yoyoyo the gay is here and it shall only intensify from here. i know i made you wait awhile but it shall be glorious of the new edicts will be great

THERES KISSING BTW

~Alex

Merlin bustled around the dinning hall getting things set up. He picked out the nice metal plates with the ornate ingravings, and the gold goblets. Merlin was just setting up the orchestra, when he noticed they were one missing.

"Where's the other violinist?" He asked.

"He came down with a cold." One of the violinists told him. The ceremony did not need any violins, so he guessed that's why he never noticed.

"I can fill in for him. This needs to be the perfect banquet." Merlin told them. Be hurried over to Arthur to speak to him. A lord was speaking to him, although Arthur looked disinterested.

"Arthur. Would it be okay if I killed in for a violinist? I can get someone else to cater you." Merlin asked. The lord rolled his eyes.

"A servant should only serve the king-" The lord started, but Arthur interrupted him.

"I don't mind. You can have gibralter fill in for your spot. But at some point I want you to join me so I can properly introduce you to the lords. But won't your arm be sore?" Arthur asked Merlin.

"I can block the pain for awhile." Merlin told him. Arthur nodded worriedly.

"You would have a servant sit at your banquet?" The lord asked astonished.

"What? He's not just any servant. Anyways, what you were saying." Arthur said, keeping onto the conversation.

Merlin headed back to the orchestra.

"I can fill in. But at somepoint I will have to leave. Just try to manage the song when I am gone." He told them. Merlin looked around the room, and saw that everything was almost set up.

"Let's practice in the courtyard. No one should be there. That or only a couple of people." Merlin suggested. The group moved their instruments outside, and they began to play.

They practiced some songs that just repeated over and over. Merlin dismissed them after awhile and told them to set up. Merlin quickly blocked the pain in his shoulder, and ripped the bandages off so he was more free.

Merlin stood, and began to play. It sounded very clean and precise. It was very nice at the beginning. Merlin speed it up, and made it more playful. He switched between the two, and decided to keep playing classical music. He must have been loud because the people came out of their houses to watch. Soon Merlin had his own audience. Even some of the lords came out to see what was happening. Arthur joined the group, and soon noticed that it was Merlin playing the violin.

"Merlin?" Arthur spoke to himself. He watched as Merlin swayed to the music. Soon he picked up pace, and it became very lively. Merlin danced back and forth, but kept the notes clean. Soon the townsfolk took dancing partners, and danced in the courtyard. Arthur watched happily at everyone having fun. Gwen hooked her arm around Arthur's and dragged him out.

"Come on Arthur!" She exclaimed happily. Arthur soon mimicked the lively dancing, and everyone danced to the music. Some of the lords looked confused, some laughed, and others rolled their eyes. Arthur did not care. They would leave soon anyways, and he was having fun as it was. He switched partners, and danced with some of the other women. Merlin felt the pain, and he finished the last note. Everyone clapped for him, and Merlin blushed under the attention. Arthur came up to him and hugged him, keeping track of his shoulder still.

"I didn't know you could play the violin." Arthur said. Merlin laughed.

"Neither did I. While I was practicing with the group, I learned the notes, and what sounds they made. It wasn't hard to create a song on the spot." Merlin told him. The two headed inside, and the townsfolk headed back home. It was near dinner time.

All the lords gathered around the table, and sat down. Arthur sat at the head, with his new crown. He remembered again what position he was in, and became slightly sad. But the music did liven him up.

Merlin sat up top on the platform with the others, and they started playing a repeating melody for background noise.

Arthur had already toasted, and now the group was eating all the food that was prepared.

Arthur's knights joked around with some of the other knights from the other kingdoms, and Arthur tried having discussions with the older men. It grew boring after a little while, and Arthur wanted him to sit with them. Thankfully Arthur assigned a seat right next to him. Arthur motioned for Merlin to come back down. Merlin placed the violin on the chair, and headed to them. Merlin made sure to look good for today, and he sported red and brown shades.

Arthur stood up and adressed the table.

"If I may. I would like to introduce you to someone. This is my servant Merlin. I cannot tell you how much he has done for Uther and I, and how much good he has done." Arthur told the table. Merlin awkwardly sat down next to Arthur.

"You know, Sir William, Merlin has saved my life so many times." Arthur boasted to the lord.

"How?" He asked.

"He came to a banquet as an apprentice for our doctor. First thing he did was push me out of the way of a flying knife. Someone threw it at me, and tried to kill me. That's how he got this position. Not to mention every other time he took a knife or sword for me. The poor boy's littered in scars because of me." Arthur boasted to William. The table became infatuated with what Arthur said about Merlin. All Merlin could do was nod and blush.

"Tell me, Merlin. How do you find yourself able to do such things over and over again without quiting?" One Lord asked.

"Well I believe in Arthur. He is my best friend, and I would die for him. I mean, I've come close to dying many times. Why stop now?" Merlin told them. They all nodded.

"I wish I had a servant like that. Very rare type of people." One lord said.

"I see a particularly large scar on your collarbone. What happened?" One knight asked.

"Well I got kidnapped and tortured for information. I didn't say anything, faked my death, and then returned to Camelot. I was gone and back so quick, Arthur did not even notice." Merlin laughed. Everyone at the table laughed with him.

"When was this?" Arthur asked seriously.

"About a year or so ago. Some milita wanted to know how to sneak into the castle. I just spat in their face, got cut up, and pretended to be dead. Bloody idiots didn't even check if I was alive. They just threw me on the ground and left." Merlin told him. He did not feel disturbed by it anymore. It was one of his better stories anyways.

Although Arthur was disturbed.

"So you do not tell King Arthur of your adventures?" A lord asked. Merlin shook his head.

"He would be worrying a lot if I did. I almost get kidnapped, tortured, or injuried in some way at least once a week. No use in sharing everysingle adventure." Merlin told them. Arthur pouted.

"And all those years I called you an idiot." Arthur giggled.

"All those years and you're still a prat." Merlin retorted jokingly. Arthur playfully punched his good arm.

"Do you and King Arthur joke around a lot?" One knight asked, more directing the question to Arthur than Merlin.

"I guess we do. It's what we've always done." Arthur answered them. They talked to the table for a little longer, and it looks like Merlin made a sort of impression on him. Before Merlin was about to go back to the orchestra, Arthur gathered the tables attention. Arthur

"I want you all to witness a very special event. I want to say a few words about Merlin." Arthur told them.

"Ever since I knew Merlin, he has constantly amazed me. Not just because he has saved my life constantly, but also for the fact that he provided so much wisdom for me. On nights that I stayed up doing paperwork, Merlin would help me sort through the papers. When I needed to make a choice, he would help me. All he has done for me has always been for the good of the people, kingdom, and myself. He has saved so many lives, and I would not want anyone else to continue to help me. Now I do not have a wife nor child, and I will not for a long time. That is why I am going to appoint Merlin as my next in command." Arthur said. Merlin was shocked.

The lords and knights stood up for a round of applause, even though some of the lords did not approve. Arthur grinned down to Merlin, and help his hand out. Merlin smiled greatly, and jumped to give Arthur a hug.

Arthur gladly embraced him, and everyone cheered for Merlin. Merlin let go, and sat down. As the rest of the table talked among themselves, Merlin leaned over to speak to Arthur in his ear.

"Thank you so much Arthur. Would you mind if I joined the orchestra again? I did promise to come back." Merlin asked. Arthur nodded.

"You do what you want. You're practically a prince now." Arthur joked. Merlin thanked him, and went back to the orchestra.

"Sorry it took so long. Let's try some lively music since everyone is a bit drunk and happy." Merlin suggested. Merlin started the beat, and the others joined. It was a little louder than usual, but it looks like the group enjoyed it.

Once the dinner was done, everyone said their good evenings, and headed to their rooms. Merlin helped the group clean up, and then Merlin followed Arthur back to his quarters.

As soon as they closed and locked the door, Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur and brought him in for a kiss. Arthur gladly accepted the kiss, and wrapped his arms around Merlin's thin waist. They made out for a moment, and then Arthur moved to sit on the bed. Merlin climbed onto his lap, and straddled him as they kissed. They parted, and they grinned to each other.

"Aren't you bold?" Arthur teased. Merlin raised an eyebrow.

"I could say the same about you." Merlin retorted. Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist, and leaned back onto the bed. Merlin giggled as he was now on top of Arthur.

Arthur's hands sneaked lower on Merlin's hips, which made Merlin giggle.

"What do you think you're doing sir?" Merlin asked in a fake posh accent.

"Only exploring the new territory that I own, of course." Arthur told him in a mimic accent. They laughed to themselves, and got up.

"So what will happen to my current living arrangements? I cannot leave Gaius alone. He is too old and forgets to wake up sometimes." Merlin asked. He knew that with the position things would change.

"Simple enough. Gaius gets his own room here in the castle with a new servant and apprentice. With the added room in the lab, Gaius can add more books or equipment to suit his liking." Arthur told him.

"That would be amazing. I don't want him to be left alone. He's getting too old, plus an apprentice can hopefully carry on healing once Gaius has to stop." Merlin agreed happily.

"And as for you, you will get your own room and servant. If you ever do move out of the room, you can use it for whatever you like. An epicenter of magical books or anything else that suits your fancy." Arthur told him.

"You do not have to do that much for me. I can gladly live where I usually do. And having a servant on top would feel weird. I am able to take care of myself, so where's the need." Merlin told Arthur. Arthur nodded.

"If you truly do not want a servant, you can have a messenger. One to send and receive messages for you. Usually servants do that, but he will not have to do anything else but that." Arthur tried to reason. Merlin gave in. He would like to have a messenger. It was better than running around the castle.

"Well I suppose I can always sneak out at night to the forest. I usually practice my magic in this one empty field." Merlin said. "There's also the underground system that I can use."

Arthur laughed, and Merlin looked puzzled towards him.

"Darling you will need not hide yourself for very long. I will change many things in this kingdom, and I want you to help." Arthur told him. Merlin's eyes widened.

"So you're actually going to- going to change the law!" Merlin said with disbelief. Arthur nodded smugly, and Merlin embraced him. Merlin was sniffling.

"I can finally stop hiding secrets." He cried out. Arthur was glad he was so happy, and embraced him.

"I am also changing two very long held traditional laws, and one somewhat recent law. I believe only one other kingdom has done this." Arthur started. "One. I am going to make it legal for people to court those of the same sex. I want the kingdom not to convict others for feeling love." Arthur told him, and Merlin nodded happily.

"Secondly. I am going to make it legal for people in different caste systems to marry. For example, a lord and a farmer. Or a servant and King. I do not particularly like the idea that relationships like ours must be kept hidden. And it's time that it changes." Arthur told Merlin daringly. Merlin smiled such a genuine smile, filled with love. How much Arthur had grown since they both met. Went from playful Prince and lowly servant to romantic Lord and lovable King. All in a couple years of friendship.

"You will be revolutionizing the kingdom. But what is the last law you spoke of?" Merlin asked.

"Magic shall be legal. With provisions of course." Arthur told him. Merlin was ecstatic. He leaped for joy and Arthur caught him. They calmed themselves, and Arthur and Merlin walked out of the room. A servant passed by.

"Excuse me. Could you get a temporary room set up for Merlin just for tonight? Also I would love it if you would make sure to wake Gaius up in the morning?" Arthur asked the servant.

"I shall sire." He said. He stopped what he was doing, and went towards the rooms to get it set up.

"Tomorrow we can have those who are interested for the messenger, apprentice, and servant position. I will need a new servant since you will be a lord." Arthur told Merlin. After a bit of waiting, the servant came back and escorted Merlin to his room. Arthur followed them.

It was the normal guest room. A king sized bed, curtains, dressers, two tall windows, and a bathroom.

"Do you need anything else sire?" The servant asked Merlin. Merlin felt a bit awkward.

"Yes I have everything I need. And you can call me Merlin still." Merlin told him. The servant nodded, and left the two in the room.

Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin, and Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur's neck.

"I need to go. Tomorrow we have a lot to do. Goodnight my love." Arthur told.

"Goodnight Arthur." Merlin told him. They shared a kiss, and Arthur left.

Merlin stripped off his clothes, and climbed onto the provided clothes in the dresser, and climbed into bed.

He concentrated on the lighted candles that lit the room, and they all went out. Merlin got comfy, and fell asleep too easy.