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Post by Alexander on Dec 11, 2010 17:23:20 GMT -5
"Heading this way?" Alex said shocked out of his reverie. He felt his stomach drop slightly as he spun around to see for himself. He felt his nerves double as he saw Gwen was right and indeed Brynn was here. Feeling slightly dizzy, Alex put on a grin and waved at Brynn himself. Needs charm... right. "Brynn!" He said loudly and gestured toward the open seat next to him. Gwen's advice was already steadying him as he saw Brynn notice them and start to approach. He was sure his face must be lighting up as she moved closer, but figured he could just pretend he was in a really good mood.
When she got closer Alex saw an emotion on her face he could not quite place. His smile wavered a bit as he tried to figure out if it was something to do with him. He hoped she wasn't annoyed that he was bothering her. However the worries were quickly forgotten when she was close enough to finally face them. Alex quickly stood up and then realizing how silly it was blushed slightly. She spoke and Alex found himself speechless for a brief moment before he replied.
"I am truly glad you could make it. Sit with us! The tournament will be starting in a tiny bit." Alex said with a bright tone. He could hear someone behind him chuckling slightly at his sudden change in demeanor, but ignored the person in favor of his unwavering attention to Brynn. He sat again rather awkwardly and took in Brynn's appearance. It was a bit of a shame he couldn't really see her hair down, but he found her still as beautiful as the other night.
"I see your geese have not bogarted you for the morning, a lucky thing for me. I was not sure you would be able to make it." He spoke. Alex found himself taking a bit longer to string words together in his head to make sentences that made some form of sense. He couldn't even use as many over-flowery words and ornate metaphors at the moment which was definitely a first.
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Dec 11, 2010 17:05:33 GMT -5
Post by Alexander on Dec 11, 2010 17:05:33 GMT -5
The words Gwen spoke were perhaps the highest praise Alex had ever recieved. His hands tightened further around the bars and he felt a sting where small scrapes started. He was almost bitter as he thought. What use were a way with words and a kind heart when they could not help Gwen now? He found himself shutting his eyes just to banish said thoughts from his mind. He would not leave Gwen here with those kinds of feelings coursing through him. Truly it was the kindness she herself was showing that pained Alex the most. only Gwen would think of others when she knew she was to die.
"You are my sister. Perhaps not in blood, but in spirit." He said softly. His voice rasped slightly and he felt the effects of his run down from the kitchen and the chilled air of the dungeons. Alex felt that the worst feeling he found in himself was that last bit of hope that refused to be extinguished. It was silly, but he would not let it go.
"You did not me to make you feel special. You are special, Gwen. Arthur loves you, I love you, and many others also love you. Please do not give up hope. There is always a way." He said. His eyes looked at Gwen unblinkingly as he tried his best to plead with her to not despair. Alex could not take the unhappiness of those he loved, and he was trying his best not to be overwhelmed by his own feelings as it was. Like a child, he was still not used to seeing the world for as it was. The shadows still remained as beings who lurked in the corners. It was dissillusioning to a point where Alex was unsure if he would ever view things quite the same.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 11, 2010 0:00:25 GMT -5
"Deserve me? I'm still asking myself how you can put up with me." He joked quietly. He couldn't manage more then a slight chuckle that ended up sound more like a short cough. He kept his eyes directly on her and it was as if he was lost in a snowstorn and had seen the marker of shelter in the distance. For a brief second he was safe and Brynn was safe and he let himself ignore the noises of fighting that seemed to muffled to be real and not a figment of his imagination. He could not even bring himself to joke about the hero phrasing of her remark.
At the mention that her mother and siblings were safe Alex felt a bit of relief. He was quite fond of her family and was glad to hear they were relatively safe at the moment. However, Alex picked up right away as Brynn's voice started to waiver. As soon as he saw a tear his heart broke for her and he took her hand with one of his own. His other hand was raised to her cheek, and he gently brushed away her tears with his finger tips. He didn't speak for a moent and pulled her into a hug. He burried his face in her hair and kept his silence. He was aware that sometimes words were not necessary, even though it seemed to contract with his normal nature. However, this was not a normal night, and he was sure that the world had been turned on its head.
When he pulled back it was to look into her eyes. He bent his head so that they were on the same level and said quite clearly, "Everything is going to be ok." He didn't elaborate because he couldn't explain exactly why he had said it. He just knew that somehow things were going to be ok if they just held on. Alex knew that at this juncture in time, he was taking a bit of an optomistic view, but he just clasped onto anything that could bring Brynn some comfort. He could not see her cry like this. It was too hard to know he could not do anything to help. The overwhelming feeling of helplessness was most likely the worst feeling he had ever expierienced. No other moment in his life had been as trying, and he couldn't imagine what Brynn was feeling. So he just held her and let himself anchor her. That was all he could offer and he hoped it would be a good start.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 10, 2010 23:46:12 GMT -5
For a brief moment Alex was sure his heart ceased to beat. No other words could describe the sudden drop of his stomach and loss of breath. The red seemed to spread over both Brynn's shirt and his mind. In the midst of the chaos Alex was still momentarily and the world halted on its axis for that split second. Quiet was all Alex registered as his mind seemed to process the situation so slowly that he almost grew frustrated. The shock felt like it took an age to fade, but it must have only been for that one heartbeat because suddenly the screaming was back.
His hands moved quickly as he ripped one of his sleeves from his shirt and wadded the fabric together. He pressed it to the wound on Brynn's shoulder and winced at the pain he knew she must feel. Alex was aware he needed to clean the wound and take the bolt out, but he was also aware that in this courtyard and amidst the running people he was far more likely to further injure Brynn. It was then he knew he had to take her into the castle.
He put his arm, that wasn't holding the makeshift bandage, around Brynn's waist and he lifted. He was once again glad that he was relatively strong do to his normal job, and he tried to be as gentle as possible as he half-carried Brynn away from the mass of people. He heard behind him the shout of Sir Leon which seemed to embody the very thoughts that ran through everyone elses mind. Alex made his way to the small side door that was partially hidden from view and that went into the kitchens.
"Don't worry, I'm going to fix it. Your going to be ok, I promise." He repeated over and over in his gentlest tone. He knew that the wound was probably not life threatening, but even so, the words were as much to assure him as they were to comfort her. Brynn would be ok because she had to be, because Alex needed her to be.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 10, 2010 23:35:54 GMT -5
[It's fine, I've been a bit delayed this week myself.]
Alex was a bit abashed at the prince's complement. It had not really crossed his mind as a generous thing they had done, but rather a necessary action. A part of him felt like the praise was not earned, since almost anyone would have done the same thing. Camelot's citizens had been through much together and it was always hopeful to see how much they supported each other through difficult times. The people of Camelot were some of the most resilliant in the world.
"It was something anyone would do for their fellow people." He spoke softly and leapt at the change in topic. He did not find himself comfortable accepting complements while others worked just as hard.
He found it only slightly amusing in a bitter way that the prince thought he had meant the king. The people knew that Uther tried to be a good king, but it was in Arthur that they saw greatness. When dark shadows found their way into Camelot it was Arthur they knew would chase them back to their corners of the land. In a way it was admirable how much faith the prince put in his father. Yet another trait Alex found himself respecting in the future king. In a way Alex realized that he and the prince were not entirely different. They both seemed unwilling to put to much credit into their own actions. It was a strange thing to say you had in common with the future king, but it made Alex relate to the prince a bit more.
"Your efforts are what keeps the hope of an end to this alive. The people will know of your efforts and that will not be taken lightly. They will know that they have people here who's wish is to help them, and that will be what gets them through this hardship. Lack of food is quickly followed by lack of morale, which is an equally dangerous prospect." He said. Alex silently thought to himself that he most likely should not have spoken at such length, but his quirk of talking a bit to much was slowly returning as he grew more comfortable in the Prince's presence.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 7, 2010 22:23:36 GMT -5
There was a loud noise as the door swung and hit the wall, and suddenly Alex felt his arms grow heavy. He let them automatically close and hold onto Brynn tightly as he assured himself she was alright. His heart felt about ready to jump right out of his chest, but it started to slow as he tilted his head to rest on hers. Alex could do nothing in that moment but let himself breath in and out while repeating in his head that she was ok. That no harm had come to her. Suddenly it was as if twenty pounds had dropped from his shoulders and he almost felt as if he would cry at any moment.
"Battling towards you. I couldn't stay hidden without knowing if you were ok." He said softly as she pulled back. He leaned in and rested his forehead against her own while sighing to himself. His energy started to drop and lag as the exhaustion from his wild run through the city caught up to him. Alex let Brynn lead him by the hand further inside and shut the door behind him with his foot. His eyes were alert even if his limbs felt leaden with tiredness, and he sat heavily on the nearest piece of furniture he could find.
Suddenly, Alex felt as if the noise of the fights breaking out, and the clamor of chaos all seemed to die. It was all descended into a quiet muffled murmuring at the back of his mind. He sank into his own relief and thanked the stars he now knew that all of his loved ones were safe. He peered at Brynn and saw the worry on her features. He knew that her father fought for Camelot and sent out his prayers to her father. He wished he could do something to ease her worry, but he had not seen anyone recognizable on his flight.
"The fighting is concentrated near the castle walls. The lower towns are all but abandoned by the soldiers of either side." He said quietly. All the assurance he could give her at the moment was that the citizens who had stayed inside their homes seemed relatively untouched. The enemies seemed to be concentrated on breaking the castle rather then decimating the population of Camelot. What Alex couldn't figure out was why the soldiers seemed to know exactly how to get around the defenses and why they skipped the people in the towns. However, with Brynn in front of him, he put away his dark thoughts for later.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 7, 2010 22:11:40 GMT -5
Alex was not sure how much longer he could stand quietly in the crowd. He felt his every limb quake slightly with suppressed anger. The only thing keeping him from doing or saying something rash was Brynn's hand in his. For this reason alone he kept his mouth pressed into a firm line and did not utter a sound. Although with every traitorous word the new self-proclaimed 'Queen' he found it increasingly difficult. With the events of the past days happening so quickly, it hardly gave anyone time to adjust. Alex knew his family were most likely holed up in their bakery, as he had told them to do. Alex had spread word to them that it was no longer safe for anybody. With the prince in hiding and the king and knights in chains, Alex could find no other thing to take hope in. What he did now was wait for nothing short of a miracle. Although, in Camelot, those seemed to actually turn up sometimes.
Alex felt his mouth grow into a small grim smile when the knights called out. Even if he could not move to join them, he let his whole being echo their call. He looked to Brynn quickly to make sure she was alright. He was not happy she was even here in the square but he knew there was nothing he could do about it now. As the Queen spoke he turned his eyes back to the spectacle with a cold determination not to look away and to hold his own personal ground. This was the only reason he saw the soldiers turn quickly enough.
"Move!" He shouted as chaos seemed to break out. Alex did not think he had ever been so afraid when he saw the crossbow pointed directly at Brynn. The rest of the crowd faded from his vision as he shoved himself sideways into Brynn with all the speed and strength he could muster. Screams were the only noises he heard as he felt his shoulder hit the ground roughly. Looking up through the dust he saw people running in every direction. He was almost sick when he saw a body lying not to far from where he struggled to get up.
"Brynn, are you alright?" He said urgently as he attempted to drag her and himself out of harms way. The stampeding people were almost as dangerous as the crossbows at this point. Alex felt his hands sting slightly from where he had braced for the impact with the ground. His anger grew in him, but he focused only on hovering over Brynn and blocking her from any further danger. His fears increased as he searched her to check for injury.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 5, 2010 16:23:34 GMT -5
Alex was thinking more clearly then ever before. He had known exactly what he was doing from the moment he stepped out of his house's front door and into the street. As night approached quickly the entire city seemed to be alive with a chaos that appeared to want to swallow the city whole. The sun's last dying reaches cast deep shadows which Alex clung to like a vine seeking every escape from the open air. More then once Alex halted his movements as the dark soldiers ran past. He could not chance whether they were for or against Camelot, not when he had somewhere to be. He could see his mother holding Lita tight to her as they locked the basement's hidden door behind them. Alex had re-hidden the entrance himself as his step-father called lightly through the door that if Alex did not return safely he would find a way to bring him back to life if only to kill him again. Alex ran quietly over the cobbled path between houses as he tried to put Lita's tear covered face out of his mind. He could not think of that now. He had somewhere to be, and someone whom he had to see. Never before had something ever been this clear in his mind.
Alex's heart must have skipped a beat when not two-minutes from the castle entrance he sought. A brush against his arm was the only warning as he dodged a dark figure who ran by. He thanked the stars that the person didn't seem to notice and he entered the castle while breathing a sigh of relief. For a moment he paused and shut out all of the noise and leaned against the wall just breathing. He honestly could not believe that he had made it to the castle while the enemy seemed to be everywhere. He was sure that if he were not so familiar with the lesser known paths, that he would have been caught. He could not bring himself to think of what would have happened if he was. As soon as he caught his breath he began to move again. He knew exactly where he was going and turned the corners of the corridors sharply as to lessen the time it took him to get to his destination. When he got to the door he sought, Alex tapped it quietly.
"Brynn?" He called softly. Alex knew he must look a mess as he was now. His hair stuck in every direction and he had tears in his clothes where he had caught along rough stone or tripped on his way here. However, at the moment all he could think about was the overwhelming need to make sure Brynn was alright. He needed to see for himself that she was unharmed or his mind would conjure up the worst images. His panic left him with adrenaline that caused a slight shake in his hands. He tapped again at the door willing it to open. He knew that he had to see Brynn, it was something that nagged at his mind. He knew that he could not have stayed hidden if he did not know she was safe. Perhaps, it hadn't been the safest thing to do, but it was a need that drove him to ignore all common sense.
"Brynn, it's Alex. Tell me you are ok."
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Post by Alexander on Dec 5, 2010 15:59:25 GMT -5
"Long live Camelot!" Alex answered her call. A few people around hem gave a few cheers in response as the dance continued. Alex did not think he would want to live anywhere else. Even if there were the occasional creatures and enemies who seemed to always pop up at inopportune times. However, Alex knew that the people here were a lot better off then they were in other places. It would be silly to take what they had here for granted. Alex also knew that Brynn would not be anywhere else. That definitely went down as a pro on Alex's list.
"No other could be worthier." Alex replied with a light teasing tone. He was very glad that Lita and Brynn seemed to like each other. If Lita liked seeing Brynn it would give him an excuse to see Brynn. He knew that Lita tended to be quite like him at times, so if Brynn liked Lita it gave Alex an embarrassing surge of hope that she liked him as well. He already made up in his mind that he would tell Lita to be his little spy. That way she could find out more about the things Brynn liked. Alex was not above giving himself an edge over whatever his competition would be. Although when his mind started thinking about that he nearly kicked himself. What competition was he even considering? He didn't even know the extent of his feelings and already he was plotting against any others who could try for Brynn's attentions. Alex's quick rise in emotions was an unfamiliar and uncomfortable tide. He felt a bit worried that he was liking her quite too much so soon. He was unaware that that could even happen so quickly. However, he found it not altogether unpleasant.
He caught her blush and before he really thought it through he commented on it. "With that blush, perhaps it is you who should be careful that others will think you like me too much." He said with a chuckle. However, the laugh was merely to disguise the fact that he sincerely wished that he was indeed the cause of her blush. He looked away briefly to gather his thoughts. When he looked back he was trying to digest her last comment. A price already? He was sure it was in jest for Brynn smiled, but he did not want to assume anything.
"A price? Haven't all parents? I believe my mother once said I was worth little more then the cake batter I ate while she wasn't looking." Alex joked. He remembered quite well his mother's smug grin when he had felt nauseous for the rest of the day. His ten year old self had learned to never eat uncooked batter ever again. Feeling sick was part of the reason, but mostly it was the fact that his mother had been completely right about the whole thing and for a young boy that was not something the pride recovered from quickly.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 4, 2010 0:24:55 GMT -5
Congrats Merlin on a much deserved honor! You absolutely embody the charecter!
And also to Kolby, for a quote I am sure will make me laugh for the rest of the week!
And the thread could not have been done without the ever lovely Gwen.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 4, 2010 0:21:00 GMT -5
"A night off is definitely what we need. As do most everyone who works in the castle." Alex said lightly. He tried very hard not to stare at her every time she spoke, but that was easier said then done. He couldn't help but watch every expression as it ghosted over her face. He let the awkwardness pass and tried not to linger on the thought that perhaps the shared awkwardness was due to shared feelings. However, he reminded himself that they had only met the day before and that she could not possibly feel that way for him. It would simply be too good to be true. As cliche as that phrase sounded.
"Lita will forever adore you I believe." He wasn't lying. He was almost positive that Lita would try to latch onto Brynn. He knew that he could not think of a better role model for his younger sister. It was not often Lita was treated so kindly by older girls. Other then their mother, Lita had spent most of her time with Alex, and there was only so much time that Alex could spend playing 'tea party'. Alex also did not have any of the insight to the girlier things Lita liked. If she wanted cake that was fine, but show Alex a doll and he wouldn't know what to do with it. He just hoped Brynn wouldn't feel imposed upon if Lita took a liking to her.
"How could I ask for ransom? Placing a value on you would be too difficult. And when I finally thought of a price suitable I doubt any mortal could pay so high a figure. So I fear that once i steal you I shall have to keep you forever." Alex spoke shrugging slightly. He let his slightly ridiculous logic unfold as he went. At least he found that he could still make coherent sentences. Although if Brynn kept smiling he wasn't sure how long that coherency would even last.
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Post by Alexander on Dec 4, 2010 0:07:53 GMT -5
"Then you think I have a chance? For that is all I crave, a mere chance with her." Alex said as he gestured and let his mind drift for a moment. He hardly noticed the people around giving him funny looks. It was hard to even take care to how he was acting when this particular subject came up. It took a short chuckle from a nearbye woman before he regained his composure and remembered they were in public. He hushed himself slightly so as not to have everything he said be overheard. Though at this point most of the castle staff and the lower towns must know of the entire thing. The way people talk it could not be long before Brynn herself found out, and that was not a good thing. Alex wanted to tell her himself... Once he got the nerve up of course.
"I want to tell her but... I'm not quite sure how to go about it." He said sheepishly. It was strange to have to ask what to say. Usually he said what first came to mind. However saying, 'You make me dizzy and sick in a not altogether unpleasent way, and I think i love you although we met three days ago', did not seem like the best way to explain himself. In fact it sounded altogether awful, and he hadn't even said it outloud. Just imagine what it would sound like if spoken to Brynn. Alex would not blame her for running away as soon as his mouth opened to undo the damage it would have already caused.
Alex wrung his hands and let his fingers nervously fiddle with the hem of his sleeves. He took note that the events of the day were not far off and that many of the seats were already filled. It could not be more then half an hour before the opening speech was made. However, Alex did not think even such competitions could pull him out of his preocupation with a certain red-head.
((I'm going to tell Brynn she can come in after you post. Then Gwen can get to see just how tongue tied Alex will get. XD ))
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Dec 3, 2010 23:56:59 GMT -5
Post by Alexander on Dec 3, 2010 23:56:59 GMT -5
Alex felt Gwen wipe a few stray tears from his face and he let them raise to search her expression. In that moment he believed with every part of his being that Gwen was the bravest person he knew. Not everyone could face this situation and still put their loved ones first. However, this just made him break a bit more. He was losing a sister. One who he had known would be important to him from their first meeting. Even among the suds and while washing dishes he knew that Gwen was truly something else.
"I will find him and pass the message on. Although, this time tommorrow you can tell him yourself." He said with a hope beneath his words. There were no such things as hopeless cases. Alex would never be able to think that way. He did not believe in no win scenarios (<3). There was always the chance that things could get better. If there wasn't, then what hope was there for the rest of them? Alex could feel the cold ground through the knees of his pants and found his anger growing at the harsh conditions of the cell. Could the king not even spare that mercy? He pushed the thoughts away quickly. He would not let this moment be clouded with an anger that would do no good.
Alex looked into the wall for a moment. He found it took him a few seconds to pull his self back to the present. The feeling had a surreal and dizzying effect. For that spot in time, Alex did not know what to do. For all his words, he could not find any now. What was he to say to her? Now, just as it seemed his life was on the right track it was to all be ruined. He had friends, he was in love, and he had another sister. His hands fiddled with the bars and his voice dropped to a hush. "I am fortune's fool." ((End it with a bit of shakespeare. Seems fitting.))
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Post by Alexander on Dec 2, 2010 17:00:34 GMT -5
She spoke and he almost froze. Only the music he was following so carefully kept him from mistep. He went on dancing as calmly as he could even while fretting in his mind. How could she have possibly known what he himself was just recognizing? He let the panic fade from his chest almost as quickly as it was upon him. His smile only faltered for the briefest spot in time before it was back again, almost as if it had been there the whole time.
"Then let that one think, and gossip, and wonder away. For it is not them who hold my attention." He said in a way that circumvented the real question. He did not know how else to answer for he himself was frightened of what he might say. He hoped that when he had his emotions settled he would be able to give her a more satisfactory answer. For now he took the cowardly path. Indeed he would wait to find out if her feelings were the same. He couldn't help but hope he indeed could manage to sweep her off her feet (not in the literal sense, as he was sure he had already done that). He simply chuckled at her comment and nodded. Alex inwardly reflected that if he had to wait to long to find out if he was successful he might implode from anxiety. She had for a moment looked at him and Alex had felt only the weight of her gaze. He did not think anything was hidden to her in that moment and he broke the eye contact. He felt silly for doing so and let his eyes turn to her again, this time hesitantly. As she spoke again he almost sighed at the joking reprise from the dangerous topics they had lingered on.
"Ah, another seeks to keep you all to himself!" He said again adopting a slightly melodramatic tone. He for a second actually felt a spark of worry before realizing who she was talking about. His own watchful stare turned to check the kids again and he found himself no less amused then before with their antics. Lita had no aura of shyness around her and was perfectly able to slip herself right into the other kids group. It made Alex feel a bit more secure knowing his sister was doing well. "Perhaps I can attain help from my little mischief maker to distract your suitor long enough for me to steal you. Although I fear, she will be demanding in her terms. So young and she already bargains like a professional. If you aren't careful she'll cheat you out of every sweet you posses."
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Dec 2, 2010 16:39:12 GMT -5
Post by Alexander on Dec 2, 2010 16:39:12 GMT -5
Somehow Alex's mind couldn't quite grasp the concept of a lost cause. Instead he shook his head as she spoke as if the shake such thoughts away. There was no way he would ever let something happen. He was positive there must be some way around the horrible events that seemed to unfold in front of his eyes. He raised his eyes from the floor only to see Gwen was crying. After a brief moment he realized he was as well. It was a strange thing to cry in front of someone else. Or to cry at all for Alex. He could not recall the last time he had ever felt so helpless.
"Then we have to get you out somehow. You have friends who know the castle like the back of their hands. And don't even try to tell any of us not to help you and to stay out of trouble. We're a bit to stubborn for that." He said with a fierce determination that surprised even him. He knew many ways in and out of the castle and he also knew there were others who wished to help Gwen just as much as he did. He bitterly realised that Uther highly underestimated the people who worked for him. That happened to also have been the reason for Gwen's imprisonment to begin with, for he could not see how his son could love a servant, and so it was fitting that would be how they got her out.
Inwardly Alex knew what he was saying was impossible. Even if he did know how to get her out of the castle and city, there were still guards at the end of the hall here. Alex might have fought an undead skeleton once, but he was pretty sure that two normal guards would have no trouble stopping them. Alex didn't even have a pot shield this time. He searched frantically through his mind for something that could help Gwen, anything that could help Gwen, but he found only despairing thoughts. He had been to an execution before. He could not watch another.
"There must be something I can do..." He spoke softly. It was the pleading voice of a child.
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Post by Alexander on Nov 28, 2010 0:25:45 GMT -5
"Ah, my mother said the same thing to me once. However, if I were a jester I doubt I would get to spend so much time with you lovely ladies." Alex said in response to Brynn's comment. He was quite used to his mother teasing him on the subject. She had also once suggested he become a wordsmith. Alex had simply replied that being a wordsmith as an occupation would take all the spontaneity out of it. That, he had told her, would be a terribly quick way for him to lose interest in it entirely. This way, Alex could speak in all the ornate language he wanted, but never bore of it.
When Gwen explained the grape conspiracy, Alex nodded gravely. He took another grape from the bowl and held it up as if for inspection. He turned it over in his fingers and tossed it up in the air before eating it. "The grapes truly seem to have ill intent toward all of Camelot. I can only fear that they wish to create a new order with which to establish grape authority over all fruit. For the love of our country we can not let this stand." He said gallantly. His hand gestures were as broad as the grin that broke out over his face and ruined what mock seriousness he had tried to uphold. Alex could never stay serious for long anyway.
"With all of us acting together, I believe that all of Camelot will be safe from future grape uprisings. However, we must also be careful that other fruits don't get the same idea." He said as he picked up an apple and rolled it up an arm before catching it. Alex was always one who enjoyed having some constant motion about him. Stillness bothered him, and so he felt the need to fill it with something. Fruit tossing happened to be an adequate way to do this. He absentmindedly played with the apple as he observed Merlin. It was merely curiosity that drove the interest. Wasn't often that one ran into the prince's own manservant. Alex found himself wondering what the fellow was like. Although, if Gwen liked him then he was sure they would get along.
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Post by Alexander on Nov 28, 2010 0:11:30 GMT -5
[It was fine!]
Alex took note of her pause, but tried not to read into it. He was nervous which was definitely new for him. Alex felt as though the dancers around them could stop and turn into horses and he would take no notice. How could he when all he could focus on was Brynn? Her response made him chuckle slightly and tilt his head at her. "I would never complain. How could I when I get to spend time with you?" He said. Alex wondered if she was having the same strange emotions he was starting to feel. It left him dizzy and off-balance but pleasantly so. When she blushed, he did not tease her. He could not even think of it since he was sure he was blushing slightly as well.
He felt his own breath catch as she smiled when he spun her. He could not take his eyes off her hair and her face. He felt like a man who had wandered the desert for days and had found a spring of water. He drank in her appearance and what he felt at that moment. He did not think it was something he was likely to forget anytime soon. "Any day, I would be glad to hear what you have to say on the matter." He said. Although in his mind he knew that he would hear what she had to say on any matter. She could regale him with tales of the weather for hours and he could not grow tired of her presence. He found these dangerous thoughts and worried that she might not think the same as he did. He had never felt so self-conscious before. He always had had ease when conversing with others. Why is it Brynn could unsettle him when no other could?
"I certainly hope that my only competition for your time will be your geese companions. I would hate to have to battle my way through suitors. Although, I would do so without hesitation." His normal flirtatious responses that came so easily to him unsettled him further when he realized he was speaking truthfully. It was one thing to say something, but another entirely to actually mean it. He blushed further and laughed nervously. He could not help it and felt a strange rush of joy at the entire situation. Perhaps being unsettled was a good thing if such pleasant emotions accompanied it.
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Aug 14, 2011 12:58:43 GMT -5
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Post by Alexander on Nov 27, 2010 23:57:23 GMT -5
"I hope against all hope that my charm can hold. For I fear she snatches the usual grace of my words away from me with a glance." He said, perhaps a bit over dramatically. Although he protested his skill with words disappeared whenever Brynn was around, he found no problem at the moment flowering his phrases at every turn. He realized his preoccupation with Michael was truly ridiculous and tried to put the thought aside at Gwen's words. It was nice that someone believed it would work out.
"Her name? Ah, it is a delight to say. Although how can a word do her justice when she is so much more? But speak it aloud I will, and proclaim it for all to hear. Brynn! Ah, such loveliness in but a name." He spoke. A few people around glanced their way as he elaborated on every turn of phrase and as he spoke clearly and a bit loudly to the air above him. However, upon seeing who it was, a few people turned back to what they were doing. It was not unusual to see Alex being so ornate in speech and going on like such.
Alex knew Gwen knew Brynn and wondered if she would know if his chances were good. He only feared that another would see how wonderful Brynn was and would swoop in and dash Alex's own hopes to pieces. If Alex had ever been in this situation before he might not have worried so much. However, since he had never felt this way before, he was not inclined to let it be ruined before he had a chance to see where it led. If there was ever a true mistake to be made it was to let a chance pass one by. Inaction was by far the worst action one could take. Alex had to do something. He was just unsure how to go about it.
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Goodbye
Nov 27, 2010 23:45:00 GMT -5
Post by Alexander on Nov 27, 2010 23:45:00 GMT -5
"Since when have I ever cared about what I should and shouldn't do?" He said with a soft chuckle that was stopped by a quick breath. He found it hard to laugh when he felt like a cry would come out instead. Alex was aware that it probably was not best for him to be seen with Gwen now, but he could not bring himself to leave her here. She looked frightened and he could see the marks where the guards had grabbed her. It made him angrier whenever the dim light let him see them. He also could not tell whether she was cold or simply afraid. Either way, it was not an expression he liked seeing on her face.
"There is nothing to be a part of. You are innocent." He said strongly as his voice seemed to return. His whole being echoed with that statement. There was absolutely no way he would have Gwen even speak like that. Alex could not find it in himself to even consider his own saftey when it was Gwen in the cell. Alex was almost reminded of the anger and guilt he had felt when his father died. Anger at him being taken and guilt for not having known him better. He could not stand to think of another being taken from him. Not due to some pigheaded witchhunt which had no basis in fact.
Alex pressed his forhead against the bars and studied the floor as he tried to compose himself. He could not cry here and now. He would save his tears for those of relief. He could save them for when a miracle occurred and Gwen was let out. As Alex looked up his confident and eccentric demeaner of usual was gone. He was just a young boy who could not quite understand why everything seemed to be falling apart. "It can't happen like this. It won't. Arthur will... someone... It won't."
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Post by Alexander on Nov 27, 2010 23:33:58 GMT -5
Alex was surprised when the prince asked about his family. He hadn't really thought that, as a servant, his family would be of much interest. The very fact that Arthur had asked said far more for him then anything else Alex had been told. Alex suddenly found himself respecting the prince far more. Not only was his competent and in control, but he seemed to truly care for the people. It was not often one saw another with all those qualities. To have them in your crown prince was truly a great blessing in difficult times.
"My step-father's bakery is closed, but they fair fine as of now. We had bread to spare and gave it out amongst the lower towns the first day. The rations are fair and everyone seems to be doing quite well given the circumstances. Although... there is worry spreading amongst the people of what will happen if the crops continue to fail and no help will come." Alex said seriously. He was not one to lie about the state of the towns to make it seem as if it was doing better then it actually was. Alex knew that the city was on a low simmer. He just worried that too much longer with no new food supplies and it would break into a boil.
"I do not mean to sound hopeless, but without a sudden change of luck the city will not stay peaceful much longer. They only sit quiet because they believe in you Sire. They hope for a miracle." He said sadly. His entire demeanor spoke of weariness. Alex did not think that Camelot would last much longer. He did not want to put pressure on the prince, for he knew no one should bear that weight, but he felt at a loss when he tried to say something else. In a time when the people could not find their way, they needed their prince to lead them out.
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