Some Needed Advice [Arthur]

[lucan]

Ok, so he’d given money to tide Griff over for a few months or so. It didn’t seem like his brother was about to leave anytime soon – which meant that he would be driving Luc to his wits end if he didn’t sort himself out soon.
Lucan knew that his brother wasn’t capable of finding himself a job as he lacked a lot in the skills department. Chopping wood or selling bread didn’t seem to be put together with his brother.

Lucan had sat for ages in his chambers with a quill and paper. It was blank though and was still that way as he climbed the stairs to the royal chambers. He needed to speak to someone about this. He couldn’t write to his father – not only had Griff told him not to, but Lucan found that he hadn’t the strength to make contact with his family for the first time in ages. The last letter he’d sent was years ago. Corneous wouldn’t write to him – not on this matter, he didn’t seem the type to send a letter instructing his eldest son to frogmarch his young brother back home.

There was no way that Luc could keep his brother. This was a favour he’d done because he’d needed his help and shelter. That was all Lucan could think of doing for him and yet he hadn’t even considered what would happen after until now.
Which was why he was going to see Arthur. He needed a second opinion or some advice as to how he should go about helping Griflet.

Lucan got to the doors of the prince’s chambers. He was most likely off doing something far better, but it was worth a shot. Arthur was his friend and right now – he needed to see a friendly face.

Knock Knock

If the prince wasn’t there then Luc could always leave a message with Merlin and catch up with Arthur later. The prince had far better things to do, such as searching for Morgana.

Tagged: Arthur Pendragon
Timeline: One Year Gap (Between S2 and S3)
Setting: Arthur’s Chambers
Inspirational Music: Coldplay – Don’t Panic [/color]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had returned to Camelot just an hour or so ago. It had been a couple of days since he'd been gone . . . as the search for Morgana continued. It was without success, just as it had been so many times before. Thankfully this time, he had gone on his own, so he did not lose any men in the process. But that did not make the heartache of the ones they had lost any easier to bare. The city was in mourning for every life lost, and Arthur knew there would be many more to follow. These search parties were getting more and more dangerous, not only because it led them to the darkest corners of the earth . . . but because they were on the brink of war with Escetia, and Cenred was already attacking the men that he felt had crossed into his lands. There was no diplomatic way to deal with this. They could not be civil and have a conversation . . . for it would not bring back the lives of the knights who died. Arthur tried to make his father see reason. The prince wanted to find Morgana just as badly as the king did . . . but how many more lives could they risk? How many more men had to die?

Arthur could not take this loss, and neither could the kingdom. They would lose this war if their resources were continuing to be put to this use . . . with no result to show for it. Arthur knew it was a strong failure on his part. He had done a better job of protecting her, none of this would have happened. She would be safe, with them, home. And now . . . he didn't even know if she was alive. The thought of losing her caused him unimaginable pain, and it was what drove his actions. He went on his own to spare the lives of his knights, and each step he took forward carried with it some sort of hope that she would be found. That fate would be kind to him and that that would be the day she would be found; and he could bring her home. He could bring the woman he regarded as sister in his heart, home. He could see his father smile and relieved at her safety. And then, no one would have to suffer any longer. But this would continue to be a dream until it somehow miraculously became reality. The world was large, and they seemed to be only looking in places where Cenred was waiting for them, or where other dangers lurked about.

Sleep eluded Arthur, just as it had many nights. He was standing by his window sill, deep in thought, just pensively staring out into the courtyard. Merlin had left some time ago, after having helped Arthur change out of his chainmail and armor. He was not just dressed in his casual attire, not even getting ready to lie down for a few hours of sleep. Sleep was too peaceful, and his burdened mind would never grant him such a luxury. His eyes were worn with exhaustion, and would not be remedied with slumber. Only with the safe retrieval of Morgana. He planned to set out again tomorrow, after dealing with council matters and setting up defenses in the border areas so that Cenred would not sneak through them. It would only be a matter of time before the fill commencement of war . . . where battles would be engaged. But for now, Arthur would take what small blessings he could. Hopefully they would find Morgana well before the war started in a full blown manner . . . and they could focus in that, instead of their resources and knights being pulled into two directions. And maybe, they could get their king back for Arthur knew he too was wallowing in distress and devastation over losing his ward.

He was suddenly pulled out of these thoughts when he heard a knock at the door, He turned to look at it, wondering if it was Merlin, or someone else. Hopefully . . . whoever it was, they would not have devastating news to give him. "Enter," he said, waiting to see who was on the other side. When the door opened and Arthur saw Lucan, he gave a smile. Lucan. Thank god. If there was anyone who could distract the prince's mind, and talk about something other than the dark times that seemed to be filling Camelot . . it would be Lucan. No matter what state Arthur was in, he would never regret the company of such a great friend. Plus, he had not spoken to him in days. At least not in privacy anyway. "Lucan," he greeted, his small smile genuine and not the least bit strained. He was indeed grateful for his presence. He took a few steps towards him so that they would not have to speak over such great distance in his room. "How are you my friend?" He asked, so incredibly relieved for the company.

[lucan]

"Enter,"
Lucan opened the door. The prince looked almost relieved to see him. He also looked tired. Lucan knew that sleep wasn’t exactly present in his life at the moment – what with Morgana gone and Uther having everyone search at various hours of the day. Lucan was sleep deprived himself, but Arthur more so for going out on practically every search that was conducted. .”Im sorry to disturb you sire” he apologised as he stood there – the door still open. But Arthur was already onto his next question. "How are you my friend?"

Lucan closed the door behind him and turned to Arthur. “I should be the one asking you that sire” he smiled – after all he hadn’t seen Arthur for a few days. Both being busy with various duties that divided their company for sometime. “You haven’t been sleeping have you” he stated rather than asking it as a question.

“As for how I am? Well…im as well as can be” he shrugged, “although there is something that I wish to speak with you about – a matter that has been troubling me for a few days now”.
Yes. The matter being Griflet. His brother would be the death of his mentality that was starting to slip a little now.

Lucan trusted Arthur to know of what was going on, and hoped that he could enlighten him of the situation with either some small talk or something that would help Griflet make his way on his own with Lucan’s help. It wasn’t that Lucan wasn’t going to help Griflet – should his brother ever need him then he knew where to find him – but he needed a boot up the backside to start his way on his own and become more capable and independent.

Lucan stood there uncomfortably. Perhaps he should leave Arthur to rest. After all, he didn’t want to burden him with any more problems. “Perhaps I should come back tomorrow when you’ve had some rest” he decided out loud and turned to head for the door.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched him, hearing him apologize and the prince shook his head a bit upon hearing his words. "You're not disturbing me," he assured him. It was either this . . . or just stare out the window for the rest of the night until the sun came up and the duties of the day called him away. Quite frankly, Arthur much preferred this. Some company. While everyone else was resting, at least Lucan was awake. Wait. Why was Lucan awake at this hour? His friend's question -- or statement rather -- distracted him from asking a similar one himself. "The same could be said about you," Arthur said noticing the weariness in Lucan's eyes as well. It was a common thing among everyone these days, with everything going on in the kingdom, especially for the knights who were constantly doing something that demanded a great deal of energy. But still. There must be a specific reason that Lucan was here, instead of sleeping like the rest of the nobles.

His next words began to answer Arthur's silent inquiry. He immediately grew concerned. Lucan was not usually troubled. He was usually rather carefree, always possessing an excellent sense of humor even during the most troubling times -- like the hunt for the questing beast being one of the many examples that entered Arthur's mind -- which was why he knew that whatever was causing him distress now, had to be something of great significance. He was about to further question him when he suddenly suggested that he leave and come back at another time, already turning towards the door. "Nonsense," Arthur said, taking a few more steps towards him, prepared to follow him out if that was where he decided to leave. Or maybe he should just fully reassure him that he need not worry about disturbing him. Arthur went over to the door and closed it, motioning for Lucan to go towards the table as Arthur began to walk over, pulling out a seat for his fellow friend and then sitting down in one himself.

Now that he was seated and the door was closed, he hoped it was indication enough that Lucan would join him. That he would not feel uncomfortable or awkward in speaking with Arthur. He wanted him to come approach him as a friend, and felt glad that whatever was troubling him . . . he trusted Arthur enough to come to him to speak about it. He would do all that he could to help, whether it was something that needed to be done or said. "Now tell me, what's troubling you?" He asked, his voice holding strong concern, yet great calmness. He hoped the question would cause Lucan to rid his mind of thoughts of leaving and sit with him, so that he could begin to unburden himself.

[lucan]

"The same could be said about you,"

Lucan chuckled at this. Yes he was tired. Tired of everything, but thankful to be in a position such as this. “I need to rise before dawn to relieve Yvain of his duties – I guess there’s no point in me sleeping when it’s only a good few hours away” he shrugged.

Lucan walked further into the room, and as he turned to leave – Arthur managed to get to the door before him and closed it. Arthur hadn’t appeared to be doing anything productive, other than looking out of the window. His friend now gestured to sit down, ignoring his comment about coming back tomorrow.
He sat down and looked at Arthur. “You know, you should ask Gauis for one of his sleeping drafts – should do you some good” he gave a small tired smile. Anything to lighten Arthur’s spirits.

“I need some advice” he began, “i've spent days thinking about possibilities for this situation and yet I find that I am unable to come to a conclusion as to how I can help”.
He then realised that the prince would have absolutely no idea as to what he was going on about.

“My brother – Griflet” he carried on, “He’s in Camelot. Lucan ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “He needs my help – he refuses to go home because father will marry him off – he’s practically been kicked out because he refuses to enter such a commitment and is now relying on me to help him out”

He now ran his hands down his face. “The problem is – I can’t. He won’t allow me to write to our father to sort this out – he has no skills so he can’t get a job. Im just about managing to keep him at the inn”. Lucan felt even more frustrated just talking about it. “Soon I will not be able to pay for his keep – ive already stated that im not going to be around forever and that he’ll need to make his own way, but he’s such a stubborn little wotsit – the complete opposite of me I’ll have you know.” Lucan sighed. “I just…I need help, and I don’t know what to do with him.”

He looked to Arthur with a little look of desperation in his eyes. “Im at my wits end sire – and he’s only been here for three days!”

Lucan didn’t want to know how he felt in a week. He’d most likely have died of stress.

[Arthur Pendragon]

That was true. There really was no point sleeping at this point . . . but really, Arthur knew it had to be stress of whatever had brought him to his chambers, that was obviously also keeping him up at night. His mind -- just like Arthur's own -- was unable to find peace and solace. He just gave a bit of a nod, finding greater relief when Lucan joined him at the table, though his first words were those of suggestion for him to get one of Gaius' sleeping drafts. "I'll be alright," he said nonchalantly. Whether he was tired or not, sleep was the furthest thing from his mind . . . especially now. Lying down would make no difference. He did not want to find relief in sleep for there was just too much to do. But Arthur pushed all these thoughts to the back of his mind so that he could focus entirely on the trouble befalling Lucan and give him his undivided attention. When he began talking about seeking advice . . . Arthur was confused, though he did not interrupt. Did this have to do with women? It seemed to be the one thing Lucan had differently in dealing with, though something told Arthur that it was a bit more serious than that . . . there was something different in the way he spoke.

He and Arthur had many conversations about his inability to talk to women, and this current discussion did not have that same feel to it. "My brother – Griflet." Even though the words were missing the details, it still explained quite a bit. It was also something that Arthur had not been expecting to hear, though he kept the surprise out of his expression and just continued to listen intently, allowing him to go on and to explain the specifications of how and why this was troubling him. He did not know much about Lucan's family history. He did know that there was a reason none of his family had visited him, and why he had never returned to visit them. Even if the reason was unknown, it was clear that there was one. But still, Arthur remained silent. He did not want to interject until Lucan finished speaking, and he paid attention to every word his friend spoke. The situation Lucan was placed in seemed like an intensely difficult one indeed. Arthur did not know what it was to have a sibling by blood . . . so he could not relate in that sense.

It was clear Lucan still held that familial obligation towards his brother which had evoked enough sympathy in him to aid him however he could . . . paying for his stay somewhere being a prime example. But Lucan was right; he could not coddle him and take care of him for the rest of the life. If he was a man, one of age, then he needed to be able to stand on his own two feet. Yet, that was always difficult when running away from home, which was the case in this situation. Still, Arthur said nothing. He hated seeing Lucan feel so distressed and frustrated with this, for the man had such a good heart and Arthur did not like to see anyone take advantage of that . . not even a brother who had come out of the blue to seek aid. But, he was his brother and would forever remain one. "First of all, do not fret about being able to pay for his keep," Arthur told him. While he agreed that Lucan could not take care of him for the rest of his life . . . Arthur wanted him to know that he could easily help in this way, when it came to paying for something.

"Until you have this all sorted out, I can pay for his stay." To lift the financial burden from Lucan for this in itself, could be quite stressful. Besides, Arthur was prince . . . he may as well put his gold coins to good use. "As a favor to you." He wanted Lucan to understand that this was a favor, not something that he ever expected to be repaid for. He may not know Griflet personally, but if he was a relative of Lucan . . . then Arthur would help in what way he could. But now, it came to the subjects more difficult to resolve . . . the more personal aspects of this problem. "Does he plan on remaining in Camelot permanently?" Did he have that nomadic heart where he would be content with traveling the world? Or would he settle here because he had family here? Arthur had a feeling it was the first, for traveling required coin or at least some sort of knowledge as to how to obtain coin. "Surely he must have some skill that could be suitable for a job . . . " Arthur said, questioning what his interests were. What they could be. Arthur could not offer him a position in the royal household as a servant, for he was a man of nobility by blood.

It would just be far too . . . obscure for him to give him such a position. "I agree in that you can not care for him for the rest his life, or yours." Arthur paused, knowing that his curiosity would get the better of him. "But he is your brother, and you are not the kind of man to turn your back on him, nor will you ever be." Arthur felt it necessary to remind Lucan of that . . . that no matter what, Griflet was his brother and it was in Lucan's honorable and generous nature to help those in need. "But I must ask Lucan, what happened between you and your brother?" Arthur could not help properly if he did not know the entire situation. He was curious as to why they had not stayed in touch . . . why Arthur had never heard mention of him . . . why the man only came to visit his brother when he was in need of something. What was the reason that prevented them from being closer, as brothers should?

[lucan]

"Until you have this all sorted out, I can pay for his stay."

Lucan protested. “No sire – it’s not the financial side that I am worried about, Im fine for now – I cannot accept that from you”. No. He couldn’t let Arthur allow to pay for Griflet’s keep whilst he was in Camelot. That was above the call of duty and he had far better things to do – such as searching for Lady Morgana. “Favour or not” he finished.

"Does he plan on remaining in Camelot permanently?"

Did he? It certainly seemed that way at the moment. “I believe so sire” Lucan nodded. "Surely he must have some skill that could be suitable for a job . . . “

Lucan shook his head at this. “He most likely does – although I wouldn’t know of any – after all I’ve not seen him for years.”
Griff was a dark horse enough as it was. He surely had something up his sleeve to fall back on. “My father would most likely have practiced weaponry with him, although seeing as this is my brother we’re talking about here, he might have just given it up”. It wouldn’t surprise Lucan if Griff had given up on the first try. “Other than that I am unaware of any skills he may have – apart from being an expert in ale and a womaniser”.
He and his brother couldn’t be any more different.

"But I must ask Lucan, what happened between you and your brother?"

Lucan was surprised that Arthur wanted to know more of his family history. He sat back in his chair. “We were never close” he began, “I don’t know why – my father was busy training me up to become a squire and Griff just used to spend his days alone climbing trees or with Elaine.” Lucan told him. “He was only ten when I left Glouchedon, and even then I never actually said goodbye to him properly.”
Why had they never kept in touch? Well that was the reason why. “My father then – I suppose – gave more of his time to Griff, to prepare him in becoming a duke incase I should die before the pair of them. Our family are not the closest and so ive never seen any reason to write or return home to them. I cannot just leave Camelot for a family reunion whenever I wish – my place is here protecting the city and you and your father” Lucan explained, “my father and I were probably the closest we’ve ever been after Griff was born – before that he’d never paid much attention to father/son bonding – I guess he considered that my mother would do that, but she died when I was four.” He remembered his mother vaguely. “And after he married Elaine he threw himself into training me up” it was no big deal – Lucan was grateful to his father for what he’d done. He wouldn’t be here now talking with Arthur otherwise.
“I consider Camelot to be my real home rather than Glouchedon”. Lucan admitted, “and the only time that I’d ever consider returning was if my father was on his deathbed”.

There was silence. “Anyway – enough with the depressing details, I think ive bored you enough with the Aubert family history”. He gave a light laugh, “I was surprised that he’d actually bothered to find me – and succeeded!”

[Arthur Pendragon]

He was not surprised to hear Lucan protest about him paying for his brother's keep. He knew Lucan would never ask for such a thing, which was why Arthur had offered. "I insist Lucan," Arthur said persistently, knowing that the subject of money could be a sensitive. He did not want to make it sound as if he was considering Lucan to be some sort of charity case, nor did he wish to offend his friend in his offer. "You said yourself you are unsure how long you can pay it for. Allow me to help you in this way and free you of this financial burden." Of course Arthur didn't plan to pay for Griflet's stay for the rest of his life for the man certainly needed to find means to support himself. But Arthur would help, for he was related to Lucan, one of the prince's closest friends and therefore, felt an obligation to help him. "You have enough the be worried about, and this is one issue that can be easily resolved." By allowing Arthur to pay for Griflet's accommodations for the time being.

Especially since Lucan answered that he would most probably reside permanently in Camelot. Griflet could not spend the rest of his days in an inn, and without earning his stay. Arthur tried to think of what sort of occupations he could take on; ones that did not require previous training. He was skilled with weaponry? And . . . ale and womanizing? Wow. Certainly the polar opposite of Lucan indeed. "What about work in a forge?" Arthur asked. Lucan said he did not know much about his brother's skills or interests, but did he have any idea if this would strike the slightest interest in his brother? "The pay is decent and I can easily put in a good word for him." Arthur would of course not command someone to hire him . . . but he could vouch for Griflet. He did not know the man, but he knew his brother. And if he did vouch for him, hoped that he would not dishonor his brother's name.

When Lucan began to answer Arthur's question, he stayed quiet. Listening carefully and with his full attention. He had always been curious to hear about Lucan's past, though it was never something he would push and pry about. It was something that he knew Lucan would tell him when he so desired and now, it seemed the circumstances would bring his family history to light. It was quite interesting to hear . . . of the family he had left behind, and how easy enough it was to leave those ties. It must have been such a distant relationship between them all, and for that reason Arthur wished better for his friend. Of course the more selfish part of him was glad that Lucan had joined the knights of Camelot, but that did not mean he didn't wish for him to have a better relationship with his family. He did not seem to show any remorse though, which showed the knight's strength. Arthur's own relationship with his father was not overly sentimental or soft. It could be cold at times, for his father had disciplined him greatly and tended to focus on his weaknesses rather than his strengths. He knew why . . . but it still made it no easier as a child.

But once again, Arthur pushed these thoughts out of his mind, regaining his attention on the story at hand. It truly sounded like Lucan had created a stronger support system here in Camelot with his fellow knights and brothers in arms, rather than back home with his blood relatives. Arthur found another similarity in Lucan and his own family history . . . and that was the loss of a mother. A woman who could never be replaced, no matter who ones father remarried. To hear Lucan's stronger commitment to the king and protecting and serving Camelot, rather than the commitment to his family . . . well, Arthur was honored to be one of the men that Lucan served and fought alongside. He never doubted Lucan's loyalty or devotion to his duties . . . even if his father was always doubtful about knighting men who were nobles from other kingdoms, apart from Camelot. "You said that your father had raised your brother to be a duke," Arthur said, knowing that the line of inheritance was one of great importance. That losing an heir could have drastic repercussions and that a father would not rest his mind until he was certain his son was able to handle the inheritance and legacy he left behind.

"Do you think he will search for Griflet?" Arthur wondered why he had not sought out Lucan. How could a father so easily watch his son leave? Or now, both his sons? He knew that his own father would not rest for a second if Arthur was to run away from Camelot. A thought that made him feel comforted in that his father cared so much about him but it was also a thought that worried Arthur. But this was a question that he needed to ask, for it would obviously effect both Lucan and Griflet if their father was to show up in the kingdom, demanding the return of his sons. Did he even know that Lucan was a knight of Camelot? When Lucan finished speaking, Arthur remained in a pensive silent, practically ignoring Lucan's reference to his story as 'boring'. "You and your brother may not be close, but it sounds like he trusts you. Enough to come to you when he was in trouble and had no where else to go." Arthur knew that this would not be news to Lucan, but he was reminding him of it . . . so that despite his frustrations with his brother, he could keep in mind why he was doing this. How it was beneficial. How Lucan was being the bigger man and better person in this instance . . . which was no new occurrence for him.

"I don't know what it is to have a brother by blood, but I do know that siblings are meant to drive you insane," Arthur said with a slight smile. He was trying not to focus on the way his mind wandered back to so many moments in history where him and Morgana would pull horrible pranks on each other, but take care of each other all the same. And how . . . she was no longer here. "Griflet does not sound like an easy man to help, but he needs you." Whether Griflet was willing to acknowledge that or not . . . it was true. That much was clear. He was not sure whether it was something his brother would ever admit with the proper sentiment, but never the less, based on what Arthur had heard thus far, it was clear that Griflet needed the aid of his older brother. "What do you want to do Lucan?" Arthur asked, knowing it was an ambiguous question but really, it was up to him. Arthur could give his advice, say what he felt . . . but at the end of the day, it was up to Lucan to decide what he wanted --- or needed -- to do. It would not be easy, either way, but Arthur wanted him to know that he would support him and give him whatever aid he could. Maybe even just by speaking of it, Lucan would find it easier to reach a definite decision over what to do in this current predicament he was faced with.

[lucan]

"What about work in a forge?" ah. Now that was an idea – one that Lucan hadn’t actually thought of. "The pay is decent and I can easily put in a good word for him."

“I hadn’t actually thought of that” Lucan admitted, “it sounds like a far better idea than me having to drag him back to Glouchedon by his ear”. Hopefully Griff would then have some experience and money to set up his own life. Providing he got the job that was.

"You said that your father had raised your brother to be a duke, do you think he will search for Griflet?"

A question that would seem to remain unanswered. Lucan bit his lip. “Our father is a stubborn man – loyal he may be and true to his word, but I very much doubt that he would search for him. Not when Griflet has disappointed him many times, this apparently was the last straw – hence why my brother left.” The knight told his friend. “My father knows of my position and that Griff would most likely come to me – therefore he would have nothing to worry about”.
In all honesty, Lucan would be receiving a letter within a week from his father, telling his eldest son of his younger brother’s latest disgrace and asking whether or not he was with him. “I am writing to my father about the matter anyway – whether my brother wants me to or not – just to assure him that I’ve got him with me”

“What do you want to do Lucan?"

Lucan had all his thought whirring around in his mind. He finally looked to Arthur. “I will talk to my brother about what you have said – hopefully he’ll have the sense to accept such a kind offer of recommendation – but as for the pay, I will not have you doing such a thing sire” he told him. “You have said so yourself that my brother needs me and that im not the kind of man to turn my back on him”.

He was thankful for all that Arthur had said. It was nice to know that he could actually walk away and give his brother something to think about. “And if all else fails – I can easily knock him out, shove him in a bag and drag him back to Glouchedon” he smirked.

[Arthur Pendragon]

If Griflet planned to stay here -- as Lucan had revealed that he was too stubborn to just leave -- then he may as well start setting himself up a bit. Getting a proper job, a proper roof over his head . . . whatever he needed to start his life here in Camelot. Arthur knew it would not be easy for Lucan to help him, but it also sounded like his obligation to his brother was far too great for him to simply let go and turn a blind eye to. "Working in a forge certainly sounds like a more, peaceful means to resolve his presence here," Arthur said with a bit of a smile as Lucan spoke of the option of taking him by the ear and dragging him back. A forge versus forced exit. Yes; one definitely sounded less damaging to their relationship than the other. When Lucan went on to answer his next question regarding his father . . . well, it was rather saddening to hear a father not willing to compromise with his son in order to bring them home. He supposed that pride had something to do with it, but still. "At least your brother is in good hands. Better hands from the sounds of it." Meaning, he was now more under Lucan's care than their father's . . . even if it was just for the time being.

"Perhaps this will give the two of you a fresh start. A chance to get to know each other, without the pressures that had been placed upon each of you back home." Arthur knew quite a lot about the pressures from a father . . . and it was so easy to lose oneself in them. Since Griflet and Lucan never got a chance to get to know each other, perhaps this could be it: perhaps this commonality they both shared would be a good starting point for them. And as well, Arthur was just trying to help Lucan focus on the positive . . . trying to encourage him with his decision to help his brother. "It is clear you two have something in common, and that is your desire to be free of the burdens you both face at home and start a new life." A life of more independence. For whatever reasons they had left, Lucan had left first and Griflet followed -- no matter how many years after it had been. "Look how well it turned out for you," Arthur pointed out, as Lucan was a proud soldier of the greatest army. "Hopefully, your brother will have the same success." Not as a knight obviously, but in whatever path he chose to take.

When Lucan answered Arthur's question, the prince just nodded, hearing his say that he would speak to his brother, but still rejecting Arthur's offer to assist him financially. "I know you will not turn your back on him," he said confidently, for he had not done so thus far and he doubted Lucan ever would. "But you should not have to struggle to make ends meet, when there is an easier solution being offered." Which was of course, letting Arthur pay. "If your brother agrees to the idea of working at a forge, let me know, and I will do what I can to secure a position for him." Again, he would not order a blacksmith to hire him . . . but it always helped to have a good word from the Prince of Camelot, and a knight of Camelot who was directly related to the person being offered for hiring. Arthur then gave a short chuckle well he presented another option -- one that seemed to be made in more jest than anything else. "Well even if you decide to do that, I would still help you," he said, showing his unwavering support, even though he knew this course of action was not a likely one. "I have a couple of bags that would fit him. I'd been planning to do that with Merlin years ago." Arthur was of course kidding, but seldom did he pass an opportunity to mock his servant . . . or rather, his close friend.

[lucan]

"Working in a forge certainly sounds like a more, peaceful means to resolve his presence here,"
Lucan snorted at this. “Clearly you haven’t met my brother – the term peaceful and him don’t exactly go together or at all if im honest, and I knew that just five minutes into meeting him again”.
Griflet was anything but peaceful. He’d much rather be out having fun and causing carnage from what Luc could make of him. “I hope that it will calm him down – tame him if anything”. There was no way in hell that Luc was introducing Arthur to his brother. Griff would most likely say something offensive, drink all the ale and take a nap in the Prince's chambers.

"At least your brother is in good hands. Better hands from the sounds of it." Did the prince really have that much faith in him? It was nice to know yet Lucan found that he couldn’t agree with that either. “He is in anything but that – In my opinion he’s better off at home being miserable, than having to spend most of his days alone in an inn drinking until his hearts content.” Lucan replied, “but I suppose he’d find…distractions” he managed to choke out the word.

A fresh start. Lucan liked the sound of that. It would make up for being the pathetic estranged big brother that he’d been – or in his case not been for most of Griff’s life. Yes, it was true – they had family in common but little much else. They couldn’t be anymore different. Griflet had certainly inherited their father’s stubbornness and Lucan had inherited his mother’s shyness. "Look how well it turned out for you," Arthur had now pointed out.

“It was a lucky shot” Lucan smirked, “and a very unfortunate one for you if I remember rightly – im sure when we first came up against one another you said something about how I’d be down on the ground within the first few seconds”. At least he thought Arthur had said that anyway. Anyway he’d managed to last the longest out of the group that had gone up against the Prince.

Lucan looked at Arthur with a now sincere expression on his face. “I can manage – I thank you once again for your kind offer sire, but really…I know I can handle that situation” he told him, “I shall speak with my brother and let you know of his decision. If he has any common sense then im sure that he’ll take it”.

He laughed when Arthur offered to help drag Griff back to Glouchedon. “I knew it – you liked Merlin too much to get rid of him.”

[Arthur Pendragon]

He was right about that; Arthur had not in fact met his brother. He could only make assumptions, based on what Lucan told him of the man. But of course, he knew nothing for certain. At least working in a forge seemed to be a good idea for Lucan, for his brother. That was at least a start. "I hope for both your sake and your brother's it does too," Arthur said, hoping that his brother would -- as Lucan said -- calm his personality with such work. It would be a terrible thing for two brothers to constantly be in tension with each other. Arthur had no brothers by blood, and would hate to see one of his closest friends lose his own relative due to a clash of personalities or goals -- or lack there of. "Hopefully working will teach him some discipline." Especially working for someone else, for he doubted a blacksmith would tolerate Griflet's shenanigans.

"There will have to be a point where he realizes that he can not live in such a way." If he was a man, he'd realize that he would have to support himself, and that he couldn't just run from his problems, taking advantage of his brother's success, when he should be finding his own. "One can live in misery for only so long, before they are forced to take action. Whether it be good or bad. I do believe it good that he has come to you though." As Lucan left his home, and became a knight, he clearly showed that he was of mature and responsible nature . . . hopefully something his brother could learn from. His trail of thought lead well into Lucan's next words of how he had become a knight, joking over his passing of the test. He gave a bit of a smile at the memory, though it was a fond one. Arthur doubted he'd forget any test that one of the knights had taken . . . and passed. True, there were periods where no one passed it, but there were other times when someone did. "I have to admit I was rather surprised that you were able to pass it," he said jokingly. He knew Lucan's skill was great, and was not too surprised when he did last a minute in combat with him.

"I thought you'd only last for ten seconds, and even then I thought I was being generous," he said, still kidding around. "But it was more than luck Lucan, you know that," he added, countering his first comment about it being a 'lucky shot'. His test wasn't designed to be defeated by luck . . . it was designed to be defeated, or passed, by pure skill and strategy. When he once again said that he could manage, Arthur just nodded. He did not want to force his help, and could only hope that Lucan would feel comfortable coming to him if he needed it . . . though he had proven to do such right now. Something that Arthur felt glad for. "Very well. Just know that you can come to me should you find yourself needing any sort of aid. And if I am not here, just speak to Merlin." He trusted Merlin enough with such things, like the issue of money. "Let me know if you'd like me to speak to him at all as well." Arthur knew that if he was not inclined to listen to his brother, then he'd be less inclined to listen to a complete stranger -- even if he was the prince -- but still. Arthur wanted to offer, just in case.

"I knew it – you liked Merlin too much to get rid of him." Oh dear god. "I wouldn't say I like him," Arthur began, joking of course. "I just don't want to go through the effort of training another servant. It took long enough to housebreak Merlin. I don't think I could go through that again." It was true that Arthur had thought at times of having an additional servant -- like Cedric but that was because Merlin had been acting like an idiot. Of course, ignoring the fact that Merlin had been right about Cedric all along. But oh well. Other than that, and firing him because of his accusations against Valiant, Arthur had never considered getting rid of him. He was stuck in this job now. It was odd to think how attached one could get to their servant, but he was finally understanding the bond that Morgana felt with Guinevère. A strong friendship, despite class differences. The line between ranks was becoming more and more blurred . . . first with Merlin, and then because of Guinevère.