Love Like Magic

The Valiant

Lily watched as Merlin and Arthur got ready to fight. Merlin was yet to know about Lily's skill in combat. Lily watched amusedly as Merlin covered as much of himself in armour as he possibly could.

"Ready?" Arthur asked him as Merlin tried to put his sword in his belt but ended up dropping it to the ground.

Lily lost interest in their sparring until Arthur called out:

"Lily, want to take over? I gave Merlin a break."

"Arthur, I'm wearing a dress," she stated, looking at him like he'd lost his mind.

"Yes, I can see that."

Lily let out an exasperated sigh, "How am I supposed to fight in a bloody dress, you dolt?!" No servant would dare speak to Arthur in that manner. But then again, neither were servant girls normally asked to fight with him.

"That didn't seem to be a problem the last time you beat one of the knights when he said you were too pretty to fight," Arthur retorted.

"Give me ten minutes to change."

"Fine!"

True to her word, Lily returned, surprising Merlin with her attire. She was wearing a loose shirt tightened at her waist with a leather belt, tight black leather pants with a pair of brown boots.

"Lily? What are you doing?" Merlin asked looking at her in shock.

"Arthur wanted to practice with me for a while," she shrugged.

Arthur gave a nod and both of them began swinging their swords at each other. To say that Merlin was shocked to see Lily's skill, was an understatement.

As he watched her deflect, dodge and attack, it seemed to him, that it was as if she was dancing. Merlin watched, mesmerised. When they finally stopped their practice, he went up to Lily.

"You never told me you could sword fight."

"You never asked," Lily said cheekily, as Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Keep rolling them, Merlin. Someday, you might even find a brain in there."

"Are you calling me stupid?" Merlin demanded.

Lily just laughed and said, "Looks like it's your turn now," she nodded towards where Arthur was standing, looking at Merlin expectantly. Merlin groaned loudly, making Lily laugh and pat his back encouragingly,

"Don't worry, you'll pull through. Now, I promised to spend the day with Gwen and that dollop head has already made me late. See you later, Merlin," and with that, she ran off.

Merlin noticed that she rarely walked in a normal pace. She was always full of energy and spirit, which made Merlin feel something strange in his chest.

He sighed and went back to fight with Arthur, wondering what that wonderful feeling was.

~~~~

Lily was helping Gaius when Merlin came back.

"So, how was your first day as Arthur's servant?" Gaius asked, teasingly.

Merlin hit his head a few times as he asked in return, "Do you hear clanging?"

Lily shook her head, laughing. Gaius rubbed his shoulders after he cleaned up.

"It was horrible. And I've still got to learn about tournament etiquette by the morning," he stated in exasperation. He then muttered a spell that pulled the book on the table towards him, earning a smack upside the head from Gaius.

"Oi! What have I told you about using magic like that?"

"If I could actually feel my arms, I'd pick up the book myself." Merlin retorted.