d r a g o n b o r n

Malachi Ambrosius

[oftheshadow]

cavaldulac‌:

“Being able to discuss with Sir Gawaine will certainly help me quite a bit, I’m sure. Especially to know which rumours to dismiss outright from the jump.” Gawaine’s squire answered honestly. It was definitely an essential piece of his background that would help him in this grail quest. “The Lady of the Lake is certainly a powerful asset for the kingdom and for our family.”

“Certainly, he has much experience in this area.” Experience failing, Kai didn’t mention, but experience nonetheless. He thought it was a fruitless quest, but if it kept some of the more thick-headed young knights out of the castle for a time, he was only too happy to help them on their way. “So, what can I help you with? Maps, letters of introduction with the king’s seal? Of course, I want to assist however I can in any efforts to improve the king’s health.”

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

Grace buried her face in her hands and let out a mighty groan. “I forgot about the fight with Caelia.” All the Robin drama had pushed everything else from Grace’s mind. She couldn’t believe the mess she had created. “And after the King said such nice things to me…I swear, I didn’t go to the ball intending to start fights. It’s just when someone gets under my skin….I can’t help it. I always want to say something back, even when it’s not in my best interest.” She raised her head and looked pleadingly at Kai. “Should I just let this all die down? Or should I make the rounds to say my apologies…”

“Well, she hasn’t. She’s already been busy making sure everyone in the castle knows about how you overindulged... everyone but the king, lucky for you.” Kai warned her, not that she had much work to do on that front. Drama was the lifeblood of court, and everyone was eager to talk about any slip-up, let alone a blow up like that. “Whether or not you apologize to Robin is up to you, I’m not getting involved in your love life. But don’t apologize to Lady Caelia, she’s like a shark, any perceived weakness and she’ll strike. Personally, I avoid her as much as possible.”

[oftheshadow]

littlexrobin‌:

“I’m painfully aware of mine. I can’t shoot an arrow a full 600 yards without shattering the bow and sending splinters into my own face for one.” The archer joked in response to his question, choosing not to acknowledge any issue of alcohol. She hadn’t been drunk last night, merely buzzed. And that was what made it so much worse. “To be fair, I had no intention of that argument. I literally just spoke to a man while I waited for her to return.” That was the truth, there was no more simplifying it for her. She knew she hadn’t done anything wrong and hadn’t warranted the treatment she had received. “Ah! Knowledge. The long pursuit for which there is never a finish line, except your own limitations. I can understand why that would be a driving force for some pursuing immortality.”

“And yet, it’s not the only argument you got into last night,” he commented idly. King Arthur hadn’t given him specifics, but he had told Kai his thoughts on all the candidates, and he had to wonder what had passed between them. He was only guessing that they may have argued, but he wanted to see her reaction. “Exactly, but there are still consequences to such things. Those who are driven to gain knowledge may lose other parts of themselves, in the way that time takes from us all.”

[oftheshadow]

cavaldulac‌:

Caval had been planning different ways to get leads on the Grail since he had heard about it. It was, honestly, his dream to find it. To be heralded as the man who was deemed worthy by the Grail itself. “Yes… I’ve a few leads. The man who squired me searched for the Grail for years and came close supposedly, though his worldliness and my father’s betrayal put a rather sudden end to that.” He stated, wondering how much more he should share. “There are certainly monasteries and churches it has stopped in. Though I will also go and consult with my grandmother to see if there is anything she can add as a guide.”

“Ah, yes, Sir Gawaine,” Kai nodded, he knew all the stories of the old knights off by heart, his father had made sure of that. “I’d be careful which of those rumors you believe; every church north of here claims that the Grail passed through their gates, but if you believe them all you’ll be stopping in every country parish until you reach the sea,” he pointed out. But he was much more interested in mention of the Lady of the Lake. “That could be very promising, her powers of prophecy have proved useful in the past.”

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

Grace raised a hand defensively to shush him. “Don’t make me feel worse than I already do. I swear that I’m going to abstain from all drink for at least a fortnight.” Whether she would stick to that vow was another story. She took the tea gratefully, sipping at is if it might bring her some energy. “Thank you for making sure I got out of there. I’m not sure what would have happened if I had stayed.”

“If you’re only abstaining for a fortnight, then I think I need to make you feel even worse. Do you know what a scene you caused last night?” Maybe she wasn’t in the mood for a lecture, but she deserved one, as far as he was concerned. “Getting into a fight with your lover was bad enough, but did you have to provoke Lady Caelia too? Dealing with her is a nightmare on the best of days, now if she finds out I’m in league with you that’ll be the last hot pot of tea I ever receive.”

[oftheshadow]

littlexrobin‌:

“Well, that’s good then. It means you’re at least aware of your own limitations. That’s a good thing for any person to be.” The redhead stated as she approached. “Good to know that even legends are still mortal though. Because let’s be honest, who really would want to live forever? It would be such a drag. You’d do everything you wanted to within your first… what, 100 to 200 years? And then you’d just start getting bored and doing any stupid thing that came to mind. Not the life I would want for myself. No thank you.”

“I am all too aware of my limitations,” he glanced up towards the woman who entered, glad to see she’d had time to calm down. “Are you aware of yours? You had a very eventful evening at the ball.” He asked, quirking a brow. He shrugged when she suggested people would run out of things to do. “I suppose someone of a particular temperament might grow bored of eternity... but there are those who have elongated their lifespan in the pursuit of knowledge.” His father was one such man, and he knew there were others, but they generally kept out of the spotlight.

[oftheshadow]

“No, I can’t just wave a magic wand and fix the king’s health. That’s not how anything works,” the exasperation was clear in the young wizard’s voice as he explained, for what felt like the millionth time today, that magic could not just magically heal the king. “If he were injured I could heal that, but this... he’s just old. And age has its limitations.” He didn’t dare say that the man should not have exerted himself at the ball, but it was implied.

[shcdowknight]

“Please, for the love of all that is holy, use a _quiet _voice.” Grace was trying not to be too cranky, but the pounding in her head made it difficult. She rubbed her temples and tried to compose herself. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to snap. I just - wow, my head hurts.”

[oftheshadow]

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Kai didn’t bother to use a quiet voice as she’d asked, figuring she deserved everything she got. He did bring her a cup of tea, however, setting it in front of her. “I’m not at all surprised. Did you leave any wine in the cellars whatsoever, or did you decide to consume every drop on the premises yourself?”

[busaxshozi-deactivated20210526]

“So… in times of great stress and danger, there is only one thing that may possibly provide hope and healing to this land. The Holy Grail. I swear, I shall find it.” The knight had dreamt of finding the Grail for years, not least of all because he knew his father had failed in his quest for the Grail. “It’s a very honourable quest. And one only ever succeeded on by the most worthy of knights.”

[oftheshadow]

Kai looked up from his sheafs of papers and notes as the young knight entered, raising a brow at him as he announced his intentions. He kept his own face carefully free of emotion as he gave a slight nod. “Ah, yes. How very... bold of you.” He replied, his father had told him about the many quests to find the grail, and Kai was convinced it was just a myth. But he wouldn’t contradict someone else’s beliefs. “So, have you got any leads? Or will you just be following your heart?”

[oftheshadow]

littlexrobin‌:

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“Pardon me, Kai, but this is none of your business.” Grace’s eyes were watering, but she refused to cry in front of Robin. She tried to duck under Kai’s arm, just so she could see Robin’s face. “If that’s all you think of me, then why bother making niceties when we see one another? If all I am is some propagandist,” she spat the word, “then just ignore that I exist! I have plenty of company!” She stopped trying to edge past Kai, and instead, wrapped an arm around his steady waist. “People who understand why I leave. Right, Kai?” @littlexrobin​ 

Robin was no genius. Or least she didn’t think of herself as one. But she knew what Grace was implying as soon as it was said. So that was it then. A reason she had chosen not to come back. The redhead turned away from the blond and towards the man. The one that Grace had called Kai. “I would’ve said you were lucky, once upon a time.” her mouth was dry already, which wouldn’t have been expected in the middle of the night though she had already sobered up so maybe she was already hungover. The whole night had felt like a hangover. “But whatever happened with the two of you and all of you people in this fucking castle…” It was barely more than a whisper as Robin tried to get her thoughts in a line as she looked back at Grace. “I hope you find happiness in your search for your legend. And I hope you know I loved the girl you were when you left. But I have no idea who you are anymore and this… this place has fucked you up. So I’m going to emulate that girl who was my hero, and I’m going to leave. And you can be me, and you can stay. You know where I’ll be.” The redhead was surprised at herself. She had expected more tears. Or to be louder. But she didn’t have the energy for it anymore. Starting to turn, she looked at Kai. She wanted to say something, extend an olive branch of peace or at least understanding that there was no ill will, but she couldn’t find the energy for the words. She simply offered a small nod to him before turning on her heel and making a beeline for the door, the tavern, and her rented bed.

@oftheshadow​

“You are making it everyone’s business, Grace,” Kai pointed out, glancing at the people staring all around them pointedly. He caught her when she tried to duck past him, figuring that the only way this could get worse was if it came to actual blows. Then she wrapped her arm around him, and he inwardly groaned. Of course she’d find another way to make it worse, it was Grace.

He felt for the girl who turned to leave, he understood what she meant. Court change people, whether they liked it or not, for good or for ill. Some people thrived here, it brought them to life and they grew and learned, while others were so caught up in the games that they became a shadow of their former selves. It wasn’t just a twisted place, like some believed, but having so many vibrant personalities and bright minds in one place could have explosive results. He kept a firm grip on Grace as Robin departed, figuring it was for the best if she had time to calm down... and from the scent of Grace’s breath, time to sober up. “Come on, let’s find you a place to lie down,” he told her, guiding her towards a side passage.

@nottinghamsgrace​

[emwcrren]

The young Lady had been keeping to herself mostly as she watched most of her co-workers and friends rush off to the dance floor with their partners until she noticed someone beside her and decided to muck up some conversation. “Have you ever tasted anything quite like this before? This has got to be the best wine I have ever tasted!” She reassured the person in front of her as she took a small sip of the wine in her chalice.

[oftheshadow]

Kai glanced towards the lady, glad she only wanted to talk about the wine. He nodded with an amiable smile. “The king wanted to spare no expense for tonight’s ball, so we brought up one of the finer vintages from the cellars for tonight. Careful not to overdo it, though... it’s stronger than it seems.”

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“When did you get so wise,” Grace teased, trying to keep things light despite the heavy weight that she suddenly felt around her heart. Kai was right. The cost would be high, and it would certainly change her. But would that change really be for the worst? “Maybe it would change me for the better. Make me more stable. Give me something to stay for.” She was touched that he thought she would make a good queen. She knew there would be a lot of people participating in the trials, and while his support wouldn’t change the outcome, it meant a lot to her. As the music stopped, Grace stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You can be done dancing now. At least with me. I can’t promise no other ladies will try and charm you into dancing with them.”

“It’s sort of my whole job,” Kai shrugged, his father had been making him read the works of great philosophers his whole life, preparing him to advise the king. Some of it had sunk in. “It could, I can’t pretend to know for sure. But you need to be aware of what you’re giving up. Too many people think only of what they can gain by possessing the throne, they don’t think of what they can lose.” If Grace really wanted to do this, he’d support her, in as much as he’d support anyone. “Well now you’ve gone and given them hope, I won’t be able to shake them,” he teased, releasing her with a slight smirk after she kissed his cheek.

[tristanxas]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

Grace glared harder at Robin, as if the strength of her gaze might make the other woman crumble. “Don’t call me by any little pet names, that won’t help your case.” Of course Robin wasn’t leaving her. Robin never left. That was the problem. Grace was the one who left. The one who wanted to be followed. And no one could ever wait for her. Her voice was too loud when she spoke again, “Riiiiight, of course. I should believe you! I should believe that the woman who claimed to love me so much, but wouldn’t go with me, could wait for me for even an hour without getting cozy with someone else.”

Robin thought momentarily that the verbal assault was going to make her fall to pieces. But the last accusation didn’t shatter her. It hardened her. Swallowing back her tears – for the second time tonight – she looked up and stared daggers at her first and only love. “You think I can’t wait for you for an hour? I’ve waited for you for weeks! Months! Years! Years where I laid in the forest and wished you would come home, a great big conquering hero who had achieved all your dreams. But you never did. You abandoned me and everyone else back home who believed in you! You took all the things we were trained to do, all the ways we were taught to lead and to live in harmony with the weakest of us and decided to use that training to become a propagandist! To serve a man! A king certainly, but still just… just a man. And even know as you throw all your selfishness in my face, I still somehow love you!” Robin’s voice had risen to match Grace’s, and now there they stood fighting amid the banquet.

@oftheshadow​

[oftheshadow]

The fight between the two women was starting to draw attention in the banquet hall, drawing curious eyes and causing whispers through the hall. Even Kai was looking over, and while normally he would just leave it to the guards to break things up, when he recognized Grace as one of the verbal combatants, he figured he ought to step in. They wouldn’t want Grace to hurt anyone when they tried to step in.

Crossing the room stand between them, Kai raised his hands. “Pardon me, ladies, but perhaps this is a conversation better continued in private? You’re causing quite the spectacle.”

@nottinghamsgrace​

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

Grace rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.” Instantly, she knew Kai was the right person to ask. He was honest with her, at least. Plenty of people would have lied to her, said anything just to get her to move on and enjoy the party. She stayed quiet for a few beats of the music, genuinely thinking it over. “I don’t know,” she finally said, deciding that honesty was the best policy - at least with Kai. “If anyone else asked, I’d say for sure that I could give it all up. I wouldn’t want them to doubt me. But the truth is…,” she looked him straight in the eye, willing him to understand, “I like my freedom. I like to travel. I already feel like I owe the Kingdom something, so that wouldn’t be new…but not being able to come and go…that would be hard.” 

Kai listened to her answer, and wasn’t surprised by it. Grace had always been a free spirit, and while the power that came with the sword could be enticing, Kai knew that it was more of a trap than most people considered. But it was good that Grace was thinking it over carefully. “Honestly, Grace... I think you’d make a good queen, you’d do what was best for the kingdom, even at a cost to yourself. But the cost would be high, and you need to be sure you can pay it before you go through with it. If you give up more than you can bear, it’ll change you, and probably not for the better. I don’t want to see you lose the most important parts of yourself to sit on a throne.”

[oftheshadow]

thethornedrosekenna‌:

I don’t understand how any of that is fun for you.” She frowned. “Is this what you do at most festivities? How can you ever learn what your tolerance is if you don’t try?” She countered. “Or perhaps what else you may be good at,” she smirked watching the arms across the chest. How dramatic was he? She thought jokingly to herself. “Oh I’m not worried.”

“Is it really so difficult to understand that some people just don’t find dancing fun?” Kai replied, raising a quizzical brow at her. “I avoid most festivities, but apparently the King thinks I should be here to welcome all his guests.” He shrugged, crowds of nobles mingling and gossiping was far from his idea of fun. “I never said I wasn’t good at dancing, just that I don’t like it. What makes you think I’ve never tried?” Perhaps the fact that Kai hadn’t attended a ball since he was a teenager. For the last fifteen years, he’d avoided this kind of frivolity. 

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“Very true. Although to be honest, I wouldn’t make you call me Queen Grace. Something tells me you’d wear a mocking smile every time it left your lips, and I don’t know if I could resist laughing at that.” She grinned wider, picturing the moment. As funny as it would be, she had trouble imagining a stationary life. “Tell me the truth,” she said as they moved, ignoring the rest of the crowd and zeroing in on Kai. Grace knew that Kai wasn’t her best friend, nor was he someone who should be giving her advice…but that was almost better. He had no reason to lie to her. Even their sexual relationship was casual. They expected very little from each other, so honesty, she thought, would come easier to him. “Do you think I could do it? Stay put long enough to be a good queen?”

“Well, the proper form of address would be ‘your Majesty,” he shrugged, but there was that mocking smile on his lips even as he said that much. When she asked him for the truth, he looked at her curiously, considering her question thoughtfully. “Do you think you could? You wouldn’t be able to go gallivanting of on your own accord anymore, you’d owe something to the kingdom. You’d be able to help more people, but the cost would be your freedom. You could send others to assist in far-off lands, but you couldn’t help them yourself, and you may find yourself becoming that which you rebel against. Do you think you could do it?”

[oftheshadow]

nottinghamsgrace‌:

“Is that your way of saying you want me around more?” Grace raised a joking eyebrow, although she couldn’t help but notice the pang in her gut. What she wouldn’t give to be missed by someone who didn’t hate her for leaving. Her millisecond of self-pity was interrupted by Kai, which she was happy for. A grin spread wide over her pretty face, “I shouldn’t encourage that, it isn’t exactly potential Queen behavior, but that sounds fantastic. Will you do it to someone else sometime when I’m around? Let me enjoy the show?” 

“I suppose if you’re going to be the queen, I’ll have to get used to you being around,” he avoided the question. Grace not being around was more convenient for him, he hated to think what kind of awkwardness might arise if she stayed around too long, and wound up being his ruler to boot. “Only if you can find someone who deserves it.”