Arthur

The black wolf's sides rose and fell in an even rhythm. Arthur was almost sorry that he was about to wake Merlin up, but he knew that he probably hadn't eaten yet. Herbalism training must be exhausting, because Merlin slept all the time. Between his training and sleeping, Arthur didn't get to see him nearly as much as he'd like. Not that he would ever admit that to Merlin.

He bent his head and nudged at Merlin's face. "Merlin." No response. He tried again, trying not to let Merlin's scent distract him. He smelled of herbs, rain, and the forest. "Mer-lin!" Still the other adolescent slept. Arthur huffed. He didn't want it to come to this, but...

He nipped Merlin's ear. Merlin's eyes flew open and he quickly stood, eyeing Arthur with irritation and more than a little sleepiness. Arthur resisted the urge to tell Merlin that he had some fur sticking up on his head. Instead, he said "Finally. You'd have slept all day if I didn't wake you up. Come on, let's go get some food. I, for one, am hungry." Merlin blinked, probably still tired. "What, you need me to come with you for that?"

No. But I want you to. Arthur didn't dare say that thought aloud. Instead, he stood and walked off, hoping Merlin would follow. After a few seconds, he heard pawsteps behind him. He kept up the pace until Merlin complained. "Arthur! Arthur, slow down." Arthur huffed, but did slow down. "Fine. Though if we get to the food stores and all the good prey is gone, it'll be your fault." Arthur didn't really mean that, but it was fun to goad Merlin every once in a while. His reactions were always entertaining, not to mention cute. Wait, what?

The next second, he felt teeth close around the tip of his ear. "Hey!" he shouted. Merlin was already running. "That's for biting my ear earlier!" he called back to Arthur. Arthur barked, then took off after Merlin. He was much faster and caught up to Merlin quickly. He leaped and tackled Merlin to the ground, who immediately twisted around and tried to kick him off. "Get off me, you royal prat!"

Arthur watched him. "Not until you apologize." Then, before even he realized what he was doing, he laid down on top of Merlin and settled down. He could feel Merlin's breathing, his erratic heart rate, and his soft fur. Merlin was looking at him too, and neither wolf said anything for some time. Merlin finally sighed. "Alright, fine, you win. I'm sorry."

Arthur grinned. He rolled off of Merlin and got to his feet. "Don't think about biting me again or you know what will happen. Now let's go, or all the good prey really will be gone."

He looked forward to the next time they'd be able to do this.
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During the lesson: Arthur caught sight of a bushy gray tail darting under a bush and acted quickly under Evie Frye's watchful gaze. He only managed to catch a clump of gray fur from the squirrel, but his speed was improving!

During the lesson: Tulsi explained how different fur colors and patterns made a difference in how Arthur would be able to hide. He picked up on it quickly, and soon Tulsi couldn't find him!

During the lesson: Julian Devorak had a feather attached to the end of his tail, and raced through a clearing with Arthur close behind. He couldn't quite catch him yet, but he got close enough to feel the feather tickle his nose before Julian Devorak pulled farther ahead.