for bedivere

[comatoxic]

[Merlin Alter is not hard to distinguish from his Caster self.

There's the horns, of course - two gnarled horns that resemble nothing so much as dead tree branches. There's also that he's far more pale and sickly-looking than his other self, with dark shadows underneath his eyes.

Despite that, he lights up upon encountering one of his favorite knights in the hall.]

Be~di~vere~

[It has not been that long since Ritsuka resolved that Singularity, and summoned the cause of it. Still, Merlin Alter has no hesitation in more or less draping himself over Bedivere's shoulder if he's allowed.]

Comments

[1stknight]

[Bedivere's relationship with those from the Round Table can be complicated at times. His King- Arturia, Artoria, Arthur, whatever name he or she happens to go by in any specific timeline- gets his undying loyalty and admiration, of course. The other knights get varying levels of respect and camaraderie, with some getting a bit more scrutiny than the others. Bedivere is willing to live and let live, but he is a Bedivere who experienced the Camelot singularity and he is always cautious around those who also recall that particular incident.

Also, Lancelot is a ho and absolutely gets his due judgement from Bedivere for that. Gawain similarly ends up at the short end of Bedivere's curt kindness sometimes. He loves his fellow knights, but he does not like their womanizing ways.

Merlin...there's a tricky one. Bedivere respects Merlin, and he appreciates what the mage of flowers did for him and his quest. But Merlin is also a trickster and frequently causes headaches for Bedivere, which often draws his ire. Perhaps this is what a love-hate relationship is? It's complicated, to be sure.

And then there's Merlin Alter. Whoo boy, where to begin with him. He's aware of what Merlin Alter has done- he wasn't called upon to fight in that singularity that often, due to the over-abundance of Saber enemies. Archers helped out more with those fights. But it certainly was a time, and Bedivere has been told enough details to know to keep an eye on Merlin Alter, lest he fall into his old habits.

Still, Bedivere would like to live and let live. He's cautious but hopeful, which is all anyone (especially Ritsuka) can ask of him.

...he still isn't fond of being draped on like this. But this is an action he will suffer without complaint.]

Hello, Merlin. What has you out and about today?

[Polite as always, he is.]

[comatoxic]

[Merlin Alter has done nothing wrong in his life, excuse you. He was helping. Unlike certain other Merlins he could name, who abandoned the round table to die.

(That other Merlin is even less fond of this one, both for effectively taking the knights prisoner and for revealing that Merlin actually has feelings. A lot of feelings.]

Just checking in~ You're not busy, are you?

[1stknight]

[Even Merlin doesn't like Merlin, which is kind of ironic in a way.]

Not at the moment. Master hasn't gone to any singularity recently, so we have time to relax.

[The time will probably be short though, there's never that long of a gap between missions. which is why Bedivere tries to be ready for when the next time to fight arrives.]

I was thinking of doing some training, if you care to join me?

[comatoxic]

Working hard as always.

[It's a shame, really. The world will not reward Bedivere for his tireless service and selflessness. If anyone deserves to rest, it would be him.]

I don't have your work ethic, you know.

[1stknight]

[No 'rest' allowed when Merlin Alter is involved.]

Aaah, is that so? Then perhaps you could join me to watch, and get some sun in.

[You're a pale motherfucker, Merlin.]

[comatoxic]

[Surely it would be fine to nap for just a couple months?]

That I won't say no to, although if you wanted to see me with a tan there are quicker ways to go about it~

[Incubus, after all.]

[1stknight]

Being in the sun is good for one's health. Besides, using magic to make yourself tanner isn't quite my intention here.

[Off to the training fields they can go! Or, well. 'training room' more likely, they're not exactly somewhere with a lot of natural light. But they can simulate it here!]

[comatoxic]

It's backwards for you to be worried about my health.

[Yes, Merlin, we've all seen what happens when you get worried about the knights. Also Bedivere doesn't look like he might fall over with a strong breeze.

Ah, the training simulator. Lovely fake sun shining.]

[1stknight]

Well somebody has to worry after you, no?

[Cheeky as always, he is. But this Bedivere is one who is a heroic spirit, so he's definitely stronger than the average Bedivere.]

[comatoxic]

That's why you're one of my favorites, Bedi ♥

[Stronger than the average Bedivere or not, Merlin will never stop fussing about his knights.]

[1stknight]

[He smiles a polite smile, but on the inside he is slightly worried about this Merlin. While he's sure Ritsuka would help him if he got into too much trouble, he still doesn't want any rescuing to be needed.

But they can go chill in the training room for now. People go in and out of there all the time, so if Merlin did try something he would get caught quickly.]

Ahh, it's rare to hear that from someone. Thank you, Merlin.

[comatoxic]

[So suspicious! It's not like he'd hurt Bedivere, geeze.]

Any time ♥ Now if only the rest of the Round Table felt the same way...

[Things have been, um, tense. How tense depends on the knight, but the only one who seems to have put it entirely in the past is Gareth. Because Gareth.]