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There was no one else about as far as Lucan had seen. Most of the nobles that had retreated for some fresh air had returned inside to resume dancing and drinking even more. All that remained of them were the empty goblets as well as the half full ones. Lucan had drained his own some moments ago and wasn’t contemplating getting another anytime soon. He’d found a little corner to himself and where no one could actually find him with ease. The evening was still warm and he was thankful not to be standing in the hall where the heat would generate easily.

It was the voice of Idris that knocked him so easily from his thoughts. Asking him what he was doing out there – and presumably alone. Lucan turned to her – she was carrying a basket and collecting the empty goblets. “It’s all right” he smirked, “im not hiding a girl anywhere around here – it’s just me, myself and I – oh and you now”.

Lucan shifted slightly from where he sat and patted the space next to him. “Come on, take a break – you look like you need one after the night you’ve had – what with soaking nobles and having your head bitten off by a dragon lady”. He was surprised that Idris had actually taken his advice of returning to serving out in the hall and wherever else needed – then again she’d most likely seen it as an order rather than advice.

“I thought I’d come outside for a while” he answered her previous question, “Yvain isn’t exactly the best company and I like having a little peace and some time to think”.

“Don’t you want to enjoy life? And before you say anything else about Maria she is neither here nor there. What you need is a real woman.”

Lucan could’ve half laughed at this if he wanted to. “And what is your definition of a real woman then brother?” he asked. To be honest he wouldn’t be surprised if Griff pointed to the barmaid who’d just brought them their drinks. Lucan decided that when Griff decided to answer this, he’d down his drink as quickly as he could. “Besides, why are you so keen to help me find a girl? It’s not as though I could make her happy” he rolled his eyes, “nor keep up a conversation with her either”.

On the subject of Elaine, Griff turned quite defensive. Obviously she’d sided with their father on this occasion, whereas other times she may have not. Griff wouldn’t be sitting opposite him otherwise. He decided to drop that subject for now; after all he appeared to be avoiding a lecture from his older brother. Instead Luc chose to trace circles in the wetness left by the drinks on the tabletop. Hearing his brother sigh he looked up. "I promise to try and start a new life and spend my days bored out of my skull doing some mundane job in order to serve the greater good instead of enjoying myself. Happy now?”

“Not in the slightest” Lucan narrowed his eyes a little, “You need to start taking your life seriously Griff – otherwise it will be the death of you”. It would, of course it would. Either Griff would drink himself to death or die for getting himself into some kind of trouble, and it appeared that trouble always found his brother.

Griflet didn’t want him to leave. This was new. "That is an altogether ridiculous suggestion. What am I going to do if you just leave?” his brother scoffed. Lucan rolled his eyes. “Oh im sure that you can find something or someone to entertain you – you’ve got this far on just that haven’t you?”. He pushed back his chair and rose, throwing a small purse onto the table. “This will tide you over for a few months or so – I’ll look into finding work for you…see you around brother”.

He didn’t want to appear uncaring but Lucan knew that his brother wasn’t interested or bothering to look after himself, so why should he have to be the one to do so. He was helping him out by giving him money and finding him work and that was it. After that Griff would have to make it on his own.

The ceremony itself had gone very well, and now with Arthur officially as King, Lucan couldn’t help but feel some relief. He was watching not just a Prince grow into a King, but also a friend growing into his new role. Not that he’d need any help – Arthur had done well for himself so far, even if he’d had support. He looked more of a King now and appeared to be taking every moment in his stride. Lucan didn’t blame him.

Yvain appeared to be enjoying himself as they all stood in a group, chatting away. Lucan was scanning the hall to see if there were any familiar faces he knew. In fact there were lots. One of them being Merlin, who was busy trailing around after Arthur as well as trying to talk to some of his friends.
Then there was Guinevère – Sir Elyan’s sister, looking very pretty. She’d nursed Lucan back to health when he’d been injured during the dragon attack. He hadn’t had much contact with her after that. Elyan himself was busy chatting away in their group to Erec.

“Well…what a day!” Yvain looked to Luc with a grin, “He made it!” his friend looked over to Arthur.

“I know” Lucan smiled to himself, “He certainly suits the role”

Yvain gave him a look, “err…well, he is the Prince and he would’ve become King eventually – well…he has now but you know what I mean”

“You’re just a confusing man” Lucan slapped him on the back, “anyway – this is just an excuse for you to drink as much as you like and dance and stare at pretty girls for most of the evening”

Yvain looked at Lucan in shock, “Of course it isn’t!”. Lucan didn’t believe him of course. “Anyway, I don’t see you asking any girl to dance” he replied defensively. Well that was obvious.

“And I don’t see any girls near me – so there you go”

“That’s not a valid answer – you can go up to a girl and ask her, not wait for her to come over”

“Im not waiting!” Lucan growled. “For goodness sake! I don’t have girls drawn to me as much as you do so just drop the subject, get on over there and ask Lady Anne to dance and leave me alone” with a roll of the eyes, he watched as Yvain shook his head and left the group.
Lucan turned back to the rest of his friends. Determined to enjoy tonight how he wanted to, without anyone telling him otherwise.

The group were finishing up their patrol for the afternoon. Lucan, Yvain, Erec and Lionel along with a few guards had all been out for hours, making sure that the outline villages and the woods and forests were all in check. Yvain had been moaning for most of it that they’d not needed to be a thorough now that Lady Morgana had returned to them. “Doesn’t mean to say that we can’t do our jobs properly,” Luc reminded him. Yvain muttered something about having had a lack of sleep the night before but Lucan ignored him.

“Anyway daydreamer – what or should I say who is on that mind of yours?” Yvain grinned.

Lucan smirked. “None of your business” – he knew that Yvain would wind him up for it, and he really couldn’t be bothered to hear the opinions of Erec and Lionel. “Besides, you’d enjoy bugging me about it if you knew”

“and that’s what makes our friendship so evidently sweeter” Yvain studied his surroundings, “You get to be the shy one and I? Well…im the handsome nosy one of course.”

“Nosy is right” Erec snorted, “The size of that thing on your face and all”. He was surrounded by ‘ooooh’s’. Clearly this was the worst group of men that you could send on a patrol together. They all liked to joke and wind one another up – some too often than others. Yvain seemed to take this lightly but didn’t bother to make a comeback, it would just turn into a battle of the wits and Lucan couldn’t stand that.

“So come on Luc…tell us about the Lady Camila then” Yvain shot him a knowing look. Lucan groaned slightly – of course Yvain would know who was on his mind – he’d been watching them drunkenly at Morgana’s celebratory feast. Of course he made his opinions about her known to Lucan before she’d chosen to come over to talk to him. Of course Yvain was wrong about her. She wasn’t at all how he’d described her to be. She was far better than that.

“There’s nothing to tell” he shrugged it off, “besides – you’ve said it yourself. Any man would be darn lucky to have her talk to them”

“Which she did – with you! Of all the men in the room she went after you!” Yvain chuckled – he was still in disbelief at the fact that Lucan had managed to speak to her without ending up unconscious. “Come on then…what’s your secret?” Of course Yvain was growing jealous by the moment. Lucan was a good looking guy and even Yvain would admit that – he was just so incredibly shy that it made it harder for him to become acquainted with the many female courtiers that were in Camelot. Many had tried to woo him, but with no success, so it had been a surprise to Yvain when Camila had set her sights on his friend.

“There is no secret” Lucan rolled his eyes, “we talked and that was it – I probably won’t even see her again”. He said this with a small sigh escaping his voice. He’d had a good mind to visit her when he had the time, but with things the way that they were at the moment – it seemed more impossible by the day.

They carried on riding through the forest, there was a small breeze but other than that the weather was content for the day. Even the paper that was slightly dancing on the ground was…

What…paper?

Lucan held up his hand and brought his horse to a stop. The others had seemed to notice it too because now Erec was asking what it was. Lucan dismounted and bent down to pick up one of the scraps, that he recognised was now making a trail. Obviously someone hadn’t wanted anyone to see this as the word ‘CAPTURE’ stood out like a sore thumb.
Lucan headed over to where the others were now dismounting.

“You three go that way” he mouthed and pointed in one direction. He then instructed the others to go the opposite.
He…well – he was going to follow the trail itself. Obviously it would form a circle so they’d all meet in the middle and hopefully whoever it was they were seeking, along the way.

This woman was unreal. So unlike anything or anyone that Lucan had come across. It was as though she understood him. At least she had a sense of humour judging by her next comment about him fainting.
He laughed. He hadn’t laughed like this in quite a while. Keeping his gaze rested on her delightful (and very beautiful) face he took a breath.

“Well then – im happy to play that fool if it gives me the chance of talking to you some more”. This smile for a woman was genuine. Camila seemed like that to him. Yvain was so going to get a thwack around the head in training tomorrow. “Would you like another drink?” he asked.

What was it that made her different? Well. That was going to be a tough one to explain, as he didn’t even know himself. “I’ll let you know when I’ve figured that one out myself” he smiled and looked away.
Yvain was desperately trying to dance with Lady Arabella and managed to step on her foot! Lucan bit his lip to stop himself from laughing at the sight. His friend clearly had drunk far too much.

On a sudden spur of the moment decision he turned to Camila. “Do you dance? My lady?”

Oh great. He had to go and ask that. Luc couldn’t even dance. Well – he could but very badly in his opinion. If something slow happened to be played then that would be it. He’d be on the floor. That was if she accepted the invitation to dance with him, and he hadn’t even properly asked her yet. “I mean…would you like to dance? With me?” he asked shyly.

"Until you have this all sorted out, I can pay for his stay."

Lucan protested. “No sire – it’s not the financial side that I am worried about, Im fine for now – I cannot accept that from you”. No. He couldn’t let Arthur allow to pay for Griflet’s keep whilst he was in Camelot. That was above the call of duty and he had far better things to do – such as searching for Lady Morgana. “Favour or not” he finished.

"Does he plan on remaining in Camelot permanently?"

Did he? It certainly seemed that way at the moment. “I believe so sire” Lucan nodded. "Surely he must have some skill that could be suitable for a job . . . “

Lucan shook his head at this. “He most likely does – although I wouldn’t know of any – after all I’ve not seen him for years.”
Griff was a dark horse enough as it was. He surely had something up his sleeve to fall back on. “My father would most likely have practiced weaponry with him, although seeing as this is my brother we’re talking about here, he might have just given it up”. It wouldn’t surprise Lucan if Griff had given up on the first try. “Other than that I am unaware of any skills he may have – apart from being an expert in ale and a womaniser”.
He and his brother couldn’t be any more different.

"But I must ask Lucan, what happened between you and your brother?"

Lucan was surprised that Arthur wanted to know more of his family history. He sat back in his chair. “We were never close” he began, “I don’t know why – my father was busy training me up to become a squire and Griff just used to spend his days alone climbing trees or with Elaine.” Lucan told him. “He was only ten when I left Glouchedon, and even then I never actually said goodbye to him properly.”
Why had they never kept in touch? Well that was the reason why. “My father then – I suppose – gave more of his time to Griff, to prepare him in becoming a duke incase I should die before the pair of them. Our family are not the closest and so ive never seen any reason to write or return home to them. I cannot just leave Camelot for a family reunion whenever I wish – my place is here protecting the city and you and your father” Lucan explained, “my father and I were probably the closest we’ve ever been after Griff was born – before that he’d never paid much attention to father/son bonding – I guess he considered that my mother would do that, but she died when I was four.” He remembered his mother vaguely. “And after he married Elaine he threw himself into training me up” it was no big deal – Lucan was grateful to his father for what he’d done. He wouldn’t be here now talking with Arthur otherwise.
“I consider Camelot to be my real home rather than Glouchedon”. Lucan admitted, “and the only time that I’d ever consider returning was if my father was on his deathbed”.

There was silence. “Anyway – enough with the depressing details, I think ive bored you enough with the Aubert family history”. He gave a light laugh, “I was surprised that he’d actually bothered to find me – and succeeded!”

"Enter,"
Lucan opened the door. The prince looked almost relieved to see him. He also looked tired. Lucan knew that sleep wasn’t exactly present in his life at the moment – what with Morgana gone and Uther having everyone search at various hours of the day. Lucan was sleep deprived himself, but Arthur more so for going out on practically every search that was conducted. .”Im sorry to disturb you sire” he apologised as he stood there – the door still open. But Arthur was already onto his next question. "How are you my friend?"

Lucan closed the door behind him and turned to Arthur. “I should be the one asking you that sire” he smiled – after all he hadn’t seen Arthur for a few days. Both being busy with various duties that divided their company for sometime. “You haven’t been sleeping have you” he stated rather than asking it as a question.

“As for how I am? Well…im as well as can be” he shrugged, “although there is something that I wish to speak with you about – a matter that has been troubling me for a few days now”.
Yes. The matter being Griflet. His brother would be the death of his mentality that was starting to slip a little now.

Lucan trusted Arthur to know of what was going on, and hoped that he could enlighten him of the situation with either some small talk or something that would help Griflet make his way on his own with Lucan’s help. It wasn’t that Lucan wasn’t going to help Griflet – should his brother ever need him then he knew where to find him – but he needed a boot up the backside to start his way on his own and become more capable and independent.

Lucan stood there uncomfortably. Perhaps he should leave Arthur to rest. After all, he didn’t want to burden him with any more problems. “Perhaps I should come back tomorrow when you’ve had some rest” he decided out loud and turned to head for the door.

Ok, so he’d given money to tide Griff over for a few months or so. It didn’t seem like his brother was about to leave anytime soon – which meant that he would be driving Luc to his wits end if he didn’t sort himself out soon.
Lucan knew that his brother wasn’t capable of finding himself a job as he lacked a lot in the skills department. Chopping wood or selling bread didn’t seem to be put together with his brother.

Lucan had sat for ages in his chambers with a quill and paper. It was blank though and was still that way as he climbed the stairs to the royal chambers. He needed to speak to someone about this. He couldn’t write to his father – not only had Griff told him not to, but Lucan found that he hadn’t the strength to make contact with his family for the first time in ages. The last letter he’d sent was years ago. Corneous wouldn’t write to him – not on this matter, he didn’t seem the type to send a letter instructing his eldest son to frogmarch his young brother back home.

There was no way that Luc could keep his brother. This was a favour he’d done because he’d needed his help and shelter. That was all Lucan could think of doing for him and yet he hadn’t even considered what would happen after until now.
Which was why he was going to see Arthur. He needed a second opinion or some advice as to how he should go about helping Griflet.

Lucan got to the doors of the prince’s chambers. He was most likely off doing something far better, but it was worth a shot. Arthur was his friend and right now – he needed to see a friendly face.

Knock Knock

If the prince wasn’t there then Luc could always leave a message with Merlin and catch up with Arthur later. The prince had far better things to do, such as searching for Morgana.

"This is very different Lucan. For in a way, I am asking you to betray your king and queen."
Lucan shrugged, “Suits me just fine” then he looked to Arthur, “and if I were to ignore the matter then I would be betraying my Prince – disinherited or not”. He’d rather take Arthur’s side than stand alongside Uther and Catrina as they drained more money out of the people.

"I do not know how to thank you for this,"

“You don’t” Lucan smiled, “It’s my duty”

Their conversation reverted back to Catrina, and what she might do if she ever found out about what Lucan was doing. Arthur seemed to be showing great concern – fearing that his friend would lose his head. Lucan would much rather lose his head than his loyalty to Arthur.

“We’re all going to die at some point or other Arthur, sometimes for the good or the bad. It’s just something that we all have to deal with, and should it ever come down to my execution as a result of our plan – then I’d gladly let the axe fall knowing I’d done all I could to help you”.

Lucan looked around – just to check that no one was watching, especially that slimy servant of Catrina’s. Jonas? Was that his name? Never the less he was always slithering around the castle, insisting on being present during council meetings and whatnot. Lucan had thought him an odd character ever since the pair had arrived at the castle. His suspicions didn’t improve when Catrina managed to marry Uther and disinherit Arthur.
He was sure that Jonas had a hunch of what he was up to, and there was no doubt that he’d raised his suspicions to Catrina either. He was surer that he was living on borrowed time.

Once he and Arthur arranged where to meet – the Prince warned him of Jonas. It seemed they’d both had the same thoughts. His opinion of Jonas was almost as low as the one he had of Catrina.

"If you feel that Lady Catrina, or the king is suspicious of you . . . the second you feel watched then just leave it be. Do not keep sneaking around."

“Im sure that Catrina is already,” he told him, “and as for the sneaking around, I won’t” he lied. Of course he’d keep sneaking around. He wasn’t about to drop everything and give up just because of silly suspicions. Catrina and Jonas would need proof of what he was up to – they would never get it.

"He tends to be constantly around, aware of almost everything that is happening." Arthur was speaking of Jonas now.
Lucan nodded in agreement. “He’s present in the council meetings. Always watching and lurking – he isn’t at all how a servant should be and I’ve noticed this since the day that he and Catrina first set foot in the castle.”