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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 21, 2011 14:31:05 GMT
Lancelot, after his visit to the Ram, had gone back to the stables to take out his rested black stallion on a bit of a hunting trip. He had always enjoyed exploring the Balor forest. He found the occasional enchanted beast to e quite interesting, and it served to keep him alert and on his toes. The Balor, he knew, was indeed a strange and unusual expanse of mostly-untouched forest. However, as he slowly rode and walked his horse down one of the overgrown paths he got the strangest feeling that all was not right. It took him several minutes to finally put his finger on it. Finally, though, the solitary caw of a raven cut through the silence. That was it! It wasn't just the caw of the bird, but the fact that the forest was still as death. And the caw of the raven could only mean 2 things. It had either sighted some dead prey and was attracting its fellows or someone had sent it there as a beacon.
Whichever way it was it meant trouble as far as Lancelot was concerned, and he drew his sword as he dismounted and walked him as quickly, but silently as he could. There was always the possibility that they were bandits, or worse, slavers, and he had no desire to present them with an easy target of the upper half of his body sticking above the brush-line. He saw a group of men,, slavers by the look of them, who were joking. It sounded as if they were gloating about a noble woman that they had left on the trail. He could hunt them down later, he told himself grimly, as he began to back-track down the trail. Finally, coming around a bend he saw a body lying in a heap by the side, unfortunately showing little movement. Despite this he approached carefully from the woods-side of the path, being wary of a trap, even though he was sure that the men he had passed in the forest had left the area.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 20, 2011 15:53:23 GMT
Lancelot had decided to go on a long long walk, now that the ground had cleared of the latest snowfall. The state of the weather was generally unimportant, though. He merely accepted whatever he had to trudge through, generally. He had found a need, since his exit from Raven's birthday party ... an infamous and unforgivable exit in the view of some he had no doubts. He had, though, affirmed this responsibility for the child. However, he had no doubt it would be raised as an Assassin, shaking his head.
He had run Sher-Fore, his stallion, as hard as had dared, then brought him back and stabled him. Lancelot, though he had spoken his words of loyalty to the Pendragons and Camelot, had no notion if he could stay in Camelot or would want to. He decided to take a long walk to the Ram, to try and sort through the issues in his head. He did not think that it was too likely that the Ram would be too heavily populated at this time of the day, and he wondered if it would be a good time to reserve a room there. He did not think that he wanted to stay in the castle environs for awhile. It would be a good thing to stay away as much as he could, he thought, until and unless Arthur summoned him. When he entered he saw a pretty girl sweeping up and humming a a happy melody. "That is a catchy tune .... is t too early to get an ale and see about getting a room?"
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 20, 2011 14:29:58 GMT
"As you wish, Lady Morgana," Lancelot responded, as Morgana responded negatively to his offer of an escort, but he understood. She was, after all, the ward of the King, and as she said was an adult, and well used to traveling within Camelot. In fact, Lancelot could well understood how suffocated the young noblewoman might feel with how she was often treated. He was even more understanding when the various persons descended on both himself and Morgana. "Perhaps, Lady Morgana, there will be another time when you will grant me the honor of accompanying you. As a Knight of Camelot it is my duty to serve. A safe and pleasant evening to you, milady," he said as he saw her exit.
He did his best to simply ignore the pleas of Felicity. She was simply being over-protective of her mistress, he thought. "It is unnecessary, and obviously undesired of a request, Lady Raven," he said in a formal manner. "I think it would be best if you would call off your hellhounds. It is obvious that she does not desire them. As to the rest, your apologize is not required. However, your reaction is illuminating in itself. Your paranoia is an education for me and a reminder that the way in which we were brought together were engineered by you."
He took a brief pause as he took a deep breath and returned the glare of Raven's aunt. "I, of course, will always have a responsibility to you and the child, which I will never abandon. My heart does not lie with Morgana, and her heart does not lie with me, obviously. My heart lies with another, who I lost and will forever be lost to me, and I do not see how there can be another. My heart is then a Knight's heart and a Knight's heart only. It can only lie with being a Knight of Camelot, and protecting Camelot and the Pendragons from whatever forces that may threaten it or them. And before I say something that I may regret or that you do something that you will, I think that it is best that I take my leave," and he exited in Morgana's wake, but in search of his horse that he could take for the open road. Right now he craved the freedom of the open road and escape from the suffocation of the walls of Camelot.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 19, 2011 10:10:03 GMT
Lancelot could tell by the way that she had walked away that she was upset about something, but he was quite unprepared for this. What could she mean? He hadn’t said anything about Morgana, he had just looked at her. Is that what this all about …. a look? Did this mean that this was how paranoid she was …. How little that she would indeed trust him? The more he thought about it the angrier he got,. And what exactly did he owe her anyway. Yes, they shared an-born child and the love that had formed it, but that love could easily be wrecked by doubt. Besides, the thing that had brought them together was when she had imprisoned him He had been her captive audience before they had grown close.
Her words now infuriated him and made his heart turn suddenly icy. While it was true that their relationship could not have been referred to as love at first sight, he had grown to love her and he had a responsibility to both her and the unborn child that would never have denied. “If that’s what you wish and desire. However, you should be careful of what statements that you make of what you think are facts, unless it is your desire to drive me away. As far as Dreamer goes that is a decision that only you can make for yourself. I thought you had already decided that, but apparently it is something that you are reconsidering.” He noted the sudden appearance of one of her Assasin colleagues at their side, and listened only a short time to their unfriendly words. “Hmmm ….. apparently she is the one who is unsure of how much that she loves me. It is obvious that her heart does not belong to me since she allows such a small thing as a glance to bother her in such a way. Damage that I have caused her? I think it is much the other way around. If this is how she truly feels, and you speak for her, perhaps you are correct. I will not and should not abide where I am no wanted. However, unless you want to feel the steel of my blade I suggest you not finger your sword so enticingly.”
As Lancelot turned to go, he saw Felicity arrive, and try to comfort her mistress, and direct some words at both Raven and himself. “Well, Felicity, then perhaps you should have a long talk with your mistress and talk some sense into her. It is obvious that she does not believe that to be true. It is a shame that she has allowed such doubts to creep into a night that should have been a happy one for her. However, given the attitude that she has made quite clear I am in no mood to try and change her mind on this issue. It is something that she will have to come up with on her own, if she chooses to, with your help if you so desire. Given what he has said so far, though, it seems that she has made her decision, and I must respect it, and withdraw with as much honor as I am able. Good evening to you all.” Lancelot backed away slightly, bowed in deference, as Raven was his superior in noble rank, and turned away, walking across the room.
He arrived back at the side of the room where he had left the Lady Morgana. He saw that she had stood up and had drained the remnant of her goblet of wine, and had begun to move toward the exit of the room, after looking across the room, and apparently not having seen the approach of Lancelot. He quickly maneuvered himself between her and the door, and bowed slightly before addressing her. “My Lady Morgana, it appears that you have decided to no longer grace us with your beautiful presence. If you are so intent on leaving the festivities here, would you like an escort back to your rooms at the castle? It is only proper that the ward of the King be escorted properly and not have to travel unguarded within Camelot. As a Knight of Camelot it is my duty and honor and pleasure to offer you such a service, milady” he said, bowing in deference to her once more.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 17, 2011 17:42:44 GMT
Before Lancelot had even had a chance to reply to the courteous response from Lady Morgana, he saw out of the corner of his eye, that Raven had turned and walked away. He thought that was quite unusual behavior ... this was her celebration after all. It was quite rude, was it not, to walk away from the Lady Morgana without even a word of greeting or acknowledgment? "Excuse me Lady Morgana, I am sure that we will return in a moment."
He was not sure exactly what was going on, but he knew Raven well enough to know that something was bothering her. he saw that Felicity had taken out after he, and he followed Felicity. He was close enough to hear the girl say something about tears. "Now ..... Raven ..... what is this ..... why the tears. You are celebrating your birth day and receiving gifts. Shouldn't that be a time of joy? Besides, I am sure that Lady Morgana is deserving of a better reception, don't you think?"
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 17, 2011 10:46:20 GMT
Lancelot elected to stand back slightly from Raven as she took the time to embrace Felicity. He had no doubt that Raven was more than affluent enough where she did not need any of the gifts that had been brought. However, it was also clear that she wanted to express her appreciation to both Felicity and this Legend fellow for their thoughtfulness. Lancelot, though, did smile slightly at the way that the two of them had reacted to their comments about them as a couple. He had no doubt that Raven's intent had not been to embarrass either of them, but especially Felicity. The girl had made no attempt to hide the fact that she had turned red, but her reason why was almost laughable, and it was all that Lancelot could do to suppress a laugh.
Legend, on the other hand, when he produced the flower in Felicity's hair, as he presented his gift to Raven sent another message. It was clear that the friendship was a deep one, and if anything, that he was more willing to display an outward show of affection than she was. Obviously, he thought, it had to be clear to the girl, as well as everyone else could see, that if Felicity would allow it that they could easily be a couple. Lancelot had wondered, for several moments, why there had as yet been no representative of the Pendragons at this event, as of yet. Out of the corner of his eye, however, he had seen the approach of the beautiful Lady Morgana. It was clear, as his head turned to her that she did not want to interrupt the proceedings too much.
However, she was the King's ward and allowances could be made. Lancelot's eyes locked on Morgana's and he wondered if she knew, or if anyone else did, of the crush that he had had on her from the time he had originally arrived at Camelot. He had denied those feelings, as he had those for Gwen. In truth, it was Raven who had selected him, and if his dreams had been realized he would have sought out another. However, he was a Knight and that was not the way he had felt that he should travel. However the feelings were there and were strong, even as she shook them off. "Lady Morgans," he bowed, "Welcome to the the festivities, Are you to be the sole representative of the Pendragons?"
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 11, 2011 5:16:36 GMT
Lancelot rubbed his shoulder where she had hit it. He said, smiling, "I did not know it had been established that she was embarassed enough. What about Legend here .... do you think he is embarassed enough as well." He saw that she was clutching the roses quite closely, and seemed to be quite possessive of him. "Now, why would I ever leave my birthday girl?" He wondered whether her stomach was bothering her by the ways she was holding it.
Lancelot, even though it appeared that Raven was concerned about him staying where he was, smiled as he looked back and forth between Felicity and Legend. They looked equally red in the face so he assumed that their level of embarrassment was similar, even though they denied everything. "Yes Felicity, I'm sure you don't. And as far as I'm aware that's how most couples begin, as friends. It makes sense, don't you think?" He looked at Legend, and saw how he tries to avoid eye contact, and knew that some of these thoughts had already popped into his head. Lancelot reminded himself now, though, that these things should just be allowed to take their course, without outside interference. So he kept any additional thoughts to himself.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 6, 2011 3:24:50 GMT
Lancelot liked to get out of the city of Camelot as often as he could, especially away from the enclosing wall of the castle. He reckoned that he had spent so much of his life out in the open air, either in the forests or on the open road, like he was now. The walls of the castle just seemed to be so confining. Often it just reached the point that had to get away.
So, here he was on the Kingsway, some distance outside of Camelot. He had just opened up his black stallion, Sher-Fore, to give him a chance to get up to his highest speed. He had just slowed him down to a slower trot, as saw a group of people on horseback just ahead. There was something that struck him as odd about this group. It seemed to him that one was arguing, a female, it seemed to him.
He counted the number of figures around her ..... one ..... two ..... three ....... four ...... five ...... he counted. They all seemed to be male he thought. They did not seem to be treating her with much respect he thought. However, the good thing, he thought, was that they were so concerned with each other that they didn't notice him. Fortunately, he thought, he had brought his bow with him, and he dismounted, sending his horse down the road, and he headed into the brush moving quickly toward the group.
In recent days he had heard reports of bandits in this area that had a history of simply melting into the woods. There was no doubt in his mind,. looking at their body language and the voices that he heard,without knowing who she was,that they were bandits. As he quickly took position adjacent to them, he saw them see his horse approach. He saw the bandit nearest her pull a knife on her, as they were interrupted by his horse. Knowing that their attention would be focused on the horse, he delivered his first arrow to the center of the knife-bearer's chest and quickly re-loaded his bow, as he saw out a new target, as he was looking to even the odds, before he engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. He heard her cry for help, but didn't allow it to affect his concentration and focus.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 4, 2011 21:30:16 GMT
Lancelot saw as soon as he had offered his small gift, and his concise set of words, that it was all that she was looking for. He returned her embrace with a hug of his own. “Then I will do my best to provide the attention and love that you require.” Since they were in public, and at a party in her honor, he thought that public displays of affection should be kept at a minimum. Besides, she was basically greeting guests right now, and what he should be doing is assisting her, especially when several approached at the same time. He saw, quite easily, even as she greeted people , that she was keeping a tight grip on the gift that he had provided, and was holding them close, as she kept him close as well.
Lancelot watched, as a young man approached from across the room, and listened to the young lady next to Lady Raven introduce herself. “It is equal pleasure and honor to meet you as well …. And you are?,” he asked. Within a few moments the young man had reached them and had introduced himself as Legend Filiken. “Legend … is an unusual but a strong sounding name. I take it that you have demonstrated some ability in the magical realm. There are many still, who do not respect its practice. I am not one of them,” and Lancelot gave the young man a respectful nod. “I am sure the Lady Raven is appreciative of your presence as well.”
The young lady immediately got into a conversation with the young Legend, and he could see that with the smile on her face she apparently liked the young man. He returned her salutation quite readily as well. They both seemed to have a certain level of affection for the other. Lancelot wondered exactly how serious it might actually be. Since Raven introduced herself to him it was obvious that this was the first time that she had met him, and it was clear that the same question that was on Lancelot’s mind as well.
The red coloration on Felicity’s face explained much more than her denial did, to which Lancelot smiled. It was obvious that Felicity felt something for the boy, but it was equally clear that she was afraid that he did not feel the same way. She obviously wanted to keep him as a friend. “I think it’s clear that you are very good friends, or at least wish to be. The question frequently is whether that friendship might develop into something more,” Lancelot smiled a bit slyly.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Nov 2, 2011 4:12:32 GMT
Lancelot figured that Raven would be looking for him at the celebration, but he did not want to attract too much attention, so he desired to make a later appearance than most. He figured that it would give her a chance to visit with some of her other friends. He entered and saw her talking to a servant .... Felicity he thought her name was. She looked to be quite animated when she talk and Lancelot thought he saw an amused smile on Raven's face.
He saw Felicity look up and eyes apparently catch someone else's face across the the room. It was apparently a friend, since a smile came to the servant's face and she waved, seeming to encourage them to come over to meet Rave, the birthday girl. Lancelot smiled thinly. He had entered the room, but just as one more of Arthur's contingent of Knight's, he hadn't really been noticed as of yet.
As the young man seemed to begin to cross the room he saw that the servant girl was scanning the room once more. Was it he that she was searching for, or someone else? He nodded greetings to other Knights as he passed them. Within his cloak were the only gifts that the Knight of common origins could easily afford.
He saw that the young girl was once more turned to Raven in conversation. Raven seemed to be diverted by her servant's conversation, which allowed Lancelot to approach without being noticed until he was right upon them. "My Lady Raven, forgive me for my late appearance at your festivities. I am sure that many or most have brought gifts worthy of you." He stopped and withdrew 2 red roses from beneath his cloak. "These and my love is all I have to offer you," and he dipped his head in a deferential nod, hoping that he had pleased her by just being there.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Oct 30, 2011 4:15:30 GMT
"So .... it is Dreamer then. I think it is a question of when, not if. There are all kinds of strength and powers, though. That is an eventuality that you will need to prepare yourself for. Did you not consider what his reaction would be? By your present reaction I think that you have known that it would not be .... positive."
If it was not fear, exactly, that he saw in her eyes, it was being unsure of what was to come. She had not considered this, at least in her conscious mind, he understood. He watched her run off and understood that she had somewhere to go, someplace where he could not or should not follow. She needed protection from her fellow Assassins. It was important, he thought for herself and the child she carried to be protected. He could and would take care of himself. He had been doing it all of his life. Besides, he had his duties to Camelot, as a Knight, to concern himself with as well. She would return when she could, he knew.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Oct 28, 2011 6:54:46 GMT
So, she said that she had made her choice, but exactly how thoroughly had she thought this choice through he wondered silently. He knew that with her temper that certain subjects had to be approached quite carefully. "Hmmmm I am quite flattered, my love. However, there are some items that need to be addressed. What of this vision where you foresaw my imminent end. How do you reconcile that with the future that you are committing yourself to with me? Secondly, I am a military man by nature, and as a militarist I am not only interested in a conquest but in acquiring information. That is, to ask questions," and he paused, waiting to see what her reaction would be.
"Questions about the future Grand Master of the Assassins." He listened to her heartfelt pronouncement of her love for him and their child, and he watched the tear slowly trace its way down her cheek. He questioned whether even their love would make her complete, until the Templars had been dealt with and she was firm,y leading the Assassins.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Oct 27, 2011 19:50:16 GMT
The way she responded, it was almost as if she was somewhat offended by the question. Was it outside the realm of possibility that some might have passed through at one time or another. He thought that it was a reasonable possibility. Did she have something against the noble class, or was it a particular noble or knight that had rubbed her the wrong way, or perhaps harassed her or maybe a close acquaintance. it was a riddle, he thought. as to why she felt this way.
Perhaps this feeling about nobles or a particular one was the real reason why she did not want to go through the gates at Camelot. He could hear the tone in her voice as she questioned whether he was looking for someone .... someone more interesting than her, "Nay," he responded. "How could, even a knight, hope to find someone more interesting than you," said Lancelot as he tried to looked deeply into her eyes.
He was just walking slowly besides his horse, as it walked quite slowly ahead. He could see how she was wrapping the reins more tightly around her wrists and he could also feel the tenseness in the air. Any other person might be worried that she would ride off with his horse. However, Lancelot knew his Sher-Fore quite well, and that he would only ride off with Lancelot. He would not respond to another's commands unless Lancelot directed him to. It would be a good test, though, to see what she would do when give the freedom of making her own choices. He wondered though, exactly what she was going to do and what she was thinking at this
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Oct 27, 2011 17:15:35 GMT
Lancelot did not know if he absolutely trusted her yet. He did not think, nor matter what she said to the contrary, to make her choose between himself and the Assasins. he was pretty sure that even though she said that she could not live without him, that with her family connections to the Assasins, that she could never betray them. Just as he could never betray his heart. He would lay down his life in defense of Arthur and the Pendragons.
"Understand that I will always have to conduct myself as the Knightly Code instructs. My honor and my duty demands my loyalty of the Pendragons. I will have to follow both my head and heart. Do not force me to choose between you and another patron, and I will try never to ask of you such a thing as well. Know too that the day may come that I may have to give up my life, but you will have to go on, especially since it is not only yourself that you have to think about, but the child that you carry within you as well." he hoped that she would seek to continue to live her life if ever he had to sacrifice his for another's, he pondered as he continued to walk.
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Post by Lancelot Du Lac on Oct 25, 2011 4:43:08 GMT
Lancelot had never heard of such a document. Normally, the power of words was in the effect they had people and their emotions, not in some physical power that they possessed. Obviously, these scrolls were different. He listened carefully as she explained their powers and their long history. He noticed, though, that she did not go into much detail about what the powers of these spells were. "Ahh .....," he was particularly surprised that the Assassins would be the self-appointed protector of this object. As such, it seemed that they shared this attribute with the Templars. Each one saw it as the ultimate defender from the other it seemed. Well, at least her heart was in the right place, he thought, and she was apparently trying to do what was right, at least from her perspective.
"A french king you say. Well, you must admit that English kings have controlled stretches of 'french' territory on the continent. So, for them to want to do the same thing here is not exactly unexpected or surprising, especially with as weak a king as Uther has been recently." Hmmm ..... he wondered. Was that true love that he saw in her eyes, or was she looking to use the child that she carried as a final means of persuasion .... the ultimate weapon to use against him and the chivalrous code that he followed. She followed with a deep kiss, which was something he expected that she thought he could not resist, and he couldn't, as he returned it with feeling, physically and emotionally.
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