Miracle Drug (Spirit Challenge)
Title: Miracle Drug
Author: Shauna (Faerie_Dance)
Rating: G
Summary: Jols asks Arthur why the Knights aren't shadows of their former selves after all they have been through.
A/N: One-Shot 455 words, written for the Spirit Challenge at knights500
They had their sad little cemetery, they had their memories of dead friends, they had their years as killing machines, and they had their years of riding out for battle almost nonstop. Their lives were spent not knowing whether or not they would live to return home that day. Sometimes Jols wondered just what kept the knights from diminishing to shadows from the lives they led - of what they may have become if not part of this life. Jols silently walked up and stood near Arthur. The Roman Commander was dangling his legs over the edge of the wall on which he sat. It had become his favourite spot, ever since Lancelot had introduced it to him all those years ago. It had also become Arthur's favourite spot to think, as he stared out at the surrounding countryside. Jols watched his leader silently.
"What is it that keeps you and your knights going Arthur?" Jols asked after a while, without taking his eyes from the stonework beneath his feet. Arthur continued to stare out, his gaze lingering upon Badon Hill, with its silent swords and memories. His knights were enjoying themselves on the field next to their hill. He watched Bors chase Galahad, noting his youngest knight's face full of smiles. Gawain and Lancelot laughingly watched as well, until Galahad ran past them. Gawain caught Galahad and held him while Bors tickled him mercilessly. Arthur could hear Galahad's peals of laughter from his perch on the wall. Dagonet and Tristan smiled as they watched Galahad wriggle and squirm in an effort to get free. Lancelot ruffled Galahad's hair, adding to the torture, and the other knights soon joined Galahad in their laughter. Gawain finally let Galahad go, but all Galahad could do was slump to the earth and try to catch his breath. His face was bright with merriment, and such a sight sent the others rolling on the floor as well.
And far below, next to that sad little cemetery, Lancelot looked up and caught sight of Arthur on the wall. He smiled, his eyes shining, as they reflected the spirit that had not been broken. It was like a miracle drug: this bond of brothers and the willpower of refusing to watch the rain fall like tears. They were warriors, but they were men, and as long as they had each other, that spirit could not be broken.
Arthur smiled back and turned to Jols.
"Take a look down there. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
And with that, Arthur rose and went to join his knights.
Author: Shauna (Faerie_Dance)
Rating: G
Summary: Jols asks Arthur why the Knights aren't shadows of their former selves after all they have been through.
A/N: One-Shot 455 words, written for the Spirit Challenge at knights500
They had their sad little cemetery, they had their memories of dead friends, they had their years as killing machines, and they had their years of riding out for battle almost nonstop. Their lives were spent not knowing whether or not they would live to return home that day. Sometimes Jols wondered just what kept the knights from diminishing to shadows from the lives they led - of what they may have become if not part of this life. Jols silently walked up and stood near Arthur. The Roman Commander was dangling his legs over the edge of the wall on which he sat. It had become his favourite spot, ever since Lancelot had introduced it to him all those years ago. It had also become Arthur's favourite spot to think, as he stared out at the surrounding countryside. Jols watched his leader silently.
"What is it that keeps you and your knights going Arthur?" Jols asked after a while, without taking his eyes from the stonework beneath his feet. Arthur continued to stare out, his gaze lingering upon Badon Hill, with its silent swords and memories. His knights were enjoying themselves on the field next to their hill. He watched Bors chase Galahad, noting his youngest knight's face full of smiles. Gawain and Lancelot laughingly watched as well, until Galahad ran past them. Gawain caught Galahad and held him while Bors tickled him mercilessly. Arthur could hear Galahad's peals of laughter from his perch on the wall. Dagonet and Tristan smiled as they watched Galahad wriggle and squirm in an effort to get free. Lancelot ruffled Galahad's hair, adding to the torture, and the other knights soon joined Galahad in their laughter. Gawain finally let Galahad go, but all Galahad could do was slump to the earth and try to catch his breath. His face was bright with merriment, and such a sight sent the others rolling on the floor as well.
And far below, next to that sad little cemetery, Lancelot looked up and caught sight of Arthur on the wall. He smiled, his eyes shining, as they reflected the spirit that had not been broken. It was like a miracle drug: this bond of brothers and the willpower of refusing to watch the rain fall like tears. They were warriors, but they were men, and as long as they had each other, that spirit could not be broken.
Arthur smiled back and turned to Jols.
"Take a look down there. I'm sure you'll figure it out."
And with that, Arthur rose and went to join his knights.