Once and Future

“So, Emrys Heillfyre, was it?” Uthur asked, poised on his throne of thorns and lies, a twisted man with no humanity left in his soul. Merlin clenched his fists, refraining himself from lurching forward and strangling the king. Merlin missed the forests of Druidia; being nestled in the arms of his sweet Arbassa, her wooden boughs protecting him from the terrors of the night. He would be there even now if it hadn’t been drawn forth by a destiny wrought in the hell of a war that ended long ago. A war that was kept alive by the pride and prejudice of the Avalonian People.

“Yes, sire,” Merlin said, on his knees before the tyrant.

“And you wish to apply for the position of...Arthur’s servant?” Uther drawled, shifting his weight to lean. He propped his cheek with his hand and waited; as if he expected Merlin to do all the work.

“Yes, sire.”

“Where are you from?”

“I was born in Gaelea and from there I come, sire.”

Uthur nodded, sitting forward as he pursed his lips, the wrinkles upon his face making him look like a drowned bat. Merlin almost laughed.

“What is your experience in being told what to do?”

“Oh, I am very good at that, sire. I was a servant to the Prince of Gaelia!” In truth, he had not been, but Kyren was a friend, and he knew to lie if asked. It was the one favor he owed Merlin at this point.

“All right. You have the job. Caius; show him to his room and then take him to Arthur next morrow and make sure he meets him. Welcome to the family, Emrys.”

Merlin sighed, standing up as Caius came forward, hobbling as he did so. Merlin liked the look of this man...he almost looked Druidian.

“This way, young man,” Caius spoke, his voice grainy and wise. Merlin followed him through the castle; looking around at the admittedly beautiful parapets that made Camelot what people knew it to be.

Caius led Merlin to the medical hall and through the wing to an old, weary door, it's hinges falling from stone walls that brought a stark contrast to the rotting wood.

“You will sleep here. My apologies, it was the only room we had available on short notice. I will be over here on this cot if you need me.”

Merlin only nodded.

“Now, if you will please, it is customary on Avalon for the hired manservant to dine with the master they serve before they start work.”

“I see,” Merlin said as Caius led him away again. He followed, again studying the castle. Through the haze of hatred, even he knew it was a masterpiece. They made a turn, stopping by a bedroom. Caius knocked and a, ‘Come in,’ came through the door.

‘God this guy sounds like an asshole,’ Merlin thought as Caius opened the door and peeked in to announce his existence. Stepping aside, Caius let Merlin in. He entered, bowing slightly to Arthur who nodded.

“I’m busy. Go awa-” Arthur paused, scanning the other. Studying him. Merlin didn’t enjoy being studied. “Oh. You’re Emrys. I was expecting more.”

“Yeah. Wait-”

“So you’re from Druidia?” Artur said, brow raised.

“What?”

“You look Druidian.” Arthur said, picking at a poultry leg.

“I’m Gay- Gaelian.” Merlin caught himself just in time. He always said something wrong around pretty people....maybe that was just his fatal flaw.

“Was that a stutter?”

“No-”

“Yes-”

“No.”

“If you say so, Emrys,” Arthur smirked like he knew something Merlin didn’t. It bothered Merlin, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to punch Arthur or kiss him.

“The hell does that mean?” Merlin retorted.

“Did you just swear at me? I swear! You have to be Druidian.” Arthur bit into another leg of poultry. Merlin thought his eating habits were rather abhorrent.

“How so?”

“Only a Druidian would swear at me,” Arthur said, sitting back in his chair. They were supposed to be eating together, but Merlin was too awkward to actually sit down.

“What makes you so sure?” Merlin asked, looking around before he just took a seat anyway, his face red.

“I can see your eyes,” Arthur announced.

“Yes. They’re green.”

“Black and gold,” Arthur corrected. Merlin blinked, now confused. How the hell did Arthur know that? Sure the spell he was using was weak, but Arthur was Avalonian. An anomaly.

“Excuse me?”

“They’re beautiful,” Arthur said, smirking softly. Merlin wondered if maybe Arthur could see magic. If that was the case, maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t hate this as much as he thought.

“I don’t think that’s the point, sire,” Merlin said as Arthur pushed a plate towards him.

“Eat. You’re a twig,”

“I’m not a twig!” He mumbled, eating some bread. He wasn’t fond of meat, being raised a vegetarian himself. He’d stick to the bread, cheeses, and fruits.

“Come to think of it, you’re quite small.”

“I’m Druidian.”

“Hot,” Arthur said, relaxing in his chair.

“What?” Merlin looked over, brow raised.

“Nothing. When do you start?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Merlin said, picking at the loaf of sourdough he had claimed for himself; not willing to share the bread that a servant probably wouldn’t get again.

“Ah yes. Good. I expect you here at 10.”

“Yes, sire. Can I do anything for you tonight then?”

“Be careful. I have the feeling I’ll like you so we can’t have you get beheaded,” Arthur replied coolly, humming as he finished his food. “Though I’d like some bread if it’s of no consequence to you?”

Merlin pushed some bread forward, a small pout upon his features though he couldn’t complain; not really.

“You look sad. Stop it.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.” Merlin smiled, chuckling. Even if he wasn’t in the best of moods, the other was funny. He’d survive and that was all he needed.

“I should get to my room. It was nice meeting you, sire.” Merlin stood, getting ready to leave.

“Wait- Emrys-” Arthur said, waiting.

“Hm.”

“Call me Arthur.”

“All right then, Arthur. I’ll make this into a deal. My real name is Merlin.” He winked, before leaving the room with that risk looming over his shoulders. Why did he say that? He turned down the hall; following the paths Caius had shown him finding solace because he had a feeling that Arthur wouldn’t tell.