Dive into your creative stream
You know the headcannon where Merlin knows how to use a sword and turns out that he’s basically a master because of how much training he does with Arthur.
I think that it would be hilarious if he was only able to beat Arthur. Not because he’s skilled with a sword but because he knows Arthur’s every move. He’s been practicing with him for years, he’s bound to anticipate the next strike.
When it comes to any other knight though, Merlin has no idea what to expect. Because he doesn’t know them like he knows Arthur. When he spars with any of the other knights he loses, but when he spars with Arthur he wins in 2 minutes tops.
Imagine Arthur making him fight all of the round table knights and then him (maybe as some kind of punishment for being in the ‘tavern’). Merlin loses to each and every one of the knights. Arthur has been calling him names and poking fun at him as he does.
The tables completely turn when it’s Arthur’s turn to fight him. The knights gather round to watch as Arthur struggles to surprise Merlin with his attacks. Merlin even manages to get in a few jabs before he disarms Arthur.
Merlin brags about it for a week at least and Arthur sets up a private sparring session with him so he can become less predictable.
if there is a fic out there like this please tell me