one little change at a time

[edhwierfan]

[Since Merlin revealed his magic, Arthur's been somewhat at a loss. They carry on with their usual antics, Arthur making a mess for Merlin wherever he goes, Merlin cleaning up after him (poorly). Occasionally, they'll share a silent look when the topic of sorcery comes up, but other than that...nothing seems to have changed.

At least, until now.

The sorcerer they'd caught earlier in the day had been carrying a charm, a pendant of some sort that Arthur had had to pry away from him. Luckily, his soldiers had not noticed anything amiss by the time they'd arrived, and Arthur had been able to pocket the trinket on a whim. The stone and chain had felt like a brand, a heavy weight in his pocket as he'd reported to his father and left all mentions of it out.

Now, as he's waiting for Merlin to bring his supper, Arthur twirls his dagger in his hand to lift the mood that's fallen over him.]

Comments

[edhwierfan]

[Arthur yelps when the water splashes his face—it’s surprise more than anything, but he’s indignant either way.]

Merlin!

[Someone should probably run while Arthur’s still stuck in the water, unable to chase after him right away.]

[bravelyspoken]

Hmmm?

[ This is his best innocent look. Who, him? Do something bad? No, never! ]

[edhwierfan]

[Arthur glowers at him, clearly sulking. Then, he smirks as he remembers something.]

Just remember you’re the one cleaning up this mess.

[He pointedly splashes some water over the side of the tub as he lathers up some soap.]

[bravelyspoken]

[ Such a petty man. Merlin scowls, looping the towel about his neck for a moment. ]

If you slip and die, don't you blame me.

[ But he's grabbing for a cloth to dry it up anyway, because it is technically his job. Also, he doesn't mind quite as much as he claims. ]

Anyway, what do you want to do with it? The charm.

[edhwierfan]

[Now that’s the question, isn’t it? Arthur frowns, giving the question some serious thought. Though it sounds as if Merlin and Gaius have been concealing things well enough on their own, they have also both been accused of sorcery before. Perhaps it’s time they both stop taking the risk.]

We’ll find some container for it and leave it in my room, along with any other artefact you might find later. My father’s proven that even years of loyal service will not make him see reason when it comes to magic.

[Arthur’s expression darkens.] He’s less likely to have my chambers searched than Gaius’. It will be safer in my hands.

[bravelyspoken]

You're sure?

[ He squeezes water out of the cloth into a bucket, dries the floor a little more before pulling a face. ]

Suppose if they find it here you can always blame me anyway. Tell them I found out somewhere and didn't know what it was, gave it to you or something.

[edhwierfan]

No one's going to be blaming you, Merlin, if I can help it.

[So what if his voice goes a little sharper than he'd intended? He might bully Merlin all the time, but Merlin is under his protection now, and he'll be damned if even his father will bring him down with his madness.

Arthur splashes some water onto his face to break the tension.]

I'm sure, Merlin.

[bravelyspoken]

That mean we can blame you for everything now instead?

[ Worth a try. ]

[edhwierfan]

[Excuse you. Arthur reaches out, mussing up Merlin’s hair with one hand.]

I wouldn’t put it that far, Merlin. I’m certain we can still find things to blame you for.

[An amused tilt of his head.]

The cupboard is a mess, for one. And how long has it been since you’ve cleaned my hunting knives?

[bravelyspoken]

Not long enough.

[ He wrinkles his nose and smooths his hair down as best he can. ]

But all right. Hide it here then. Lock it in a cupboard or something. Not as if many people but us grace your chambers anyway, sire.

[ Is that a slight jab at Arthur's total lack of exciting love life.

Might be. ]

[edhwierfan]

[IGNORING YOU.]

Unlike you, Merlin, they actually listen to me and don’t go nosing about where they’re not supposed to. [Shooting Merlin a look here.] It’s still a mystery to me, how often I find you rummaging through my belongings, and yet my chambers are nowhere as clean as they should be.

[bravelyspoken]

Hoping to find all the things you lost, is all.

[ Eh? ]

Good taste, dignity, charm...

[ Merlin. ]

[edhwierfan]

[He splashes some water at Merlin again, with a deeply exasperated expression.]

Funny. I could have sworn those were things you were lacking, Merlin. Now go on. Put the trinket in my cupboard and go fetch my hunting knives like you’re supposed to.

[Arthur makes a sort of dismissive gesture.]