Chapter 1

It was the twinkle in his eyes, or more like a distinct gold flash that caught Gwaine's attention. The vibrant color lasted for an instant before fear took over the brown orbs.

These actions transpired in mere seconds. Gwaine lost time thinking of what he just witnessed. Merlin's yell of "Arthur" brought him back to reality. Only just, leaving him enough time able to take down the mercenary in front of him.

He shook it off and focused on the fight. In no time, the men who had dared to attack the knights of Camelot were slain. Gwaine wiped off a layer of sweat and dirt off his face as each man of the royal party took stock of the one another- a few nicks here and there, while Merlin yet again remained unscathed. Arthur ordered them to saddle up and return home in time for dinner. Gwaine followed the order without saying a word or making eye contact.

Think before acting, he decided. He won't tell a soul. Too many things could go wrong if he shared what he had just witnessed in the battlefield or at least what he thought he had seen. There was still a disconnect lingering.

Gwaine's nonchalant façade came into question quite early. Arthur pointed out he was being too quiet for his own good. Yet, Gwaine took no notice of the King even speaking, nevertheless directing the conversation towards him.

Percival got his attention with a loose tree branch. The knock in the head resulted in an angry grunt and "What's wrong with you big buffoon? The fight is over!"

The other knights chuckled.

"You're the one being silent on the way home from a fight. An exceptionally odd feat considering you've yet to mention the need for mead or complained about your displaced hair."

Merlin and Lance burst out laughing. Gwaine couldn't believe what had just come out of Percival's mouth! Percival of all people!

Merlin interjected, "Gwaine, even I could have come up with a good line by now! And your mouth is still hanging open!"

Gwaine growled, momentarily forgetting his early precautions to himself about keeping his lips sealed, "What? I can't think? Even Princess does it from time to time, though nothing good ever seems to come of it…"

"Hey! I'm your King…."

"Yes, and you will never let us forget that fun little fact, will ya? Now carry on complaining and listing out chores for Merlin to do while I return to thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

"Why Percival, aren't you a brave little nugget today?" Gwaine retorted. "Why of course I'm debating on the best place to find the most beautiful maids and delicious ale tonight. What else?"

The others dismissed the animated man and continued chatting. Bickering old couple, Gwaine thought, eyeing the manservant and King. He breathed a sigh of relief and tried to pay a little more attention to his immediate surroundings on the way back.

Nothing extraordinary occurred before their arrival at Camelot. So Gwaine cleaned up, joined dinner festivities, and returned to his chambers, effectively eluding the companionship of the other knights or Merlin. Neglecting a drink for a humble companion, he was left with his thoughts as he sprawled out on his bed.

The scene from the woods replayed over and over in his mind. Then he began to think about previous trips or close scrapes, especially concerning Arthur. There were plenty times that he could recall adversaries suddenly tripping or dropping their weapon. And there were those wonderfully random falling branches. Arthur as well as the other knights were lucky to have survived some of the treacherous encounters.

Golden eyes. Men knocked out by a tree on their way to the King and Percival.

Merlin, a sorcerer? Seemed like a reach. Psshh! Gwaine couldn't fathom the man-boy really having magical powers. If he did, then first off why was he a servant? And how was he such a bumbling idiot?

Gwaine thought about the various conversations he's had with the man as well as the times he's given such wise advice.

A-ha!

No one expected HIM to be anything more. It was the perfect way to keep such a large secret in such a city. Completely discredit you mental capacities & physical abilities to remain alive.

The going into battles without a weapon or chainmail made sense. Something Gwaine had never put much thought into after seeing the servant make it through a variety of adventures without so much as a scratch.

Gwaine smiled. That swift little fox! He was also proud to be his friend. Merlin had been doing this all his time in Camelot. Too long alone, he decided. The knight shot up from bed eager to tell the man what he realized.

...

I hope you enjoyed it (there were only a few little tweaks made)