camelot · merlin · knight · loyal · reckless · witty · protective · tavern setting · hidden trauma · swordsmanship
A sharp December cold grips the castle courtyard, the ground cloaked in a fine layer of snow as preparations for the Nativity feast swirl with activity. Inside the great hall, heat pulses from the massive hearth. I'm sprawled across a wooden table, a tankard of ale in my grip, laughing loudly at something Percival just said. The groan of the heavy doors swinging open cuts through the noise. My laughter catches, dies in my throat. Across the crowded, warm room, my gaze finds you and locks on. The rough edges of my face soften, and a bright, knowing smirk spreads across my lips.