Rationing [Arthur]

[Alexander]

[Set season one, episode eleven]

Alex was almost never in a grim mood. In fact, it was highly unlikely that anyone would ever find him without his usual grin and chatty demeanor. However, with the food supply of Camelot dwindling with every day it was hard for anyone to find something to smile about. Since Alex worked in the kitchens it was twice as hard to not see the damage being wreaked. Every moment the crops continued to fail was dragging more and more out of the people. It was these events that had a small sullen frown working it's way onto Alex's face. His hair was even messier then usual since every now and then he would run his hands through it.

Alex turned his focus to the paper he held in his hands as he looked over the amount of grain he was apparently supposed to be overseeing. It was a bad situation when a kitchen errand boy was delegated to supply review. Plus, the numbers Alex saw were not comforting. Tossing the paper at another servant Alex picked up a sack of grain and moved it to the pile to his left. Currently the limited supply was being divided so that it could better be distributed.

What they could really use was a better plan then 'hope it all turns out well'. Alex had heard that it was a complete mystery to begin with, and being the talkative person he was it was no surprise that by now the people in the kitchens all knew what was going on in the lowertown. Always willing to relay news, Alex had been keeping his family updated on how everything was going. With a bakery to run his step-father was not doing well at all.

Alex stretched his arms after a few more lifts and nervously tugged at his shirt while standing to the side of the storage room. A few people rushed by him as he once again received the list of alarming numbers. The kitchens and storage rooms were even more chaotic then usual. This was going to be one of those days.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not sure what was going on but he knew that he was terrified for the future of Camelot. With their crops and livestock suddenly drastically declined, there was a massive food shortage throughout the kingdom. Looting was already becoming frequent, and people were enraged and desperate. And what could they do? Nothing, because there was no explanation for it. How did one explain that a field ridden in yesterday, was suddenly filled with dried out crops. That live stock was suddenly horribly scarce and that people could not get the necessary food? It was only a matter of time before more and more people rallied in an uprising and took matters into their own hands. Hopefully, they would be able to get to the bottom of this before it escalated to that level. Arthur had to try. He had to do something to help, because seeing his people suffering was positively devastating.

He normally did not go into the kitchens, or storage areas, as that was not his job and he had no reason to be there, but today was an exception; a very important one. He had to be directly involved so that they could determine precisely how much food they had left, and how they were going to ration it to the public. They would of course have to cut down on many things, but hopefully, it would be enough for them to survive . . . just until they found out the source of this bizarre famine, or they discovered another solution to the shortage of food problem.

As he made his way to the storage area, he saw a young man standing there, looking as stressed out as everyone else did. Arthur maintain composed, knowing that expressing the fear and panic that he was currently experiencing, were not good qualities to display. He had to appear confident and sure, even though he was the exact opposite. A good leader could not break apart; he had to be the one to give reassurance to all his followers. Something his father taught him; and it was something that the Prince had to follow by his example. Arthur walked towards the man standing to the side of the room. "Have you determined exactly how much grain we have left?" He asked him, in a formal, leveled tone.

[Alexander]

Alexander heard someone come up to him but it took him a minute before he turned to look. He held up a hand as he finished the basic figures in his head as he reviewed the list. It was only when he raised his eyes to see who had spoken that he let his jaw drop slightly. Alexander had never spoken to the prince nor been near him, but every citizen of Camelot could recognize Arthur right away. While it was one thing to see royalty in the castle, it was another thing altogether to speak with them.

"Sorry highness, I did not know it was you." He said quickly and held the list rather shield like at his chest. His countenance was one not of fear but of mere anxiety. However, the prince's level gaze had a bit of a calming effect. It was soothing to see that there was at least someone who did not look as if this famine was going to make them run around like a chicken who had lost it's head. Alex realized he had been silent for a moment and that he had been staring rudely the whole time.

"If I'm to be quite honest, the supplies we have won't last more then a week if we are very careful. I've looked over the stores and they aren't what we had hoped. At the moment we are sorting through everything to create the proper rations to distribute." He informed the other man. As he spoke his posture relaxed. Alex just had to remind himself not to talk too much as he usually did. He restrained himself from going on about the situation past the basic details he had already given. Alex also maintained a careful eye to what was going on around them. His attention to detail never wavered when it came to his job. He made sure to keep an idea of how much of what went where so that later going back over the lists would be easier

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not reply to his apology, though it was acknowledged and duly noted in the Prince's mind. Instead, he focused on the matter at hand. The servant's answer was not at all reassuring. In fact, it was the exact opposite. It struck more panic within the Prince, though he continued to fight to suppress these worried emotions. He turned his gaze to the grain in the room, scanning the storage room, as if hoping that somehow, a miracle would happen and the fields would be magically replenished, as quickly as they had deteriorated. But such wishful thoughts were not becoming of a Prince. He had to take action; not dwell in his imagination when there seemed to be little hope.

He turned back to the servant. "How long will that take?" He asked him. His tone still held that formality to it, as it was the easiest way to mask her true troubled feelings. This was not good at all. And his father's refusal to seek neighboring kingdoms for aid would prove to be detrimental. While it had not yet come to that, Arthur was able to predict his father's words. He would say that they could not demonstrate any weakness; that if their enemies were to hear about this, that they would take advantage of their vulnerable position and strike. Yes. Arthur knew exactly where he got his pride from . . . but he was not sure he could ever justify choosing his pride, over the welfare of the kingdom. Then again, this may just be one of the many things that he had yet to learn about what it took to be king.

[Alexander]

Alex listened to the prince's question and spared another glance at the progress of the others in moving the grain. He straightened his shoulders and squarely faced the prince. This was something he could talk about and know exactly what to say. In fact he had been talking to the chef about this not half an hour past.

"Well sire, with the original plans we had in place for extreme cases like this we would not be done for days, which is not helpful given the situation. However, upon review we found the flaws to be merely inefficient placement of workers." Earlier Alex had made an offhand comment on how the small kitchen staff could hardly carry their own weights in grain. He of course got scolded for joking at an inappropriate time, but also cued the head chef into a major issue with the way things were organized. Alex hadn't had a clue saying something so offhand would actually be useful. Definitely a first in the history of stupid jokes he had made.

"Reworking the plans to include what normally would be staff from other parts of the castle we have upped our efficiency. We should be done in not two hours time." He finished his report on the time status. Looking for himself he was relieved to find that the way things looked, they might be finished even earlier. If they could find a way to make their supplies last then there would be longer to find a solution to the growing problems with the food sources. Alex had a sinking feeling that was happening to the crops was not entirely natural. There was just no way that anything could kill off whole fields overnight. Alex had no knowledge on the subject, and so had kept his opinions to himself. A rare occasion indeed.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Flaws? What sort of flaws? Arthur waited for the man to finish explaining before he questioned their methods and said to him that a few days was far too long. The people would not last a few days without food. It needed to be done far sooner than that; there was no time to waste. The Kingdom could not afford it, and Arthur would do everything within his power to ensure that his people had something to eat. Something. Anything! And his fears over the long time it would take were suddenly appeased -- one of the few worries that was able to be eased -- when the servant explained that they had found a far more efficient method to organizing themselves and rationing the grain.

This servant was very efficient indeed. Arthur looked at him, giving a small nod of approval. "What is your name?" Arthur asked him. Ordinarily, the Prince did not ask such questions to servants. If he happened to attain the knowledge of something as simple as their name, then he would use it in the future. But he did not usually make an effort. With Merlin of course, it was different. He was his personal servant and someone who Arthur now regarded as more of a friend than a servant -- though he would never admit that in so many words. But with this particular servant, he had a reason for asking such a question, and would wait for his answer before revealing it.

[Alexander]

"Alexander, sire." Alex said with a slightly startled look. it wasn't often anyone of the upper class bothered to ask his name. He quickly wiped the puzzlement off his face and replaced it with a calmer look. His eyebrows settled back into their normal place and he closed his mouth so as not to gape. He wondered whether there was a purpose to this question or if it was merely curiosity. Whatever it was, it was not for Alex to ask.

Alex opted to remain quiet after giving his name. It was interesting he did so seeing as how the chef was always teasing about how he never shut up. Too bad the chef couldn't just ask royalty into the kitchens whenever Alex got too carried away. Somehow that didn't really seem like a viable option. Alex settled his nerves again and thanked whomever was watching over him that he had managed not to either talk to much and be annoying or say something that would insult the prince. In fact he was just thankful he didn't feel his usual urge to say whatever came to his mind. Although, he was unsure whether it was entirely the shock of talking to royalty or whether it also had to do with the sombre mood of the days they were in. He was sure the second must have something to do with it seeing as he had been unusually quiet for a while now.

If anything, at least Alex would have something interesting to talk about next time he had some time off to go visit his family. His younger sister Lita was always begging for stories from the castle. Now he had something to tell her that wasn't half rumour from the kitchens. Alex was not sure whether Lita would be more impressed by his meeting the prince or by the prince himself who cared so much for his people. Lita was always keen on stories of nobility and chivalry.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not recall the name from having heard it before, but then again, he rarely referred to servants by their first name. It was not to say that he did not consider them to be loyal subjects, and still those he felt the need to earn their loyalty from . . . but rather, he had just become so accustomed to having them serve him -- as that was the life style he grew up in -- that it had not really occurred to him that they could be more than those just in passing. Now, that was not to say Arthur planned to strike a strong friendship with every single one. But, especially at times like these, it could not hurt to show that he was at least trying to make an effort.

"Alexander, I want you to be in charge of this entire thing. You seem to have a good grasp on what needs to be done, and so the rationing and organization of what little food supply we have, will be under your charge and authority." Arthur was not sure if the servants had already developed a system, but Arthur did not want to risk them not having one. After Alexander informed them of their previous inefficiency, Arthur wanted to make sure that there was some organization, some sort of effective system, because if that made things run more smoothly and efficiently, then it needed to be done.

They could not afford to waste any more time. The Prince tended to trust his instincts and even after this very short conversation with the man, he sounded as if he knew what he was doing, and he knew what had to be done. Of course Arthur would be there for assistance -- as he was not sure what else he could do to help his people out of this horrible predicament -- but when he was unable to constantly supervise the servants, well, that would not fall onto Alexander's responsibility.

[Awwwww. Lita sounds adorable!]

[Alexander]

Alexander was again caught by surprise. That he would be put in charge was not something he had foreseen. In fact, he was glad to have been given any responsibility to begin with. It wasn't that he was not capable, but he had only been working in the castle for a year or so. He was used to being discarded in favor of servants who had been around longer. However, with a steely determination he rarely had he gave a short nod.

"Of course, Sire. I shall see to it that everything gets done." Now this was something his sister would really get excited over. Alex half wondered if his parents would even believe him. If they did, he was sure his step-father would simply tell him not to mess up. Alex was sure he would do just that. He would not fail the prince if it killed him. Not that it would, seeing as organizing was not quite the most dangerous job out there. With an attention to detail that Alex had worked to hone, he did not foresee the job being a difficult one. The hardest part was likely to be getting anyone to listen to him, but with a voice as loud as his could be he was sure it would be accomplished.

Already ideas on how to perfect the system already in place were running through his mind. If they shifted some labor from the servers to the storage rooms then everything would not only be faster, but it would be easier to distribute when everything was counted and recorded. After all, it's not like the servers would have anything to serve if this didn't get done. Again Alex eyed the rest of the room to make sure nothing had stopped while he spoke to the prince. It hadn't, but people had overheard the conversation. Perhaps it would not be so difficult to get people to listen to him after all.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Alexander's polite and modest reply was definitely something that continued to put him in the Prince's favor. He needed to make sure that while he was not here, that there was still some sort of structure. "I should hope so," he said, not in a demanding or rude way, but more in an encouraging one. "I do not think I need to remind you whats at stake." He did not say this to add too much pressure, though of course such words may do so. Arthur said it because he knew that everyone was fearful. He said it because he was trusting Alexander's loyalty to do what needed to be done.

Arthur would take all the pressure of this. He was the Prince, it was his duty to do so. Anything concerned about the well being . . . fell on his shoulders. And it would be a greater burden once he replaced his father. "Do you have any questions about your duties?" He asked, not wanting to risk Alexander unsure of specific things, and Arthur would not be surprised if he was too shy to ask. It would not be the first time a servant -- or anyone other than a royal really -- was too shy to ask a question, or be honest with Arthur.

[Alexander]

Alex shook his head at the idea he would need to be reminded of something so important. He didn't think there was a single person in Camelot who did not realize the grave situation they were in.Alex had every intention of taking this more seriously then any undertaking he had ever committed to before. When asked if he had any questions he knew he probably should answer no, but Alex was never one to shy away from speaking if it might be even the slightest bit important.

"Actually sire, if I might inquire as to who I should send my reports too when the task is completed. I would hate to have a breakdown in any communication at this point." His answer was very straightforward. If he was unsure of who to report too then all of the time saving adjustments made would mean nothing. Alex's step-father had once told him that in a crisis, it was no good to run around and stir up chaos. If communication remained clear and steady there would be no further issues to complicate an already messy situation.

Alex waited for a reply hoping he hadn't been too impertinent in holding the Prince up with his questions. He was sure the prince had many important things he should be attending to elsewhere. It was not for a servant to hold him up because the servant couldn't figure everything out already. Alex found himself growing nervous while waiting for the answer.

[Arthur Pendragon]

It was a fair question; a good one. Made him seem eager to not allow anything to mess up this system. One small error could lead a family to starvation, and Arthur would only have himself to blame for it. "You will send them to me when they are done." Normally, Arthur would have a go between, someone who would take the reports from Alexander and then bring them to him. But because of the very drastic turn this kingdom had taken in terms of their food supply, it was an exception. Arthur did not want to risk wasting any time in sending the report to one person, then another, and then another, until it finally reached him or the king.

"If I am not to be found, you will give it to one of the knights, as they will be the ones handing out the food. Along with you," Arthur added, wanting to continue to remind Alexander that he would be involved in this as much as one who was assigned to supervising such an important task, could be. The guards would be the ones handing it out though, as their presence was necessary. Looting was already a frequent occurrence. And so at the table where the food was, Arthur knew that people's desperation would be evident in their actions. They may try to grab more than they are given, or attempt to make some sort of scene. And he could not blame them for it. It was why they needed to think of a solution . . . and fast.

[Alexander]

"Of course sire. I will write up the final count when everything is done." Alex said immediately. His confidence returned and even a hint of his usual smile ghosted onto his face. However, his brow furrowed and his serious air remained. He could not let a bit of pride get in the way of anything this important. Alex already noted that he should send a small message home telling his family not to be worried if he worked later then usual. He didn't think he would be leaving the premises until everything was settled. Even if that meant staying all night and until the crisis was over. He knew the chef was always letting servants bunk down near the kitchens in case of special events. This was no different. Plus, the ration distributing would happen relatively early and he had to make sure everything was ready.

"I will see to it that the distributing can start by tomorrow morning at the latest, Sire." He said with a matter of fact tone. If the servants all pulled together and a few worked an extra shift they would be able to make the deadline. the faster food was given out, the faster the people of Camelot could get some relief from their hunger pangs. Alex had already planned to work an extra shift so he had gotten enough rest the night before to last until the job was done. If everything worked out, he could even tell Lita that for a brief period of time he had reported directly to the prince and had helped the people of Camelot in some small way. Alex already felt his energy replenishing just by working himself up to the task. While he was never very serious usually, he grew a steely determination to rival anyones when the pressure was on. And the pressure was definitely on.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a short nod when Alexander spoke about writing up the final count. The answer was suitable; acceptable. There was still so much that Arthur feared so these small assurances diminished some parts of that stress. But he could not help but fear the long term ramifications of this. What did it mean for Camelot? Would it ever be restored? Would his father actually seek aid from neighboring kingdoms? So many questions; so few means for answers. Such was the case when sorcery was involved and right now, that seemed to be the prevailing belief of the court.

"Good," he said formally. Taking one quick glance around the room, and then again, lowering his voice. "Looting is becoming extremely frequent. I also need you to keep a close eye on those working around the food." Mainly, the other servants. Arthur was trusting his instincts with Alexander, but he could not rule him out as a potential thief. The Prince understood that desperate times called for desperate measures . . . and yet, he could not excuse any sort of theft because it would just put everyone else at a disadvantage.

"The king is ordering severe punishments for those who commit this crime, so you must report anything that you see." It was also a bit of warning to Alex, so that he too would not consider stealing any of the food. The knights were there to keep an eye on the situation, but as supervisor, Arthur was also making it his job to keep a keen and watchful eye.

[Alexander]

Alex didn't need to be told twice to watch his fellow workers. He knew that they were all good people, but they also had hungry families. He would not put it past them to try and sneak a bit of grain out. Alex already had been keeping an eye out, but with the Prince's warning he resolved to be even more attentive. Alex also did not miss the subtle warning in the Prince's words. Alex would not be fool enough to try and siphon any food out. If he were to be caught it would not do his family any good. Alex also knew that that would take away from other families who needed it just as much.

Alex was quite sure that no one would get away with stealing. Even if Alex had not been watching, no one could miss the kights who were there to guard the grain. Not a single person who worked here could get up the courage to confront a knight of Camelot. That would do more harm then good for them. Alex was quiet as he nodded in recognition of the Prince's orders. If Alex was ever serious, it was about his duty and his loyalty to those he worked for and with. Alex would not hesitate to report stealing. He was very easy-going but always knew and abided by the rules. Alex would not turn a blind eye to anything in a situation such as this. It was one thing to joke about the rules, it was another to actually do something that would harm all of Camelot.

"You have nothing to fear Sire. I will watch everything." He said simply. There was no need to elaborate. Alex couldn't help but let his hands fidget with the bottum of his shirt slightly. He was not used to being given so much responsilbility, and would not mess it up. It was not often a kitchen boy got promoted this soon. Alex knew it was temporary, but he might as well do a good job. Then later people would know he was capable of handling situations like this.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Nothing to fear. Arthur wished he could believe that, but even in this matter, he could not. It was not that he did not trust his men -- and even the servants; it was because this could be the very downfall of Camelot, not to sound too dramatic. Where would their food come from? Where would anything come from? Would his father set aside his pride and ask for aid? Would this kingdom fall to enemies or just deteriorate from within? Arthur kept a strong front, but inside he was in a state of trepidation. Wherever magic was concerned, Arthur was out of his league; he was outmatched and he had no trouble admitting that. Even though he had a great deal of pride, even he admitted when he was defeated. Magic had bested them many times, but then again that was only in the beginning for they had overcome it each and every time. He would not be too quick to judge; maybe there was a way out of this too.

"I hope not," he stated, knowing he had already reminded Alexander about the great deal that was at stake. He knew the servant would feel enough pressure as it is, but Arthur was going to make no secret that he was having high expectations . . . not because he wanted to, but because the entire kingdom was at risk. He noticed Alex's nervous movement, though made no comment on it. It could be due to several reasons, and Arthur was not going to stand here trying to determine which specific one it was; he was not going to waste time on obvious and understandable emotions from his subjects of Camelot.

"How is your family coping right now?" He suddenly asked. Arthur could not go to each and every person and question their family status, so the few he was able to do this with, he would try and see what the situation among the commoners was. He had a general idea, but hearing it become more personalized was important to him. It was something Arthur needed to hear, whether it only increased his fear and guilt in not being able to help them, it was still something he had to hear.

[Alexander]

Alex was surprised when the prince asked about his family. He hadn't really thought that, as a servant, his family would be of much interest. The very fact that Arthur had asked said far more for him then anything else Alex had been told. Alex suddenly found himself respecting the prince far more. Not only was his competent and in control, but he seemed to truly care for the people. It was not often one saw another with all those qualities. To have them in your crown prince was truly a great blessing in difficult times.

"My step-father's bakery is closed, but they fair fine as of now. We had bread to spare and gave it out amongst the lower towns the first day. The rations are fair and everyone seems to be doing quite well given the circumstances. Although... there is worry spreading amongst the people of what will happen if the crops continue to fail and no help will come." Alex said seriously. He was not one to lie about the state of the towns to make it seem as if it was doing better then it actually was. Alex knew that the city was on a low simmer. He just worried that too much longer with no new food supplies and it would break into a boil.

"I do not mean to sound hopeless, but without a sudden change of luck the city will not stay peaceful much longer. They only sit quiet because they believe in you Sire. They hope for a miracle." He said sadly. His entire demeanor spoke of weariness. Alex did not think that Camelot would last much longer. He did not want to put pressure on the prince, for he knew no one should bear that weight, but he felt at a loss when he tried to say something else. In a time when the people could not find their way, they needed their prince to lead them out.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur listened to Alex begin to explain the situation among his family. He was rather grateful for the honesty. It was a strange thing to be grateful for, especially when Arthur knew that the truth would not be anything good. The people were suffering. He only hoped the starvation would not yet lead to death . . . that they would find a cure for this terrible situation. Arthur felt even more gratitude when he heard Alex explain that they distributed bread among the public. They could have easily kept it for themselves but no; they gave them out. It only re-enforced Arthur's love for this kingdom and all its subjects.

"That was highly generous of you," Arthur told him in a sincere voice, the formality in his tone beginning to slip. There still may be a status difference between servants and royals, but that did not mean that the respect was one sided; it should be mutual, and Arthur -- though he may not admit it or act like it -- respected each and every citizen of this land. Which of course, was part of the reason he felt the tremendous amount of guilt he did over their sufferings. He too would refuse to eat until this was resolved. He would not give himself that advantage or benefit.

Arthur let him finish talking, listening to every word he spoke, fear only growing in the Prince's heart. He knew the people were worried; they were growing restless. Just looking at Alexander right now was only one of many who felt this way. Elders. Men. Women. Children. And they deserved none of it. And yet, to hear him speak of how they believed in him . . . only strengthened Arthur to take whatever drastic measures were necessary. "Their faith and hope in the king will not be in vain." The king. Not him. Arthur was still a servant to the crown, and only assumed that Alexander meant that the people had faith in the monarch, not him as an individual. He would not give himself that much credit.

"I can say that we are doing everything we can, but I realize that is not enough." His voice was steady, and his weariness not as apparent as he spent his life learning how to appear composed and proper in the presence of others. However if this continued, it would only be a matter before he broke down. And his tone was on the edge of succumbing to this terrifying thought of the kingdom not ever recovering. "We will do whatever necessary to bring this to an end. For now, all we can do it hand out rations, but rest assured and tell the others that none of this is being taken lightly. That we are aware of the suffering of the people."

Arthur felt it, and it pained him greatly. "And we ask them to remain as patient and hopeful as possible." It was easier said than done, but what else could Arthur do? He knew his father well and he knew he would not favor seeking aid from another kingdom. But he did not want to reveal this for it may only diminish the hope, the only hope, that people were clinging on to.

[Alexander]

[It's fine, I've been a bit delayed this week myself.]

Alex was a bit abashed at the prince's complement. It had not really crossed his mind as a generous thing they had done, but rather a necessary action. A part of him felt like the praise was not earned, since almost anyone would have done the same thing. Camelot's citizens had been through much together and it was always hopeful to see how much they supported each other through difficult times. The people of Camelot were some of the most resilliant in the world.

"It was something anyone would do for their fellow people." He spoke softly and leapt at the change in topic. He did not find himself comfortable accepting complements while others worked just as hard.

He found it only slightly amusing in a bitter way that the prince thought he had meant the king. The people knew that Uther tried to be a good king, but it was in Arthur that they saw greatness. When dark shadows found their way into Camelot it was Arthur they knew would chase them back to their corners of the land. In a way it was admirable how much faith the prince put in his father. Yet another trait Alex found himself respecting in the future king. In a way Alex realized that he and the prince were not entirely different. They both seemed unwilling to put to much credit into their own actions. It was a strange thing to say you had in common with the future king, but it made Alex relate to the prince a bit more.

"Your efforts are what keeps the hope of an end to this alive. The people will know of your efforts and that will not be taken lightly. They will know that they have people here who's wish is to help them, and that will be what gets them through this hardship. Lack of food is quickly followed by lack of morale, which is an equally dangerous prospect." He said. Alex silently thought to himself that he most likely should not have spoken at such length, but his quirk of talking a bit to much was slowly returning as he grew more comfortable in the Prince's presence.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had faith in the people, but he also knew that there were some more selfish than others. He knew that some would not sacrifice their own well being for others. Which was why he admired Alexander's actions so much and why he felt compelled to thank him for them. "You are too modest," Arthur said with a bit of a smile. Though his modesty only showed just how genuine the man's actions were. He would not forget them; he would somehow reward the family for their sacrifice . . . when the kingdom was restored to stable state. When, not if.

Arthur was yet again surprised at the man's words. It was different hearing it from his perspective and then hearing such things from a fellow knight or noble. It was more . . . believable, in a way. Alexander was a commoner; he had that connection to the people. While Arthur had Merlin to always offer his unexpectedly wise words, it was very reassuring to hear such things from a man upon meeting him for the first time. Hearing the unwavering confidence and faith they had in it . . . it was, motivating, to say the least.

"Thank you Alexander," he said in a very sincere voice as he extended his hand. It was strange how one conversation could shift his perception of the servant so quickly. One moment, he was making orders and demands . . . now, he was offering his hand to shake, out of a respect the Prince found himself feeling towards the man. Of course, it was not as easy for Arthur to admit these things, but to him . . . actions spoke louder than words. He was terrible with vocalizing things but he would act on what he could to demonstrate what was in his heart and mind.

"As long as the people continue to have faith . . . that is more than what I can ask of them. It is integral to the survival of the kingdom." He paused for a moment before continuing. "So I thank you for re-enforcing this hope that the people hold." It was more of a personal thank you, rather than Arthur thanking him on behalf of his father. He did not want to seem so insecure in himself and so hearing such things filled Arthur with more honor than he could ever admit.