Just another day in Camelot - Merlin one shots

Christmas

A/N, Merry Christmas everyone, I know i'm late but i hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you enjoyed it (even with the current state of the world) and have a happy New year!

"Merry Christmas Arthur!" The young warlock threw open the curtains, letting light stream into the room. This was Merlin's first Christmas in Camelot and he was extremely excited. He celebrated it too in Ealdor, all the families would get together and have a big meal together then Merlin would play the fiddle while they all danced and singed joyfully. When one of the other servants found out he could play the fiddle he said that he was part of a group that played music for balls and such. Somehow after meeting the manager, a bloke called Tom, Merlin had gotten a place in the group. Tom was amazed by Merlin's skills and knew the young boy underrated himself. He told Merlin to get a song ready for Christmas to play a solo and then a well known duet with himself.

"Do I get to lie in if it's Christmas?" Arthur's muffle reply came from a somewhere in the pile of blankets on the bed.

"No" Merlin threw all the blankets off the prince and watched amused as the prince rolled around blindly, trying to find warmth.

"Merlin." Whined Arthur. He wasn't about to tell him off because, well it was Christmas.

"Come on sire, you have to watch some people fighting or something and then get ready for the ball tonight." Arthur groaned loudly. "It won't be that bad."

"You don't have to sit and listen to a bunch of old people talking about nothing but politics." Merlin dressed Arthur then hurried him off to watch knights fighting in his honour. Merlin really did not understand him. Before Arthur could ask him to stay he ran off to find Tom to do some last minute practicing.

- - - - - -

"It's already 3?" Merlin said lowering his bow. Tom was just about to answer before merlin rushed out shouting "Arthur's going to kill me!" He chuckled at the boy's antics.

Merlin slammed into someone's chest as he rounded the corner.

"Where have you been?!" He looked up and saw Arthur. Blushing slightly he replied

"Finishing some things to do with the ball."

"Well I've had to sit listening to a snobby prince from another land bragging about all the things he had. I nearly died of boredom."

"Now you know how I feel talking to you every day." Arthur slapped Merlin on the head making the young boy yelp. A servant passed and raised his eyebrows at the two before hurrying on.

Merlin had finally finished putting on the prince's clothes. He stood back proud of himself for not getting all the buttons and laces mixed up.

"I've got something for you."

"What?"

Arthur fumbled with something then handed Merlin a bunch of paper.

"You know because its Christmas. It's a present." Merlin took the gift delicately from Arthur and looked at it amazed.

"For me?" His eyes filled with water, but he refused to cry in front of Arthur. Never had anyone gotten him a present. People in his home town where just too pore to think of such a thing and he never expected to get one, he only thought very important people got them or someone who meant a lot to the person. He opened the paper with great care, he took so long Arthur told him to hurry up or he would open it for him. He held up a beautiful dark green suit with gold patterns around the edges. It must have cost a great deal thought Merlin as he ran his hand down it, marvelling at how silky it felt. "I- Arthur- I"

"I can't have you walking around in those filthy rags of yours at the ball." Merlin looked up at Arthur and smiled half sadly.

"I didn't get you anything."

"I have enough things. Now get dressed or we'll be late." Arthur helped Merlin get into the new clothes then they set off to the ball. Merlin disappeared as soon as they entered the crowded room and no matter how much Arthur looked, he could not find the young boy. Soon the crowd quietened as the musicians came out. They played the usual stuff and everyone resumed their conversations over the top of the back ground music. After a half an hour (I have no idea how balls work) the music stopped and one person stepped forward. They had short black hair with- wait was that?

As soon as the bow touched the strings everyone fell silent. The music seemed to float through the air, more delicate than a feather. Nobody breathed, fearing they would break the delicate and intricate melody coming from the fiddle. The music rose to it's highest notes then silence. Nobody moved. The bow was brought down again enthusiastically, but this time the music was more lively and cheery. People started to dance, laughing and skipping around with their partners. Arthur only stared as his friend played his heart out on the instrument. By the time the piece had ended everyone was smiling, enjoying themselves greatly and Arthur still had the last notes echoing in his mind. Everyone clapped, not a polite clap but a proper applause. Merlin went scarlet but no one could see it except Tom who smiled proudly at the boy. Tom got up and stood next to Merlin starting their duet. The melody wove in and out, overlapping at some points and then playing in unison. This piece was also fantastic but nothing compared to the solo Merlin played.

Hours later, Arthur staggered into his room, grateful to have gotten away of all the noise. He had found a half asleep Merlin lying at the bottom of his bed still wearing the suit Arthur gave him. Arthur went and sat next to his head.

"The suit looks great on you."

"Hmm thanks." Came a groggy reply.

"I didn't know you could play the fiddle." He didn't say anything. Arthur thought he must've fallen asleep but caried on talking anyway. "You played really well, shocked me to find out you actually had a talent. I look forward to hearing you play again." He heard a small chuckle.

"Arthur, complementing me? That's a first." Arthur laughed. They both fell asleep soon after still fully dressed and still smiling.