Learning From the Best (Arthur & Merlin)

[Deleted]

Percival left his chambers wearing his full chainmail and cape, along with his armor. . He was headed toward the training ground. There was a tournament coming up, and he had signed up to joust. There was one slight problem. Well it was more of a rather large problem. Given the fact he was not of noble blood, and has not been training to be a knight since he was young, Percy had no clue how to joust.

The King had offered to show him how to joust, and for that he was grateful. Though having Arthur train him over one of the other knights made him a bit nervous. If he screwed up, he was not just messing up in front of a fellow knight. What if Arthur decided he was no longer good enough to be a knight? Could he even do that? Of course he could, he's the King after all. No one would question his decision. With a soft sigh, he stepped onto the training ground. He was a bit early, and he knew it. But, as far as he was concerned it was better to be early than late, especially when meeting with Arthur. Now all he could do was wait.

Timeline: beginning of Lancelot Du Lac
Time:Mid-morning
Tag:King Arthur Pendragon & Merlin

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was in a rather jovial mood. And why shouldn't he be? The woman he loved had agreed to marry him. While he knew that she loved him, he was of course nervous about the whole idea. He had come so close to marriage a few times before . . . Sophia, Vivian, Elena . . . but this time, he actually truly loved the woman he was to wed. And he could not imagine his future with any other. They would be happy together, he knew they would be. As part of a wedding present, it was tradition to hold a jousting tournament. His father had done the same for his mother, and Arthur wished to keep to this tradition. He knew Guinevère enjoyed the simpler things in life, and would certainly ensure to gift her with things more to her taste. He already had an idea of how to do that. But as everything about them and their relationship broke tradition, they decided to at least keep one. From a servant and a king falling in love, to them planning to share a chamber . . . yes. Their relationship was indeed far from traditional. But Arthur had learned that breaking tradition certainly had his advantages.

In fact, he was on his way to see pure proof of that, for in breaking another tradition, he had gained four -- now three -- brothers. Ones who all held exceptional skill with a sword. But the problem today was perfecting their skill with a lance. Percival wanted to participate in the tournament, and Arthur felt privileged and honored that he wished to do so. It was why he wanted to help him learn the rules and be able to hit his target. So that he would be good competition and hopefully best some of the others. Percival had the strength to take down an army of men with his bare hands . . . but with jousting, he just needed form as it was a learned sport. "Percival," Arthur greeted smiling, clad in his chain mail in preparation for today's lesson. His eyes glanced around before he continued speaking. "Merlin should be arriving any moment with practice lances and shields." He better, or Arthur would have to teach him what happens when he's late.

[youngwarlock]

The puffing and panting of Arthur's manservant could probably be heard before he even came into view as he struggled on towards the training ground, a large heavy shield in each hand, and two long lances strapped to his back via a thick piece of rope which he had so skillfully tied around his waist to hold them there.

How Arthur ever expected him to carry all of the weapons by himself was ridiculous as usual, and Merlin suspected that the man probably wanted him to fail so that he could give the poor servant yet more chores. Merlin however, had other ideas, and determined to accomplish this task he had set about doing it no matter how difficult it was or indeed how stupid he might look.

He could see the new knight in the distance, Sir Percival. He seemed like a decent, honorable man, although his size was putting Merlin off wanting to be here somewhat, especially if the young warlock was going to be used for target pratice, and he held no doubt that he would. Perhaps the knight would go easy on him he thought, or at least he hoped.

"I got them!" he called out, finally approaching the two men and looking perhaps a little too pleased with himself as he paused before them both, panting heavily to catch his breath.

[Deleted]

Upon hearing his name, Percival turned, and faced his king. ”Arthur,” he greeted in return, smiling as he did so. He nodded at Arthur's words, and looked around the training ground. He hadn't seen Merlin yet. Percy knew, the king's manservant was not large by any means. Perhaps Percy should offer to go help him? It may not be a knightly thing to do, a thing a noble would do, but in Percival's mind, it would be the right thing to do.

Before he could open his mouth to speak, he saw the much smaller man approaching them. He looked absolutely ridiculous how he had the lances strapped to him. Percy snorted, holding back a laugh. Or trying to. What he was carrying looked like it weighed more than he did! Percy was honestly surprised he had made it all the way to the training ground like that. The man was so small compared to him, Percy was afraid he might hurt him practicing with him. He'd never done this before. What if his aim was off? With the lances, and his sheer size, he was sure he could really do some damage. He would try his best to be careful.

Percival stepped forward toward Merlin and said, “Here, let me help,” offering to hold the shields for him so Merlin could unstrap the lances from his waist. Hopefully, before he hurt himself.