sidhe_faerieTitle: The Lord and the Lady's Maid (Part 3)
Rating: PG
Pairing/s:
Character/s: Merlin, Uther, Gaius, Morgana
Summary: Merlin faces Uther to explain Arthur's absence.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 600
Prompt: 370 Glasses
Author's Notes: This one is late
Part 3
Merlin walked into Arthur's room and cleared his throat.
Uther turned and looked him up and down. He was obviously agitated. "Where is my son?"
"Lord Arthur went hunting. He said he would be back in a few days." Merlin kept his face blank even under Uther's intense stare.
"Was it a shoot or a hunting party?" Uther asked. His gaze was intense.
"He didn't say, my lord, but he took his gun." Merlin pointed to the empty space in the weapons rack.
Uther frowned. "When did he leave?"
"Just after dawn. I saddled his horse myself." Merlin that he should give Arthur and Gwen extra time in case Uther sent out search parties.
"I spoke to the groom and he told me there are two horses missing." Uther took a step towards Merlin as if to intimidate him. "Where is the other horse?"
Merlin didn't flinch or change his expression. "Its at the blacksmith. It has a loose shoe."
Uther took another step closer. "Which blacksmith?"
"Tom in the village. He needed the work and Lord Arthur told me to take the mare to him." Merlin knew he had better let Tom know what was going on.
"I'm curious." Uther was now inches from merlins face. "Why did Arthur leave you behind?"
"He says I'm too chatty and I frighten the game away with my clumsiness." Merlin was sure Arthur had said as much to Uther before.
"I see." Uther turned and walked away. "You may go about your duties. Let me know as soon as he returns."
"Yes my lord." Merlin didn't wait to be dismissed he hurried back down to the cleaning room.
Merlin was surprised to find Morgana waiting for him.
"Well?" Morgana asked.
"He bought the hunting story." Merlin leaned against the table and sighed. "I need to talk to Tom. I told Uther that the second horse was there being reshod."
"I'll do that." Morgana offered. "I should check on him anyway. He'll be worried about Gwen." Morgana went to the door then looked back. "Thank you Merlin for your loyalty to my brother."
Merlin nodded and picked up the shoe he had been cleaning. "He's my friend."
Morgana slipped through the door.
At the end of the day, Merlin walked home to the cottage he shared with his godfather, Gaius.
"What have you done?" Gaius asked as he took off his glasses. He got up from his desk and crossed the room to look eye to eye with Merlin."You have a guilty look on your face."
"Nothing at all." Merlin shrugged then walked over and plopped down into a chair by the hearth. "I just helped Gwen and Arthur elope then lied to Uther to cover it up."
Gaius rubbed his brow. "Uther is going to be in a state when he finds out."
"Well it's probably going to be a few more days before that happens. They went to London for a special license. If they cant get one then its Gretna Green. Either way, they're coming back married and there's nothing Uther can do then."
"Don't be so sure." Gaius poured sherry into two glasses and brought them over. He handed one to Merlin then sat in the chair opposite. "Uther has ways of getting the impossible done."
"So do I." Merlin sipped his drink. "Its called magick."
"Watch your step. Uther will have you hanged." Gaius took a sip from his glass.
"I know how to be discreet. Don't worry so much." Merlin downed the rest of his drink. "What's for supper?"
"Lamb stew." Gaius stood up. "Come on."
Author:
sidhe_faerieTitle: The Lord and the Lady's Maid (Part 4)
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Gwen
Character/s: Morgana
Summary: a chilly night on the road to London.
Warnings: none
Word Count: 441
Prompt: 371 Shivering
Author's Notes:
Part 4
Just after nightfall fall, Arthur and Gwen made camp just off the road in a wooded area. They had put down their bed rolls next to the fire. This way they could get moving as soon as it was light.
Arthur turned and noticed Gwen shivering. "Guinevere, you're cold. We can go to an inn if you want. I know you didn't expect to sleep rough every night we were away."
"No! We can't!" Gwen pulled the blanket closer around herself. "Your father could track us if we stayed at an inn. This way he wont be able to tell which direction we went. Its safer this way."
"Are you sure? There's a post inn in the next town. Its not much but its warmer than sleeping out here."
"I'm fine. I promise. Come closer and put your arms around me. That's all the warmth I need." Gwen smiled at him.
Arthur scooted closer and pulled her back against his chest. "I almost can't believe we will be sleeping close like this for the rest of our lives. Its all I ever hoped for."
"I've had the same hopes and dreams as you." Gwen snuggled against his chest. "You are very warm. I should stop shivering soon."
"Good! Now get some rest." Arthur kissed her on top of the head. "We should be in London soon. Hot baths and clean clothes then we get married."
"I like that plan. Good night Arthur." Gwen sighed, content with his arms around her.
"Good night Guinevere." Arthur whispered as he felt her relax.
Back at the manor, Morgana sat up in bed shivering. "No!"
She looked around the room then got out of bed. She threw a coat over her nightdress and slipped into some shoes. She left her room and made her way outside and down the gravel path to Gaius and Merlin's cottage.
She banged on the door as loud as she could until Merlin came to answer it.
"Morgana! What are you doing here dressed like that? Come in your shivering." Merlin stepped aside to let her in.
Just inside the door, Morgana grabbed his arms. "Merlin, I had a dream. Arthur and Gwen are in danger. There were masked men on the road. Please! Help them!"
"Morgana they are miles away. I'd never reach them in time." Merlin pulled her over to the chair at the hearth. "Sit down and warm yourself."
Morgana sat down. "I know you can help them. Use your magick, Merlin. It's their only chance."
Merlin frowned. "I'll get Gaius then I'll go to them. Stay here until I get back." Merlin rushed to get Gaius.