Within Camelot's Walls

[Sebastian]

The rain had followed them since they had left Albretha, and Sebastian tried desperately to shake off the feeling of being warned against travel. Superstitions, silly thoughts! THe road to Camelot was long,and his horse was irritable and frisky in the confusion of the weather. They travelled for several days before eventually Sebastian caught sight of the City in all its glory, the towers of the Castle rising above the trees. As they entered Camelot, the Prince looked about, curiously. He had been told many things about this land, and it would be interesting to find out which of these tales were true and which were not.

The brunette spent a fairly comfortable night at a nearing inn, avoiding questions as to whom he was, knowing the danger it could bring. In the morning, grateful to see that the sun had risen and that the rain had passed, he set out to find a smithy, knowing that his sword would need sharpening, if only for the sake of appearance. Gently leading his steed through the streets, the Prince eventually spotted a sign for a blacksmithies, smilling a little in relief. He urged his horse on softly, tyiing the animal to anearby post, and moving to the blacksmith's door, knocking softly, hoping someone would be in.

Setting: Camelot

Weather: Raining, though there are some sunny spells.

Tags: Elyan.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan had been working on a dagger for one of the nobles, Sir Philip, his name had been. It wasn't a particularly difficult job he had made plenty of daggers before. More and more people had been coming to him for their needs in weaponry, it seemed he was an alright blacksmith and word had gotten around. More nobles, especially, had been coming to him recently and they no doubt paid handsomely. Elyan couldn't help but notice that the increase in productivity at the forge seemed to have happened in sync with the time he had become the queen's brother. It seemed they thought being in good favour with Elyan would put them in the royals' 'good books.' But Elyan did not really have a huge part in such politics, so it their efforts were for naught. Although he couldn't complain, the extra business was great, and he wasn't exactly going to tell them to leave.

Many had expected Elyan to stop working at the forge after the recent turn of events. But he hadn't stopped when he had become a knight, why should he stop just because his sister married the King? His work had never been a chore; it was more of a privilege. Quite frankly, he loved it. He wasn't going to stop just to meet 'social standards.' He never had a care for it and he wasn't going to start now. He wiped his forehead as he continued to sharpen the edge of the hot blade, it wasn't near ready yet, but Elyan had been feeling particularly ambitious today and had been hoping he could finish the dagger. But the hot metal was being stubborn, so it seemed he would have to wait for it to set and finish it tomorrow morning. He turned his back to the desk he had been working on and contemplated taking a bath, he probably needed one. But he could hear the faint sound of rain on the roof of the forge, so he would probably have to wait.

He closed his eyes, leaning on the desk and took a deep breath. The previously hot coals were but burning embers now and the slight crackling sound soothed his mind a little. He was startled at the sound of a knock on the door. He hadn't expected anyone to come, especially with the rain outside. Elyan made his way to the door. Maybe it was Gwen, although her visits had been becoming rarer; he completely understood though. Elyan opened the door to reveal a slightly wet man, he looked like a noble from the way he was dressed, quite a rich noble too. But Elyan couldn't say that he recognised him. Maybe he was from out of Camelot. "Hello Sir, how can I help you?" He said politely, opening the door further and stepping aside, so the man could could come in.

[Sebastian]

The blacksmith looked weary, and Sebastian hesitated, not wanting to put pressure on this man if he were already working far too much. He bit his lip, taking the man's silent offer and stepping inside, grateful for the brief respite from the rain. "I apologise for troubling you," he said softly. "But I do not know Camelot, and yours is the first blacksmithy I have come across since entering here."

He hesitated, taking the moment to take a sip of water from his water skin, grateful he'd not thrown it out or anything stupid, as he'd almost done earlier. "If it would not be too much trouble, I wonder whether you would mind sharpening my sword for me?" He asked softly. "I must meet with the King later today, and I do not think he would be impressed by all accounts if I were to come with a dirty and unsharpened blade." The Prince gave a wary smile. "And if he did not care, then reports would get back to my homelands, and THEY would certainly care."

Note: Let me know if you want me to change anything!

[cherryblossom131]

His previous theory was correct apparently; he wasn't from Camelot. "No it's absolutely no trouble at all," he said with a friendly smile in response to his words. Elyan wasn't particularly busy and if this man needed help then he would gladly give it. He began to become a little curious as to who this man was, as he silently stood while he drank. Elyan knew he wasn't here as a knight for a tournament or else he would have heard. Maybe he had come for courtly duties. If so, then he must be quite high up in the social ladder.

When he specified what he wanted Elyan to do, he gave a short nod. His inner question had also been answered when the nobleman continued to speak of how he was going to meet with the King. So, he was here for the court, it almost made Elyan wonder if this man could be a prince. For as far as he knew it was only members of a royal family that had the responsibilty of representing a kingdom. "I will gladly sharpen the blade," he said bowing his head slightly. "Although I doubt the King will care much for it," he added with familiarity. As far as Elyan knew Arthur wasn't superficial; at least not anymore thanks to his ever wonderful sister. He wouldn't exactly toss the man out because he had a dirty sword. "May I ask for your name?" Not just out of curiosity, but common curtesy. He needed to know who's sword he would be working with.

[Sebastian]

Sebastian smiled gratefully as the swordsmithy agreed to sharpen his blade, unsure otherwise where else he would have managed to do so. "It is greatly appreciated," he said softly. "I will pay you well for your services, my friend," He could sense the man eyeing him as he drank, wondering what this man thought of a complete stranger coming and asking for such a thing. As he finished his drink and the man continued to agree to sharpen his blade, Sebastian nodded his thanks. "Again, I thank you for your kindness," he said softly

He cocked an ear as the man spoke of the King, raising an eyebrow at the familiar way in which the smithy seemed to speak of the man. Curious and more curious. Was this man knowledgable with the King? Or was this a King who valued the opinions of all his subjects? It was an interesting thought... perhaps somehow they knew each other. He smiled softly as Elyan asked for his name, cursing his own bad manners. "My apologies, I should have given it sooner. My name is Sebastian," he said softly, neglecting for now to mention that he was a Prince. The man paused softly, looking toward Elyan. "Might I ask in return for yours? Purely so I can recommend you, if anyone should ever ask for a swordsmithy in Camelot?"

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan smiled warmly at his words of appreciation. As he spoke on about money Elyan gently shook his head. "Money isn't of importance," he didn't need it. "I am merely sharpening the blade." Usually he wouldn't charge for such a thing. "It is a trivial task." It would be borderline rude of Elyan to ask money for something as simple as sharpening a sword. It was fair, as was all the money Elyan accepted. But in the past, on more than one occasion, nobles usually strongly insisted Elyan take the money, which would also usually be a large amount. Those were the richer and kinder nobles, who weren't stereotypically snobbish and conceited. He wondered if this man would be the same.

Sebastian. So that was his name. It rang a bell in the back of his mind as if he'd heard the name tossed around the castle among the nobles and sevants. He hadn't really paid it any mind. Elyan noticed he failed to include a title, whether intentionaly or not, he didn't know, but decided he wouldn't pry. If Sebastian didn't wish to share that particular piece of information then he would respect that. He held his hand out as Sebastian spoke, inquiring his name. "Hello Sebastian, it is a pleasure to meet you," he smiled warmly up at him. "My name is Elyan," he introduced himself. "And there is no need for recommendations, though I appreciate the offer," he chuckled. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you speaking with the King?" Elyan knew it was not his place to ask the question but it seemed his curiosity had gotten the better of him.

[Sebastian]

Sebastian raised an eyebrow as Elyan refused the offer of money, nodding slowly. "If you insist, but if there is ever anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask," he promised softly.

He glanced at the smithy as he told him his name, hoping there would not be any sort of recognition there. There didn't seem to be, thus the man relaxed a little. It wasn't that he midned if Elyan knew his name, he just didn't want to have a preconcepted opinion in Camelot, especially for the delicate matter he was here for. As Elyan asked as to why he wanted to speak to the King, Sebastian paused, weighing up the odds. If all went well, what was the harm? And if all went badly... at least he would be known by the townspeople - if only by one - to have been attempting at some sort of peace.

"I come to try and negotiate a peace treaty with King Arthur," he confessed softly, lowering his voice a little. "My father and Uther I believe were... at odds, and I would like to try a way to find a way to change that," he shrugged softly. "Whether I am successful is another matter, but there is no harm in trying, surely?"

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan gave a short nod when Sebastian offered his assistance in anything in the future. Elyan thought it was very considerate of him to say. He refused to take money for such a trivial task, but he willingly accepted the man's simple offer of help should Elyan ever need it. He doubted he would ever take him up on the offer but he appreciated it none the less. He noticed slight hesitancy Sebastian had at his question, making Elyan think he had over stepped his boundries or maybe even offended him by outright asking a question that was pretty much none of his business really, and he could've just asked his sister about it later.

His fears were quelled however, when Sebastian diligently answered his question. A peace treaty? At least it was nothing negative. He listened intently as Sebastian continued, speaking of their father's not particularly good relaitionship. "Whether I am successful is another matter, but there is no harm in trying, surely?" Elyan smiled knowingly. "I'm sure the treaty will be a great success," he truly believed that. "Arthur's main goal is peace above all else." He was a good king, a king of the people and he knew that peace was best for the Kingdom. "As long as that is what you are striving for then you cannot fail." Even if they had different opions on things, as long as peace was the goal Elyan was sure they'd find common ground. He knew Arthur was building his own kingdom, and making an effort to step out of his fathers shadow, so their past was hopefully not going to be a problem. "What kingdom do you come from?" Elyan hadn't failed to infer that Sebastian was a royal from his words, but he wondered where he was from.

[Sebastian]

The Prince smiled a little, grateful that this man seemed to have trust in Camelot's King. For the people to believe so in their King spoke of the King's possible compassion toward them. Either that or the King had brought their silences. Considering how Elyan had turned down Sebastian's offer of payment, however, the Prince doubted it. But as the man spoke of Arthur, and his willingness for peace among all things, the brunette's guard laxed a little. He nodded softly, taking in the information this man was giving him willingly.

"Peace is all I ask for," he assured quietly. "My father has done many wrong, and I believe the King's father might have been one of those whom my father wronged. I came personally to hope that I could show the new King I am not like my predecessor. He paused as Elyan asked him where he came from, knowing the knowledge woudl get out eventually - surely there was no harm in telling him? "Albrethia," he stated softly. "It is far beyond Camelot's walls."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan visibly relaxed when the Prince spoke of wanting peace. That was fortunate. Elyan had no doubt with that in mind that they would be successful in their treaty. He would have to ask Gwen about it later. He was intrested now, with how it would all turn out, now that he had met Sebastian. Peace was most definitely better than the alternative. Peace meant that not a drop of blood would ever have to be spilled. Elyan knew that was what Arthur was striving for, what he wanted as the foundation of this new kingdom he was building. Arthur wasn't as proud and stubborn as his father, not to say he wasn't proud and stubborn at all. But he knew what was right for the kingdom and the people above all else. He had Gwen anyway, who would always manage to keep him level-headed, Elyan knew that.

He listened on as Sebastian spoke of his fathers' wrong doings. Elyan knew all too well of Uther's wrong doings, but he had moved on long ago. Not for a second did he ever blame Arthur for his father's death though. In Arthur, the blacksmith saw hope, hope for a prosperous future for Camelot. He imagined, judging by what the prince had said, he was the same. Wanting to prove he was not a mere shadow of his father. Elyan admired his courage in wanting to fix his father's mistakes.

Albrethia! He had heard of it. "Albrethia, I haven't had the pleasure of going there, but I have wanted to." When Elyan went travelling all those years ago, he had seen many places, but he hadn't had the chance to visit Albrethia. "I hear it is a stable and prosperous kingdom, is it doing well?" He asked with sincerity.

[Sebastian]

Sebastian smiled, grateful to hear good things about his kingdom from one that lived so very far away from it and was in no way politically connected to the Royalty here. He sighed softly at Elyan's question, debating on how to respond, before going with the truth. "Since my father's death, the Kingdom has been more prosperious, for he was a man crazed by fortune and the glory of battle, as he saw it," he stated softly. "I have been trying to make amends and peace as best I can, and thankfully the people are beginning to see the rewards of my efforts, though it may take many years for them to come entirely into fruitation,"

He paused softly. "I hope you do not think this innappropriate," he began quietly. "but what do you personally think of the King, Arthur? I have heard so many views of him it is hard to know what to expect. If you would be willing to give me your opinion, I would value it greatly."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan listened as the man went on to speak of how he was trying to better his kingdom. Elyan knew that doing so through peace was of course the right course of action. It made him admire the prince, that despite his father's attitude he had turned out different; better. "I'm sure that if you continue in this course of action the people will grow to love you as their sovereign," he said sincerely, because he truly meant it. "Because if your intentions are true, then not a drop of your people's blood will be spilled. So how could they not fully respect you for that?" If his father was truly a power crazed almost tyrant, then of course his people would grow to respect him, for bringing about good change.

Elyan creased his eyebrows at Sebastian's question. "No I don't think it inappropriate. It's quite a fair question to ask." The blacksmith needed to choose his words carefully, but decided to speak from his heart. He would tell the prince what he believed to be the utter truth. "Though the king may not be perfect, I believe along with I'm sure many others, that he has the potential to be the greatest king Camelot has ever known," he said with sure conviction. "He has a good heart and a fair head on his shoulders, and although he may still be young I believe him to be wise," he continued. "He may be a little stubborn but he is not afraid to ask the opinions of those around him, like his new wife." He smiled widely when he mentioned his sister. She had made Arthur a better man.

He finally said with a voice as confident and sure as his heart was with his next words, staring straight into the eyes of the man in front of him. "I would, and so would most of the population of this kingdom, willingly die for that man and the future and hope he will bring to us all."

[Sebastian]

The Prince smiled softly at Elyan's words. "You honour me with your words," he spoke honestly. "I can only hope to gain their trust and respect, in time. But their hatred and mistrust toward my family is strong and reasonably put - they have made many people suffer." the brunette sighed quietly. "Time will tell, I suppose. I only wish for peace; I abhore war with every cell in my being. I woudl not see the blood of my, or anyone else's, people shed to gain lands or wealth."

He listened quietly as the blacksmith spoke of the King, praising him with good sense and intelligence. Watching the other man's face as he spoke, Sebastian could find no lie in his eyes. It seemed too good to be true, though. But perhaps... perhaps it was really so. Perhaps a King had finally come to Camelot who was all these things this man claimed. After all, for what reason did Elyan have to mistell the truth? He nodded softly, pondering the words the blacksmith had spoken, knowing they would stay with him when he met the new King. "To know that one who has no political ties to the King and his own, and no political gain, is so willing to lay down his life for Arthur is indeed encouraging," he said honestly. "I am glad I came to Camelot, even if these peace talks do not go the way I hope they will, for it has enabled me to see how a people can truly be loyal to their King."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan could see the obvious conviction in Sebastian's words and the evident sincerity in his tone. He was a good man and Elyan truly respected that. He could tell that the prince, although young had the right morals. Thankfully he also had his head screwed on straight, which strangely quite a lot of people hadn't. He wasn't a power hungry noble and Elyan was extremely thankful to whatever or whoever that had made this man different. Because now lives didn't have to be taken, destroyed or ripped apart because of a royal's selfish desires. "I must say that is good to hear. There are many who wouldn't have the courage to change their family's legacy like you, were they put in your position. Hopefully your people will recognise that."

Elyan listened to Sebastian's positive words and his face visibly dropped. Oh no. The prince obviously didn't know of Elyan's relation to the royal family; to the queen. He sighed openly; how could Elyan have been so stupid! And then Sebastian spoke of how he was glad of coming to Camelot because of the words Elyan had said...Great! It was as if the prince was trying to make him feel even guiltier for unintentionally leaving him ignorant of the fact that Elyan was the queen's brother. He almost didn't want to tell Sebastian that he was technically 'politically tied' to the king, but Elyan was no liar. He tried to carefully choose his next words. "Well, that might not be exactly true," he began, watching the prince's reaction carefully. "I am the queen's brother." He just let it out; there really was no point in stalling. "But what I spoke was the truth, and has nothing to do with any political gain or anything like that," he added quickly, with a sincere look in his eyes. "The king is a brother to all the people; it makes no difference that it happens to be written on paper for us." He genuinely hoped Sebastian's views on Camelot and its people weren't tainted; that he still thought all the people to be loyal because that was the utter truth.

[Sebastian]

The Prince smiled softly at Elyan's words, nodding. "Unfortunately I agree; and I fear that my people worry I will follow in my father's footsteps and cause them more suffering. It is not my intention or purpose - indeed, I wish to do everything to avoid such suffering up on them."

He watched the blacksmith's face drop as he spoke... interesting. Was something being held from him? Alas, his suspicions were confirmed when Elyan confessed to being brother to the Queen, and Sebastian nearly cursed aloud at the way he had unintentionally possibly insulted the man. "I meant no insult," he began softly. "And your opinion would matter to me whether or not you were in line with the Royals; I merely tend to find that the people are more likely to speak ill of their King rather than another, which was why I was... relieved to hear such a positive opinion from yourself."

[cherryblossom131]

The compassion in the Prince's eyes was evident to Elyan. It was wonderful to hear someone speak so caringly about others. It was because of this that Elyan genuinely thought Sebastian would be a great leader to his people. Being a leader of a Kingdom wasn't just about knowing ways of the court, or being educated in the history of the Kingdom, or even about having military skills; although all of this contributed Elyan was sure. But it is about being so much more than that, it's about the people and how you treat them. For what is a Kingdom without its people? "The way you talk about your people and the compassion in your words are truly inspiring to me, and I've only just met you," he chuckled. "Even the most stubborn of your people will eventually grow to respect you as the leader of the kingdom; it's an inevitability, if what you speak is what is truly in your heart." But Elyan didn't doubt him.

"I meant no insult," Elyan gently shook his head. "There is no insult taken at all." In fact he had thought he'd insulted the prince by withholding the very important fact of his relation to the royals. When Sebastian spoke of his relief to hear Elyan's opinion, he smiled warmly. "I was just afraid you may have thought I would only praise the king so, because he recently happened to be my brother in law. I've just always noticed that...that he has the extraordinary ability to make those around him feel hope, pure unconditional hope even in the darkest of times, where hope should be an impossibility." It was remarkable. "I think that is why the people, especially his knights, are loyal to him; he is a kind king, with a strong-hearted queen."

[Sebastian]

"I thank you for your words, Elyan," the brunette spoke softly, bowing his head a little in respect to the other man. "I can only hope the people of my kingdom eventually come to see things the way that you have described, and that I can fully restore peace to them." It was going to be an almost impossiblity - his father had been quick tempered, and not exactly the most diplomatic of people... he had made many, many enemies; some of them, Sebastian knew, he would never regain. But that did not mean he could not try. "That is all I wish," he admitted quietly.

The Prince shook his head, denying Elyan's words, raising a hand "Peace, my friend. I think of you no differently now that I know you are the Queen's brother; indeed, the fact that you have been forthright with your identity proves your honesty, a commodity to be encouraged," he smiled softly. "And it is still good to hear that the King has commanded such respect amongst his people, no matter who they are." He hesitated. "I had been afraid he had taken the Queen as a diplomatic gesture only, to appease the people," Sebastian admitted. "But from what you say, this is not so."

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan couldn't even begin to imagine what burden a kingdom could be on one's shoulders, having to please your own people and your allies, which was sometimes an impossibility. But he knew a potentially good ruler when he saw one, and right now one was standing right in front of him. Despite his youth and Elyan only having just met him, he could see genuine care and hope in the prince's eyes. "You need not fret, my lord. You can worry about the future when it comes, for now just do all that you can as a leader," he smiled warmly. "In the end that's really all you can do, and your people will come to recognise it, especially if you solidify an alliance with Camelot." Elyan wasn't ignorant to Camelot's wealth and power. If Sebastian were to ally himself with a kingdom like this, it would certainly help solidify his rule.

Elyan smiled at the prince as he said he thought of him no differently despite his high status as the queen's brother. He was frankly quite relieved too. He grinned when the prince continued to speak of Arthur and the respect his people have for him. "I can safely say that the people not only respect Arthur, but they truly love him with all their hearts." He strongly believed that. "I have no doubt that in time your people will be the same," he added with a warm smile. At his hesitation, the blacksmith creased his eyebrows, but listened on as Sebastian spoke of the queen. "Oh no, quite the contrary actually," he began. "They went through quite a battle to finally have the chance to be together." A battle indeed, Elyan sighed inwardly when he remembered all the hardships they had faced. "Their union is based on love, and love alone," he smiled. "It's actually rather beautiful don't you think?"

[Sebastian]

The Prince winced a little at being called 'my lord', but said nothing, making a note of it though, so that if the blacksmith said so again, he would ask him not to. "you speak wisely, Elyan," he complimented softly. "I regret that I was not trained to think in the present, but to always look to the future. It is something that is hard to shake oneself out of, I have to admit," he gave a rueful chuckle, shrugging. "Hopefully, this allience, if it comes to pass, will give my people time to rebuild their lives without threat of invasion or tyranny."

"It is a relief to hear such a thing," he stated softly. "I have to admit, I had heard very little of your King, and what I had heard was not... showing him in the best of lights," The Albrethian shrugged a little. "But then, the person who spoke of him was not to be trusted.. it is one of the reasons I came, if I am honest. It is good to know the people are so loyal to their King. I hope one day to gain such loyalty from my own people." He listened quietly as Elyan spoke of his sister, and nodded, musing the words over in his head before eventually he spoke. "Indeed, it does sound like a beautiful story," he said softly, smiling a little. "And again, I am grateful for you for dispursing rumours and thoughts, for I should not like to go to the King's courts thinking one thing and being misled by those thoughts!"

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan nodded in thanks at Sebastian's compliment. Wise...he almost chuckled. If his father could see him now, being called wise, after all the foolish and very unwise things he had done in his youth; it brought a smile to Elyan's face. As the Prince spoke about being used to thinking to the future, Elyan nodded in understanding. He had expected as much. He figured it was probably a ruler's duty to constantly think about the future of their kingdom. However, Elyan had taught himself to live in the present and he had successfully done that his entire life, and after everything he is truly happy. He only wished the same for Sebastian. Elyan listened as he spoke on about his hopes after the alliance. "You have many forward thinking thoughts for one so young," he began. "It is something to be admired in a leader," he smiled warmly. "If anyone is wise here it is you, my lord," he said respectfully. He may be the queen's brother but he hadn't forgotten his manners.

Elyan raised his eyebrows slightly when the Prince spoke of people talking about the king negatively. But he stayed quiet as Sebastian continued. "There are many who wish to destroy the hope Arthur will bring, and also those who were enemies of his father and seek revenge." If it wasn't so ridiculous Elyan would think Camelot's enemies were unlimited. "But as long as the people of Camelot are loyal to him, they will not succeed," Elyan smirked. "You should be commended for seeking the king out rather than trusting those who lie, that is one of the reasons I do not doubt you will gain your people's loyalty," he gave a soft smile.

As they spoke of Guinevère, Elyan couldn't help but grin, especially after the prince's words. "Beauty is not without its thorns, it has been a long and treacherous journey, but they made it in the end." His grin only grew wider. Elyan chuckled softly at Sebastian's words. How embarrassing would that have been? "You are most certainly welcome," he smiled warmly. "Camelot may have a few faults but the people are scarily good and fast at spreading gossip," he chuckled. "Are there any other rumours you'd like me to confirm?" He'd hate Sebastian saying the wrong thing in court, especially since Gwen's banishment and what a sore subject that was.