In The Name Of The Prince [Arthur]

[lucan]

He trod carefully through the bracken – avoiding stepping on twigs (which was a little hard as they were in a forest) or anything that could make a sound.

The hunting party that he’d been out with the previous morning had been attacked by some kind of beast, with the head of a cobra and the body of leopard with scales??!! Lucan had immediately drawn his sword but had been forced to flee with the others. There was no way that anyone could single handedly take down a beast such as that.
The court physician had conformed that the creature was indeed forged by magic – a questing beast to be precise. Lucan had never heard of it before, but before today he’d never thought that a mythical beast could take on the form of a mixture of animals. Of course, the King had ordered for it to be hunted down and slain, despite the physicians warning that a bite was fatal – they’d set off that morning.

They’d spent at least half an hour trying to seek out the creature – it wouldn’t be hard, as the thing couldn’t exactly be missed! Sword drawn and ready to take down any obstacle, Lucan walked beside Arthur – occasionally looking over to check the Prince was still there and hadn’t been taken from under his nose. Over his dead body that it would happen.

“Do you think it’s still here?” he whispered to Arthur, looking around to see whether the others were following them, “we don’t exactly know if it stays in one place for long – just that we can’t let it nibble on us”

Nibble? That thing had eaten one of his friends alive the day before! He kept a firm grip on his sword and also the spear that he’d brought along. As long as he had enough sharp things then hopefully the beast would be dead within no time at all.

“This is ridiculous – where the hell is it? It’s not as though we’re looking for a tree in the forest!” he hissed, the beast stood out like a sore thumb and yet so far there was no trace.
If the party came back with no results then he was sure that Uther wouldn’t be pleased and would most likely send them out again until the thing was dead.

Tagged: Arthur Pendragon
Timeline: Season 1 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Setting: In a forest, early morning

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur knew that he should be fully focused on the beast they were on the trail of. And he was . . . but he could not easily dismiss thoughts of Morgana in his head. He knew he nightmares were bad, but he had never seen her in such a state that she had been in: running out in her night dress, begging him not to go. It was one of the few -- if not the first times -- she had been so desperate for him to not go out and fulfill his duties expected of him. It was not like her. It had been so peculiar that he didn't even make a joke about her concern for him. Even he knew that that was not a time to make jokes at her expense. He didn't know what it was. Were her nightmares finally pushing her to the edge of sanity? He most certainly hoped not! He prayed that Gaius' sleeping drafts would work and take proper effect so that they would never have a recreation of what happened earlier today in the courtyard. While Arthur would never admit it, he was afraid. Not for himself and not by her warnings to not go after the Questing Beast . . . but worried for her and how this sleep deprivation and her horrible night terrors were taking such a evident negative affect on her.

Sir Lucan's voice broke Arthur from his thoughts and forced him to regain all of his focus on the matter at hand. All the men were prepared with their swords out and ready. This creature had already proven to be incredibly dangerous -- as it claimed the life of poor Sir Bedivere -- and so none were going to underestimate it. That much was clear from the large number of knights that joined in the hunt. "It has to be," Arthur answered in a determined voice -- and a hopeful one. He motioned to the footstep, one that they would come across every few miles to show that they were on the right track. "We have its trail, so long as he stay on it, we should eventually come across it." This was where being a skilled hunter came in handy, and thankfully most of the men here were precisely that. Skilled hunters; strong warriors; exceptional combatants. There was no group of men that Arthur would rather fight alongside than the ones with him. Sir Lucan being a prime example of just how excellent the knights of Camelot's army were.

"If I didn't know any better Sir Lucan, I would start to think that you were getting scared," Arthur said with a slight smirk. Lucan was a man he felt comfortable enough joking around with, and of course that was all it was; a joke. He knew that cowardice was something that none of his men were guilty of. But it was of course sometimes amusing to tease them of such things. It especially helped alleviate a bit of the suspense and tension that filled the air as they hunted the beast. Besides, it was also how Arthur tended to face a potentially deadly situation: with humor to cover the fear. While every man here would put on a brave appearance and without an ounce of hesitation, step directly into the line of danger . . . it was impossible to not feel at least a little bit afraid. So long as that fear did not determine one's actions -- aka, running away from sudden danger. But again, this was not something Arthur expected to happen, and he knew it would not. Camelot's army held the bravest warriors, it was something he was immensely proud of.

[lucan]

They were picking up the trail slowly but surely – Arthur was pointing out various prints – obviously made by the beast – and keeping his eye out for anything that could pounce on them.

"If I didn't know any better Sir Lucan, I would start to think that you were getting scared,"

Lucan looked over to him and smirked, “Of course im scared, that’s why im here with this menace” he waved his spear above his head, “the day you see me scared Arthur, will be the day that a woman actually comes my way to talk to me” he laughed.
Both of them knew how impossible he found it to talk to a woman, let alone even breathe within their presence. Not because he was a ladies man – but because Sir Lucan, believe it or not, was quite shy around the opposite sex. At celebrations he just preferred to drink himself into oblivion and then pass out at a ridiculously early time of the evening. This either resulted in him being woken to drink even more or to be dragged back to his chambers.

“This makes me feel like a man” he smirked and spun his spear around a little more, “then again so does anything that’s sharp and pointy”.

Snap.

He stopped and looked around, the others also doing the same, swords at the ready just in case. Well it wasn’t more of a snap, but a crushing noise. “I refuse to believe that was a squirrel” he muttered to Arthur, “I think we’re getting nearer”.

Snap.

His grasp tightened around his weapons. The others seemed to be doing the same, as though any minute one of them would be taken. It was natural instinct as it made everyone feel as though they had something to protect themselves with.

“I hate hide and seek” he muttered again and looked at the ground. There was a few more tracks, and he was sure that everyone had the same thoughts popping into their minds.

It was near.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur's smirk only grew when Lucan confirmed that he was afraid, hence the reason he had his weapon. Good Sir Lucan. Always there to offer some humor. It was no wonder the two got along as well as they did. "Sir Lucan, if you can brave the Questing Beast, then you should be able to brave the presence of a woman." That was something that Arthur found so surprising. Lucan spoke easily enough among the other knights, in fact, he was quite a chatty follow. But when it came to women, he was so incredibly shy. Arthur almost felt bad for him. It seemed that something just came over the man when an attractive woman made her way to him. To Arthur, it was very easy to converse with the fairer sex. One day, he hoped it came just as suavely to Lucan. "Believe me, you will need more than a spear to signify your masculinity. You need a woman."

There was no question about it. Every man needed the company of a woman for there was nothing else like it. Arthur knew that for him, it would never be that simple. His marriage would be for political gain, so he could not be too foolish in his lust for women. Arthur could feel everyone's tension slowly rising as they were creeping closer to the beast. It was why Arthur had given a few motivational lines before embarking on this dangerous task; to give his men that vote of confidence for he believed in every single one of them. That sort of morale was always needed among his knights. Arthur held his hand up, motioning for some to go one way and others to another. They were all going in the same general direction, but they were spreading out a bit more for the tracks were getting more and more difficult to detect, which meant they were coming at a close.

The creature would be lurking somewhere. It wasn't exactly inconspicuous though, so Arthur knew they were have a bit more warning as to when it would enter their presence. "Hold steady," he told him encouragingly, keeping his voice low, barley above a whisper. "Once we kill this creature, we'll be able to return to Camelot, have a feast, where you can stare hopelessly at a woman and then get drunk out of your mind." That seemed to be the general pattern of feasts. But his comment was more so meant to provide him with some optimism, going based on the belief and assumption -- and hope -- that everyone would come out of this journey alive, and well, and in a few hours time they would all be sharing celebratory drinks and engaging in joyful conversations.

[lucan]

Women…girls…err, yeah…

Not exactly a popular past time with Lucan – well it was, but the fact that he couldn’t so much stand next to a woman let alone talk to one was ridiculous for him enough! He chuckled at Arthur’s statement. “I don’t need a woman” he shook his head, “besides what would I have to offer her? And she to me? She’d spend all of her days nagging at me and then nagging about me when im six feet under – I haven’t even been introduced to this woman yet and already she’s driving me insane” he smirked, “anyway – my duties would take me away from her for most of the time so I suppose that would be a blessing in disguise if she turns out how I picture her.”

The snapping noises could still be heard – he saw Arthur gesture to the groups to split up and to hold steady. Lucan had been holding steady since they’d left the courtyard. If this beast was going to attack them, then he wanted to go out in style.
Arthur was now talking about how they could get drunk when they returned. He liked that. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea” he muttered, “and then I can drink you all under the table”. Lucan could hold his liqueur – well…some of the time…ok, not very often, but there was usually a competition between the group to see who would be the first to pass out. Usually he’d be the last between whomever he was challenging and then five seconds after he was declared the winner, he’d pass out. “Mind you – every time I stare aimlessly at a women she always ends up coming over and talking to me”

That was when he truly passed out! He didn’t know what it was about women, but they seemed to have about as much of an effect on him as thirty odd goblets of ale did.

“Do you want me to stay with you? Or head off in that direction?” Lucan asked directing to nowhere in particular, “I’ve got a feeling it’s somewhere around there” he pointed forwards – just ahead of them were some large rocks and a cave.

Time to start making preparations for his funeral.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur chuckled a bit at Lucan's description of woman. "Well for one, you certainly can't even offer her a few words," Arthur said teasingly. "Surely you see that they have far more benefits than they do negative qualities." For one, they were beautiful. Of course Arthur's mentality of them had not quite yet exceeded to feeling something deeper than pure lust. So it was usually the physicality of how she looked that drove him towards her company. He had yet to learn of the deeper relationship between two people. Then again, he had almost married Sophia . . . but even now, thinking back to that incident, he immediately recognized it as a mistake and was not sure what it was about her that made him so compelled to do such a thing. Granted, she was beautiful beyond words but still! He had only known her for days and was ready to marry her.

Arthur quickly snapped himself back into the reality of where they were, realizing that once again, he had woman on the brain. "That's true. I wouldn't want you to be too distracted from your duties. But even then, I only want the best for my knights, and finding a woman to teach you a thing or two couldn't be a bad thing at all." Arthur was of course kidding, about the sensitivity part. But he did believe that woman provided men with strength; a kind that they could not attain any other way. Arthur just shook his head a bit when Lucan spoke of the tempting idea of getting drunk. "Maybe you should stop staring at her from afar and next time show a bit of bravery by approaching her first instead of waiting for her to come to you." It seemed that noble woman preferred that. Sometimes it was built up, flirting with them at a distance through looks and expressions, but eventually, they enjoyed being approached as it was flattering. It showed that they had caught his eye and this in itself, was regarded as a compliment.

Of course, it never hurt to throw in a few words as well. "What makes them so terrifying to you anyway?" Arthur asked, his tone mixed his sarcasm -- as he did not believe women to be terrifying at all -- but it also had a strong curiousness to it. He wondered if Lucan had a bad experience with a woman . . . something that traumatized him beyond belief. Arthur thought for a moment at Lucan's question. The Prince turned his head behind him, seeing Merlin at a distance. "It seems to be where the trail is leading," Arthur said, his voice getting significantly lower. He was fairly certain that the beast would be able to hear them approach, but still. If there was the slightest chance that they would be able to creep up on it, and corner it . . . then they may as well take it. "Just wait for Merlin to catch up. He and I will head off in that direction, and you and the others break off separately in case it has already exited the cave." Then, some of them could keep checking for a trail or maybe Arthur could lure it out and they could all attack it at once.

[[ I'll have him break away in my next post! Unless you want it to be later? Just thought I'd build up the moment a bit! ]]

[lucan]

Lucan chuckled at Arthur’s statement. “I can offer her very little words, you know how I get like Arthur! I sweat and then I become self-conscious that I smell because im sweating and then I go all dizzy…” he tried to justify the situation hurriedly. “I…I just…well I just can’t talk to them! They think im weird enough let alone stumbling over my words in front of them” he sighed. He didn’t know why he was so shy around girls; it was just in his nature and something that had always been present in his persona since childhood.

“Of course I can see the benefits” he sighed, “I just…oh whatever! All I know is that you guys find it so easy and then there’s me stuck in the corner and not even having the courage to approach a girl”. He envied Arthur and the others sometimes. It was all well and good for them to speak with ease to the courts women, but for Lucan it was a challenge.

Lucan smiled weakly when Arthur practically told him to man up and approach a woman instead of just looking at her. “Watching seems to be all that I can manage. I hate feeling weak” he muttered the last part.

They carried on further into the forest. The noises becoming a little more clearer and louder. Yes, they were defiantly near. Lucan held up his spear, just incase the thing was to launch itself at the prince.

“You can’t expect to take that thing on by yourself? And with Merlin??!!” Lucan didn’t mean to sound so offensive but Merlin was no knight. “Arthur surely not? It’s suicide”.
He nodded at Arthur’s order anyway, “I will obey you – but if anything happens to you then im going to carry a far greater guilt than the others”. It was duty though, and duty also meant a duty to death should it ever come upon any of he and his fellow brother knights.

Lucan stopped and looked to where Arthur was to head with Merlin. “Right, I’ll join the others then” he nodded to the prince and started off in the direction where the group had gone.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Even under the tense circumstances, Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at Lucan's discomfort regarding women. Especially as he began to explain the process of how his interactions with the opposite sex went. Despite the age difference between them, Arthur felt he needed to help his friend out . . . somehow. If this was a phobia of some sort, then Lucan truly had the most unfortunate fear and trepidation. "You are not weak by any means," Arthur assured him, not wanting him to mistake shyness for a weakness. Not all men shared the same strengths and skills, but by that no mean meant he was weak. "A weak man would not be out here right now," he added. "Merlin's an exception," he explained, mostly teasing his man servant as he was the only one here who was not trained in the art of combat; he was the only one here who was not a knight actually. Arthur knew that Merlin had other strengths . . . ones that compelled him to bring along his servant and close friend to these dangerous missions.

"I'll tell you what Lucan, once we have dealt with this creature, then we will work on altering your fear and enhancing your ability to talk to women." Arthur often said that he would try to help him out, but this time, he truly meant it for just hearing the poor man talk about his difficulties in doing such a thing was sad. Especially when Arthur knew for a fact that knights often had the art of chivalry down packed, and poor Lucan's was going to waste due to his inability to talk to the fairer sex. Arthur saw the very large paw print, assured more than ever that they were going in the right direction. "Lets follow the trail!" He announced to them all, telling them to press forward. He was not the least bit surprised when Lucan questioned his reasons for going along with Merlin. As Arthur previously acknowledged, Merlin was not trained in the art of combat nor had he any sort of formal training. But Arthur could not explain it. He would never admit it, but at times, he just felt more at ease when Merlin was with him. This feeling however would never be vocalized to anybody . . . not even Merlin.

"I'll be fine," he assured him. Arthur did not want his friend to carry any sort of guilt, regardless of the outcome. "Remember our agreement Lucan," Arthur reminded. It wasn't exactly an agreement per say . . . more so just his way of telling Lucan that he would be fine, and that soon, he would force him to talk to a woman at the feast that followed this victory. When he set off with the others, Arthur began to enter the beasts lair with Merlin, officially splitting up from the others. A large hissing sound echoed in the air and Arthur knew that this was it: they would soon be faced with the beast. "What is it?" Merlin asked, but Arthur could not answer. "Shh!" He stated. It was getting eerily quiet . . . until Arthur turned and saw that the questing beast had sneaked up on him!

As it was a reflexive action, Arthur pushed Merlin out of the way; out of harms way. Hopefully, he would exit the lair and seek protection from the other men before he got injured. He did not see where Merlin had landed, somewhere on the ground, for Arthur had been far too distracted by the beast itself. Arthur was ready, sword out, fully prepared to strike it as many times as he could until he gave it a good single mortal blow, or several strikes to destroy it. But he never got the chance. The questing beast raised its paw, and clawed Arthur in the chest. The Prince went flying back, hitting the ground extremely hard. His eyes closed instantly after the injury was cast and darkness consumed the young prince.

[lucan]

Arthur must’ve heard him call himself weak, because now he was saying that by being out here he was anything but that. He snorted when Arthur mentioned that Merlin was an exception. “If I didn’t know you any better I’d say that you secretly like him and his company”. Merlin wasn’t that bad, well from what he’d seen of him anyway. Usually he was trailing along after Arthur and being shouted at for most of the time, Lucan hadn’t actually spoken to him – not even as they were out now.

He shook his head at Arthur’s suggestion. “It will be a waste of time and you know it. I’ll end up doing something stupid like falling over my cloak or not saying anything at all – really, im fine as I am – with or without a woman” he chuckled. “Besides, there are very few women at court who want me – they’re all after you” he gave the prince a knowing look. This was true. Given that Arthur was a prince and did come with a lot of advantages then lots of women rallied around him. Lucan was glad about this as it gave him the chance just to sit and stare at them, without actually having to make any conversation.

Now they were going to play follow the leader – the trail was becoming clearer than before, and with the noises that were being heard, Lucan knew it was around there somewhere. He still couldn’t get over that Arthur was going to take one route with Merlin – surely it would be wiser to go with a group?

“Him?! Arthur, im sorry but he can’t even pick up a sword let alone wield one! How on earth can he protect you? How can he help you protect yourself?” Lucan asked. He didn’t like this plan at all. Arthur and everyone here knew that Merlin wasn’t a knight, nor was he able to defend himself in combat. Well, it seemed that way. He nodded at Arthur’s words, “Im serious – agreement or not” he stated, “good luck”.

With a small smile he headed off in the direction that the first group had gone to. They almost managed to kill him as he stumbled on through the forest, thinking that he could’ve been the questing beast. Thankfully Lucan had managed to avoid Sir Lionel’s blow. “What do you think you’re doing!” he hissed

“Sorry Luc, we thought you were the beast”

“Do I LOOK like the beast?!” he replied with annoyance in his tone. If Lionel’s aim was any better then he would’ve been dead by now.

Lionel smirked and they carried on. “Arthur wants us to take this route – it leads to the opposite end of where the cave is – that way if it’s already exited before Arthur and Merlin can find it, then we’ll find it a lot more easily.” Lucan explained.

“Great” Lionel mused, “Merlin?! He took…”

Lucan stopped him, “I already raised my concerns but if Arthur knows what he’s doing, then I trust his judgement”

“I just hope he knows what he’s doing” Lionel sighed.

The group carried on, Lucan leading them in the direction that Arthur had instructed them to head. So far there was no sign of the beast or Arthur and Merlin. If that thing was in the cave then…

A loud screeching sound interrupted his thoughts. He held up his hand and the group stopped. Stuck to the spot. They looked around, swords at the ready. The screech had sounded as clear as day. It also sounded painful in Lucan’s mind, and it came from the direction of…

Oh no…the cave!

“Come on!” he called and set off in the direction of the cave. “Arthur!” he yelled as they grew nearer, “Arthur!”.

They hadn’t seen the questing beast leave so that made him worry even more. If it were still in there then Arthur and Merlin would most likely be too. Hopefully not dead.
Lucan then heard a voice from inside the cave, shouting for help. Swearing that it belonged to Merlin, he and the others immediately headed on inside. There he was met with the scene that he’d feared the most.

The Prince lying motionless on the ground.

“Get him up now!” he yelled on seeing the blood that was now seeping out of the wound he’d just spotted.

Never mind whether the beast was dead or not, they had to get him back to Camelot, and fast.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not sure what was going on. He heard voices so distantly in the background, yelling various things, yet none of them were clear enough for Arthur to comprehend. They were almost muffled sounding, even though they were getting closer to him. He could not even differentiate between them. He tried to force his eyes open but it seemed as if they were sealed shut. He try to move any muscle in his body, even if it was just a finger! But his efforts were fruitless. What he did begin to feel was a burning pain surging through his body; through his veins. It was horrible. Arthur cringed in utter pain but he doubted there was any physical sign of him doing this. Never the less, he felt it within him. He felt the heat of the burn, which almost immediately caused small tears of sweat on his forehead.

It was excruciating.

He needed it to stop. He wanted to yell for them to get Gaius, or to give him something to cease the burning. But he could not open his eyes to make this pain known. Nor could he open his lips to speak. He was rendered defenseless; motionless; impaired at the very worst. He had heard that one bite or strike from the questing beast would cause certain death. Had Arthur's mind been fully functioning, he would have acknowledged this and his pain would have been replaced by a fear of never waking up. While he'd never regret fulfilling his duties -- even if it did cost him his life -- no man willed death. No one wanted to die. He was no exception to this, yet what could he do? The overwhelming pain was getting the better of him and he could no longer fight against it. He began to drift deeper and deeper into unconsciousness, darkness consuming him, not expecting to ever open his eyes again.

[lucan]

Lucan looked to Merlin as they walked back to where they’d tied up the horses. Lionel and the others were carrying Arthur. Merlin told Lucan all about how the Prince had swung for the beast giving it a mortal blow, but was stuck but it when doing so.

“I knew it!” Lucan cursed to himself; “I should’ve gone in there with you! We all knew what the beast was capable of!”

He was beating himself up inside. He wasn’t going to say it in front of the others but Arthur had been foolish to go in there alone with Merlin in the first place. If the whole group had gone they would’ve stood more of a chance! He looked over his shoulder where the others were walking as quickly as they could. “How is he doing?” he asked. Stupid question really – how the hell did he think he was doing! He wasn’t lying down on the job and counting daisies for crying out loud! He had been mortally wounded! Well that was what the questing beast was supposed to give. Lucan hoped that the myth was wrong.

“Still breathing, but it’s not looking good Luc, the wound looks incredibly deep, and what did the court physician say about…” Lionel, ever the optimist, began.

“Don’t!” Lucan held up his hand at the thought. “Just don’t – we need to stay positive, for Arthur’s sake. And that means picking up the pace and getting him back to Camelot rather than dawdling and checking out the view”

“He’s really heavy Luc” Lionel cut in

“Then just as well we’re near the horses then isn’t it” Lucan said, teeth gritted. “Care to sit down for a rest after Sir Lionel?”

Lionel said nothing, just as Lucan had suspected. “I didn’t think so” Lucan told him, slight anger present in his tone.

They managed to load Arthur over a horse. Merlin would ride on the same one with him to keep an eye on him. It was then that silence fell over the group for the first time since the hunt, as they mounted their horses, ready for ride back.

“Come on Arthur – don’t die on us now” Lucan told himself over and over in his mind.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was flying! No. He was in actuality getting carried from his horse to inside the castle. He was not sure what would happen in the course of the next few days. He had lost track of all time as he had entered this very dark place, finding pain only comforted by a distant voice urging him to wake up, or a father's touch to ease the transition towards yet. Arthur had not given up. Even in his state of dying, he was fighting to wake up. He did not know how successful his actions were for it seemed that every single time he tried, he was still consumed with darkness. Voices came in and out and Arthur heard some more than others. He felt the presence of some nearby, and whenever they were at his side, he used all his might to do something, or say something! To even move a finger or move his eye lid, just to ensure the others that he was still partially alive. But it was of no use. He heard other people's voices, some offering encouragement, others offering the truth. When he felt too much of the burning through his body, he remembered his fathers words, and the way he placed his hand on his cheek comfortingly.

"Shh. Sleep, Arthur."

It provided him with instant relief, and while Arthur did not succumb to the poison, he had entered a very light sleep, too afraid to never wake up to fully permit himself to rest. He did not know how much time passed in between, but the next voice was heard, the next touch he felt, belonged to someone that he had not quite expected: Guinevère. She was stroking his forehead and took his hand in hers. Not in a way that a servant did, but in a way that a friend did. Ever since Ealdor she was becoming someone that Arthur did see as more than merely a servant. He had spent time with her and she was becoming a friend . . . is that what it was? He was unsure. What he did know though is that while he could not move or speak, he could hear every single word. Part of him wondered if he was dreaming, but the other part believed that it was real. Everything felt too sincere for his mind to have concocted it.

"You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you. Because I know that one day you will be King. A greater king than you father could ever be. It's what keeps me going. You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that is fair and just. I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign. For the love of Camelot, you have to live."

He hung onto these words. Using them as further motivation to fight past this vicious curse! He needed to open his eyes! He had to! But no matter how much he tried, he was remained unsuccessful. Was it true? There was really no cure for a strike from the questing beast? Gaius would find something, right? He had to! Arthur was not ready to die! Who would take the throne when his father could not? Who would lead the people? What would come of Camelot?! There was far too much to keep him going to just allow himself to give up and let death find him. As Guinevère had said, For the love of Camelot he had to live! The next time he heard his father speak though, well . . . his words were not very encouraging.

"Is there anything I can get your majesty?"

Yes! He could find a cure to save his son!

"The people have begun to say goodbye."

He knew what that meant: people holding candles outside the castle. He was not dead yet! SEE! He was alive! . . . Sort of.

"He's not yet gone, Sire."

Yes! You tell him Gaius! Tell him that he was not dead! He was fading, but there had to be some hope for he would keep fighting!

"But he will not recover."

No. No! He had to recover! He was a Pendragon! Since when did Pendragons ever quit and easily submit to their weaknesses?!

"Not without a miracle."

There could be such things! Arthur could not afford Gaius giving up hope as well! There were miracles, if one believed in them!

"I don't believe in miracles."

. . . Oh. Well, still! Arthur was not ready to just give up on everything. He was willing t fight. He was not going to let the next breath be his last. He would keep struggling to find life within him. He would battle through the pain. He would do whatever it took to prove to his people that he was not yet gone. That their prince lived! He wanted each and every one of them to blow out the candles he knew they held outside his chambers. He wanted them to rest assured that he would return to them! And yet . . . it was so very difficult to do this when even Arthur began t feel himself fading; felt himself weakening; felt his strength quickly leaving him. Was there no hope, none at all?

[lucan]

A candle! A candle of all things! What use was a candle to ease the pain of such a devastating experience! All he wanted to do to this sodding candle right now was snap it in half with anger.

They’d ridden back quickly to Camelot and carried Arthur to his chambers so as he could be treated. It wasn’t looking good and it seemed as though he was growing weaker by the hour.
Lucan had gone to visit him during one evening, coming face to face with Gauis. He smiled weakly. “How is he?” he asked. The physician was still pottering about. Lucan only hoped he had something else up his sleeve that would make Arthur magically jump up well again. Gauis said nothing, but instead gave him a look that told him all that he needed to know.
He was dying – slowly but surely. Lucan gave Gauis a small nod so as he knew that they were on the same line of thinking.

His heart had sunk even further when he was told that a vigil would be held in the courtyard. “A candle!” he grumbled, “What use is a candle when the prince is dying! I couldn’t give a rats tail if it’s meant to be symbolic – it’s not exactly helping Arthur is it?!”
At first Lucan had refused to take part, but then had come to realise that should he not be present, then it would make people think he wasn’t upset at all.

Now he was stood out in a darkened courtyard with just the candlelight for comfort – or not. Lucan was still kicking himself about it all. He should’ve been there; he should’ve protected Arthur.
He dreaded to think what was to happen now. With the prince gone, no heir and a broken hearted king; the future of Camelot wasn’t exactly looking like a fresh meadow. It pained Luc to think that Arthur wouldn’t be there to guide them, to make sardonic comments about who was fighting like a girl in training, or to push him into a girl just so as he could talk to her (well just Lucan anyway). Everything was lost. Everyone was lost. The Kingdom was at a loss.

He then saw Merlin scurrying down the steps and heading over to where he was. He looked rushed and as though he had something important to tell. Oh no, this looked like bad news.

“Merlin?” he frowned, “What is it? What’s happened? Is Arthur…”

He was cut off as Merlin took him aside and told him of what had happened.

Lucan looked down at his candle and then up at the Prince’s window. He pouted his lips together, and blew out the flame.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not sure what happened or how it happened. The last thing he vaguely remembered was Gaius giving him some sort of drink which seemed to wake the prince up. It just all seemed a bit too convenient. But Arthur was not one to complain about such a thing. He had opened his eyes when he felt his father resting his head by his bed side, having fully expected his son to die. Arthur gave him a curious look as he lifted his head up from his pillow. Curious, perplexed, and a little bit confused as well. His head felt far too heavy to keep lifted though and he quickly lowered it back down as if that one act had been far too draining for him to continue. He didn't say anything right away. He was saving his strength, trying to gather it, collecting as much as he could. After time, he was gathering his strength and was finally able to speak to his father.

"I thought we'd lost you."

Arthur knew his father was strongly concerned, and it did not surprise the prince. What did surprise him was that Gaius had managed to find a remedy, when he himself was the one who told him that there was no cure when someone was bitten or struck by the questing beast. "Don't worry, Father. I'm not going to die." Arthur did not want to go into dramatics and express just how afraid he had been. The best substitute for him to use was humor in its stead. "I think there's someone watching over me, keeping me from harm." Arthur fully believed this. For this was not the first time mysterious aid had saved him. He had not yet forgotten that bizarre ball of light that had come to him in the caves in the forest of Balor, which had ultimately saved his life.

"Maybe you're right. On your long journey to become King, you will need a guardian angel. I shall inform the court that their Prince lives."

And with those words, his father left. Arthur closed his eyes once again, as he heard someone else enter. His next visitor was one that he did indeed want to have a conversation with, for it was Guinevère. His eyes had been closed at first but he opened them when he felt someone looking at him. As soon as he did, her expression almost instantly transformed from worry to . . . relief.

"I knew it. I said you'd be alright."

Yes. Yes she had. Arthur paused for only a moment's silence before he began to speak. "I can remember you talking to me." He had to hold back a bit of a smirk.

"You can?"

This was going to be fun. "You stroked my forehead."

"I was tending to your fever."

Well, of course he knew she was but he had to keep teasing her about it. "You never lost faith."

"I was just talking."

It was more than that. "Tell me again what you said?"

"I don't remember."

Oh that was so not true! "Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

Yes she did! "Come on. Something about 'the man I am inside'."

"No, I never said that."

Oh but she did! "Guinevère . . . "

"I have to get these washed, Sire."

With those words, Guinevère hurried out of the room, and Arthur just lay there with an amused smile on his lips. He had greatly appreciated his words for he had heard her speak so freely and openly to him, even though she thought he could not hear her. He just lay there, a bit of a smirk playing on his lips as he attempted to get up from the bed, and already hearing footsteps in the hallway, of someone else approaching, making their way into his chambers.

[lucan]

Lucan rushed through the hallways. Arthur was alive. He lived! Thank god for that! As soon as he’d blown out his candle in the courtyard, people had begun to notice and mutter. Lucan knew why though – they thought him disrespectful to have done such as thing when the prince wasn’t even dead yet. Lucan knew the truth though.

He skidded through the doors to the prince’s chambers and almost tripped over his cloak in the process. “Arthur” he sighed with relief on seeing the prince fully conscious. “Thank god, we thought we’d lost you”.

Realising he still had the candle in his hand he looked at it, shook his head quickly and then tossed it over his shoulder. “Bloody thing” he muttered, “of all the things in the world that we could pay respect to you with and all we’re told to do is light a candle – makes you feel appreciated eh?” He smirked, “Is it too cliché to ask how you’re feeling?”

Luc took the vacant seat next to Arthur’s bed. “Merlin came and told me you were awake, I think I annoyed a few people by blowing out my candle” then something hit him, he’d seen someone leaving Arthur’s chambers as he’d sprinted down the hallway, “and im sure I saw a servant girl leaving as I arrived here – you don’t hang about do you” he joked, knowing that Arthur wouldn’t take offence. The pair of them could insult one another for hours on the training field and still be like brothers. That was what Lucan liked about Arthur’s attitude. He could take a joke and act like any other man, and not be turning his nose up at them.

“So come on then” he sat back and made himself comfortable, “who was she and what was she doing in here?”

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at the door waiting to see the revelation of who was coming to visit. It was Lucan! This brought a bit of a smile on the prince's lips, for he was indeed one of his closest friends and was not surprised that he managed to be the first knight to visit him. Ironic. Lucan had been the last knight he had spoken to before the incident, and the first knight he saw upon waking him. Seemed like a strange play on fate's part. Arthur shifted his position more, so that he was sitting up with the back support of a pillow. He could not very well lie in his back while there was company, nor did he want his head to rest on the side. He should be sitting up, and looking at his friend properly. For he knew -- or hoped rather -- that Lucan would sit with him for a bit so that he could be caught up on what all occurred in his absence. "Come now. You can't get rid of me that easily," he told him jokingly when he expressed his first words of relief.

Arthur's focus turned to the candle in his hand as Lucan began to curse it. The prince was trying not to laugh over the knight's words, but could not suppress a chuckle which caused a bit of strain. But, it was worth it for he needed something to lighten the mood a bit. Guinevère had been a good start, and now Lucan. "Seems as if it has been but a waste of candles," Arthur told him, having to admit he was rather relieved about that. Not that he had any concern over the conservation of candles; he just meant that they were unnecessary for . . . he was alive! Arthur's smile became a little less teasing and one that was more genuine when he asked how he was doing and further more, explained that Merlin had come and told him of his condition. "I'm well," he told him casually; as well as someone could be who had just been so close to death. But he was alive; that was the main thing.

He could consciously withhstand the pain for it seemed to have been so suddenly and abruptly vanished. Whatever the hell Gaius had given him had certainly worked! "I suppose that shouldn't surprise me, that you were the first to blow out your candle," he said, reverting back to the teasing. "But I do appreciate it," he added more sincerely. He appreciated him being the first to blow it out, and being the first to check on him. It meant a lot to the prince, even if he was not always the best at expressing this. It just showed what a good man and a good friend Lucan was. Upon the mention of Guinevère, a smirk formed on Arthur's lips as he thought back to his conversation with her. He had already embarrassed her enough, he felt no need to further humiliate her by telling others of the . . . rather personal and intimate things she had said to him.

"She is Lady Morgana's handmaiden," Arthur explained to him, finding that the best way to describe her for then it would eliminate any sort of suspicion someone may have, for it would have been highly misplaced suspicion indeed. Even though . . . in some strange inexplicable way, Arthur had felt something different when talking to her just now. Ah well. No matter. It was probably because he was not used to her saying such things to him, as she thought that he could not hear. "She helped Gaius tend to me," he added, only further dismissing any strange thoughts about her presence, which really, should not be all too strange at all. But as Lucan had asked, Arthur felt the need to answer for it was not a lie . . . there was no reason to lie. If anything, his voice sounded grateful to her for her aid when he was so severely injured.

[lucan]

Lucan chuckled at Arthur’s reply. Finally he could breathe again. “Someone’s watching over you I think” he gave his typical Lucan smirk and made himself comfortable in the chair next to Arthur’s bed. “Quite a few of the guys had their doubts when we carried you back – said that it would be too late…” this had made Lucan even more angry when their opinions were voiced to him. “I told them differently”

On Arthur’s comment about the candle blowing, Lucan looked up from where he was staring aimlessly at his lap, and frowned. “It doesn’t?” he asked, and then shook his head. “I know im not the most typical knight, and im pretty sure that when I blew that flame out that most of the people in the courtyard thought the same – but I do know where my place is” he told Arthur, "But I do appreciate it," came Arthur’s reply. “Im glad” Lucan nodded, “Really – if you had died then like I said in the forest, I would have never forgiven myself for it”

On the subject of the mystery girl? Well now that made Lucan laugh, “Is she now” he looked to the door just incase she came back at the wrong moment, “and I hope that was all she did – a man in your condition doesn’t need to be killed anymore than he already has been – or in this case, nearly has been”. Lucan had seen Morgana’s handmaiden before, now that Arthur had confirmed who she was. Gwen? Was that her name? Even so he hadn’t ever spoken to her. He noted a look on Arthur’s face though and wrinkled his nose.

“aaaaaand there it is...” he gave a knowing look to his friend, “The crazy smitten googly eyes”. Obviously the girl had said something that had made Arthur smile.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Someone's watching over you I think." Well that was a rather ironic thought for he had said the same words to his father. It was strange that he had managed to escape death so many times. Was he the exception to all the legends and myths that befell these creatures? He trusted Gaius' expertise when he spoke of how one bite from the questing beast meant certain death . . . but his skills as a physician seemed to exceed the legends that surrounded them. Still, this was not the first time he had been saved in such a way, as his mind wandered back to that mysterious light in the caves of Balor. "I couldn't agree more," he said pensively. Not about to go into details of that, he brought himself back to the present where Lucan went on to speak about how he had given the others hope. Well, putting it gently.

"I wouldn't have expected you to do any less," he told him with a bit of a smile, almost jokingly but at the same time, it was true. He knew Lucan well and he expected him not to lose hope so quick. "I am sure your words silenced them immediately," he added for further amusement, but again, with belief in his words. On the subject of the candle blowing, Arthur understood what he meant. Lucan wasn’t a typical knight; none of them were generic in their personalities for each one held unique traits to them that separated every single one. It was why Arthur had no trouble remembering who all they were; and how he could easily get along with them, as well as how the knights could easily get along with each other. "You most certainly are far from typical," he said teasingly towards his friend. "But I know the meaning behind such a gesture though, which is why I am grateful for it."

Arthur was not one to go into depth about how he was feeling and speak about such things to his brothers, but he had come so close to death. He wanted Lucan to at least understand that the prince truly appreciated his support throughout the entire ordeal. . . even if Arthur had not been conscious enough at the time to fully acknowledge it. The subject of blame was something Arthur had to speak against. He never wanted any of his men to blame themselves should something happen to him. He trusted each and everyone with his life, but that did not mean he expected them to take guilt if he got injured, for it would never be their fault. "You should never carry blame for such a thing. Not when it happened, nor any time in the future should something like this happen again." Should he nearly die once more. "For it will never be your fault," he told him with earnest and a strong, confident voice.

The topic of Guinevère was a bit lighter . . . less intense, more jovial. But still, he would not further embarrass her by telling others of what she had said when she believed him not to listen. Arthur chuckled a bit, finding it straining to his injury but that did not stop him. "She is a nurse when it is required and she tended to me with diligence." He made sure it sounded formal, professional . . . anything away from the discovery of hearing her speak such personal and almost intimate things to him. When Lucan went on to use an . . . interesting term, Arthur could not resist from commenting. "Crazy smitten googly eyes?" He repeated, raising an eyebrow, mockingly disapproving of such a term used to describe himself. "Really Lucan. You must learn to speak to women, for it may teach you a thing or two about them," he teased, smirking as he slowly brought the conversation back to the unfinished one they had in the woods -- and conveniently, away from the subject of Guinevère. "And it sounds like you need a great deal of knowledge on the subject as well," he further mocked, enjoying now being the one to tease him, rather than be teased, based on the content of discussion.

[lucan]

Lucan shifted in the chair. Arthur looked like he’d been through hell and back. At least he was still living – just. “You look terrible y’know” Luc grinned at him. He knew that the prince wouldn’t take offence – nor would he be able to throw anything at him in protest – but he could get his own back on him once he was fit for training again.

"You should never carry blame for such a thing. Not when it happened, nor any time in the future should something like this happen again. For it will never be your fault,"

“But it won’t” Lucan gritted his teeth, not when we’re around (he referred to his brother knights), “It’s our job to protect you and the kingdom my lord – you are the future King and the only heir that your father has – you should’ve seen him when we brought you back – he was at breaking point”. Uther hadn’t left Arthur side since he’d been brought to his chambers. “So I apologise for being blunt – but the blame entirely lies with me on this case”.

Guinevère – ah so she was a nurse? Well that explained everything then. Just not the look on Arthur’s face that he’d had when she’d left and Lucan had walked in. "Crazy smitten googly eyes?" Arthur had now snorted. “Uh huh” Lucan nodded slowly “the very same”, "Really Lucan. You must learn to speak to women, for it may teach you a thing or two about them, And it sounds like you need a great deal of knowledge on the subject as well,"

“I think not” Lucan grinned, “I know you well enough to know that that girl said something that has raised your spirits right up – I may not speak a lot to women, nor may I know a great deal unlike you” he cast a knowing look Arthur’s way “but I do observe them and their partners” Not in a perverted way of course, “you’d be surprised at some of the things that they can say or do, that can make even the strongest of men turn weak”.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"You look terrible y’know" Arthur gave Lucan a subtle glare though it was of course not a genuine one. He would never truly get offended by his friend's insults . . . it was rather fun to banter among him, and the other knights, hence the reason Arthur tended to encourage it. "As do you. But what is your excuse?" Arthur asked smugly. Of course, he wasn't serious, but he was just implying that he had a better excuse for looking like hell: after having just woken up from a period of time in an unconscious state. Yes. That would leave any man looking rather worn down. When Lucan went on to say that he could not dismiss the blame he felt, Arthur was not surprised, but that did not make him willing to allow Lucan to take such blame. He knew his men were loyal to him, but he also did not want them to sacrifice their lives for the sake of one. If they died for the kingdom, that was something else . . . but he never wished to see them die to save only him. Even though . . . it was not an overly rare occurrence for this to occur.

Arthur looked down for a moment when Lucan mentioned his father's state. He could only imagine how the king must have reacted to seeing his son on the verge of death. He also was well aware that his father rarely displayed his emotions, giving the appearance of a strong king -- as showing such emotions was often considered a weakness. He had heard his father's words, even if he could not respond to them, and heard the pain in his voice when he urged Arthur to wake up, and demand that Gaius find a cure . . . unwilling to accept the fact that his son was going to die. "He never is one to admit defeat," Arthur said with a small smile, meaning it more of a compliment towards his father than an insult. Of course at times, it proved to put the kingdom in a compromising position . . . but in this case, he was grateful for his father's unwavering faith that his son would wake up.

Looking at Lucan once again, he continued to speak, this time on the subject of his misplaced blame. "Unless you were the one who summoned the questing beast and caused him to strike me, then you are not the one to blame for this." Arthur's tone was as equally blunt as Lucan's. "What happened could not have been avoided nor helped. So believe me when I say that you were not at any fault in this case." Not him. Not any of the knights. Especially not Merlin who was the only one with him at the time. Arthur could not stand thinking that other people would blame themselves for what happened to him. Yet, he knew how hypocritical this thought was . . . for he knew the weight of guilt, as he often blamed himself for whenever something dark befell the kingdom. The loss of any life, the destruction of any home, the suffering of the people . . . but those within Camelot trusted him for their protection and security. How could he feel anything but guilt when something happened to them?

At least the subject of Guinevère was made on a lighter note, though he still would not tell Lucan what she had said . . . still not willing to cause her further embarrassment. It was one thing when he teased her, but he did not want other people to do the same. It would be far too inconsiderate of him to allow such a thing to happen. While there was nothing to be embarrassed about from her words, he knew she had only been bold enough to say them because she thought he hadn't been listening. Arthur scoffed when Lucan said that he knew a great deal unlike him. "Please Lucan, don't make me laugh," he said, slightly cringing from the amusement that his words brought. "If you spoke to more women, you would understand sometimes how they have the ability to raise a man's spirits, without saying anything at all." Sometimes, it was just their presence. But in Guinevère's case, it had been her words. For she'd been around the castle for years . . . but only recently was she standing out more and more to him.

"You’d be surprised at some of the things that they can say or do, that can make even the strongest of men turn weak." This was completely true, though not surprising to Arthur. He knew full well the power that women had over men. Morgana being a prime example. She was a sister to him, and her words of comfort, or encouragement or anything really, truly had an effect on him. It often made Arthur wonder what it would be like to have a queen who could offer him that same sort of support . . . was it something that only came with love? He knew that love in a marriage was not likely for him, as it would be more for political gain rather than love for the woman that would determine his decision of who was to be his wife and future queen of Camelot. "That doesn't surprise me at all," he began to say with a teasing smile. "What does surprise me, is that you know that," he added mockingly. "Women can have quite an impact on us men. Beyond just a smile from them across the room," he added, continuing to mercilessly tease Lucan . . . for had he not said himself, that a small smile was all he could manage, and a smile from her in return was what started to make him nervous.