The Once and Future King

High King Arthur of Pendragon

[highking-arthur]

cavaldulac‌:

Caval nodded again, solemnly. Though he could stand there chatting with the legendary man for hours, he knew that there were others that the King must see and that he may also be getting weary of Caval’s company. “I will look forward to that. For now, I shall bid you adieu. May you have a good night, my liege.” The knight offered as he bowed before turning and heading for the door.

“Enjoy the night,” the king nodded gravely, covering his mouth to hide a cough as the young man left. He was starting to feel the weight of his years, and yet, he persevered, to see all those who might take his throne. 

[highking-arthur]

cavaldulac‌:

Caval nodded slightly as he listened to the king speak. “Thank you for the advice. I truly appreciate any shreds of wisdom you would be willing to grant me. Especially in regards to leadership and rulership.” The knight stated honestly as he looked over at the older man.

Arthur nodded, glad that the boy appreciated and wanted to learn from his years on the throne. “Of course, I would be happy to share my experiences with you if you’d be willing to listen. Perhaps later, we can have a more in-depth discussion on these matters, when time is not so much an issue.”

[highking-arthur]

littlexrobin‌:

The sound that broke from the redhead’s throat wasn’t quite a scoff, though that may have been what it was intended as. The tears that threatened to drown it had mangled it beyond recognition. “No I did not get to fight by my father and my namesake’s sides during that battle, I have just been having to mop it up. A man’s views don’t die with the man! He is a martyr. And you’re right, I may not know the hell of a full scale war. But I know the pain of trying to convince the love of my life to not leave me and our home at the beck and call of a man who had uses of her. I know the pain of only knowing where my heart is because a new nation has been added into your lands.” The hard swallow of the lump in her throat was oddly dry. She felt as if she were to shatter at any moment. “You’re always the hero. You, who won brilliant victories and then have ruled unremarkably since the end of those conflicts. You, who probably don’t even know the current price of a loaf of bread. You, a man who didn’t notice his wife and his best friend were in love because he was too preoccupied with his conquests and his own legend. You, who stole my chance at happiness. No. I’m not going to just mindlessly worship a man who did great things once upon a time. And the people will be free to live as equals. Not as subjects to a memory of greatness.” She let the words hang for a moment. A long moment. Then – for the first time since she had entered – Little Robin bowed before her King, turned on her heel and began to walk for the door.

As she spoke, it became apparent that her issue was not with him. Arthur might’ve told her that where Grace went and what she did was very much her own choice, but if shouldering part of that blame would ease things between the two of them, Arthur would bear that. “You’re making a great deal of assumptions about what it is to rule, and I hope for your sake, you never need know what it truly entails.” He said simply, allowing her to turn and leave, he took a moment to compose himself before gesturing to the herald to bring in the next candidate.

[highking-arthur]

cavaldulac‌:

“That makes sense. It’s Matthew 23. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Caval finished his quotation, his eyes locking on the King’s. He believed in that moment, truly, that he understood what the King had meant. “The King must be a servant to the people, or else… it would all fall apart and he would fall.”

The king listened to Caval’s quotation, and nodded, glad that the young knight could understand. He grinned as he got to the heart of the matter. “Just so, lad, just so. It may seem that as king, I have many who serve me, but in truth I am the one who serves all of you. It is my duty to see to it that you are defended in times of war, and fed in times of famine and drought. A king who puts his own glory ahead of the needs of his people will quickly be overthrown.”

[highking-arthur]

littlexrobin‌:

“Well that’s good. It’s just another facade. Groveling, courtly manners, what flag flies over your town… it’s all a facade. Most of it never even effects the vast majority of the population.” She stated with a slight shrug of her shoulders before pushing herself forward from the pillar, allowing herself to actually stand to her true height. “As for the disrespect, well, I like real people. People who aren’t hiding behind titles, ornate costumes, and magical games. People who help those in need. I don’t like the games of court and I wasn’t made for them. I was made to care about people. To view them as human, not as numbers or resources. So I guess I’m just waiting to see what you really are. A person, or a crown.” The statement was completed as she took a single step closer. “And don’t worry. I’m not staying in your home. I’m staying back at that tavern, The Quivering Moon. Someone told me it was the place to be to meet real people.”

“You seem to have strong opinions, for one who’s always known peace.” The King observed. He knew that none of this generation knew the horrors of war, and the land had been safe throughout his reign, but he hoped they would have a bit more respect for those who had fought to make it so. “You are too young to remember what Sherwood forest was like before my flag flew over Nottingham’s ramparts, but I do. I remember how Prince John treated the people, and I know why your people are wary of those who wear crowns. But I have fought and bled for your freedom, and that of all those under my protection, that none in my kingdom will suffer under the cruelty of such a tyrant ever again. I have sacrificed more than you can imagine for the sake of my people, so I will thank you to hold your tongue if you intend to stand there and accuse me of not caring about people in need.” The king responded with a steely glint in his eyes. 

[highking-arthur]

@galicths

“Lady Galiath, His Majesty the King is ready to see you now,” the royal herald bowed low to welcome Galiath into the small throne room where the King was taking his audiences at the ball. As she entered the room, the king smiled, his wrinkled eyes crinkling up with the gesture.

[highking-arthur]

cavaldulac‌:

Caval pondered the question that had been asked of him. It was a valid question. He hadn’t even been in Arthur’s service when it was announced that the trials would occur. So why should he have any say. Then he admitted what he knew was true. “The people. They deserve better than knights and protectors who are more focused on what they can do to gain station than protecting the people and the nation.”

“In that case, I believe it would have to do with your motivation for seeking the throne.” Arthur observed. “If you only wish to draw the sword out to advance your own station, then perhaps you should withdraw. But if you think that you would be the kind of king who could make the kingdom better, if your goal is to be a better protector of the people and the nation, then I think you would be betraying no one.” The King truly believed that anyone will ambitions only for their own gain would not be chosen by the sword.

[highking-arthur]

littlexrobin‌:

“I think it’s something about having a home for ourselves… I don’t doubt my luck for a second, though I do make a lot of my own luck as well.” Robin chuckled dryly as she looked at the King as he sat there. “So do most people just kinda come in here and grovel at your feet because of your station or… is that a total exaggeration?”

“I don’t have much patience for groveling, I’m afraid. For those who I’m familiar with, it’s a chance to see how they’re doing. For others, like you, who I’m... less familiar with, it gives me a chance to meet those who might be my successor.” He explained why he wanted an audience with all the guests. “You’ll have to forgive my bluntness, but are you always so disrespectful to those who welcome you into their homes?”

[highking-arthur]

cavaldulac‌:

“I have… considered the possibility.” The knight was being extremely careful with his words as he was trying to find the best way to express what was in his mind. He wanted the power for partially selfish reasons, that was true, but also because he wanted to try and do some good. “I feel conflicted as to whether or not it would be a betrayal.”

The king leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees as he assessed the young man in front of him. In his heart, Arthur had forgiven Guinevere and Lancelot long ago, as the years had washed away the pain, and age had brought clarity. “A betrayal to who? I would not have opened the trials to all, if I did not believe the sword would only choose one who was worthy to rule.”

[highking-arthur]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“Of course I will,” Grace assured the King, her ego somehow more inflated than it had been when she entered the throne room. “I am, but I’m glad to have gotten the chance to speak with you. I hope to see you again soon. Do look after yourself.” She courtesied respectfully before turning to leave. Grace paused at the door and looked over her shoulder, catching one more glance of the weakened King before she rejoined the party. 

The king nodded to her well wishes, a soft smile on his lips as he watched the young woman depart the audience chamber. With so many promising candidates for the throne, Arthur felt somewhat glad that he did not have to choose between them.

[highking-arthur]

rxthlesschris‌:

“You and I both know there are never really any nights off.” Christopher looked knowingly at Arthur, wondering if the King had really let himself relax in all the time he had ruled. Maybe king would be the perfect position for Chris. At least then he would have an excuse for why he was so worked up all of the time. “Just send someone to fetch me if something does come up.” He knew the King didn’t need a reminder that he was always available, but Chris felt the need to remind him anyway. “And I’ll be sure to escort Caelia back to her rooms at the end of the party.” He glanced toward the guards outside of the throne room. “So these men can focus on your protection.”

“Not for the king, perhaps,” Arthur agreed with a chuckle. “But you should enjoy your youth while you can. It slips away all too quickly,” he shook his head, nodding as Christopher promised to be at his beck and call, covering his mouth as a cough overtook him, and an attendant ushered Christopher out to let the king rest.

[highking-arthur]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

Grace’s chest swelled with pride. The King’s words made everything she did, everything she had been through, the people she had lost and the bridges she had burned, worth it. “Of course I will. There’s nothing more important to me than seeing that this great Kingdom remains great, and that means holding whoever takes the ground to the highest standards.” She meant every word. A smile tugged at her lips, and for the first time since she had arrived in Camelot, she felt the weight of what was to come as something more like a blessing than a burden. “I appreciate your kind words. I hope that whoever takes the crown, if it is not me, appreciates my…uh, spirit, as much as you do.”

Arthur nodded graciously, glad that Grace would carry on as she always had. She was among the most driven young women he’d ever met, but he was sure his kingdom was the better for her influence. “I am glad to hear that. I hope you will give my heir the opportunity to see that you have only the best intentions for the people,” he smiled, Grace was a force to be reckoned with. “But now, I’ve prattled on long enough. I’m sure you’re eager to get back to the celebration.”

[highking-arthur]

rxthlesschris‌:

Chris nodded, though he wasn’t sure the King’s trust was well placed in this instance. He would, of course, do everything he could to keep Caelia safe - even from herself - but she was a force of nature. It would be a miracle if they didn’t kill each other. “You know you can count on me, your Majesty. I’ll be sure to keep her out of trouble. I won’t let you down. Is there anything else I can do for you? Aside from keeping Caelia away from those with ill intentions?”

“Just enjoy yourself tonight, Christopher. Everyone needs a night off now and again,” Arthur nodded gratefully. “I won’t keep you from the festivities any longer. We’ll have a chance to talk again soon, I’m sure.”

[highking-arthur]

rxthlesschris‌:

Chris tried not to let his true emotions show on his face. “You’re right. She is very spirited.” If he had to use a word to describe Caelia, he wasn’t sure it would be as kind as ‘spirited’, but he knew better than to say anything semi-insulting about the girl to the King. “Sometimes I think she and my sister would get along. They march to the beat of their own drum. Caelia certainly hasn’t made it easy to look after her. I don’t think she cares for the protective measures.”

Arthur chuckled, reading the expression on Christopher’s face, he could tell what he thought of his ward, but he was smart enough not to say it. “They are both creatures of the heart, and following one’s heart without heeding one’s head has, in my experience, never ended without tragedy. That is why I trust you to look after them both, my boy. I think you’ve enough sense to temper Caelia’s passion, and to protect her from those who might use it against her.”

[highking-arthur]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“Demanding might be putting it a bit strongly…” Grace grinned because she knew he was right. She did usually come on strong, especially when she wanted something. Her heart leaped at his words. He had high hopes for her? Surely that was good a sign. “I appreciate that. I hope I do well. I want to make my father proud, and you of course. Hopefully, even if I’m not the one who succeeds, the next wearer of the crown will uphold your just legacy. You know, I’m sure, that’s what I’m most concerned with.” 

“I am sure you’ll do well, but similarly, I hope that if you do not succeed, you will continue to hold our next king to the high standards you’ve always held me to. I know there have been times that we’ve not seen eye to eye, and I have not always done as you may have wished, but I have always appreciated your willingness to stand up for what you believe. While I trust in the forces behind the sword, I hope that you will be there to guide whoever our next king might be, and ensure that they do not stray.” Arthur knew that Grace had always been a strong voice for the downtrodden in his kingdom, and he hoped she would continue to do so once he was gone, whether she ruled or not.

[highking-arthur]

rxthlesschris‌:

“I haven’t been to many parties elsewhere, but I still agree,” Chris winked, still smiling. He was living up to the promise he had made Kenna, even if he was still being cautious. He glanced over his shoulder, catching a sneak peek at the guards standing outside the throne room. “You know I don’t mind.” He turned his gaze back to Arthur, the light behind his own eyes slightly dimmed. “Have you spoken to my sister?” 

“You’d only be let down,” Arthur assured him with a smile. “I know you don’t, but you should enjoy your youth while you’re still young. And I think I put you through quite enough worrying, looking after my young ward. I know how... spirited she can be.” He chuckled. “Not yet, although I certainly intend to.”

[highking-arthur]

rxthlesschris‌:

“Being here, even if dancing isn’t an option, is better than being elsewhere,” Chris replied, hoping that he sounded convincing and helpful. He hated to see Arthur weakened by the frailty of age. The man had saved his life - his family’s lives - and for that, he owed the King a great debt. “Well, it’s a happy evening. The guests seem to be behaving. No trouble has started, so it’s easier to relax. Are your guards looking after you properly? Or shall I have a word with them as I leave?”

“I have to agree, the parties in Camelot are still better than anywhere else,” Arthur agreed with a rough chuckle. “I didn’t bring you in here for a status report, Christopher. You have the night off, you needn’t worry about the guards,” he assured him, Christopher was always worrying, and it made him very good at his job, but he knew it made it more difficult for him to relax.