Boys Night Out

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tonight was a rarity; a rather unusual event for the night. He couldn't remember the last time he had done this for his duties often prevented him from indulging in such activities. But tonight, along with the knights and Merlin, he was going to the tavern. Now of course Arthur knew he could not get drunk, for anything could happen during the night and he'd rather not be sluggish in the morning. However, that did not mean he still couldn't have a few drinks and roll a few die. Why not? Tonight was about letting loose and enjoying the night with his brothers of heart. He had told Guinevère that he would return late, and she seemed to be in approval of him just easing his mind and not letting his kingly duties consume him tonight.

No documents to read or sign, no meetings to attend, no council matters to discuss. Just, a night out with the boys. It should prove to be . . . interesting, and the very least. Clad in his white shirt, trousers and boots, the air was warm enough for him to not need a coat. He did bring his sword along, just in case for one never knew when it was needed. Plus, he'd rather not be left defenseless. Even though they were just going to the tavern. He knew that blending in here was not as easy as it was in the outlying villages for they were in the city, and most everyone recognized him. Still, he didn't plan for his title to hinder the enjoyment of tonight. He was certain that most were already drunk by now and wouldn't alter their behavior for his sake, in his presence.

He was to meet Percival in the courtyard and Merlin and Leon would be joining them later. Knowing Gwaine, he was already there, and already drunk if he kept to his regular pattern. Seeing Percival already there, Arthur smiled as he quickly descended the stairs. "Percival," he greeted as he rolled up his sleeves, in preparation for where they were about to go. "Ready?" He further inquired. Tonight was not about titles or rank. The men were not knights, Merlin was not a servant, and Arthur was not a king. They were merely friends, all spending time together for such moments were far too infrequent. And Elyan's death was a devastating reminder of how short life can be; how their future is unpredictable and that anything could happen, especially in their line of duty. He did not wish to waste a moment, nor take it for granted. So tonight, was just about having fun and enjoying life.

_{Setting: The Rising Sun tavern
Time of Day: Night time
Timeline: During The Diamond of the Day
Tag: Sir Percival}

[Deleted]

To say Percival was looking foreword to the boys' night out that had been planned would have been an understatement. He was quite excited about it, he thought they all needed it. And, he did not just mean the knights whom he usually went out with, but Arthur as well. He dressed in black trousers, boots, an off white sleeveless shirt. For a minute, Percival considered leaving his sword in his room, not thinking he would need it. Hand-to-hand combat was something he was quite good at, his blows held much more force than most, and he was able to use that to his advantage. But, did he want to take that chance? Arthur, the king would be there. And while Arthur fought well, Gwaine was probably already too drunk buy this time to be much help, leaving it up to him to protect Camelot's King. Leon and Merlin would be joining them later. Not that Percival expected much from Merlin in a fight. It was Merlin. Grabbing his sword, he secured it to the belt he wore, and left his room.

It did not take him long to leave the interior of the castle. As he stood out in the courtyard, where he was to meet Arthur, the warm breeze blew slightly. Not enough to make him cold, Percy actually thought it felt nice. His mind wandered as he waited. They needed this. He needed this. As one of the non noble knights, like him, Percival had been close to Elyan. Life was short, and no one was guaranteed a certain amount of time among the living. Percival knew that well, remembering all those years ago that he had lost his family. And now he'd lost another brother. While not by blood, that made no difference to Percy. Pulled from his thoughts, when he heard footsteps, Percival looked at Arthur and smiled He put those thoughts out of his mind, tonight was about fun. ” Arthur,” he replied warmly to the king's greeting ”Yes,” he answered and then started walking.

Walking to the tavern would not take them too long. Besides, he planned on drinking tonight, and he figured riding horses and drinking did not mix well. And Percy had a feeling he would find himself responsible for getting a highly drunk Gwaine back to the castle. It certainly would not be the first time, or the last, he thought. While there were moments this irritated him, it could also be quite entertaining. And as a knight, a friend, he would always look out for Gwaine. Percival could not imagine his life without him, how boring it would be. Glancing at Arthur, he smirked as he asked, ”How much do you think Gwaine has had to drink by now?” not even trying to hide he amusement in his voice.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a small nod in return to Percival's greeting as the pair began to walk to the tavern. "How much do you think Gwaine has had to drink by now?" Arthur couldn't help but smile at the question, for out of all of them . . . Gwaine was certainly the one who drank the most. And spent the most time at taverns. He wasn't sure if that meant that the knight had the highest tolerance for alcohol out of all of them. All he knew was that it meant Gwaine was the biggest drinker. And that he tended to drag along others with them and join in the fun. It would be interesting to see him tonight, since Arthur did not always get to join the tavern scene. Which was probably a good thing. "We'll be lucky if he's still conscious," Arthur said in playful teasing toward their brother in arms.

"He could drink for the group of us, perhaps for the whole tavern even." Arthur's mind went back to Gwaine's first time in Camelot, and how he had bought food and drink for the entire tavern . . . sending the bill over to Arthur. The most ridiculous way to spend so much coin, but he had found a way for them to work it off. So much had changed since then. "Free from a training session tomorrow, I'm sure he'll show no restraint." He had decided to give the knights the morning off from training sessions. Since Elyan's death, he wanted them to enjoy their time . . . for his death showed how short life could be. And he wanted them to take advantage of the joys it had to offer every now and then.