Melanie stood in the weapons room, marveling at all of the weapons on the wall.
"Pick one." Arthur said from the doorway. "I'd like to see you with something other than a sword." Her eyes skimmed over the wall and landed on a battle axe. It was her second best weapon.
"Interesting choice." She pulled if of the wall and followed Arthur to the training grounds.
"My second favorite."
"A battle axe?" Gwain asked.
"Don't think I can handle it?" She raised an eyebrow.
"I'd like to see what you can do with it."
"You'd be surprised what I can do." She lifted the axe over her shoulder and, with a graceful spin, cut a nearby dummy in half.
"Deadly and beautiful." Gwain smiled.
"I believe flirting should remain off the battle field. And the training grounds." She smirked and caught Gwain's leg with the axe, pulling him to the ground.
"I suppose you're right." She helped him up and he stole a kiss.
"Not now." She scolded, pushing him off her. She heard a twig snapping behind her and she spun around, deflecting the sword being swung at her by Percival. Other knights began to close I around her and she smirked.
Leon approached her with his sword and she kicked him away. She elbowed a knight coming from behind her and swung the axe around, knocking back three.
Melanie moved with the grace of a dancer. Each move poised yet deadly. She fought till the last man. Successfully nocking back each one.
"That was the most impressive thing I've witnessed in years." Arthur complemented.
"Thank you sire." Melanie smiled, placing the axe on the ground. "Do you do that with all your knew recruits?"
"Only the ones that show the most potential. I have no further doubt that you will do well."
"I'm sure the others don't either." Gwain said, resting his arm on Melanie's shoulder.
"That was impressive indeed Melanie." Leon complemented.
"Alright, all of you." Arthur said, gathering the knights. "Get back to it."
"I hope none of you were going easy on me." Melanie smirked.
"If they were they'll be penalized!" Arthur called.
"We promise you we did not." Owen swore.
"Good. Now Melanie, I'd like to spar."
"Are you sure?" She picked up the axe again. "You saw what I did to the others."
"I'm well prepared." He pulled his sword from its sheath.
"This should be fun." He swung at her and she ducked out of the way. She kicked his leg, pulling him down.
He stood up and struck Melanie in the side. It wasn't meant to harm, but it did more damage than intended. She staggered back pain. Her hand covered the wound, blood seeping through her fingers. Arthur dropped his sword and Melanie fell to her knees.
Gwain was at her side in an instant, holding her in his arms.
"I'm sorry." Arthur whispered. "I didn't mean to."
"It's not you fault." She assured. "I let my guard down."
"Come on." Gwain said, lifting her up in his arms. "I'll take you to Gaius."
"I told you it was a bad idea." Owen said the Arthur.
"Now is not the time Sir Owen." Arthur scolded. "Remember, she defeated the rest of you. If memory serves, many of us have suffered similar injuries in training. Hold your tongue." He stormed away from the knight, following Gwain and Melanie to Gaius's chambers.