by GR Griffin
“The clan aren’t too keen on visitors as you probably saw.” He added sheepishly.
“Well they were worse with me.” Arthur responded, wincing at the memory of his first few moments in the clan.
Merlin didn’t respond, studying Gwaine and Lancelot with curiosity. Gwaine held a hand out to Merlin, smiling ruggedly
“I never took you to be a liar.” He mused cheekily as Merlin shook his hand.
Flushing, Merlin turned his attention to the stranger. He had tanned skin, and dark brown eyes. His tousled dark hair fell over his forehead a little, the rest brushed neatly back. Like Gwaine, he too had a layer of stubble only it seemed more well-kept and shorter than the other man’s. Extending his hand, the stranger smiled, his smile was soft and unintentionally seductive.
“I’m Lancelot,” he spoke politely. “nice to meet you Merlin.”
“Pleasure.” Merlin said, beckoning for a blushing Gwenevere to step forwards. “These are my friends Gwen,”
Arthur smiled fondly at the woman. Her brown curly hair was pulled back into a neat bun. She was dressed in a modest yellow gown. Gwen curtsied towards the two men, a smile on her face. She walked towards Lancelot first, holding her hand out.
“Hello.” She said.
Reaching for her hand, Lancelot kissed it, gazing up at her pensively. She cast a look over to Merlin, blushing. Merlin grinned in delight. Moving to Gwaine she shook his hand, and Arthur was astounded that Gwaine didn’t try one of his ridiculous pick-up lines. Quickly, Gwen moved to Merlin’s side, eyes on the floor nervously.
“And…” scanning the area, Merlin sighed as he met the brown-haired man. “Will.” There he was, sulking in the corner childishly, causing a load of unnecessary drama. All eyes turned to him. Gwaine chuckled.
“Ah, the ray of sunshine.”
“You’ll get used to it, trust me.” Arthur muttered, leaning towards Gwaine in case the other man heard.
“I heard that!” the furious Will shouted from where he was sat, now glaring dangerously at the newcomers. “You’re lucky I haven’t come over there and used my magic to…”
Rolling his eyes, Merlin drew their attention back to himself, Will’s empty threats fading into the background of the scene. He gestured to all around them proudly.
“Welcome to Ealdor.”
Then he turned to Arthur with a smile, Arthur felt a nervous shudder rush through his body, knowing what was coming. The week had been full of mundane chores, helping other druids with dull tasks and entertaining the children. It was a preparation for his lessons with Merlin whilst Merlin finished off things he had to do. Apparently, Merlin had tonnes of things to finish before delving into training with Arthur. He had told Arthur he had at least a month’s work to finish. How on earth he had crammed all of that into one week was beyond Arthur, it must have had something to do with magic. But now, the real work had begun. Now, Merlin was officially Arthur’s mentor, teaching him the ways of magic and the druids.
“If you excuse us, Arthur’s first official lesson is about to begin!”
Chapter 19
Lesson one, funnily enough turned out to be something Arthur Pendragon had made a blunder of many weeks ago. It was as if Merlin was teasing him.
“I am not doing that. You know how I feel about that.” Arthur said gruffly, watching as Merlin swung across the vine effortlessly, a grin on his face. Landing on the other side, he tossed the vine back over. Arthur didn’t catch it, a look of irritation on his face. The prat.
“Come on Arthur,” Merlin taunted with a laugh. “It’s easy.” Memories of his last encounter with a vine triggered a small smile to slip over Arthur’s lips. Rolling his eyes, he reached for the vine. If this was what it would take to gain acceptance into the clan, and ensure their safety, Arthur guessed he’d have to complete all of Merlin’s ridiculous lessons.
♦☼♦
“Ic æalá ðu.” Arthur repeated dully, unsure what exactly he was supposed to feel. He felt nothing.
Lancelot sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair.
“Yes. I see you-”
Arthur snorted at his words.
“Well, obviously, you have eyes-“ at this he was rewarded with a pointed look.
“No it’s not just that. It’s as in I see you, I see through you, into your soul.”
Arthur couldn’t help himself, because he’d never heard anything so stupid in his entire life. He laughed.
“Don’t laugh Arthur! You’re supposed to learning their ways.”
♦☼♦
Arthur should have known better than to think he’d never see that ridiculous fluffy red bird again. Gwaine and Lancelot were in hysterics, watching the alarm and rage swathe Arthur’s complexion as he heard the annoying chirp. Ábilgest flew down onto his shoulder, nuzzling its face against his neck in a gesture that revealed it had missed him. Merlin raised his eyebrows.
“Who’s this Arthur?” he cooed, petting the adorable bird, amused by the blonde’s flushed face. It was evident he was embarrassed to show any kind of attachment to the creature.
Gwaine grinned, not able to help himself.
“Arthur’s forest friend-”
“-Ábilgest.” Arthur snapped petulantly because if Ábilgest was going to stay, they may as well call it by its actual name.
Merlin snorted at the name, immediately understanding what it meant in the druid tongue: annoying, irritating, pest.
“Charming.” He said sardonically, shooting Arthur a smirk as he studied the way Ábilgest seemed to agree with him, lilac eyes sparkling in dismay.
“Well, Ábilgest.” Merlin sighed, craning his head towards the bird on Arthur’s shoulder. Ábilgest instantly cheered up, tilting its head to the side. Arthur rolled is eyes dramatically. “Welcome to Ealdor!”
♦☼♦
“Try again.” Merlin snapped petulantly, inhaling a large deep of breath through his nose to calm his impatience.
“I can’t do it!” Arthur whined, in a fashion resembling a child. Ábilgest perched on the ground beside Arthur, nudging him supportively. Arthur shoved the bird away with his foot apathetically. Stupid bird.
“Stop being an ungrateful brat, you should feel privileged that magic has accepted you.” Merlin sighed, trouble lacing his eyes for a split second. “Magic doesn’t accept everyone Arthur – it has chosen you.”
Outstretching his hand, Merlin conjured an orb in his hands, raising his eyebrows at his student expectantly. It was unfair. Merlin made it look so god damn easy, and beautiful. Narrowing his eyes, Arthur held out his own palm, heart racing. He spoke the words in druid tongue once again, as instructed. Instead of a tranquil orb, a chaotic explosion of colours and light spewed from his palm, pathetically fading into oblivion. The force of it pushed Arthur over, and Merlin had to press a hand to his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
“You’re really getting the hang of this magic lark aren’t you Arthur?” Gwaine jibed humorously from the corner of the tree, a grin on his face.
“Shut-up Gwaine.” Arthur bellowed, clambering back onto his feet. He pretended he didn’t see the way Merlin’s eyes lit up in mirth as he exchanged a glance with Gwaine.
“Again, Arthur.” Merlin said, lips twitching upwards unwillingly.
♦☼♦
“Come on.” Merlin wailed, this time he was acting like the child as he gazed down at Arthur on the ground.
“I’ve done this fifteen times now.” Arthur called up to the druid, stubbornness emanating from his features.
“It’s still not to my satisfaction, you’d barely make it out alive if you had to climb for your life.” The man in the trees retorted rudely, continuing to climb upwards with his expert agility. Elegantly, he landed on a branch, gazing down at Arthur. Sighing, Arthur pushed his hands into the grooves of the giant tree.
“Fine. But this is the last time!”
It took Arthur five minutes to make it up to Merlin’s level, which in Merlin’s eyes wasn’t good enough. Pant
ing, completely drained, Arthur shot a satisfied look over at his teacher. Merlin smiled at him, ruffling his hair.
“Better.”
Resting his head against the trunk of the tree, Arthur regained his breath. When he opened his eyes, Merlin was metres above him, climbing.
“Now do it again!” he called down to the blonde.
♦☼♦
The pair of them were nestled behind a bush, Merlin peered through the leaves cautiously, Arthur pretended to know what he was looking for, or what they were doing. After a few moments of silence, Arthur opened his mouth to speak, but was silence as Merlin raised is hand, putting a finger to his own lips. Obediently, Arthur kept quiet, following Merlin as they crawled through the bed of leaves.
“When approaching a unicorn you must be gentle and quiet, they’re extremely rare.” Merlin explained in a whisper, continuing to crawl forwards. Arthur stopped, cupping his mouth to mute his laughter. Gazing over his shoulder, Merlin glanced back at him.
“What’s so funny?”
Arthur got to his feet when Merlin did, walking alongside the delirious druid with a lopsided grin.
“There’s no such thing as unicorns Merlin.” He spat.
“Oh really?” Merlin asked, coming to a halt, eyes focused on something in the foreground. Amusement flickered across his face for a moment, replaced with admiration. “What’s that then?”
Looking in the same direction, Arthur gaped at the sight. A beautiful, innocent white horse was grazing in the grass not too far ahead. It had a silvery mane and tail, hooves twinkling with some kind of magic. From its head sprouted a large horn. Turning to Merlin in awe, he felt a smile brush over his face.
♦☼♦
“Keep up will you?” Merlin yelled from in front, expertly diving under logs and leaping over obstacles.
And here, Arthur thought he was the fastest runner out of the two. Stumbling clumsily over the root of a tree, the blonde continued.
“I am.” He called back through gasps of air, beads of sweat dripping down his face.
All of a sudden Merlin disappeared from in front of him, weaving sophisticatedly through the hanging branches above Arthur’s head. Dropping himself down next to him, not a trace of sweat on his forehead, Merlin sighed melodramatically. Ábilgest fluttered down onto Merlin’s shoulder, a look of disapproval on its ridiculous face.
“Arthur. For sure, you’d be dead by now!”
♦☼♦
“How’s that?” Arthur said, holding the bow and arrow in his hands as instructed. It didn’t feel right. He’d told Merlin time and time again he was swordsmen. But no, Merlin thought it would be beneficial for him to learn all kinds of combat.
Frowning, Merlin shook his head.
“Higher.” He supplied drearily, going back to reading his book. Archery was the least of his favourite things to teach, mainly because everyone was so hopeless at it.
“Like this?” Arthur called out, and Merlin turned from his book with a roll of his eyes.
“Lower.” Lowering the bow and arrow, Arthur raised his eyebrows.
Getting to his feet, Merlin strode towards the insufferable blonde, incapable of holding such a simple weapon. Instinctively, he reached behind Arthur, moulding his arms and body into a better position. Arthur remained silent. His hand slid down the chest, tapping it impatiently. Breath a little ragged, because it was a sweltering day of course, Arthur broadened his chests, changing his position as Merlin directed slowly. Releasing the arrow from the bow in a swift movement, he watched it hit the target effortlessly.
“Did you see that?!” he shrieked with a blinding grin, turning around to face Merlin.
The raven-haired man grinned back, eyes crinkled. It appeared both of them forgot that Merlin was still holding onto him until Arthur tried to twist himself all the way round and found Merlin’s constricting grip was stopping him. Coughing awkwardly, the druid quickly ducked his head to the ground, cheeks flushed. Without catching Arthur’s eye, he trudged back to his book. And then that horrible word fell from his lips.
“Again.”
♦☼♦
“Hand out.” Arthur murmured to himself more than to Merlin who was standing beside him. The druid nodded silently.
“Eyes focused,” the blonde recited. “Mind clear-”
“-Stop talking, you’re losing all your focus.” Merlin ordered in a low drone, examining the position of Arthur’s hand carefully.
Mind clear… Arthur thought to himself internally.
Then the twig, fragile and light, started levitating out of its own will. Merlin leant forwards in fascination, clearly impressed by his student’s progress. Arthur never took his eyes off the object, but he sure did take his mind off it.
Mind c-HEY MERLIN I’M DOING IT-
“-Stop shouting into my brain you dollophead!” Clamping a hand over his ears, knowing it wouldn’t help, Merlin winced at the shouting echoing through his mind. The twig collapsed onto the floor. Sheepishly, Arthur glanced over to his mentor who looked less impressed by the second. He could guess the word about to leave the man’s mouth.
“Again?” he asked with a sigh, extending his hand outwards. He failed to spot the fond smile making its way over Merlin’s face.
♦☼♦
“Arthur,” Morgana said, surprise on her face as the blonde man walked through Camelot Base.
He held up a hand, still out of breath from whatever Merlin had been making him do before teleporting here.
“-I’m not staying for long, just checking up.” Unable to walk and talk at the same time, he pressed a hand to the wall next to him, inhaling large gulps of air. Stupid, bloody Merlin and his lessons.
Titling her head coyly, Morgana smirked examining the peculiar colours smeared over his skin.
“What’s that on your face?” she asked, smirk widening when Arthur’s eyes lit up of all things.
“Oh it’s paint.” He said simply, as if it was a normal occurrence.
Raising her eyebrows, she nodded in understanding, feigning nonchalance.
“Paint…” she overstressed the ‘t’, eyes flickering with mirth.
“Yes, Merlin’s teaching me how to disguise myself from-” narrowing his eyes, Arthur frowned, realising she was mocking him. “Stop laughing!”
With that he continued walking, Morgana followed in glee.
“This Merlin boy’s got you wrapped around his finger!”
Chapter 20
Lunging forwards, Arthur caught the small rodent in his hands, examining its camouflaged verdant fur in wonder. Merlin crouched down beside him and smiled. After hours of trying to match the agility of this creature with magic, Arthur had succeeded. Then a loud, abrupt noise from behind them caused both of them to jump, resulting in Arthur’s hands parting, and the creature running away. Part of the Arthur wasn’t surprised to see Will standing there, glaring at him. Despite Arthur getting along with Gwen and Merlin, he still was having problems convincing Will that he could be trusted. Standing, Merlin frowned, walking towards his friend. It was evident that there was a strain on their relationship. Arthur had hardly seen the two of them talk recently. Swallowing-hard, he watched Merlin turn his attention to Will.
“What are you doing here? This is a private lesson.” He said coldly, twisting his lips into a contort.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Don’t mind me Merlin.” Funny, he didn’t sound sorry at all.
Scoffing incredulously at his friend’s stubborn behaviour, Merlin gazed hopelessly up into the sky as if he believed the heavens would bring him a viable solution. None came. William was becoming more hostile towards everybody by the minute. Merlin was unsure how much more of his friend’s insolence he could take. Exhaling, he cast his eyes over to the brown-haired man, clearly exasperated.
“Why are you being like this?” he finally asked, attempting to slice through the pressure building between them.
Pointing a finger towards Merlin, Will averted his eyes to Arthur for a moment, who was
pretending that he wasn’t eavesdropping rather badly.
“You know why.” He muttered, drawing his eyes back to Merlin’s severe face.
Cupping his mouth for a moment, Merlin sighed. Yes. He did know why. He’d known William his entire life. It wasn’t easy – watching him become more and more distant because of the events of Destiny. In fact, it kept Merlin up for many nights. Even trying to make a civil conversation with him had proved difficult recently. Merlin wondered if he was the same with Gwen. He made note to ask her later.
“Will,” Merlin lowered his voice, bowing his head for a moment. “Don’t bring what happened to your father into this-”
“-I’m not!” Will aggressively snapped back, drawing Arthur’s attention towards them less subtly.
Taken-aback by the sudden outburst, Merlin studied the hollow eyes, merely an echo of what they once were.
“I see.” Merlin replied calmly, tone even and drenched in desperation for some kind of reaction, something. Their eyes met slowly, releasing an atomic explosion into the air chaotically. Neither said a word, lingering in the awkward, thick silence, weighing them down. Then, as Arthur rose to his feet from the ground, Will spoke.
“You’d better be going, don’t you have things to do?” his tone was laced in potent venom, biting straight into Merlin’s breaking heart savagely. Merlin wished he could resolve this feud once and for all, right now. But now wasn’t the time. Bravely, he masked his hurt behind a void of emotion. He drew his lips into a firm line.
“I suppose you’re right, William.”
Picking up his satchel on the ground, Merlin brushed past Will forcefully. He was glad to make it past his friend before the prickly sensation in his eyes collapsed into hot tears over his cheeks. It was not unusual for them to argue. But to this degree – well things had never gotten this bad before. Arthur followed Merlin bleakly, wavering behind the druid, not able to see the tears on his cheeks. Wiping a hand over his face quickly, Merlin inhaled a deep breath and turned to Arthur. Judging by the exposed concern etching its way over Arthur’s face, Merlin assumed he’d done a lousy job at covering up his sorrow. Arthur frowned. Merlin’s eyes were red and watery, full of sadness. His lips were clenched together, complexion pallid.
