a/n: This story may end up being a series of ficlets around the theme of reincarnation. The idea would be that Merlin is generally thrown into whatever role the Camelot court most needs at the time he comes across them. Each story would simply be a short scene from various reincarnations. If you'd be interested, let me know in a review and keep an eye out for it!

Enjoy this first installement.

Merlin paused with his hand on the doorknob.

Through the centuries, he'd dealt with reincarnations of the Camelot court in numerous configurations. While it became increasingly difficult to surprise him, he was starting to think the challenges of this particular reincarnated group were the most difficult he'd faced yet.

He took a deep breath to steel himself and entered the room. His face fell at the sight that greeted him. He shook his head and made his way over to act as a mediator.

"Arthur," Merlin said, firm but gentle. "What have I told you about holding your friends at sword point?" Arthur had Lancelot backed against a wall and the latter was close to tears.

"It's his fault," Arthur answered, petulant as he could be at four years old. "He's trying to steal away the princess!"

Merlin raised his eyebrows.

"I just asked why Arthur always gets to be the prince," Lance sniffled. "And why he always gets the princess." Merlin followed Lancelot's gaze as it drifted to Gwen.

"Maybe you could all play a different game today," Merlin told the group of youngsters.

"We could play a game where I'm a queen," Morgana piped in.

"Don't be stupid. Nobody wants that," Arthur said.

"Arthur, what have I said about calling people names," Merlin reprimanded. "Apologize or I'll have to send you to time out-"

"Ow!" Merlin whirled around at the exclamation from Percival. One glance told him all he needed to know.

"Gwaine!" Merlin said. "That's it, I'm taking the swords away. I'm tired of telling you they aren't for hitting!" Merlin couldn't help but wonder what Arthur - his Arthur, knight of Camelot - would say to hear him make such a statement. Merlin marched over to Gwaine and took the foam sword from him. He heard Arthur snicker. "I'm taking the swords from all of you," he told Arthur, and collected them all up. "For once, why don't you try playing a game without swords or queens or princes," he said a little exasperated.

Arthur looked at him as though he were daft.

"We could color," Leon suggested after a moment with a small shrug. Merlin almost sang to hear the suggestion. Trust Leon, even at four years old, to be the one to suggest something sensible.

Arthur looked like he was going to argue.

"That sounds nice," Gwen said with a smile. The fight went out of Arthur.

Merlin watched in fond amusement as Arthur became determined and the group started to gather around the coloring table. His face fell, though, at the next utterance to come from Arthur.

"I'm going to win at coloring!"

a/n: Don't hesitate to leave a review with your thoughts! I'm always happy to receive them. :)