A New Direction
Author: 
gilli_ann
Title: A New Direction
Rating: G
Characters: Merlin, Gaius
Pairing: (Future) Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin talks to Gaius and makes plans for the future
Word Count: 400
Prompt: 'Smoke'
Author's Notes: Canon AU which adds to the shapeshifting stories. Dialogue only.
A New Direction
"What do you think of Prince Arthur?"
"Why, have you had another run-in with him?"
"Who, me? No! Oh no, Gaius, please don't give me the eyebrow."
"Then do not try to fool me, young man. I see right through your smoke and mirrors. As for Arthur, he's honourable, he cares about the people of Camelot, and he'll make a great king one day. But he has a long way to go. He's quite haughty and rash. And he's far too cocky. Much like another young man I might mention."
"I'm not cocky!"
"You act as if the use of your magic is a bit of a laugh. You take unnecessary risks more often than I like to even think of. Your gifts are very dangerous, Merlin. It will be easy to slip up. You have much to learn about patience and caution."
"They aren't unnecessary risks. I know what I'm doing."
"I beg to differ. Now as to Prince Arthur, he needs someone trustworthy who dares speak up when he's making mistakes. Someone who won't be intimidated by his temper and physical strength."
"I have been trying to nudge him in the right direction when I meet him."
"Well done."
"But I've been thinking I could do a better job of it if I was his manservant. He's offered me the job."
"Indeed? And did you accept?"
"I wouldn't do that to you, Gaius. I'm your apprentice, I can't just leave. And there is Morris to think of, too."
"Anyone who wants to help the people of Camelot would do well to become a physician. But assisting the prince on the road to becoming a fair and just ruler would help the people, too. Not many will get such an opportunity, Merlin."
"So you're saying that—"
"I managed my tasks before you arrived. I'll manage on my own again if I have to. Perhaps I could ask Morris to run my errands and help me with some simple herb preparations."
"I'll talk to Arthur."
"When you do, ask him if you may continue collecting my wild herbs. No one can beat you there."
"I am very good at sniffing them out."
"Merlin, be serious. I think it's not only Arthur who needs to gain in maturity and wisdom. You two may be good for each other."
"Maybe."
"If you don't kill each other first, that is."
gilli_annTitle: A New Direction
Rating: G
Characters: Merlin, Gaius
Pairing: (Future) Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin talks to Gaius and makes plans for the future
Word Count: 400
Prompt: 'Smoke'
Author's Notes: Canon AU which adds to the shapeshifting stories. Dialogue only.
A New Direction
"What do you think of Prince Arthur?"
"Why, have you had another run-in with him?"
"Who, me? No! Oh no, Gaius, please don't give me the eyebrow."
"Then do not try to fool me, young man. I see right through your smoke and mirrors. As for Arthur, he's honourable, he cares about the people of Camelot, and he'll make a great king one day. But he has a long way to go. He's quite haughty and rash. And he's far too cocky. Much like another young man I might mention."
"I'm not cocky!"
"You act as if the use of your magic is a bit of a laugh. You take unnecessary risks more often than I like to even think of. Your gifts are very dangerous, Merlin. It will be easy to slip up. You have much to learn about patience and caution."
"They aren't unnecessary risks. I know what I'm doing."
"I beg to differ. Now as to Prince Arthur, he needs someone trustworthy who dares speak up when he's making mistakes. Someone who won't be intimidated by his temper and physical strength."
"I have been trying to nudge him in the right direction when I meet him."
"Well done."
"But I've been thinking I could do a better job of it if I was his manservant. He's offered me the job."
"Indeed? And did you accept?"
"I wouldn't do that to you, Gaius. I'm your apprentice, I can't just leave. And there is Morris to think of, too."
"Anyone who wants to help the people of Camelot would do well to become a physician. But assisting the prince on the road to becoming a fair and just ruler would help the people, too. Not many will get such an opportunity, Merlin."
"So you're saying that—"
"I managed my tasks before you arrived. I'll manage on my own again if I have to. Perhaps I could ask Morris to run my errands and help me with some simple herb preparations."
"I'll talk to Arthur."
"When you do, ask him if you may continue collecting my wild herbs. No one can beat you there."
"I am very good at sniffing them out."
"Merlin, be serious. I think it's not only Arthur who needs to gain in maturity and wisdom. You two may be good for each other."
"Maybe."
"If you don't kill each other first, that is."