A Fresh Start (Arthur)

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It was hard for Percival to wrap his head around the fact that he was really a knight. Not born of noble blood, but here he stood on the steps of the castle, he was a knight of Camelot. It meant more to him than he could ever express out loud. He came to Camelot to help in the fight against Morgana, because it was the right thing to do. And because it allowed him to get back at Cenred for his men killing Percival's family and others in his village. He wouldn't have asked for anything, except maybe medical care, if he had been injured. Not because he expected to be knighted for his efforts. It wasn't something he had even wished for as a boy, knowing full well in his heart and mind that it would never happen. Well, he had been proven wrong.

The rays of the sun shone down on him, making him warm under the full chainmail he was wearing, but he would not complain. As they had rode back, he'd dressed in a knight's outfit for the first time, including the cape with the Pendragon emblem. Something he was still wearing, and was very proud of. He wanted to do the people of Camelot proud, and keep them safe from harm. And he pledged to do so as long as he was able, as long as he was alive, he would fight. Looking out, he spotted people all around, some carrying supplies, some going about their daily activities. The castle had been damaged, and some of it would need to be rebuilt. It would take time, he was sure, but Camelot would be strong once again. He and the others would see to it. Camelot was his home now, and there was nowhere else he would rather be.

Tag: King Arthur Pendragon
Timeline: End of The Coming of Arthur
Place: Camelot castle steps

[Arthur Pendragon]

While there was still a great deal that needed to be done in the kingdom, Arthur couldn't help but feel a small wave of relief. Having gained new brothers, seeing that everyone came out of it alive . . . these were the things he needed to hold on to. These were the things he needed to focus on. For if he did not, he would only focus on Morgana. On the pain her betrayal had caused. And unfortunately, that was exactly what his father was doing. He was consumed with grief, barley able to function because of it. It was clear that he was a broken man. And it was clear that Arthur would have to stand as acting king. The thought terrified him, but he kept a calm and confident appearance about the notion. He had to. Camelot needed him to; the people, his father . . . he needed to be king, until his father recovered. Because Arthur could not accept that his father was too far gone to be healed. Having just finished a meeting with council and then a short visit with his father before the king rested.

Arthur then made his way outside, wanting to enjoy just a moment of the weather before having to busy himself with everything else. The kingdom required reparations as so much as destroyed during the attack. But they were underway now. And hopefully, fate would be kind and grant them an era of peace, however temporary, so that they could rebuild the city and castle. As he walked outside he saw a familiar face, causing a small smile to form on his lips. Percival. One of the four men who represented Camelot's entrance to a new era. One where men were knighted not because of noble blood, but because of their noble hearts. And these four men, along with Leon, were the most honorable men Arthur had ever known. "How does it feel?" Arthur asked, taking a few steps toward his newest brother of arms. He was of course referring to the chain mail, though Percival had already been wearing it when they first met. They had to of course ensure that he had the best quality, for he was a knight now. One of his best.

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As he watched the people walking about, it began to sink in for him. This was his home now. He would be living in the castle. Having a room in the knights chambers. There was so much responsibility that came with being a knight. But, Percival knew he was up for it. He may have come from a small village, but he was strong, kind, and loyal In some ways he thought his upbringing would help him to relate to the people he was serving, whom he was protecting. Because, while he worked for the King, it was his duty to protect all the citizens of Camelot regardless of their rank.

Percival heard footsteps near him and turned to see Arthur approaching him. He gave the much smaller man an easy smile, as he said, ”Good, My Lord.” Not really sure to what he was referring. To his new chain mail and cape? Which he found nice, but different. To his new living arrangement? He was sure he was going to get lost trying to find his way around the castle. To his new title? It was different hearing Sir Percival said aloud. He loved it all. But it was all very different than what he was used too. Much more extravagant. Truthfully, Percy felt a bit overwhelmed by it all. Not that he would admit that out loud, especially to Arthur. He did not want to seem ungrateful.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled in hearing Percival's response. His words seemed so genuine and that was all the more reason Arthur was glad for his decision. Why even his father could never talk him out of it. The men he had knighted had risked their lives with no thought of reward. They did not have expectations of being given gold or wealth in return for their actions. They selflessly went with him, risking their lives for Camelot. For him. Never had he known a greater loyalty than that which existed between these knights in addition to Sir Leon. "Arthur," he corrected with a bit of a smile. "Arthur is fine," he added. When it was just them, or even just the knights, he didn't want titles to affect the way they interacted.

Of course at larger gatherings, more formal ones, it would be different. But when it was just them, he preferred informality. And hoped that the knights would feel comfortable enough around him to do so. Perhaps not right away, but eventually. "How are you finding your way around?" Arthur asked, wondering if he was gaining familiarity with his surroundings. He knew the castle was rather large, not too difficult to get lost in. Which is why he had shown the knights the main areas that they would need to get to: chambers, grand hall, throne room, armory and then of course the training ground. But of course, he just wanted to check and see how Percival was faring with it all.

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Percival nodded his head at the king, at Arthur. Not sure if he would ever get used to calling the acting king by his first name. It went against everything he had been taught by his parents. Even though, as he recalled now, Arthur had told him to call him Arthur when they first had met. It felt like that moment was much more long ago than it actually was. How time seemed to fly by when one was under stress. People had died fighting in the battle, and Percival would not forget their sacrifice. But, the King lived, and so did the Prince. Camelot would rebuild, move foreword, and Percy would be in Camelot to witness it.

"How are you finding your way around?" Percival looked at the acting king, and replied, ”It is quite an adjustment, My Lo---...Arthur,” He stumbled through his words. Never had he called someone of such high authority,or any authority by their first name, and it felt strange rolling off his tongue. Percy had been a nomad. A nobody, before he had found himself a knight. He was not used to having such free access to a castle, or any of the luxuries in it. He felt like he shouldn't even touch anything in it. What if he broke something? Most of the things in the castle had to be much more coin than he could ever afford to replace. ”The castle is quite large, Sire. I fear I will get lost many times,” he said, giving Arthur a small smile. Not to mention he did not feel he belonged, knew some others felt he did not belong and should not be there, but he did not say this out loud.