Still kinda suffering from my writers block with regards to this story, so sorry for the delay... *sheepish shrug*
And I'm afraid that this is not my greatest chapter ever *sigh*
But hope you enjoy anyway!
Okay, I'm just going to jump right in here.
I reckon you've all had enough of meeting and greeting, so here goes :D
(Oh, WARNING! STRONG LANGUAGE! But thats near the end...)

Mithian laughed as Merlin told her of what Arthur had planned for the afternoon, and eagerly accepted the proposal.
"You know, Merlin, I'm glad to see that you are finally being recognised. You are by far one of the most unique men I have met. And to not have to worry about mannerisms and such makes a nice change..."
Merlin grinned
"I'm afraid it's the other way around for me. I'm not used to watching my tongue around people..."
"You never let that stop you before..."
"There was never so much riding on me before."
"So no pressure?"
"Compared to riddling out dragons? Not at all..."
Mithian laughed again, and Merlin gave an elaborate bow as he gestured to her and her men's quarters.
"Please make yourselves comfortable, and if there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Merlin. I think you had better get going, if you are to be in any state for this afternoon."
"Are you sure you will be okay?"
"Most definitely."
"Very well, then I will see you this afternoon." He nodded to the captain of Mithian's guards, "David, I'll see you later I guess?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
Merlin grinned, and head off, wanting to go over his plans for the display this afternoon.

Merlin sighed as he saw who had decided to take part.
Each of the monarchs taking part, that is, Annis, Olaf, Alined and Mithian, had provided two or three men, and those without magical abilities, so everyone aside from Trickler and the two men with him, had been teamed with a magic user from Camelot, and they were all in discussion about what to expect.
Merlin had decided that it would be better if he prolonged the spars a bit, and Arthur had agreed with the idea to bring some sword skills into play, placing them on a more even footing.
The chosen competitors had no doubt that Merlin would be pretty much playing with them, but were looking forward to it none-the-less. It appeared that news Merlin's battling prowess had reached beyond Camelot, and likely been exaggerated too.
Then several of the druids and magic users had agreed to give a display, and be pitted against Merlin, enabling him to really put on a show.
Which, though he denied it vehemently to Arthur, he was a very little traitorous bit looking forward to.
Just a teensy bit...

When he got a signal from Gally, who had been placed with Breuner and another of Annis' men, he took a deep breath and exited the tent he had been in, striding across the field and causing a wave of muttering to spread as people saw how he was dressed.
Yes, that had been another problem for him... Arthur had insisted that he not only wear chainmail and bracers-Merlin had talked him out of the chest plate and the other 'pieces of metal that would slow him down'-and those, coupled with the black leggings he was wearing, the dark red tunic, the black over tunic which was just about visible, and the black boots, he had realised he really didn't look like himself at all...
Hmm, maybe that was what Arthur was trying to go for...
Showing people what he could be... He was still annoyed...
He was also wearing his cloak, which he hadn't worn for some time, because, yet again, Arthur insisted... Okay, and he liked it.
A lot.
An awful lot.
Almost as much as his neckerchief... Almost.
Merlin reached the men and grasped Breuner's arm.
"You ready for this?" The knights asked, and Merlin laughed.
"Not like I have much of a choice... And this is?"
"Aiden," he replied, and the young man with him shook his hand, grinning.
"Merlin... It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise..."
"So, are you all sure about this?"
"Absolutely." Breuner, said, grinning. "Am I right in understanding that it will be both swordplay, and magical help from Gally?"
"Yes. Basically, just jab at me with the damned stick."
"Stick? You insulting my girl?" Breuner, said, in mock outrage, and Aiden smiled,
"Ooh... Nobody insults his girl. It isn't done Merlin..."
"Oh... Okay then. My apologies miss..."
Breuner couldn't help laughing, and nodded to Merlin.
"Right then...I guess we should get this show on the road..."
"And right into a ditch..." Merlin finished, causing the rest of them to snort, and necessitating Arthur's eye roll and subsequent getting to his feet.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! If I could have your attention..." he waited for the noise to quieten down, before continuing. "In order to create greater understanding between our kingdoms, Queen Annis, King Lot, King Olaf, Princess Mithian and King Alined have all chosen to join with some small bouts of inter-kingdom... Sparring. Yes, let's go with that." Laughter, which Arthur managed to speak over. "So, without further ado, Queen Annis's champions, Sir Breuner and Sir Aiden. For the sake of keeping fairness with regards to magic, One of Camelot's resident sorcerers, Gally, had agreed to step in and give them magical support. The rules are simple. Each group will have fifteen minutes in which to get Merlin to submit. Swordplay and magic are allowed, as well as various other weapons which can be discussed at the beginning of each bout and agreed upon. So, with that all clear, Merlin! On your mark."
Merlin nodded and took his place facing the trio on the other side of the marked area.
With a whispered word, he raised his hand and set a jet of light into the air, where it exploded in a shower of sparks.
He grinned.
"Right then... Ditch, here we come..."

Fifteen minutes later, and a bell rang out.
Breuner and Aiden, both clearly exhausted, never-the-less grinned as they shook Merlin's hand.
It truly had been a unique experience.
The first few minute had been taken up solely with swordplay, where it was clear that Merlin was speeding up his own time to make up for the fact that the two were attacking at the same time, each realising that they were no match for him alone with only fifteen minutes in which to defeat him. His sword had seemed like a part of him... an extension of his arm.
Then Gally had joined the fray, leaving Merlin to deal with both the swords and the blasts of magic.
The crowd, both Camelotian and visitor alike, had been left gasping throughout the entire display, as Merlin threw up shields, dodged, ducked, wove and shot off his own blasts throughout the duel.
Breuner was greatly impressed by the young man's skill, and had no doubt that he would make a formidable opponent.
Or rather, already had shown himself to be a formidable opponent, even if it was clear that he had been holding back.
Which was why he didn't feel bitter when Merlin was still standing, and instead congratulated the man on an outstanding performance. Aiden did likewise, and Merlin had a quick word with Gally before the three made their way off the field leaving space for Olaf's men to enter the field.

Merlin hid his amusement as he caught sight of the wary expressions on their faces, even as they looked strangely eager.
Allen was looking pretty chirpy as he shook Merlin's hand, and congratulated him on a great display, and Merlin grinned.
"And I was only getting warmed up..."
Allen gave a dramatic gulp.
"Ah well... It's sure to be a laugh..."
Merlin laughed, clapped him on the back, nodded to the other knight, Gavin, and had a quick word with Taren, who had been placed with the pair, before taking his place.
Arthur introduced the men, then gave Merlin a nod.

Merlin repeated the light spell, and sent another flare up, marking the beginning of the next bout.
This time, Taren, who was slightly more powerful than Gally, began combining her attacks with those of the two knights, and using their swords to send bolt of magic at him.
Merlin had to grin.
But, no matter how quickly or how much power the three put into the attacks, Merlin still managed to elude them and when the fifteen minute bell rang, gave them all huge grins.
"Very nice idea with combining the spells and the swords. I'm impressed..."
"Glad to hear it." Taren said, with a wicked smile, then Merlin turned to the other two, grasping their arms and congratulating them, and getting many compliments, in return, which he promptly swept aside.
Then it was the turn of Mithian's men.
They had been teamed up with Holly, who wasted no time in helping the men come up with ideas for attacks that used her skills with the land.
Hence the attacks that were synchronised with random shoots and earth trembles. Light, but still enough to knock someone off balance.
Merlin, realising that Holly must have been honing this skill for some time, was impressed, and had to manipulate the water and moisture in the ground to rise up and freeze, creating a halt to the random shoots that kept growing beneath his feet.
Then, seeing as one of the men had gone for a slingshot instead of a sword-much to everyone's amusement, then subsequent disbelief and approval as they saw his aim- Merlin was facing a sword, and several random objects that were thrown at him.
Between the sword-fighting, the dodging and deflecting of the miniature rocks and projectiles, and the plants attacking him from beneath his feet, Merlin was glad when the bell rang, and cheerfully complimented the men.
"David, your aim is uncanny... I'll have to have a shootout with you sometime. No magic."
"You use a crossbow?"
"The only weapon I can use without the aid of magic. Aside from a dagger and a sword. I'd be glad to arrange something for before you leave?"
"I'd like that. Very impressive display by the way..."
"Thank you."
The other knight likewise congratulated Merlin, who complimented him in return, before having a quick word with Holly.
"You've been practising. That was great!"
"Thanks. Just something I've been experimenting with."
"Well, keep experimenting. More tricks like that and you'll be a one woman army..."
"One woman and the earth."
"Don't make me start spouting wise comments..."
Holly grinned, and head off, leaving Merlin smiling widely.
His smile widened when he realised who he would be facing next. Apparently the feeling was the same throughout all of the Camelotians, as loud bets and catcalls could be heard above the general excitement as Trickler and two other men walked out.
Gone was his erstwhile nervousness, and Merlin, sensing the others, realised they were actually pretty damn powerful.
If they combined their powers...
Never-the-less, he kept up his grin as he gave them a very over the top welcome and took his place, waiting for Arthur to give the signal.

The noise faded to whispers as Arthur mentally sighed.
He hoped Merlin knew what he was doing...
He gave the younger man a sharp nod, getting a 'well, here we go again' eye roll in return, before Merlin created another flare.
It had not even exploded when Alined's men moved into action.
The three moved in a uniform fashion, and before Merlin could do more than blink, he had had to instinctively throw up a shield to block the attack.
There were various calls for disorderly conduct, but Merlin simply flexed his fingers as he allowed the shield to fall. So they wanted to play like that eh?
Arthur, watching the surprise morph to a grin on his friends face, mentally sighed, and saw the other monarchs looking forward, both eager and anticipating of what was about to happen.
Hmm, maybe Merlin wasn't the only one who didn't like Trickler...
Merlin hid his smile as he batted away the various different individual spells that were thrown at him, then considered as they split into three and moved to surround him.
Then they all blasted streams of fire at him.
Idiots. Who blasted fire at a Dragonlord? Seriously...
Merlin focused on the two in front of him, and got a grasp on their spell just before the fire hit him. He let it circle around him in streams, as the third blast was absorbed by his cloak, then added to the swirling flames.
Arthur had wanted theatrics after all...
Hmm.. theatrics...
With a small grin, Merlin reached out to the flames and willed them to follow his actions.
They slowly and smoothly morphed into a dragon, with the rest of the flames swirling inside it, rapidly turning blue. Then Merlin unleashed it, letting blue flames fly from the dragons mouth at the three sorcerers, who had to throw up shields to deflect it.
The dragon flew into the sky, spinning, then exploded into sparks, which honed in on the sorcerers again.
After that had dissipated, they resumed their attacks, but with more coordination and teamwork. It was actually rather impressive... Merlin even lost his balance once.
Merlin conjured all kinds of things to block the attacks, then, realising that he should probably show the spectators a more deadly side of the magic, (and also after he had had to throw up a shield to protect a section of the stands from a rebound of magic that the three carelessly deflected)stopped doing so, and started stopping the blasts with a thought, gathering the energy from them into his hand and into a, steadily growing, maelstrom of gold.
Finally, just as the fifteen minutes were about to come to an end, the three sent a final attack at him.
It was actually very impressive. And powerful. Clearly they thought he couldn't hold the energy from it.
They thought wrong.
Merlin allowed the maelstrom of magic in his hands to morph, and allowed the final blast to enter. It took a few seconds, but he managed to start to get it under control.
The bell rang, but Merlin, intent on not letting the energy go, took a few seconds to finally tune the magic, and let it sink into his skin, and, through him, into the Aurora stone. No point in wasting it…
Then he took a small intake of breath, before vanishing and reappearing behind the sorcerers.
"Very nicely done. Some very effective spells... And the combination of your three different styles of magic made for an effective technique. It's something I have rarely seen in use before."
Two of the three, now that they had gotten over their shock as he appeared behind them, looked to Trickler, clearly in charge, and he nodded, clearly wishing Merlin a painful death.
"We thank you, Merlin Emrys. It was a... pleasure to duel with you."
"The pleasure was all mine. We really have to do it again sometime."
"Of-of course..."
Not. That was the silent word there, and they all knew it.
But Merlin simply grinned, grasping hands with them, before turning to face all of the pomp and ceremony associated with being congratulated by several different monarchs.
And there was a lot of pomp and ceremony.
Thankfully though, as the feast began, the various visiting members of royalty seemed to realise that they could speak freely, and Merlin gave a sigh of relief when he could finally drop the facade and be himself.
_

Merlin gave an elaborate bow as Annis came up to him, as the other couples moved to dance, and she smiled.
"A very impressive display Merlin."
"Thank you… I found I enjoyed it rather more than I believed I would."
"I could see that. Indeed, my men have been discussing your style and are very impressed."
"They're technique was likewise admirable. I've never seen someone wield a sword quite like Sir Breuner."
"Thanks!" This was from said knight, and Merlin grinned widely as they clasped hands, Annis deciding to withdraw from the conversation.
"Meant every word. That spin you do? With the flick of the wrist? Even with time being slowed, I could see it takes a lot of speed and a firm grip."
"Took me a few years to master, let me tell you that much. Then again, I had a great teacher. Anyway, enough of swordplay, what of this magic? I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it."
Merlin grinned.
"And you can't get more complimentary than that. Is Aiden around?"
"I'm afraid he decided to take an early night. An old battle wound… But he asked me to convey his congratulations."
"Ah… Tell him likewise. What kind of wound did he sustain?"
"He very nearly had to have his arm amputated. An infection set in you see. The wound itself nearly severed his arm… It was a miracle that he survived and can still use it fairly well." Then Breuner blinked. "Ah, I forgot you were a medical man. You used to be assistant to the Court Physician did you not?"
"I did indeed. And I still have my fair share of the work. Only now it involves magic."
"And no doubt that makes life easier…?"
"You have no idea. If you like, you could ask Aiden if I can have a look at this wound? I can't promise anything, but a relief from the constant pain I know he must be in is something I can attempt."
Breuner blinked.
"I-Thankyou. I will convey your offer… It truly is generous…"
"Not at all… After all, I do my utmost to protect those I consider friends. I'm hoping to be able to count you and Aiden amongst that number…"
"I cannot speak for Aiden, but my friendship is yours. Indeed, I have rarely met a man quite like you…"
"Err.. Thanks… I think?"
Breuner laughed and clapped him on the back, before excusing himself and heading over to talk with his men. Then Annis cut in again.
"Merlin? I overheard your offer. It is indeed generous."
"We are allies are we not?" Merlin said with a grin, "And if it is within my power to help, I don't see why I shouldn't at least try."
"Indeed… Well, you have my thanks for the offer. Aiden is a loyal man. Ah, this is one of my favourite songs." Then the queen gave a smile. "Do you dance, Merlin?"
Merlin blinked as he got what she was saying.
"It is not very appropriate for one of your position to-"
"Nonsense."
Merlin rolled his eyes and grinned.
"In that case, yes. I do dance." Then he gave a cough, and straightened his pose to look sarcastically, overly lord like. "May I have the pleasure of this dance, milady?"
"You may, Good sir." Annis replied, taking his arm.
They got some looks. Some very direct looks from everyone from the servants to the visiting monarchs alike, but Annis didn't seem to mind, and Merlin was rather amused by the violent shade of puce on Alined's face at the disgraceful display.
Which made Merlin shoot him a wide smile, which started him off on a round of blustering, yet silent indignance.
Merlin gave a low bow when the dance finished, and Annis nodded.
"Seems that rumours of your clumsiness were also overly exaggerated."
"I'm afraid not. I fear that dancing is the only time I do not trip over my own feet."
Annis laughed, then excused herself leaving Merlin to grin and head over to Taren, who was talking with Holly.

"Ladies, you do indeed look beautiful tonight." Merlin said, with a dramatic flourish and posh accent, that had them both giggling.
Taren got to her feet and handed a him a flagon of wine.
"Looks like you are thawing the hard hearts of the royalty. Dancing with queens Merlin?"
Merlin smiled sheepishly, as Holly took her leave.
"Eh, what can I say? I'm just lovable… I hadn't really thought about it like that."
Taren rolled her eyes.
"Of course you didn't. You think of people in terms of who they are, not what they are. Royalty and Commoner alike… It's a most unusual way of seeing the world."
"Ah… So that's why I was the only person stupid enough to call Arthur a prat all those years ago… I have an unusual way of seeing the world. Glad that's been cleared up."
He grinned, taking a sip of wine, and Taren smiled.
"And aren't we all ever so glad you do. Care for a dance? I know I may not be a queen, but-"
"Beautiful enough to be one…"
Then Merlin blinked. He did not just say that… Did he?
Apparently, he had, as Taren blushed.
"Err… I-Um… Thank you… "
"I-Err… So dancing?"
The awkwardness morphed into grins and laughter as they took to the floor and Merlin sighed deeply. That had just come out so… so… wow.
He smiled as Taren left a couple of dances later, telling her to get some sleep, and was immediately accosted by Gwaine and Percival.
"Merlin!"
"Gwaine… Perce… Gwaine? You're not drunk?"
"Nope. I thought I would rather see just how much these royals have taken to our ickle sorcerer…"
"Ickle sor- Perce? How much did he drink?"
The huge knight shrugged.
"He's at the halfway stage. He knows what he's saying, but doesn't care."
"Great… Keep him away from the royals…?"
"Me and Leon have been devoting ourselves to that all evening. He apparently hates Odin… Not sure why though."
To this, Gwaine gave a loud snort.
"Because life sucks, and my life's suckiness is all down to that royal, pompous, useless, traitorous, backstabbing, dishonourable dunderhead!"
Merlin, who had hastily muffled the knights voice so that no-one could hear, shook his head.
"God's Gwiane! We're in the middle of a feast with the monarchs from the most powerful kingdoms around. Are you completely out of your mind?"
"If I am, it's his fault! My father died for that asshole, and what did he do? Threw us to the dogs!"
Merlin blinked. None of them really knew much about Gwaine's past, but this?
"Perce? Take him to my rooms. They're closer. I think it's best he got some sleep." Then he turned to Gwaine, "Hey, stay in my rooms until you've calmed down okay? I'll be up as soon as I can, and you can tell me what's wrong."
Gwaine, looking as though he was regretting everything he'd said, started to complain and Merlin, with a silent apology, sent out a small spell causing Gwaine to fall asleep, and leaving Percivalto grab him.
"I'll take him up to your rooms and stay with him there. Tell Leon where he's gone? "
"Will do. Thanks Perce."
"Hey, he's my friend too… Just don't take too long. From what I heard, his is gonna make an interesting story, even if you are the only one he'll tell it to."
"I'm not sure I'm the only-"
"Yeah, you are. You're the only one who can wheedle secrets out of this guy."
"Alright. I'll be as quick as I can."

Percival head out of the room, and Merlin quickly told Leon, before heading to find Arthur. He spotted sight of him speaking to Olaf and Lot and sighed.
He hoped they wouldn't draw him into a conversation…
"Arthur?"
"Ah, Merlin. About time you came along this eve- What's wrong?"
"I-Er… Nothing much. Just… well-"
"Merlin?"
"It's nothing. I just wanted to say good evening before I left… That's all…"
He was pretty sure that Arthur wasn't buying it. Scratch that, he was certain Arthur wasn't buying it and was pretty sure the other two kings weren't either, none-the-less, they all had a quick word, congratulating him on his display, and getting him to agree to luncheon the following day to discuss things further, before he vanished in front of them with a small grin and a bow.
Arthur, worried, realised he would have to wait until the morning to find out what was wrong… Then he heard a familiar presence pressing on his mind and stifled a smile.
Maybe not…
"Arthur…?"
"Merlin?"
"Sorry to rush out. There is something up with Gwaine…"
"Serious?"
"That's what I'm going to find out. Percival is with me, but I'll send him back down and tell you what I find in the morning."
"Okay. Good luck…"
"Looks like I'll need it…"
Merlin severed the link and Arthur sighed before pasting on a smile as Gwen arrived, though he could tell she knew something was up, and they began again playing the host, stifling their concerns.

Merlin made a jump to his rooms, just as Percival was getting there. Percival lowered Gwaine onto the sofa and wished Merlin luck as he head back down to the hall, leaving Merlin to sigh before waking him.
"Wha-Merlin! What the hell did you-You knocked me out! You scrawny little git, I'll-"
Merlin yelped as he jumped back, and held his hands up.
"Hey! Calm down! You were shouting off about Odin in the middle of a feast! If I hadn't have muffled your voice, then who knows what kind of trouble you'd be in!"
"That bastard would have whatever was coming to him…" Gwaine said, as he sat back, and Merlin blinked as he slumped next to him.
"Right… Well, do you feel like telling me why? What the hell's going on, Gwaine?"
"I-Its nothing. Just ancient history."
"Ancient history that could have had you in deep doodah. Put it this way, you tell me, or I will just pester you till you do."
Gwaine glared at him.
"Just drop it."
"Gwaine-"
"Fine! You don't want to drop it? Fine! My father died for that ignorant bastard, and he threw me and my family to the gutter! Is that what you wanted to hear?!" He slumped down into the sofa and sighed, rubbing his temples. "My father died in his damned wars and he didn't give a shit about what the fall out would be."
Merlin realised that this was not going to be an enjoyable tale, and gripped his friends shoulder, his concern almost visibly pouring off of him as he took in is friend's state.
"Gwaine? Why don't you start at the beginning…?"
The knight nodded, leaning forward and running a hand through his hair.
"Okay… But you're not going to like it…"

Next chapter… Gwaine's story… (Yeah, I know. 'Twas clued in, is used a lot by so many people, is yada yada, but I can't resist. I want to show different sides of the characters, soooo yeah…)
Also, more Gwaine/Merlin friendship shizzle.
And yes, there will be a bit of stronger language… so sorry about that *sheepish grin*
Please review and let me know what you think!

Till next time, (whenever that may be… Seeing as life is throwing me a curveball as well as the writers block)
Raven xx