Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Three

Arthur was of course right but that didn't stop Merlin from accepting the challenge, "Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?"

Scoffing Arthur glares demanding, "You can't address me like that."

"I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?" Merlin apologized bowing mockingly. Arthur allows a small grin to 'grace' his face as begins to approach Merlin satisfied.

Merlin was completely asking for what was coming for him. "Come on then, Merlin! Come on!" Arthur encouraged, his swings picking up speed.

Merlin's eyes widened as he realized he was cornered into a market stall, crowded around them thickens. Gaius hear the commotion from the scene looks out the window shaking his head disappointed.

Merlin takes a step to the right trying to create some distant but only ends up tripping over his two left feet. Arthur could now see his advantage laughing, "Haha. You're in trouble now."

Frustrated Merlin searched for a solution. Finally Merlin spotted a group of hooks. Glancing downward a little his eyes glowed Arthur's mace getting caught in the hook. Arthur struggle for a second before getting it released. Arthur goes for another attack but Merlin defenses using his magic as Arthur's shin collided with a box.

"OW! Argh!" Arthur growled shifting his weight to the other leg. Frustrated Arthur goes in for another attack completely missing the trap Merlin had quickly set up tripping over a rope. Merlin picks up Arthur's mace swing it coping Arthur's movement.

"Do you want to give up?" Merlin offered smiling at Arthur.

Arthur chuckles looking up at Merlin. "To you?"

Merlin nodded ready for the fight to be over asked, "Do you? Do you want to give up?" Arthur takes a step back his foot sliding nicely into the bucket catching his by surprise. Arthur feel backwards lucky enough to catch himself before he hit the floor hard.

Merlin's eyes widened proud of the way the fight had gone so far. He glances at the crowd wondering what they thought of Arthur's odd performance, Merlin's eyes land on a familiar old man. Gaius had his eyebrows raised displeased with Merlin's action.

Apparently while Merlin was distracted Arthur got the bucket off and had found a broom. Arthur swung with all his might the stick of the broom landing a solid shot sending Merlin to the floor once again. Arthur's guards snuck up from behind him and reached down to pick up the hurt Merlin.

Arthur stared at Merlin he would fight and argue until he knew he couldn't win, he admired that attribute oddly. "Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it." Merlin shrugged before the guards released him harshly. He stumbled a little but muttered an ungrateful thanks.

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"How could you be so foolish?!" Gaius yelled at Merlin as they entered his chambers. He was frustrated with Merlin he was so reckless and didn't seem to do much head thinking.

"He needed to be taught a lesson." Merlin huffs out also frustrated, but not for the same reason.

Gaius stared at the boy. Arthur was right Merlin was an idiot. He wasn't even entirely upset with Merlin for standing up to Arthur. He was more upset about his misuse of magic. "Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not for idiotic pranks!" Gaius reminded him.

Merlin groaned, "What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!" Merlin felt that he had this whole magic thing in the bag.