morgana was right (she’s always right)
*
October 5, 1575
They’re both sweaty but happy, laughing about the way Arthur had slipped over on the puddle of oil Merlin conjured in the winning move of the duel.
It had been surprisingly fun, especially for Merlin who’d very much not wanted to be there at the start. Arthur knew this because Gwen told him that Morgana told her that Merlin had only come because she’d lent him her broom.
Arthur secretly hopes Merlin comes to the club again the next week. Even though Merlin beat him it was still enjoyable, as neither was that much better than the other. Merlin had just caught him by surprise.
Arthur’s struck from his reverie by Lance slapping him on the shoulder,
“Hard luck mate. It seemed to me you had the upper hand most of the time there though, so well done.”
“Thanks Lance, but I think Merlin’s just better than me. Only slightly though- I’ll get him next time. How was your match?”
Lance gives him a sheepish grin,
“I beat Warner in the first 4 minutes. Wasn’t much of a victory though- all I did was a few diffindos and then an expelliarmus and that was that.”
Arthur shakes his head,
“Nah, that’s great! You should be proud, isn’t Warner a second year as well?”
“Yeah. Thanks! Anyway, what do you think they’ll have for tea, toad-in-the-hole or cottage pie? Me and Gawain have a bet going.”
Arthur shoots Merlin a glance before he follows Lancelot to dinner. When he catches Merlin’s eye he mouths ‘Congrats’, and Merlin grins in response.