Chapter Twelve: Tournament begins
perspective Leons:
Just as Leon had begun to put on his first piece of Armour, Merlin came hurtling into the tent, seemingly tripping over his own feet as he entered. After stabling himself back up, Merlin instantly got to work with helping Leon with the rest of his armour.
Despite Merlins chaotic entrance, Leon felt nothing but fondness towards the younger boy "Merlin, i thought you would be helping Giuas? "
Merlin responded instantly without so much of a pause in his preparation, reminding Leon of just how long he'd been doing this for Arthur. He noted just how far Merlin had come with his servant duties compared to when he had first started. "As did i, however Giuas has reassured me that i can be more help to both of you by squiring you and being the first level of response for anyone injured, that way he can focus on the worse injuries and looking for information on that creature. Sorry for making you think I wasn't coming though.."
As Merlin trailed off at the end there it was the first time Leon noticed his movements falter, only lasting for a second so that if Leon hadn't been studying him quite so thoroughly he likely wouldn't have even noticed it. But he did. "The Armour looks amazing by the way! far better than whenever i do it...Will you show me your secret at some point." At this Merlin was smiling again- it wasn't the brightest smile he'd ever seen on Merlin but it was a happy one which was far better than the burdened expression the boy had moments before. This was enough to reassure Leon he'd said the right thing.
"Sure... at some point i'm sure i'll show you" Merlin replied thoughtfully, followed by him handing Sir Leon his sword just as Percival arrived at the tent to alert him that it was time.
After sending Percival a confirmation nod Leon placed a reassuring hand on Merlins shoulder along with a look that he hoped expressed 'I know this is tough but i'm glad you chose to come', then he followed Percival out of the tent.
Notes: Sorry this chapter took soo long and is Tiny,
i lost my flow for this story and I'm trying to get back into it. This chapter has helped me build onto the next one which i'm now halfway through writing - however the contrast in tone and focus feels too big to make it all one chapter