Lord of Gaul

“I know she is the one who will one day close my eyes when I am at the gates of Sídhe, and I will be at peace by her side in the land of Avalon.” Accolon du Gâl. Vassal of Camelot. Brother of Goldie. Once beloved.

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lucanthebutler‌:

“Ah, I could be telling you about how I’m happy with the staff and tired from the work but I don’t suppose that generic so-so is what you’re looking for,” he noted, chuckling. He took a sip of the wine before continuing. “Apart from that, I’m actually doing quite well. Hazel, my daughter, is growing right before my eyes; she is bright and enthusiastic and it almost seems like she’s unaffected by any of the bad stuff of the real world, it’s inspiring. And then there’s the other lady that fills my life with joy, of course.”

“Children are remarkably resilient - I’m glad she’s doing well,” Accolon said with a smile. It was still strange in many ways to think of Lucan as a father, despite having known him for years, but from everything he had seen the other man had taken to fatherhood like a duck to water. It did send a faint, sorrowful pang through Accolon; once he had dreamed of being a father and having a large family himself, but it seemed an increasingly unlikely prospect. “I hope you won’t take offence if I say I never thought I’d see the day you talked of only one special lady.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“I actually think it might,” Lucan nodded. “They need to see that our allies are still with us and that the best of the best stand beside Arthur.” He gave a small smile to the other man as he took a sip of his wine. “After that, you can help me with the paperwork, if you so please,” he joked.

“Very well, one lecture on avoiding being bitten by an Afanc it will be,” Accolon chuckled. It had been a while since he had been in battle himself, but he supposed he could talk to the recruits about the importance of fellowship and friendship. “And how are you, Lucan?”

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morganttudd‌:

A soft hum from the physician at the mention of increased activity suggested what he thought might be the cause of the renewed trouble.  “I know some time for rest would be an impossible ask with things as they are, though it’s the best remedy.  Let me see what I can do about the pain.”  

Morgant rose and moved to the extensive shelves of neatly labeled medicines near by.  After a moment he returned with a bottle and handed it to Accolon.  “No more than 2 drops every 12 hours.  It will take time.  Wounds as bad as this one always do.”

The reaction was no more than Accolon had really expected, but he still felt a pang of disappointment. He was hardly looking to go out on quests or to battle, but just being unable to walk or ride as normal had taken its toll and the many long days he had spent trapped indoors had made him restless.

“Thank you,” he said, taking the bottle gratefully. “I know. And I will try to be more patient - but it seems I had less of that virtue than I thought,” he added with a faint smile. “I have no wish to make it worse again, though, so. I will try.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“That’s very kind of you, thank you. Though I could never ask of you to occupy yourself with the boring paperwork and the general tasks I have to look after on a normal day,” he laughed. Then he got an idea. “Though if you really want to keep busy, I would recommend visiting our recruits on the training grounds. A few encouraging words from someone as important as you could surely lift their spirits.”

“Oh, I don’t know, I’m no stranger to paperwork. And if it keeps me seated behind my desk then Morgant will certainly approve,” Accolon said with a chuckle. “If you think that would help, then I’ll gladly do so.” Personally he was a little doubtful that he had any particular inspiration or wisdom to give, but he had offered to help and he meant it, so he would do all he could.

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morganttudd‌:

Morgant looked up and smiled until he saw the way Accolon limped into the room.  Few could claim to have survived an Afanc but it had not let Accolon unscathed.  Morgant had done his best to treat the wound and its residual pain but it only seemed to lessen the pain for a time before returning. 

Rising, Morgant pulled over a stool and asked the other man to sit.

“I am sorry to hear it,” he said honestly.  “Has anything changed in your routine?  Was the tonic I gave you last time of any help?”

“I suppose I’ve probably been a bit less cautious and more active, especially since I managed the trip back to Gaul,” Accolon admitted, lowering himself down on to the stool and stretching his leg out in front of him; he could feel the scar stretching with his muscles and it sent a throb of pain lancing through his thigh. “It did help to ease the pain a while, yes.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“I’m afraid the king himself isn’t quite sure what it is he is looking for. That would make it slightly hard for us to try and help him to find it. I will make sure to let you know, should this change,” he promised with a small smile. All he knew was that Arthur seemed restless and no matter how much anyone tried, they couldn’t find a way to ease his mind. Perhaps he should ask Merlin.

“True enough. Please do,” Accolon said, nodding. After the mistakes he had made, he wished to be as useful to Arthur in any way he could and prove himself a loyal ally. Whether he really would be able to do anything for the king he didn’t know, but the offer would stand. “And if I can help you in any way as well, Lucan, do say.”

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lucreziaslies‌:

“Though that would be nice, I do not believe going back home would be the best idea. I have no family or friends left there, so there would be little point in me returning if only to see the scenery once more.” Wrapping her arms around her frame, Lucrezia looked up at Accolon with a warm smile. “The gardens on the south side of castle seem to be empty more often than not, if you ever need a place to relax, aside from your chambers, that would be the place to do so.” 

“I see ... it’s your decision of course, you must do whatever you are happiest with,” Accolon said, curious but not wishing to pry into anything painful or personal; he knew well the desire to keep some things to oneself rather than dig them up again. “Thank you for the tip. I’m sure at some point I will find myself in need of peace and quiet,” he chuckled. “A garden sounds perfect.” Part of him wondered if it really was empty that often if it might be a good place to speak privately with Morgana . . . but he knew he shouldn’t be thinking that and tried to shove the impulse down.

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You're so handsome I can hardly catch a breath. ~Your Secret Admirer

“That is very kind of you,” Accolon said with a slightly self-conscious smile, a little embarrased but flattered by the sweet words.

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Morgant grabbed another green stalk from the large pile in front of him and began stripping the leaves.  Much of the morning had been spent in the garden collecting ingredients to be used in his work and now all that was left to do was store them.  It wasn’t a straightforward a process.  Some required drying.  Others needed to be infused into water to be of any use.  Still others, such as the plant he held in his hand, required more immediate use and could not be stored.  It was silent work but it was one of the more relaxing of his duties.  

Morgant heard someone enter the sun-filled room.  Not looking up, he said, “Can I help you?”

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“It’s just me,” Accolon said, coming in through the door but keeping his distance while Morgant worked, watching with interest. He was walking with a slight limp; his injury had started getting painful again over the last few days and he knew that both his sister and Morgana would be displeased if he didn’t get it seen just in case. “My leg’s been playing up again.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“Thank you.” Lucan thought about the question perhaps longer than he should’ve. “The king is well,” he said finally. “He’s in good health, but a little restless. I think he’s chasing after something, except he doesn’t know what it is yet. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that much of a concern - he takes care of his people and duties, it’s just something I’ve learned to notice.”

Sitting back in his chair, Accolon nodded thoughtfully. To his regret he did not know the king as well these days as he once had - but he remembered the man that Arthur had been, determined and passionate, with a vision he wanted above anything to achieve. It would not surprise Accolon to know that Arthur still felt he had more to do. “Is there anything we can do to help him find it?”

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Dear Accolon, Everything always seems brighter when you are around! Sincerely, Your secret admirer.

Accolon couldn’t help but smile at the kind words, and was curious as to who had left them. He knew who it wanted it to have been, but as much as it pained him it seemed unlikely.

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lucanthebutler‌:

Lucan raised his glass in silence before drinking from it. “It’s great to have allies like yourself,” he said. “Because I have a feeling we may need them sooner, rather than later.” For him, Merlin’s return potentially meant there could be problems on the horizon that they might not be equipped to face on their own. “But let’s hope I’m just being paranoid.”

“I will hope so - but if you need my aid, you need only ask,” Accolon assured him, taking a sip of his own drink. Seeing Lucan’s concern, he could not help but feel a prickle of worry himself and hoped indeed that it would not come to war and bloodshed, for Gaul’s sake as well as Camelot. But he would not desert his friends if it should come to that, either.  “And how is the king?”

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lucanthebutler‌:

Lucan laughed dryly. “Ohly if the gods came up with a way to erase us all without bleeding,” he pointed out. “In all honesty, if there’s anyone who could even have a chance to bring peace to this land, it’s Arthur. Is it likely he will succeed? Who knows, but I will follow him until the end no matter what.” Lucan took a sip of the wine in his hand before continuing. “I think most of us here would.”

“Aye, that’s true. So will I,” Accolon acknowledged, nodding. He had known it himself when he first met Arthur, could see that there was something different about him. Something special, that caught the imagination and made you believe he really could achieve anything. “I suppose we will just have to wait and see what the future holds for us.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“Gods help that we don’t,” Lucan said, shaking his head. “But one never knows. There have been reported rumours of Saxon spies in the city, maybe even within the castle. But our own people didn’t notice any activity in the forests around Camelot so I think it’s safe to assume they just do what we do -  scouting the territory. Doesn’t mean we’re not vigilant, of course.” It bothered him but if Arthur didn’t want to be the first one to attack, the only thing they could do was to wait and be prepared, should anything happen.

“No, of course.” Accolon knew that every one of Arthur’s men cared as much about their king and Camelot as anyone could possibly ask, and if anyone could see off another threat from the Saxons it would be them - but to know there enemies were still out there, still waiting for something, was not a pleasant thought. “Do you think there could ever been any end to this conflict that doesn’t involve bloodshed?”

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lucanthebutler‌:

Lucan poured the wine and ordered the kitchen help to bring them some food before he sat opposite to Accolon. “Well, let’s enjoy it now and hope the next opportunity won’t be that long from now,” he suggested, raising his glass. “There is never enough peace and quiet.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Accolon said, returning the toast and taking a long drink. The wine was warm as he swallowed and more than welcome after journeying in the chill winter’s air. As he put his glass back down he paused and added, “I hope you’re not expecting any particular trouble in Camelot’s future?”

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avalonspriestess‌:

He motioned to one of his men and she watched in silence as the horse was led away. She felt suddenly exposed and vulnerable, as if the animal had been shielding them somehow. Pushing the thought away she looked back at Accolon with a small smile. “Shall I accompany you to your chambers? Though I trust you have not been away for so long that you have forgotten your way around the castle.” 

At his words her smile widened, finding comfort in the familiar teasing. “I most certainly would not,” she said, feigning offense.  “Why should knights get to do all the rescuing? If they had kept you I would have turned into a proper witch, like in all those ridiculous stories. There would be no shinning armor but a black gown and a pointy hat. I’d fly over to Gaul and turn all the dragons into frogs or flies,” she laughed. “Then I’d whisk you off on my flying broomstick and we’d vanish into the night!” Her laughter quieted and she lowered her gaze. “Can you imagine the look on King Urien’s face if he found out his bride-to-be turned into a wicked witch and flew away?” She couldn’t. She couldn’t really imagine any of it. 

“I believe I remember the way ... but I suppose if I did not I would only realise it after I was hopelessly lost, so perhaps it is best not to take the risk.” Standing in the courtyard, where eyes might be on them and ears overhearing, it seemed better that he give her some plausible excuse or reason to walk with him. For her ears only, he added softly, “Though you know I would always welcome your company.”

Always, always. For as long as ever she would grant him the gift of her time and her smile.

Holding out his arm for her, he chuckled at her response - though his laughter faded at her last remark, and his chest constricted painfully of the reminder of what remained between them. “I wish I could see it,” he said quietly; he wished he could see her fly away and free herself from it all. He glanced down at her, hating his own helplessness. Hoping to coax a smile back on to her face he added, “Although I’m assuming you don’t actually have a broomstick. Because if you do and this is first I’m hearing of it, I shall be quite miffed.”

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lucanthebutler‌:

“Ale? Wine?” he offered, leaning back in the chair. “I’ll have a cook get you something to eat as well.” Lucan treasured moments like these when he could spend time with his fellow knights without having to focus on the duties for once. “I must say I don’t remember when was the last time we managed to sit down and drink in peace together,” Lucan admitted with a grin.

“Wine, please,” Accolon said, stretching his legs out until he found a comfortable position for his bad knee. He hadn’t quite been sure what reception he would find in Camelot now that Goldie had chosen to stay in Gaul, but he was more than happy to pass an evening in Lucan’s company.

“No, nor I,” he admitted, thinking back. Both their respective duties kept them just missing one another, it seemed. “It must be months at the very least.”