Merlin hated hunting. Hated it. Despised it with every nine in her body. One side: Advance military weapons. The other: a helpless animal.
She watched in disgust as Arthur lined up his shot perfectly. She even gagged as she heard the arrow penetrate the poor defenseless deer.
"I don't see the point." She called out to him as she walked over to the dead deer. "Killing poor innocent creatures."
Arthur scoffed. "Hunting. Is a test. It requires speed, stealth and an agile mind." He said and smiled at her.
"So you're able to get by on two out of three, then?" She joked at him and smirked when her glared at her. He opened is mouth to respond but was cut off by a scream.
A woman's scream.
"What was that?" Merlin asked worriedly.
"Quiet." He told her and listened. After a moment more they heard another cry this time it sounded to be an older man.
Merlin handed Arthur his sword and they both ran towards the calls, forgetting the deer. The ran to the sounds to see a man and woman being attacked by three bandits.
"No, no, I beg you! Mercy!" They heard the older man say.
"Give us some money!" Bandit #1 said holding him.
"Help me! Help me!" The woman cried
Arthur shot one of the robbers. They all turned and stared at the two. One of the bandits pushed the man down and charged towards them both. Arthur immediately started to fight while Merlin ran towards the man and the girl.
She looked up and caused one of the branches to fall on the bandit. He looked up at her in fear. Merlin smirked at the man and he ran away.
"Stroke of luck." He said looking at the broken branch. "You alright? Didn't hurt you?" He said suddenly turning his attention to the older man and a woman.
"No... Thanks to you. I'm Sophia. This is my father." She said taking off her hood letting Merlin get a good look at her. She looked around her and Arthur's age. She had very pale skin and almost red hair, though it was more of a brown. She had blue eyes and a roundish face. Merlin had to admit she was beautiful. Her hair was littered with pearls and other jewels. Merlin consciously felt her own hair and feeling self conscious.
"Arthur Pendragon... at your service." He said dazzled by her beauty. He reached for her hand and kissed it. Merlin frowned as she felt some emotion bubble in her stomach.
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Merlin watched with Gwen as Sophia and her father stood in front of the court.
"My name is Aulfric, heir to Tír-Mòr. This is my daughter, Sophia." He introduced and they both gave a small bow.
"You're a long way from home. What brings you to Camelot?" Uther asked emotionless.
"Our home was sacked by raiders, We barely escaped with what few possessions we could carry." Both Merlin and Gwen glanced at each other, questioning his lack of sadness. Or you know, any emotion.
"Don't cry to much over it." She whispered sarcastically and Gwen nodded. She turned to Arthur to see what he thought but he was staring at Sophia, almost longingly.
"These are dangerous times. What will you do?" Uther asked finally showing some sort of emotion in his voice.
What was it with nobles and being emotionless? Merlin thought.
