Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 35: The Whole World

Chapter 35

Merlin and Elena are up early, helping Arthur into his armour for the first day of the tournament. Elena works on the straps across his back, letting her fingers trail softly across his neck, brushing against his hair. She smiles as she can see Arthur's subtle reaction. Even if it is not a secret to Merlin of their feelings, just the playful dangerous actions are too enticing for Elena to resist.

"How are you feeling?" Merlin asks with pretend obliviousness to his friend and master's actions. He'd rather not be in the middle of a lovey-dove situation.

"Confident, aren't you?" Elena replies in his place as she circles back to his front to check the fit. Arthur rolls his eyes at her.

"Of course, I am," he cheeks back. "I can speak for myself you know?"

"Yes, but I say it quicker," she quips.

"I'm not so sure you should be," Merlin says, bringing the conversation back to the original topic.

"And why is that?" Elena asks. Arthur tilts his head, giving her a pointed look. Merlin had been talking to him after all. Laughing, Elena resigns, offering her hands in surrender.

"And why is that?" Arthur asks, restating her words.

"'Cause last time this tournament was held," he drops his tone into a whisper, "three men died."

Elena has been trying to forget the fact that men have died, putting her trust into Arthur.

"Really?" Arthur asks sarcastically. Merlin worries too much in his opinion.

"That was just on the first day."

"Thanks for that, Merlin."

Arthur and Elena right now, are anything but appreciative for his input which is only racking the girl's nerves higher and unsettling the Prince who has been working on keeping himself calm and collected.

"And on that second day..." Merlin trails off with a pointed look, not wanting to go into the detail that Gaius had told him yet wanting to get his point across. Elena begins to wonder what his point is exactly. Is he trying to stop Arthur, because there is no point in that?

"Let's just...get through the first," Arthur manages to say after a sigh.

"You're right," Merlin agrees, yet decides to continue anyway. "'Cause that's when most people die."

Elena has been trying not to listen to the conversation by fiddling with the already tightened straps. "Merlin," she sighs, resting her head against the Prince's shoulder armour. "Just..."

"Shut up?" Arthur offers. Elena nods, lifting her head to glare at the warlock.

"Yeah."

Merlin gives them both a tight-lipped smile.

Xx

Earlier that morning, Elena had informed Merlin that the young boy, Gilli, was a user of magic and that his ring was magical as well. Merlin shared that he as well had noticed the ring but wasn't sure what to make of it.

Elena doesn't worry too much, figuring that he would be smart enough to not use it in front of everybody. But as he begins his first round, both the warlock and Vessel are highly aware of the usage of magic in his battle. To others, it could be dismissed as their eyes missing something or a trick of the light, but to the two magical beings, it is plain as day.

Elena snorts as Arthur begins his first match. He goes against the man she had seen the day before, swinging his knives about. He does so beautifully, but his skills are purely aesthetic. Arthur doesn't even raise his sword and just ends the match by punching the man in the face, knocking him out. What an honourable win, she thinks to herself with sarcasm.