Joined: Nov 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 28 Location: Camelot Karma: 11
Re: Absent Men « Reply #30 on Jan 9, 2009, 9:16am »
Arthur was busily strapping his scabbard to his belt when Guinevere came in; he smiled at his wife happily and sat down on the edge of his oversized bed. He lifted Excalibur and placed it on his lap, the morning light caught the blade and sent spirals of light throughout the room, the rubies cast Arthur in a menacing red glow. Excalibur still had the ability to surprise and alarm, even after all this time.
‘You rose early this morn, my dear; pray tell what manner of morn will greet me?’
He asked dreamily. Thinking of Merlin’s cryptic warning, perhaps the Great Merlin of Britain was getting old... he always seemed to have some warning or other at all times. He thought back as far as his mind would allow, he was never wrong. Arthur felt an unfamiliar knot in his stomach.
He nodded at Guinevere’s response and fiddled with his green tunic until it felt just right, still sitting, he leaned over and held Guinevere around the waist, burying his head in her still slim middle.
‘I loath to cast you in chains my love, but I beseech thee, no more wandering lonesome, my worry would be put to rest if my darling was accompanied with a knight as well as thee ladies in waiting. I hear whispers my sister has returned to Camelot...’
He said gravely.
‘The whole kingdom know what Morgan is capable of’.
He kissed her stomach gently.
‘I have a feeling m’lady - perhaps you carry the heir?’
He asked, not sadly per se, but cautiously. He sighed silently.
Re: Absent Men « Reply #31 on Jan 9, 2009, 12:22pm »
'Ouranos prayed for much of the night, returning to his quarters late in the evening. He's a very perceptive man, and notices the only disturbances to the carpetsince he came back after training were his own. He shakes his head, knowing well the knights of the Round, nearly to a man, all have parramores, secret lovers, some of them married, most of them just flower girls or shop keepers or the shop keeps wife. The only two he knows for certain that do not are himself and Gawain,though he does ponder to himself what kind of woman could attract the greatest, the first, among knights in Camelot.'
'When he wakes in the morning, he sets to preperations early after a hearty first meal. A light workout to refresh his muscles, and then he gathers all of his equipment and begins packing his horse. Most of the knights ride light warhorses, horses bread for speed and agility, and trained for mounted swordplay of their rider. Ouranos is too large, even for a heavy warhorse, so he rides a huge charger, whom he named Earthshatter, for the thunderous sound of his hooves the big horse makes when on the move.' We have work to do in the coming days old friend. We must not fail our king on this trip. If he lets us go that is. 'Ouranos was left out of the last trip, Arthur citing that the big man made too good a guardsman to deny Camelot and the Queen his presence when the majority of the other knights were gone.'
I am not entirely Human. My lineage provides me more strength in my blood then you do in your entire being. And I will use this power to uphold the virtues handed down by my Gods....
dakkon Administrator Official Killjoy Vampire member is offline
Joined: Dec 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 157 Karma: 15
Re: Absent Men « Reply #32 on Jan 13, 2009, 2:39pm »
*Lancelot ran his bare fingers against the side wall of the alleyway he was investigating. His mood was becoming increasingly grim as the day progressed. Backwards names, broken up by other blasphemies, were scrawled into the pitted surface of the wooden boards he was examining and this was far from the first instance. He had found similar writing in most of the neighboring byways. Such heresies he might have expected in the poorer districts but the alley he was in let out into the marketplace itself.*
*Satisfied that he would learn no more from the alley he re donned his hood and began to make his way discreetly toward the nearby friary. His outfit, while perhaps a bit below what was right for his status, was still far enough above a commoner's to draw attention. Fortunately the route he took was sparsely occupied yet. Arriving at the small friary he noticed its shabby exterior had decayed even further since his last visit. Although he knew the monks to be fine and holy clergy, this friary was not a popular destination for the overtly pious due to its vicinity to the market. For Lancelot's purpose of sending two particular messages, its location was perfect. Upon entering the gated building he was bid a cool welcome by one of the brother monks. Stating his purpose and position as knight of the round the monk at last gave him direction to a scroll of parchment he could use. A black inkwell was forthcoming and with a word of thanks Lancelot scrawled out two separate notes, one for Ouranos and another for Arthur. Ouranos' was written first and Lancelot took great care in the wording lest it should be read by other inquisitive eyes. 'I had hoped you would be able to accompany me when I departed for the southlands brother knight. However, I am afraid that something has come up in the castle town that will bear further looking into on my part. I ask that you remain in Camelot as well for the time being and keep an open eye toward the market district. If this concern of mine turns out to be naught then I believe we should have little trouble convincing Arthur to let us on our journey to bring back glory in His name'
*Lancelot rolled up the parchment after throwing sand on the ink to dry it out. On the next sheaf he wrote a few idle details of his plans for questing in the south and signed it with his name. This message he sealed with his Crest and wrote the name of its recipient, Arthur, in large script beside it. His own task accomplished he returned to the monk that had greeted him. The holy man was understandably confused by the instructions he was given but eventually he accepted the tasks. The monk was to take the second message in his belt loop, the letter's seal and recipient clearly exposed for all to see, up to the castle by way of the marketplace proper sometime early in the afternoon. Lancelot then gave him the second message for Ouranos, to be carried in secret, by a monk who would pass through the market sometime beforehand. His last request for commoner’s clothes was granted as well and soon Lancelot looked to be of no higher status than some hired muscle at a tavern. Lancelot gave the Friar a generous donation in thanks for his service to the King before departing back out to the market. The crowds gathered around the stalls were beginning to coalesce and Lancelot did his best to blend in with them. Patience would see if his labors bore any fruit in identifying the malcontent he felt sure was hiding somewhere among the market shops.*
Re: Absent Men « Reply #33 on Feb 5, 2009, 7:47pm »
'Ouranos had just finished packing his saddlebags, the huge clydesdale charger stamping his hoofs afew times, anxious to see the outside landscapes just as much as his master is, when the large man has his attention grabbed by someone speaking to him.' "Pardon me, sir knight, I have a message for you, one not to be opened before the public eyes." 'The man extends the note from Lancelot to the knight, who accepts it and exchanges a small handful of coin.' You have done your duty, now off with you, unseen.
'Ouranos undoes the wax seal and unfurls the letter, reading it slowly, methodicly, then rolling it up and hiding it within his bag.' Well old friend, we unpack. It seems there are urgent matters this time instead of simple guard duty that will keep us within the walls. I'll be off now, but a squire will attend to the bags shortly, Earthshatter.
'He turns and waves for a stable boy to come tend to his horse while the big man heads off towards the castle's market, not even stopping to remove his armor. Perhaps a show of strength within the castle will calm Lancelot's nerves, and noone in the city has more strength to show then Ouranos does. His armor is finely polished, and he wears the entire suit of it, his big dark blue cloak only a half inch above the ground as he walks. He picked up his shield and his mace from his things before leaving his horse, so his big hammer hangs from his left hip, and his shield is hung loosely across his broad back as he wanders the streets, his usual smile and calm demeanor unchanged by his altered mood.'
I am not entirely Human. My lineage provides me more strength in my blood then you do in your entire being. And I will use this power to uphold the virtues handed down by my Gods....
Re: Absent Men « Reply #34 on Feb 6, 2009, 6:29pm »
*Guinevere smiled at Arthur as he greeted her and enquired after the morn.
~When I first arose, the sky was heavy with clouds, m’lord, but now a beautiful sun has chased the rain away and a glorious day waits to greet you!~
She presented the flowers to him, hastily telling him about her morning adventure picking wildflowers, before she placed them down on the table beside the bed. Sophia would come soon to place them in a vase, and with the flowers no longer in her grasp, Guinevere twisted her hands together nervously as they were clasped behind her back.
She nodded her head and smiled softly as Arthur requested that she have a Knight with her at all times while outside the safe walls of Camelot.
~If ye require it to be so, m’lord, then it shall be so, though I must say that ye know I prefer to hold close to some sense of freedom… You’re your sister is one to be feared, that is for sure. ..pray tell, did you have a Knight in mind to be my personal guard?~ Her heart fluttered as she wondered if Arthur would assign Lancelot with this task, though she knew that Arthur’s best knight would surely be assigned to some greater task.
Guinevere could not help but gasp as Arthur kissed her stomach gently and made a comment about her carrying the heir. She had tried to bare him a son, even a daughter would do, but so far her womb had remained barren. Though their infrequent love making did little to boost their chances, Guinevere could not bare the shame or guilt at being an unfulfilling bride. She wondered if Arthur would leave her if she failed to bear his heir, and was surprised by the deep sense of dread this caused within her entire being. As tears began to form in the corner of her sapphire orbs, Guinevere brushed them away with her hand as she laughed nervously.
~Perhaps..~ she agreed. What else could she say? Though he made no sound, Guinevere saw Arthurs shoulders rise in a sigh that echoed her own. Sitting down on the bed beside him, Guinevere took his hand in hers.
~M’lord…. I… ~ she struggled to express her regrets. ~So many things have happened that I had not planned on when you took me for your bride… I had such dreams.. such hopes.. and yes, one of those was of the palace full of children we would share together. You are a wonderful husband… I just regret I have been unable to bear your child..~ she trailed off as the tears now began to flow more freely.
Squeezing his hand briefly, she soon released it as she rose from the bed and crossed over to the window so that he could not see her tears. Staring out at the court, keeping her back to her King, Guinevere struggled to compose herself.
~The May festival is soon upon us.. I had planned to travel into the market today, to purchase a few supplies.. Sophia will be accompanying me of course.. and whichever Knight you deem fit for the duty I suppose.. Unless of course… ~ she turned around and smiled at him hopefully. ~ YOU would be able to join me? I know you have many duties today m’lord, and the market place would be a waste of your time, but I would so love to have some time together.. away from Camelot?~*
dakkon Administrator Official Killjoy Vampire member is offline
Joined: Dec 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 157 Karma: 15
Re: Absent Men « Reply #35 on Feb 14, 2009, 4:58am »
'Ferahl, a monky just left the monastery with a letter for his Kingship. If we 'urry we can stick the monk in an alley an' take ...' The would be cultist never finished his treasonous sentence as the door behind him burst open. Lancelot's charge knocked the speaker senseless to the floor. Immediately the knight looked over the candelit room to find whoever the prone man had been speaking to.
Behind a circle of candles and papers in the center of the room he saw movement. In two steps he was around the clutter. The occupant of the bunk, he assumed it was the man Ferhal, threw something like a flat stone in his direction. It arced wide but Lancelot deflected it with the guard of his unsheathing sword nevertheless. Not intending to allow any further action against his unarmored body Lancelot cleaved into the bunk and felt the steel of his blade sever bone.
A frenzied search of the room revealed that he was alone for the time being. Replacing his sword he found a cord in the room and set about binding the unconscious survivor. His prisoner being of no more immediate concern Lancelot set about looking over the papers scattered around the candles. He had thought the man in the bunk had been trying to hit him with the projectile but now it seemed more likely he had meant to knock over a candle, to destroy all evidence of what the cult had been up to. That meant the traitor's first thought had been to protect his cause and not his self by drawing a weapon. Lancelot couldn't help but feel some sense admiration for the late Ferahl. Even scum had its virtues it seemed, more was the pity.
Lancelot had been right in assuming by its pathetic membership this was a new group to Camelot. There was another like minded group mentioned in the papers as well but details on their numbers or location were omitted. He couldn't guess what they would do once they found out their brother group had been uncovered but he was glad Ouranos would be on watch now as well. Then he noticed a journal, written by this cults ostensible leader Ferahl. As he turned through its pages he couldn’t help but think these heretics were well funded by some noble to have been able to afford so much paper. Thoughts of a lord who might back such blasphemy faded as he read into the journal further. Ferahl had made references to someone inside of the Castle, someone close to the queen...
No name was given for the person Ferahl had been shaping into a spy. Lancelot tore through the remaining pages of the journal looking for some clue to as to the third accomplice but there was nothing, the writer had been unusually careful. Still, if Ferahl had visited the castle to meet with his partner then perhaps Lancelot would have seen the two of them together. Going over to the bed he pulled back the sheet that had fallen over the dead man. He did indeed remember Ferahl's face and more importantly he knew the identity of the castle’s potential spy. Rushing outside he paused only to give direction that the monks should look to take custody of the wounded man inside.
Morning was nearing its end as Lancelot at last tracked down the servant who had so often been in the company of Ferhal. He found her scrubbing the floors of the servants corridor. He still hadn't changed out of his tattered black and brown cloak and so must have appeared little more than a tattered shadow, out of place in the spotless halls of the keep. The rough edged knight swept toward the servant, his hand coming to rest on the pommel of his sword even as he motioned for her silence*
...I know about Ferahl. I know what he was asking you to do. *He didn't bother to say that he would have been within his rights to take her life then and there,* But I want to hear from you, why you didn't speak of his treason*At last the grim expression on his face softened. As a knight of the realm he could have taken her life with his blade easily. As Gwen's knight though, his sword lay heavy in its sheath* And tell me what you know of his cause or there will be no mercy, even from me, even for her sake. Please Sophie, tell me.
Re: Absent Men « Reply #36 on Feb 23, 2009, 10:14pm »
Sophie:
*Scrubbing the floors, she was trying to focus on them moving down further to cover the floor so she got the entire thing before moving on to her next menial task. She hummed to herself as she did and soon fell into the motion of just work. She felt some one walk in, and stand there when his voice hit her ears she froze mid wipe.
She listened and swallowed, confrontation was something she wished to avoid. She listened as he spoke and slowly got up off the floor and faced him. She tried to keep eye contact, but for her it was hard. She held the rag tight with in her hand and looked blankly at him for a moment.*
"My... Lord, I know not of what you speak, do not threaten me so I ask of you."
*She felt a panic well up inside, she felt like a deer that had realized it was being hunted and trapped. She tried to think quickly enough to evade the Knight for she feared the sever bite of the blade that for the moment was hidden with in its resting place, his hand ready to awaken the blade if need be. She went to move around him to a way out and away from the fear that was slowly developing.*
Re: Absent Men « Reply #37 on Feb 24, 2009, 1:00am »
'Ouranos's methods for tracking down one of the counterparts to The gang Lancelot invades are... somewhat less subtle. The giant of a man caught one in the market stealing, and paced himself, keeping just enough distance that the thief that he could get away from the slow, ponderous armored knight, but Ouranos always kept him in sight, didn't lose track of him. When the man finally vanishes in a dead end alleyway, he knows he found his mark.'
'He taps the walls lightly, until he finds the peice of wall that tapps differantly, and he smiles as he notices the very fine seem in the mortar. Debris goes everywhere as he bull rushes the secret door, putting his might to the test as he crushes through the wall, surprising a dozen bandits who operated in the hideout, and their leader is slack-jawed and wide-eyed when he sees the spectacle before him. They try to scatter, but none of them can get by the powerful warrior, Ouranos throwing one of them, after grabbing him by the skull, into the back wall, slaying one with a thwack to the face of his hammer, and another having his rib cage crushed by a shield bash. Several are wise enough to surrender and they bury their faces in the wall, dropping their flimsy daggers and short swords, those who don't, find themselves beaten into unconsiousness, or worse. Save for one. Their ring leader, who continues to sit, in terror.'
'The big man approaches slowly, expecting treachery, but even when he throws the man's table, where he was eating dinner and counting his thefts, the man sits still, to scared to do anything against such a physical powerhouse. Ouranos lifts him by the front of his shirt with his right hand, glaring with his intense blue eyes.' You will tell me all you know about the blasphemes written in the alleys, and what your deeper plans are here in Camelot, or all of your men, and all of your allies, will find yourselves at the end of my hammer...
I am not entirely Human. My lineage provides me more strength in my blood then you do in your entire being. And I will use this power to uphold the virtues handed down by my Gods....
dakkon Administrator Official Killjoy Vampire member is offline
Joined: Dec 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 157 Karma: 15
Re: Absent Men « Reply #38 on Mar 21, 2009, 1:38am »
Lancelot hesitates as he sees the fear in her eyes. This servant girl was something of a friend and ally to Gwen yet, for that reason, he felt compelled to go on. With gritted teeth he silences her half spoken lies.
"Ferahl's journal has revealed you. Do you know what would happen if others learned what you had done Sophie? You would be put to death at the stake. And as you took your last steps to the pyre, you would see your fate not before you but beside you, its mouths dripping with venom. Good people would turn from you as their eyes emptied of all compassion. Some would try to understand you but most would not, and you could not blame them. That is the only future for those who would injure the King and his Kingdom."
Lancelot tenses his arm against the wall as he bends closer. To Sophie it must seem as if the grim spectre of the holy knight is poised to strike her down. But then he moves his lips beside her quivering ear, wanting his words to reach no other.
"But you know what that dark fate is already don't you Sophie? Just as I know that Ferahl is not the only you mean to protect. It is for that other person's sake that I give you this."
Cautiously he withdrawals Ferahl’s journal and places it in her hands. The journal's edges bear the scars of a fire that has burned out the latter pages. Lancelot left only the pages from Ferahl’s earlier days of childhood innocence intact, along with a single page from his time in the cult. That last lonely page describes how the others had threatened to kill 'Her' if he was unable to convince Sophie to join the cult. Ferahl had never wanted her to have any part of his treason.
"If you wish to repay the debt you owe for me sparing you, then I ask only one thing. When the other secret you keep is discovered, point blame only at me. If you need help in doing that...then you might want to remember that it was I who killed Ferahl."
With that Lancelot leaves Sophie with the journal and her thoughts. The journal pages he burned had mentioned cult activity in the southlands and Lancelot could see no better time than now to attend to that. Outside in the castle grounds word of Ouranos' deeds reach him. He dispatches a page to find his brother knight. With Camelot safe for the time they would both be able to ride out to cleanse the last roots of blasphemy.
Joined: Nov 2005 Gender: Male Posts: 28 Location: Camelot Karma: 11
Re: Absent Men « Reply #39 on Jun 29, 2009, 10:32pm »
Arthur could feel himself dozing off, he’d had little sleep over the few days, and lying on his warm bed was not helping at all, he swam in and out of consciousness, quite aware of Guinevere’s close proximity, she was speaking to him, asking him several questions, but he was too far gone.
‘Hmm… Lancelot’
Was the only answer he could offer his wife at the request he accompany her to the markets, if he was fully awake he’d argue that she didn’t need to go to the markets at all, it was not her place. She was the high Queen of all Britain. But he quickly fell into a dream and rolled over, pulling the sheets towards him. Vivianne of Avalon appeared in and out of his dreams, Arthur’s aunt spoke to him in cryptic words, she was busy making a bed, a bed for him, deep inside what looked like a cave, candles decorated the walls and ancient pagan drawings covered the stone walls. Arthur imagined that he was in Avalon, though he had been forbidden or perhaps unable to visit the holy lands, being Christian. But the surroundings shifted, Guinevere was now inside the cave, she smiled at Arthur and came towards him seductively, Arthur was now on the bed, naked as the day he was born, the woman who was Guinevere shifted and changed, sometimes she was wearing a mask made from a deer’s skull, other times she was simply Guinevere. They made love, for what seemed hours, and when they were done, Arthur fell back to the bed, exhausted, panting, his wife in his arms. Long dark hair fell over his chest. Arthur looked down to see Morgan Le Faye. His sister.
‘No!’
Arthur shot up in bed, covered in sweat. The memory of his dream fresh in his mind, his sister. What lunacy was this? Arthur could smell a strong scent of copper, like blood, it was the smell of magic.
‘Guinevere?’
He called out, but she wasn’t there anymore, she must have left for the market. With Lancelot. He’d have to catch up with her, but not before visiting Merlin, maybe even Vivianne, if she was still in Camelot.
((Not the best post in the world sorry, and sorry for speeding up time Mori, hope thats cool?))
« Last Edit: Jun 29, 2009, 10:34pm by King Arthur »
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