Chapter Text
Camelot is shown first. It is a sunny day and the castle is bustling with the usual activity. Everyone is getting ready for a festival that is to happen within the week, and noble guests are starting to make their appearance at the castle. Arthur, as usual, is still sound asleep, and we see Merlin approach him.
Merlin: Good morning, sire.
*Merlin throws open the curtains, bringing a lot more light into the room*
Arthur: Dammit, Merlin, let me sleep a few more minutes...
Merlin: But you are needed. Apparently, nobody can plan a festival without a royal pratt telling them what to do.
*Arthur sits up, now paying more attention to his annoying servant*
Arthur: A pratt am I? At least I am not the most useless servant in the castle!
*Arthur jumps up and grabs the goblet in Merlin’s hand and begins drinking*
Merlin: Oi, I am doing my best. *quieter with a smirk* And it isn’t like you give much constructive criticism...
Arthur: Constructive criticism!? I’ll show you…
*Arthur jumps up, Merlin runs to the door*
Merlin: And don’t forget the new guests will be arriving soon! You should wear your best tunic today!
*Merlin dodges the goblet that was thrown at his head and scuttles out the door*
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Arthur is now dressed in his armor and downstairs in the throne room. Gwenevere walks up to him in the room that won’t be empty for much longer.
Gwen: *laughing and fixing Arthur’s clothes* Did you dress yourself?
Arthur: I had to. Merlin decided to run out of my chambers before I was finished with him.
Gwen: It wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you threw a goblet at him?
Arthur: *smiling* Oh, he deserved that. I wasn’t finished throwing things at him, though.
Gwen: *smiling* Indeed, my lord. Well, you seem all straightened out now.
Arthur: Just in time for the chaos of this festival I need to plan.
*kisses him on the cheek*
Arthur: Now what was that for?
Gwen: Some luck. You should not fret about the festival. It will turn out a great success.
Arthur: Well, I am glad I have you on my side. Now, where is Merlin? I need to talk to him before the Lord of Moray arrives.
Gwen: Last I saw him, he was helping Gaius with something in his quarters.
Arthur: Very well, as long as he stays out of the godforsaken tavern this week. I cannot afford him disappearing on us.
Gwen: *Smiling* I will go tell him that you wish to speak with him.
*Gwen leaves Arthur standing in the throne room with a contemplative look on his face*
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*Still in the throne room, Arthur sits on the throne, still uncomfortable with the power of the position. Suddenly, Merlin approaches*
Merlin: You wished to see me, sire?
*Arthur starts, lost in thought and unaware of Merlin’s approach*
Arthur: Ah, yes. Sorry, I was just thinking about my Father. How his harvest festival was always a high point of the five kingdoms. I am going to have to live up to that now.
Merlin: Don’t worry, I am sure your festival will be even better! There are less going hungry under your rule already, and I know you will be the greatest king Camelot has ever known.
*Arthur studies his servant, a smirk of surprise on his face*
Arthur: You are a riddle, Merlin. But, I do not summon you simply to get your opinion on my leadership...
Merlin: Throwing goblets is a big strike against you...
Arthur: I will throw more at you if you don’t shut up and do as you are told. What do you know of the Lord of Moray?
*Merlin looks around, trying to remember anything about that name. Eventually he shakes his head*
Merlin: Not much, sire. He is known to be a severe ruler, and treats servants like dirt. But most nobles do. He would be quite a way from home if he visited here, so it seems as if Camelot is safe from his anger.
Arthur: Hmm. Actually, he arrives in a few hours. I want you to be his personal servant until the festival ends. It is important to attend to his every whim, so do not disappoint me.
Merlin: *Sighs* As you wish. Is this because I called you a pratt?
*Arthur slings his arm around Merlin’s shoulder good-naturedly *
Arthur: *Laughing* Of course not, Merlin! It just makes the order that much more enjoyable for me to give.
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Knights ride into Camelot with a standard bearing a black boar on a red banner. They are in black armor and seem battle-hardened. Then rides in a pretty young woman and a middle aged man with a beard. He has hard eyes. As they approach the castle, the townsfolk get out of their way. They ride on until they reach an approaching King Arthur with Merlin and Gwen. The knights of Camelot are assembled, including Sirs Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Elyan, and others.
Arthur: My lord, I hope your journey was well traveled. Welcome to Camelot, I am Arthur Pendragon, King of these lands. This is my queen, Gwenevere.
*The Lord of Moray dismounts from his horse*
Lord M: An honor to meet the son of Uther. The road was long, and my men are weary, but the voyage is at its end now. This is my daughter, the lovely Lady Siggi.
*Lady Siggi dismounts as well*
Siggi: Pleased to meet you.
Arthur: Welcome! Your men may rest easy knowing they are safe and in warm quarters. Merlin, my personal servant, will attend you two during this week. He will take you to your rooms and see to anything you require.
Lord M: Very well.
Merlin: Please follow this way, my Lord.
Lord M: *stern, in a commanding voice not used moments before* As if I have somewhere else to be, boy. We are tired, dirty, and hungry so make it quick or I will have you flogged.
Merlin glances at Arthur with a “told you so” look. Merlin turns to see Lord Moray nodding to urge him on. As he leads them away, Merlin doesn’t notice the look given to him by Lady Siggi, but Arthur does. She seems to fancy the servant, and Arthur seems amused at the entire situation
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