Truth under spell (Merthur)

chapter 10:Day 2: On The Hunt

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"Okay so that just happened." Merlin thought as he collects the princes armor. He was shivering not because he was cold, but because of all the emotions that just went through him all at once.

He went from normal to shocked, to frightened, to upset, to crying, to shocked again, then to ecstatic. It was an endorphin rush. To many emotions at one time.

Merlin was relieved that Arthur knew. Now he wouldn't have to hide or lie about his magic anymore. It would make keeping the stubborn prince alive a lot easier. He no longer would have to hide behind trees to fling a branch at some bandits head. Now Gaius can stop using the tavern as a cover up. So he can stop being mistaken for a drunkard.

Merlin happily gathered Arthur's things for morning training. Not even caring about the hunt they were to participate in. Once he was on his way back to the princes room Merlin realized something. Stopping in the middle of the deserted corridor.

"Wait....did he call me Merls?

..........

Training the knights went as it always did. The only difference was that instead of Leon or one of the more experienced knight's Arthur elected to torment Rowan instead. Who will not be apart of the hunt cause he ended up covered in bruises and had a head injury. Which was complete justified in Arthur's opinion. "He should have ducked."

At the end of training Arthur sent Merlin to pack their bags and saddle their horses. As well as the knights to prepare themselves. While he travel his way through the corridor to meet with his father to tell him they would be back in the morning.

Which the king agreed to without question. Anything that can benefit the kingdom is agreeable.

By the time he made it outside everyone was packed and ready. Merlin standing in the front of everyone hooking his satchel to the saddle.

Arthur made his way down nodding to a few people along the way.
"If you forget anything its your own faults. If you need anything get it now." Arthur spoke to the knights once he stood beside his horse. When no one made a move to leave the prince pulled himself up to sit on the saddle. "Lets head out!"

.......

Merlin had planned on staying by Arthur's side. Mostly because he didn't want to deal with the other knights asking him questions especially Leon. However that didn't work out for him.

They had tied up their horses and set up camp. After they made their way through the trees. Looking for any and all prey. When Arthur spotted a deer he nocked an arrow into his crossbow and took the shot. It didn't kill the animal so they all ended up chasing it through the woods.

They lost it in all the green. So they go back to searching. Which is how Merlin ended up in the back of the line. A perfect opportunity for Leon to strike.

"Hey Merlin."

Groaning the servant looked towards him. Making sure that no one else can hear what he was about to say Leon said, "About earlier. You told me something a little personal. I didn't reacted cause I was shocked. I'm your friend and although I don't understand much about......that, I want you to know that I support you."

Merlin was left almost speechless. All he had to say to the knight was, "thank you."

Leon smiled, "now on that note. There has got to be someone you like. Who is it?" The pain from his throat almost sent Merlin falling to the floor. Thankfully he's gotten good at hiding when he's hurt. So to the other man he didn't seem at all different.