Lost and Found [Romily]

[shonz]

One moment, he was supporting Arthur by his shoulders as they make their way into the forest, running away from Morgana and her band of mercenaries that had now taken over Camelot. . Merlin was with them, and Elyan had stumbled upon them along the way. But not shortly thereafter, Morgana had caught up with them, and she had unleashed a powerful spell that had sent them all flying in the air. The next thing Percival knew was opening his eyes to nothing but darkness all around him. He sat up to realize that neither Arthur nor Merlin nor Elyan were anywhere near. Apparently, he had been separated from the group. He hid in the cover of darkness as he listened for any more sounds of hooves or anybody else, but it was all quiet in the night. Percival hoped his friends were okay.

But where he was in the forest, he didn’t know. It was pitch dark and it was hard to get his bearings right. Slowly, he stood and looked up at the stars above him. There weren’t much in sight, hardly useful to use them to find out exactly where he was. It even looked like it was going to rain. Sighing, Percival slumped against a nearby tree as he tried to decide what he should do next. The forests were dangerous in the night, especially when you’re alone. This thought made Percival’s hand reach for the hilt of his sword on his waist, and he heaved a relieved sigh knowing it was still there. Sir Leon had led the people of Camelot into the forest when they escaped, Percival only needed to find them.

But how? That was the question. He needed to go slowly but surely. And safely, too. The last thing Percival wanted was to disturb any dangerous creatures in the forest, large ones in particular, and attract any unnecessary attention to himself.

[Romily de Braose]

The last time that Romily had been in a situation like this was when she was escaping Cenred's spies, only then she'd had Arthur - and even then that was just luck. She had no one now - she was alone and with no protector. Although she knew a little of swordcraft, she had none to handle, and that was a death wish in itself. Romily only prayed that Arthur and the others were safe and well somewhere.

She had found herself running to the forest, trying to get away from the carnage behind her and help everyone in the right direction. Not caring where she went, she'd managed to have split up from the group of people she was with - anyone and everyone just running in any direction that could be safer than the city. Night had now fallen and with no idea which direction she should be going in, Romily decided that the best thing she could possibly do, was to find somewhere covered to stay for the night. She was in a forest full of trees, how sheltered could she possibly get?

Romily carried on for a little while, but stopped suddenly upon seeing the outline of someone against a tree. Morgana's men lying in wait for unsuspecting and unfortunate townspeople? She had no weapons or anything on her to fight back, so should they take her, she could only kick and scream. Romily looked around quickly, only spying a large stick that could only do so much as give a small cut to the head. Still it was better than nothing.

Picking up the stick she kept very still, watching and not wanting to make another move incase she managed to attract attention. With the forests being so dark, she could trust no one.

[shonz]

He couldn't stay here. While the forest was so much better than the hostile confines of the castle right now, Percival couldn't take his chances. He could fight any of Morgana's men should they come continue searching for Arthur, it was the unknown that usually lurks in the forest that made Percival quite hesitant to take his chances. 

He started exploring his options as he stood there against the tree trying to be as alert as he could possibly be. He could climb up a tree to protect himself from creepy and possibly large crawlies. But then that doesn't exactly save him from those creatures that climb and slither along the branches as well. Percival sighed. The only possible thing to do now was to stay awake and alert for as long as he possibly could, which wasn't really ideal in the current situation. He needed rest, he needed to save his strength for the time when they're to face Morgana and her band of mercenaries. Still, Percival was left with no choice. It was the only one left for him.

So he just stood there hoping this was as good as any hiding place for the time being. His tree was surrounded by tall bushes that could effectively hide him should he decide to duck and keep himself out of plain sight. He just hoped any wild creatures nearby were just as busy getting their own sleep to disturb him.

Then in the quiet of the night, Percival felt a presence and he stood up on alert. He was expecting the rapid beating of an apprehensive heart, but it didn't come. Still, he didn't put his guard down and pulled his sword out. He scanned the surroundings but his eyes could only see so much in the dark. So he left his place and started to walk cautiously towards where he thought a fleeting shadow. Sword at the ready, he took one step then another. His eyes and ears were as alert as they could ever be in the dark. He continued walking not realizing that he was already just a breath away from his intended pursuit.

[Romily de Braose]

It seemed as though the unknown figure had now sensed her there. Romily's fingers clasped around the stick tightly, as she now backed away slowly. It wasn't a very good idea in the dark, as she couldn't see what was behind her and she'd most likely stumble and fall on her dress.

A small glint from a blade or hilt of the sword had caught the moonlight, and now she knew that she was indeed, in big trouble. She didn't know whether to just run or keep rooted to the spot until whoever it was, was near enough to see her - and she to see him. She assumed it was a man, because she could make out his rather tall stature.

Romily backed away a little more, her breath a little heavier at the prospect that she had now been seen and some kind of pursuit would start. Now as the figure drew closer to her, she knew that the only thing left to do was to turn and run. And that is what she did, turning and starting to run as fast as her legs carry her. If she was to die now, then at least she could say that she'd tried to escape and defend herself...with a stick! Oh well, no one would know - right now, all that mattered was getting away.

Note: Sorry it's so short - let the pursuit begin! lol

[shonz]

His ears picked up the very slight rustling of leaves on the ground. And when Percival turned his head to the source of the sound, he caught the fleeting sight of a figure that dashed away from its hiding place, a hiding place Percival knew only too well to be one near where he was standing. He didn't even pause to think as his feet just carried him to run after the unknown figure. He ought to be sure it was no emissary of Morgana, otherwise, it might just creep back and butcher him in his sleep. Percival might as well be the first to do the butchering.

So he ran after the figure, which only had a mere moment's lead time from him. Of course, it didn't help that they were runing through the jungle in the middle of the night. Percival couldn't see much of the jungle ahead of him, and he had to brush or hack away low lying branches that smack his face as he darted after the figure. "You there! Stop!" he called out when he spied the figure not far ahead. Of course, he knew that would stop the person he was running after as much as it would stop a thief running away. At least, Percival had the advantage of being tall and limber, and he was already starting to gain on the person ahead of him. Whoever it was, the person was giving him quite a good chase.



OOC: Mine's shorter. Hehe! Pfft It's not the length, it's the content.

[Romily de Braose]

She carried on running, running for her life. She hadn't run as fast as this since she had been fleeing from Cenred's men in the Forest of Balor. Now history seemed to be repeating itself with different consequences, except this time she didn't have Arthur on hand to help. "You there! Stop!" Stupidly she did as the voice called out to her, looking over her shoulder to see where the figure, presumably a man was, and it appeared that he was gaining on her fast.
Taking off again she ran on ahead - if he wanted to kill her then it would have to be in the darkest part of this wood. At least then she wouldn't be able to see his face.

Romily pushed leaves and branches from her face and from blocking her route, it slowed her down, but at least it bided her some time as her pursuer would be taking the same way. Things would have been so different if she'd had stayed working as a barmaid - now she was fleeing all the carnage that was going on in Camelot. At least she had been able to stop brawls in the bar. Here she couldn't even stop anything.

Her foot caught something, possibly an upturned root and before she knew it she was tumbling to the forest floor. Ouch, now that had hurt! It occured to her that wearing a dress probably wasn't appropriate for this type of thing, then again she hadn't expected to be running round the forest in the dead of night. Romily scrambled as much as she could to get away, but it seemed that it all ended here and now. Her pursuer was almost within reach, and with no time to get to her feet, there was only one thing to do.
Quickly scrambling up against the tree trunk she huddled into it, trying to catch the last bit of breath that she may have. She didn't want to look at him, whoever he was. All she did now was just huddle against the trunk and waited.

[shonz]

The dark figure ahead had stopped when Percival told it to, and such was his surprise that he too stopped in his own tracks. Was this man about to turn and face him then? He readied his sword for such eventuality. At least one thing was sure, Morgana's army now were not immortal like the last time. These were mercenaries, hoodlums that she had hired. They can be slain, and Percival was going to get himself a head or two of these scoundrels no matter what.

But before, Percival could launch an attack, the figure had started to run off again, getting deeper and deeper into the forest. At the back of his mind, Percival was wary now if this was a trap, if the person was just roping him in to follow and then up ahead would be a bigger band of thugs waiting to pounce on him. Regardless, Percival was not going to let this one go that easily. If he was going to end up in a one against many fight, then so be it. For Arthur, for Camelot, he would fight to the death.

He was running in hot pursuit of the figure when suddenly, he eyes saw it tumble down from what little light the moon up above afforded him. Panting hard and heavy, Percival approached the figure. His tall and burly stature cast a menacing figure over the person who was no hunched against a tree trunk. Then as his eyes adjusted more to the darkness, his brows furrowed at the sight of...a dress, flowing skirts. What?! Then a flash of gold caught his attention, and Percival couldn't believe his eyes when he realized he was running after...a woman. Quickly, he sheathed his sword, and squatted in front of the woman. She had her face away from him, but Percival could tell that she was afraid. He instantly felt guilty for scaring and pursuing her like that. "Hey," he spoked gently, making sure not to move too close or invade her space. "It's all right now. I'm not going to hurt you. I didn't meant to chase you down hard like that, I am so sorry."

[Romily de Braose]

The figure soon loomed over her. Romily had thought that before people died their lives flashed before there eyes, yet hers hadn't, so perhaps that was a good thing. Her heart was beating so fast and loudly that she thought in a moment or two it would just escape her altogether. Could this man even hear it? Just to show how scared she actually was. Probably not but to Romily it sounded louder than anything else around.

She frowned at the trunk slightly when a voice, presumably from the figure spoke softly. "It's all right now. I'm not going to hurt you. I didn't meant to chase you down hard like that, I am so sorry." Feeling herself shaking, she turned and lifted her head slightly to see the man in question. Why was he saying sorry? Was she not who he was looking for? Had he thought that she had been someone else? An easy mistake to make in darkness, but an easy prey all the same. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dark, taking in what little features that the limited light had to offer. He was tall for a start, as well as appearing quite muscular, she knew that much.

Resisiting the urge to just tell him to kill her and get it over and done with she soon recognised just who exactly this man was. "Percival?" she said, her voice shaking slightly as her eyes scanned his features over again, just to clarify that this was indeed a Knight of Camelot and not one of Morgana's men hunting for innocent people.

[shonz]

Such was Percival's surprise when the woman spoke his name. She knew who he was! There was no doubt now that this woman was most definitely someone who had also ran away from Camelot as Morgana's men had sieged it. Inwardly, he cursed at the circumstances and situation that Morgana had put him and the people of Camelot in again. They were all fleeing for their safety now. While Percival had only meant to stay alive for as long as he could keep Arthur safe and to help him take back Camelot soon, he feel for the people, nobles and commoners alike, who had nowhere to go, nowhere to run, totally helpless and defenseless against Morgana's ruthless band of mercenaries.

Trying to adjust his eyes to the light, it didn't take long for Percival to see who the woman was. "Lady Romily!" he gasped in sheer surprise at having recognized her. He was glad to know that she was alive and finally safe now, but he felt really guilty for giving her quite a scare. "I am so sorry for drawing a sword at you. Are you hurt?" he apologized, looking at her closely when he realized that she had tumbled down during their chase. She might have sprained her ankle or got herself bruised in the process.

At least, she was safe now, that much Percival can guarantee her, much safer than when she was traipsing the forest all by herself. The forest holds so many dangerous things, beasts and bandits alike, and it didn't help that Morgana's men are also scouring the it in search for Arthur. "I wish I could say I know where everybody else had gone, but like you, I'm stuck here all alone as well," he added. While he didn't want to discourage her, he also didn't want to get her hopes up too high. All Percival could promise her was her safety as long as he was around.

[Romily de Braose]

Percival was now apologising for everything but Romily simply shook it off, "Really, there is no harm done - you were merely doing the right thing, after all I could have been someone rather unpleasent." Yes, and so could he have been, but she was still thankful that it was Percival and not one of Morgana's men all the same. "I...I don't know" she replied in answer to whether she was hurt, "I haven't really tried to stand." On this she placed one hand on the tree trunk and pushed herself up, there was slight pain to her ankle but nothing major. At least she would be able to walk on it a little.
"Im fine" she lied and turned to Percival - just forgetting at how much taller he was than her. Right now her ankle didn't exactly matter. "And are you ok?" she asked him. For all she knew he could have injured himself just as much as she had, running around the forest in total darkness.

"I wish I could say I know where everybody else had gone, but like you, I'm stuck here all alone as well," That wasn't good at all, she was lucky to have found him when she had. "I lost my way, everyone just split up and ran to wherever - I had no idea who they were or where to go, the forest is such a large place! I'm just so glad that I have found someone at least" she admitted, "I have no idea just what's going on or why..." she paused, once again taking in his earlier words. "Wait a moment, weren't you with Arthur and the others?" she asked - surely the Knights would have been with their King?

[shonz]

Percival wasn't all too pleased as he watched her test out her feet. She seemed to be able to stand fine, but he felt like she was in a bit of pain. Even in the dark, he could clearly feel her hurting no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Of course, Percival felt guilty instantly. It was totally dark and dangerous in the forest, and he could have led her into some beast or some of Morgana's men while chasing her down. If anything had happened to her, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

He himself was fine. He had been through worse things than this many times during patrol, and many more times when he and his fellow knights accompanied Arthur in his many missions outside Camelot. "I'm fine, but you're not," he told her as he watched her trying to be all brave. He admired her for that, but he wouldn't want her exerting herself any further than she already did. He bet she was just as tired running away from the castle and those ruthless mercenaries.

He surveyed the place and the trunk she was now leaning against and found it to be a little too closed up to see anybody coming. "This doesn't look like a good place to spend the night. Here, let me carry you, and we can go to my little nook back there," he offered. Percival didn't even wait for an answer from her. He just scooped her up into his arms just as easily, and started walking back to his spot.

"I was with Arthur, Merlin and Elyan, but Morgana caught up with us. She cast some sort of blasting spell, and the next thing I know I woke up all alone in the middle of the forest. I can only hope they had escaped," he replied sadly as he walked, Romily in his arms. It was hard to be separated from everybody else with no means whatsoever of communicating. They were practically lost and on their own. "Sir Leon was leading people out, did you leave with his group?" Percival wondered. If she did, perhaps they could retrace her steps and see if they can find Sir Leon and the others in the morning.



ooc: sorry for godmodding Millie there a bit. I can change it if you don't like it.

[Romily de Braose]

"Really, I am" she smiled up at him, he shouldn't worry about her, "besides i've been in far worse positions than this." It was then she said her thoughts out loud, "you shouldn't worry for me - I'm still in one piece".

"This doesn't look like a good place to spend the night. Here, let me carry you, and we can go to my little nook back there", She gave a small yelp as Percival scooped her up, not expecting him to do such a thing. Wrapping her arms gently around his neck so as she wouldn't fall, she looked up at him again. "Really, you do not have to carry me" she laughed lightly, "I am far capable of walking." Yes...just about. "How long have you been here for?" she asked, "or like me, have you just been searching the forest for some sign of life?"

She winced slightly at his words. "Are you alright though? After what Morgana did to you?" she asked, "Gosh I hope Arthur and the others are safe."
Romily nodded when he asked if she had left with Sir Leon's group, "I did - but there were so many people being led out in other groups so quickly that I was left behind from his - so I just start to run, anywhere really...I wasn't really looking where I was headed, everything was such a blur that I just found myself alone trying to find someone and hoping that it wasn't one of Morgana's men" she explained, and then looked around the eerie darkness surrounding themselves and the forest. Even now with someone there, she was still scared.

"Will they come after us?" she asked quietly, "Morgana's men?" because right now the last thing she wanted to do was to another marathon through the forest

OOC: Nope it was fine No need to change it.

[shonz]

"Really, you do not have to carry me"

"Just doing my duty protecting the people of Camelot, my lady," Percival replied with a smile when she laughed. He really wouldn't risk it though. She had stumbled onto the forest floor. If she hasn't sprained her ankle, she has most likely bruised her legs. Percival was exactly no healer to be able to treat any of those in the middle of the forest. The best he could do was make her comfortable and a little less in pain. "Honestly, I have no idea how long I was out. When did you escape Camelot?" Now that she mentioned it, Percival had thought he had only be unconscious for a few hours, that they had fled Camelot only just after dinner. His brows furrowed at the thought that he must have probably been out for days. Who knows how strong Morgana's spell that blasted them off was?

He appreciated her concern. He hadn't really had time to make an inventory of any of his bruises or wounds or anything since it was already nightfall and finding safe shelter was more a priority. "I'm feeling fine right now. I wish the others are safe. Morgana is determined and she's become very powerful," he remarked shaking his head. Percival should know. His parents had died in the hands of her immortal army a couple of years ago, in her first bid to capture Camelot with her sister. While Percival had gained so much after that event, it was also at the cost of losing his family. It was and always will be a sad, painful memory.

"At least, you're alive. I dread to think what Morgana might have done to those who are still in the castle. Gwaine, Gauis..." Gwaine had bravely stayed behind to look after Gauis. Knowing Morgana, she's probably tortured them to get information. He is confident, however, that his friends are loyal to Arthur and wouldn't betray their king.

Percival only shrugged when Romily asked if Morgana's men would come after them. "She won't stop until she's found Arthur and killed him. And she would also kill whoever stands in the way. Until we find the others, let's just keep ourselves out of sight. I'll do my best to keep you safe for the night." Finally, they had reached what Percival believed was his hiding place. It should be good enough for both of them, at least for tonight. "I wish I could offer you something to eat, but we may have to wait until the sun comes up to find some food," he said as he gently placed her down on the ground, against a tree that was heavily surrounded by thick bushes that should give them enough cover. "You can rest now, my lady. I will keep watch." he said as he sat in front of her, facing to the side so he could both see Romily and whatever might be coming at them.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily smirked at his words, it was all well and good doing his duty to the people of Camelot but there had to be some sort of limit. "You forget, Im not from Camelot" she laughed lightly, "but I very much doubt that any Knight of Carmelide would've gone to the lengths that you have".

She frowned slightly, "about a day or so, i've just been wandering and hiding, trying to find any sort of large stick to whallop anyone with. You got lucky, I haven't found any so far" her smile returned to her lips. "I'm feeling fine right now. I wish the others are safe. Morgana is determined and she's become very powerful,"
Romily had heard things of Morgana, lots of things in fact - she never wanted to come face to face with the woman herself, who knew what she was capable of - apparently a lot of things if she was blasting Knights of Camelot into oblivion. "Why is she so determind to take Camelot?" she asked, "She was King Uther's ward was she not? What possessed her to suddenly have so much hatred for a place so well loved?"

Romily looked up at Percival worriedly now, "Gwaine and Gauis were left behind?" she asked, she had only seen Gauis just hours before Morgana had turned up, "I knew I should've stayed behind" she muttered to herself, "I should've helped everyone else." she dreaded to think what was to become of people who had come to be her friends. The only friends that she would ever say that she had. Camelot meant a lot to her, especially as she'd only stayed for such a short amount of time.

Not if I strive to keep you safe first" she found herself saying in answer to Percival's words as he set her down in a secluded place. "Even with a stick im pretty lethal.". With another shake of the head, she refused to allow Percival to stay up and watch all night. "No, if we are to face anything or anyone that comes our way then we do it together" she told him, "I shall sit up with you - after all, I'm not exactly the definition of an ordinary noblewoman." After a job as a barmaid and a father who was more intrested in his own affairs instead of his daughters welfare, she was pretty sure that she wouldn't ever class herself as an 'ordinary noblewoman' again.

[shonz]

Percival couldn't help but laugh as she teased him about what he was doing. She was quite good at making light of situations, which Percival actually find admirable and endearing. Only a strong person, or woman at that, could manage to joke around in times of trouble. "Consider it my apology then for having chased you down like that. And with a sword no less. I don't know what I'd do if I had hacked you," he replied with a chuckle, trying to suppress the shuddering thought of actually hurting her.

He nodded and made a little calculation inside his head when Romily told him how long it had been since they had all ran away from the citadel. That must have been a powerful spell Morgana had unleashed upon them to have him knocked out for at least a day. He was glad that no beast had chanced upon him when he was unconscious, else he would probabley be dead by now. By now, Sir Leon and the other people of Camelot may have already gone a long way into the forest for shelter and to hide away from Morgana. "Why is she so determind to take Camelot?" Percival only shrugged. Nobody really did know exactly why. "I don't think even Arthur knows. She hated Uther, perhaps this was her revenge."

The shock on Romily's face upon hearing that Gwaine and Gauis had stayed in the castle tugged at Percival's heart. He knew exactly how that felt. "I know. I wish the same thing. But what can we do? Gauis chose to stay behind not wanting to slow down Arthur, and Gwaine offered to protect him. They're good men," he said as he let out a rather desperate sigh. Gwaine and Gauis, his brother knights, Merlin, Arthur...all of Camelot had become a big part of his life now. Percival had already lost so much in his life, he couldn't bear losing any more. He could feel that same vibe coming from Romily, and he felt what she felt as well.

If her resilience hadn't surprised him yet, he couldn't help but be impressed with her now, offering to stay up as well. Who wouldn't want a little company in this dark and dreary night? "Well, if say so, my lady, but sooner or later, I know you need to get some sleep so you'd have more strength for tomorrow." Then of course, he couldn't help but be curious when she said that she was not exactly an ordinary noblewoman. "What do you mean by that? You're are of noble blood, and you have that grace and beauty that noblewomen possess. You are every been a noble," he told her, hoping she wouldn't mind him asking her. They might as well talk now it seemed that sleep was eluding them.

[Romily de Braose]

"Consider it my apology then for having chased you down like that. And with a sword no less. I don't know what I'd do if I had hacked you," He genuinely looked sorry at chasing her down, but to Romily it wasn't such a big thing as it was before when he was chasing her. "My father would've thanked you" she chuckled, "besides, it's just a sword - as long as you hacked me down quickly then I would've embraced it." To die a slow and painful death really wasn't something that anyone would look forward to, and Romily certainly wouldn't have wanted to finish her life that way.

She clung to him steadily as he carried her. No one truly knew of why Morgana would suddenly turn against everyone that she had loved, or whether she had was another thing. Never the less she was now sitting on Arthur's throne holding Gwaine and Gauis in a dingy cell. They sat there for a while, Percival giving in and allowing her to watch with him. "What do you mean by that? You're are of noble blood, and you have that grace and beauty that noblewomen possess. You are every been a noble," he'd asked when she said she wasn't normal. Romily just shrugged at this, blushing slightly when he said that she had grace and beauty - it was good that there was darkness around them, at least he couldn't see her cheeks burning. "Not entirely" she'd protested at this, "I speak my mind when I believe it right to do so - sometimes this isn't good for a woman of my rank, my father always saw this as a flaw." she admitted, "always said that I was more like my mother than I should be - Then being a barmaid made me stray even more from my noble ways, well at least I think it did - so I see myself more 'feral' than an 'ordinary' noblewoman." It was then Romily chuckled slightly, "and look at me going ooooon and oooon about nothing of relevance whatsoever - so I think i'll stop talking now."

She really didn't want to bore Percival to death, so now was the best time to just shut up and listen for anything or anyone who could be lurking.

[shonz]

Percival wasn't quite sure if he should laugh at her joke or not. Obviously, it was a joke, he told himself. One, no father would thank anyone for hacking their daughter to death. And two, who would want to die like that? Slow or quick, death was still death. "Don't say that," Percival responded with a chuckle of his own, wanting to keep the moment light despite of the morbid subject. "I wouldn't want to go down in history as someone who had killed someone by accident." Lighthearted humor and teasing, perhaps, that was what was going to get them through the night despite the dire circumstances they were in.

He listened as she parried his words with a retaliation of her own, a story, one that wasn't really quite a pleasant one, come to think of it. Romily had quite a relationship with her father as she had hinted once before, and he felt for her. No one would want to have an estranged relationship with your family. Who would? "Well, you, nobles, have so many rules, don't do this, don't do that. You were right to speak your mind. Who you are shouldn't be restricted by your rank," he told her, reassuring her that, at least, he didn't agree to her father's assessment. Percival was not exactly one for words, but he admired people who knew to speak their minds when they know they are in the right.

She had quickly glazed over the fact that she had been a barmaid that Percival almost missed it. She couldn't be pulling his leg now, is she? "You were really a barmaid? You left your home and your life to be a commoner? Was it really that bad?" He couldn't imagine what it was that drove Romily to such ends. Commoner life was not only, well, common, it was terribly hard too. "Please don't stop talking. I would love to hear your story, if you don't mind telling it. We just need to keep our voices down," he implored her with a grin. There was nothing else to do really but talk. Percival was too wide awake and too wound up to sleep anyway.

[Romily de Braose]

"Well, you, nobles, have so many rules, don't do this, don't do that. You were right to speak your mind. Who you are shouldn't be restricted by your rank,"
His words struck a chord with her. A commoner he may have been, but he certainly had the heart of a noble as well as the mind. "Unfortuantly my father doesn't quite see it that way, but I suppose he's grown up with those morals being drummed into him" she replied, "I never really lived by the rules though, I tried to but it was suffocating - that and my father would always tut at something or other if I set a foot out of line. Im starting to wonder if that was one of the reasons why he kept me away from court and any visitors."

Yes, life had definatly felt a lot more free at Eldon's inn.

"You were really a barmaid? You left your home and your life to be a commoner? Was it really that bad?"
She ran a hand through her hair, that had become tangled in places from the windwhilst running. It most likely resembled a birds nest by now, or so she believed.
Romily merely nodded at this, "In a nutshell, yes" she admitted, "to each of those - I left and wandered for a while, doing odd jobs here and there to at least have some money or a bed for the night - then I started work as a barmaid at an inn and that was only really an exchange for a roof over my head, and that's it really..." she paused, "I passed myself off as a commoner and no one knew about it."

Romily sat back more against the tree, rolling her head to the side to look at Percival, "Now you've heard the boring story of my life" she grinned, "So come on - an eye for an eye, what's your story, if you don't mind telling me?". Romily knew very little about Percival, only that he was a commoner - and that had been found out when they'd first met in the courtyard of the castle. "Do you miss home?"

[shonz]

Back when he was just a lowly commoner, Percival have heard stories about how nobles live their lives. Only when he had become a knight of Camelot had he started being privy to exactly what happens behinds those big stone castles, the lavishness of their style of living and the harshness with with they have to conform to norms and traditions. Percival was still trying to get used to it all. He felt sorry for Romily to suffer that way in the hands of her father, but he was also proud to know that she did her best not to be sucked into the mold. "You just happen to be different, and that is not a bad thing. It's just sad that your father couldn't accept you for who you truly are," Percival said. "But am I right to say that you are happier now where you are that before?" he couldn't help but ask.

Percival still couldn't believe that Romily left a life of wealth and comfort to be a barmaid. He knew what barmaids are being subjected to in thier line of work. And for a beautiful woman like Romily to be working the tables, Percival was sure she have had her share of both good and bad experiences. "No one was surprised to see such a beauty like you working the tables? You look more like a princess than a servant!" Percival laughed at the thought. She must have been really good at being a commoner. "What was it like for you to work as a barmaid? Did you get many rude customers?" For someone who is not used to hard manual labor, Percival was wondering how difficult it must be for her.

Percival chuckled when she called her life boring. "Mine is boring. I am carpenter's son. I help my father do odd jobs here and there for nobles and merchants. That's really all there is," he replied. He wished there was more exciting things he could tell her. "I wish I could tell you that I pretended to be a noble and nobody knew about it, but I didn't. Even now as a knight, I still feel more like a commoner than anything," he added laughing.

"Do you miss home?"

Percival heaved a sigh. "I do. I miss my family. But since they're all gone now, I've learned to call Camelot my home. A home which I'm afraid, I might lose again if we don't defeat Morgana." Percival was going to do the best that he could to fight Morgana. Not only for Arthur and for the people of Camelot, but also for himself. He couldn't afford to lose his home again. "What about you? Do you miss home, too?" he asked Romily.