A Day as The Prat

[pie]

He had long forgotten what he was doing here... He had long forgotten who he was! All he could hear was clanging, and he could feel a god-awful pain spread throughout his body, but mostly his upper half and head. Where was he? He would be reminded, this time, as a sword connected once more to his helmeted head. Oh, right, he was training Arthur's men! Or more in fact, according to everyone else, his men! Why? For he appeared to be Arthur!

He raised his sword in a feeble attempt to block the next oncoming blow from the Knight he was currently "training". He stumbled back a step, clumsily swung his sword outwards, and then spun around and ran for the high heavens. "I-I'm sick!"

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--Later But Not So Later--

He rubbed his aching head, tossing the helmet to the side as he leaned against the wall of one of the many halls in the castle. Why did he have to train the men? Because according to them, he was the one who was suppose to train them, to lead them into battle! Oh lord... he hoped that that wouldn't happen! He would get killed! As it was, he had already been torn to shreds while training the Knights! He wondered how Arthur was holding up. The only thing good... well, amusing... about this situation was that Arthur had to do chores! Yeah... he'd be killed over that later...

As he leaned against the wall, he prayed that no one important would come around. He would have a hard time pretending to be Arthur in front of someone who knew him well. Who knew both of them well. He had successfully been avoiding their friends for most of the time they had been back to Camelot like this, he didn't want that to end now...

_{Place: Camelot Castle
Time: Sometime around noon
Timeline: After "The Body Swap"
Tagged: Guinevère}

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had been returning from doing an errand for Morgana when she over heard some of the knights talking. There worried about their prince and it made her pause, and her heart beat faster. Arthur? Was he ill as they were saying, or was something more pressing wrong. For the prince to admit a weakness it had to be great. She walked slowly away from them until she was out of sight before starting to hurry.

Arthur was not in his rooms, nor in his any of his normal places he would be if alone. Guinevère knew that she should not even be seeking him out. She had told him she would not be doing so, but here she was, always doing it. She started to head back to Morgana's rooms when she found him in the most unlikeliness of places. She gave a quick glance to make sure they were alone before walking up to him. "Arthur," She whispered in a worried tone, "Are you well?" She put one hand on his arm, trying to show some support to him. Touching him was becoming to common, and she knew it would reveal to much about them if anyone saw. "I over heard Sir Leon speaking with some of the men. He seemed worried, for you."

[pie]

Merlin remained in his position against the wall, and was glad that no one had passed by yet. But that luck would soon run out, he knew, for word would have to get out that the "Prince" ran away from practice, claiming to be sick... Yeah, perhaps that wasn't the best of excuses... He sighed and shook his head. Of all the people he could have become, it had to be the Prat?

He was set to stay here for as long as possible, but then to his surprise... Gwen found him. Oh no... he thought with an inward groan. Of all the people that could have found him, it had to be her? She knew Arthur better than any of them, how was he suppose to fool her? Right... well, he would have to figure it out.

"Gwen!" he exclaimed, still surprised, which showed in his tone. No, that wasn't anything near to how Arthur would say it! "Guinevère," he paused when she put her hand on his arm. He looked around now, too, also making sure that no one was around. No one could see! And there it was. So word had gotten out, right? Great... "Nothing that I can't survive," he said, trying to be convincing. But they will cut me to pieces, first! "There isn't anything to be worried about Gwen... er, Guinevère."

[Guinevère]

She could tell something was wrong; she just did not know what it was. Whatever it was had to be something that was going around for when she'd spoke to Merlin this morning he'd been different too. She did not know what she could do to help, or even if it was in her right to be able to offer help tot he prince she loved.

He called her Gwen, then Guinevère but both lacked the empathizes Arthur normally put on her name. It made her worry even more. She knew something was troubling him, and wished he'd tell her. "But I do worry for you, Arthur." She told him, stepping closer and looking up into his face, "Perhaps the council of a friend will ease what has your mind troubled?" she offered, wishing to let him know that she was here for him. She knew she should not be, but she also knew she had to be. With her free hand she reached up to brush some of his light hair from his face.

[pie]

It seemed that he failed to convince her that nothing was wrong. Was there? Of course! He was trapped in Arthur's body and had to survive! Could he tell her that? He could, but he wasn't so sure that he should, or how he would explain it. "Yeah, I'm really Merlin" didn't sound so brilliant or convincing, did it? No, that would sound ridiculous!

When she stepped closer to him and offered him council, "Arthur" gulped and raised his hands a little. "I really wish that you wouldn't do that," he said, and then blinked. It probably came out differently from what he had intended, but in reality, he felt very uncomfortable in this position. After all, he wasn't Arthur, and she thought that he was. "Guinevère, really, I'm fine. It's just..." He needed an excuse. Yeah, a believable excuse that would put her mind at rest so she wouldn't think that anything was wrong.

"It's a surprise." There you go! An excuse! Hopefully that would deflect any worried questions. Or it would make the situation worse. He prayed against the latter, however.

[Guinevère]

She noticed him react differently to her presence, and she wondered if she was pushing to close to him. Arthur had always welcomed her before but this time it felt different. Like he was fighting not to push her away. She did not believe that it was a surprise that had him so off. He'd ran from his men, but she knew better then to question him.

Even if she was already breaking the lines between them, some lines she did not cross. "A surprise?" She asked hesitantly, not backing away from him. She took one of his raised hands in her's so he knew she was not going to walk away from him. Whatever was wrong with him, it had cause him to loose that feeling of solitude he always had, even when she was around him. It was almost nice, but frightening at the same time.

Arthur was stronger then any man she'd ever known. In both mind and body, and because he felt the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders he always had this feeling of greatness about him. Of power and leader sip. The kind of man your eyes sought out with out your mind knowing what it was looking for. Now he seemed more open, and a bit frightened him self.

[pie]

He seemed to be failing to lie to her. Of course that would happen, he wasn't exactly the best of liars to begin with, let alone pretending to be Arthur. Really, a worse situation couldn't have come along! Now he needed to think of something else to say, because this wasn't working! He took a deep breath and looked away, thinking a moment, before looking back at her with a forced serious expression. He wasn't doing a good enough job at being Arthur, was he?

When she took his hand in hers, he inwardly sighed again. Not that he minded the contact, but again, it all came down to the fact that she believed that he was Arthur. And he wasn't. "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, now would it?" he said mysteriously. "Besides, it's not the men that have anything to worry about. It's... Merlin!" Yep, he was going to blame it on... well technically himself! "Yes, I noticed while training the men that he did something to my helmet! See it?" he motioned to it on the ground. "It's not suppose to dent so easily."

[Guinevère]

He was making very little sense. First he was ill, then it was a surprise and then it was Merlin's fault that his helmet was dented. Something was bothering him and he was trying to avoid talking about it. Guinevère wasn't the type to push so she decided to let it go. Let him work it out on his own and when he was ready--If--if he became ready then he would seek her out and tell him.

For now she could only offer him support in what he was dealing with. And she could try to help her friend stay out of trouble. "That sounds like a blacksmith's fault." Guinevère told him, for she was a blacksmith's daughter. "Not Merlin's." If Arthur had his way he'd make Merlin do everything, were he could watch him. Guinevère knew Arthur cared a great deal about Merlin, and that was why she did not say anything about their interactions.

"Besides, I am worried about Merlin. We did the wash together this morning and he seemed to be having a terrible time with it, and with his other chores too." Whatever was wrong with Arthur, seemed to be effecting Merlin as well. She loved them both, one as a man and one as a brother, and she wished she knew how to help them.

[pie]

He wasn't sure if he should be grateful that Gwen said it wasn't his fault -- even though she wasn't aware he was actually Merlin -- or not. After all, he was trying to make her thing nothing was wrong... and was, unsurprisingly, failing immensely. He wasn't very good at pretending to be Arthur, was he? "Well then, I will find the blacksmith who did this and ask them what they did to my helm."

"Ar-rrr...Merlin's having a hard time with his chores?" he asked, amusement hinting in his tone. He had also almost slipped and said Arthur, but tried to fix that by making it come drawn out, almost like a strange version of "Er". Would she notice that? But the thought of Arthur having to do his chores was an amusing one indeed. Sure, he felt a slight bit of sympathy for the spoiled Prince, never having to do such things, but... Well... He deserved it!

"I hope that he didn't do them too bad?" he made it sound like a question, but a statement that "Merlin" had to have done them bad. Like it was his expectations. Even though he didn't care, he had to sound like he did. He didn't really like insulting "himself". "I'm sure there is nothing to worry about, Guinevère. He's probably just being his usual, idiotic self." Yeah... they had to find a solution to this magical switch soon, before something happened.

[Guinevère]

Ignoring the blacksmith remarks, Guinevère watched Arthur appear slightly amused at Merlin's troubles. She knew they were close friends, and that even if Arthur laughed at Merlin in trouble that he would help Merlin out if his life was on the line. "Yes, he ended up dyeing his hand purple, and kicking buckets. I am worried about him, Arthur, Merlin is not himself." She did not find it amusing. The purple hand might be a bit funny, but not when Merlin was struggling so.

"He did not know how to do any of his chores, I know he does, but he didn't. It's like it was Merlin but it wasn't Merlin." She was worried. She hoped she could help him, but she also wanted to help Arthur was suffering too.

"You said you were ill." reaching up she brushed some of his locks back from his forehead; "Lets get you to your rooms, and I will fetch you something from the kitchens." she stood up on her toes, and brushed her lips over his to give him comfort; she knew he liked that, for he always wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back.

[pie]

Dyed his hand purple? Kicked the buckets? Well... Merlin's grin returned as he gave another amused laugh. He quickly cleared his throat, not wanting to appear to be too 'out of character' and make Gwen even more suspicious. "I'm sure he will be fine, Guinevère," he said, playing on the nicer side of Arthur's personality for her sake. "Perhaps I've been overworking him and he just needs a break." Or needed a bit more common sense was more like it. How hard was it to do those chores? Well, with the load of them, quite hard he guessed; but how hard was it to figure them out?

She seemed to be catching on... sort of... maybe. Okay, probably not actually catching on, but she realized that something was wrong with "Merlin" and was sure that she realized that something was wrong with "Arthur" too. He had to lead her off of that course! He had to act more like Arthur... somehow. But he didn't know how Arthur acted when alone with Gwen!

Really, he thought it was sweet how kind she was to "him", how much she cared and worried for Arthur. But being in his position... No, he couldn't act "in character" here! Arthur would literally mutilate him! And that thought wasn't pleasant! So when Gwen kissed him, kissed Arthur, he quickly brought his arms up to pull her back gently. He couldn't say that he wasn't exactly not "tempted", Gwen was sweet and one of his closest friends too, but she was in love with Arthur, and he was not Arthur.

"Guinevère," he said quickly, he had to cover up. "If I am ill, I don't want to chance you catching it!" There, he hoped that that was a good excuse, despite his... awkwardness.

[Guinevère]

"You don't look sick," She told him as she reached her hands up to touch his forehead. "Nor feel warm." She was glad he was not showing signs of being truly sick. "Maybe you are just tired? You should come lie down. You have been working your self to hard. You and Merlin both. I have no idea were the two of you get your energy from! You ride out almost everyday, and you train your men when you're not out working to protect the kingdom. You need rest."

She did not think of him pulling her back, but she did find it odd. She was just going to assume he did not want to get caught in a public hall. "Come." She told him, taking his hand so she could pull him to his room. "You are going to rest some. I will tell Merlin not to disturb you." They both could rest tonight.

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[pie]

Oh no! Had she caught on?! He almost breathed a sigh of relief when she suggested that he was probably just tired. And going and laying down was probably a good idea -- not only because he could still hear the ringing of a sword on his helmet, but because he didn't want to make a bigger fool of himself! ... Of Arthur! ... Arthur... Oh no! Arthur would kill him for embarrassing him so! He groaned, and not inwardly.

"But I have to get back to the men, they'll be worried. But... you are right," he said. He had no problem with resting, actually was really agreeing with the idea, but he had to sound Arthur-ish! "I will rest. Thank you, Guinevère." He didn't respond to the 'Merlin' comment, he let her assume he agreed with it, and had thanked her for that, too. In fact, Merlin was a little afraid to see Arthur later anyway, as well... he could be sure Arthur wouldn't be pleased about the Knight instance. But at the same time, he needed to talk to him! They needed to come up with a plan or something!

He followed her as she took his hand and led him away. "You should get some rest too, Guinevère," he said warmly. "You work so hard for Morgana. I can talk to her to see if she'll let you off early to do so." He'd prefer not to talk to Morgana, but he wasn't himself, he was Arthur. And she acted pleasant around him! But really, he felt Gwen needed a break to! She was so dedicated to her friends!

[Guinevère]

She was glad when he agreed to rests. If him and Merlin were acting this oddly then something was going on. She knew they had just went out on one of their trips, and she debated on if she could ask what had happened. She dropped his hand when they got closer to his room, as it would not do for others to see a servant and the prince walking hand and hand. She hoped one day things might be different but she knew better then to do it now.

She opened the door to his room and stepped back so he could enter; as was her job as a servant. Once he was insides she shut the door. "Please do not say anything to Morgana." Guinevère encouraged him, "She would wonder why you even thought to ask." Gwen did not distrust Morgana, but things were odd enough. She did not wish to add more to it. "I am worried for her, she seems so distant ever since you found her."

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[pie]

Merlin didn't miss the movement of her dropping his -- Arthur's? -- hand. He thought he knew why, too. Because her and Arthur were of different status', she a servant, Arthur the Prince. And for some stupid reason, people disagreed with a relationship between the two. Really, he disagreed with the whole thing! There shouldn't be any problem between them! Love was love, was it not? So why should status' get in the way of that?

He entered the room when she held the door open for him, giving her a smile as he passed her. And he didn't blame her for not wanting him to ask Morgana that. Of course, she didn't know the real reason why he didn't blame her -- Morgana was evil, now, much to his disappointment. Yes, she was distant, because she had given up on everyone within the castle. She no longer cared for them. "Perhaps it's just because of how she was treated when she was gone," he suggested, knowing he couldn't hint about Morgana's new allegiance -- Arthur was too much a dolt to see it, and Morgana rarely gave hints to Gwen. "Just give her some more time, she was locked away with Morgause for little over a year." He hated defending Morgana... at least now, after all she had done. "I'll do as you request, though, I won't say anything to her."

"So!" he added, perhaps a little too... upbeat? "What now?"

[Guinevère]

Gwen wondered if it was as simple as that. She hoped that with time Morgana would start to heal and feel safe here again. She would just have to wait it out and hope that Morgana would open up to her and let her share some of the burden that she was holding so close to her. "Maybe, It just hurts to see her so closed off. I love her so much, she is like my sister."

So what now? She looked over at him with a confused look, and smiled at Arthur's rather odd words. Gwen shut the door behind her and then walked over closer, "Well, I thought I would tuck you into bed so you could get some rest. You said you were sick after all." She said while placing her palms on his chest, in an invitation to kiss her.

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[pie]

Merlin wanted to sigh as Gwen continued to talk. Yes, he knew that Morgana was like a sister to Gwen. Sadly, though, Morgana was different, more so than Gwen knew about. Morgana was the traitor within Camelot's walls. She wanted to kill Uther, as if that would really help much. What would she do about Arthur after that? Kill him, probably... But how would that help her in any way? "I know what you mean," he said a little quietly. The words didn't entirely come from emotion that he would think Arthur might feel -- could Merlin deny that Morgana had been like family to him, also? "Hopefully, with time, she will see that we are still here for her."

When Gwen shut the door, Merlin began to get a strange feeling in his stomach. One that didn't entirely disagree with the notion of jumping out the window behind him. And when she walked closer, and his found that his feet were moving backwards on their own, he assumed that they agreed with this impulse also. He had to stop letting them move themselves, though, because he... well, it would appear strange if he didn't. "Bed sounds... good," he agreed, nodding. When she placed her hands on his -- Arthur's? -- chest, inviting him to kiss her, the only thought that ran through his mind as he stared at her with wide eyes was, Arthur's going to kill me!

What should he do?!

[Guinevère]

Guinevère waited for him to move in but when he did not then her hands slid up his chest to wrap around his neck. She stood up on her toes and (attempted) to pull him down for a kiss. (Attempted because she knew he was stronger then her and if he did not let her she would not be able to move him).

She managed to get close enough for a kiss, but it was awkward and not like their other kisses. She could not quite place how but the soul deep fulfillment was not there this time. Wrapping her arms around him tighter she attempted to deepen the kiss.

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[pie]

Oh, there had to be a way out of this! He couldn't kiss Gwen! It'd be awkward, whether he looked like Arthur or not! He thought of her as a sister, and he was not Arthur here, he was Merlin! Whether she knew it or not -- and she didn't! -- didn't matter! His heart was pumping so fast that he thought it might burst out of his chest! Which he prayed it wouldn't! That would be bad, very bad, indeed!

But he was so frozen in shock that he couldn't think of anything to do! He should run! Yes, that's it! He had to do something to get away from her! That was his top priority right now! So frozen as he was, that he could hardly resist her as she pulled him down for a kiss! And when she did, it took him several moments to register the fact before he pulled away hurriedly. "Gwen, I don't know if this is such a good idea..." he said, so frantic he called her like he usually did, and not like Arthur.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère felt Arthur pull back and she felt confused. She stood there for a few moments after he told her this was not a good idea before she slowly let her arms fall from his neck and step back. Oh. Well that changed things. "Forgive me," She spoke softly trying to keep any emotion that she felt out of her voice.

"I know I was being bold, and I should not have been." Guinevère wondered why he no longer wanted her kiss. She thought he enjoyed it, but had all her talk of how their could be nothing between them finally pushed him away from her? Should she leave gracefully? Did she call him Sire or was that just being mean? "Should I send Merlin to you so he could tend you?" She asked while looking at the floor, not able to quite meet his eyes.

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