Brothers Of Heart

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was sitting in his Guinevère and his shared chambers, at his desk. The thought of being married was something that never failed to put a smile on his lips. After so many years of waiting, and so many instances of hopelessness, it had finally happened. He was married to Guinevère, and they were happy. Every day had been worth the wait, for the bliss they now felt in such a union was incredible. Her coronation had been a few days ago, and the paperwork was being drafted as quickly as possible. In the event that something happened to Arthur, she was named heir of the kingdom. He had no relatives he would entrust Camelot to -- especially not after what happened with both Morgana and Agravaine and their betrayal -- so Guinevère was the one who would assume control. While he obviously was not planning on meeting his end any time soon, it was better to be careful and take all necessary precautions should the event of his death occur, so that there was no question as to who the rightful heir was. Until they had children, a son. The thought of children was something else that brought great joy to Arthur.

One day, they would have a son or daughter -- and god willing, more than one. It was still early in their marriage and until she grew with child, they could easily enjoy the benefits to married life. With her being the heir, there was still another requirement that needed to be filled. And that was, who followed after her. God forbid, should something happen to him and Guinevère -- and they carried no children -- the question of who would rule Camelot easily entered one's mind. Again, Arthur did not wish to leave the kingdom vulnerable to discourse as to who should assume the throne. Naturally, the next in line was a relative. Had things taken a different turn with Agravaine, Arthur would have named him heir -- as he had give him the king's ring in the event he should not return to Camelot . . . when Arthur had thought he was riding out to his death. But of course, Agravaine was no longer a candidate. Morgana was the other living Pendragon, but she was so far from the list of heirs.

Despite her obsessive opinion that she was entitled to the throne, she was the only who held this belief. As the people would never submit to her . . . they would never submit to a tyrant. So with all that said, there was only one other relative extremely close to both the king and queen. The only one who had not betrayed the kingdom, but in fact . . . was one of the most honorable men Arthur had known. It was why Arthur had called the knight to his chambers for a private meeting, so that he could speak to him about this. Guinevère was of course in agreement to him being the one that should assume the throne -- should the worst occur -- and Arthur could think of no better man for the job. He would always feel guilty for the burdens and pressures Guinevère was overwhelmingly faced with as queen, but he knew that she would be a wonderful queen, and every day she proved him right. Hearing a knock at the door, Arthur looked up from the papers in front of him. "Enter," he said, knowing that his guest had arrived. Elyan would soon find out that he was to be in the short list of heirs to the throne.


_{Setting: In Arthur's chambers
Time of Day: Early Afternoon
Timeline: A few days after Guinevère's coronation
Tag: Elyan}

[cherryblossom131]

Queen. His little sister was now queen. Granted her coronation had had been a few days before, but he'd never get his head around that idea. He was so incredibly proud of her; there were no words to describe it. She would be an excellent queen; there was no doubt about it. She was always perfect for the job and now she had it. He'd never seen her look so happy and loved than when she was with her husband, Arthur. Everyone could see it. With everything they'd had to go through to get to where they were, Elyan knew no one deserved happiness as much as they did. Their relationship was undeniable proof that love truly does conquer all.

Elyan had been on standard patrol around the perimeter of the castle when he had received word from a squire that the King wished to see him. Elyan immediately made his way towards the King and Queens shared chambers. It wasn't traditional for the King and Queen to share chambers, bit since when was anything about Arthur and Gwen traditional? What harm would breaking one more little rule do? Elyan still dreaded to think of the reason behind them having shared chambers. Instead he was curious as to why Arthur would want to speak with him, but wasn't against it by any means. They were truly brothers now, although that would also take some time to get used to. If anyone had told him a few years ago that he's be brother to the king of Camelot, he would have laughed in their faces. Who knows, maybe it's just a social call. He chuckled inwardly at the thought.

When he reached the door he gently knocked. "Enter," he heard Arthur's voice on the other side. He opened the door slightly and poked his head in through the side to see Arthur at his desk, with several documents in front of him. It wasn't a strange sight to see. There was so much more to running a kingdom than having feasts and going to court. There was the dreaded paperwork, and with Arthur being king there must be a lot of it. Elyan was almost relieved that he wasn't king. He had to do enough paperwork to last him a life time with running the forge, he dreaded to think how many times more the load would be with running a kingdom. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "You wished to see me, Arthur?" He deliberately chose not to refer to him as 'my lord' or 'sire.' There was no need for formalities anymore.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at Elyan and smiled. "Elyan," he greeted in return as he respectfully rose from his chair. He did not miss the fact that he had not called him by title. As it should be. Years ago, Arthur had told him that he was going to make Guinevère his wife and that they would one day be brothers . . . that day had now passed, only recently. So he was rather relieved to hear that Elyan saw him more as the husband of his sister, rather than a king. "Please, have a seat," he offered, motioning to the chair next to him. Furthermore, he picked up the pitcher of wine and poured a cup for Elyan, handing it to him. A casual drink, for he knew that Elyan wasn't the kind who would drink excessively and thus compromise his duties. Even Gwaine who had once spent most of his time at the tavern never drank excessively when he was on duty. A massive relief to the young king, though not something he had ever thought Gwaine would do.

Each man he had knighted under unique circumstances were given this title and position for a reason, and he trusted these men emphatically. Which was a thought that would lead him to the purpose of them all being here. Once Elyan was seated, Arthur regained his own seat. "I had an important matter to discuss with you," he began to say before taking a small sip from his goblet. "But first, how have you been adjusting to, everything?" He asked smiling, wondering how the man was coping with his younger sister now being one of two ultimate authorities of this kingdom. Arthur himself hardly believed it. Only because they had fought for so many years to be together, and now that time was finally here. The rein and life they once dreamed of had finally arrived. And with Guinevère's position as queen, it made her brother one of the more higher ranking knights . . . and soon to be, in the line of succession to the throne.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan smiled warmly at the king and watched Arthur rise from his seat. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him for more privacy. Who knows why Arthur had decided to call him up here? Elyan certainly didn't. He began walking further into the room. "Please, have a seat," "Alright, thank you." He silently sat down next to Arthur and nodded in thanks as he poured him a goblet of wine. He'd never been the type to overly drink but he'd always quite liked wine, especially this royal wine; it tasted sweeter. He was still curious about the reason for Arthur calling him here but sipped more wine instead of voicing his curiosity. He could still see the paperwork on the desk, but he couldn't quite read what was on it. Probably matters of the kingdom, the kingdom his sister was now helping to rule. He smiled to himself, he'd never get over it.

"I had an important matter to discuss with you," Elyan creased his eyebrows. This only peaked his already growing curiosity. So this wasn't some social call, although Elyan had already doubted that. But he genuinely had no clue what it could be about. Maybe it was something to do with his sister, Arthur's new wife. He was about to inquire on this 'important matter,' before Arthur continued speaking. It was a caring question which made Elyan smile. "I'm not sure it's really hit me yet, that my sister is queen." It was a huge thing to process and he was still doing it, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, but I'm so proud of her. She deserves all the happiness in the world and I know she'll be an excellent queen." That, he was genuinely sure of. If anyone could rightfully rule this kingdom beside Arthur, it was his sister.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I'm not sure it's really hit me yet, that my sister is queen." Arthur smiled at Elyan's response. It was entirely understandable for Arthur felt the same. It was still sinking in for him as well; that he was now finally married to the woman he loved above all others. Probably an even stronger transformation for Guinevère, as well as Elyan. Him going from blacksmith to knight must have been enough of a substantial transition . . . but now he was going from that, to well, brother of the queen. As well as joining the line of succession. He couldn't even imagine how difficult this was for Guinevère, and loved her even more for accepting this role, so that she could be his wife. "I know what you mean," Arthur agreed. Though he found no difficulty in adjusting to the role of her husband; it was one that he fell quite comfortably into. Arthur's smile remained when Elyan spoke of how proud he was of her, how she deserved all the happiness, and that she would be an excellent queen. "I could not agree more." Because despite the many tests in his and Guinevère's relationship, they had conquered them . . . and he could now offer a life that he had promised her for so many years.

Even though her primary focus had never been to be queen; it was just something that accompanied the title of his wife. "Her love for the people, and their love for her, will make her the most loved queen any kingdom has ever known." Especially after the kingdom having to suffer under Morgana's tyrannical rein . . . the people needed a queen that they could love and one they would be proud to call their sovereign. "I thank you. For your loyalty and support, for I know that it has not always been easy." Especially when Guinevère had been banished. He knew that Elyan had most likely stayed for it was Guinevère's request to him. But he had never spoken against Arthur, nor challenged his decision. It only caused Arthur's respect for the young knight to increase massively, not that it wasn't already great. He just now wanted him to know that he was not oblivious to such sacrifices that Elyan had made . . . which was also why he would add his name to the line of heirs to the throne, should the worst occur.

[cherryblossom131]

Elyan continued to grin like a child as Arthur spoke of his sister with wonderful words about her strong love for her people and their inevitable love for her. "You're definitely right," he completely agreed with him. "No one can connect to the people quite like her. Her ability to make everyone around her completely love her is rather remarkable." Gwen was just so caring and kind, and she always thought of others before herself without question. Everyone already loved her so much before they knew of her relationship with Arthur. "She's just so...Gwen." It was the perfect way to describe her. They were the perfect qualities to find in a queen. It's not about growing up as a noble and learning the correct 'etiquette' throughout your entire life. Elyan knew that Gwen's upbringing helped make her who she was now, so he wouldn't have her any other way. There were those of course who were still opposed to her being a 'commoner' but they were just a minority now. They would never have the power to bring her down, not while he was alive. He had no doubt Arthur would back him up with this.

"I thank you. For your loyalty and support, for I know that it has not always been easy." Elyan thought about all the trials they had been through. "There is no need for thanks, we are brothers so loyalty is a given," he said matter-of-factly. After all the things they had faced, especially with the banishment, they still got here. The banishment had of course been a hard time as it was a result of no enchantment. But he had never resented Arthur for his decision, not for a moment. He was just thankful he hadn't chosen the alternative, although he knew Arthur could never do such a thing to Gwen, no matter what. Elyan would have gone with Gwen had she not insisted he stay in Camelot. He was just so glad with how everything turned out. "All those trials and hard ships, are they not worth it after everything we have achieved now?" Despite how impossible everything seemed before, Elyan knew he'd go through all of it again in a heartbeat just to get to this blissful outcome. Everything was very near perfect now, he was just curious about the purpose Arthur had called him here for. He knew it was not to speak about his sister.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled as Elyan spoke of Guinevère; something they were both in agreement about. Her compassionate nature, her care for the people . . . and her love that was constantly reciprocated. "She's just so...Gwen." A perfect way to describe it. In Arthur's eyes, she would always be the woman he loved above all others, before a queen or a sovereign or titles and positions that their marriage had granted her. There would never be that formality between them that would have existed had he married another due to political gain. And it was why, Arthur knew that his marriage to her would without a doubt be a happy one. And compassion was obviously a trait inherited by both siblings, for Elyan spoke of how there was no need to thank him. Even though Arthur knew there was every need in the world. For the men who had stuck by him during all these trials and tribulations . . . but especially Elyan.

For when Arthur's relationship with Guinevère had been tested, Elyan's loyalty never wavered from either of them. And that was not something every man was capable of . . . it was something only a great man could do. And it made Arthur respect Elyan all the more. "You're right," Arthur said in agreement to his words of how this was all worth it. "Such tests only strengthen ones character, as well as strengthened the kingdom." He may have some regrets . . . but all he could do was work toward a stronger future. "I'm sure you're wondering why I have asked you to meet me," he said, knowing that he could not stray from the topic of purpose for too long. "With Guinevère being crowned queen and heir to the throne, the council and I are in the midst of drawing up documents to demonstrate the line of succession." He paused for a moment, briefly glancing at the papers before turning his attention to Elyan, knowing that this serious subject needed his full attention.

"Should something happen to me, or God forbid Guinevère, and we have no children--" The thought alone terrified Arthur; losing Guinevère, or leaving her with the burden and responsibility of running a kingdom. While he knew she would be a wonderful queen, he also knew that she had not been brought up to rule, and he didn't want the politics or pressures to overwhelm her. "Then I would ask if you would allow us to list you as the successor." Because Arthur's own family was so torn. His half sister betrayed him, his uncle that he had known all his life betrayed him . . . there was no one, not on his father or mother's side that he could ask to take this responsibility. He wanted someone he could trust completely; someone who he knew would be a great king should the worst occur. And as Guinevère's brother, Arthur could think of no better man to take such a role. But of course, the idea was presented as a question, for he did not wish to force Elyan to do anything.

[cherryblossom131]

A strong kingdom had to go through hardships should it ever achieve greatness. The same could be said about people. A person could only truly be great if they have suffered, as horrible as that sounds. But Elyan knew it was true; suffering but coming out on top, it strengthens not only the heart but also the soul. "I'm sure you're wondering why I have asked you to meet me," Elyan's eyes perked up. "Yes," he smiled at Arthur. He was indeed curious, as he usually was. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion however when Arthur spoke of documents and succession. When Arthur paused, Elyan tried to piece together what this had to do with him. He tried to an extent not to involve himself in politics, which to be honest had been becoming increasingly hard since becoming the queen's brother. Elyan still hadn't quite caught on to what Arthur was trying to say.

When Arthur continued to speak though, of anything happening to him and Gwen, it finally hit him. His mouth hung open slightly, and his eyebrows rose, when he finally realised what Arthur was saying. So that's why he had mentioned documents and succession. He let out a breath. Elyan dreaded to think of any harm coming to his sister, or to his king, or rather his brother in law, and sincerely hoped that such a thing would never happen. He still could not speak. "Then I would ask if you would allow us to list you as the successor." When Arthur finally said the words, Elyan could not say anything right away. He just stared at Arthur blankly for a few moments. "Wait," he paused. "Am I getting this correctly." Maybe he had heard Arthur wrong, or had just misunderstood him. "You want me," he pointed at his own chest for added effect. "To be the successor to the throne?"