Cast No Shadow [Percival]

[Romily de Braose]

The library always provided Romily with a very good refgue. It gave her the chance to get away from the livliness of the castle. Not that she didn't welcome it, but it was always nice to have time to herself. She'd spent many hours in there today, browsing spines and mindlessly flipping through pages. It was nothing like the library at Wolfhall, and of course she highly doubted that any other could compare to Camelots.

The castle had been fairly quiet for a day or so. Arthur had rode out to Longstead to search for the party that had gone there to help cure a sickness that had fallen upon some of the villagers there. Along with him went Gauis as well as Agravaine, Arthur's uncle. It felt strange, not having anyone there apart from servants. She would've at least thought that Agravaine would've stayed behind. She hoped that everyone was found safe and well and that nothing had happened to them.

Romily left the library, book in hand - it was too nice a day to be stuck inside and she would take advantage of the sun all she liked. She passed a few servants and then turned the corner down a hallway.
Just as she was about to turn and head down the stairs she stopped by the window. It looked out onto the courtyard below. But it wasn't the view that had caught her attention, but rather the group that was now riding in and dismounting from their horses. Arthur was back, and with everyone accounted for so it appeared. Romily watched them from the window fiddling with the book in her hand. She'd make a note to go and see Gauis later on as well as Arthur when he wasn't busy. At least then she'd be thankful for some company.

She turned her head, looking down the stairs and seeing some of the group walking in, Gauis included. He gave her a small nod before following the others.
With that, Romily turned her head back to the window again, the courtyard now so much busier than it was before.

Tagged: Percival
Timeline: S4, Set when the Knights return after Lamia.
Setting: Camelot Castle
Music: Tudors OST - Jane Washes Her Hair

[shonz]

Percival still couldn't believe that he and his fellow knights had fallen prey to the wiles of a lamia. They would probably be dead now had Arthur arrived a minute late. They had been told of what the lamia was doing to them, and how it was practically a beast out to take the life out of them. It all seemed a distant memory, but Percival could still clearly remember, with shame now, how he had protected the girl, how he had treated Merlin badly in keeping him away from the girl. He had practically shunned his friend in favor of a girl he knew nothing about. While they had all been under a curse and were very helpless against it, Percival was still feeling very remorseful. He hadn't stopped apologizing to Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur since he regained consciousness.

Riding into the gates of Camelot brought nothing but a welcome sense of home and happiness to the knight. He had never been so glad to be back home. While the adventures the knights would have by themselves or with Arthur were always something he looked forward to, he knew they were all fraught with danger. And anytime their lives were always at stake. The sight of Camelot was also something that made him feel better always. This was his home now.

While the group had started walking into the castle, Percival had decided to stay and spend a few more time with his horse. He couldn't help the thought of the lamia riding with him, basking in the comfort and protection that he and his horse offered her, only to turn against them. He had been so gullible, so naive. But then Lamia herself had been such a poor sight, no man could resist her. He had ran to her rescue first when they stumbled upon those bandits in the forest. He had comforted her, protected her, took her in his arms to soothe her seemingly frazzled state. It had all been an act. And Percival could have died doing all that to her. His horse neighed as if listening and understanding his thoughts, and Percival ran his hands through the horse's thick mane. "We're home now. We're safe," he comforted his horse.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily saw one last knight standing in the courtyard. He looked as though he was talking to his horse as he stroked it. She smiled to herself, it was always nice to see the sensative side that some of the Knights had. A few that she'd met had quite a hard manner, despite their chivalry.

Romily turned and headed down the stairs, walking out into the courtyard, stopping at the top of the steps and watching the Knight with his horse. He was quite tall, very tall indeed. Romily couldn't help but notice that he had no sleeves on his chainmail, which was most unusual, as all of the other Knight had their sleeves as well as their capes. Romily supposed that this was what made this Knight in particular stand out, despite his height.

She made her way slowly down the steps and approached him. Bobbing a curtsey as she stopped in front of him. "Forgive me for interupting you my lord, I couldn't help but to come and admire your beautiful horse" she smiled and stroked the horses mane, "and to of course welcome you back."
She then bit her lip and looked embarassed, "Im sorry" she laughed, "How awful of me! I haven't even introduced myself, I'm Romily." she felt her hands tighten around the book she was holding.

[shonz]

"Forgive me for interupting you my lord, I couldn't help but to come and admire your beautiful horse."

Percival was shook out of his thoughts at the sound of a sweet voice from nowhere. He turned to find a lovely lady with hair of gold, eyes startingly emerald, and a smile that just lit up her face. For a moment there, he was mesmerize as if in another spell, then Percival caught himself and abruptly stepped back as if warding her away. He cursed inwardly at still feeling a tad bit traumatized at his encounter with the lamia that the sight of all too friendly women was giving him unnecessary nerves.

"and to of course welcome you back."

He nodded at her pleasant welcome and tentatively gave her a smile. She must have noticed his earlier discomfort for she immediately apologized and introduced herself. Now that he had a chance to carefully look her over, he did remember seeing her once or twice around Camelot, during parties and celebrations or even just on regular days walking around the castle and the grounds. This was no enchantress or a beast out to get him. She was just a noble woman, well meaning, and breathtakingly beautiful. Not quite sure how to compose himself after his fumble earlier, Percival shyly gave her a small bow.

"I'm Percival," he introduced with a hesitant smile. "I'm sorry too...for looking all shocked and surprised when you came over. I...uh...wasn't expecting it." Then still feeling a tad bit embarrassed, he turned towards his black steed and continued to stroke him. Somehow, the feel of the horse against the palm of his hand relaxed him. "He is beautiful, isn't he? He's a gift from the king himself," Percival found himself saying.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily frowned slightly as the Knight suddenly stepped back from her. Ok, that was most unusual. She looked at little crestfallen but kept her smile "Am I really that scary to look at?" she asked and then backed off herself. "I'm sorry, I don't mean you any harm". She saw him give a small nod and a smile. Ok so maybe he was just shy.

A small flush of embarassment came over her when he bowed. "I'm Percival," Ah yes, Romily had heard of him, but had never actually put a name to a face. She should've known that he'd be the tall one. "I'm sorry too...for looking all shocked and surprised when you came over. I...uh...wasn't expecting it." Ok, now she hadn't actually meant to scare him - at least she knew that he wasn't actually afraid of her. Then again why should he be? The only weapon that she had on her was one of speaking out when being asked not to. And in her experiance, that was something that she would not be doing in Camelot.

She gave a small laugh and brushed off his apology. "Please, you've no need to - I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that" she told him and patted his horse.
A present form Arthur? Well that was hardly surprising. "Arthur is very generous" she sighed, "sometimes too generous." Anyway enough about that, she looked at Percival and grinned, "besides, what is a Knight without his horse?"

[shonz]

"Am I really that scary to look at?"

Percival felt himself redden with embarrassment when Romily frowned and backed of herself. He had not meant to offend her in any way. He was just taken aback, and he regretted reacting that way to her. "No, no, not at all, my lady. You're quite beautiful actually. It's just that...we've met a woman in our journey...and she wasn't who we thought she was." Percival thought it was best to explain to her why he had reacted that way. "She was a magical creature of sorts out to ensnare men. All of us fell prey to her power. We almost died. I am terribly sorry if I acted quite stupidly upon seeing you." The last thing Percival wanted was to hurt her feelings. He knew of course that she meant no harm. He didn't know her that much, but he had seen her around Arthur and the other nobles to think ill of her now. He can't generalize all women just because one did them wrong.

A small and shy smile appeared on his lips when Romily brushed off his apology. He noticed how she was comfortable around his horse, and wondered if she liked horses just as much. "I'm just not used to having ladies approach me here in Camelot," he told her shyly. He figured because he was practically of peasant stock that most nobles pay him no mind. So this encounter was truly a pleasant surprise.

Then again, he bit his lip when he realized that she probably hadn't come for him, but probably for the horse. "I owe Arthur my life. Hence, I am here to serve Camelot with all my heart." She probably didn't need to hear that. Where was Sir Gwaine when he needed him? His fellow knight would most definitely know the right things to say to the lady at a time like this. "You like horses? You seem to be very comfortable around Midnight, and it seems Midnight likes you, too." Why wouldn't he? A pretty maiden was running her dainty hands across his mane. Any horse would have loved that. He knew he would.

[Romily de Braose]

She felt her cheeks redden slightly when he called her beautiful. "Oh...er...thankyou" she looked down at the ground, not really being used to anyone calling her that straight out.

Romily looked back up and smiled at him. "You have not offended me" she told him, wanting to make sure that he knew that. She listened with intent to his story about the woman who he'd met on his travels. One of magic and who had set to toy with men and bring them to death. Thankfully this wasn't the case for Percival. "I know that if I were in your shoes and was approached by someone who I thought a threat, I would've done the same" she told him, "so your reaction does not surprise me." No wonder he'd been wary, he thought that Romily had wanted to kill him!

"I'm just not used to having ladies approach me here in Camelot,"

"Well then allow me to break that mould" she grinned, "I hardly know of anyone here, no matter how long i've taken up residence in Camelot for, I tend to stray to the sidelines at court events, to be honest, i'm really not used to it - especially the sudden transition back to 'Lady'" she eyed him, "I have seen you before - I thought I might come and introduce myself."

She could see the cogs working in his mind and gave a small chuckle. "I have not really come to admire the horse Percival". a knowing look crossed her face. "Although he is quite something" she laughed lightly as the horse gently nuzzled her hand. "I used to have a horse called Fira. She was such a spirited and gentle animal, just like your midnight". Romily looked back to Percival and smiled, not really knowing what to say. Then she remembered what he'd just said about Camelot, he had such a passion about it in his voice "How long have you been a Knight for?" she asked.

[shonz]

Looking at Romily blush now, Percival could tell that his face was probably of the same shade of red as hers was. Maybe even redder. He wasn't sure if this conversation was turning out as well as it should be. He knew he ought to take advantage of it, make new friends, lady friends. Gwaine and Elyan would definitely envy him. All in good and clean fun, of course. His other brother knights actually have the advantage over him when it comes to ladies and friends in general. Gwaine was just too much of a casanova to be held back. Elyan had spent a considerable time in Camelot to know the people around. And Sir Leon...well of course, he is Sir Leon. On the scorecards, Percival was totally lagging behind. He hoped this conversation with Romily would make a turn for the better.

He heaved a relieved sigh when Romily told him she understood his reaction. He was glad that Romily was not like any stuck up noble he had known and met before he became a Knight of Camelot. "Thank you for understanding. For a while there, I thought it was going to be the end of me," he replied, feeling a little bit more comfortable now.

"Well then allow me to break that mould" That was certainly very gracious of her, and Percival felt rather shy but grateful at the prospect of making a friend out of such a lovely lady such as her. "Like you, I prefer the sidelines myself. Glad to know I'm not the only one," he replied with a chuckle, happy to know that he wasn't the only one who was technically still new to Camelot. Then he caught her remark about her and being a Lady.' "I don't mean to pry, but what do you mean your sudden transition back to Lady?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

"I have not really come to admire the horse Percival" Percival blushed yet again when she seemed to have read his mind. He didn't know how to respond to that so he just let it be. What exactly do you say to a remark like that. So you've come to admire me? Percival laughed inwardly at such an egoistic retort. He also can't ask her outright why she had come, can he? He didn't want to unnecessarily push her away. "Such a beautiful name Fira. Where is she now?"

When she asked him how long had he been a Knight, Percival swallowed a lump in his throat. Is this it then? When she finds out he's not really of nobility, she would surely end this conversation. Percival prepared himself for the inevitable. "A year or so. I'm one of those men that Arthur had brought in to save Camelot from Morgana." There was a hint of pride in his voice when he told her that, but there was also unmistakable sadness there. Would she shun him now that she knew exactly who he was? Well, it was good while it lasted, Percival consoled himself.

[Romily de Braose]

"Thank you for understanding. For a while there, I thought it was going to be the end of me," Romily gave a small laugh at his comment, "Now why on earth would you even think like that Sir Percival." she teased slightly.

So Percival was one who prefered to stay on the sidelines just like her? Well now that was something. Most of the knights usually had the company of the other ladies of the court or would break off into small groups to consume hideous amounts of mead and end up on the floor at the end of the evening. "Then it appears we have something in common then." that was when he became curious of what she had said before.
She looked at him and then back at Midnight. "I...well...I left home a few years ago after an unfortunate incident that i had should've had more control over. I've worked as a barmaid ever since, and it was only upon a chance meeting with Arthur that we became friends. He is the one who has helped me seek refuge here. I owe him a lot more than he actually thinks." she explained, "It's only now that i've started being recognised as a Lady again rather than 'Millie the baramaid'."

She then looked back down at the floor realising what she had just said. "Anyway i'm sure that you know why I have chosen to come over and talk to you" she finally said, tapping Midnight's nose playfully as he tried to devour her book. She'd have to bring some apples for him later. "Fira is back at Wolfhall - my home in Carmelide". she answered, "I hadn't the heart to take her away from a place that she loved. Besides - I would've only had to part with her if I hadn't had found a job, and I couldn't have beared that."

He was one of the men who had helped Arthur? One of the ones who Arthur had knighted for their efforts? Now that was quite something. Extrodinary if anything. "And right he was to knight you - I heard of everything that happened as well as the men who helped being rewarded for their efforts. It just shows how far people will strive to defend what they love." Her eyes flickered to Percival's and then back onto Midnight. "If you believe that I would think any less of you because you are not of noble blood then you are very much wrong" a devious look crossed her face. "Those things do not matter to me, it is very much what's inside, rather than out - and even know I can see what Arthur has seen in you."

[shonz]

Percival became thoughtful as he poised himself to explain to the Lady Romily about their encounter with the lamia. "The lamia was a scary creature. She makes you think she's helpless, get you to want to protect her with all that you have. Then you start to feel for her, she lures you in, seduces you. And then when you kiss, she just heartlessly sucks the life out of you. Gaius nursed us back to health when Arthur found us in that abandoned castle she led us into. She was taking us all out one by one," he told her, shivering at how easily he had been put under the spell of that beast of a woman. He thought he had been strong enough to protect her, but he was too weak to resist her.

He smiled when she told him they had something in common. Not a lot of ladies of nobility would admit to having something in common with a peasant. In the strictest sense of the word, Percival was still a commoner who had yet to get used to his status as a knight of Camelot. He listened intently when Romily told him about her life. How she had left home and worked as a barmaid to fend for herself. That must have been real hard to leave a life of luxury and to experience being in need for the first time. Then he smiled when she said Arthur had helped her. The King really does seem to have his way at picking up well-meaning strangers and helping them out. "I'm sorry you had to go through such hardships." Percival would have wanted to know what made her leave her home, but then he didn't want to pry, so he chose to lighten up the moment instead. "You're probably the most beautiful barmaid there is in all of Albion. I bet a lot of men flocked to the tavern where you worked just to gaze upon you," Percival said casually and rather innocently, not realizing that he was sounding a lot like he was flirting, like Gwaine.

"At least, we know that Fira is still in good hands. I mean you can always go back and get her now that you're all settled here in Camelot, can you?" he asked. He certainly understood the bond that is formed between a person and their horse, and he could only imagine how Romily must be getting along without Fira. Here in Camelot, he knew Fira would be well taken cared of.

A blush unexpectedly crept up Percival's face at what Romily said. "It means a lot to me to hear you say that. Thank you," Percival said rather shyly. While he had met quite a number of nobles when his father was still alive working as a carpenter in various castles, he had known most of them to be rather condescending to people of his kind. It was refreshing to meet more and more nobles here in Camelot who think and feel as Arthur does. Feeling totally at a loss for words, he fumbled for anything to say. "Ummm...I'm taking Midnight to the stables to feed him. Do you want to come along? If not, it's okay, you're probably on your way to somewhere else," he said with another shy smile.

[Romily de Braose]

Percival went on to explain about Lamia, and in detail too. Romily had never before heard such talk of magic and magical cratures until she came to Camelot. Yes her father used to tell her about such things, but as she felt alienated - there was neither the need nor desire to question him on such things. Durwin wouldn't have answered them anyway. "Then it is just as well that she did not pull you in deeper, then perhaps you may have been lost to her" she told Percival once he had finished. "Did she escape?" she dared to ask, knowing that Arthur most likely wouldn't have returned with his party until whatever had got them had been dealt with properly.

"I'm sorry you had to go through such hardships." he said as she explained about leaving. "If I were you, then I wouldn't be" she smiled, "besides, it's made me stronger - I've realised who my true family and friends are." and family was certainly not her father.
A blush came over her as Percival said he thought her beautiful. She couldn't help but laugh though. "That is where you are wrong on both accounts. Men did not come to stare, nor am I beautiful." She was still not used to having many people compliment her and for Romily, this was still very new. She had no idea whether or not he was flirting with her either, as she sounded so shy and innocent. "However...thankyou" she smiled, "for the compliment that is".

Romily smiled at the memory of her horse. "I hope so" she sighed, "but I can never go back there, for one I have always said that I wouldn't and then there's my father, who wouldn't welcome me at all." she sighed, "No - she is far better off without me." She could see just how much Percival cared for Midnight, and had she not have been in such a hurry to leave home then she would've gladly taken Fira with her. "Ummm...I'm taking Midnight to the stables to feed him. Do you want to come along? If not, it's okay, you're probably on your way to somewhere else,"

At this she nodded and smiled up at him. "I'd love to"

[shonz]

“Arthur killed her or the monster that she had become. I owe the King more than a debt of gratitude for saving my life. All of us knights do,” Percival said as he looked back on that dreaded moment when death had been so close. Percival have had his own brushes with death before and while he was serving Arthur, but none of them had come as close as the lamia did. Percival knew an offering of thanks was needed…and a renewal of his vows and loyalty to the King as a knight of Camelot. If his allegiance to Arthur had been strong before owing to what Morgana had done to his family, it was even stronger now because of Arthur himself. Now, Arthur had just gained himself a knight as staunch unlike ever before in Percival.

Percival nodded when Romily expressed that her experience had only made her stronger. He noticed that she did have that resilience about her that made her move about unlike any sheltered lady. It was not hard to see how self-confident and self-assured she was, a trait you can hardly find in any lady of noble blood these days. He chuckled at the blush that had stunningly stained her cheeks when he complimented her, and gave her a small bow when she gave him her thanks. Despite everything, she was still all shy and humble. Truly a noble woman unlike any he had met before.

When Romily agreed to go to the stables with him, he started leading the way, gently guiding Midnight. He felt sad about the thought of her father not welcoming her anymore and that she had to sacrifice her love for Fira because of that just as well. “I’m sorry. I know how it feels to be alone. You can never get used to it no matter how much time had gone. But I’m glad to have found a new home here in Camelot, and I think you are liking it here as well,” he told her with a smile.

He guided Midnight towards his stall in the stables as a couple of stable boys rushed forward and started taking care of him. Percival stepped to the side to take off his chain mail and hung it at a nearby post before grabbing a pail full of fruits and vegetables, and started feeding his beloved steed. “You know, if you ever feel lonely around the castle, you can call on me anytime…” Percival offered but then stopped himself realizing that she might misconstrue his words for something else and take offense. “I mean…to keep you company…” That didn’t sound quite innocent either. He swore he had nothing of the naughty sort in mind like Sir Gwaine probably would have, and a blush suddenly colored his cheeks at his fumble. “You know…umm, accompany you to the marketplace or something—you do go to the marketplace for a stroll every now and then, don’t you?” He kicked himself mentally for fumbling that one up. How can an offer for accompanying a lady around Camelot be such a chore for him?

[Romily de Braose]

Trust Arthur to be the one to save the day. Romily couldn't help but chuckle in her mind. She was relieved that Camelot had a King who was willing to lay down his life for not just his kingdom, but also his friends.

Romily shifted slightly to rest her weight on her other foot. The conversation had turned to loneliness, something that she knew a great deal about. It was her best friend after all. "I didn't think that you would be alone when you have your friends around you, Arthur - the other Knights" she smiled, "however you are right when saying that I like it here - I do indeed, it has become more of a home to me than Carmelide, I can say that much." She smiled to herself. "Are you happy here?" she asked a little cautiously, wondering whether he'd settled during his time in Camelot.

Following Percival to the stables, she found a stack of hay to perch on while watching himhand over Midnight to the stable boys. Her brows raised slightly with surprise as he pulled off his chainmail, she quickly looked down at her book so as to not let him think she was being perverted. Not only was he very tall, but he also looked very, very strong indeed. “You know, if you ever feel lonely around the castle, you can call on me anytime…”

She looked up to find him now feeding Midnight, “I mean…to keep you company…” she playfully raised her brows a little more than before. Was he blushing? He certainly looked as though he was thinking that she was getting the wrong idea. “You know…umm, accompany you to the marketplace or something—you do go to the marketplace for a stroll every now and then, don’t you?”

Romily gave a small chuckle. "It's alright, I know what you meant, and I do" she pushed a few hairs from her face, "I do like to walk every now and then, exploring parts of the town or mainly the countryside - it gives me the chance to think and to get away from all the madness." she admitted, knowing that life at the castle and in Camelot could become hectic.
"I very much doubt that I'd be your idea of company, but if you ever want to put yourself through it - then by all means i'd like that..." she trailed off, even that had sounded wrong, "what you said about accompanying me to the market or, well...you know..." Quickly, she looked back down at her book again. Why was it that men could always make her say the wrong things? Not that Percival meant it - in all fairness, Romily applauded him for actually being able to hold a conversation with her.

She rose from her spot where she sat and headed over to where he was feeding Midnight; taking some food from the pail and looking at him. "May I?" she asked - waiting for permission to help him feed his horse.

[shonz]

"Are you happy here?"

"I am very much so. This is happiness for me," He replied with a wide smile that made his eyes twinkle. "Camelot is more than I could ever hope for after I losing my family. Like you, it has become my home now." Romily was right. One can never be lonely when you have friends. Percival have had his own share of friends before but after losing his family to Morgana's evil rages, he had become more a nomad and lasting friendships are not really a luxury.

He heaved a relieved sigh when Romily told him she knew exactly what he meant. The last thing he wanted was to think that he was taking advantage of their newfound friendship. That was certainly the last thing in his mind. He noticed that she seeemed a tad bit uncomfortable expressing herselfas well, and Percival only smiled. Glad to know he wasn't the only one. "A stroll or two to the countrysides or the marketplace sounds grand. If I'm not training, I'm usually stuck with the other knights. I would love to explore of Camelot with some new company, new perspective," he replied. Romily was certainly very kind, and quite shy, too, much like he was. He knew they would certainly make good friends out of each other.

When Romily asked permission to feed Midnight, Percival offered more of the bucket full of fruits and vegetables to her. "Certainly. Help yourself," he said as he too took some food. Midnight was one fierce horse, but he noticed that earlier in the courtyard, he was nothing but well-behaved around Romily. So he wasn't at all afraid that he might hurt her or anything. And besides, Romily knew her way around horses. He just stood there and watched as the two connected. As he did, he felt his stomach grumble. "Ummm...I'm a bit famished. Do you want to come grab something from the kitchens?" he asked with a sheepish grin on his face. He didn't mean to drag Romily around the castle, but he also didn't want to be rid of her company just yet. He would suggested going to the tavern, but he wasn't quite sure if Romily would like that. "But you know, of course, if you're going somewhere, you don't have to..." he added quite belatedly again, not wanting to impose on her.