The Rise of Merlin

VALIANT (2)

So sorry for the late update! I went camping, got into a bit of an accident, but here is the next part to the "Valiant" episode. I hope you enjoy it and keep reading :) Also is this anyone else's least favorite episode? 

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The first thought that crossed Merlin's mind when she groggily opened her eyes was that the tournament was happening that day and unfortunately for her she wouldn't be able to miss it. As a girl that came from a small village, Merlin had never seen a tournament before and because of that she couldn't understand its importance. The only thing she did know was that it was part of the on-going celebrations for the end of Uther's war against magic and also that it lasted for three days.

The sound of the tolling bells broke her from her thoughts and it was only then that she was able to hear Gaius outside her room. Taking that as a sign that it was time to start her day, Merlin pulled herself out of her rickety bed, groaning in disappointment as she did so.

As she walked over to her wardrobe Merlin noticed a bucket filled with water near her door and a smile covered her face when she realized that Gaius must have put it there while she had been asleep. With a glance towards the door, Merlin flashed her eyes and steam rose from the bucket as it warmed up. Satisfied, she quickly washed up and after getting dressed, Merlin exited her room and smiled fondly when she noticed Gaius already deep in his work.

Without a word, Merlin made her way towards his work table and plopped down on the only empty seat, laughing slightly when she caused the old physician to jump in surprise. Not even the raised eyebrow could tamper down her obvious amusement, instead Merlin smiled at the old man and greeted him.

"You got in pretty late last night," Gaius noted as he went back to his potions.

Humming, Merlin reached for an apple, frowning slightly when she noticed some bruising on one side of it. Shrugging, she bit into it before turning back to Gaius. "I had to get Arthur ready for the night," she explained as she continued to bite into her apple. Due to the late hour, Merlin hadn't been able to eat anything before going to bed.

"I hope you had time to study up on tournaments," Gaius said while in the middle of gathering different ingredients around the table.

Slightly distracted with what the old man was doing, Merlin responded and said, "Yes I did. I ran into a friend of mine as I was walking through the lower town. He was really kind enough to help me understand that book Arthur had me use. It really was more complicated than it should have been. What's wrong with having more detailed instructions because I could-"

"Friend? I wasn't aware that you have already made friends here," Gaius said, causing her to frown at the interruption.

Setting her finished apple down, Merlin said slightly offended, "I've made plenty of friends. Gwen for example." At Gaius's look, she sighed and said, "I had help from Borin. We met when I was in the dungeons, but I got to know him when we were put in the stocks together."

Gaius rose a brow and said, "Really, Merlin? The stocks are no place for you to be making friends. And Borin you say?" Merlin nodded in answer. "As in the town drunk Borin?" Again Merlin nodded, scowling at the description. Did it really matter if Borin drank more than he should? The older man had been kind to her and had even taken the time to help her when he didn't have to. It was more than others have done for her.

Gaius turned to face Merlin and said, "I don't know whether hanging around that man is such good idea, Merlin. He will only get you into more trouble and someone like you should not be drawing attention to themselves because then people will start talking-"