AN: Here's a little post-thanksgiving fanfic, dedicated to my friend Warrior of Camelot. :) Enjoy!

"This was a good day."

The statement uttered by the Prince of Camelot was echoed by his servant who steered him into his room and plopped him upon a chair.

"A good feast," Arthur continued. "Don't you think so?"

"I didn't eat like you," Merlin snorted, starting a fire to warm the chilly room. Winter snow was just beginning to fall and both boys were shivering, despite the warm feeling inside.

"You could have had more," Arthur stated, but Merlin simply shrugged.

"Servant, remember?" Merlin shrugged, and Arthur frowned before waving Merlin over to the fireside. He snatched a pitcher of wine and poured a glass, causing Merlin to laugh.

"I think you've had enough already," Merlin told him, but he shook his head.

"It's for you," Arthur told him. "Sit down, want to play chess?"

Arthur kicked his feet up on the table and pulled over the chess set. Merlin chuckled softly, but took a sip of the wine and let it warm his insides before taking his turn with the chess set. As per usual, Arthur was a master at the game, but Merlin used a bit of magic to aid him and they ended up with Arthur winning by only a fraction.

They set up for another one as the wind blew at the warm, crackling fire, and Merlin shivered, downing more wine. He won the second game, partly on account of Arthur's pure exhaustion, and Merlin grinned before they fell into a companionable silence.

"You know," Merlin spoke up after a while, startling Arthur back into wakefulness. "I'm happy to be your manservant, no matter what."

"You're strange," Arthur rolled his eyes, and for a moment Merlin looked sort of hurt. Perhaps it was the wine, or perhaps it was simply the good day, but Arthur cuffed Merlin's head affectionately, and they fell into silence again.

"You know," Arthur said finally. He hesitated as Merlin studied him, and then he spoke again. "I'm just glad you're my friend, but if you ever repeat that I'll have you in the stocks for a week."

"Dunno… might be worth it. I might have to tell the Knights to make room for me soon," Merlin grinned, dodging Arthur's next hit.

"The moment you become a knight I'll resign as crowned Prince," Arthur snorted, and Merlin shrugged.

"I bet someone else would be better anyway," Merlin smiled. Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Merlin," the prince growled, and Merlin smiled warmly at Arthur to show he was kidding.

"No," Merlin spoke. "I don't think anyone would be able to replace you, come to think of it. No one else would manage to be such a prat. Really, I know you'll be a great King Arthur."

Arthur smiled at his friend, the two falling again into silence, until soon the fire's crackles were accompanied only by Arthur's soft snores. Merlin smiled softly, focusing on the flames, until they melted before his eyes and he too fell asleep, a thanksgiving for his friend on his own mind as well.

AN: Please review!