My fist got hard and my wits got keen

[albiongothic]

The pair heading towards the palace look humble from their clothing and weather-worn appearance.  As soon as the weather turned decent, the community abandoned the cottage and moved to the woods.  Only a couple remain in the cottage provided by the king.  Part of the time, Heffin, the husband of one of the pair now marching to the palace, stays in

Comments

[kingnotclotpole]

Arthur is in the middle of a council meeting when he recieves word of Trefor and Guenna's request an audience.

He has no idea what charge they could be bringing, but is concerned enough to cut his meeting short and head for the Main Hall where the two should be waiting.

Jonas mentions that the two requested to see Morgana as well, so he assumes he'll see his siser on his way. At least he hopes so because he's not entirely sure about himself when it comes to dealing with the magical community.

[exiledskeptic]

It takes a great deal to tear away Morgana from Merlin at this time, but the arrival of Trefor and Guenna, along with their message has to take precedence over watching her betrothed sleep.

It also gives her a chance to do something she hasn't had the opportunity to do yet. Actually, she hasn't really done it at all since returning -- get into a full out row with her brother. Not, of course, that this is her intention, but it will likely be the result.

"How, in all the years you have known him, have you never been able to teach Merlin to defend himself?" It's an accusation as much as a question.

[kingnotclotpole]

The older guards of Camelot will probably smile wryly at this exchange, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

"I have tried! You have no idea how useless he is at it. I swear he can barely hold the right end of the sword. He's never needed it...before."

[exiledskeptic]

"But he needs it now Arthur, or," Morgana knows Merlin will hate this idea, "assign a guard to him, a competent one."

Really, defining the type of guard is important, considering their abysmal history. There's another thing she'd like to toss out there, which might sound like anger, but is far more indicative by how upset she is with the whole experience. "He was supposed to stay with you."

[kingnotclotpole]

"I know, I know." Arthur's shoulder slump, he feels his failure to protect Merlin keenly. His friend has always managed to protect him, even from the very worst.

And now that the tables were turned...well, he'd almost lost his greatest friend in less than a month!

"I failed him...and you."

Which only hurts more.

[exiledskeptic]

Usually, the guilty tone would actually be enough to sooth Morgana's temper, but right now, she's upset, angry, and afraid whoever tried to kill Merlin will try again, so Arthur's going to get the brunt of it.

"You always miss things like this. How can he keep sneaking off and you never notice he is gone? I always did." Which, for the most part is quite true. At least, even in her current temper she's not going to bring up that they conducted an affair under his nose and not once did anyone notice.

"He is not invisible, Arthur. Pay attention!"

And now they're sidetracked from their purpose and they might be attracting a crowd.

[kingnotclotpole]

And rather unusually, Arthur seems more than willing to take Morgana's telling off.

"I know... I... I just..." He doesn't want to make excuses, but the fact is, Guinevere's condition is terrifying him. When not at council or hearing petitions he's been at her side, hoping and praying. Even knightly duties have fallen by the wayside.

[exiledskeptic]

Merlin's condition is scaring Morgana, and then there's the care for Gwen and her baby. Ironically, they're almost at the same place, but neither can see it.

"As always, Arthur, there you are, sputtering."

It would be more amusing for the audience if they didn't have the history of what happened the last time Morgana sounded like she gave up on Arthur.

"We have an audience waiting."

[kingnotclotpole]

It is a rather distressing scene. Personally, Arthur's relieved thatvone of them remembered the audience.

At least until he hears what they have to say.

[exiledskeptic]

Morgana is trying not to show her anger at her brother, though the fire in the room glows a little hotter.

Instead of meeting in the throne room, it's one of the smaller chambers. Given the request by both of their titles, at least Morgana's had the sense not to have the trappings of royalty around them.

She remains standing as Trefor and Guenna enter the room.

[kingnotclotpole]

Arthur's feeling like a failure as a brother, friend and husband, but he endeavours to be the King his people deserve, so Guenna and Trefor have his full attention.

"You have a charge you wish to bring forward?"

[albiongothic]

It is Guenna's formal nature that would be surprising. She looks back and forth between the siblings, and addresses Morgana.

"A crime's been committed against one of your own. We wanted to speak to both of you, as it concerns both of you." She looks at Arthur, "your Merlin," as if she refuses to acknowledge the engagement of Morgana to the former warlock, "attacked our Vanadis. She had to defend herself. Too terrified to speak of it."

Trefor says nothing, but he looks like this is causing him physical pain.

[kingnotclotpole]

Arthur frowns, uncertain how to deal with this, his kneejerk reaction is to declare that the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard, but he's learnt to control his temper.

So he takes a deep breath and considers how to answer.

"This is a very serious charge, as I'm sure you realise." He strokes his chin. "Furthermore, Merlin has spoken to me, he states he was attacked by a third party. Is it possible...you misunderstood Vanadis? You said she wouldn't speak."

[exiledskeptic]

Morgana's practically shocked into silence: the idea anyone would think Merlin would attack Vanadis is absurd. For once the siblings are in tune with each other.

"Merlin met with Vanadis due to concerns, information she has about Urien," Morgana doesn't stated is as alleged. There is no reason for Merlin to lie.

"I'm sorry, your majesty," it's Guenna, directly addressing Morgana. "But Vanadis admitted to Aberfa yesterday that she stabbed the man in self-defense."

Finally, Trefor speaks, "why would anyone admit to harming your closest friend and advisor," he's addressing Arthur, "uncertain of the consequences, unless there was a good reason."

And the community have to protect their own.

[kingnotclotpole]

Arthur's relieved that Morgana is backing him up here, not that it seems to be doing much good.

He frowns, this is all rather confusing.

"I thought she wouldn't speak? Did she ever use Merlin's name?"

He considers asking them to bring Vanadis to the castle to be questioned, but he has a feeling Merlin wouldn't appreciate that.

[albiongothic]

"She did," Trefor confirms, "to Rhys's wife, she found her after the attack. Vandals confessed everything to her before the girl stopped speaking."

Somehow, the fact he strung together that wholes sentence, should make it carry that much mire weight.