fandomhighdorms | Behind the Dorms, Tuesday Afternoon

"Today, our strategies will be focused on subterfuge," Arthur called, as soon as everyone had gathered. "There may be times when we are best served by creating an ambush. Today, we'll be taking our first steps to put one of those together. For the sake of ease, we will be focusing on the preserve."

He nodded at the treeline none too far away from them. "I want half of you to go into the woods and find good locations to hide. The treetops, for those of you thusly inclined, and holes, bushes and the like for those of you who aren't. The rest of you will go in after them to find their hiding places before they can ambush you. Both of these skills will be necessary. With any luck, we can graduate to the town next time."

"Those of you who wish to discuss last week's escape routes can come to Leto, Zack or myself, and we'll share your findings next week. Likewise for those of you in need of combat training. You know where we are."

He crossed his arms. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

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Merlin was good at hiding! Sometimes. When people were distracted with other things, that is.

But he was there for it now!

It didn't matter if he was good or bad at hiding, Leto approached him anyway. "Merlin," he said curtly. "I want a word with you."

Merlin tried to think if he said anything of offense about Leto recently and came up empty. "Lord Leto," He replied, going for something that went neither way in regards to what could it possibly be about.

"I understand you upset Fiona yesterday." His voice made it clear that this wasn't a good thing.

...it was about that?

"I wasn't aware I did anything to cause her--" Polite word, think of a polite word... "--leaving rather suddenly."

"I'm aware that I'm asking a lot from your observation skills," Leto replied. "But you did upset her. Why?"

Merlin stiffened, giving him a sharp look for that. " Apologies lord Leto. I wasn't aware I needed to ask her why she left in a huff in the middle of our very short conversation."

"Staring at people and implying that they are considered a threat is considered rude in quite a few cultures, Merlin." Leto watched him coolly.

"Well, you would know best on rude behavior, lord Leto," Merlin replied, looking away from him.

Leto decided to ignore that. "I want you to tell me what you said to her and why."

"Respectfully, Leto... no."

Leto studied him for a moment. "And why not?"

"I have nothing to anwer to you or anyone else for," Merlin replied. "She asked me all of two questions before suddenly turning and running off dramatically rather than talking to me if I did something so terribly offensive to her."

"If people react like that they are usually upset for some reason," Leto snapped. "And since Fiona is my friend and was in need of comfort yesterday, I'm asking you exactly what was being said."

Great Maker, how could Ghani stand teaching this man?

"Then ask her what I said that was so terribly wrong!" How Lady Ghanima didn't throttle him was beyond Merlin.

"She was quite upset!" Leto was growing impatient. "And you know I'm not going to make you answer. Why are you turning this into a big secret, when it meant nothing to you."

"I simply do not see how it is any of your business, Lord Leto. You already spoke with her, I take it. So why is hearing from me so important? I'm just a servant."

"If that was all you thought you were, you would answer the question," Leto said slowly. "You hide behind that role when it suits you, and object to it when it doesn't. And clearly you care little about a woman whom you hurt deeply, because it wasn't understandable to you." Leto took a step back, staring at Merlin. "It would be interesting to see if you could stop being selfish, for once."

"Selfish? That's very rich coming from you, Leto," Merlin shot back. "Do tell me all about how you hurt Dinah without a thought. Whatever Fiona might have thought I said, it wasn't meant with ill intent."

"Dinah has nothing to do with this." Leto didn't even bother trying to explain to Merlin that he had had no intention of hurting her, and that they had cleared that misunderstanding long ago. "And no, I do not think it was with ill intent, but rather from ignorance, but I would like to make sure that the explanation I offered Fiona was correct."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "She asked why I was there and I told her I was there to have a care for my lord's safety and then she asked if she hadn't seen me before. I told her it was possible, though I had hardly been hiding. Was that all you wanted to know?"

"Yes. It wasn't that hard, was it?" It also confirmed Leto's assumption.

'Perhaps if you had asked nicely instead of acting as if I had taunted her mercilessly..."

"Oh, I didn't think there was a reason for me to try that." Leto turned to leave, then shot a final glance at Merlin over his shoulder. "And you don't have to worry, I seriously doubt that Arthur is going to sleep with her."

Merlin froze up for a moment, just staring at him. "That would be what your thoughts would go to, wouldn't they?"

Re: Arrive/Mingle

future_sandworm - 2009-06-24 13:12 (UTC) - Expand