Deafening Silence

Of Banquets and Bouquets

"What of our patrols, Sire?"

"When shall there be another hunt?"

"This speech is vital to maintain our agreement..." On and on they went, the members of the council seemed insistent on ripping apart every word of the King's report to them. Arthur bit back on the obvious sound of ennui in his voice and answered their endless questions.

Merlin was stood where he usually was during council meetings, behind Arthur and slightly towards the left so to the council members, he appeared on Arthur's right. It was rather fitting.

Merlin's hands fidgeted in boredom behind his back as he tried his hardest to listen to what the council was saying, or more specifically, to what Arthur was saying. He knew that although they meant well, the members of the council tended to drone on a bit. Occasionally, Merlin found himself to be able to pick up on a word or two without having to lipread. This excited him, as he knew that soon, he would get his hearing back fully. There was at least one full day left, according to Gaius.

At the very back of his mind, Merlin was aware that had he not been a creature of magic, his injury would have screwed him over far worse than it had done. For anyone else, his injury would've had more permanent damage that would reach beyond the ability to hear. Merlin knew that he had gotten off lightly.

He may not have been able to find a spell to get his hearing back on the spot but that didn't mean his magic wasn't accelerating his healing. It had its benefits, even when he wasn't consciously using it.

"That will be all." Arthur finally said, voice clad in exasperation. The meeting had run over its usual time and he was desperate to head back to his chambers before the evening's events. "I will see you all tonight."

A series of "Yes, my Lord." followed from various members of the council as they rose to leave. Not all of them had dismissed themselves when Arthur picked up his feet in Merlin's direction.

Merlin had snapped back into what was happening after he saw Arthur stand to dismiss the council, too caught up in his own thoughts. As much as he wanted to pay his attention to the meeting, the silence proved to want more of it. Only the odd word managed to slip its way into Merlin's ears.

Arthur made sure all of the council were out of the room when he spoke to Merlin.

"I bet you're glad you came." He joked with a voice filled with more content now he was talking to Merlin.

Surprisingly, Merlin was able to pick up what he thought was the majority of Arthur's words. "Oh, yes, Sire. Very glad." He responded.

Merlin's full response to his comment filled Arthur with relief. Merlin had already told him that his hearing was gradually returning but now that Arthur had seen it for himself, he was secretly elated.

"I'm sure. Come on, we're heading back to my chambers." Stated Arthur whilst lightly patting Merlin on the arm. He then started to walk to the door with his raven-haired manservant following him.

"Your chambers?" Merlin began, only hearing the last part of Arthur's sentence. "What for?"

Arthur made sure to face Merlin before replying. "For tonight, of course. Someone has to get me ready for the banquet."

Now Merlin really was confused. "Banquet? Since when were we having a banquet?" He asked with squinting eyes as if he was trying to remember if he had been told about this already.

"Since about five minutes ago," responded Arthur. "I organised it with the council."

Merlin saw 'five minutes ago' and realised one thing he had missed during the meeting. "Now, you see, I wouldn't have known that." he replied.