Hills Outside of the City, Camelot, Friday Afternoon

[bitchprince]

There was a great deal of work left to be done, and Arthur had done as such just that morning until Gaius had gently reminded him he was supposed to be recovering still. With no interest in sitting around his room whittling or anything of the sort, Arthur had announced he was to go hunting.

This was, of course, somewhat counter to Gaius's concerns, but really, he'd assured the man, he was only taking Merlin for a quick jaunt to get some rabbits or maybe a deer. Strictly the simple stuff.

Apparently the tone in his voice had carried Arthur's meaning across to Gaius, because that had been the end of it. (Not that Arthur would have ever let Gaius order him to stay anywhere, except the man could be a bit odd in his own way, and the last thing Arthur needed today was a codgy old physician pottering after him with a bowl of leeches and a raised eyebrow and-- All right, maybe he was a little terrified of Gaius, but honestly, it was like people didn't expect him to be able to take care of himself after nineteen-- all right, eighteen, according to the slower turning of seasons in Camelot-- years of living)

If Arthur were to be forced to spend time outside of the reconstruction effort, he'd make it something enjoyable. Which is why, after an illicit trip down to the kitchens and a shout in Merlin's general direction, they were heading out into the woods.

And then past the woods, onto the hilltops and their sprawling fields. The view was nice, the early spring sun was nice, and Arthur would be lying if the company wasn't nice.

Of course, it was absolutely nothing like hunting, but shh. He'd mention the true purpose of this jaunt in due time.

This was an excellent idea, if he did say so himself.

[[ for the ears; thread goes nws ]]

Comments

[bitchprince]

"This might be a time to bring about a definite change in your habits, then," Arthur said, shooting him a look that bordered on cheeky, and moved forward.

There, over the hill: a small brook by two large trees. A familiar place, and it made his mouth quirk slightly. "We're here."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"And where's here?"

[bitchprince]

"Here," Arthur announced, wandering the last few steps down to his preferred spot, "Is where you take a look at that bag."

He pointed at the bag from the kitchen he'd shoved at the man without explanation earlier that afternoon.

And promptly picked a rock to sit down on.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"You're insane, you know that, right?" Merlin replied, peeking in the basket. "Did you empty the entire kitchen?"

[bitchprince]

Arthur gave him a wounded look. (It might not have been entirely sincere) "I couldn't exactly order a full meal from Outback Steakhouse," he said, "So you'll have to do with that for a date meal."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Try explaining that to the cooks."

[bitchprince]

"I'd rather not, if it's all the same," Arthur said, wrinkling his nose. "I'm not sure they could handle doing that to an onion." Beat. "Stop dawdling and sit down."

Romantic!

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps with a sharp enough knife?" Merlin suggested.

He dropped the bag between them, taking a seat as well as he dug out what appeared to be some very nice, smoked meat.

[bitchprince]

"Perhaps something for Father's next birthday," Arthur said, thoughtfully--

He was not supposed to give these ideas thought. That way laid madness. He stretched his legs out, and took a deep, relaxed breath.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin offered up... half of the meat. It was his as well, damn it.

"Very thoughtful."

[bitchprince]

Arthur took it, of course, and took a bite before answering. "Mm. He'll think it's fanciful," he said. He... hoped. After a pause, he said, "I... spoke to him. About your eyes."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"It took it well, I gather?" Since Merlin was still breathing and all.

[bitchprince]

"He said it was most unfortunate, and that you continued to show me great loyalty," Arthur said, a little uncomfortable in spite of himself. Lying to his father, even in a good cause, didn't sit right with him - and his father could be fiendishly hard to read at the worst of times.

He took another bite from his meat.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I--sorry," Merlin replied, tearing his meat apart with his fingers instead of eating it.

[bitchprince]

"For what?"

He lowered the food for a moment.

"It's not like you chose to get a bloody magical illness."

You know, this was the first time he'd actually realised how well and truly over the 'Merlin is a secret sorcerer' issue he was.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"You're lying to your father," Merlin replied helplessly.

[bitchprince]

"Really. I wasn't aware of that."

Arthur's lips set in a tight line.

"It will take time to get him to see reason."

But he would, god damn it all.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Of course."

It was... nice... that Arthur thought that was possible.

[bitchprince]

Arthur might have been a mite bit idealistic.

But don't tell anyone about that. He turned the meat in his hands. Then took a bite.

"But for the time being, you're safe," he continued. "Provided Morgana knows to keep her mouth shut as well."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I think she does." Oh yes. "How is the rebuilding going?"

[bitchprince]

"It's progressing well enough," Arthur muttered, "As long as the workers remember to take care of everyone's homes."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure they will with you around," Merlin replied with a grin.

[bitchprince]

"Father's got them all scared to aid anyone who's as much spoken of the druids," he said, rubbing at his brow. "It's ridiculous."

He glanced up and at Merlin.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin glanced back down at his food. His fascinating food. Look at it be all food-like there.

[bitchprince]

Arthur examined him from his seat. Then slid off the rock to sit on the grass, legs crossed.

"I won't stand for it," he said. He didn't say sit here with me, but there was a certain invitation in his expression, if Merlin cared to look.