p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I opened my eyes and there I stood, just outside the gates to Camelot. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I looked down at myself and took in my own form. There were no aches or creeks in my bones from years of work. My hands were uncallused. Not to mention the lack of scars. It felt good./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I stood up straight, coming up to my full height of 6'0 as I stopped hiding from the world. The confidence I'd gained throughout the years was apparent in how I held myself and I could only be pleased that I'd not met anyone in Camelot yet. Or I suppose they hadn't met me. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I continued on my path into Camelot, wondering where to go first. Despite the desperate, clawing need to see Arthur, I knew it was probably best to go to Gaius first, as I did the first time around. After all, if the man fell because I was too busy gawking at Arthur I knew I'd never forgive myself./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I walked down the familiar road towards Gaius's chambers, taking in the long-lost sights since the war against Morgana began. I saw Gwen's father clanging away on an anvil and knew that he was one of many that I would have to save this time around. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"As I walked past the execution I had watched once before, I was reminded of my duty. I'd have to kill that man's mother later on. I sighed as I listened to the old women's shrieks. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I made my way into the palace and toward the moderately sized room, I spent the most important years of my life in. Years I would now get to live again./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Gaius," I called as I walked into the physician's chambers. Gaius began to fall backward and once again, I slowed time and moved the bed under him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I almost laughed at how quickly the older man popped up and said, "What did you just do?" but I quickly decided against it under the circumstances./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I considered repeating our interactions from so many years ago; making him believe I was the Merlin from this time. But this was Gaius I couldn't lie to him; not about this./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Magic, obviously," I responded with a friendly, yet snarky tone. "I'm Merlin by the way."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Hunith's son? But you're a sorcerer! Plus your supposed to be here on Wednesday."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Gauis it is Wednesday," I pursed my lips to keep from laughing but I couldn't help the smile the came of it. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"The older man was quiet, thinking for a moment before he spoke again, "So it is."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I have a letter from my mother somewhere. It will tell you some stuff you might want to know. About my magic and such. I do hope you won't say anything."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gaius shook his head, "No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"As I slept that night I heard Kilgharrah calling my name. It was good to hear the dragon again. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I woke up at exactly 7 am as I always did to go and wake up Arthur. I only shortly stopped myself as I recalled all that had happened. Arthur died. I'm back in time. I'm not his manservant yet. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I took a steadying breath. I knew that today, I'd get to see the other man. That today would be the start of a long endeavor to keeping the once and future king alive./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I walked out of my room and into the physician's chambers. I glanced over at the bucket I expected he'd try to knock over in a few moments and cast a quick enchantment to keep it from being moved./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I got you water. You didn't wash last night," Gaius said as I sat./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Sorry," I said, watching as his hand deliberately moved to knock over the bucket; only the bucket stayed firmly in place./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gaius's head snapped up to me, "How did you know?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I smiled and shrugged, "I know everything," I said in a faux cocky tone; slightly reminiscent of Arthur./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I didn't even hear you cast a spell. What did you do?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I chuckled at his confused tone, "Gaius, I've been doing this for 26 years; I have a good bit of experience."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I took the sandwich off the nearby plate and the two medicines for Sir Olwin and Lady Percival before leaving./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"After delivering the medicine I ran to the training field as fast as my legs would take me. I could hardly wait to see him. To hear that stuck-up tone of voice as he spoke. It was a silly thing to be so adoring of but I was./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I nearly jumped with joy as I heard Arthur ask, "Where's the target?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""There, sire?" Morris said, his tone nervous as he spoke. It made me roll my eyes, how could someone be so scared of such a dollop-head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""It's into the sun?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""But, it's not that bright."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""A bit like you, then?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I heard the knights laugh and egg him on. It wasn't a wonderful notion to be reminded of how the one you loved used to be an utter arse. But I knew he could be better. I would make sure of it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I watched for a moment as Arthur began to throw daggers at the target and looked up to Gwen, who stood at the window before rolling my eyes./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I watched her smile and raise her eyebrows before I turned and put a foot on the target that Morris had dropped. "That's enough."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Arthur looked over to me, his eyebrows raised as if he was surprised someone would dare speak to him like that... who am I kidding that's exactly what he's thinking. "What?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You've had your fun-" I stopped myself from referring to him by name, that'd be strange coming from someone you'd never met./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Do I know you?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I felt my lips curve up into a smile, "Something like that, I'm Merlin." I made sure to choose my words carefully; I didn't want to change too much. At least not yet. Not until I was his manservant once again./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So I don't know you."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Well, maybe I could change a bit, "Oh so you're an ass as well as an idiot," I said, raising my chin a bit as my smile turned to a smirk. "I'm sure I said something like that."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I heard Arthur scoff in his self-righteous tone, "Tell me, /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Mer/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"lin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I felt a laugh bubble up in the back of my throat before squaring my shoulders and coming up to my full height, "Do you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I watched his face contort in some mixture of confusion, shock, and something else I couldn't quite place./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Some of the knights stepped forward to grab me and I quickly turned and began to walk away, "I've got to go now, it was wonderful talking to you, /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"my lord/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The slightly mocking tone in my voice must've shaken him from his reverie because then he was yelling after me, "I could have you thrown in jail for that!"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I chuckled and turned my head back, "Good/spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"bye /emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Arthur," I gave him a quick wave before walking back to Gaius; I was sure if I stayed any longer I'd end up being thrown in the stocks./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I looked down at myself and took in my own form. There were no aches or creeks in my bones from years of work. My hands were uncallused. Not to mention the lack of scars. It felt good./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I stood up straight, coming up to my full height of 6'0 as I stopped hiding from the world. The confidence I'd gained throughout the years was apparent in how I held myself and I could only be pleased that I'd not met anyone in Camelot yet. Or I suppose they hadn't met me. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I continued on my path into Camelot, wondering where to go first. Despite the desperate, clawing need to see Arthur, I knew it was probably best to go to Gaius first, as I did the first time around. After all, if the man fell because I was too busy gawking at Arthur I knew I'd never forgive myself./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I walked down the familiar road towards Gaius's chambers, taking in the long-lost sights since the war against Morgana began. I saw Gwen's father clanging away on an anvil and knew that he was one of many that I would have to save this time around. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"As I walked past the execution I had watched once before, I was reminded of my duty. I'd have to kill that man's mother later on. I sighed as I listened to the old women's shrieks. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I made my way into the palace and toward the moderately sized room, I spent the most important years of my life in. Years I would now get to live again./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Gaius," I called as I walked into the physician's chambers. Gaius began to fall backward and once again, I slowed time and moved the bed under him./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I almost laughed at how quickly the older man popped up and said, "What did you just do?" but I quickly decided against it under the circumstances./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I considered repeating our interactions from so many years ago; making him believe I was the Merlin from this time. But this was Gaius I couldn't lie to him; not about this./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Magic, obviously," I responded with a friendly, yet snarky tone. "I'm Merlin by the way."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Hunith's son? But you're a sorcerer! Plus your supposed to be here on Wednesday."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Gauis it is Wednesday," I pursed my lips to keep from laughing but I couldn't help the smile the came of it. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"The older man was quiet, thinking for a moment before he spoke again, "So it is."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I have a letter from my mother somewhere. It will tell you some stuff you might want to know. About my magic and such. I do hope you won't say anything."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gaius shook his head, "No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"As I slept that night I heard Kilgharrah calling my name. It was good to hear the dragon again. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I woke up at exactly 7 am as I always did to go and wake up Arthur. I only shortly stopped myself as I recalled all that had happened. Arthur died. I'm back in time. I'm not his manservant yet. /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I took a steadying breath. I knew that today, I'd get to see the other man. That today would be the start of a long endeavor to keeping the once and future king alive./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I walked out of my room and into the physician's chambers. I glanced over at the bucket I expected he'd try to knock over in a few moments and cast a quick enchantment to keep it from being moved./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I got you water. You didn't wash last night," Gaius said as I sat./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Sorry," I said, watching as his hand deliberately moved to knock over the bucket; only the bucket stayed firmly in place./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Gaius's head snapped up to me, "How did you know?" /span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I smiled and shrugged, "I know everything," I said in a faux cocky tone; slightly reminiscent of Arthur./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""I didn't even hear you cast a spell. What did you do?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I chuckled at his confused tone, "Gaius, I've been doing this for 26 years; I have a good bit of experience."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I took the sandwich off the nearby plate and the two medicines for Sir Olwin and Lady Percival before leaving./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"-/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"After delivering the medicine I ran to the training field as fast as my legs would take me. I could hardly wait to see him. To hear that stuck-up tone of voice as he spoke. It was a silly thing to be so adoring of but I was./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I nearly jumped with joy as I heard Arthur ask, "Where's the target?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""There, sire?" Morris said, his tone nervous as he spoke. It made me roll my eyes, how could someone be so scared of such a dollop-head./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""It's into the sun?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""But, it's not that bright."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""A bit like you, then?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I heard the knights laugh and egg him on. It wasn't a wonderful notion to be reminded of how the one you loved used to be an utter arse. But I knew he could be better. I would make sure of it./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I watched for a moment as Arthur began to throw daggers at the target and looked up to Gwen, who stood at the window before rolling my eyes./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I watched her smile and raise her eyebrows before I turned and put a foot on the target that Morris had dropped. "That's enough."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Arthur looked over to me, his eyebrows raised as if he was surprised someone would dare speak to him like that... who am I kidding that's exactly what he's thinking. "What?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""You've had your fun-" I stopped myself from referring to him by name, that'd be strange coming from someone you'd never met./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""Do I know you?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I felt my lips curve up into a smile, "Something like that, I'm Merlin." I made sure to choose my words carefully; I didn't want to change too much. At least not yet. Not until I was his manservant once again./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true""So I don't know you."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Well, maybe I could change a bit, "Oh so you're an ass as well as an idiot," I said, raising my chin a bit as my smile turned to a smirk. "I'm sure I said something like that."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I heard Arthur scoff in his self-righteous tone, "Tell me, /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"Mer/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"lin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I felt a laugh bubble up in the back of my throat before squaring my shoulders and coming up to my full height, "Do you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I watched his face contort in some mixture of confusion, shock, and something else I couldn't quite place./span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Some of the knights stepped forward to grab me and I quickly turned and began to walk away, "I've got to go now, it was wonderful talking to you, /spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"my lord/emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"."/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true" The slightly mocking tone in my voice must've shaken him from his reverie because then he was yelling after me, "I could have you thrown in jail for that!"/span/p
p style="color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"I chuckled and turned my head back, "Good/spanem style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"bye /emspan style="background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true"Arthur," I gave him a quick wave before walking back to Gaius; I was sure if I stayed any longer I'd end up being thrown in the stocks./span/p