A sound of a flag flapping in the strong wings of the early morning, struggling from being pitched in the dewy green grass canvassing the borders of the tournament stadium, set the mood on the beginning of the tournament day.
Merlin, who had just awoken, rubbed his eyes and blinked to see through the blurry window that framed the cool crisp dark blue morning. He inhaled deeply before sitting up on his bed and felt his ears ring of silent emptiness; it's sound hinting of subtle notes of mice crawling on the creaky floors.
Merlin rubbed his face and felt his gut curdle a little in fear. He couldn't pretend that the thought of Morgana attacking him wasn't prickling his mind with fear. Merlin needed to go quickly before the tournament would start.
"Merlin! Where have you been? I had to get myself armored up!" Arthur snapped putting on his wrist guards. He seemed to be nervous and stared off into space as Merlin hurriedly clapped on Arthurs shoulder guard, then going aside to fetch Arthur's cape.
"Sorry, I wanted to give my goodbyes to Gaius. You know... in case." Merlin said tying the cape onto Arthurs collar, struggling when Arthur turn to scowl at him.
"Not funny Merlin. You really need to be careful out there. Morgana can be vicious when she wants to."
"Yeah, thanks for the reminder." Merlin said almost sarcastically. "So you ready for the tournament?"
"Ready as always…" Arthur said unconvincingly.
"Can't believe you still get nervous about these things. You've won 6 times already."
"You just never know what will happen. All of it just puts more pressure on you. Especially now that I am at an age people expect me to be ready to rule. No one cares what you were capable of; they only care what you are capable now. " Arthur said drearily, as he was pulled and yanked at from behind while Merlin finished tying the cape. "Besides… apparently the first three times my father tipped people off for me to win." Arthur said in a low and embarrassed voice.
"You're father instructed people to lose?" Merlin asked aghast, turning to face Arthur.
"I was 16 the first time I competed Merlin! You think I could win on my own against a two ton man?"
"I thought you would have enough courage and wisdom by then to compensate for strength." Merlin said adjusting Arthur's shoulder guards.
"Oh shut up Merlin."
"Well, I think you'll do great." Merlin said brushing the cape a little.
"Thanks, but that means nothing to me." Arthur said looking straight ahead waiting Merlin to finish.
"Just trying to make you feel better!" Merlin said with a forced smile, clapping Arthurs back a little too hard.
"Anyway Merlin," Arthur said turning around to face Merlin. "Leon will be accompanying you at the entrance of Camelot while you .. uhm.. wait for Morgana. There will be other knights around, don't worry, but he'll be right next to you the whole time."
"Ok. Sounds good.." Merlin said nodding uncomfortably, hoping just a little Arthur could sense his worry.
"And uhh..." Arthur began reluctantly. "There's something you need to know about Leon. He gets nervous a little, and sort of…sort of… panics. He does that when waiting for an enemy attack. It's just nerves but when something finally comes for attack, he pretty much is the best you can get. Just don't let his nerves throw you off or make you feel nervous. You might need to calm him down a little. Now don't look at me like that.. do you actually think I'd still have him if he wasn't a great fighter? He's honestly one of a kind." Arthur said as he turned for the door. "Now come on, we have to get to breakfast."
Merlin didn't know how to react but just nodded as he followed Arthur. It was a good thing Merlin wasn't counting on Leon- that was for sure.
"Merlin, I want you to make sure you eat a large breakfast today.." Arthur said as he skipped down the stair steps.
"Thanks mother.."
"I'm serious Merlin, " Arthur said as he arrived at the first floor and turned around while still walking towards the royal hall where breakfast was being served. " You're going to need lots of energy before going out there. I feed all my knights plenty of trout and sausage, bread, and greens. You'll need plenty of water as well."
"I hate trout." Merlin said with a disgusted look on his face, standing near the entrance of the royal hall.
The two had arrived near the bustling crowd sounding from the royal hall and looked at each other.
"Merlin, I'm expecting you to eat well… I'll… I'll see you before you leave." Arthur said before splitting off to the side entrance.
Merlin nodded and went through the main entrance of the hall. Arthur usually entered the royal hall from the side doors intended for royalty to ensure they make a grand entrance amongst the sound of trumpets and flutes.
Merlin walked in and caught an empty seat between two large men whose arms took up his entire personal space, and pits that let out a musty odor to disturb Merlin's nose. In front of them laid the most delicious looking foods getting cold, awaiting the men to taste it. Unfortunately for Merlin's stomach, and everyone else's, they had to wait for the King to arrive with his son, Arthur.
A few men had cheated already and ate as they willed, though those men were not stopped by the servants due to their intimidating large appearance. Merlin looked around and watched a competitor named Kay across the room speaking animatedly, lifting his hands to demonstrate something to his friend Bedivere, as Bedivere pondered on listening. Kay's father Ector was sitting next to Bedivere reading a piece of parchment with focus. Merlin scanned around to scope out all the competitors and saw Sayd chomping on some grapes nonchalantly. A servant glared at Sayd unhappily with her arms crossed and lips pursed together.
"Hey Merlin…" A voiced called near Merlin's ear. " Merlin shot up and looked behind and saw the bold eyes of Leon lowered to meet Merlins eyes.
"Hey.. how's it going?"
"Just wanted to quickly mention to you that we plan to head out right after breakfast is over. I'll meet you outside the gates..."
Merlin nodded as Leon left. Leon didn't seem too nervous.
*Toot toott too too*
A trumpet sounded and everyone's eyes flashed to the front where Uther came out, scrawnier than normal, with his armor on beneath his velvet robes trimmed in spotted fur, looking strangely comical on Uther's thinner figure.
"Ladies & Gentleman, His Magesty, King Uther of Camelot!" A man called out in a booming voice, as a contrived applause tore the silence while everyone stood up clapping. Merlin stuggled hard to stang up with the bigger men clapping, thus knocking Merlins chest with their jabbing elbows.
Trembling, Uther managed to maintain his composure as he sat down at the head of the table. A servant quickly kneeled to him and whispered something. Uther nodded and continued to look up boldly, trying to show strength.
*Toot too too too*
Another sound of a trumpet interrupted everyone's applause and the announcer, glaring angrily at the man playing the trumpet, spoke out again.
"Now, it is His Prince Arthur of Camelot! "
Merlin rolled his eyes when Arthur came out with his crown, flashing his pearly whites for everyone to see as he strolled down and sat next to his father. A few men who had sat down when the King did looked a little confused as to whether they should stand up again. Merlin watched all the men in amusement and wondered why Arthur was introduced after Uther. Perhaps the King was too weak to wait to be called out second.
"Now, a few words from His Majesty!" The announcer said, then calling at the musicians to take a seat.
Uther managed to get up with some trouble, trying to hide signs of weakness and inhaled deeply.
"I am very happy to see everyone today in such happy spirits. Today is the annual tournament in Camelot. Many of you are from far places." Uther said looking around. Merlin glimpsed at Sayd who was watching Uther intently. "Some of you are closer." Uthur said looking at Arthur. "I know that in this room we have some of the greatest fighters that ever sat in one room in all Albion. Those that display strength, courage and wisdom. Now, before I use up the pre-tournament speech here, I will end it at that. There will be plenty of time for my real speech before the tournament begins. Please… begin eating."
After an appreciative laugh, the men began digging into the food and started eating away.
Merlin shook his head with a smile when hearing Uther explain the three things that make a good fighter, and was reminded of Gawaine and Arthurs discussion the night before. He lifted his head in search for Gawaine, though was unsuccessful. Merlin wondered if Gawaine bailed out of the tournament. As Merlin munched on the delicious bread and sausages happily, he scanned the table of the assortment of meat dishes and pies, decorated with sliced fruits and vegetables. Merlin's head was being knocked at by his neighbors' elbows working away at the foods, and then heard a soft voice in his ear.
"Merlin..."
Merlin turned around and saw Gwen bending over for a chat.
"Gwen!" A few chunks of bread splattered on Gwen. "Oh sorry!"
"Heh…" Gwen said wiping her dress. "It's alright Merlin. Gaius told me you aren't showing up for the tournament."
"Yeah… "Merlin said figuring he should stand up; to which he did. Merlin didn't think it would be a good idea to get Gwen worried about everything. "I'm supposed to... uhmm... greet the visitors that come in through Camelots entrance."
"That's terrible... Did Arthur put you up to this?"
"Not really... it was the Kings idea."
"Oh…" Gwen said looking stumped. "It's a shame. I was hoping we could watch the tournament together. Morgana is not around anymore so I have no one to watch it with." Gwen said distracted, her attention catching on a man whose bowl of soup spilled on the floor. "Oh dear! I better get that. See you later Merlin."
Merlin nodded and smiled, then struggled to sit in his seat again.
He sure hoped Morgana wouldn't be around this time.