The Salle, Saturday Afternoon

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin wasn't practicing with any swords in the Salle today. That would imply had had talent in that area. Sure, he knew the pointy end went in the other person, but everyone knew that.

No, he was sharpening Arthur's swords. With a lot of focus.

It was his duty, after all. Nothing to do with anything else.

Open Salle is open, but on SP as may be kidnapped for the mall.]]

Comments

[bitchprince]

"Try not to wear away the entire sword, Merlin," Arthur called, examining the practice sword he'd just picked up with care. He gave it a twirl. "I'd like to be able to keep on using it."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin took a deep, calm breath and... did exactly as he was told. "Of course, sire."

[bitchprince]

They were still playing that game. Whatever. Arthur slipped into his stance, making sure not to favour his left side, and went for the first blow of the drill. "Good."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

There was no game they were playing, because Merlin was just being a good servant. And if there was a game... Arthur started it.

He also started the fire. Which was always burning since the world been turning.

Merlin nodded and continued his work. See, he could be perfectly silent.

[bitchprince]

Like a good servant. Arthur supposed he should be happy Merlin had finally learned, if it wasn't such a futile thing to be happy about. And annoying. Mostly futile, though, because he'd be back to ruining hunts within the week.

So he was ignored for a while as Arthur settled into the comfortable rhythm of the drill, finding control far easier now than during the previous days.

You could almost say he was relaxed.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Which was just ducky for him.

Merlin was so very glad someone was. See how relaxed he was as he sharpened the sword with renewed vigor.

[bitchprince]

"So how was your week," Arthur asked. He sounded perfectly idle despite the fact that he just launched into another series of blows to the air.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I got a scarf from Francine." Points for creativity, if only the execution was less obvious.

[bitchprince]

"Because you clearly need more scarves," Arthur said, neutrally, gripped the blade with two hands, and executed a good strike. "Anything else?"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"It was very kind of her to give me a token," Merlin replied, just as neutrally. Why, one might go so far as to call it bland.

[bitchprince]

"Do think of me when you name your children," Arthur said, dryly, pulling the sword back. He let the second hand drop, smoothing off into yet another strike.

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin just gave him a look. "I'm not planning on having children with Francine, Arthur. She said people here don't even think about marriage for years at this age." A beat. "Unless they're something called trailer trash."

[bitchprince]

"Sounds picturesque," he volunteered, after giving it some thought (and another sweep or two. and a twirl).

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

Dinah came in for her daily practice, and dropped her bag when she saw Merlin, going into squee mode. "Merlin!"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin started, dropping the sword and more than a little glad be hadn't managed to cut his own fingers off. "Dinah!"

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"Oooo, careful!" Dinah rushed forward, checking the sword, then grinned again, arms out. "Miss me?"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"They didn't imprison you in a tower, I see," Merlin said with a grin, putting the sword safely to the side.

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"Helena wanted to, but Barbara told her towers are too hard to keep secure. Might was well keep me on a magic island with lots of other potential heroes." She grinned at him, bouncing on her toes. "What, no hug?"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Now that I'm not in danger of cutting a limb off," Merlin informed her, arms open for a hug.

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

Dinah glomped him, hugging him hard, then pulled back a little. "Soooo relieved to be back. And oh! You guys are going on the cruise tomorrow, right?"

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"Yes," Merlin said with a sigh. "Someone needs to keep Arthur from annoying another roommate."

Or sleeping with one.

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"Wait, you have to room with him? He's not rooming with Leto?" Dinah blinked, frowning. "Not fair! You should be able to ditch your employer in your sleep, at least."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

Merlin made a small face at that, but grinned instead. "At least, you'd think."

[blondecanary.livejournal.com]

"If you need help distracting him so you can *sort of* have a good time in the gorgeous Caribbean, I volunteer to help. Somehow." She hummed. "But there's nothing to beat up there. This might be a challenge."

[bigdamndestiny.livejournal.com]

"I think I'll manage just fine," He said, grin getting a bit tight. "Unless he decides to bring someone back to the room."