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Post by Merlin Emrys on Oct 31, 2011 0:46:51 GMT
Not wishing to intrude on potential bonding between Arthur and Mordred, Merlin slid his chair back and stood up. He had spotted Viviane having what appeared to be an unpleasant discussion with King Uriens and could not resist an opportunity to speak with the famed Lady of the Lake. "If you all will excuse me, this old man needs to stretch his legs a bit." he said, excusing himself and making his way over to the druidess. "It appears some men are not wise enough to act with decency when a living legend is in their presence." Merlin greeted the Ruler of Avalon, donning a broad smile and leaning slightly on his aged rowen-wood staff. "Yes, but that is the way of kings," Viviane sighed. "They have to be hard men making hard decisions. I do not hold it against them. They are what their life makes them. And how are you, Merlin? You have done well with our young king." Merlin bowed his head respectfully in acknowledgment to the compliment. If there was one being he truly respected, it was the ruler of Avalon. She was one of the few that could still teach Merlin a thing or two if she chose to. "You humble me, fair lady. I did the best I could with the abilities I had. I am well. How are you? Looking so splendid with two grown sons, I assume well. How is Avalon? I have not been in far too long." Merlin said, finding himself talking quickly and stumbling over works like a young lad.
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 0:48:58 GMT
"There would be no reason for me to do such athing to them. They have done me no harm." She said. "If they had then I may be tempted." "So you do not believe in helping others who have done nothing to deserve their own suffering?" Sagramore queried.
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 0:51:01 GMT
Merlin bowed his head respectfully in acknowledgment to the compliment. If there was one being he truly respected, it was the ruler of Avalon. She was one of the few that could still teach Merlin a thing or two if she chose to. "You humble me, fair lady. I did the best I could with the abilities I had. I am well. How are you? Looking so splendid with two grown sons, I assume well. How is Avalon? I have not been in far too long." Merlin said, finding himself talking quickly and stumbling over works like a young lad. "You must come and visit us some time," Viviane said with a smile. "I am well, certainly, and Avalon prospers. We try to keep out of the affairs of the world, though we support Arthur and will do what we must to aid him. Britain needs Arthur, we know that. And Avalon is part of his destiny."
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Post by Hallewes on Oct 31, 2011 0:51:22 GMT
"I am like any knight." She said after a moments thought. "I will help if I am paid, or if it helps me."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 0:52:34 GMT
"I am not a wealthy man and I don't know how I can help you," Sagramore grumbled. "So what could I offer?"
He pretended to think about it then snapped his fingers.
"Ah, I know! I will warm your bed as many nights as you desire if you will get me back my lands."
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Post by Sir Ironside/Merlin on Oct 31, 2011 0:57:55 GMT
Sir Ironside gladly took the tankard offered to him by Sagramore. When the knight began speaking of his father siding with the tyrant king in the war between Vortigern and Uther, the Red Knight smiled. The smile faltered at Sagramore's offer to warm Hallewes' bed.
"I fought for Vortigern myself in that war. Led the Red Knight mercenary company, if you've heard of them. Some of the best times in my life. Though I'd keep that fact to yourself if you you want to stay on my good side." he confided with a slight edge to his voice, hoping to change the topic and avoid Hallewes becoming wroth. (Intimidation-Novice) "And the lady has the right of it. No point in risking your life without benefit. Other than the thrill of the battlefield, of course."
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Post by Merlin Emrys on Oct 31, 2011 1:13:59 GMT
"A visit is definitely in order. It is has been far too long. A much younger man wore these robes when I last left there with Clarent in hand." Merlin mused. "I am pleased to hear you say that of Arthur. Winning the support of the famed Lady of the Lake is no small feat. He is a good man and will make a fine king."
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 1:22:40 GMT
"He will, I agree. He has already won the support of Cornwall, Listeneise and Cameliard, and is soon to bind Lothian and Gore to himself also. Not many young men of that age could have done so. Perhaps Arthur will allow you time to visit Avalon when we are done here?"
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 1:22:43 GMT
Sagramore moved slightly back from Hallewes. He didn't want to get into a fight with Ironside. Not yet, anyway. Not where half the people of Camelot could see.
"Aye, you're right. But it would be foolish not to ask. The man who never asks for anything never gets anything," Sagramore said with a laugh.
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Post by Sir Galahad on Oct 31, 2011 3:45:57 GMT
"And yet it is fine for a pagan to attend a Christian one? I do not think so." Lancelot replied. Galahad thought for a moment, yet could think of no way he could reply that wouldn't offend his brother. "I have numerous reasons why it would be fine for you, but not I to attend the respective ceremonies." Galahad replied. "I simply do not think you would wish to hear any of them. It is not my wish to offend you, brother."
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Post by Merlin Emrys on Oct 31, 2011 10:04:58 GMT
"I would like that a great deal. I must admit that a reprieve from the burden of politics sounds splendid. I would enjoy seeing how Avalon has changed since my departure. Your predecessor was still in charge when I left, with you barely born." Merlin replied, suddenly feeling awkward admitting his own age.
"When I am confident His Grace can stand without this old crutch, I will enjoy a short sabbatical. I can not remember ever having time truly to myself. Such are the sacrifices made pursuing a life devoted to the greater good, I suppose." Merlin continued, with a strange mixture of pride and sadness.
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Post by Sir Ironside/Merlin on Oct 31, 2011 10:06:31 GMT
"A man should not ask for that which he lacks the strength to take." Ironside replied coldly.
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Post by Morgan le Fay on Oct 31, 2011 10:17:32 GMT
"That is true. My own life is given to the greater good also but there has been time also for personal happiness. I have been blessed with sons."
She looked upon Merlin with sympathy.
"But surely you feel a father's love for Arthur? His birth was your doing as much as Uther's, and you had half the raising of him alongside Sir Ector."
///////////
Sagramore spat on the ground at his feet.
"You would blame me for the fact that I have no men of my own? Did you not hear me say that my father's lands were stripped from him when I was but a boy and sent here as hostage? Must I be content to live as a landless knight forever?"
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Post by Merlin Emrys on Oct 31, 2011 10:40:25 GMT
"Yes, of course. Though I would sooner forget my part in his siring, the boy is the closest thing to kin I have in this world. Excuse the musings and self-pity of an old fool. I am grateful and honored by the part I was allowed to play, but it is hard not to wonder where I would be now if I had never laid eyes on Clarent." Merlin replied with a tone of genuine curiosity rather than bitterness.
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Post by Sir Ironside/Merlin on Oct 31, 2011 10:54:13 GMT
"You mistake my meaning whelp and are making a fool of yourself in front of your captors. I meant that you lack the strength to court this woman. That advice was for your own good, trust me. Regarding your lands, if they are are made up of men like you, an army of scarecrows could reclaim them within a fortnight." Sir Ironside replied, allowing his mouth to do the violent work his sword was forbidden to.
"My father once told me that strength is drawn to strength. If you truly wanted to rally men under your banner, you would have cut the throats of those that made you a prisoner your first night here. No one is willing to die for one that begs like a spineless cur. Now silence your mouth and end your womanly whining before more misfortune befalls you!"
(Intimidate-Novice)
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