Post by Arthur on Jan 21, 2013 7:28:01 GMT -6
Arthur and Leon
Camelot
Ianuarius, 469 AD
Arthur had returned from Hadrian’s Wall and learned of the Saxon raiding party just north by west of the wall near Brannon Station. Turning the white stead over to the handler, Arthur walked across the yard, and was discussing the wall repairs near the bailey with the Egyptian engineers, when he saw Leon just outside the walls. There not far from the main gate, a village had been established for those that supported the castle, and the Second Knight stood near the market watching some children play. Curious, he bade his farewell to the engineers and made his way out of the castle.
Arthur knew Leon had just returned from four months of duty on Britannia’s west flank, in Gwynedd [western Wales] and was sure glad to lay eyes upon the knight again home, safe and sound.
Long strides took the Commander within feet of the Second knight, and began watching the children. Taking a glance to Leon, his hand laying upon the man’s back, and he nodded. “They mimic our actions at Mons Badonicus…” he removed his helm… “See how they ride back and forth across a center line…” Canting his head at Leon. “Remember our tactics that day… it was the key to our victory… smoke, confusion… and yes, the cavalry charges thru the Saxons lines…”
Arthur looks at Leon, placing a hand upon his shoulder. “You fought well that day… I expected much from your skill that day, but I did not expect you to rout the whole left flank… very impressive…” and he leaned to the left, away from the man, to gain a better view of the knight. “And yet, you continue to impress me with the training you give the militia on the western borders… Lancelot has offered much praise for you…” and then he leaned to him a bit… “But do not let him know I told you…” then Arthur smirked.
The Second Knight was beginning to feel tired... But not in the physical sense of the meaning... Only the mental exhaustion that could only be related to by other men of warfare. Alongside Arthur and the other prestigious knights, Leon had seen more bloodshed and death than many would their whole lives. For that, he supposed he should be grateful.
Standing tall and proud, matching his Commander's height, the young knight tilted his head when Arthur stepped within his line of vicinity. It was indeed good to see him and such a small smile brought with a bow of his head welcomed his 'brothers' coming. The large hand pressed to his neck was only added reminder of their bondage. Of how both equaled the other in gratification of seeing the other well and safe. He noticed the engineer that sulked away by Arthur's off-handed dismissal, but chose not to remark. Each knight offered Arthur their own crafty talents that transformed over the many years this company into one -fighting unit. One that he personally was very proud of.
Then, as the young boys were brought to mention, the knight arched a fair brow and nodded, idly resting the palm of his less dominant left hand upon the hilt of his sword. Green depths stared forward to study their movement and the formation they had naturally created; it did bring back memories. Unfortunately, Leon remembered everything... Every scream, every laughter, every intricate detail. One might have thought it would turn him into a darker shell as Lancelot became... But Leon attested himself to become the light... The equal balance for both men. And for Arthur, these children in the fields now brought him honor...
"Of course I remember Mons Badonicus… The Saxony army was tough but we penetrated their strength. I also remember you, Arthur... The way you challenged Cedric. I think for the first time...Their King is finally impressed..." Only then would cupid’s-bow lips tug upward at the corners. "He will likely not forget you..."
Arthur chuckled at Leon’s comment about Cedric… “Nor shall I forget him… nor his offspring Cynric, who nearly removed Guinevere AND Lancelot from my life…” he swallowed and half-chuckled… “Twas truest fact that Guinevere was able to best Cynric… a feat that both Cynric and I took underestimating that woman…”
He gave immediate pause when Arthur began speaking about Guinevere. This was something that the Second Knight honestly couldn't say he wasn't expecting. He knew his Commander far too well to fall to deceiving lies. The memory of that fateful hour on the battle field and consideration that both she and Lancelot could have easily been lost to them he nodded. Arched a brow and allowed a scholared display of compassion to sweep upon his chiseled visage. "She managed to surprise us all... But then again I never underestimated the strength in a woman" Leon was the sort of knight that was confident in his own ability not to be intimidated by a girl.
Then Arthur gave him praise of his personal accomplishments at the left flank... To which was the cause for the Second Knight to swallow down a dry lump that festered within the pit of his throat. "We all know our duty, Arthur, and would die a thousand deaths if it meant successfully serving you and our cause." Leon didn't fight for Rome... He fought for Arthur and that was simply excuse enough for him to carry on.
What else could the Commander say…?? He knew that the Sarmatian Knights no longer fought for freedom’s Roman scrolls… nor he for Rome itself. He and the Knights had fought for their new home… a land of many peoples all trying to overcome pasts to forge new futures. Arthur smiled and patted the man’s shoulder which would suffice as thanks.
Lancelot... There were a time, long ago when the pair of men disputed one another almost constantly. Praise be to Arthur for putting up with them and their juvenile competitiveness! But now, as men it would seem they set apart their differences and saved their anger and their frustration for the enemy. Both standing at Arthur's opposite with high honor. "Gwynedd's militia are an honorable lot. It was a pleasure to view the West... But I will not lie... It’s better to join you again."
“But the peoples of the West shores were able to withstand the Romans and Saxons for hundreds of years… far longer than most others, save the Picts…” he paused… “And they still view us as foreigners… it will take some time to truly have them as allies. But I am surprised, by the reports, that you have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time.” He nodded once more. “The Gwynedd envoy gives me good praise for you…” Arthur nodded… “Tis good to have you back home as well.”
There was truth that the West of which he came were able to maintain their stronghold right in the very breadth of the Roman Empire. A feat that, still to this day has not ever been ruined. For that Leon was proud of the Gwynedd militia. "I didn't have time to sight see, Arthur... There was a job that needed to be done and so I did it." As Arthur mentioned his happiness that he was home the other man shifted and lightly clapped a single cheek. "There is much we will catch up on" He had no doubt.
Leon laughed lowly and shifted away from the 'game'. "Not a word to Lancelot will be uttered... I actually can't wait to see his cantankerous scowl." Only then would Leon lift a hand and pat Arthur's forearm.
Arthur glanced at the pat to his arm, and looked at the children then slowly back to Leon… “Lancelot was sent north of Hadrian’s… There had been reports of Saxon raiding parties crossing Antoine’s Wall creating havoc in the highlands…” He paused and would notice any expression offered. “That was a week or so ago… he is due back three days hence.”
As he was talking, Arthur noticed a beautiful woman standing to the side, apparently waiting for Leon’s attention. With a slight nudge with the elbow, Arthur diverted Leon’s attention with his eyes toward the female.
However ceremony once again had been dashed by news of Lancelot's status... He had not yet returned? After three days of no word? That left a bitter taste within his pallet. Evidenced by the way his face steadily churned from calming ease to tension and concern. He knew too Arthur's fears… Lancelot was his First Knight and the best of them all. "I had heard about the raids to the North... That the Saxons were close in fast but now you bring me ill news, Arthur. One that cannot be ignored for Lancelot would definitely have reported back to us by now... Especially now." He began to feel his blood grow hot as a hand pressed to the narrow curve of his waist.
Arthur had to chuckle at Leon’s concern for his brother-in-arms… A firm hand went to the man’s arm… “Stay your concern Leon… The patrol is nay due back for three days… I fear not of ill-fates…” and Arthur smiled… “Not yet…” he added.
Eyeing the woman of whom Arthur spoke of... Sophia... She was a lovely girl who had won the attention of Arthur's Second but as of right now he simply couldn't think of anything other than finding Lancelot. "You know what I mean to do... That I personally will ride to find out what has happened and what his delay is…" The tone by which he took was firm and confirming. That nothing would thwart his efforts. "If Lancelot is in danger then we haven't a moment to lose." They would not lose Lancelot a second time... Not on his watch! There was a fated reason after all of why he had returned to join the others. This he truly now believed.
There were announcements coming from the guard-posts upon the castle gates, of riders coming… Arthur looked to Leon and smiled… “They return early no doubt…” And the two men, stride for stride, walked toward the gate. Arthur looked to the guards. “Which direction?” and Arthur’s eyes went in the direction the guards pointed. There, near the horizon, rode a group of men… and as the guards watched, they announced that it was the patrol, minus one…
Arthur looked to Leon… “Nay Leon… let us find out what is going on… for now, you shall nay ride after Lancelot…” Arthur paused… “I too love Lancelot beyond words… but in my heart, I know he is well.” And he looked back toward the riders.
It would be the scout, Tristan, to arrive first… and as he dismounted to speak to the Commander, some squires, exited the castle bailey to take the reins of the arriving knights. The necessary greetings exchanged, Arthur’s hand goes to the scout’s shoulder. “All is well?” Then Tristan looked down, then looked at the Commander, and, in his usual soft, unexcited voice, began to explain all about the Saxon raiders, the unexpected assistance the Pict warriors gave, their verocity, the night spent in the mountain cave, the She Wolf’s fever and how they left Lancelot and Uriell in the cave.
By the time Tristan finished reporting, Gawain, Erec, and Sagremor had arrived, their mounts being handled as well by the squires; each giving the Commander their own greeting.
“Lancelot? What of the First Knight?” Arthur had inquired… and all he received was Gawain’s teasing remark… “Assuredly he is well, unless eaten by the She Wolf.”
Camelot
Ianuarius, 469 AD
Arthur had returned from Hadrian’s Wall and learned of the Saxon raiding party just north by west of the wall near Brannon Station. Turning the white stead over to the handler, Arthur walked across the yard, and was discussing the wall repairs near the bailey with the Egyptian engineers, when he saw Leon just outside the walls. There not far from the main gate, a village had been established for those that supported the castle, and the Second Knight stood near the market watching some children play. Curious, he bade his farewell to the engineers and made his way out of the castle.
Arthur knew Leon had just returned from four months of duty on Britannia’s west flank, in Gwynedd [western Wales] and was sure glad to lay eyes upon the knight again home, safe and sound.
Long strides took the Commander within feet of the Second knight, and began watching the children. Taking a glance to Leon, his hand laying upon the man’s back, and he nodded. “They mimic our actions at Mons Badonicus…” he removed his helm… “See how they ride back and forth across a center line…” Canting his head at Leon. “Remember our tactics that day… it was the key to our victory… smoke, confusion… and yes, the cavalry charges thru the Saxons lines…”
Arthur looks at Leon, placing a hand upon his shoulder. “You fought well that day… I expected much from your skill that day, but I did not expect you to rout the whole left flank… very impressive…” and he leaned to the left, away from the man, to gain a better view of the knight. “And yet, you continue to impress me with the training you give the militia on the western borders… Lancelot has offered much praise for you…” and then he leaned to him a bit… “But do not let him know I told you…” then Arthur smirked.
The Second Knight was beginning to feel tired... But not in the physical sense of the meaning... Only the mental exhaustion that could only be related to by other men of warfare. Alongside Arthur and the other prestigious knights, Leon had seen more bloodshed and death than many would their whole lives. For that, he supposed he should be grateful.
Standing tall and proud, matching his Commander's height, the young knight tilted his head when Arthur stepped within his line of vicinity. It was indeed good to see him and such a small smile brought with a bow of his head welcomed his 'brothers' coming. The large hand pressed to his neck was only added reminder of their bondage. Of how both equaled the other in gratification of seeing the other well and safe. He noticed the engineer that sulked away by Arthur's off-handed dismissal, but chose not to remark. Each knight offered Arthur their own crafty talents that transformed over the many years this company into one -fighting unit. One that he personally was very proud of.
Then, as the young boys were brought to mention, the knight arched a fair brow and nodded, idly resting the palm of his less dominant left hand upon the hilt of his sword. Green depths stared forward to study their movement and the formation they had naturally created; it did bring back memories. Unfortunately, Leon remembered everything... Every scream, every laughter, every intricate detail. One might have thought it would turn him into a darker shell as Lancelot became... But Leon attested himself to become the light... The equal balance for both men. And for Arthur, these children in the fields now brought him honor...
"Of course I remember Mons Badonicus… The Saxony army was tough but we penetrated their strength. I also remember you, Arthur... The way you challenged Cedric. I think for the first time...Their King is finally impressed..." Only then would cupid’s-bow lips tug upward at the corners. "He will likely not forget you..."
Arthur chuckled at Leon’s comment about Cedric… “Nor shall I forget him… nor his offspring Cynric, who nearly removed Guinevere AND Lancelot from my life…” he swallowed and half-chuckled… “Twas truest fact that Guinevere was able to best Cynric… a feat that both Cynric and I took underestimating that woman…”
He gave immediate pause when Arthur began speaking about Guinevere. This was something that the Second Knight honestly couldn't say he wasn't expecting. He knew his Commander far too well to fall to deceiving lies. The memory of that fateful hour on the battle field and consideration that both she and Lancelot could have easily been lost to them he nodded. Arched a brow and allowed a scholared display of compassion to sweep upon his chiseled visage. "She managed to surprise us all... But then again I never underestimated the strength in a woman" Leon was the sort of knight that was confident in his own ability not to be intimidated by a girl.
Then Arthur gave him praise of his personal accomplishments at the left flank... To which was the cause for the Second Knight to swallow down a dry lump that festered within the pit of his throat. "We all know our duty, Arthur, and would die a thousand deaths if it meant successfully serving you and our cause." Leon didn't fight for Rome... He fought for Arthur and that was simply excuse enough for him to carry on.
What else could the Commander say…?? He knew that the Sarmatian Knights no longer fought for freedom’s Roman scrolls… nor he for Rome itself. He and the Knights had fought for their new home… a land of many peoples all trying to overcome pasts to forge new futures. Arthur smiled and patted the man’s shoulder which would suffice as thanks.
Lancelot... There were a time, long ago when the pair of men disputed one another almost constantly. Praise be to Arthur for putting up with them and their juvenile competitiveness! But now, as men it would seem they set apart their differences and saved their anger and their frustration for the enemy. Both standing at Arthur's opposite with high honor. "Gwynedd's militia are an honorable lot. It was a pleasure to view the West... But I will not lie... It’s better to join you again."
“But the peoples of the West shores were able to withstand the Romans and Saxons for hundreds of years… far longer than most others, save the Picts…” he paused… “And they still view us as foreigners… it will take some time to truly have them as allies. But I am surprised, by the reports, that you have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time.” He nodded once more. “The Gwynedd envoy gives me good praise for you…” Arthur nodded… “Tis good to have you back home as well.”
There was truth that the West of which he came were able to maintain their stronghold right in the very breadth of the Roman Empire. A feat that, still to this day has not ever been ruined. For that Leon was proud of the Gwynedd militia. "I didn't have time to sight see, Arthur... There was a job that needed to be done and so I did it." As Arthur mentioned his happiness that he was home the other man shifted and lightly clapped a single cheek. "There is much we will catch up on" He had no doubt.
Leon laughed lowly and shifted away from the 'game'. "Not a word to Lancelot will be uttered... I actually can't wait to see his cantankerous scowl." Only then would Leon lift a hand and pat Arthur's forearm.
Arthur glanced at the pat to his arm, and looked at the children then slowly back to Leon… “Lancelot was sent north of Hadrian’s… There had been reports of Saxon raiding parties crossing Antoine’s Wall creating havoc in the highlands…” He paused and would notice any expression offered. “That was a week or so ago… he is due back three days hence.”
As he was talking, Arthur noticed a beautiful woman standing to the side, apparently waiting for Leon’s attention. With a slight nudge with the elbow, Arthur diverted Leon’s attention with his eyes toward the female.
However ceremony once again had been dashed by news of Lancelot's status... He had not yet returned? After three days of no word? That left a bitter taste within his pallet. Evidenced by the way his face steadily churned from calming ease to tension and concern. He knew too Arthur's fears… Lancelot was his First Knight and the best of them all. "I had heard about the raids to the North... That the Saxons were close in fast but now you bring me ill news, Arthur. One that cannot be ignored for Lancelot would definitely have reported back to us by now... Especially now." He began to feel his blood grow hot as a hand pressed to the narrow curve of his waist.
Arthur had to chuckle at Leon’s concern for his brother-in-arms… A firm hand went to the man’s arm… “Stay your concern Leon… The patrol is nay due back for three days… I fear not of ill-fates…” and Arthur smiled… “Not yet…” he added.
Eyeing the woman of whom Arthur spoke of... Sophia... She was a lovely girl who had won the attention of Arthur's Second but as of right now he simply couldn't think of anything other than finding Lancelot. "You know what I mean to do... That I personally will ride to find out what has happened and what his delay is…" The tone by which he took was firm and confirming. That nothing would thwart his efforts. "If Lancelot is in danger then we haven't a moment to lose." They would not lose Lancelot a second time... Not on his watch! There was a fated reason after all of why he had returned to join the others. This he truly now believed.
There were announcements coming from the guard-posts upon the castle gates, of riders coming… Arthur looked to Leon and smiled… “They return early no doubt…” And the two men, stride for stride, walked toward the gate. Arthur looked to the guards. “Which direction?” and Arthur’s eyes went in the direction the guards pointed. There, near the horizon, rode a group of men… and as the guards watched, they announced that it was the patrol, minus one…
Arthur looked to Leon… “Nay Leon… let us find out what is going on… for now, you shall nay ride after Lancelot…” Arthur paused… “I too love Lancelot beyond words… but in my heart, I know he is well.” And he looked back toward the riders.
It would be the scout, Tristan, to arrive first… and as he dismounted to speak to the Commander, some squires, exited the castle bailey to take the reins of the arriving knights. The necessary greetings exchanged, Arthur’s hand goes to the scout’s shoulder. “All is well?” Then Tristan looked down, then looked at the Commander, and, in his usual soft, unexcited voice, began to explain all about the Saxon raiders, the unexpected assistance the Pict warriors gave, their verocity, the night spent in the mountain cave, the She Wolf’s fever and how they left Lancelot and Uriell in the cave.
By the time Tristan finished reporting, Gawain, Erec, and Sagremor had arrived, their mounts being handled as well by the squires; each giving the Commander their own greeting.
“Lancelot? What of the First Knight?” Arthur had inquired… and all he received was Gawain’s teasing remark… “Assuredly he is well, unless eaten by the She Wolf.”