Not Who We Seem

[Arthur Pendragon]

Camelot was in chaos . . . but not in a bad way. It was more due to the massive preparations that were being made on a daily basis. It was early in the morning, and the first day of what would be the next 5. Days filled with celebration, festivities and . . . non stop socializing. Now, while Arthur enjoyed meeting other knights, nobility and royalty, there came a point where his mouth hurt from smiling so much, and his neck was sore from lowering it in a bow so often. He needed a break from all of the craziness that was consuming the castle.

What better way to do this than to hunt! It was extremely early in the morning, so most everyone was still sleeping after a late night. After all, the final guests had just arrived yesterday so everyone was tired after their long journeys, some longer than others. It was the only time Arthur knew he would have to himself and so he would take full advantage of it by doing one of his favorite pass times . . . hunting.

He was not dressed in his royal attire. He had no crown, he wore no crest, and he was void of any armor. Instead, he has his comfortable, hunting wardrobe which just consisted of a shirt, a vest on top for extra layering, pants, and his boots. He had his sword with his horse, who was tied at a fair distance of where he was currently positioned. All he had in his hand was his cross bow. It was going to be a peaceful morning indeed!

Or so he thought, for it did not take long for him to feel another's presence. The woods were not the easiest place to sneak around for there were many roots that could be stepped on, and many small stones that could be moved by footsteps. Arthur spent his entire life hunting, and so his instincts were strong enough to know that he was not alone in the woods. Of course, he could not be 100% sure until he saw the person reveal them self. "Is somewhere there?" He asked, in a strong, unafraid tone. He truly hoped whoever it was . . . would not ruin his morning.

_{Setting: Woods of Camelot
Time of Day: Very early morning
Timeline: After Sweet Dreams, during the five day festival
Tag: Alistar}

[Alistair]

------------

So this was Camelot. Alistair had been on Uther's lands for a meager half day and already had was seeing things from his childhood. Landmarks such as lakes, and rivers were still standing just how he saw them in his mind. He had thought he might have made up how serene things looked here, but he saw he was wrong. He knew it was dangerous for him to be here, but at this point he no longer cared. Done was he, of letting his fellow people die for being what they were born to be. . . . . he just wasn't sure what he could do about it.

He had arrived on the border of Camelot last night and most of his half day here was actually a half night if you wanted to get picky. There were festivals, going on and Alistair needed to get into them. Before he joined his people he wanted to know everything there was to know about the ruling class, and the people most loyal to them.

Alistair saw someone ahead and he began to watch his movements more, not wanting to give away his position. Stepping up on the roots of a near by tree, he used them to mask his steps as he moved around the tree. This way no fallen leaves, nor sticks would make sounds under his tall weight. Once he was around the tree, and now behind the man (but not close to him) he paused to get a better look. he was maybe 25 yards away. Far enough that he still could not see the man well. When he did get sight of his face he relaxed. It was only a boy.

Stepping down (loudly) onto the ground, Alistair paused there so not to make the boy think he was going to attack. "Just I." He spoke, making his voice loud enough to carry. After a moment, he walked a few yards close but stopped with enough space between them that no attacks could be made. "Are you from these parts?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur spun around to see a man he did not recognize. He had raised his crossbow, as a reflexive action of defense, but slowly lowered it when he saw that at the moment, the man had no weapon drawn. I? Who was I? Arthur looked at the man. He did not appear to be of nobility or royalty . . . then again, neither did Arthur himself. It was the stranger's next question that confirmed Arthur's assumption that this man was not part of any noble family visiting for the festivities. Was he from around here . . . the Prince had to hide a smirk. He was about reveal his identity as Prince Arthur of Camelot, but refrained. Perhaps he could have some fun with this. After all, it may be easier to find out people's intentions here if they believed they were not talking to a member of the royal family of the kingdom.

"I'm from a small village," he lied. "And yourself?" His interest in the man was at least sincere. After all, it was Arthur's responsibility to make sure no stranger entered the land, who would pose to be a threat to any of the citizens. And with sorcery becoming more and more of a commonality, one could never be too careful. For all he knew, this man could be a powerful warlock. That was one of the many unfortunate things about fighting against magic, it was unpredictable and usually, unable to foresee, for there were no signs.

[Alistair]

------------

Alistair watched him for a moment until the bow was lowered. He had been ready to jump tot he side if need be. from the looks of it the boy was right handed, to it would be better to jump the the boy's right side making it harder for the follow though. It was easier to sift the length of the body then to turn all the way the other way.

"I was born but, but have not been to the kingdom in almost twenty years." He admitted, only so he could ask his next part. "Allot seems to be different now." The land was the same, from what he could recall anyway. The people were not, and the villages that used to be where he thought they were, were gone. He could guess where they went. Scared off or killed by the tyrant king.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was a baby 20 years ago. He had little memory, and was told the state of the kingdom. It was around then that the war against magic had commenced. "In two decades, its inevitable for a kingdom to change," he told him. Arthur was going to try to conceal his true identity for as long as he could get away with doing so. Unless this man proved to be a direct threat, the Prince had no reason to be authoritative at this moment.

"What memories do you have of Camelot so long ago?" Good? Bad? There seemed to be a lot of bitter people returning to the kingdom or attacking it, usually sorcerers and such. While he did not completely put down his cross bow, he aimed it more towards the ground. Arthur had to admit that he felt a little uneasy without his sword. He preferred to always be prepared, just in case. And his horse was a bit too far. Oh well. There was no harm in engaging in casual conversation.

[Alistair]

------------

Alistair was standing there watching the boy, not moving around a whole lot. Most people fidgeted or moved or found things to do, but Alistair had learned the more still you were the more you could hear, and see. He found it increasing odd that the boy would ask about his memories of this place.

Why did he want to know? Alistair gave a small shrug, before growing still once again. "It was peaceful in my village. Until the king's war started and he killed allot of innocent people." He spoke with no emotion in his voice. "I left shortly after it started. How old are you, boy?" He asked, not because he cared but because he was trying to off set the boy. Alistair felt off center with the question of memories and he wanted to return the favor.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Was this man against the king? That was the first question that entered Arthur's mind. Even though his tone lacked emotion, the way he phrased his question . . . using words like innocent, it led Arthur to believe that perhaps he was the more resentful kind of person and he would not be the first. Arthur knew he could not ask flat out if he resented the king however; there were few people who dared to speak against the king and Arthur was not trying to be so blunt and obvious about his intentions talking to this man. "So why have you come back, if Camelot holds painful memories for you?" His voice was genuinely curious, and he tried to soften his tone so that it was less authoritative and more so just a citizen asking a fellow traveler about his life; not a Prince demanding answers from a subject.

Wait . . . did he just call him boy?! Really? Arthur did not react too well to that. He was not about to lash out at the man, but he made a bit of a face, and said in a slightly -- not overly empowering -- annoyed tone, with an added bit of attitude. "Old enough to not be called boy." If he wanted, he could have the man thrown in prison for that . . . but even the Prince was not that sensitive.

[Alistair]

------------

Why had he come back? Alistair still wasn't very sure. He had plans, yes but until he got the lay of the land he wasn't sure what plans he would use and what plans he would not. Right now, he only knew that he was back to see what damage the brutus king was doing, and how he could help his mother's people. his people. "To see what was left if it." He told the boy.

He knew he had offended the boy by asking the question of his but Alistair could care less. He had meant it to annoy him. "Well then, I should apologize." He told him with humor in his voice the way some men might humor a child who had gotten offended over being call six when they were six and a half. "You have a name to go with all your years?" He almost added on the boy to the end of the question but thought he would not overly insult the boy. No reason to make enimeys, yet.

[Arthur Pendragon]

What was left of it. That sounded rather . . . negative. Arthur did not like anyone talking against the kingdom, or accusing his father of not being a good king. And while he knew that this man had not directly been doing that, he did not appreciate his tone. "And were you satisfied with what you saw?" He asked, knowing that there was still so much beauty in this kingdom, despite the destruction and brutal attacks it has suffered in the past. Mostly at the hand of magic . . . but still, they were prospering and Arthur was very proud of his future kingdom.

As for his remark about being a boy, and then his sarcasm . . . Arthur was developing a bit of an aversion to this man. Of course, it just made him more suspicious of him. He wondered if he should give his full name . . . maybe not. "Leon," he lied to him, thinking of his good friend Sir Leon. He knew the knight would not mind that he assumed his identity, very temporarily. "And what is yours?" He asked him, hoping he would return the favor.

[Alistair]

------------

Alistair did not reply to the boy's question. He could not see everything the future held but he did not need his gift of sight in order to know what would happen if he was being honest. He was getting the impression that he was annoying the young hunter. The boy was loyal to the crown, that must was becoming slightly clear. The only thing that was not clear was if he was loyal because Alistair was an outsider, and he did not want strangers insulting his home; or if he was actually loyal to the crown.

He did not see a need to hide his name but thought about holding it back to annoy him more. Had he not had some questions to ask him he would have ignored the question. "Alistair." He answered, and then asked his own question, "There are many banners traveling to the city. The king has guests it seems." While neither was a question, it did open the conversation. "I've heard rumors of a treaty?" There, a question.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not like to be ignored. He however, had to keep in mind that he did not hold the same authority he normally did. He was apparently a boy named Leon from a nearby village. He was a nobody, so he could not order the stranger to answer his question . . . which irritated Arthur, but it was not enough for him to reveal his true identity. He still wanted to talk to this man as if he was a random useless villager.

"Those rumors are true," he confirmed. He would have to explain it in such a way that did not make him sound like he had first hand knowledge. Arthur did, but Leon didn't. "There is a new peace treaty between Camelot and five other kingdoms. Apparently, they are having a massive festival to celebrate. It'll take place over the next days I believe." There. That was good, right? "Seems like you came just in time to join in on the fun." The commoner fun, not the upper class fun of course.

[Alistair]

------------

Really? All eyes were on Camelot and the royal family right now? How . . . . perfect. "It seemed I am just in time. What sort of games do they have planed for the likes of you and I?" He asked, knowing they were neither nobles so they would not get to see everything. Only the cheaper, lowerclass events that were planned. Still, he was not overly interested in the events for him self.

"I am assuming as well, all the foreign kings have brought their sons and daughters with them?" He asked as he walked a few steps closer, "Camelot must be full of royal and noble alike, and the lower towns filled with their servants and followers." He gave a shrug, "Would you tell me which ones are favored at court most, so I make sure not to insult anyone. I'd hate to ruin anyone's time here." This was not why he wanted to know, but he was a good reason. An idea was forming in his head. . . now he just needed to QUICKLY find Vaughn and see if he could get the man's help.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Suddenly, this seemingly laconic man became rather talkative. He asked a series of questions pertaining to the festival. He was showing a great deal of interest . . . did he actually want to have fun in it? Arthur would answer each one as best as he could. "Different kinds. I'm not sure of the specific details, but I know there will be musicians performing in the town square and an international market where vendors will come from all over the world." Arthur knew the exact details of what was going to happen, but only people who assisted in the planning -- aka the royalty and nobility -- were privy so that information and right now, he was Leon from a nearby village.

"I think it would be in your best interest to just not offend any of them, regardless of who is of higher importance. Be especially careful not to insult the royal family of Camelot. Last time someone did, they wound up in the stocks for a week." That was a bit of an exaggeration, but now he couldn't say that he had not been warned. "And that is a considered a mild punishment," Arthur added, just for fun.