12. Ruined (Kind Of)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
Summary: It's a well-known fact that children never turn out exactly as their parents might wish.
"Merlin, you've ruined my child."
"How so?"
"He literally just told me that he has no interest whatsoever in using a sword in a fight, now or ever."
"Well…He does have magic, more than you. Even if he ever did get into a life-or-death situation…which is unlikely right now…magic would be his best weapon. Besides, Cal's fifteen, almost sixteen. He's probably being opposed to using a sword at all just to be defiant towards you."
"Damn it. Now I'll have to admit that my best swordsmanship student is one of Everard's dozen children."
"I'm pretty sure your cousin doesn't have that many kids, and even if he does…Why does it matter who your best student is?"
"I…It doesn't. Shouldn't. I'm being silly."
"Does this have something to do with how your father taught you?"
"…Maybe."
"Gwaine…"
"You're right; it shouldn't matter. Doesn't. Whatever."
"Don't you have a daughter? Why don't you teach her?"
"Merlin, Holly's six."
"So? She won't be for much longer. And the fact that she's a girl doesn't mean she can't become a warrior. Do I need to refer you to Haralda?"
(Holly eventually tied with Everard's oldest son as Gwaine's best swordsmanship student. Caldwell still preferred magic, thank you very much.)