Baldrick's execution

[King Uther Pendragon]

Crime: Imprisonment of Casalynn Laymont (among others)
Arrested by: Prince Arthur Pendragon


This thread is open to all those citizens of Camelot who wish to witness this criminal's punishment. Two guards are stationed nearby in order to keep bystanders away from the criminal. After the hangman is satisfied the criminal is dead, the body will be removed and buried.


The guards drag Baldrick forward, looping the noose around his neck...

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn could scarcely believe that this day had finally arrived. The day she had longed for for so long was here yet she didn't feel happy as she presumed she would. Instead floods of sorrow, regret, sadness and remorse was all she could feel as she was solely responsible for this. Normally on any other day she could never bring herself to watch hangings but today was different. The man she hated, dispised with a passion was now recieving his sentence in which he totally and utterly deserved, yet she couldn't quite work out why she felt so guilty. A restless nights sleep resided on her face, deep, dark wrinkles polluted her eyes. It took a lot of courage and strength to see that man again but she knew this would be the last time she would ever have to do this.

She was eternally thankful that his face was covered. She couldn't stand to see the sight of him and his smug smirk that he always carried and his pompous grin that used to turn her stomach inside out. He was subdued to darkness for the lastest remains of his life and she hoped that he would be scared. As she had been scared. Revenge had always been an undesirable trait for her but it gave her a small sense of satisfaction. His death would mark the start of her new life and once he was out of the picture it would be so easy to move on.

Casalynn had positioned herself as far away from him as she possibly could yet still kept him in her line of vision. She watched with eager eyes as the noose was placed around his neck taking on the next preperation for the hanging proceedings. Her eyes strayed to the guards standing nearby him, positioned incase someone tried to aid in his escape or tried to set him free. She hoped this event would run smoothly, and she hoped everything would go to plan. Cass was forever grateful to Arthur who had saved her in her night of need and had arranged for this hanging to take place. Without him she would still be trapped in her neverending nightmare and that man would still be free to roam the streets commiting any crime of his choosing without having to think of the consequences.

She made a long internal sigh, drawing in a deep breath to prepare herself for when it happened. She wasn't sure if she'd look or turn away as after all it wasn't exactly a pretty sight. Casalynn was glad that she wasn't the only one here as the large gathering crowd gave her cover and a place to hide. She liked the fact that she blended in that along with her long concealing cloak managed to cover her face so no one could see her cry. She felt stupid for doing so and was convinced she would shed no tears over his death.

Even through all of his wrong doings she couldn't dismiss the fact that he had sheltered her when no one else would. He was the first 'friendly' or not so friendly face that she had seen since moving to Camelot a few years ago. But still it didn't make what he did right. Her mind fluttered back and forth mauling over past memories she had shared with the man. He deserves it these words circled her mind determined that it would stick and leave her no regret or sorrow. This was a happy day, not just for her but for all citizens of Camelot.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur stood at the back of the crowd that had gathered to witness the hanging, staring up at the body that stood beneath the wooden frame. Preferring not to be the centre of attention on a day like today, he was wearing the plainest clothes he had been able to find, black and grey and a rather suitable colour choice.
It made him feel slightly sick to see the amount of people who had made it down to the green just to see someones death. He was sure that at least half of the men and women had never even met Baldrick before, and those who had brought their children? Disgusting.

He spotted Casalynns unusually solemn face amongst the many others and silently he made his way through. She stood calmy facing the gallows, quiet and withdrawn. It wasn't really surprising after all she had been through in the last who-knew how many months.
Arthur placed a gentle hand on the girls back and smiled sadly. He wanted her to know that he was here for her in her hour of need, but the words failed him. He hoped that the gesture would be enough for her to know how he was feeling.

The creak of wood told the murmuring crowd that the execution was about to begin and like a field of corn being blown by the wind, the silence spread throughtout the people. As the hangman stepped up to the man, his face covered by a thick black hood just as the rest of him was, the reality and horror of what was about to happen seemed to hit some mothers, who hurriedly began to usher their young children away. Casalynn still stood watching, almost as though she couldnt actually see what was going on before her, despite being right at the front of the audience.
The man in black placed the noose around Baldricks neck, no emotion showing at all. Arthur shivered. There was something eerie about not being able to see the face of someone about to commit effective murder and it was made even worse by the fact that he was just able to hear the whines of the condemned man.

"Do you want to go?" He asked Casalynn, worried she might feel she had to be here. As he spoke though the crowd gasped and he heard the subtle crack of Baldrick's neck. He winced and turned back to Cass.

[Casalynn Laymont]

((Better late than never ))

Cass stood silently, her arms hanging awkwardly down by her side. She couldn't help but drop her eyes, not being able to hold her gaze for much longer; seeing Hangings take place was a rather unusual event for her and was something she didn't tend to do all that often. Her eyes strayed to the excutioner who looked slightly bored and indifferent about the whole thing. She supposed that was because he encountered death so many times before maybe he'd just become accustomed to it. She on the other hand had not, it was rather daunting. Standing, waiting, watching and listening. Her heart began to flutter and her stomach began doing somersaults over and over again not quite knowing how to handle the situation. The feeling of lonliness became stronger; she had no one else left.

Before she could let her mind run away with her, she felt a comforting, reassuring hand on her back. She didn't need to take two guesses as to who it was and she immediatly knew it was Arthur. She turned round, looking up in silent grace yet a hint of sadness and grief hidden in her eyes; at least she didn't have to face this completely alone. Casalynn let a small simple sigh leave her lips whilst drawing in a deep breath of air and letting the oxygen fill her lungs, attempting to steady her leaping heart. She smiled to Arthur, trying to kid herself that she was really okay and not worried at all maybe if she kept telling herself that one day she might believe it. Get a grip Cass, this is a good thing She turned her back on Baldrick, relashing the distraction that Arthur provided.

"Yeah. I don't think I can watch" Just when the words left her mouth, she heard the creak of wood and the distinct sound of bones snapping, bones breaking. She squeled, taking the noise by surprise and not wanting to turn back and confirm what she had just heard. The reaction from the crowd told her everything, they had all gasped like she had and were now looking on with what looked like a mixture of happiness and disgust. How could anyone get pleasure from seeing someone die like this? God knows she couldn't. Despite the display being over, no one seemed to move and just stood in their places. She moved a little closer to Arthur, feeling quite uncomfortable and shell-shocked by the whole thing.

"I'm not looking. Is he dead?" She asked subconsciously, knowing what the answer would be but just wanted to hear the confirmation anyway. Her back remained turned to the excutioner and the body of Baldrick, she began fighting the urge not to turn around. She kept her focus on Arthur and of her surroundings, trying her best not to satisify her curiosity to see the images she was now beginning to draw up in her mind.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur moved his arms to allow Casalynn closer to his body. He felt a sense of responsiibilty for her after everything the two of them had experienced in such a short time, as well as having been the one to arrest her 'uncle'. He instantly found himself placing his arms around her and pulling her closer to him and into a hug.

"It's ok now. Its over." He replied, not directly answering her question, for he felt confirming someones death was unecessary- besides they both knew what that sound had meant. He squeezed her tight, wanting and needing her to know that he was there for her and would remain so until she no longer needed his protection.
Prising himself from her grip and taking her hands in his own he began to lead her away from the green and the lifeless body that was stil swaying in the wind. It made him feel physically sick as he caught glimpses above the pale girls head, but he knew that it would have been worse to leave Cass in that foul creatures care.
He walked backwards, his eyes boring into Casalynns, telling her to stare back at him and not risk turning around. It was one thing knowing Baldrick had been hung, but literally seeing could change an innocent girls perspective of life forever.

"Better?" He asked as he let go of her hands after a quick squeeze and smiled.

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn had tried her best not to cry; she felt stupid. Such heavy emotions never came naturally to her and such a public display of emotions was something she deemed careless and unnecessary. She didn't want to appear weak or an emotional wreck but the fact that Arthur was being so nice to her amplified the situation somewhat. She wasn't used to such kindness, only abuse and threats. She never thought she would find kindness in the face of royalty as she had heard the Pendragons were not as forgiving, caring or patient as the qualities she had seen in Arthur; They deserved a much better reputation, she knew that for sure.

She embraced the hug that Arthur offered her and felt his warmth protect her against the cold that was beginning to circulate around them. For several long seconds she felt completely reassured and comforted; her mind cleared of any insecurities or worries that had busied her brain before. She then followed Arthur without complaint as he lead her away from the scene and away from the temptation to see the sight she had been longing for such a long time. She had never been so close to death before and had never seen it first hand, she also had no intention of doing so at any point in her life and that certainly wasn't going to change.

"Yeah, thanks" She summoned up as much enthusiasm and grace she could and just managed to drown out the weak tones she was feeling. She seriously didn't know what she could have done without Arthur's presence there; she was forever in his debt. She even managed to flash a quick smile back to Arthur and managed to keep it held in place with little or no effort at all. "I mean it, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me." She said, realising she was beginning to sound a little too soppy which wasn't in her nature at all. "But I'm sure you've wasted enough time on me, don't you have your princly duties to attend to? I wouldn't want to keep you from your schedule any longer"

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled as warmly as he could muster when he knew death hung so heavily in the air. He felt like every breath he took was full of the scent and it made him feel sick just thinking about it.
"Let's head back to the castle." He replied, ignoring Casalynn's questions. He took her hand and led her firmly through the narrow streets, trying to avoid as many people as possible, for her sake.

When they reached the steps that led up to castle Pendrgaon, Arthur stopped.
"What are you going to do Cas?" He asked, his tone serious but by no means unkind. "Are you working? Where are you living?"
He shrugged his shoulders and, as if he had thought long and hard about this next sentence and finally decided 'why not', he said, "I don't mean to pry but I worry about you."

As soon as the words left his lips he felt guilty, as though he had said too much, got too involved. But Casalynn Laymont was his subject, his responsibilty, his friend. He had a duty to her through each one of those relationships but more than that, he cared.

"Please Cas," He laid his hand on her arm. "Let me help."

[Casalynn Laymont]

Cass was about to decline his offer to go back to the Castle as she didn't want to inconvience anyone. What would prince Uther say if he saw his Son hanging around with some 'commoner' and attemping to help her, surely he would disapprove? Casalynn figured she should stop worrying about Arthur for she knew he was more than capable to look after himself. She just didn't want him to get into any trouble on her behalf; he had been so kind all she wanted to do was pay him back the favour. She took hold of his hand once again, knowing for sure this wasn't meant to be a formality for him yet she had no complaints. It sounded stupid but she didn't want to be alone and some company was better than none at all.

Silence. The absence of noise was quite nice. She emptied her brain and try to rid herself of all her worries and it worked, that was until Arthur inundated her with questions that brought her brain into overtime again. What was she going to do now that she was alone? How was she going to live and sustain herself? She had depended upon Baldrick to provide her with all the things she needed. Food, water, a roof over her head. Now she had none of that. The feeling of being alone began to sink in again even witht he presence of Arthur.

She knew that he was only trying to help but honestly she didn't have an answer for his questions."No, your not prying" She mused as she dropped her head, prefering not to hold the gaze of Arthur. He had her best interests at heart and she knew that but she didn't know how he would be able to help. "And I don't have a job. I've never had a job... I don't think" She couldn't help but let out a sigh as she carried on. "And I really don't know. You've done enough I'm already indebted to you. Your royalty and I'm really not important." But with a quick smile she knew she would have been damned so far without his help. "But if your really so eager to help me then who am I to stop you?" With a quick laugh and couldn't help but be marvelled by the sights og the Castle.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled. He was eager to help her but he didnt want her to feel that he was treating her as a charity case, that really was his last intention.
"Cass, I don't want you to feel like i'm just feeling sorry for you. I just want to make sure you can cope." He shrugged his shoulders and turned his back to the girl, looking out over Camelot from his position on the steps of the castle.

He had been born into a life where he would never have to worry about money or food. His father had provided him with the best training and education possible, and even without a mother Arthur had wanted for very little in hsi whole life. He understood, perhaps better than the king, that not eveyone was so priveleged and that they needed to work for everything they had. That was why he was so keen to help Casalynn.

"Look," He began, still facing away from his friend. He could see the stables in the distance and that had sparked an idea in his mind.
"Why don't you go and speak to the stable master. You are amazing with animals and you could easily get a job there. That way you wold be able to live in the servants accomodation and you'd have enough money to start saving for your own place. I know its not ideal..." He turned back and sighed.
"What do you say?"

[Casalynn Laymont]

All reminents of the day's grievances and tribulations had gone completely and now she felt completely clear and free. Her mind was not lost in the worries of imprisonment and beating anymore although they were steadily being replaced by the fears of being alone and unable to cope with life by herself but that seemed a small price to pay for the consequences of being freed by her master. Her eyes stalled over the sights of Camelot and for some strange reason she felt as though she couldn't be happier. Although Camelot had presented her with some very real problems, she had also gained many friends and great experiences. Just when she needed the most Camelot had come through to her and she had been saved in her hour of need.

Casalynn was touched by Arthur's willingness to help her. He never stopped thinking and trying to offer his services and persisted at his best to try and solve all of her problems for her. Just as Arthur had suggested, she glanced over at the stables and saw Horses upon horses being lead out of their stables to be groomed and exercised. She had to admit, she would love that job but it was just something she could not accept. From what she did from now on needed to be achieved by herself and without help. Her honour and pride were something she had to rebuild and she doubted very much she could do that if she was working as a servant.

"Oh I couldn't work for you! That would be.. wierd" She joked, summoning a large smile on her face before proceeding. "Although that would be fantastic, I'm going to have to graciously decline. I want to do this by myself, I need to do it by myself. For now I've been put up by a friend but I'm sure I'll be able to fend and cope for myself." She produced a confident, reassuring look hopefully giving Arthur no air of doubt at all. She hoped he would accept her wishes and understand what she wanted. She knew that option would always be open for her should she need it but just for now she was contented to experience freedom and the struggled of every day life in Camelot.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur grinned at Casalynn as he saw how she put everything behind her and somehow managed to be happy. He couldn't imagine ever being that strong although he wouldn't have admitted it.

"Oh I couldn't work for you! That would be.. wierd" Arthur had to laugh.
"Well it wouldn't be specifically for me...but i understand." He grabbed her arm and squeezed it tightly as she admitted that her future was something she had to take into her own hands. Arthur had nothing but admiration for Miss Laymont.

"Well Cass, I had better be off to the barracks. I haven't trained in days and i'm sure i don't have to describe how my father gets..." He trailed off, with a quick glance up at the castle. He was sure he could see Uthers look of displeasure in one of the windows.
"Promise me that should you need anything you will let me know? If you can't get hold of me just give Merlin a poke." He laughed and let go of her arm.

"I mean it." He said seriously before he sprinted off towards the training ground.