Sorry it's been so long. School, you know. Also, this one was difficult. I had to cut it almost in half. I really wanted to use the line "He wasn't sure if Arthur was still mad or not," but...it just didn't happen. Oh well, hope you enjoy.

Gaius turned from the window and sighed worriedly, stuffing jars and bandages into his travel sack before rushing to the training field.

"Merlin!" Arthur roared, flinging his sword down. He ran one hand through his hair, turned, and hissed. His shoulders fell, and he turned back, offering Merlin his hand. "You have to learn to defend yourself."

Yesterday, Merlin was clutching a bleeding gash in his side, barely conscious.

The memory killed Gaius.

Arthur handed Merlin's sword back to him.

"Try again."

"But Arthur—"

"Try. Again."

Gaius set his pack down, sitting on the bench as the metal clashed.