Chapter 9: Stalemate
A cool breeze swept through the sheltered area at Albion High in the early morning. The tarmac covered ground was a lethal thick layer of ice and frost: almost like a glacier. First years (and the slightly less mature older years) skated across it, treating it as an ice rink- daring each other to skid further or faster. Every now and then there would be an eruption of laughter as one of the kids landed on their backsides after slipping over. The occasional snowball flew up into the sky and then splattered onto the ground in the near distance. When there was snow and ice, school playgrounds were the last place teachers and other staff wanted to be.
Arthur and his friends were practically huddled together in the sheltered area like a waddle of penguins. Every now and then, one of them would shiver as a shot of freezing air bolted through them. Like a Mexican wave, the next person would shiver and then the next until the energy wore off. They were all quite pale. It was awful being forced to stay outside, particularly in this cruel weather. If they were inside, they would have to be continuously walking otherwise they would be told to move outside anyway for 'loitering' or 'blocking the corridor'. So the simplest solution was to freeze to death outside anyway. Gwen had suggested huddling. For a moment the boys stared at her as though she had spoken a completely unknown language. Then, they reluctantly walked to each other and stood rigidly against one another. At first, Gwaine; Leon and Percy complained how 'wrong' it looked that a bunch of boys were all invading each others personal space. Merlin however counter-acted that if they would rather be struck down with the common cold or flu then he would happily kick them out the shelter. After this, no more complaints were made.
All of a sudden, a figure in a dark fur coat; a black scarf and woolly hat with cat 'ears' strolled over. Due to the fact Arthur and his friends were all facing each other rather than looking out, this figure was unnoticed until Arthur felt a cool hand gently touch his shoulder. He jumped; nearly screamed like a girl – much to the amusement of the figure and turned around.
"Morgana. What are you doing here?" Arthur asked. His tone was cold like the day itself.
"I'm cold." She began.
"Well, go hug your boyfriend." Arthur snarled. He attempted to turn back to his friends, but Morgana put pressure on his shoulder which caused him to stop and stare at her.
"And I think it's about time we had a truce…" Morgana added. Gwaine started choking on his breath, disbelief that Morgana was after peace. She had always provoked violence and annoyance. Why did she want peace now? Arthur widened his eyes, also shocked by her words. However, the thought of no trouble with Morgana was a blessing; he had to take the chance!
"A truce? What do you want us to do? Sign an agreement; shake hands and hug each other?" Arthur asked.
"Not quite. I was actually thinking of a chess match…"
At this point, the group of friends burst out into laughter at the coincidence of Morgana and Arthur thinking of the same idea.
"What are you all chortling about?" Morgana looked over her brother's shoulder at the group who had just lost control of their emotions.
"It seems great minds think alike sister."
"Why?"
"Because I thought about it too!" Arthur grinned.
"Maybe… but there is one slight error."
"What's that?"
"You don't have a great mind!"
Sorry for the lack of updates guys, but I have been back at school and then became ill, so I've been under attack from the common cold which has actually been nasty and now given me a donkey cough. (He he! Remember when Arthur got turned into a donkey?) Anyway, hope you enjoyed this update!
