Town and Citadel of Camelot, Sunday Evening

[bitch_prince]

It had been several days' walk getting here, with precious little chance to get anywhere near where anyone held horses. And Arthur hadn't had too much coin on him regardless - the villagers might have lended him a horse based by his identity alone if he'd gotten close enough, but he had mixed feelings about taking from the poorer towns along the

Comments

The Approach

[bitch_prince]

Upon closer listen, there were other screams. Screeches. Inhuman sounds.

Arthur's jaw set. He drew his sword. "Stay behind us, Morgana."

Re: The Approach

[nevertobequeen]

Morgana was tired and sore, and as much as she wanted to take a closer look to find out what was making those noises, she didn't want to waste time arguing with Arthur. "What do you think that is?" she asked.

Re: The Approach

[bigdamndestiny]

"Nothing good at all?" Merlin replied, hoping that they could make it in without--needing any magic.

Re: The Approach

[bitch_prince]

With a loud and terrifying scream, a shadow shot over the rooftops a bare few feet away.

"I'm inclined to agree," Arthur said, his eyes flicking towards the thing immediately. He nodded his head towards the nearest bit of covering, up ahead near the market--

... All right. What remained of the market.

Inside the Castle - Arthur & Uther

[ccedontheemail]

The main hall was littered with cots for the wounded. It existed as a tiny bubble in and of itself, full of wounded soldiers and knights and the people tending to them. On one cot sat Arthur, a bandage wrapped around his torso.

There was a flurry of movement, a quick shifting of the patterns in the crowd: knights pushed through, and at the front of them, a single man.

"Arthur."

Re: Inside the Castle - Arthur & Uther

[bitch_prince]

It had been a long, long time since he had last heard that voice, but the reaction was instant.

Arthur's head veered up.

For a moment, a short moment, he simply stared, taking in his father's features. A part of him pointed out, morbidly, that the last time he looked upon that countenance it had been grey and cold with death. Shilo's father, his--

"Father," he said. His lips felt dry.

There was silence between them then, neither party particularly good with emotional how-do-you-dos, their reunion too unannounced and unprepared.

Thankfully, there was a crisis at hand.

Re: Inside the Castle - Arthur & Uther

[ccedontheemail]

Yes. Uther had not seen his son for months.

"How fare the creatures outside?"

This was the first thing he said. The second was not so much words, as a quick darting of his eyes to the place where blood seeped sluggishly through the bandage on Arthur's chest.

Re: Inside the Castle - Arthur & Uther

[bitch_prince]

Arthur saw that motion, and didn't know whether it was concern or disappointment; either way: "It's nothing," he said, quickly, dismissively, and ignored the pain in his chest. "I fear the creatures may have control of the lower town. The market is all but destroyed."

Inside the Castle - Gaius & Merlin

[camelotfolk]

An old man with long, white hair ambled between the people. He was holding some bandages, his face dire. Gaius wasn't having the best of times of it today - there were too many wounded to tend to efficiently.

Re: Inside the Castle - Gaius & Merlin

[bigdamndestiny]

After they managed to slip into the castle proper, Merlin had gone to find Gaius and get some answers as to what was going on. He left for a few months and look what happened!

Honestly, people.

"Gaius!"

Re: Inside the Castle - Gaius & Merlin

[camelotfolk]

That voice...

Gaius dropped the bandages in the bowl in front of him, and turned. "Merlin!" he said, surprise and joy colouring his voice. "You're back!"

Being not-a-Pendragon, it was clear from his face he was happy to see the boy, and about five seconds from giving him a hug.

Re: Inside the Castle - Gaius & Merlin

[bigdamndestiny]

Because human emotion wasn't scary and weird for Merlin, he was busy hugging him right on back. "What's happening?"

Inside the Castle - The Dragon & Merlin

[camelotfolk]

Down below in the catacombs, another being rested. He was not so concerned. He was old, very old, and he had been waiting quite some time to see an end put to all of this.

Kilgarrah clapped his wings once, and then came upon the rock. He laid his head down and relaxed.

Re: Inside the Castle - The Dragon & Merlin

[bigdamndestiny]

That end would not be tonight. Not if Merlin could help it.

They were, it seemed, back to where they started. Physically. Everything else had changed entirely.

"I need to know how to defeat Cornelius Sigan."

Re: Inside the Castle - The Dragon & Merlin

[camelotfolk]

The dragon's haunches pulled his body up with immeasurable strength. Leisurely.

"You told me I would not see you again."

Re: Inside the Castle - The Dragon & Merlin

[bigdamndestiny]

"I don't come here by choice."

Outside the Castle - Merlin & Cornelius Sigan

[camelotfolk]

The courtyard was empty, but for the bodies of knights and common folk alike strewn around. A few things were on fire. Arthur had passed out somewhere near the center, but he was breathing evenly.

It wasn't like blows to the head were new for him.

A crawling mist curled over the stones, and brought with them another player on the battlefield. A man, lanky, with long dark hair and a fabulous feather boa a long dark robe.

Re: Outside the Castle - Merlin & Cornelius Sigan

[bigdamndestiny]

It truly was fabulous...

Merlin ran out into the courtyard, only stopping when he came to Arthur's still form. Crouching down, he quickly made sure the man was still breathing before sighing in relief. "Idiot."

Re: Outside the Castle - Merlin & Cornelius Sigan

[camelotfolk]

"Who would have believed it," a voice boomed. "A sorceror in King Uther's court? And a powerful one..."

Beneath Merlin's fingers, Arthur stirred slightly. Not gaining consciousness, exactly; but still very much alive.

Sigan approached with calm steps, his fingers drawn together.

Re: Outside the Castle - Merlin & Cornelius Sigan

[bigdamndestiny]

"What did you do to him?" Merlin asked, turning to face the... rather weedy looking fellow in the feathered jacket.