Thread: A Sinister Realm of Fables & Bloodlust (darkangel76 x Rauk)

Meanwhile, during the conversation between Guinevere and Morgan... The clashing of metal sounded throughout the courtyard as the two sparring men practiced their swordplay. The springtime sun beamed down onto them comfortably as the blooming flowers trailed up the cobblestone walls. Galahad was Arthur's most trusted knight, and the two friends often practiced their craft with each other as there were few combatants skilled enough to test the other's prowess. With an upswing from the cold steel, Galahad met the battered blade with his own, parrying Arthur's offense. Galahad's defensive stance was nearly impenetrable, which paired nicely with the aggressiveness of Arthur's offensive style of swordsmanship. As the two men playfully practiced, it almost seemed like it wasn't conditioning or sparring, but entertainment for them. Between swings and parries, they acted as though they were never in danger, and carried out a friendly conversation. Have you seen Merlin lately, friend? Arthur asks as he leaped back onto his right foot, resetting his attack sequence. It's... Been quite some time, sire. Galahad stepped forward, into Arthur's comfort zone, raising the hilt of his sword perpendicular with his opponent's. I fear that he's been acting strangely... I've got a bad feeling about the long hours he's spent holed up alone in that tower. Slipping on a loose stone, the mighty king presents a window of opportunity for his partner, suffering a kick to the chest, and wobbling back falling to the ground. Hah! You've let your guard down thinking about the old man, friend. Breaking your concentration once during battle can spell your death, you know this. Galahad chuckles, as he sheaths his steel, the ringing sound piercing the quiet spring air. Offering a hand to help Arthur up, he smiles nobly. Arthur, accepting the hand and returning to his feet once again, sheathed his own practice sword and blankly stared off in the direction of the wizard's tower beyond the courtyard. With a dust of his shoulder, he gave Galahad a half-grin, his mind still clouded with worriment of what Merlin could be planning. Well played, my friend... I think I'm going to go for a walk now, I need to do some thinking, and clear my head. Arthur says, as he bowed graciously to Galahad, the two of them parting ways and stepping off in opposite directions. The rich smell of honeysuckle began to fill the senses, as Arthur closed his eyes and felt the warm sun beaming down on his tired face as he slowly walked along the path. This time of year, Camelot was a beautifully luscious location. With both hands on his head, and his scabbard wobbling to and fro, the king was soon lost in deep thought. Visions of Merlin entered his mind, as he feared the worst. What could he be doing? Why had he forbidden everyone from visitation? As Arthur was an honest and respectful man, he had complied with Merlin's request and granted him his privacy, however he began to now rethink his decision. Soon, as he walked along the path, the ambient smell of beltane flowers grew more prominent into the mixture of aromas throughout the area. A breaking of a twig underneath someone's foot was heard as Arthur stopped dead in his tracks. Thinking possibly he was being followed, he searched the area, but saw nothing at first glance. As he listened closely, he swore he could hear the sound of a female voice pouting in the direction of these light footsteps. Sensing trouble and distress, Arthur gently changed the course of his walk into the direction of this sound. Hello? Is someone there? I cannot see beyond these vines and bushes, but I promise to you that I am a friend... Guinevere? Love, is that you? Suddenly, Arthur heard enough of her whimpering to register the familiar mannerisms of his beloved wife. What seems to be the problem, my dear? Arthur walks into view, as he reaches out to offer taking her hand so that he may kiss the back of it chivalrously. Such a joyous day in Camelot, you should be happy, love. He smiled at her, as he reached out to massage her shoulder gently with his powerful right hand. Arthur placed two of his fingers underneath her chin and raised her head up gently for her to lock eyes with him. With a cocked head and a loving smile, he intended to cheer her up, hoping that whatever was ailing her mind was not a serious issue. Please, love. Smile for me at least. With a deep breath, he retrieved his hand, placing his left palm resting on the hilt of the sword and his right hand resting at his side. Arthur knew that there were differences in the backgrounds and beliefs between him and his young, innocent virgin wife. However, he also knew that some of them would be better left unsaid. He did not feel that this counted as lying to her, as shielding her from these customs was for her own emotional well being. He loved his wife, and wanted her to be happy living with him in Camelot for the rest of their lives together.