001 - [Voice/Video]

[sorighteously]

[The communicator rustles, not in an acidental manner. Evidently, this is someone who already knows what it is and is just trying to figure out how to use it. Or what it is. The voice is quiet and far away and, perhaps, instantly recognisable.]

I remember... this was...

[There's a long pause, and the video swings into focus, but that, at least,

Comments

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

[Arthur has many mixed feelings about this particularly princess, but if there is nothing else he can agree upon, it's that without her around World's End seemed a lot more dangerous. But a country with no leader could quickly become chaotic, and as displeased as Arthur was with magic, even he wasn't fool enough to believe her wards hadn't assisted in their safety. So he's quiet for a long moment after he sees she has returned, and speaks slowly, formal but- almost warm.]

Princess Zelda.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

[She pauses a moment, quiet. They didn't speak often, yet it's clearer than many are, perhaps because there was purpose there. Her voice fits his own, formal, but not cold. Less so than his, perhaps. There is a note of relief in her voice, in fact, something almost, almost akin to contentment, even if she can't fully remember.]

My lord... Pendragon, was it not?

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

[Just the familiarity of her tone, of nobility speaking to nobility, eases him a little.]

Yes, that is correct.

[He pauses, almost awkwardly, since part of him petulantly wants to accuse her of leaving her people- but he knows it's more than that.]

Did you return to your former kingdom?

[voice]

[sorighteously]

I did, for a time. Enough that I could restore the land and the people.

[She pauses for a moment, as if, perhaps, she somehow heard that little part of him.]

And now I return. I am glad to see you are here, my lord, if you would forgive such a thing. For I know you are an asset to us here, as I'm sure you were to your own.

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

[He hums just a little on the opposite end, accepting the comment with more graciousness than he usually possesses.]

As I said before, no one deserves the injustice of what happens here. Besides, someone had to run the place while you were gone.

I somehow doubt that Alexia individual was quite competent enough.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

They do not, but it is not without its good. I know I have learned a great deal here. I am sure that when you return to your people, you will only be stronger for it.

Alexia? Tell me, if it pleases your Grace, what happened while I was away?

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

I can only hope so.

[He sighs, and the roll of his eyes is nearly audible.]

Luckily the town did not descend into utter chaos, but Alfred and Alexia seemed intent on taking your throne. Fortunately their planning skills are worse than Merlin's, so this never quite made it to fruition.

I can tell you many people were rather despondent without you around, though.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

My throne... I -

well... I missed the place myself, and the people in it. I had not thought I would long to be back, but I suppose I did, after a fashion.

And how have you fared?

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

You are, of course, going to return to your former position.

[Although it sounds almost like a question, it's more of a statement.]

Well enough, I suppose, as far as events in this place go.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

[She pauses. It hasn't crossed her mind, amongst everything else, and she thinks distantly, oh yes, here's a king.]

That is yet to be discussed, my lord, and I do not yet have... all of my memory pertaining to this place. I will serve as I can, however, crowned or not.

Well enough is best I could ask for, and I am glad of it.

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

I highly doubt there will need to be much discussion, but I would urge you not to take too much time. Whether you want it or not, the people will look to you for guidance.

There was a bit of a stint in which the village was inducted with Fair Folk, as they called themselves, and most all of us were thrown under their enchantment. Luckily we managed to uncover their ruse and chase them out.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

I will guide as I always have, your Grace, to the utmost of my ability. I need no crown to do so, and it is the choice of the people if I should wear one.

The Fair Folk? What enchantments were they?

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

To be honest I'm not one to explain exactly how they worked. Still, they cast enchantments, handed out items that weren't what they appeared and forced us to fight amoungst ourselves.