A week after the incident of the questing beast, Merlin and Arthur were walking down a corridor in the castle towards the stables. Merlin was carrying a bag that contained Arthur's hunting items. They were still on the corridor when Arthur asked "Merlin."
"Sire," Merlin answered.
"What would you have done if I had died in the hands of the questing beast?"
Merlin looked at him and smiled. "I would have gone naked, pour ashes on myself and drink myself to stupor." Arthur smiled when he imagine a naked and drunk Merlin in ashes. "You are more stupid than I thought you were. You'll soon go psycho Merlin, watch yourself".
"You asked me what I'd do if you died, how does that make me psycho?"
"That's your business Merlin."
They looked at each other. "Lest I9 forget, have you seen Gwen lately?" Arthur asked.
"No, why did you ask, is there any problem, has she done anything bad?"
"No, not at all. I am just curious about her whereabouts."
"Curiosity they say kills the cat."
"Shut up Merlin!" Arthur yelled in such a high pitch that Merlin dropped the bag he was holding.
"Sorry sir," Merlin said and bent down to retrieve the bag. Arthur turned to look at Merlin. He felt remorseful for yelling at Merlin.
"I am deeply sorry for yelling at you, I shouldn't have done that it's just that…never mind." Merlin had already picked up the bag and was facing Arthur.
"I am your friend sire, even though I am a servant, you can talk to me."
"Okay, the truth is I think I have feelings for Gwen." Merlin froze in shock, he just stood staring at Arthur.
"Hey, stop staring at me like you just saw the devil, I know you're in love with her. I do not plan on taking her from you."
"No, I am not in any relationship with Gwen, we are just friends, best friends." Merlin smiled. "Have you professed your love to her yet?"
"No, but I am sure she feels the same way about me cause she's been avoiding me."
They were still talking when Gwen entered the corridor the two men were on. The moment she saw Arthur, her heart skipped. She turned immediately and went back to the direction she came from. Unknown to her, Merlin had seen her.
"Yeah, she's avoiding you," he said smiling.
"Why the hell are you smiling?" Arthur smiled looking back.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Merlin thought for a second.
"Why don't you go over to Gwen's house and profess your love to her or write her a love letter?"
"Because, no matter how much I love Gwen I would not be able to marry her. She Morgana's servant, my father will not allow it and I'll end up making her my mistress. She deserves better."
"Then I think you are infatuated, because I know what people have done because of love."
Arthur became angry. "Why am I even talking to you? Now move, we have a hunting trip to go on," he said with authority.
"I am a servant not a soldier," Merlin said dragging the bag along. Arthur hissed and followed behind