they were playing the scene through their heads over and over.
"What just happened?" Asked Arthur, breaking the silence at last.
"I-I was just trying to cheer him up. I guess I didn't think it through." Gwaine said ashamedly, "He just hasn't been acting like normal is all. I guess i'll go and see if he's okay." He said, moving to get out of the pool and grab his clothing. The rest of the knights were still confused, but didn't make any move to stop him.
Back at the camp, Merlin was drying off near the newly built fire. Turns out the article of clothing near the pool was Gwaine's shirt. Great. Speaking of shirts, his was soaking wet. Peeling off the offending article along with his trademark neckerchief, he hung them to dry near the fire as well. Turning to add more wood to stoke up the fire, he heard Gwaine waking up behind him
"Oi Merlin, I just wanted to say-" Gwaine cut himself off when he saw Merlin's back.
So, Merlin's back exposed. Bet you didn't see THAT coming! Anyway, seeing as writer's block and plot bunnies are trying to take over, my updates may be a little slower and shorter than usual. Please feel free to review *hint hint* and leave your thoughts of what will happen next.
So I hope you all have a great day, see you next week!
-Shadowranger