The Recruitment Office

[King Uther Pendragon]

[Replying on behalf of Arthur]

The Prince looked up as a young girl entered his office; he noted the weapons she was carrying, and nodded in approval of her salute.

"Your name?" he inquired, "And which division do you wish to train in?" Arthur liked to second guess which division applicants were applying for before they told him, but in this instance, he couldn't tell what the girl before him would say. Arthur waited for her to answer, before inquiring- "Why?" It was always good to get a bit of background on recruits, and find out why they were applying.

[Elizabeth Severn]

"Elizabeth Severn," she said politely. "I'd like to apply for a position in the cavalry. As the stable master for Camelot, I was hoping to get some so field experience with the army and get to give my warhorse some exercise." She smiled slightly, a trace of amusement in her green eyes. A thought occurred to her, and she quickly added, "Sir."

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur nodded and handed over the relevant forms.
"That's fine. Just fill these out..."

Joining the cavalry because you were a stable master seemed a strange reason to him, she didnt look much like a warrior, but appearances could be deceiving and he hoped he woud be pleasantly surprised.

Feel free to begin training when you wish! PM me if you have any issue or queries.

[Lancelot Du Lac]

It had been a long time since Sir Lancelot Du Lac had been to this place in Camelot. The ironic thing is that he had not really wanted to stop in Camelot. The problem, among many, was he had the instinctive feeling that this was where he belonged. The other problems, of course, was the fact that he had been stripped of his original knighthood by the queen, and his attraction to Gwen. Still, he decided that he had to try one more time to serve Camelot. The thing that was the big unknown was how Prince Arthur would react. As he approached the entrance, he understood that this was his last opportunity to turn around and give up on applying, Instead, he entered, waiting until the prince noticed his presence, before nodding in deference.

"My Lord ..... Prince Arthur," nodding his head distinctly, and then making and keeping direct eye contact with Arthur, so he could hopefully read how he would react to both his presence, and to the request that he was about to make.

"If you remember, my lord, when I left Camelot the last time, I indicated that I planned to start again, elsewhere, and that I hoped one day, perhaps to return. I have no illusion that I would be worthy to serve as A Knight of Camelot in your cavalry. However, I think that my skills and experience might be put to good use in your army. I hope that you are of the same opinion. I am currently known as Sir Lancelot Du Lac, having served The Earl of Huntingdon in Wessex. If you wish to see some verifying papers and a letter from the Earl I am happy to provide them now."

"Although my first choice is the Cavalry, I would be willing to serve your highness as a Swordsman. Although I can use a variety of weapons well, including the lance and the bow, my greatest expertise lies with the sword, as you well know. The 2 longswords that I carry sheathed over my back I am well familiar with. Off course, the letter from the Earl will detail what my experience with him has been. Although I have accumulated some considerable experience, both before my first visit to Camelot, as well as in Wessex, I know that there is still much for me to learn, I expect, and this would be the best place to learn. As you well know, my Lord, I just seek to serve, as I always have."

"I understand that this will likely involve me starting off at the lowest rung... I have done that before, and I accept that that would be my situation here." Lancelot knew that he had said enough .... perhaps to much ... and knew that now he should be silent. With his head down, he awaited Arthur's analysis and verdict. He was quite prepared for Arthur to tell him thanks, but no thanks. Lancelot had known that he had to make the effort, at least. If not, he would have always wondered .... what if? The question now was what would Arthur's reaction be?

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked up from his work as the door creaked open, and was surprised to see an unusual face.
He smirked. Oh how the mighty had fallen. He couldn't help but revel in the fact that Lancelot had had to come to him practically begging to be allowed into the army.

"Well," Arthur began as he laid the papers he had been dealing with for the past hour, down on his desk. He wasn't sorry for the break he was getting.
"You are competant i suppose...but you left Camelot and so I am not sure if you are trustworthy. What is to stop you running off again?!"

He was loving this.

"But i guess, if you manage to prove yourself worthy in your first training session...then i will be forced to consider you."

Although reluctant to admit it, Arthur knew what an asset Lancelot would be, and if he had already gained a knighthood in another city...No, he needed Lancelot in his army, but he was most definitely going to have to work at it.

[Lancelot Du Lac]

Lancelot had debated internally for some time whether he should return to Camelot, let alone join the fighting forces of Camelot. He had voluntarily opted to leave Camelot to try and prove himself elsewhere hoping at some point to prove himself worthy enough to be accepted back in Camelot at some point. He had wondered whether Prince Arthur would have changed some, matured, become a bit less haughty and arrogant. However, after speaking his peace, and looking into Arthur’s face, he saw that he had not changed much in the months they had been separated, and he sighed in resignation.

“I am sorry, my Prince, from obviously interrupting you in the midst of some important work.” Silently, though Lancelot fumed, thinking that coming here had been a huge mistake. Competent? …. Trustworthy? ….. Running off? Beneath his cloak Sir Lancelot Du Lac clenched his fists in suppressed anger. “Yes, well, when I first visited Camelot I was sufficiently ….. competent ….. to put your Excellency on the ground, with my sword at your throat, demanding you to submit. So I suppose that I have adequate skills if they were superior to yours, on that day.”

Lancelot took a deep breath before continuing because he knew that it would be unlikely to ever have this chance again. “However, despite the fact that you have not seen my skills over the past many months, you still are the best to evaluate whether my abilities would be minimally adequate. You know well why I left and the conditions set for my return. You knew me as a man who only sought to serve, and that I did not demand to serve as a knight, but just to serve. I’m afraid, after all I tried to do, there is little that I can say or do that would prove my honor or show that I am worthy of your trust. I realized this before I came here, of course, but I felt that I should at least try to submit myself for your approval before I would go elsewhere. "

“I am sorry that you apparently can not give me the benefit of the doubt. Why would the first training session matter? You know my skills with a sword and lance. Those are not in question. Apparently it is my moral fiber and character that you question …. my very honor. I apologize for wasting the time and patience of a very important and busy man.” Lancelot bowed his head in defense and began to back away from the Prince, believing that the noble was more interested in torturing him than utilizing his skills.

[Uhtred Einarson]

Uhtred stood outside the Recruitment Office, absently scratching the scar on his cheek, and trying to decide what to do.

Traditionally, of course, the fastest way to join a war-band was to show up with the head of one of their enemies, preferably fresh. He still wasn't entirely sure of the customs here in Camelot, but he was pretty sure that would work.

Unfortunately, he also wasn't sure of exactly who their enemies were, at the moment. And traditionally, showing up with the wrong head was a very fast way to meet the war-band, but not exactly to join them...

Well, no help for it, he shrugged, and walked into the office. His shield and spear were in hand, axe slung on his back and sword at his belt, and his chain mail was burnished and well-tended. All told, he thought he made a pretty fair sight as he stood in front of the desk.

"I am Uhtred, son of Einar, formerly of Juteland, or there-abouts, and I've come to join your war-band. I've spent years in the shield-walls, and captained my own keel-bands, but I know that here I start all over. I am willing to prove myself, if you'll have me."

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur grinned as he saw the man enter his office.
Here at last was a man who looked like a warrior! And he certainly seemed to have an array of experience.

"Fantastic!" Artur beamed, his good mood shining through. He clapped a firm hand on his shoulder, and handed him the relevant forms.

"Fill those out and then we can begin training whenever you wish. Just let me know if you have any questions!"

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

*Sorry i did not see your reply Lancelot!


Arthur, worried that Lancelot might leave his office before joining, hastily replied, "Alright! Alright!I admit your skills are worthy enough of my army already. And i do not doubt your honour, i simply worry that you might have other...commitments."

He paced the room. Concerned that he might be being too nice to his rival.

"Just begin training when you are ready. I am sure you will be nothing short of excellent."

[Lancelot Du Lac]

Sir Lancelot, suddenly stopped, looking up quite surprised at The Prince's sudden change o tack, as well as his outburst. "Prince Arthur, my lord, you have paid me a high compliment on both counts .... my skills and my honour. I was concerned that our previous history and .... other concerns .... might prevent you from accepting me. Is it to to be the cavalry then, and if so, what will King Uther say? Hmmmm .... as for other commitments, as you put it, you should know that I took my oath to Camelot and the Pendragons as a permanent one, no matter what other endeavors I had taken on. I just did not know if I would ever be considered worthy," he bowed in deference.

He considered Arthur's last words carefully, and with the slightest of smiles responded, "I will begin training as soon as I can, sir. I am sure I will have much to learn, and that it will be some time before you call me such. I bid you adieu. By the way, if you don't mind, how are Merlin and Gwen these days?, as he began moving toward the door.

[Gerhard Raeddegson]

Gerhard made his way to the barracks to present himself, as was his custom. Leaving Lil in the courtyard out front, he strode straight into the barracks. Fully armed and armoured, shield on his back, he placed one hand on the top of the axe at his belt, drew himself up to his full height, and spoke clearly. Obviously, this was a speech he had made several times before, as he stared straight ahead at the wall in front of him, not at anyone in particular.

“I am Gerhard, son of Raeddeg, born of Frisia, and newly come to your lands. My battles have taken me across the Angles, Saxons, Franks, Jutes, and others. I have little to offer you, my lord, in way of tribute, but ask nothing in return. What I can offer is my skills in battle. I ride, can pilot a craft in smooth or stormy waters, and have served my former lords faithfully and with honour. I have never fled battle, and never backed down. What I do offer you is my shield, my armour, my axes, and my blood, if you would have them. And all I ask in return is a chance at battle, at glory, and to die in combat, as a true warrior should.”

As he continued to stand there, still staring straight ahead at the wall, slowly, a grin began to spread across Gerhard’s face, cutting through his thick beard.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur stared in awe and slight shock at the man who had just entered his office. His beard was longer than any Arthur had ever seen, and although impressive it was rather terrifying.

He was even more taken aback by the mans speech, which had obviously been practiced, or perhaps even spoken before. More often than not, the men who came to Arthurs door were inexperienced and not much more than boys. When an experience warrior such as Gerhard came along, Arthur struggled to contain his excitement.

"Well sir, I accept. You will of course have to prove these skills you claim, but should you pass your first training session I see no reason for you not to take a position in my army. Good luck!"

Let me know if you have any questions- otherwise feel free to start training!

[Galahad of Pelles]

Galahad walked quietly but resolute through the crowded streets of Camelot, his eyes wincing against the luminance sun. He came to this place with no written agenda, no planned vendetta, no lust for revenge. He merely felt the need serve his purpose in Camelot. And so it was that he strode through the recruitment building's door and took one long glance at his surroundings before taking himself in the direction of the son of Camelot's king, Arthur.

Placing two solid feet on the ground he inclined his head but an inch and placed his hands behind his back holding his wrist in a solid grip. "Your highness."

Remaining silent until he had the prince's attention he held an unwavering stare at the man he was speaking with. When he finally was given allowance to speak he spoke swiftly and indifferently in attempts to remain controlled and cool.

"I am Galahad, sir. I feel I can serve some purpose to you and Camelot. If you will have me I will serve under your command." Simple and precise was the key. But his brain was moving to fast with images of his up and coming future as a solider of Camelot. Victories and all the glory any man could wish for. No, Galahad thought, he did not seek glory or riches. Content he was to be armor shiner if it came to it, as long as he served with purpose.

"I familiar with horses and can ride nearly anything given time. And I am able to sustain survival in a fight on the back of a horse." As if to prove his worth he held up his sword in a dignified manner flat against the palms of his hands ignoring the way the jewels on the hilt glistened with the one and kept his piercing stare on Arthur. "I will be honest, sire, I am rather rubbish with a bow though."

Galahad had no knowledge aside from the basics nor desire to become acquainted with such a weapon. A sword, he was able to control the descent of his arm but with an arrow you could not catch it once it left the stressed string of a bow and he did not think he could bare the sounds of the target's strangled cry after being struck by such a speeding death.

Placing the sword back to his side he tilted his head upward and kept his eyes on the prince for his decision.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was rather enjoying his afternoon in the recruitment office, bathed in the warm glow of the sun that was beaming through the tiny window, he finished the large pile of paperwork that always seemed to be the same size.

It was a welcome surprise to see a new candidate enter the room though, and Arthur sat back signalling for the newcomer to speak.
His words were confident if a little generic, but Arthur had already decided that he like the look of this young man anyway and he smiled.

"Well your blade certainly looks well used, and i doubt such a blade would have been given to just anyone..." He rifled through a separate pile of parchment and pulled out a blank form.
I just need you to fill your details in on there and state which division you would like to join." He paused.

"You say you do not have much skill with a bow, but it will be something we can teach, so perhaps the archers is not yet ruled out?" He had to admit, he was keen for someone to sign up to the archers division, for they had had no new recruits for some time. It was probably the thought of being away from the battle that deterred men, but did they not realise that the bowmen learnt sword and knife skills too?

Whatever Galahad's decision, Arthur would accept him gladly.

[Galahad of Pelles]

Galahad nodded his head with a brief twitch of his eyebrow as he finally took his gaze away from Prince Arthur and down to the file in his hand before back up once again. "I can learn quickly."

He paused briefly staring at the form within his hands, his jaw clenching only slightly as his outer appearance remained neutral. But then he turned his piercing stare back towards the prince and struggled to keep his indifferent composure intact. But the indecisiveness was clear and he quietly berated himself for his inability to hide it. Such an occasion as this he should have been decorous.

Finally taking the ability to speak into action Galahad exclaimed,

"I know, sire, I will have to make difficult decisions as it is apart of life... and I am fully prepared to make them." He spoke softly with confliction, dropping the formal way in his speech for a moment. His brow furrowed in thought before his voice became solid once more. "And it is with fear of losing what little respect you may have for me...But please do not make me choose in the way in which I will serve where I... most certainly kill. I cannot, will not, elect something as major as that."

Galahad in all his finality would never be able to choose the way in which to pre calculate the possible death of anyone or anything. For his moral code denied such possible thinking of such. He nearly begged inside, no matter how undignified that was, for someone else to make that decision.

"I do not wish to seem rude." He promptly added his sincerity fully expressed in his eyes. "I willingly offer you all my abilities and skills to use in how you see fit. Whatever you see best I will honor with respect. But I simply cannot choose."