Finding him

Moving on up

The next few weeks passed in blur: there were a lot of parties, and hunting, and Gwaine slowly got dragged into things. He was dancing, and eating at the King's table, and barely felt like a servant at all. He slept in Percival's bed, with its soft pillows and feather mattress. He even attended training sessions, working directly with the King.

After one such session, Arthur took him to one side. “Gwaine, I would very much like to make you one of my knights.”
Gwaine bowed his head, chuckling. “I'm not a nobleman.”
“That doesn't matter to me. Will you accept?”
“Very well. Yes, I will accept.” Gwaine nodded, Arthur clapping him on the arm. “Thank you.”

Life as a knight of Camelot was very pleasant, Gwaine discovered. He still stayed in Percival's chambers, but they hired a new servant to work under both of them. The food, now that he didn't just get last pickings, was excellent, and his duties light. His relationship with Percival was very good as well, the two of them enjoying long rides together, and having sex at every opportunity, as if they were young men.

Months of bliss passed, almost a whole year. Until one day, when Percival and Gwaine were on patrol, completely unaware of what was coming, everything shifted.

“Sire, I have a message for you.” A young boy ran out into the training field, where the knights, minus Gwaine and Percival, were enjoying their lunch in the sun. Arthur nodded, taking the envelope from the boy's trembling hands.
“Who's it from?”
“Carson, my lord.” Arthur nodded,  opening the paper.
“Are you one of his men?”
“Yes, sire.” The boy nodded.
“You've come a long way then,” Leon commented,  refilling his goblet.
“Indeed.” Merlin looked over Arthur's shoulder, reading the letter.
“He is on his way?” Merlin looked up in shock.
“Yes, my lord. But this is not an act of war.” The messenger said, bowing his head.
“I have no dispute with Carson. But Camelot cannot accommodate, nor would I risk, more than two dozen men.”
“He suspected as much.”
“Right. How far are they?”
“Sixty leagues or so when I left them. I imagine they'll be here by Friday evening.”
“Of course. I'll arrange a feast, and accommodation. Are you returning to him?”
“Yes sire.”
“Run along then.” Arthur nodded, the boy scampering away back into the palace.

Gwaine and Percival were in their chambers when Merlin came in, smiling. “What are you looking so happy about?”
“We have guests coming on Friday. Most esteemed guests.”
“Oh? Who?” Gwaine looked up.
“King Carson,” Merlin told them.
“What? Why?” Gwaine tensed his shoulders, eyes suddenly wide.
Merlin shrugged, picking up a book and examining it. “Arthur hopes it is to form a friendship, as well as our alliance.”
“It's a long way to come,” Percival commented.
“There's talk of war with Denmark,” Merlin reminded him. “The bigger his army, the better.”
“I see.”
“Yes. Well, Arthur has asked that we all dress smartly. Carson is a strong King, we need to make a good impression.”
“Well, naturally.”
“Lovely. There's boar tonight, in our chambers,” Merlin told them, turning to leave. “See you soon.”

“Is something the matter love?” Percival sat behind Gwaine, hugging him from behind.
“Not at all,” Gwaine said, quickly.
“You seem on edge.”
“No, no. You know, I'm not hungry. You can go to dinner.”
“Gwaine, not hungry? Well now I am suspicious.” Percival kissed him on the neck, winking before he left.

Gwaine was brushing his hair when Merlin walked in, frowning. “Gwaine.”
“Merlin.” Gwaine put down the brush. “Is something wrong?”
“The others are all at the tavern. But You weren't at dinner.”
“No. I wasn't hungry.”
“What's wrong, Gwaine?”
“Nothing's wrong.” Merlin sat down on the bed, looking at Gwaine. “I'm just tired.”
“When I brought up King Carson, you looked panicked. Why?”
“Did I? I didn't mean to.”
“I know you've met him before. Are we putting the Kingdom in danger?”
“No, no.” Gwaine began to braid his hair, shaking his head.
“Well then. Are we putting you in danger?”
“It would be better for all of us if I wasn't here, during his visit.”
“Can you tell me why?” Gwaine shook his head. “Gwaine.”
“I have my reasons, Merlin. Please. I'll go on a hunting trip, or something. And don't tell Arthur,” Gwaine implored, biting his lip.
“Arthur has his own suspicions. He always has. Just tell us the truth.”
“If you needed to know, I would tell you.” Merlin tipped his head to the side, frowning. “Nobody is in any danger.”
“Fine. But Arthur will ask questions if you try to leave. He wants us all to be there.” Merlin shook his head, leaving the room.

The next day was spent preparing for the arrival of King Carson, so the knights had a day off. Merlin and Arthur were caught up in council, Leon and Elyan on patrol. Percival and Gwaine slept in past noon, waking in the afternoon for lunch. Their servant filled a hot bath for Percival, Gwaine making his way through a rather large bowl of grapes. Percival climbed into the bath, Gwaine ogling him like he was a tasty snack. “You know what I could do with?” Percival said, sinking into the water. “And that's a nice massage.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely. Where's Elle got to?”
“Elle,” Percival called, their servant running back into the room. “I'd like a massage. And pass the soap would you?”