This is my first time using this website and also my first fanfic, so if anyone has any pointers or problems, please tell me. Constructive Criticism is welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

It all started with a hunting trip.

It was a glorious day. The sun was shining and there was a light breeze keeping everyone cool. The atmosphere was a happy one, good weather was always a sign of a good day to come.

Merlin woke Arthur up with his usual, all-too-cheery chorus of 'rise and shine! It's time to get up, you lazy daisy!' After throwing a pillow at his head, Arthur got out of bed and dressed. Arthur announced over breakfast that today they were taking advantage of the good weather, and going hunting. Merlin scurried off to help collect some herbs for Gaius and prepare for the hunting trip.

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled down the corridor to his manservant as he walked to the stables. "I do want to leave before midnight you know! What's taking so long?"

"I was up until past midnight mucking out your stables, polishing your armour and fixing your boots. That's what's taking so long." Merlin muttered under his breath as he walked towards the stables to saddle up his and Arthur's horses. None of the knights were coming, as they were all either on patrol or in training.

Arriving at the stables, Arthur saw his horse saddled and ready to go. Merlin was just finishing getting ready to leave, when he saw Arthur.

"Why do we always have to go hunting when it's such a nice day? Couldn't we go…I don't know…butterfly catching instead?" Merlin suggested, all limbs as he jumped onto his horse.

"Butterfly. Catching? Honestly, Merlin, could you be any more of a girl?" Taunted Arthur, mounting his horse with much more grace and starting to trot towards the gate, Merlin in tow.

"I just don't see the point of killing harmless animals. If there is a point, sire, please enlighten me."

They had just past the gate and were starting to get into the forest. The trees were blowing in the breeze and the birds were singing. The forest was a multitude of colours, greens and browns mixing together to create a feeling of serenity. This was one of the parts that Arthur liked most about hunting. The feeling of peace. It did almost make taking the animals away from this environment seem cruel, but it's not like he was going to let Merlin know that.

"You do know that our hunting trips provide the meat that we eat everyday? Apart from that, hunting is a perfect way to get out of the castle and being Prince Arthur. Get away from the stress and responsibilities of everyday life, and just enjoy a little break."

That shut Merlin up. He wasn't used to Arthur being so emotional. Any talk of any emotions and he put his 'Prince Arthur Face' on, as Merlin liked to call it. He never knew just how much the break meant to Arthur, though it was easy to understand. Arthur never really had a day off, it was always Prince Arthur this and Prince Arthur that. Arthur needed a break, Merlin realised, and hunting was the best way to do it. So Merlin shut up and focused on the scenery.

"What's wrong Merlin? What happened to your incessant talking?"

"I was…thinking."

"Well, there's the problem right there."

Merlin couldn't resist. "Not as much a problem as when you do it."

"Merlin."

"Yes sire?"

"Shut up."

Merlin smiled at the banter, but stopped when he heard the war cry that could only mean one thing. Bandits.

"We just can't catch a break, can we?" They said, synchronised.

There were only five of them, so it didn't take long for Arthur to finish them off. As per usual, Merlin hid behind a tree and dropped branches, threw spears and burned swords that were getting too close for comfort. The last one realized he was fighting a lost battle and fled, leaving Arthur to find Merlin, who was still behind the tree.

"Merlin, honestly, you're such a girl. Does the damsel in distress need help getting out from behind the tree?" He taunted, not seeing the archer hiding in the bushes, until it was too late.

The arrow flew fast through the air, and time seemed to slow down as it made its speedy approach to Arthur's chest. Arthur turned at the noise, raised his hand and watched as a blue shield of energy appeared in front of him and knocked the arrow away.

AN: Thanks for reading all the way to the end. Should I continue this, or should I just leave it?
See you in another life, ScruffydaDruid