'I know the tournament starts tomorrow but be nice to Merlin; it's his first day.'

'Ugh, fine.'

'If it turns out he's useless I'll come and spar with you.'

'All right.'

Thalia walked beside Arthur out to behind the castle on the grass with Merlin not far behind.

Arthur watched as Merlin fiddled with the armour he'd been forced to wear. 'Ready?'

'Will it make any difference I said no?'

Thalia chuckled.

Arthur turned around and swung his sword round. 'Not really.' He turned back to face Merlin who hastily got his helmet on and drew his sword. Thalia watched in an amused state.

'Body. Shield! Body. Shield.'

They were moving backwards, Thalia knew Merlin wouldn't gain any ground.

'Shield. Head!'

'Head? Ow!'

Arthur was having fun. He walked behind Merlin. 'Come on, Merlin, you're not even trying.'

'I am! Ow!'

They were now in opposite positions. 'Once more. To the left. Right. Left. Head!'

'Oooow…!'

'Come on, Merlin!' Arthur was growing impatient. 'I've got a tournament to win.'

'Can we stop now please?'

Thalia by now was laughing.

Arthur centred his sword and attacked again.

'Ow!'

'Shield. Body. Shield.' Arthur stopped saying his targets and caught Merlin on the arm and then smashed his head.

'OW! Ow….'

Arthur stopped with half a grin on his face as Merlin collapsed, his helmet falling off as he hit the ground.

Arthur stood over him. 'You're braver than you look. Most servant collapse after the first blow.'

'Is it over?'

'That was just a warm up. How's your mace work coming along?'

Thalia smiled, remembering a couple of days ago when Arthur had nearly killed Merlin with one.

Merlin took one look at the mace now swinging above Arthur's head and let his head fall back.

'Arthur?'

'Yes Thalia?'

'Give Merlin a break; he's a farm boy not a knight. He's tough but not made for fighting.'

'I've got to practice!'

'Yes, and you're not going to get much if you practice on Merlin, are you? Come on.'

Thalia unsheathed her sword and picked up a shield. Arthur nodded happily. Merlin sat up and watched.

'Shield.'

'Body.'

'Wrist.'

'Head.'

'Footwork, Arthur! Leg.'

'Shield.'

'Ankle.'

'Ah! … Shoulder.'

'Body.'

Before Merlin could see what was happening the two of them had stopped calling out targets and were fighting properly.

'Oh, nice work!'

Clang. Clang. Thalia tripped on Merlin at one point and fell on the ground.

'You right?'

'Watch out for yourself, Arthur!' She swung her legs at his knee.

'Whoa!'

Clang. Clang. Thud.

'Move, Arthur!'

'Ow!'

'Honestly, how do you expect to win with form like this? … … Come on! Left! Left! Head! Whoop, that's not my head, that's my sword, work harder!'

Merlin couldn't help but laugh.

Then it was his turn again.

'You do know the tournament starts today?'

Under normal circumstances Thalia would roll her eyes, but Arthur's nerves were easily spotted by her.

'Yes, sire.' Merlin continued to fiddle with Arthur's armour as the Prince moved his jaw. 'You nervous?'

'I don't get nervous.' Arthur stared straight ahead.

'Really? I thought everyone got nervous?'

Arthur snapped. 'Will you shut up?!'

Merlin threw the cloak around Arthur and fumbled with the clasp, making Arthur look on in pure annoyance. The look changed to near despair when Merlin handed him his helmet and stood back, surveying his work.

'Great, yeah, I think you're all set.'

Thalia's mouth turned up in a smile as she picked up Arthur's sword.

'Aren't you forgetting something? … My sword!'

'Oh yeah! Yeah, sorry.' Merlin ran over to Thalia who was holding it out with an amused look on her face as Arthur looked away in attempt to keep the majority of his frustration inside. 'You're gonna be needing that.'

Arthur snatched it from Merlin and walked off.

'Ah, that went well.'

'Merlin?'

'Yes My Lady?'

'You need to improve.'

Merlin gave a sheepish laugh as Thalia ran after Arthur to give him a pat (hit) on the back to show her support. His nervous and irritated eyes met hers and he attempted a grin which was enough for her.

'Don't actually kill too many of them, will you?'

This time the grin was genuine. 'I'll try.'

Thalia went to sit by Uther's chair as the knights walked into the arena accompanied by trumpets and applause from the crowd. Arthur was glaring in front of him and Thalia sent him a smile. She sat back then and, sensing she was being watched, met the eyes of a knight in yellow. He sent her a nod and she gave on back, moving on to nod to other knights she had met before.

Uther stepped into the arena.

'Knights of the realm. It's a great honour to welcome you to the tournament in Camelot. For the next three days you will come to put your bravery to the test. Your skills as warriors and of course to challenge the reigning champion: my son, Prince Arthur.'

Thalia looked at him proudly for a moment.

'Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion. And he will receive the prize of one thousand gold pieces.'

The crowd sent up a murmur and Uther continued over the excitement. 'Also this year the winning knight shall have the honour of being presented with such a prize by Camelot's crowned warrior; Thalia Brightsword.'

Thalia's gaze remained impassive as the knights looked at her, some in awe, some warmly as she knew them as friends, the knight in yellow looked like she was another prize and for one particular knight, a calmness spread over him as he met her modest eyes.

'It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature. Whether he is indeed a warrior, or a coward. The tournament begins!'

All but Arthur let out a mighty yell. Thalia smiled, ignoring the sour look on Arthur's face. It was good to see such spirit. All knights bowed toward the king and all but two cleared the arena; Arthur and a knight in a brown cloak.

Thalia watched closely as Uther spoke to Arthur. 'I trust you'll make me proud.' The pat on the back seemed a bit hard as Arthur looked more sour after. He looked to Thalia who sent him a soft, calming smile and he took a deep breath as his cloak was removed and his shield presented.

Applause went up as they put on their helmets.

Then they fought. Arthur won without too much trouble. The matches kept going. The knight in yellow also won. He was less of a good winner than Arthur and, to Thalia's mind, showed off a bit too much.

They were in the tents nearby when Valiant (Thalia had learnt his name by then) defeated another knight.

Merlin looked up from his cleaning. 'Knight Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword.'

'Mm, he's got skill.' Arthur turned his head to look at her, listening intently. 'But he's just that little bit too brutal which makes him too slow.' She held her hand out. 'See? … wait… watch his legs… there! Did you see that?' she was pointing at his legs to show Merlin's untrained eye who nodded, focusing on where Thalia was pointing, 'That's his brutality. A faster knight could have easily gotten him there. Not easy to knock him over, but easy to get the upper hand with speed.'

'We'll see.' Arthur felt his jaw clench now looking back at Valiant.

'Mm…, you're definitely faster.' Thalia sized Valiant up. 'He's too overconfident as well; he'll make brasher risks the harder the opponent.'

Arthur stored her remarks in his head. Thalia's observations were always useful.

Panting, Valiant reached his post and stood to look at Arthur and Thalia beside him.

'May I offer my congratulations on your victories today.' He gestured to Arthur who had a hard look on his face, trying to see where Thalia got her observations from.

'Likewise.'

'I'll see you at the reception this evening.' Valiant caught Thalia's eyes and bowed. She inclined her head politely in return.

It took Arthur all his willpower not to turn to look at her as she did and simply kept his gaze on the night. If he showed he'd be rattled by Thalia and him being polite to each other then Valiant would almost certainly use that against him.

Valiant walked off followed by his servant and swinging his arm around.

'Creep.' A single amused breath came from Arthur and Thalia in agreement.

To cover up the fact he had found Merlin funny Arthur quickly added; 'Ah, for tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword and polish my chain mail.' He walked off. Thalia patted the desperate Merlin on the shoulder and went after Arthur.

'Told you he's funny.'

'Hm.'

'Oh stop being such a grump.'

'So knight Valiant seems like a very handsome man,' she stated conversationally.

Unintentionally Arthur had stopped in his tracks. He kept walking the second he realised he had but he knew Thalia had seen. He looked to his left to see her grin.

'Gotcha.'

Arthur couldn't help but smile and ran at her. He chased her as they ran all the way back to the castle laughing, Arthur considerably lighter hearted than before.

'Knight Hinsman of the Western Isles, My Lord.'

'Ah, yes, we've met before.'

Thalia stood waiting for the next knight to reach her. She knew many of these men and was glad to see them again.

Thalia smiled happily and instead him kissing her hand they held each other's right and shook hands while clasping each other on the shoulder. 'My Lady.'

'Knight Hinsman. How are you? It's been a while.'

'I am well, how have you been doing?'

'Oh, the same old business. How is your sister? Last I heard she was ill.'

'She has made a full recovery.'

'Oh, that's fantastic news! Send her my regards and tell her that we must meet again.'

'I shall, my lady.'

Knight Hinsman continued on to greet Morgana as Knight Valiant spoke to Uther. Thalia ignored him while he did but could hardly not speak to him when he walked in front of her.

'May I present the Lady Thalia, the Crowned Warrior of Camelot. And this is my ward, the Lady Morgana.'

'My Warrior.'

'Knight Valiant.'

'You know my name, then?'

'I am observant; one has to be to be a fighter. You just told the king a moment ago.'

'Ah. You have a keen mind, as well as a beautiful smile.'

'Thank you.'

'I understand the winner of the tournament has the divine privilege of being presented with the prize by you, my lady.'

'Your understanding would be correct.'

He fixed her with a look of admiration though once again it looked as if he considered her another prize. 'Then consider the tournament won.'

Thalia inclined her head, hiding her smirk as she did so, knowing full well that he wouldn't stand a chance against Arthur. 'We shall see.'

As Valiant moved to speak to Morgana, Thalia looked down the line to find Arthur watching her with a grin on his face. She pulled one back with an eye roll. Clearly Valiant thought her dumb. Arthur chuckled as a good friend of Thalia's finished talking to Uther.

'William!'

'My Lady Thalia!' they clasped each other's hands. 'As sharp as ever.'

'I could say the same for you!'

'Ah but My Lady Thalia, I was knocked out of the tournament.'

'That doesn't make you any less of a knight. Your form is excellent as always.'

He laughed. 'I am pleased to hear it. Though perhaps we could spar sometime. I would be honoured to hear more of your fighting wisdom.'

'Well, as soon as this blasted tournament is over come and find me.'

He nodded. 'I will.'

'See you then.'

Arthur stepped forward to talk with his father.

'Arthur.'

'Father.'

And that was it. Thalia grinned slightly stupidly as Arthur stepped in front of her.

'Arthur.'

'Thalia.'

'Not still worn out, are you?'

'The tournament finished hours ago, what are you on about?'

'Well you did look very tired trying to beat me to the castle. And I was in a dress.'

Arthur returned her playful look with a mock offended one. 'My Royal Warrior, are you trying to give the other knights an advantage?'

'My Prince, are you avoiding the subject?'

'Of course not.' He bowed, keeping up his false posh voice and professional act. 'Perhaps you do not accept my challenge?'

'The Crowned Warrior of Camelot not accepting your challenge? My, what scandal! What are you proposing?'

'Another race, my Lady,' Arthur raised his head to look up at her.

'From where?'

'I propose, if the weather is fine, the old south track in the woods.'

'What a brilliant idea! I accept graciously.'

Arthur's face cracked as he looked up at her. Thalia smiled as well and gave him shove. 'Stand up, Arthur or you'll ruin your back.'

They both shook their heads as their amusement died down and Morgana spoke with Arthur. Thalia turned to see Uther looking at her; also amused. She raised an eyebrow but the king simply turned to welcome the next knight in line.

Once all the knights had exchanged words they were free to mingle. A knight in blue walked up to Thalia as she was talking to Arthur. He waited until they finished and she turned.

'Hello!'

'My Lady.'

'Knight…'

He opened his mouth.

'No, no! Hang on… … … Samuel! Knight Samuel. Sorry.'

'Not at all. I'm surprised you know my name at all, My Lady. You are as perceptive as they say.'

'You can't believe everything you hear.'

'But it seems the rumours of your beauty are true.'

Thalia turned her head in a modest roll. 'Well I'm glad,' she said with a smile.

They both laughed a little.

'I was impressed your technique today. You have extremely precise aim.'

'Oh! Thank you! If… it's not too much to ask I would love to see your technique, my lady.'

'I'm sure it isn't. I'm certain an opportunity will arise in which I will be fighting.'

Knight Samuel looked down to the floor where Thalia's dress went. He frowned and very politely asked; 'You don't fight in a dress do you, My Lady?'

'Ha-ha! Certainly not. These things are horrible to fight in.'

'Ah. Another rumour is that you are a master at archery. Would this be true?'

'Yes. I believe that having a bow or a crossbow is important. It doesn't matter how skilled you are in battle; if your enemy is not in reach of your sword then it's useless.'

'But to be able to use both a bow and a crossbow… I wonder if you had any spare time when you learnt all these things?'

'I had plenty.'

'Ah, then you must be naturally talented?'

Thalia laughed softly. 'You are very kind.'

He smiled as well. 'If you will excuse me, my lady, I think there is someone else who wishes to speak with you.'

Thalia turned to see a knight in green standing next to Arthur patiently.

'Oh! Well thank you for your kind words. I shall see you tomorrow no doubt if we do not speak again this evening.'

Knight Samuel bowed as Thalia turned back to her friend. 'Ah, the knight in green! How are you, James?'

Arthur meanwhile followed Knight Samuel.

Thalia finished her conversation with her friend and looked for Arthur. Not to her great surprise she saw him talking to Samuel who was looking alert and the tiniest shred of unease was spread quietly through his body language. She sighed and hurried over.

'Yes, she really is spectacular.'

'Mm. Especially in battle.'

'Really, sire?'

'Yes. We're pretty equal in skill as it happens. It's good for when we need to train.'

Thalia clasped Arthur's forearm and spoke to Knight Samuel. 'Actually I can beat him with my hands behind my back.'

As Samuel's eyes widened; impressed, Arthur's mouth opened ready to give a witty retort. But Thalia stopped him. 'If you'll excuse us, so sorry.' She pulled him away by a wall.

'What?'

'Arthur, what the hell are you doing?'

'… … … … … Being protective, why?'

Thalia sighed, raising one side of her mouth in an unimpressed fashion. 'Well can you stop?'

'Why?'

'Arthur! Leave the poor man alone! Honestly you're worse than a brother!'

He nearly grinned. 'Not that either of us would know that.'

She knew his point. 'True. But if you could refrain from being slightly hostile towards any people that are kind to me I'd deeply appreciate it.'

He sighed and leaned on the wall. 'Fine.'

'Thank you.'

She walked away as Arthur let out his smile and watched her with the quiet smile still on his face.

'Gaius, there's a problem.'

'Yes, I know.'

'Oh you do? Good.'

'It's the snakes on Knight Valiant's shield. They come alive.'

'Ah. So now what?'

'We're seeing what we can do. It will be hard for Merlin as he's a servant to go to Uther, we'll need evidence.'

'Well as soon as you have some, give it to me and I will take it to Uther. That way Arthur doesn't look like a coward if it goes wrong.'

Gaius nodded and Thalia hurried to the hall. She was supposed to be at dinner anyway.

'You're telling me you've got to fight that?' Merlin watched as the tall knight nearby had his helmet put on by a servant on his toes.

'Yes, and he's strong as a bear. But he's slow.'

'Fortunately you kill bears for fun.'

'Advice would be nice.'

'Arthur, I'm not giving anyone else advice, am I? I'm not going to be biased.'

He rolled his eyes. 'Oh, fair enough.'

'So he's slow and you're fast?' Merlin fiddled with a strap on Arthur's armour.

'Exactly.'

Merlin put Arthur's sword into the sheathe and Thalia gave him a pat on the back. The two of them then stood side by side as Arthur walked forward to the arena.

'I'll go put these back.' Merlin held up a pile of swords.

'Right.'

'You're not worried about him are you?'

'I'm worried about the other one.'

Merlin laughed. 'Seriously?'

'Seriously. We don't want another injured knight in Gaius' care. Arthur can go overboard sometimes.'

As it happens he didn't, just knocked the tall knight out with a shield. Then they were back as a little group by the tent watching Valiant's match. Arthur's jaw was tight again. Valiant won.

Thalia took a deep, uneasy breath and started to walk.

'Where are you going?'

'To the castle?'

'Why?' Arthur was already slightly uneasy after watching the match with Valiant.

'I have a suspicion. Don't mind me, I'll just be saving your backside again.'

'… Right.'

'Merlin? What can I do for you?'

'I was hoping I could ask a favour.'

'… come in.'

Thalia stepped back from the door and let Merlin pass.

'To create an antidote for the knight in Gaius' chambers we need one of the snakes' heads.'

'You want me to keep an eye on Valiant?'

'If it's not too much trouble.'

'Of course not. I'm having dinner with all the knights anyway.'

'Well that makes things easier.'

'It does. Good luck.'

'So, Valiant. Do you think you can beat my son?'

Thalia was on Arthur's right, having insisted he sat next to his father who was at the head. This placed him and Valiant opposite each other. She leant back in her chair and put a hand under her chin.

'He is a great warrior, my lord. I do hope to be a worthy opponent.'

'You should stay in Camelot after the tournament.'

Arthur glanced at his father in alarm.

'I could do with more knights like you.'

Valiant looked smugly at Arthur, who looked out of the window in annoyance.

'I'd be honoured, my lord.'

Thalia grinned quietly. If Valiant killed Arthur, then King Uther would certainly find a reason for him to be executed.

Then with alarm she realised Valiant had made his excuses to leave.

'Did you get it, Merlin?'

'Argh! Oh, Thalia. Yes I did.'

'Good.'

Merlin held up a snake's head and Thalia wrinkled her nose. 'Love the design.'

'Mm. I'm taking it to Arthur.'

'Right. I'll come with you.'

'You? You chopped its head off?' Arthur was looking both impressed and highly amused.

'Ewan was bitten by a snake from the shield when he was fighting Valiant, you can talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the snake bit him!'

Thalia was leant against the wall with her arms folded, watching as Merlin explained.

'Ewan was beating him, he had to cheat!'

'Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot.'

'Have you seen him?' Thalia readjusted her arms. '"To lose is to be disgraced." He said so to Uther.'

'Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield; no one could see the snake bite him!'

'I don't like the guy but that doesn't mean he's cheating.' Arthur stood up.

'Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom, when Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened.' Merlin continued as Arthur watched him, slowly becoming convinced. 'If you fight Valiant in the final he'll use the shield; it's the only way he can beat you!'

Arthur's face was back to showing he thought Merlin was drunk.

'Look at it!' Merlin held the snake head under Arthur's nose. 'Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot?'

Arthur examined it.

'I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything-'

Thalia smiled softly as she noticed Arthur's glance at Merlin as he said that.

'-I wouldn't lie to you.'

'I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true.'

'I swear it's true.'

Arthur lowered his gaze and nodded. 'Then I believe you. I'll bring it before the court in the morning.'

'No.'

Arthur looked to Thalia and moved his head, urging her to continue.

'Should it fail, it will come across that you are afraid to fight Valiant. Also Uther is more likely to listen to me if it's to do with magic.'

'That's true.'

'I'm sorry, why is that?'

'Merlin, OUT!'

'Arthur!'

'He can't!'

'Of course he can, don't you trust him?'

'… fine.'

Thalia turned to Merlin. 'I'm a high priestess of the old religion. Uther knows. I'm the only sorcerer he trusts.'

'Oh.'

Thalia smiled, she knew what this meant for Merlin.

'Now, off you go, go tell Gaius. Arthur, let's get the council together.'

'Right.'

'Thalia, what is the meaning of this?'

'Sire, I wish to put forward an inquiry into the Knight Valiant before this council.'

'On what grounds?'

'A servant has seen evidence of magic being connected to his shield and I have noticed indications of such truths.'

'Knight Valiant, what have you to say?'

'My Lord, I have never used magic this is an outrageous accusation.'

'Go on, Thalia.'

'The snakes on Knight Valiant's shield may be able to come alive by sorcery. This,' she passed Uther the snake's head, 'is an unusual snake, found nowhere in Camelot. However, it is here. It is the head of one of the three snakes on the shield, cut off yesterday evening around dinner time.'

'By whom?'

'By a servant who was cleaning the corridor, My Lord, in an act of defence. Merlin was cleaning the corridor near Knight Valiant's open doored chambers and was attacked by the snake. Fortunately there was a sword close by and one clean cut was all it took. Also, the Knight which Valiant fought yesterday has still not recovered consciousness, despite Gaius' very best efforts. He has two puncture marks on his neck which are white and the same length apart as this snake's fangs. Rest assured, we have extracted the venom from this snake head and an antidote was administered in the last few hours. I am sure Knight Ewan will be able to tell us how he collapsed in his match yesterday, whether by snakes or not.'

'Let me examine the shield.'

Valiant passed him the shield as Arthur unsheathed his sword. 'Be careful, my lord.'

'The snakes would hardly come from the shield in this circumstance if Knight Valiant's aim is to win the tournament.'

She addressed the council, but Uther knew she was telling Arthur that. 'Thalia, have you seen these snakes?'

'From the shield? I believe I have when Knight Ewan collapsed yesterday sire, however I could not say for certain.'

'I see. And where is Knight Ewan?'

'I am not sure. I expected the antidote to have worked by now.' Thalia, with a nod from Uther, turned to look behind her.

Merlin stepped forward and whispered to her. Without hesitation Thalia knew what to say.

'My Lord, Knight Ewan is dead. Gaius says he did regain consciousness before he left to fetch more herbs. It is our assumption that he was assassinated, most likely by another of the snakes.' Thalia paused to make sure everyone understood. Uther was frowning, now with slight concern. 'He did say that there was a snake in Valiant's shield, however I understand that that can be put easily to the ramblings of an exhausted man. Without Knight Ewan's absolute word in person I also understand that the evidence these accusations stand on has weakened considerably.'

Uther nodded slowly. 'What do you suggest we do, Crowned Warrior?'

'Sire, as the situation is now I have come to the conclusion that this inquiry will get us nowhere. I apologize to the people who have been summoned that this has not been resolved. I suggest we end this audience and let the tournament tomorrow show what it will.'

'I agree. Knight Valiant?'

'My Lord, I also agree. I'm sure everyone was merely mistaken. And if it was your son who made these accusations because he is afraid to fight me then-'
With a glance of permission from Uther, Thalia spoke up. 'Do you say this because you believe that I am merely here to serve the Prince? I am the one who called this audience, Knight Valiant. Perhaps you think I have less of a word because I am a woman?'

He realised his mistake. 'Not at all, My Lady. It was simply a thought.'

'Perhaps an attempt to "rattle" Prince Arthur, as it were? Very well. We shall see if your efforts come to anything tomorrow. I am confident Arthur will give you afair fight and a difficult one. If you must resort to using the shield to win then perhaps we can continue this inquiry.'

Uther gave a last nod. 'Agreed. This audience is concluded.'

'Thank you, My Lord.'

'Thank you for standing up for me.'

'Huh?'

'In the chambers, my father would have easily thought I was being a coward when Valiant started up if it wasn't for you.'

'No problem. He's the coward for using such a shield. Knock him dead tomorrow, Arthur.'

'Sure. Thank you, Thalia.'

'Good luck.'

'You're not going to see me tomorrow?'

'No, I mean with Merlin. He's been fuming about how his word doesn't count for anything and that he "can't believe Valiant got off" all afternoon.'

'Oh, great.'

'Bye Arthur.'

'Thalia… You couldn't come practice with me could you? If those snakes make an appearance I want to have practiced what to do.'

'Of course.'

'Okay, let's start with what Valiant did to Ewan.'

'He was bearing down on him wasn't he?'

'Yes.'

'So how do we- oof! Whoa!'

Thalia had slammed into his side at high speed and sent them tumbling to the ground, pressing her shield against Arthur's much like Ewan and Valiant had been set up.

'Let's imagine the snake comes out. What do you do?'

'This is really tricky. I can't get up; you're there. Sword?' Arthur looked around. 'Sent flying. So! What do I do?'

What he hadn't noticed until then was Thalia murmuring. 'What are you doing? Aargh!'

A purple snake had appeared.

'My father is going to kill you if he finds out.' Arthur was wriggling, trying to move his shield. He gave up and let go of his shield with one hand and caught the snake as best he could just behind the head. He then pulled and flung it across the grass. It vanished in a puff of purple smoke.

'Nice work.'

'It wasn't actually alive, was it?' Arthur sounded dubious.

'Of course not. Just an illusion, actually.'

'So what now?'

'Well…' Thalia pulled Arthur up by the wrists with her. 'How about if it comes along the ground at you?'

'Well if Merlin could cut the head off one I'm sure I can manage.'

'Let's test that then.'

They moved to the courtyard when it became dark and simply practiced with swords, Thalia being unable to use magic in a public place.
'Morgana's up there.'

They gave her a wave which she returned happily.

'Hua!'

'What the- hey!'

'Don't let your guard down!'

'Oi!' they laughed and kept laughing, Arthur once again forgetting about the pressure the tournament had on him.

'Nice day.'

'Yes, at least you're not fighting in the rain.'

A sigh.

She held his arms tightly and stood in front of him. 'Arthur, you can beat him, shield or none. You know you can. So do it.'

He nodded. And gave her a warm smile. He felt like hugging her incredibly tightly, but he didn't. He didn't need to though as Thalia seemed to know. And so he did find himself gripping her in a hug tightly.

Helmets went off. Okay, then. Then Arthur lost his shield and Thalia's eyes narrowed. No shield was usually a problem but without one Arthur became faster. And as she had said on day one; Valiant would become more open to quick attacks the harder he faced. This was Arthur's advantage and it was a good one. Of course, Valiant had a magic shield but they had practiced for that. And then he lost his sword. Arthur was driven back but when they got back to the middle of the arena the snakes came out in broad sight. Thalia knew why and looked for Merlin. She smiled when she met his triumphant eyes. Then they were back to watching Arthur in worry.

'What are you doing? I haven't summoned you!'

'So he is using magic.' Uther looked at Thalia in thanks.

'And now they see you for what you really are.'

'Kill him!'

Before Thalia could do anything Morgana had already thrown Arthur a shield. And with his speed Arthur had cut the snakes in half and a few seconds later stabbed Valiant who dropped by the snakes.

Arthur was given a nod from his father, an apology and secretly proud congratulations. Then he smiled at Thalia and walked out, shoving Merlin on his way past to the cheers of the crowd.

Thalia grinned. She'd expected Morgana and Arthur to argue over the sword she threw, though maybe not as soon as they got up to the top table.

'Umm… I didn't need saving! I'm sure I would've thought of something.'

'See you're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl!'

'Because I wasn't.'

'You know what? I wish Valiant was escorting me.'

'Me too! Then I wouldn't have to listen to you.'

'Fine.'

Thalia stepped in. 'And that is his way of saying "thank you". Charming, isn't it? He owes you one, Morgana.'

Arthur exhaled a breath of disbelief as Morgana smiled at him then walked away with a mischievous grin.

'And I didn't need your help, either,' Arthur spat.

'No, of course you didn't. Gratitude accepted.'

Arthur cast a long look at her. 'You really saved me, Thalia.'

'I wasn't the one in the arena. Or who threw you the sword.'

'Still. If it wasn't for you I don't know what I'd have done. I would have looked like a coward to my father and everyone else at the inquiry, I may not have been prepared… I owe you one as well.'

'Oh, I think we're beyond keeping scores now.'

'I think so too.'

'Now go thank Merlin for his hard work. It wasn't me that got that snake's head in the first place, neither was it me who constantly repaired your armour.'

'… Fine.'