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

[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.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I know, Arthur," Merlin replied, glancing up and then back down. "It's--complicated."

After a moment, he scooted closer.

[bitchprince]

"It is very complicated," Arthur agreed, and now his mouth twisted into a wry little smile. "Grasping the politics of the situation, I see."

He shifted a little into Merlin's presence, not that he'd admit it.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Better than you think."

[bitchprince]

"Is that so."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin looked away, focusing elsewhere for now. "What else did you bring to eat?"

[bitchprince]

"Cheese. Bread. I may have nicked some wine as well, but I didn't have time to check."

He studied Merlin for a moment.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Cheese?" And Merlin was already digging for it. Like the greedy little servant he was.

[bitchprince]

Arthur studied him for a moment longer, then shook his head. "Someone needs to fatten you up," he said. "God only knows what Gaius has been feeding you this week."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"He hasn't been around, actually," Merlin replied. "He was busy in the lower town, handling the injured."

[bitchprince]

Arthur squinted at him. "Have you been scrounging off the kitchen maids again?"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"...they think I'm cute."

[bitchprince]

"A misconception of such grand proportions I have grown to doubt their sanity," Arthur said, nodding like that was an established fact. "I'll have the cooks prepare a little more tonight. Might as well keep your insolence away from their grubby fingers."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"They like me!" No, they thought he needed to be fattened up.

[bitchprince]

"Highly doubtful, Merlin," Arthur assured him. "I've heard them complaining about the messes you leave behind."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"That's your messes."