Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 3 - A New Friend

Arthur's POV

"Arthur," I say to the boy, Merlin. I contemplated telling him my last name as well but I didn't want him to shy away from me because I'm royalty. I have to admit he's fun to be with.

"Arthur, huh. Well then Arthur, I would like to inform you your head is bleeding quite profusely into the lake."

"Wait what?"

I feel a warm liquid drip down the side of my face. It felt different compared to the water. I lift a hand up and pat around my head. I pull it back and look at my fingers. A red sticky substance coats them. Blood.

"Oh..." I say before I begin to feel lightheaded. I feel myself fall back into the lake before blacking out.

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I open my eyes only to be blinded by the sun. I squint, bringing a hand up to cover my eyes.

"You're awake," I hear a voice say.

I look over and see Merlin sitting against a tree beside me, clothes drenched in water. His neckerchief is missing as well.

"Um... what happened?" I ask groggily.

"You almost drowned in the lake. I had to pull you out. You almost turned the whole pool red with blood." I hear him chuckle slightly.

I groan. "No wonder I feel like death."

"Don't worry. I managed to patch it up."

"Thank you."

I sit up steadily. My head spins slightly when I lean up against the tree. I bring a hand up to my head. I feel a cloth tied around my temple. We sit in silence for awhile. Merlin enjoys the view while I try my best to get my head to stop spinning.

When I finally feel good enough to stand I notice the sun is already beginning to set in the distance, casting an orange glow over the trees.

Merlin gets to his feet and stretches his arms over his head. "Well I best be going. My father is going to wonder where I am soon. Do you need help getting home?" He exclaims.

"No, I'll be fine. Thank you." I give him a smile.

He smiles back brightly. "Well... Perhaps I'll see you again sometime?"

"Yes... perhaps."

Merlin turns to leave. He walks to the edge of the clearing before I call back out to him. "Merlin!"

He turns around.

"Um..." I look away shyly, a blush creeping up on my cheeks. "If... if its just you... I don't mind sharing this place."

If it were possible Merlin's smile seems to grow even brighter then before. "Thank you. I don't mind sharing with you either."

I smile back at him and watch his silhouette disappear into the trees.

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Merlin's POV

I make my way back to the village with a small skip in my step and a large smile spread across my face. The village people all give me sideways glances when I pass. I arrive in at the large castle and head inside, whistling a happy tune through the halls.

"Well you seem quite happy Merlin."

I turn to the voice. Morgana is walking towards me. A small smile on her face.

"Ah, the lady Morgana. How are you this fine evening," I say with a bow.

"I'm doing well tonight though it seems not as well as you. So tell me, did you meet up with a girl or something?" Morgana giggles.