Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Five (II)

Merlin nods grabbing her cape draping it over her shoulders. He came to the front to tie it. Artura watch him intently. He really wasn't like any other serve my she had before. They all were her generous and overly polite, she hated them all plus they were terrible with girls. Merlin was kind hearted and he was confident. He still had a little respect and knew his manners, but he treated her like a human not some powerful being that she really wasn't. Noticing that she had been staring to long, she blinked and realized he want even there anymore but was holding out her helmet for her. She nodded in thanks appreciating his help.

Merlin step away from her checking out his handy work. Giving a nod saying, "Great, yeah. I think you're all set."

Artura looked down making sure he really hadn't only to find he had missed a crucial thing. Tapping her arm she stared him down. "Aren't you forgetting something? My sword." She gestured towards where her sword would normally sit.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, sorry. Guess, uh, you'll be needing that." Merlin said scrambling over to grab her sword. She grabs the sword and marches away hoping the walk to the arena would be enough to calm her.
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Everyone gathered around the tournament grounds, whispers came from every direction. Merlin wasn't sure how much he really wanted to watch. He saw Morgana and Gwen took their seats both excited for some good old fashioned fighting. Merlin took a step closer to watch the introduction. Uther made his way up standing before his subjects.

He stood at the same level staring down at the knights participating. "Knights of the realm, it's a great honour to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces." He announced smiling to all. He swung a hand at Arthur when mentioning his name but besides that she didn't spare him a glance.

A box was opened by one of the servants. The sun gleamed off the gold as the audience stared at it hungrily. "It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!" The crowd erupted into cheers making the unprepared ears ring. Before leaving Uther pulls Arthur aside telling him something. Merlin watched as Arthur nods his face growing serious. Uther smiled at the crowd slapping his sons shoulder taking his leave to the stands.

While Uther was getting to his seat and all the knight--besides Arthur and another--left the grounds. Some guards came up taking off the capes. Arthur and the young knight placed their helmets on their heads getting into fighting stance. A bell rung and the young knight lunged at Arthur. He swiftly dodged both being pulled into the fight.

Merlin didn't watch all that much rather observed the crowd. Everyone who was watching was enjoying even Uther was sucked in. Merlin glanced as Arthur swept him off his feet pointing his sword at his chest right as the bell rang, signalling the end of the fight.

The grounds exploded in cheers deafening all other noises. Arthur bowed being proclaimed winner. Before leaving the arena he helped the knight to his feet assisting him out of the field. Merlin found himself cheering along with the crowd impressed by Arthur's skill.
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Artura and watch the fight going on in front of them. Artura would take some time to explain a few things about a trick they would do in hopes to get Merlin interested so he wouldn't be completely bored when he watched fights. Also so if he was there during a fight he might be of some use.

Right now the fight was leaning much towards Knight Valiant. He fought viciously a fighting style that was hard to not be defending against the whole time. Artura had fought many men like this. Even so, she was not looking forward to a fight with him if it came. In the end he won the fight and the crowd cheered pleased. Artura clapped respectively.