~A Dirty Secret~ (( WolfDog12 & Alexia))

[WolfDog12]

Merlin cheered along at the side as Arthur moved on and won a couple matches and was sent onto the final round. While taking off Arthur's armor, knight Valiant came over and wished the prince luck saying he'd need it. Merlin quickly said, "What a pompous prat" in a quiet under tone to make Arthur laugh a little. After they shared the brief moment, the servant was then told to polish the armor and chain mail, repair the shield, wash his tunic, and sharpen his sword. The list seemed to get longer each day.

 

The teen was stuck getting to work right away and cleaned everything, again with the help of his magic. When he finished, Merlin put it all away so he could go and fetch it the following day. The next day he did just that. As he looked over the armor not yet picking it up, he heard a strange sound and asked if anyone was around aloud. He walked over to knight Valiant's shield where the hissing was coming from. He squatted down to look and could have sworn one of the snakes blinked. Merlin reached out but before he could touch it, he found a sword at his chest. The knight tripped Merlin as he was sent out with the armor in hand and he quickly ran up and set everything up for Arthur.

[alexia__]

"Magic?!" he asked a bit scrupulous to believe Merlin specially after being such a delicate manner. His eyes drifted to the floor keeping his eye browns in a slight frown. Slowly he moved his hand to his chin and processed everything again.

 

It wasn't too long until his eyes moved to Merlin's face and once again was taken aback by the look. It was almost forceful yet...wise in a sense, at least for a mere servant. Air was released from his nostrils "this... I don't know what to comment" he adds

 

"This manner...is very delicate here in Camelot and for what I am aware magic is far from the city" perhaps he had been wrong but magic always lingered somewhere at all times yet the fact that this subject would be brought up by him caused him to stutter in the decision.

"How can I trust you Merlin, he is a knight how do I not make a fool of myself" his voice was slightly on edge but again the servant boy was new to Arthur's life and everything was beyond his own reach.

[WolfDog12]

"Look, you don't have to believe me if you don't want to but just be warned not to get too close to his shield. I don't know what exactly it is but I know what I saw and that shield is dangerous." Merlin frantically tried to explain before he quickly began to put the armor on Arthur. He was using his magic this time to help him move quickly, remember the parts, and even slid the sword into his hand so he'd not forget. This time, Arthur was dressed and ready to go without anything forgotten in about a minute flat. "Seriously Arthur, watch out."

 

Merlin hardly had any proof to base this off of but he needed to warn the Prince as soon as possible just in case. Good thing too because later that day, Valiant's first opponent ended up near death after being sneakily bitten by the snakes. Merlin had to look into it more so he snuck near the knight's room that night and watched as he fed the creature a mouse. The servant ran to Gaius to tell him about the snakes coming alive but without proof, no one would believe him, especially not the king and if he accused a knight carelessly, Uther would have him beheaded.

[alexia__]

It was the fearless determination that made his question Merlin, perhaps he had no other motive and everything was truth.

As for the competition soon everyone of the knights was down and it seemed that the face-off would occur later that week between the mysterious shell man and Arthur.

 

For what he could analyze the man was ruthless with all his opponents yet due to Merlin's persistence Arthur furthered his approach. It appears that Gaius had managed to better one of the opponents that could testify against the man, if this was true then surely things would go smoothly.

 

The doors to the throne room slammed against the wall leaving a deep echo all throughout the room "I believe knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the competition" although his voice did not waver at the statement everything in his body became tense and his heart increased its beating.

 

'Merlin' was all he could repeat in his head as the words flowed through

[WolfDog12]

Merlin was busy trying to collect proof but also trying not to get caught by anyone. Gaius had to step out because Merlin was no where to be found and while he was out, the knight Valiant slipped in and killed the his opponent so he'd not be able to testify. Bother Merlin and Gaius walked in to find him dead so the servant ran to go find Arthur. He'd already thrown the statement out there as the teen came sliding into the room. "Sire," he said addressing Arthur. "The knight is dead." He quickly became nervous because this was a harsh accusation and now with no proof at all except the snake head Merlin had cut off earlier and given to Arthur and was used to cure the now dead knight. (Forgot that detail)

 

"I swear Arthur, someone killed him while Gaius and I were out of the room. Please, you have to believe me. Tomorrow you are facing Valiant and he will without a doubt try to kill you with those snakes. You have to resign from the competition!!" Merlin was quite flustered and clearly just wanted to keep Arthur safe, however his pleas were falling on deaf ears.

[alexia__]

His eyes widened in shock and complete new feeling Arthur had yet to experience in his life... fear.

Looking back at his father caused the feeling to grow.

 

"I'm afraid the witness is dead" says Arthur with so much disappointment and regret.

As a young prince and yet inexperience in speaking his nerves were soon agitated and he grew worried.

"B-but my servant.." he replies now diminishing his chances and options.

 

"Your servant?!" Uther's patient was soon to nothing when he called for the guards to take Merlin away. The crowed around them grew quiet as the boy was dragged out and the doors shut

"M-merlin"

[WolfDog12]

Merlin struggled against the guards not wanting to get thrown in a cell, however, before he was pulled out of the room, Valiant actually asked Uther not to do this for his sake and by some stroke of luck, Merlin was released and he followed Arthur to his room. "Arthur I swear it's true. Valiant must have gone and killed him when Gaius and I were away."

 

"How can I trust you, there is nothing but words Merlin!" Arthur said harshly.

"You know as well as I do that there aren't any snakes like that in Camelot"

"Explain to me how I can convince them! you also know a servants word is nothing. I'm a fool to the court for that accusation"

"I'm sure Valiant tried to prevent the truth from coming out!!

"The truth can't come out when there's no proof and I must go ahead and fight him. You can't honestly expect me to act like a coward"

"but if you fight him he'll try to kill you"

"I know"

"And you plan to fight him anyway..."

"I have to...its my duty"

"Arthur, please don't fight him!"

"I can't lead millions to battle if they think I'm a coward!...leave Merlin"

 

Merlin opened his mouth to protest but was once again shouted at to get out. He walked out and sat on the steps to go into the castle from the courtyard. Gwen came and the two talked for a bit until Merlin's eyes fell on a dog statue and he asked Gwen for a wheel barrel so he could take the statue which he carried to his room. All night Merlin said the same words over and over just trying to use his magic to awaken the statue into life.

[alexia__]

That night Arthur found himself rather agitated and filled with frustration. Quickly he grabbed his word and began to practice his usual routine. The night was brilliant due to the moon that shun over him. In some aspects it caused him to stop and admire it but quickly return.

 

'Magic!' he screamed to himself hitting the practice object harder 'dangerous...evil...must be banished' it seemed the more he though of it the worse his opinion grew on everything around him. His father had always warned him against this but if Valiant was using magic he would die and there would be no king.

 

"I must win"

[WolfDog12]

Merlin ended up dosing off at dawn but was quickly woken to the sound of barking. He jumped up, excited to have been able to do it. When the dog barked again viciously, he ran out of his room and told Gaius not to enter his room and that he'd deal with it later. Of course Gaius took a peak to only close it again quickly at the barking dog.

 

The teen ran to the arena where things were just beginning. He watched carefully as Arthur fought in close range with Valiant. He couldn't awaken the snakes now or they would no doubt hurt the young prince. After a while, the two separated and Merlin quickly stared at the shield and muttered words in latin. Soon after, the two snakes pulled their heads from the shield and hissed at Arthur. Valiant was furious telling them that he hadn't yet called upon them. Either way, he demanded for the snakes to kill Arthur. They jumped off the shield and tried to kill the prince.

[alexia__]

They wasted no time in jumping to the fighting, quickly both opponents clashed shields and hit their swords, the iron making a furious scratch sound that burned against Arthur's ear.

The crowed on the sides seem to be enjoying the show far too much to his own liking but that's how it was meant to be in way. At one point he glanced at Morgana, her face as worried as before when they had spoken that morning.

 

With full force Valiant attacks him but soon enough Arthur wastes no time and clashed back sending the mans helmet to the grown.

The crows goes quiet but he too removes him, adding to the fair battle strategy.

But took not time to recover and fought back. From anyone point of view Arthur was losing his shield had been thrown somewhere in the arena and his sword gone.

Quickly he stepped back as the snakes released themselves from the shield making everyone gasp.

"finally seen for who you truly are" scream Arthur, but the snakes did not keep their distance and hurried to attack Arthur.

With a sword thrown by Morgana, Arthur slays the animals and continues his fight with Valiant, merging his sword deep into the mans torso.

"Guess I'll be going to the feast after all" he whispers to the man

[WolfDog12]

Merlin cheered, happy to have once again been able to save the prince and that the future was once again safe. After the tournament, everyone congratulated Arthur on a job well done and not one person said anything to Merlin about the shield. He sighed, knowing this was going to be the outcome. Merlin wasn't sure why but for some reason he thought that things would be a little different and he'd be a bit appreciated but he knew he was nothing more then a servant as it was.

 

Later that night, he followed Arthur to his room so Merlin could congratulate him personally since he hadn't been able to get within 5 feet of the prince since the night before. "Congratulations on winning," Merlin said while handing the prince his shirt for bed. "I'm glad you were able to win… Not that I had any doubts or anything."

[alexia__]

"Well that's the first thing I've liked that came out of your mouth" he said to the other with a sly smile, but nevertheless thankful because he could see that Merlin was being genuine to some extend.

 

"Either way" *coughs* "it's good to see you again as my servant" around them people happily feasted laughing far too loud, and drink far too much. His father, for once, seemed to be a bit relaxed from the previous tension and problems.

 

"Do not forget to report early in the morning, my armour needs repairing, my shoes need polishing, room needs tending, my dogs need exceeding, on and Merlin don't be late"

Chuckling Arthur walks over to Morgana.

[WolfDog12]

"Unbelievable. I save his life and this is what I get?!" Merlin basically threw his hands half way up and turned to leave the room. There was nothing left for him and now he was stuck having to get up early.... again. Merlin was pretty frustrated the whole way back to his room but he also knew he couldn't just go and tell arthur how he saved the prince's life.

 

Frustrated with his predicament, Merlin returned to his room and decided to kill some time reading his spell book. Gaius was still at the dinner since he was at least able to sit at the table. The teen sat on his bed and began reading the book he pulled out from under his bed. Without realizing the time, Merlin ended up falling asleep with the book still in hand. Gaius yelled at him the next morning and the young warlock nearly ran out the door with the book in hand. He ran back and tossed it back under the floor board under his bed and then ran to Arthur's room. At least he wasn't too late.

 

Merlin ran into Arthur's room and drew back the blinds saying his usual "time to get up" before he hurried around the room cleaning up before arthur even got up. "I'll be working on your shoes and armor as soon as your room is clean. You also have a training session with the Knights in ten minutes."

[alexia__]

"Ten minutes!" screamed Arthur basically jumping out of bed and into the washing area of his room where cold water waited for his face. Quickly he poured some all over, some getting on the blonde tips of his hair causing them to stick to the side of his face.

His shirt less chest hit a wave of cold air coming from the opened window and he lightly shivered before reaching or a towel

"breakfast?" he asked with the towel around his head, hands moving back and forth to dry off everything.

 

The room was impeccable the seconds he removed the cloth from his face, but refrained from looking surprised. His white shirt embraced his naked body locking away the cold he had been feeling a few seconds past.

The day over all seemed fairly normal until, mid way during training, the emergency bell run calling Arthur's attention to the throne room.

His father's face was in distress at the news that stunned Arthur

"A plague in Camelot?" he asked slightly confused.

[WolfDog12]

"On the table sire!" Merlin quickly shouted as he ran out the door with the laundry. He hurried down and quickly worked on Arthur's shoes and armor, then hurried to take care of the dog. Merlin tried to take care of everything while also being called to help Gaius with a strange case. It wasn't long before the physician determined it to be a plague. More then a dozen people died by noon.

 

Merlin hurried off to Arthur's side. He followed Arthur into the throne room where Gaius was waiting with the king to give the news about the plague.

[alexia__]

"What could've caused this" asked the young prince watching his father as he sat on the throne.

 

"Not sure" replied the man

Overall the entire conversation was completely useless, enough information was not yet gained to completely pin point anything and walking around would not solve anything.

"Merlin" called Arthur as he turned around to announce their next moves, but completely froze the second their eyes connected.

The boy's hair nicely fell around his face, caressing the top of his cheeks bones. At this Arthur was a bit captivated and amazed

"was your hair always this black?" he asked without realizing it and then completely died internally at the question

[WolfDog12]

Merlin perked up like a dog being called by its master and he looked over at Arthur. Their stares met and froze there for a moment. It felt longer then usual since the prince usually speaks in a snappy, mandating manner. When he asked the peculiar question, Merlin's eye brows furrowed and he stared back unsure if he should answer or not. Luckily, he was saved by the king who, even more luckily, didn't hear the question. Uther told Arthur to lend Gaius his manservant, for Gaius would need all the help he could get. With that, the prince and his servant were separated for the day.

 

Merlin helped Gaius get the body back to his room so Gaius could get right to work on finding a cure, or at least find out just how the plague was spreading. Merlin himself felt desperate knowing the cause was magic. He knew he could save the people falling ill if he just used magic but the court physician refused to let him attempt it. Every guard was out searching the town for the sorcerer but Gaius knew no sorcerer of this magic level would be found so easily.

[alexia__]

Luckily the spell was broken before anything occurred. The two parted and for that day Arthur did not see him, it was not until late after in the city where he thought he'd seen Merlin running round that his head snapped to search for him in the crowd.

'I'm going crazy' he told himself and continued walking.

More and more casualties appeared throughout the kingdom as the day progressed. Little did he see off Merlin or anyone in general but over all no conclusion had been.

His back hits the wall of the building and a sigh left his lips "what the hell" murmurs Arthur. From some distant a woman gathers water in a large bucket.

[WolfDog12]

After finding a body to someone that didn't seem to fit the general "lower town" profile, the conclusion was made that the plague was spreading because of the water. Merlin wanted to go and fix the situation immediately but was quickly told they had to check out the area first. The two went down to the underground water supply only to have some strange monster pop out at them. Gaius and Merlin quickly returned to the castle and went over their discovery. Of course, Merlin, decided to ask someone else later that night.

 

The great dragon told him the elements he would need to fight it and for some reason, his first thought was that he had to go tell Arthur and get his help but quickly shook the thought wondering why it appeared in the first place. The dragon was no help to the strange thought saying he'd need Arthur's help in order to succeed. Quickly, Merlin returned to Gaius to give him the info on using fire and wind to beat the creature. Of course the physician questioned how the idiot came up with the info but brushed it off. Merlin ran full speed to Arthur's room after being told by Gaius as well that he'd need the prince's help.

 

"Arthur!! We know what's causing the plague!!"

[alexia__]

He turns around and shoots the other one a questioning look. Arthur had been standing by his window looking down for some time without realizing how much time had passed.

His eyes scan the other and ask "how?" his insides were jumping from interest and

relief but overall it was kept shut and his normal attitude covered everything.

The explanation was quick but reasonable, the virus, who ran in the water, was caused by magic due to

external forces. It was too no surprise that many people wanted Camelot to fall but it was also far worse than

Arthur had initially expect.

"Magic brings nothing but damn trouble" he adds with a displeased tone.

Coming closer to Merlin, he placed his hand on the boy's hair and slightly messed it up

"Good job" smiles Arthur, kindly and fondly, at the boy before actually seeing what he'd done and slapped his head. Quickly he moves passed Merlin and calls to him

[WolfDog12]

"Ow! What the hell was that about… First he's complimenting me… petting me… Petting me…." Merlin couldn't get off that for some time before he was called and he rushed out after his master. Petting… he really was a dog… The teen was petting down his hair as he followed close behind and the two reached the underground water supply where the monster hid, waiting for one of them to draw too close to the waters.

 

Merlin approached with caution from behind Arthur. The beast reared back and roared at the two before rushing at them. The teen leapt back and yelled for the prince to use the Torch. As he pushed the flaming stick towards the creature, it drew back in fear. Merlin's eyes suddenly glowed gold, as if on fire and a gut of wind made the flames soar and burn the creature to death.

[alexia__]

Quickly Arthur reached for the torch to only have it blow up seconds before. The fire grew large and attacked the beast, at some point the young prince was scared to see his hands in case he'd lost it, but soon enough he clenched his fingers and it was there.

Surprised and scared he looked back at Merlin, who was standing there like the total moron he was. Frowning he moves his eyes to the burning thing and begins to wonder how it got there to begin with.

"Where you scared Merlin?" he asks teasingly "I saw you hiding behind me"

Although Arthur said this he too did not want to admit of the cold growing feeling inside him

[WolfDog12]

"I wasn't scared!" he protested giving just a slight huff to make it seem a little less believable. If need be, Merlin would have stepped in and used his magic in front of Arthur but since he didn't have to, it was all good. As Arthur walked around him and began leading the way out, the dark-haired teen in the back couldn't help but huff up quickly, proud of himself in the way he used his magic and that the new spell actually worked. He quickly let the affect brush off so Arthur wouldn't be confused as to why he looked like some proud idiot.

 

Merlin, like a loyal dog, followed his master through the tunnels, up the stairs and right into the throne room where Uther sat to hear the news from his son. Merlin just waited a couple steps behind as the news was delivered and a huge relief was lifted off everyone's shoulders. Only a few words and everything eased up. With that out of the way, the servant once more followed the prince up the stairs and to his room.

 

The sorcerer helped his prince get dressed and ready for bed. "Good job today, sire" Merlin smirked. He was truly happy of Arthur despite not getting any sort of recognition himself for what he did to help. "You managed to save the kingdom from magic once again."

[alexia__]

"So it would seem Merlin" he told the other as his clothing were removed, but before stepping out he noticed something that had not been there before and most definitely would be terrible embarrassing to explain.

 

"Ah M-merlin you can retire now...so leave" he tells the other trying to sounds casual like his usual self, as his body remained hidden behind the bath separator. Arthur's body began to ache and tremble a little due to discomfort but his face was composed almost like a rock.

"Be here tomorrow as usual with breakfast!" he said knowing that the teen might actually forget and then Arthur would starve.

Watching he waited until the other left

[WolfDog12]

Merlin was wondering what was happening and he attempted to protest leaving but he was quickly shouted at and Merlin just huffed and walked out. He honestly couldn't believe Arthur was sending him away without finishing cleaning the room or helping him get dressed. Either way, Merlin cleaned what he could and left.

 

The teen somehow managed to wake up at a reasonable hour and got out of bed to get back to work the way he did every single day. He hurried off to the kitchen where he gathered a nice plate full of food, ran up the stairs into Arthur's room, placed the plate on the table at the foot of the bed, and drew back the shades with his usual "Time to wake up." "Sir, tonight your father is inviting some very important guests from another country. You have training this morning with the knights and the dinner tonight where the king wishes to have the peace treaty signing."

 

Merlin was already moving all around the room, cleaning every last bit. He quickly gathered the laundry, picked up the random things he had no idea how they managed to get to where they were, and headed for the door. "Hurry sire or you will be late!"