helicon_grove | (no subject)

[ It's out of the blue, spur of the moment, simply an idea he comes up with as he is changing behind the fold, and then he's calling out to Merlin. ]

I need you to prepare the horses and lunch for the day.

[Only one of two is of the norm, and the change has Merlin raising an eyebrow, even if Arthur can't see it.]

The horses? You mean you're not taking your lunch in here?

No, Merlin. I'm having my lunch in here with the horses.

[ He comes out from behind the fold and goes to grab a shirt from the dresser. ]

Pack some blankets as well. If you think you can manage that much.

[Merlin darts a look at Arthur, puzzled. Horses, lunch, blankets...all of these together point toward a picnic, or a quiet lunch out of the castle. Who is he taking with him?]

You want all of this done now, don't you?

[Never mind that Merlin's already tired from wiping down your chamber's floor.]

Actually, I wanted it done five minutes ago.

[ He pulls his shirt over his head, then gives Merlin a smirk. ]

So you'd better get on it now while I tell my father I'll be away. Hurry along, now.

[Shaking his head at Arthur's bossiness, Merlin ~~ignores Arthur's stripping~~ does as he's told, walking to the door. Before he shuts it behind him, he pauses.]

Should I meet you in the stables, then?

[ Arthur's only response is to throw the nearest heavy object at the door, which ends up being a book lent to him by Sir Geoffrey that he never read and no one will be reading after a few pages fall lose and float to the ground.

He'll probably just blame it on Merlin.

And then he's off to tell his father of some false hunt in the Northern woods, that no, he doesn't need a guard and yes, he'll be back before nightfall, thank you, sire. Simple as that, and maybe Arthur should feel bad about lying to the king, but he doesn't think twice of it before heading off to meet his incompetent manservant in the stables with a quiet smile. ]

I trust everything is set and ready to go?

[The "incompetent manservant" in question can be found leaning against the stable wall, an expression of complete and utter boredom on his face while he waits for Arthur. Distracted as he is, he doesn't hear the prince's approach until it's too late, and he practically falls over while straightening up. The docile mare lent to him so graciously by the household continues chewing at her oats, used to her temporary owner's behavior already. Arthur's mare, however, snorts and flicks her tail in his direction, unamused.]

Er--yeah, everything's been packed and tied to the horses. [Merlin rubs at his cheek, and looks behind Arthur with a frown.] There's...no one else with you?

[ Arthur just kind of furrows his brows, arms crossed, and watches as Merlin stumbles over his own feet. All the grace of a newborn foal. Possibly even less. Pathetic. ]

Good to see your ability to count is better than your ability to stand, Merlin. We're finally getting somewhere.

[ If ever two riders were better suited to their steeds ... Arthur sighs and walks over to his horse to check that everything is tied properly (you never know with Merlin). ]

I'll be going alone for today. The knights have their orders for the day.

[ Of course "alone" inherently implies him and Merlin, it just goes without saying. ]

[It isn't often that Arthur can confuse Merlin with intentions, but this time is definitely one of them. Merlin watches Arthur examining the packs, his hands clutching at his mare's reins. Only when the mare wickers in his hair does Merlin move, rubbing at her nose gently.]

You could've just said you wanted to eat outside. [The phrases "going alone" and "prepare the horses" finally link together and lead him to the right answer.] I thought you were trying to impress someone, so I packed some more cakes.

[ Satisfied that everything is in working order, he pulls himself up onto his horse and shoots Merlin a somewhat incredulous look. ]

Who on Earth would I have to impress?

[ Merlin may catch trace elements of a smirk just before Arthur gives one firm kick of his heels and they're off towards the city limits. ]

I dunno, some visiting lady? [He hadn't noticed Arthur paying particular attention to anyone--both castle regular or visitor--so he'd been surprised by the request. Not that he'd been looking, really. It's just an effect of being around Arthur so many hours of the day. That's all. Yep.]

Anyway, you sho--oy! [Merlin allows him all of one second to gape at Arthur's retreating figure before he swings himself up (his attempt nowhere near as graceful and fluid as Arthur's) onto his saddle and gives chase.] You couldn't wait until I was actually on the horse before you left?

Come now, Merlin, where's the fun in that?

[ Perhaps that's the whole point of doing things on a whim. Arthur so rarely gets the opportunity that when he does, he simply does without really thinking it through. There's absolutely nothing particularly special about this day. He was awoken by Merlin, bathed by Merlin, dressed by Merlin, fed by Merlin - just one more day of --

Well, Merlin.

Arthur turns to give his servant a thoughtful glance, then looks ahead of them as the walls of Camelot disappear behind them. ]

You've been along with me on several dozen of my rides by now, and I'd say your mare's taken to you rather well. Let's see how much you've learned. Do try to keep up, won't you?

[ And once again, Arthur sets off ahead, but this time at a full gallop. If he's going to do this, he's really going to do this. ]

What are you--[Once again, Merlin's left in the dust, caught between outrage and bewildered amusement.] Arthur!

[He gives the pack-rope one more yank, just to make certain it's completely secure, then nudges his mare--whom he had secretly named "Esme" for her gentle nature--in a gallop before Arthur completely disappears from his sight.]

Honestly, that prat. [If Merlin's grinning from ear to ear at Arthur's playful display while he gives case, then only Esme is witness to it. No need to encourage the prince.]

[ The prince honestly needs no encouragement whatsoever. There's ground pounding away beneath them, the trees whipping past in a rush of greens and yellows, and Arthur hasn't felt this great in ages. He checks back every few seconds to make sure Merlin is still with him (though of anyone asks, it's just to maintain the lead, nothing else), and by the time he finally starts slowing to a halt, he's howling with lighthearted laughter, heart racing in his chest as he lazily dismounts and leans against his mare. She's tired from the sudden pace, but energy courses through her now restless feet and Arthur turns to hold her reins and pet along her neck to sooth her, grinning with hushed laughter all the while as he waits for Merlin to catch up. ]

[As if Merlin could hold onto his indignation for long when Arthur's so obviously cheerful. It's been ages since he's seen Arthur relax like this, and Merlin can't find it in him to ruin the prince's good mood. When he draws up to him and his mare, Merlin just huffs at him, guiding Esme in a small circle to cool down from the gallop.]

You know, when you're racing, you're supposed to warn the other person first, or else it isn't fair. Worried I might beat you here, Arthur?

[The raised-eyebrow effect is ruined with Merlin's own clumsy dismount, and his grin.]

Don't be absurd, Merlin.

[ Arthur exhales deeply, a bit out of breath from the adrenaline and the laughter, and leads his horse over to hand Merlin the reins. ]

If it were a race, you'd be grinning with a mouthful of dirt right now.

[ He claps a hand to Merlin's cheek like a complete and utter arse before walking past him toward the trees. ]

Bring the horses. We continue on foot from here.

Ow! [Merlin rubs at the offended cheek, making a face at Arthur's back.] You're not that fast.

[Still grumbling as he wraps the reins around his hands, Merlin follows Arthur's lead and guides the horses toward their destination. Speaking of which...]

Where are we going, anyway? This is a lot of trouble to go through just for a meal outside.

It's not just a meal outside. Stop complaining and you'll see when we get there.

[ "There" is a few good minutes from the road, part of which is downhill, until they reach a small clearing with a quiet stream at the foot of a hill. Arthur stops to wash his hands in the water, then goes to retrieve the packs and blanket. ]

Tie the horses near the water and meet me at the top of the hill.

[Curiosity piqued, Merlin manages to hold his questions back while Arthur begins his ascent. Arthur's mare shies a bit when Merlin's securing their reins, but quiets down with a snort and a shake of her head once Esme joins her.

Then, Merlin finally climbs, stopping just behind Arthur.]

All right, I'm here. So what's so special about this place?

Absolutely nothing.

[ Arthur says blandly as he sets down the pack and rolls out the blanket, then flops down lazily with his hands tucked behind his head and his eyes closed. ]

I just thought it might be a good place to spend your day off.

[Merlin's stare turns incredulous.] It's my day off. Shouldn't I decide where to spend it?

[This is unbelievable. Arthur is unbelievable. Those are the thoughts that run through Merlin's mind then. But, even through his irritation, Merlin can't help but notice how different Arthur looks like this.

Merlin sighs and rifles through the pack of food, which he's starting to suspect is for him. Well, them, really, since they're sharing. Grudgingly, he takes the spot by Arthur, a roll in hand. His inability to stay irritated at Arthur for too long can be frustrating at times.]

Let's be entirely honest here. Is there really anyplace else you'd rather be?

[ He keeps his eyes closed, but he is most certainly smiling, all too pleased. It's a nice day and they're far from the reach of Camelot, a whimsical break from their duties, the king, from everything. Arthur is quite pleased, indeed, and Merlin's irritation really only feeds into it. Just because he's decided to give him a day off doesn't mean he can't still mess with him. ]

I could be in my bed. Getting some well-earned rest.

[Merlin critically examines the roll, picking at a bit of dried fruit curiously, then nibbles at it. By this point, his sullen tone is all for show. Both of them know that there's no way Gaius would ever let Merlin laze about in bed, even when Arthur doesn't need him. No, he'd send Merlin off to gather herbs or deliver potions.]

'Well-earned,' really? You think so?

[ The sarcasm is nearly overwhelming. Arthur pulls one arm free to give Merlin a playful shove, and then goes right back to lazing about on his arse. He's not really out to bust Merlin's chaps, so he'll give him a break. Just this once. ]

There's no place better for a rest. We're outside of Camelot, away from the palace. No titles here. Just Arthur and Merlin, having a lie-in outdoors. Promise I won't even put any bugs in your hair.