A/N: I don't own Merlin. That was the luck of the BBC

I'm back, the exam went well, I don't have another for a few weeks, I posted another chapter... life is good. I can't believe we're over halfway with the story now O.O

Chapter 5

It was a habit of Percival's, staring sullenly at the ground. Ever since was a small child, even when there was nothing wrong with him and had no reason to carry such a sad expression, he stared at the ground with consternation on his face. His mother told him not to worry about it, not to care when the other village children teased; she said he always looked more like he was in thought rather than upset. Even aged twelve, he stood a head taller than her, and she'd laughed, telling him stories of how he would become a fearsome warrior with the demeanour of a monk. It was true, his mind and body contrasted starkly. His bulging muscles and terrifying height were intimidating to even the most seasoned fighter. However underneath his daunting exterior was a heart of gold even the most altruistic would envy. He became a knight to put his strength to good use – what better use than defending a good and worthy king?

'You're too skinny, Arthur's chores haven't been keeping you away from eating again, has he?' A pensive look crossed the knight, worry in his eyes.

'We can't all be great hulks of muscles like you.' A flippant expression crossed the warlock, laughter sparkling in his eyes.

Those were the last words he spoke to his caring comrade. Percival hadn't made friends easily growing up, and it hurt when people were often wary of him due to his size. But the boy hadn't once flinched, nor eyed him cautiously, nor said a bad word about the giant, and for this he was extremely grateful. He admired the servant greatly, he was so kind to everyone, he never once judged or commented about someone, never spoke ill of people behind their backs, never saw anything but the good it people. Not every man could do that, of course the knights had teased him about having the feelings of a girl, but Percival knew that the lanky lad was a better man than any of the knights because of it. It was his selflessness and hope to see the good that caused what happened that day. He should never have been put in that position because of something he couldn't control. Never.

It was a habit of Percival's, staring sullenly at the ground, but he couldn't take his eyes off the orange glow as the flames consumed his friend's stomach.