Diary Entry 3
Merlin listened with sincere, analytical intent. She pondered for a moment and spoke firmly:
"Since this kingdom was far too kind, I assume it wasn't destroyed by just one person, but by many? ... I am sorry to say this, but that is what happens when you welcome everyone and grant shelter to just anyone."
Edward knew she didn't mean it as harshly as it sounded coming from her lips. He remained polite and friendly; he nodded in agreement and accepted her words. Merlin began picking up one book after another while Arturia watched him. She saw the blade on his leg and his weapon, which she couldn't see in its entirety. She was curious about what it could do and what it looked like as a whole. Arturia tried looking from different angles to catch a better glimpse of the object. She was torn between asking or just letting it be.
After a while, she chose to help Merlin clean up instead; she decided against asking. Meanwhile, Edward sank back into his thoughts. He mused to himself: "If this is the Legend of King Arthur I once heard, things aren't quite right here... First, they are both women.... normally they would have been men. Second, she is still incredibly young i assume she's about 14 here and won't become King for another year..." He was so absorbed in thought that Arturia and Merlin had already finished cleaning. Arturia stepped closer to him and waved her hand, bringing him back to reality. He snapped out of his thoughts with a slight flinch.
"I am sorry, I was lost in thought..."
She shook her head and smiled slightly. Her curiosity hadn't faded; she desperately wanted to see the weapon she had caught glimpses of. Edward noticed how her blue eyes constantly drifted toward the gun.
"You're curious, aren't you?" he asked with a smile. She nodded slightly, blushing with a hint of shame.
"Was it that... obvious?" she asked hesitantly. Edward smiled gently; he was surprised, but also somewhat relieved that they weren't too hostile toward him.
"Yes, it was. But it's alright."
Merlin overheard the conversation and approached; she looked at the object, which was entirely unknown to her.
"Could you show it to me? It doesn't look like a staff or a sword... it's more like something that shouldn't be here."
Edward nodded and drew his weapon from the holster. He removed the magazine; since it wasn't chambered, it was now empty.
He handed it to Merlin and Arturia, who both inspected the weapon. Arturia wanted to see it in action; her heart beat faster, her knightly soul filled with curiosity. Merlin, on the other hand, was very cautious; she couldn't detect any magic, but something else worried her more. She looked up at him, her violet eyes catching the sunlight as she questioned him:
"This object... its only purpose is to kill, right? It doesn't look like an object for self-defense... rather like something that can take a life how it wants and when it wants."
Edward was surprised that she could describe it so accurately. He looked at her; he could see her confusion, but also her understanding.
"Yes, you're right... it is there to kill, nothing more."
Merlin sank into thought, opening books and old scrolls, but she had never read or heard of such a weapon. She ran her hands through her hair, clearly bewildere there was something she didn't know. Arturia stood beside him, shifting her weight from foot to foot to get his attention.
Edward looked down at her and noticed how well-groomed she looked for that era and what bright, blonde hair she had; it looked almost like gold, just a bit more matte. Her blue, almost sapphire-colored eyes glanced over at him every now and then. He watched her and couldn't help but smirk. She looked at him, he seemed interesting to her like a knight, but more civilized. Well-kept, with his black hair and blue eyes.
His clothes stood out she had never seen anything like them. He looked directly at her now because she was staring so intently. He smiled.
"Can I help you with something, Arturia?"
She nodded and rubbed her palms together in front of her.
"Yes... could we... that is, if it's alright, have a small practice match?"
She hoped fervently for a "yes" from him so she could see what he was good at or what the knights of his fallen kingdom were like. Edward's eyes widened; he hadn't expected that. Standing before him was definitely the Arturia who was still a long way from being a King.
"If your mentor doesn't mind, I'd be happy to."
Arturia's eyes practically sparkled. She almost ran to Merlin, even though she wasn't far away. When she stood before her, Merlin looked up; her eyes still showed confusion over the weapon she didn't recognize.
"Yes... go ahead. I have to keep searching until I have answers."
She waved them both off and stayed in her hut.