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Elyan outright laughed at Merlin's smug reply. He imagined Merlin must have taken a lot of the King's arrogance and from what he'd heard about the King in his much younger days, he was surprised Merlin had taken it for so long, it seemed they must have become 'friends' pretty quickly. "I'm going to have to find a bigger helmet for him if this carries on." He continued to chuckle. This joking between them almost made Elyan forget about the possession...almost. But he still could not be more grateful for what Merlin was doing, with cheering him up and all. He couldn't imagine a better person for the job. "For some reason, I don't think Arthur would much appreciate that," he said with jest in his tone. "We all already know you've been making his belts bigger too," he said in a mock whisper and carried on chuckling. Elyan listened as Merlin continued speaking. It seemed Merlin was extremely trusting and loyal to the king, more than Elyan had previously thought. "You are a very loyal friend to him, he'd be a fool if he didn't appreciate it," he began. "But Arthur is no fool so I'm sure he does... beneath all the insults, " he chuckled softly.

He missed Gwen, more than he could even begin to express. This was different than when he left, this time there was no option, no choice. He turned to look at Merlin when he suddenly spoke of Arthur's regret. "I just wish he'd see what a mistake he's made." He sighed, he almost agreed with Merlin. He nodded to Merlin's words of their strength, he couldn't agree more. Pausing for a moment, Elyan began to speak hesitantly. "I wish I didn't have to say it but, I'm not sure it was such a mistake," he winced at his own words. "Of course I wish she never had to leave and it hurts my heart that she's gone but," he paused. "But what she did was her own doing. She betrayed Arthur." There was no denying it, as much he wanted to. "Arthur's heart must be broken and if he needs her gone to help it heal then...that is his right, I guess? Even though my heart breaks with him." It was painful for him to admit that even his seemingly perfect sister, was as human as the rest of us. "But of course I still hope every day that Arthur will allow her back." He thought about her every day and he missed her every day.

He laughed at Merlin's poke at Arthur. He was sure Merlin must enjoy complaining about Arthur, and Elyan would be more than happy to listen to the hilarious goings on that seemingly occur on a daily basis. He nodded in agreement at Merlin's next words. "Well I have to say I can hardly wait till I feel like my old self again." He hoped that would be sooner rather than later. "It will certainly be awkward at first though," He still hadn't gone training with the other knights yet, and he was sure all of them knew of what happened to Elyan. "Have any of the knights said...anything?" He hoped Merlin would understand what he meant by that.

Elyan couldn't even begin to imagine what burden a kingdom could be on one's shoulders, having to please your own people and your allies, which was sometimes an impossibility. But he knew a potentially good ruler when he saw one, and right now one was standing right in front of him. Despite his youth and Elyan only having just met him, he could see genuine care and hope in the prince's eyes. "You need not fret, my lord. You can worry about the future when it comes, for now just do all that you can as a leader," he smiled warmly. "In the end that's really all you can do, and your people will come to recognise it, especially if you solidify an alliance with Camelot." Elyan wasn't ignorant to Camelot's wealth and power. If Sebastian were to ally himself with a kingdom like this, it would certainly help solidify his rule.

Elyan smiled at the prince as he said he thought of him no differently despite his high status as the queen's brother. He was frankly quite relieved too. He grinned when the prince continued to speak of Arthur and the respect his people have for him. "I can safely say that the people not only respect Arthur, but they truly love him with all their hearts." He strongly believed that. "I have no doubt that in time your people will be the same," he added with a warm smile. At his hesitation, the blacksmith creased his eyebrows, but listened on as Sebastian spoke of the queen. "Oh no, quite the contrary actually," he began. "They went through quite a battle to finally have the chance to be together." A battle indeed, Elyan sighed inwardly when he remembered all the hardships they had faced. "Their union is based on love, and love alone," he smiled. "It's actually rather beautiful don't you think?"

"It's just...how I feel really." Elyan watched him shrug with an incredulous look on his face. He listened on as Merlin continued to speak and even chuckled slightly when he mentioned Arthur's big ego. "I think the whole of Camelot will agree that his ego does not need any more inflation," he jested. It probably hadn't slipped anyone's attention that Arthur could be a bit arrogant sometimes, but he most likely just couldn't help it. He was royalty after all. Although, Elyan knew he was becoming more and more humble as his responsibilities grew. Plus, his friends like Merlin here, were keeping him grounded. "But I also think they are all proud of him, of everything he has achieved and everything he will." He smiled. Elyan's faith in Arthur had not wavered, despite Arthur's choice to banish his sister. It was better than alternative, and Elyan didn't blame Arthur.

As they continued to speak of his sister, Elyan couldn't help but feel a sting in his heart because she was gone. She had always been a constant in his life, the person he would turn to when he would get into trouble. While he never blamed Arthur, it still hurt. He creased his eyebrows after Merlin spoke. "I'm sure you did all you could, and I am very grateful and Gwen surely is too." He tried to smile warmly at Merlin, but it faded as he continued. "It had nothing to do with magic for once. It was between Arthur and Gwen, and there was nothing anyone could have done." In contrast to his words, Elyan still felt guilty that he hadn't gone against her insistence that he stay in Camelot and gone with her anyway...to keep her safe. But, he did not want Merlin to carry any of that guilt, for he did not deserve to feel that way. "I just hope she's alright," Elyan looked at Merlin beside him and sighed. "I'm sure she is. Gwen is strong, she'll be fine," he said to reassure both of them.

He smiled at Merlin and couldn't help but shake his head, when he mentioned it 'not being a great time for him.' Merlin was definitely excellent at phrasing words. "It certainly hasn't...been a great time, but I think things will be looking up soon." At Merlin's awkward thanks, Elyan felt himself grin. It turned into a quite smile as Merlin continued. "Well, I'm happy that you actually took the time to sit with me and listen to my insanity," he chuckled. "You're very patient...sometimes," he grinned.

Elyan stared at the man who was about his height and wondered what in god's name could have made him like this. Maybe it was a traumatic incident in his childhood, although Elyan wasn't very experienced in the matters of the mind. He'd never given that type of thing much thought in the past. But looking at the man in front of him who had probably memorised each and every rule that a knight should live by, and there were a lot of rules, he couldn't help but think what might have made him care so much about these things. Maybe it was his father, which always seemed to be the case. Pressure from your father to be the best that you can be, just so you never have to see that dreaded look of disappointment in their eyes. Elyan knew, for he had seen it many times, but he guessed after so many times of getting the look it didn't affect him so much. Maybe it affected this man much more.

Elyan decided maybe he should cut the knight some slack, he expected that since Elyan had almost taken an immediate dislike towards the knight he may not have many friends. He shouldn't judge the knight so quickly, or that would make him a hypocrite. All he asked was for people to overlook his less than noble birth and see the heart of him. Maybe he should overlook this knight's obsession with rules and attempt to befriend him. Sir Iwan, had after all taken the time to show Elyan around the kinght hood and everything. Although the way he would look at Elyan sometimes, and his irritatingly condescending tone was making that extremely difficult. Despite not being educated in the same way this knight probably had been, Elyan wasn't an idiot.

As Sir Iwan answered his question, he nodded. Elyan wasn't perfect, he knew he was prone to getting into trouble quite a lot, although it was never usually his fault. So, somewhere along the lines he might break a rule or two. He'd merely thought he should know the severity and consequences should he 'accidently' do something wrong. He guessed he should hope Arthur would be in a good mood when it inevitably happened, although Elyan was very rarely lucky like that. "Why? Have you already done something?" Elyan's eyebrows creased in confusion. Did the knight really think he'd already broken a rule? He'd only really just got here, not even he could work that quickly. "No, no, nothing. I just thought I should know, for when I eventually do," because he knew it was bound to happen sometime. "We all break one of these rules once or twice, eh?" He said grinning. He was just trying to lighten the mood and joke with Iwan. He hoped he might have succeded.

Elyan didn't doubt that Caitrin's child would be beautiful, if their father was also good-looking then where could they go wrong. He chuckled when Caitrin mentioned the men of court chasing her daughter, although he didn't doubt it. "I'm sure they will, seeing as she will most definitely be a striking beauty." She'll be fighting them off. "No too different from her mother," he added. The lady Caitrin was most definitely charming inside and out, so her child would most probably inherit those genes and he had an inkling that Caitrin might have fought a few men off back before she got married. It was an amusing thought while he looked at her now, all swollen and pregnant. It was almost difficult to imagine. The conversation made him think about what his child would look like, if he ever had one that is. Would it look like him? He snapped himself out of his thoughts. What was he doing? The pregnant atmosphere, which is a phrase he would definitely never use again, was getting to him. “I will adore them just as much, if not more.” He smiled warmly. "Of course, a mother’s love is unconditional after all," he said with a sad smile. It had made him think of his mother and how her time was cut short; god rest her soul.

As she explained that she had come before the treaty was signed, Elyan finally understood. So that's probably the reason why anybody could dislike her. He obviously knew that there had been tension per se between Camelot and Mercia, but since the peace treaty there have been less and less problems between them. When she mentioned how people were more accepting of her kingdom, he nodded in agreement. "Careful or you'll become one of us." He said in what he thought was quite a scary voice complete with scary arms and everything. Although he sort of ruined by laughing a bit afterwards. "You'd better hold on to that strong accent of yours or else it'll just be your hair fighting for your kingdom," he jested and continued to chuckle.

Griff Aubert. No he hadn't heard the name; it didn't really ring a bell. He might have heard Griff mentioned here or there, but he couldn't really be sure, although he recognised the surname. She mentioned Lucan and he nodded. "Yes, Lucan, it's customary to know all of the knights since whenever I'm in battle I trust them with my life," he began. "Although we're not very close and I haven't had the opportunity to properly talk with him." He'd never had a real conversation with the knight before, but he'd seen him in training and on patrol sometimes. He smiled when she called the name Olivia pretty; it was exactly what he'd thought. But maybe it wouldn't quite suit the red-headed girl he'd already envisioned in his mind. He laughed with her when she told to save the name Elyan for his own child, although he thought it would be a bit weird calling your own name. “Between you and me, and promise not to say anything, but if I have a son, I’d want to call him Arthur.” His eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. "I promise," he said first. "Hmm... Arthur is a good strong name, named after a worthy person." It would be after the king, what could be better than that. "Arthur Aubert, I like the sound of that. What does your husband think?"

"Good luck to you, too, my friend." Elyan nodded in appreciation at Percival with a sombre look on his face, but he attempted a weak smile. He hated the way the whole situation was like they were saying goodbye to each other. He also hated the fact that they sort of were actually saying goodbye. He wasn't naive enough to think they had a large chance of surviving tonight. Not to say he didn't have hope, of course he did. If he didn't, then what was the point? If he didn't, he might as well sit in a corner and wait for death to take him. No, he was going to fight with everything he had, until his last breath, which seemed morbidly possible with the particular foe they were now facing. He just knew that reason was telling him they might not survive tonight and that even if they did, these monsters could possess the power to finally cause Camelot's downfall. The thought sent shivers down his spine.

As they began walking out of the castle gates, Elyan felt his heart quicken its pace. He was afraid; no he was terrified and he knew it. But he would not let the fear consume or affect him. He couldn't afford to, not now when his life and the potential lives of many others were at risk. He held his torch tightly in his hand, ready to swing it in either direction should he need to. They walked through the deserted streets, the sight pained Elyan's heart more than he'd care to admit. They were usually so lively even at night, it was almost unreal to see the place so quiet. But he knew most of the people were either terrified, which they had a right to be, or dead. It made Elyan cringe.

He listened to Percival's words intently. He would almost think his voice was loud because of the deafening silence that had consumed Camelot. "Never," he replied trying to steady his voice. "Never like this." Camelot had faced many enemies, but never one like this. Never one that posed such a threat that it almost stripped all of Camelot's citizens of their hope. It was chilling to think that maybe this kingdom had met its match; that maybe Arthur had met his match. He tried to cast the forbidding thoughts out of his mind before they did any more damage. No, Arthur would find a way, he had faith Arthur would save them all. "What about you?" He began. "Have you ever seen anything like this from where you were from."

Elyan or rather Sir Elyan was still wrapping his head around being a knight. He hadn't been traditionally knighted but what was traditional about a commoner becoming a knight? He hadn't had the chance to really get used to it since Morgana had taken over Camelot, but now that they had taken it back he had the chance to really let it hit him. It was every boy's dream to become a knight, commoner or not, and even though it hadn't necessarily always been Elyan's; it was still a huge honour. The knights of Camelot were known across all of the kingdoms to be the best and most noble army in all the land, Elyan knew this because he'd travelled to most of them. He decided he was going to keep up to that image. He wouldn't be the weak link in the chain.

Which was why he was headed to the training grounds now. One of the knights that were already part of the knighthood before, Sir Iwan his name was, had sent a squire to tell him to come to the training grounds at noon...precisely. The other knight was apparently going to show him all the aspects of being a knight and give him some sort of tour of knighthood. He had made an effort to not be late, and donned chainmail and his new cape with the Pendragon crest on it. He wanted to appear presentable now. Elyan was never usually the type to care about such a thing but he knew he really needed to try to make a good impression today. It hadn't slipped his attention that many of the older, traditional and more experienced knights didn't really approve of Arthur's decision to recruit commoners as knights. Elyan wanted to prove that he was just as competent as any noble, maybe even more so, despite his different upbringing.

Bang on time Elyan arrived at the training grounds. He saw who he expected was Sir Iwan and approached him. "Sir Iwan? I'm Sir Elyan it's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a warm smile while holding out his hand for the other knight to take. He was trying to be particularly nice, and hoped he pulled it off. This man was going to be his brother in arms after all, the would work better as knights if they were at least on good terms.

"It will come in handy for when I want to though". Elyan chuckled. "Then I guess I'd better be extra nice to you in the future so that you never want to," he jested. Merlin could never poison anyone of course. As far as Elyan knew, it just wasn't in his kind nature to ever do such a thing. He enjoyed joking with Merlin, it made him feel a lot better. Like since he could still joke with someone then it wasn't the end of the world, as dramatic as that sounded. Everything was still normal and he could move on. That's why Elyan had been glad to see Merlin, because only he could genuinely joke with and cheer up Elyan at a time like this and get away with it.

"I guess greatness is always inside someone, it just takes the right person or people in Arthur's case to let it out," he said in response to Merlin's words. He was referring to all the people that had most probably helped make Arthur the man he was today. Merlin, of course; Gwen despite everything; himself and the knights. He had no doubt they would continue to help Arthur reach his potential of becoming the greatest king Camelot has ever seen. Arthur is a great man, and a huge part of the reason why Elyan is so loyal to Camelot; why he wouldn't hesitate to lay down his life for her, should she ever require it of him. "I guess he represents hope for the people of Camelot." Hope for the future. "I'm just glad I didn't kill that hope." He didn't know what he'd do if he had killed Arthur while possessed, but he decided there was no point in dwelling on it now. He should just be thankful no harm came to the king and move on.

"Too many to count..." Elyan creased his eyebrows. It seemed even the happy-go-lucky Merlin had regrets and bad experiences. Elyan had always noticed the slight hunch of Merlin's shoulders sometimes, like he had the whole weight of the world on them. Maybe he also felt a lot of guilt and regret. Elyan listened intently as Merlin spoke on. It was probably exactly what he needed to hear and he was thankful Merlin had said it. "You're right," he said sincerely. "Things could have been a lot worse I guess, I mean I could have killed the king!" A lot lot worse. "I know I'm lucky to have come out of this with my sanity but, it's not something you can prepare yourself for or move on quickly afterwards." He had never in his wildest dreams thought of something like this happening. "I wish Gwen was here, for as long as I can remember she always managed to make everything better," he said more to himself than to Merlin. He missed her so much. "But thank you for all that you are doing for me."

“Well I hope you have the pleasure of having your own family one day.” Elyan smiled warmly at her. "One day." One day in the far future. "So do I." That was the only thing Elyan could promise to himself right now. But he knew now deep inside him that he wanted to experience the one adventure he hadn't experienced yet. The adventure Caitrin was soon to begin. He hoped maybe one day he would get to. Maybe one day he would fall in love and start a family just like Caitrin had. He guessed only time would tell. Who knows, he could fall in love tomorrow. The thought amused him.

Elyan grinned at the picture that was also forming in his head. The image of a red-headed little boy or girl playing with his niece or nephew. It would definitely be a sight to see. "Wonderful, I'm sure they'd grow to be great friends." If they were boys, they could be knights together, brothers of heart. "Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?" It was a simple question, but he honestly didn't really know what her answer would be. With any other woman, he'd expect the answer to be daughter with the ridiculous reason that they would be easier to raise, but Caitrin didn't seem like the type to care about that kind of stuff.

"I'm sure a Mercian touch would be very welcome." There could never be enough different people in Camelot. A 'Mercian touch' would be a wonderful addition. It brought wonderful variety to the court of Camelot that surely nobody would refuse. “I hope you don’t expect me to pursue anyone.” Elyan chuckled. "That's alright, I'm sure I'll be able to manage." In her current state he doubted she could walk very fast let alone run after an adversary. "I don't really expect any attacks tonight, although we've been trained to expect the unexpected and always be on guard," Elyan said, referring to all the knights of Camelot as a whole. That's what they had to be; they had to fight as one, defend as one and protect as one. That's what made them so different from any other knights.

At her jest, Elyan smiled. "I think I missed Camelot too though, and my sister of course. And after something like that happening, it was my duty to protect her and what better way to do that than staying in one place for her." He shrugged his shoulders. As she spoke of Camelot, Elyan could do nothing but grin. "She is a beautiful place, and despite everything, I love her with all my heart." If there was ever a place Elyan could be loyal to, a place he could stay, it was surely Camelot. They turned another corner and Elyan nodded slightly at the guard stationed there, Sir Richard, as they walked on. He looked over at Caitrin and seeing the bump he quietly asked, "Do you have any names planned for the little one, because I doubt he or she likes being called little one," he jested.