The Black Knight

[Guinevère]

Camelot had once been a home that welcomed all. When Gwen was a girl, magic was welcomed and embarrassed by many. It was also feared, but not so much that people didn't often turn to it for help. While most used it to help make their lives easier, or to get something they wanted; there were the few that used it for darkness. Still, it was welcomed. The king and Queen of Camelot, along with the son, had built the kingdom into the riches kingdom in Albion. People came from places Gwen had never heard of before to sell and trade. Merchants, black smiths, bakers, farmers, traders, and magic users all came to this golden city to seek what their hearts wanted.

But nothing lasted forever. The beloved Queen was killed, and magic was to blame. Gwen, who was the handmaiden of the king'd beloved ward, wasn't sure what had went wrong. One morning the golden kingdom was a pillar of hope for young men and women seeking their futures; either in love or coin or fame. The following day the Queen was dead, and by nightfall . . .

By night fall the king was hunting down any who used magic. He didn't stop to question who used it, or why they were used it. He declared magic illegal and punishable by death. If the king and his men even thought you were using magic, hiding someone who used magic, or were a Druid then they were killed. It had been just over a year since the purge started, and many lived in fear.

Yet, there was hope. As the anniversary had approached to the date the purge began, a hero for the people came. Protecting the innocent. Helping some escape when needed. Fighting the guard when needed. They called him the Black Knight, because his armor was all black. None had seen this before. The colored helped him hide in the darkness. Even when he came in the daylight, he was more skilled then any of the king's nights.

Guinevère, the personal handmaiden to the woman that many assumed would be the next Queen of Camelot, was fascinated by this dark hero. She knew that if he was caught then he would be killed, and she always prayed he'd live. Morgana enjoyed the stories as well, but both were wise enough to keep it to themselves. If Uther Pendragon, or his son Arthur Pendragon ever found out, it could cause them both un-needed trouble. Instead, Guinevère often walked home at night with her eyes wide. She didn't believe in the mad hunting of so many. She wished she had more power to help.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Being a bystander was almost as bad as giving the order yourself. Especially when the person giving the order, just happened to be your father. Losing Ygraine had been hard on both living Pendragons. A husband mourned for his wife. A son mourned for his mother. And a kingdom mourned for its queen. But the effect that it had on the king, was what truly brought Arthur out of his state of mourning. Perhaps he would never stop, for he would never cease to miss her. But . . . Camelot had entered a time of peril. The king, blinded by devastation, blamed magic for the queen's death and thus, hunted down all those who practised it, or were even accused of practising it. Arthur had tried to talk him out of the slaughter of so many innocents, but the king would not have it. And Arthur could see that the more he tried to reason with him, the further his father slipped away.

He was unsure how long he would be able to witness such things, refusing to carry out orders yet it made it no easier for his men to do so. Arthur felt as if he had no choice . . . but it was the sudden discovery of someone very near and dear to him, that made him fully realize that he could no longer idly witness these acts. Morgana had magic, and once the shock subsided, the fear sunk in. He did not tell her he knew, and he feared his father's reaction upon discovery. He believed that the king loved his ward as if it was his very own daughter, but his hatred of magic blinded him to all else. It caused him fail to see reason. It placed Camelot in a state of fear. And thus . . . from all this, The Black Knight was born.

Arthur had seen his failures in saving the people as their prince, but perhaps, he could do so anonymously. With inside information, each night, he ventured out in the city and countryside to warn others. To get them to safety, any of the accused whether magic users or not. They were innocent until proven guilty of committing actual criminal acts. It was difficult however, not only in remaining uncaught, but also . . . in directly defying his father. He loved him, but he also knew that this was not him and he could only hope, only pray that one day . . . his father would see that killing countless people, would not bring Ygraine back.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère bid Lady Morgana good night, and began to walk home. The walk through the castle was always one filled with a few pauses to wish other's a good night and see how their day was. It was always dark when Guinevère headed home. So her night began as any other would. Leaving the castle she tightened her clock against the slight chill chill in hte air, and quickened her step.

When she arrived in the lower towns her eyes were alert for any one near by. While safe as the kingdom was, there was always a risk of danger wherever you went. Thankfully she's never been bothered, but that wasn't the only reason she looked out. There was always the change--no matter how small--that it would not be danger int he darkness, but THE knight. She'd never seen him before, but she always looked.

Tonight however, she came across another in the darkness. "Aryn?" She asked softly, as a man she'd not seen in many months stood there. He looked scared. She paused there, watching him as he hugged a small child to him. She knew he left the city shortly after the king began, and she'd always wondered why. Now she began to see. He had magic. 'Please, Gwen.' he begged, 'Say nothing that you saw us.' She had heard he left his wife behind; just as she heard sickness had taken her life. He was clearly only here to take his daughter away. She she would not be an orphan.

Guinevère shook her head, in a silent promise to say nothing. He hugged the girl closer to him, and she looked down the way. Guards. They seemed to be walking away. She looked back at Aryn and shook her head slowly again. Don't come out of the darkness, she hoped he could understand. He nodded and hugged back into the wall.

Guinevère reached up for her red cloak and pulled it from her. Slowly, keeping her eyes on the guards who were (VERY SLOWLY) walking away she approached. Handing the girl her clock, Guinevère looked up at the father. "I wish it were more." It would help keep the girl warm. 'Thank you, Gwen.'

Before she could say anything more, a voice rose up! THEY WERE SEEN! The guards were not running toward them! "RUN!" She called, knowing that if they got close enough to make her out face she would be put to death for aiding them. Guinevère turned and ran as well!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur never ventured into the city as the Black Knight without provisions. More and more people were fleeing the city out of fear of their fate. And it broke the Prince's heart. To see the people, his people living in such a state. They were meant to protect them. To make sure they felt safe. And instead, everyone was living in constant fear. Arthur only wished he could do more. He wished he could put a stop to the killing; the executions. The imprisonment. Everything. But alas, until he could convince his father otherwise, this was all he could offer. Making his way out in the dark night, he used the shadows to help him move. Watching. Waiting. And it didn't take long until he heard the guards. "You there! Halt!" They demanded. It immediately grasped Arthur's attention. His knowledge of the city helped him move quickly, knowing every single inch of it. Each corner. Each shortcut. Each advantage.

Those being pursued were not far from the gates, but they could not make it. From what he could see if the figures, there was a young child involved. The guards were closing in, and Arthur managed to intervene just in the nick of time, cutting them off to place himself between the guards, and those they were chasing. All they needed was a distraction to make a clear getaway. Relieving himself of some of the baggage, Arthur tossed a small bag toward the man. Inside, was a blanket, a pouch of coins, and food that would last a couple days journey.

He had done this enough times to know what people would require. But he also had to be careful to not make it too obvious by the riches he could share. So minimal offerings was all he could give. He nodded with his head for them to go, before turning his attention towards the guards. His knowledge of the city was only the beginning. For he also held knowledge of each knight. Their strengths. Their weaknesses. He had after all trained them. Not getting a good look at the faces of those being chased, he only hoped the three figures would soon disappear before more guards came.

[Guinevère]

For a moment in that dark street, Guinevère feared life as she knew it would be over. Even outside the gates they were be chased, hunted. She might never see her father again. Knowing this was the fear that so many lived in now was devastating, and she knew she only had but a taste of it.

Then, like she'd dreamed so many times before, he showed up! He gave a bag to Aryn, but Guinevère could only stand and stare at him. Aryn whispered to her, words she didn't quite catch--A plea to leave? a thank you?--before he ran off. Guinevère could only stand in the darkness and watch as the knight stood his ground. She should be afraid. Moments ago she had been, and yet . . . he was here.

Her heart beat wildly, and her eyes were wide as she watched them engage! She realized she was still afraid but not int he same moment. They fought, and it was clear that the knight was both more skilled them they were; and making sure not to kill. For a moment, she thought one of the guards were bout to deal a lucky blow and stab the knight! The breath caught her lungs as she almost cried out a warning . . . only it was unneeded. As if he knew, or expected it, the knight was able to prevent it.

And then, finally, all was still. She stood there in the chilly night, watching him. After a long silent moment, she stepped closer, but wasn't sure what to say. "Thank you," seemed the more important one.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur was very meticulous with each stroke of the sword. While his knights were trained to fight and potentially kill an enemy, Arthur could not fight back in such a way. He had to ensure that no blow was mortal for his intention was not to seriously harm the men he called brothers. They were simply carrying out the orders of the king, and he hated that he had to practically knock them out for doing their duty in their sworn allegiance to the crown. Never the less, lives were at stake. The helmet he wore and his concealed identity, giving him the freedom and confidence to stand against the laws. The irony. But not one he would delve deep into contemplation about at this current moments. Instead, he moved his sword carefully, using the hilt to render the men unconscious, or causing them to land on the ground hard enough for it to do the deed for him.

Once each man was on the ground, Arthur just watched them for a few moments to ensure they were down, before turning to face the stranger, wondering why she had not fled with the other two. Only, when he looked at her, she wasn't a stranger at all. Guinevère. Or Gwen. He knew he and didn't at the same time. He hardly spoke to her, but he did know that she was Morgana's maid, and dear friend. Well . . . this just took an unexpected turn. She thanked him, and Arthur had to keep from the surprise of seeing her. Had Morgana put her up to this? Arthur knew he could not ask such things. Hell, he didn't even speak when under the guise of the Black Knight. Instead, he just lowered his head in a nod, and raised his gloved hand, pointing to the direction back to the inner city. A nonverbal prompt for her to return home in case more guards came, to ensure she was not caught.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère took a small half step toward him as he watched her. Even in the darkness she felt exposed. While she knew he was the same, someone had just seen her betray the king. Yet, she didn't regret helping--what little she did help. It had felt good. Right in a way not much had in the last year. He pointed for her to go back into the city, and she took another step. She didn't know what she hesitated, but she did. Finally she took a few more, and few more after that until slowly she approached him.

Her eyes dropped to the guard on the ground and then back to him. She almost walked past him, staying close to the shadows so no one would see her. Yet just as she pasted him, without thinking about her actions she paused and looked back at him. "Thank you," She told him, her voice almost a whisper in the chilly night. As if she didn't want others to hear. Or maybe she was still afraid. "Not just for tonight. For . . . for all the nights." That sounded a little . . . she had just thanked a man for the nights.

"For your help with the good people. The man you helped tonight. He fled the city a long time ago, but he came back for his daughter. You made sure they get to live." For some reason it felt important to tell him that. That he had helped a father, and a daughter. As a girl who only had her father, she could imagine what would have happened if they'd been caught. "You're an honorable man. Thank you." She turned to leave but then turned back, "Or an honorable woman!" She joked, her voice whispering slightly louder. Morgana was a skilled fighter, but there was a difference. She'd watched Elyan train. Seen the knights fight. This was a man. He was skilled in a way that said he trained hard, every day for this. "Not that I think you're a woman. I just didn't want to assume." She spoke a little faster, trying to explain her poor jest. It was leading into a slight ramble. "Not that there is anything wrong with being a woman! If you are. But my father's a blacksmith . . . so I think you're not." Closing her eyes she cringed. STOP. TALKING. GWEN!

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

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OF CAMELOT

Truth be told, Arthur just expected her to turn and make her way to her house. But instead, she thanked him and . . . spoke to him. At great length it would seem. Speaking of the nights, for helping others, calling him honourable. Honourable. Arthur wasn't entirely sure that was true. He supposed it depended on the definition, for he knew there was no honour in defying your king. Yet, at the same time, surely there was honour in doing what was right. He did not dwell on the internal debate for long, as she spoke of him possibly being a woman. And then, not a woman. A man. Though she could not see his eyes well, he was merely staring at her, as if trying to process all that she said, and how to respond. He made it a point not to talk to others during these moments.

To make interactions as minimal as possible. But . . . it seemed impossible to say nothing in this moment. "You're welcome," he said in a low voice, attempting to conceal his natural one. She was far too close, for she worked in the castle. And while he had not conversed with her much in the past, he did not want to risk exposure. "You should go." This time, his urge for her to leave not so nonverbal. The guards would wake up soon enough and more may join them. She had evaded capture but even being seen with him, could upset the king for Arthur knew how his father felt about affiliation with a man who helped those with magic. And yet, hearing that there was a child involved . . . it made Arthur's heart swell and ache at the same time. Relief that they were safe. Sadness, at the fact that they had to flee their home.

[Guinevère]

Definitely a man. His voice proved it. Guinevère felt a slow smile touch her lips when he spoke, and she nodded her head. Yes, she needed to go. Yet she stood there for another moment watching him. The knight! The black knight! The man who was trying to save the people of Camelot from the king. "Good night," she said, more to be polite rather then to linger another moment. The sounds of marching in the distance, not even close made her look away and then back at him. With a another smile she turned and hurried home!

Apart of her wanted to tell everyone, but a larger part--the part that was louder--wanted to tell no one! She made it home without meeting anyone else and hurried to bed! That morning, her mood was brighter. She carried flowers into the castle, and smile at everyone. Not unlike her normal self, but today she had this feeling in her chest. As if the world was so lost from hope. There were still good men in the world.

Pausing to pick up Morgana's breakfast, Guinevère carried the try up to the royal floor. Her flowers were balanced on the tray, and she couldn't wait to give them to her friend.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

She smiled. Did she smile because she knew who it was? That the Black Knight was him, Arthur? Or . . . did she smile just for the sake of smiling? The realization that she may recognize him without outing him in such a public place -- despite the fact that they were somewhat alone -- was quickly sinking in. It made Arthur distracted all the way home, and throughout the night. He knew he would have to figure it out tomorrow, but the sun could not come up soon enough. He feared the exposure, and the position it would place her in too. She was after all, Morgana's dear friend. Arthur's state left him restless for most of the night. So when the sun rose, he was quick to rise with it. He had a training session early that day, and knew he could not focus as his brothers of heart kept asking if he was alright.

He was then summoned to the council chamber to discuss what was apparently an urgent matter. The attack last night. Arthur's first question was whether everyone was alright. One never knew the severity of an injury, and he knew he would be to blame if it was anything more serious. Fortunately, they would all make a full recovery. Just a few bumps and bruises. Arthur hid his relief and pretended for all this to be new information.

He spoke words of assurance that he would find the Black Knight and then made his way back out once the meeting was over. He had to find Guinevère. Making his way to Morgana's, he tried to restrain himself from running over to her maid and blurting out the question. "Guinevère," he greeted walking up to her. He felt nervous, his heart beating heavily in his chest and he knew . . . all would be revealed in the way she looked at him. The gaze that her eyes would hold. The burning question he had ever since last night. Did she know?

[Guinevère]

She was just walking out of Morgana's when she heard her name. She knew the voice that said it too, for she'd heard it before. The prince. Pausing quickly, she smiled friendly and gave a small bow. "My lord," she greeted in return, assuming he was not just saying hello. She looked at him to find out what he wanted. While she was Morgana's maid it was not uncommon for other nobles to ask for things. Besides, Morgana often had nightmares, and it was common of the king to ask about them.

When they'd first addressed her year ago, she'd been nervous and a little intimidated. Yet over time she had learned not to fear their daily presence. At least before Uther began his mad hunt. Before the kingdom had gone from a place of wonder--to a place where any could be killed without much prove. She thought again of the black knight, and had to fight not to smile. People like him made such a difference. She thought of the prince. He sometimes spoke to his father with reason, but always followed orders. Did he believe in this? Would anything be different if it was he who was king? She didn't know him well enough to assume either way, and she would NEVER be so bold as to ask.

Who would dare speak out to the prince?!

Arthur Pendragon