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Arthur let out a whoop as their horses reached a full gallop. Merlin smiled viciously at Arthur as he spurred his horse forward and up a small incline. Arthur opted to take a different route, finding flat ground. Merlin's horse leapt a downed tree and wove around huge rocks, all the while galloping at full speed. Merlin could see Arthur below him, his horse clearly struggling with the effort needed for such a run. While the castle's horses were fantastic, Merlin knew that none were faster than his, Nimeria. Arthur looked up and saw Merlin pulling ahead. He spurred his horse forward and they burst out of the trees into an open field at the same time, Merlin yelling Nimeria forward as Arthur attempted to pick up speed. Sweat dripped down it's neck and its legs slowed slightly. Nimeria picked up the pace, lengthening her stride and grunting slightly with the effort. Reaching the agreed upon finish line, Merlin whooped in delight as Nimeria slid to a stop and pivoted on her haunches. Merlin watched as Arthur passed them a few seconds later, scowling toward Merlin's horse.

"My steed is the fastest horse in the kingdom, Merlin! Where did you find that thing?" Arthur sounded piqued as he swung down from his horse and led it to toward a water trough.

"In the woods. She was just a foal, wandering around on her own. I saved her from a wolf." Merlin said, shrugging and patting Nimeria's neck as she bobbed her head and whinnied a bit when he dismounted. She was barely tired. Arthur just shook his head and laughed as the horse nudged Merlin towards the water and looked at him expectantly.

"I might have to make you the new horsemaster, Merlin," Arthur joked, laughing as Merlin shot him a warning look.

"I'll turn all of your horses into irritable twats if you do!"