Under The Moonlight

[Caitrin de Archer]

Sighing out softly Caitrin began to stare off into the gardens. She had finally found a few moments of silence in amongst what had been quite a busy day. It had been a long day, but it had been worth it and Caitrin had enjoyed every moment. Her friend, her close friend, now stood as King of Camelot. He was no longer just a temporary stand in but he was now King in every sense of the word, and Caitrin could not be more proud of him. Of course she had known Arthur for years, and she had always known this day would come but to stand witness to it was just more than Caitrin could have ever wished for.

Caitrin had certainly dressed up for the occasion if nothing else, but this was special, she would only see Arthur accept the throne of Camelot the once so why not make it memorable? She was wearing a silk purple dress which clung to her petite frame rather well. She had done some of the stitching on the bodice of the dress herself, after all it made it feel a bit more personal that way. Her hair was half up half down, with one of her silver circlets tying off the look. Yes, she had put a lot of thought into this in a way, because attending such a highly regarded function required nothing less.

She had attended the ceremony with her husband; nothing would have stopped her being here today. She had been unwell with an unexplained sickness for a few days now, but it was nothing to worry about she was sure of that. It had not prevented her attendance here today, so it was not serious, no it was just irritating. She pushed thoughts of that from her mind for the moment, not wanting to let it affect her mood. The celebrations which had taken place just after Arthur’s coronation certainly were breathtaking; she and Griff had joined in the dancing as they always did. He’d just taken her hand and they’d spent the whole day in each others company, it was how Caitrin liked it; it was how it should be.

One of her fingers stroked her wedding ring, it was a little habit of hers and she just felt a smile creep onto her face. She had only been Griff’s wife for a few months now but it still felt new, even though they had known each other for quite a while before they had been married. It was just a completely new and exciting experience for her, and just experiencing all that with Griff was just perfect. Sighing softly she pressed her lips together, she would never have thought she and marriage would ever work, but it suited her quite well. It just felt natural.

For the moment though her thoughts went back to the event she was attending. She had not yet spoken to Arthur, but she had supposed he had been busy with the other nobles of Camelot. There had after all been quite a lot of nobles in attendance at the ceremony. It had certainly been a promising turn out on the whole, and it had allowed Caitrin a variety of people to converse with too. She had not come out into the gardens because she was not enjoying herself, it had more been because of the amount of people in the Great Hall which had caused her to seek sanctuary for a few moments. She had left Griff on his own, but she was sure he could cope while she just collected her thoughts and stayed staring aimlessly into the gardens.

Timeline: Just after The Wicked Day
Setting: The Gardens of Camelot Castle
Time of Day: Early Evening
Tags: Arthur Pendragon
Notes: I’m not sure if I’ve put this in the right place. Oh and I had permission to god-mod Griff a bit [/color]

[Arthur Pendragon]

The event had gone smoothly. Which in itself was quite a miracle considering most every celebration or feast in Camelot seems to be the prime opportunity for their enemies to make an appearance. His birthday being the most recent. Arthur had many, many regrets. Many burdens. Much guilt he carried in his heart that he would never forgive himself for. But he had forced these deep within him for he knew that he had to be strong . . . for Camelot. His time of mourning, that entire night in the grand hall with the body of his father . . . that had been it. He'd broken down, cried, spoke to him, loathed himself . . . he'd felt and said it all. Walking out of that room, he had to tuck these emotions and thoughts away. He would never forgive himself, but he was king now and he had to act like it. Regardless of what he felt. Regardless of how broken he was. He was king.

He did not wish to stay too late, for he was still not in the best mood for celebrating. He knew that so many other people were excited for this day and he appreciated it. With his father's recent death and the funeral however, Arthur was simply having trouble joining in all the excitement. He knew that this day would come; that it was inevitable. But never, did he think he would have been the cause of his father's death. And that was what had made him more serious in this occasion. Had the circumstances of Uther's passing been different, he would have more easily accepted it. But for now, Arthur kept a strong expression on his face, speaking to others, accepting congratulations and belated birthday wishes, and moved on. He'd gotten to see most many at the feast, and it had slowly been drawing to a close.

He excused himself a bit early, not wanting to stay too late. But not yet ready to retire to his chambers. Though, he wanted to take off his crown for it still did not feel right sitting upon his head . . . knowing that just a day ago, the title of what it represented belonged to his father. He wanted to remove his cape and chain mail, and just be in his room as a man. Not a prince, not a murderer, and certainly not a king. But that, was an impossibility for the facts could not be altered not disputed. So still clad in all the royal attire, with the large crown on his head, he bid everyone goodnight, but went to the direction of the gardens. He felt he needed some fresh air, to just get away from all the suffocation . . . though it was not the large crowd that had made him feel this way. It was the pressures of everything.

Walking out, the cool night air was extremely refreshing, as Arthur breathed it in, finding a strange peace about it, but it did not give remote comfort. He continued to walk forward, until he saw a figure in the near distance. He instantly recognized her, for it was her signature red hair that set her apart from everyone else. He had not spoken at length with Caitrin for some time, not even tonight. He knew it had been because there were so many to see and speak with, but he was at least glad that now the opportunity presented itself. For they were both away from the tremendous crowd. He walked up behind her, hoping his presence and upcoming words would not startle her. "Lady Caitrin," he greeted, his voice not overly formal for they had known each other for far too long. It still however held a strong respect in the use of her title.

[Caitrin de Archer]

As the celebrations had been winding down somewhat, Caitrin didn’t feel as bad about leaving the proceedings for a while. Griff would probably complain if she was gone too long, but she would stay out here for as long as she wished. Anyway, as she had already pointed out she had not been very well these past days so a bit of fresh air would probably do her a large amount of good. She would probably need to see a physician if her ailments continued, but that was not to be thought of tonight.

For now Caitrin had realised she had left Griff in the company of her Uncle, which would mean she would get no end of earache from her husband when she re-joined the group. Rouland, her Uncle, seemed determined to try and wind Griff up at every opportunity as he knew he could get a reaction and Caitrin was usually the one mediating the storm between them. Oh well, they needed some more time on their own, it gave Caitrin some peace at least. They would not be staying much longer anyway, the celebrations were winding down and she was sure her Uncle would want to return to the estate soon enough.

As Caitrin was wound up in her own thoughts, she did not notice as her old friend, the newly crowned King, began to approach her. She didn’t jump or flinch, she just turned casually on her heels to meet his gaze with a soft smile. In that moment, as she saw the crown on his head, she realised how much had changed for them both over the last few months. But they were still friends, and that was how it should be. Caitrin never wanted that to change.

“My Lord King.” Caitrin responded, bobbing her head with a wide smile at her lips. It was not an overtly formal greeting as it was not needed for such an old friend, but she had just wanted to address him as King, just the once. Her smile gave her greeting away as being one which was not meant with the formality it demanded. She respected Arthur as King, and his title, but they were friends so many of the conventions of formal conversation were somewhat lost with them. As she raised herself she just felt her smile increase as she looked over him, wearing the crown which had so recently belonged to his father. Although he was new to the throne, Caitrin was sure that he looked every part the King that Camelot needed. She could not begin to describe how proud she was of her friend, but of course she would not say these things right away. Arthur’s ego had always been something Caitrin had been weary of feeding over the years.

She took a step closer to Arthur and looked up at him, wondering why he was out here instead of joining the celebrations which had been laid out in his honour. Of course Caitrin would never ask him directly; if he wished to tell her then that was his choice. It meant of course that Caitrin could enjoy his company in relative privacy for a while, something she would never complain about. “How are you?” She asked softly, her hand running through her hair as a gentle wind tugged at the strands. “Have you enjoyed your day?” Caitrin was sure he would have, even though ascending to the throne was obviously done after the death of one’s father, surely that could have not ruined Arthur’s entire day?

[Arthur Pendragon]

"My Lord King." Arthur gave a slight smile upon hearing this formal tiitle. The word King was still a bit unsettling. Considering how he had been given this title. The death of his father. The realization that Arthur was not the ultimate authority in the kingdom . . . unnerved him. Made him feel like he could hardly breath because everyone expected so much of him. People spoke of how great he would be, of how grand a leader he was, of how all the people trusted and loved him . . . but he was not this man. He felt he was fooling everyone, betray ting everyone. And yet, he could not convey this. He had to show the exact opposite; that he was sure of himself and able to be strong enough to lead Camelot. The quesiton became, how long could he keep this up before someone saw right through him.

And with his luck, it would be an enemy. He was grateful that the silence did not linger for she then asked a couple of questions. First regarding how he was, and whether he enjoyed the day. He knew it would be highly arrogant of him to say that he did not. Especially since that was not true. He did enjoy it. Seeing the support of the people filled him with a sense of honor that he was incapable of expressing in words. "I did," he said, his smile now less hesitant but still faint. "There was a tremendous crowd," he added. It was the beginning of his way of expressing how much he appreciated that. That people would cheer for their new king with -- as Guinevère often described it -- hope in their eyes and faith in their heart.

"What about you, did you enjoy yourself tonight?" He asked, hoping all was well with her. "I'm so very glad you were able to attend. I heard that you have not been feeling too well," he said, hoping it was nothing serious. Not having had the time to visit or check on her. At least now would be the opportunity to see how she was doing. And pray that it was nothing that would claim her life. Arthur had lost enough people that he was close to. He did not want to keep losing those that he cared about. The fact that she had come however, meant a great deal to him. To be able to look into the crowd and see the faces of friends and people who were there to show their support. It meant the world to Arthur, yet it was once again difficult to vocalize this deep honor.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It still felt odd to be looking on at Arthur, her friend, and to be referring to him as the King. Of course she knew that this was always going to be his fate, but to see him now donned in the full Royal attire, well it was just breath-taking. It was times like this that she was so glad she had moved to Camelot all those years ago. For if she had not then she would never have met Arthur, and he would just be another name that never had a face put to it, like many of the other King’s in Albion. Things however were very different, and Caitrin would not change her life now for anything.

A wide smile escaped onto the young woman’s lips as Arthur confirmed that he had enjoyed his day. Caitrin was glad of course, it was Arthur’s time in the spotlight, so it was right that he should have enjoyed himself. He also spoke truth about the crowds which had gathered. Caitrin had never seen so many noble families gathered in one place before. It had made the dancing more spectacular as there had been bigger numbers and therefore it had been more fun overall. “And they were all for you.” Caitrin said softly, smiling up at her friend.

“I did thank you.” Caitrin always enjoyed social functions in Camelot. There was something about the court way of life which appealed incredibly to her. There was always a new face to introduce yourself to, and there was always dancing and feasting. Caitrin loved dancing, and Griff was always a willing partner so together they made quite a good match. “The celebrations certainly were spectacular.” Overall the event had been incredibly fitting for the change of monarch. Everyone Caitrin had spoken to had said they were enjoying themselves, and that was what was important really wasn’t it?

Caitrin faltered slightly as Arthur voiced he had heard she had been unwell. Of course she had not kept the matter private, what would be the point in that? However, she didn’t want Arthur to burden his thoughts with worries for her. After all he was King now, she was sure he had enough to worry about without adding Caitrin’s bout of sickness to the list. “I have not been well, no.” She confirmed, though that was hardly going to settle his thoughts was it? “I am going to see a physician tomorrow, but I am sure it is nothing to worry about.” Recurrent sickness could mean many things, but to a woman it could point to one very obvious conclusion. However, Caitrin would not voice that now as to be frank she didn’t want to speculate and get her hopes up. She had been quite worried that she had been unable to have children as she had known Griff intimately for a while now without ever falling with child.