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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Arthur was going to smack himself in the face one of these days over one of these women. "Merlin's not going to hurt you," he said, matter-of-factly. Unless she put a blade back on his throat, in which case he couldn't actually blame the boy. "But you come to that salle to learn how to be a swordswoman, not a nervous church mouse with a blade. It does no one any good if you just come in to startle."

That was his I'm-talking-to-an-inexperienced-squire tone.

She looked up at him, blinking.

"I'm not worried about him hurting me," she answered back, her voice a little hard, "and I didn't 'startle'. I thought you'd changed things because of what I'd told you."

She hadn't actually put a blade to his throat; if she had, he wouldn't have a head. She'd merely mentioned the possibility, partially to make a point and partially as a lesson in return for him.

"That you didn't trust me not to harm you."

The words you probably should be came up in the back of Arthur's head and he wondered idly when he started to think of Merlin as something dangerous - if never to himself. Whatever.

She'd mentioned the possibility while putting her hands on his shirt; that was a threat if he'd ever heard one.

"Nothing has changed about our lessons," he said, simply. It was better than Fine, you didn't startle, you just seemed to be hysterical on many, many levels. "Beyond the fact that you were absent for them this week. I do expect to see you the next."

She breathed out the breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding.

"Certainly. Of course I'll be there. I do take the lessons seriously."

There was a brief pause before she added.

"But I would never, ever, want to harm you. You should know that. Even when you do purposefully get me upset. I..." and it took a lot to swallow her pride and say it "appreciated the lesson the other week. Whatever I said at the time."

"Then next time, remember that it extends to most upset," he said, squaring his shoulders but slightly. Whatever her actual meaning, there was something in this conversation that rang the bell of coward, coward in the back of his head and he didn't much like it.

"And next time, feel free to leave Merlin to his duties. He's working on his ability to keep his eyes open. I can't wait to see where he'll be at three months from now."

Which to most ears might actually sound like an insult to the boy. Merlin might recognise it as his I'm lying to keep you out of trouble but thanks voice.

Edited 2009-06-23 15:07 (UTC)

That was better. She could take scolding. In fact, she smiled.

"Thank you, Arthur. I won't doubt you again."

She bowed her head quickly once more before heading off to join the others in activities.

Behind the Dorms, Tuesday Afternoon

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