Royal
"For the love of Camelot!"
Personal Text
Complicated
Relationship Status
Knight | Prince | King
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Mar 27, 2023 19:09:32 GMT -5
Tag me @arthur
|
|
Post by Arthur Pendragon on Aug 1, 2010 13:09:11 GMT -5
Things were not their best in Camelot. Morgana was still missing, and the tension was growing as they were on the brink of war. They even had to call for aid from Gwent because of the deteriorating state of the army . . . due to the useless efforts of finding Morgana. If Arthur could have found her sooner, then they would not be this vulnerable. He had spent all day with the new knights, seeing their skills, determining their strengths and weaknesses, trying to teach them whatever he could. There was still a lot of work that needed to be done and Arthur was not sure where he was going to find the time. He had not even spent more than a few minutes with Isadora, and even then, it was a very quick and brief greeting.
Right now, was the first time in quite a while that he had a few moments to collect his thoughts. Every moment he was not helping his father with their defenses, he was out searching for Morgana. Perhaps he would go later tonight, but right now . . . he was spending some time with Guinevère, which was really the only one who could provide him with any comfort and ease his troubled mind. He knew this was not easy on her either. She lost her father a while ago, and now Morgana who was her closest friend, was still missing. Everyone felt a loss, or multiple and that devastation would only increase once more and more battles broke out in the kingdoms.
He had been talking to Guinevère a short time, but their conversation was intense, and about things he would not ordinarily admit to anyone else, but her. He had been standing, but right before speaking his next words, he collapsed in a chair at the end of the large dining table. "I do not know how we're going to win this war," he admitted in a defeated voice. He could never say that to his men, or the king, or anyone else in the kingdom because he was the one who was supposed to be leading them and providing them with hope. How could he do that when he didn't even fully believe that they would have enough of an advantage to win? They were even still recovering from the dragon's attack, and were in a huge state of vulnerability with a king who's missing ward was his priority and finding her was the main thing that consumed his mind. How could they possibly win a war in a state like this?
Setting: Dining Hall in the Castle of Camelot Time of Day: Late at night Timeline: Post Season 2 finale, months after Tag: Guinevère and Isadora
|
|
Offline
Jan 2, 2022 18:42:54 GMT -5
Tag me @gwen
|
|
Post by Guinevère on Aug 1, 2010 17:44:33 GMT -5
Guinevère watched him almost fall into the chair and her heart broke for him. She wished she knew how to help him, or comfort him like he needed. How did one help the man she loved thought events of his worse nightmare. Camelot was falling, his companion was kidnapped by the evil witch who had showed his a false mother and almost made him kill his father; and his father was slowly going mad, which made most of the kingdom look to him for leadership. This was how it might be when he was king, him sitting alone speaking to her, a servant who could not be more.
"Do not say such thing, we will find a way to survive. The people have faith in -YOU- Arthur. As long as they believe you have not given up on them they will not give up on you." She told him, her voice low as she walked over to where he sat and placed a hand on his arm. "You have given the people--" The sound of someone approaching the room made her paused and step back, dropping her hands from his and clasping them before her. Her head dropped down in a submissive stands.
This would be how it was between this. Perhaps forever but at lest until they both grew braver, or until Arthur faced the greatest lost of them all. One that Guinevère would never wish for to happen, even if it meant she could be by Arthur's side. That day would be the day the king died.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 11, 2010 22:40:37 GMT -5
Isadora had only arrived from Gwent earlier this afternoon, and while ordinarily she'd be more than willing to wait until morning to discuss things with Arthur, tonight it simply couldn't wait. With Camelot in the state it was, every moment counted, and what Isadora had to say really couldn't wait. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't even risk entering a war zone, simply because she was next to useless in a war; she couldn't fight and she knew little about strategy, she did much better at managing a kingdom at peace. Which was exactly what had brought her to Camelot.
Even with her limited knowledge of war, Isadora could see that they were losing, and her advisers agreed. Uther was putting too many critical resources into the hunt for his missing ward, his judgment impaired by either the stress of her loss or the war, or even both, and if things continued like this, they would lose the war. Isadora was not willing to let that happen, so she'd made the journey out here to talk some sense into him; and if he would not listen to reason, she would give him an ultimatum: either commit fully to the war, or lose Gwent's support.
She hated to even consider such a thing, but her men were dying when they shouldn't, and she knew with some certainty that if they pulled out of Camelot, their forces would be more than enough to keep their own borders safe. They were stretched too thin as it was, and her people were suffering for it. She didn't wish to break the strong alliance they had enjoyed for so many years, but if it came to choice between her people and Camelot, Isadora knew who she would choose.
But since she understood what a state Uther was in now, she thought it might be best to speak to Arthur first. Perhaps the two of them would be able to talk to Uther, make him see reason, and she would never need to make it known what she was considering. She prayed that it would work. She'd learned of the prince's location from one of the other servants, and she rapped on the door politely before she pushed open the door, in order to give the prince some warning. "Good evening, my lord. I apologize for intruding, but...I really think we ought to speak." She was, admittedly, a little surprised to see a serving girl present, the one she'd met a few months back, with the name she liked...Gwen. But she brushed that aside, instead focusing on exactly what she was here. [/size]
|
|
Royal
"For the love of Camelot!"
Personal Text
Complicated
Relationship Status
Knight | Prince | King
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Mar 27, 2023 19:09:32 GMT -5
Tag me @arthur
|
|
Post by Arthur Pendragon on Aug 12, 2010 8:38:41 GMT -5
Arthur heard the door open, and also noticed Gwen's sudden change in behavior. He expected it, but it did not became any easier to see. When Arthur looked at the door, seeing Isadora walk through it he stood up out of respect of course. Things were stressful these days to say the least, and she did not look any more relaxed than anyone else. Something told him that she did not bring good news with her; he was not sure he could handle any more bad news. Anything else that would continue to make them lose this war. Anything else that created more of a distance from finding Morgana. Still, he maintained his composure and concealed any guilt, doubt, fear, any emotion from his face. The Prince and future King of Camelot could not appear to be over emotional. His father taught him that, even if Arthur did not always have the best handle of his emotions at times.
"My Lady," he greeted in a formal voice, as he lowered his head in a slight bow and acknowledgment of her rank. Her tone also seemed as if she did not want to waste any time; which was entirely understandable. So for now, Arthur would not spend time on formalities. "Please, have a seat," he said, motioning to one of the chairs at the table, and waiting for her to sit before he did the same. He may as well brace himself. As bad as things were right now, they could definitely get worse.
|
|
Offline
Jan 2, 2022 18:42:54 GMT -5
Tag me @gwen
|
|
Post by Guinevère on Aug 12, 2010 19:10:28 GMT -5
Guinevère watched the princess of Gwent walk into the room with grace, and propose. Gwen recalled the kindness the noble had shown her once, and had come to respect her and hope for the best between the two kingdoms. Things were rocky for everyone, thanks to the king. Gwen did not know allot about politics but she did know allot about people. The king seemed to be losing respect left and right, which made it hard for his son to lead.
"Might I fetch you something from the kitchens, My lady?" She asked in a soft tone, knowing it was her job. She did not mind doing, in fact she enjoyed helping others. She had wondered on her first meeting with the princess, if she might become the next queen of Camelot but Guinevère had felt it hard to hold jealousy over someone. She might feel jealous but she would never act on it. Especially to someone who was helping so much.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Aug 21, 2010 18:56:52 GMT -5
Isadora inclined her head at Arthur's invitation to sit with him, and she took a seat at the table that was adjacent to his place at the head of the table. "Thank you," it was true that she didn't want to waste any time, but she didn't particularly want to have this conversation, either. Camelot and Gwent had been allies for so long, they had relied on one another, and she hated to think that they were just throwing that back in their faces. But the truth of the matter was that Camelot was stretched too thin, and a decision had to be made. She hated being the one to present the ultimatum, but she didn't know who else could.
She looked up at the maid, smiling as she offered to get her something. It still seemed strange that she was here, alone with the prince, but again Isadora ignored the tickle of intuition, preferring to deal with the situation at hand. "Thank you, Gwen, but no, I'm quite all right." She answered, in no mood for food right now. She turned her attention back to Prince Arthur, taking a deep breath before she started on the reason for her visit. "We aren't winning this war, Arthur." She said frankly, he knew it as well as she did, or he should know it if he didn't. She was stating the obvious, but what they couldn't say in public. [/size]
|
|
Royal
"For the love of Camelot!"
Personal Text
Complicated
Relationship Status
Knight | Prince | King
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Mar 27, 2023 19:09:32 GMT -5
Tag me @arthur
|
|
Post by Arthur Pendragon on Aug 22, 2010 23:39:26 GMT -5
Arthur listened to the ladies' brief conversation, as Isadora dismissed the offer of food. She wanted to get straight to it, and Arthur could completely understand that. These days, one could not waste even a second. And then she said exactly what he had been saying before . . . their mutual fear. He found himself rather glad that Guinevère had not left, and contemplated using some of the words she said to him to reassure him, to Isadora. But he refrained from doing so. He would only be lying to himself, and he feared giving false hope was not the solution. She was convinced of it, otherwise she would not have been so upfront.
He did not know what to say. He was a man defeated, but to say such a thing . . . there was a difference between feeling it and saying it, even right now. "I admit that we have had extreme difficulty with achieving any success," he said, trying not to completely disrespect his father's decisions. But they were poor ones. He felt his father, his king, was slowly losing his sanity and Arthur didn't know what to do to help him . . . other than find Morgana. But at what cost; the entire kingdom? "But we're trying." His voice was solemn, and just as defeated as it had been before. He knew he could not mask this defeat. Guinevère had sensed it and he would not be surprised if Isadora did too. Both women knew him well and it was hard to lie to someone like that. Still, he waited to see what she would say, but not without asking a question first.
"What would you have me do Isadora?" He was not angry but curious. He needed guidance. He needed help. And the man that was supposed to provide this leadership, was losing the respect of everyone, and he was losing his kingdom. Arthur fought the urge to look at Guinevère, though gave in for a brief moment and looked at her. In a way, he was asking Gwen the same question even though he did not directly do so. He was trapped. he knew what should be done, but could not defy the king.
|
|
Offline
Jan 2, 2022 18:42:54 GMT -5
Tag me @gwen
|
|
Post by Guinevère on Aug 23, 2010 13:03:51 GMT -5
Once, in what felt like years ago, Guinevère had told the prince that servant over heard more then he knew. She had tired to explain to him that most nobles would say things around servants that they would not say around commoners. Servants knew more about the going ons in the kingdom then the king did at times. This seemed proof that, and while she knew the noble woman was very kind and would not do it on purpose; Gwen felt very dismissed at the moment.
Still, she was not going to leave the room. Her place would never be at Arthur's side, but it was here. Serving him as best as she could. Arthur did not express his doubts to the visiting princess, but instead tried to be diplomatic about the failings. She knew it was hard for him, and that was only one more reason she loved him.
It was not till he referred to the princess by name, Isadora, that she gave any sign she was even listening to the conversation. Her eyes dropped slightly, and she wondered again about the son she and Arthur had spoken of once. Would Isadora be the mother? Some princess would be. With her father having no sons, Arthur would expand his lands twice over. The match seemed to be trailer made to fit them both.
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Oct 4, 2010 21:59:51 GMT -5
She could tell from the way he phrased his words that he knew this war wasn't going well. People were dying, soldiers and commoners alike, in the mad search to return the Lady Morgana home. Much as Isadora hated to propose it, in all likelihood, Morgana was dead by now. What kidnapper would hold her for over a year, without any ransom or anything in exchange for keeping her alive? She was surprised by how defeated he sounded; he knew all of that already. He knew that they wouldn't succeed, that this was all fruitless.
He asked her what she would do, and she knew what she had to say. But before she answered, she noticed one little, almost imperceptible thing. He looked at the maid. Just a quick glance, hardly worth noticing, except that when Isadora's gaze followed it to Gwen, she saw the woman look down, turning her eyes to the floor as the prince addressed Isadora. It wasn't unusual for a servant to look at the floor, but Arthur was what made her curious. Still, it wasn't that important, and Isadora brushed it off. There were more important things to deal with.
"Call off the search for Morgana." She answered plainly, getting to the point, even though by now she figured it was an idea in vain. If Arthur were already this dejected about the hunt, it had probably already occurred to him that the only solution was to stop looking, which meant he'd already spoken to Uther. The man could be stubborn, she knew, but to put his subjects and his son through this? Madness. "I hate to suggest it, Arthur, please understand, but the hunt is hurting the people so badly, I can't ignore it any longer. I know she is as a sister to you...but it has been a year." [/size]
|
|
Royal
"For the love of Camelot!"
Personal Text
Complicated
Relationship Status
Knight | Prince | King
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Mar 27, 2023 19:09:32 GMT -5
Tag me @arthur
|
|
Post by Arthur Pendragon on Oct 4, 2010 22:23:35 GMT -5
Call off the search for Morgana
That was so much easier said than done. Arthur had not forgotten Gwen's presence in the room and upon hearing this, he looked over at her. He knew how close they were; everyone was aware of their strong friendship. He also distinctly remembered promising her that he would find Morgana no matter what. He could not stand the thought of disappointing her and allowing her to give up hope, when Arthur had to use the faith he had in that she was alive, to continue this perilous search. He also knew that Gwen would not be the only person he would be disappointing. He had made the same promise to his father, and his father expressed the faith he had in his son, which were words he did not hear often. And then there was Morgana. He owed it to her to keep looking until she was found. Isadora was right in when she said that she was like a sister to him and so how could he give up on someone that he grew up with and loved dearly?
But that was not to say there was no truth in what Isadora said. The people were suffering because of their resources being focused on this escapade and they did not deserve that. It was a difficult issue, but Arthur knew what the answer would be. He turned away from Gwen, and looked down at the table. "I can not do that," he said simply, and in such a way that showed it was not an easy sacrifice to make. He did not want the people to suffer but he could not stand disappointing Guinevère, his father, and Morgana. But he understood where the princess was coming from; that she was concerned for the well fare of her people and soldiers, as well as those in Camelot.
After a moments pause, he looked at Isadora while continuing to speak. "My father will not stop until she is found. I can not call off the search even if I wanted to." Which he did not want to do. "If I refuse, he will still send out soldiers to look for her. He will not give up hope, and neither will I." Was it highly optimistic of them? Yes. But what choice did they have? If she was dead . . . they needed closure. Otherwise, his father would never rest, even if it had been a decade. "I am not trying to choose between the welfare of the people and her, but you know the King. You know how close she is to us. Imagine that you were in her place; would your father give up, even after a year?"
|
|
Offline
Jan 2, 2022 18:42:54 GMT -5
Tag me @gwen
|
|
Post by Guinevère on Oct 6, 2010 19:13:36 GMT -5
Guinevère was slightly surprised at the princess' words to the prince. Her eyes went to Arthur's face and wondered how he would react to them. He had been working him self so hard to find her, and to leave no inch of the kingdom left for the witch to hide in. Guinevère feared that they might have moved beyond the realm of Camelot. If they had then they might never find her mistress, and she feared for what that might do to Arthur. Failing his father would be hard enough on him.
She knew her place enough not to speak but she wanted to try to explain to Gwent's princess how Arthur was trying to protect his people! He was always walking that fine line between serving his father and protecting the people from him. The weight on him was great, and he moved mountains while under it. Even knowing it was not her place, Guinevère had to speak up for Arthur, even it was VERY subtle and hidden behind politeness. "We have hope, my lady."
|
|
Offline
Jun 18, 2013 19:29:56 GMT -5
Tag me @isadora
|
|
Post by isadora on Oct 13, 2010 13:48:18 GMT -5
She knew that Arthur wouldn't agree before he answered. She could read it in his face, and frankly, she had expected no less. It would have been more surprising if he'd thought she was right. When he finally did speak, confirming what she'd already known he would say, she gave a slow, understanding nod. She had hoped he would put aside his personal feelings for the sake of the kingdom, but even then, she'd known it would be difficult. "I...understand." She nodded, although she couldn't hide the disappointment in her tone.
The suffering of their people was great; but in the frenzied hunt for Morgana, they were destroying whole villages and camps of druids and other nomadic peoples. A year ago, Isadora wouldn't have cared about that. But that was then. Now she felt that those people who had been persecuted under Uther for so many years were innocent, and didn't deserve to be massacred because just one of them had captured and probably killed the Lady Morgana.
When Arthur went on to explain that Uther would not call off the search, she wondered if he would be willing to help her convince his father to see reason. But looking into his eyes, she knew that was pointless; he was as driven to find her as Uther was. And how could she really blame them? She was their family, no less than if she were Arthur's sister by blood.
"I do understand, Arthur, please believe that." She almost pleaded, forgiving his decision...just as she hoped he would forgive her. She looked up at the maid, lightly surprised when she spoke up, but other than a slightly quizzical glance between the girl and the prince, she didn't comment. It wouldn't be unusual for a noble to be friends with their servants, and yet...Alistair had told her that the prince had rescued Guinevère himself over a year ago, when she'd been kidnapped. She knew she didn't have time to ponder these things, so she put it out of her mind for the moment.
"I cannot blame you for continuing the search, yet even so...I cannot support it any longer." She said, her expression pained as she had to tell him this. "Forgive me, but I don't share your optimism. My people are suffering. I will continue to send you aid in whatever supplies we can spare, but I'm recalling the soldiers of Gwent from the search." She couldn't justify the futility of the hunt any longer, nor could she abide all the innocent blood being spilled by her soldiers. She hoped Arthur would understand. [/size]
|
|