Midnight Approaches

[Ladvinia]

Ladvinia and Duncan followe Zoelleannah to where Drakul was ." Good Evening M'Lord" she said with a bow. " Thou dist want to speek with me ?" she said . She presented a srong exteior but inside she was a wreak, Kalyassian had made her feel welcome. She squeezed Duncans hand again  and looked at him. She had no idea what this man wanted  but she stood waiting patiently to hear what the man had to say.

[Draken]

Drak watched the reactions of both Zoelleanah and Silin, knowing full well his old friend would have agreed with what he had done. Chuckling inwardly he made a note that he would have to seek out the horses owner, for he had not had time to do so as yet, but somehwere in the back of his mind he could hear the laughter of his master at this small subterfuge.

He watched as Silin took a hit of the potent beverage, and grinned at he response, for htis was indeed a brutal spirit to drink, and it took courage to even sip it, then turned his attention to the approach of Zoelleanah and Ladvinia. Giving a slight bow after Zoelleanah made introduction, he spoke, "Baroness Ladvinia, As said mine name be Drak, and athough thou has seen me not in this form before for normally was I seen as his ancient horse, or hound, mine eyes hast seen thee. He that tis no more and mineself shared a unique bond over the last three thousand years, we shared minds and hearts, we knew each others thoughts and saw through each others eyes, which still cannot explain how this night occured."

He sighed, "Whatever he knew, was in mine mind also, thus I know his hopes and dreams for thee and for this land. That thou shalt know peace and Pendragon shalt see to thy welfare, that thy son shall grow with love and respect within the clan, and never again shalt thee or he know want or hunger and before this new king I shalt make his wishes clear that he too shalt see to thy comfort and safety." At this Drak stopped and took a swallow from a goblet of wyne he had absently picked up, "weak stuff" he commented, "It was also his wish, Baroness, that the pathways to friendship be opened before thee, so that thou did never feel outcast from thy home again."

[Luther]

Luther watched AtraLamia moving away after his last words for he had not expected acknowledgement, then stood gazing about the hall with his hard steel grey eyes. Studying those whom stood around in their little clusters, noticing how supportive overall the clan had appeared. A man moved and harshly kissed a woman and the one whom had introduced herself as Protector came up making comment. Considering in the days of his court such behaviour was not even considered offensive he raised an eyebrow and his steel grey eyes flashed with monochromatic intensity. Raising his voice so that the entire hall would hear "Speak up if you find such things offensive, if you are Protector, speak so those whom your complaint is directed may hear you, but be prepared to wear the consequence that your mouth may cause to fall on your head. Worrying about chastity within these walls after all that has occured. All I see before me are people being passionate, and reveling in the fires that arise, and if so either make your complaint directly to them, or shut your mouth. Although AtraLamia is our enemy, she dealt with what she saw as her problem, I suggest you deal with your problem because right now, I believe you may have one." At this he turned and moved away from her, leaving her standing directly where those whom she had perhaps insulted had clear path to her. "Any knight who is loyal to Camelot, come with me" he said, "Protector, when you have dealt with this and all are satisfied, join us".

[Duncan McNab]

Duncan smiled as Nia was fetched to Drak's side. He frowned slightly at Llewel when she had come forward, but there had to have been a reason. She was not someone to move unless necessary... especially in such delicate and trivial moments like this.

When she stepped back from the King he moved with Nia to Drak's place. Smiling at the companion to the once King, he nodded and smiled. "Welcome to you as well, Lord Drak. I feel your loss as well for he and I were close at one time as well, though nothing compared to you and he I am sure." He had noticed the man who once spoke the Knig's name at any chance was suddenly omitting it from his speech. He didn't understand why but he would respect it. Being observant was what made him a good Capt. Something like this was not trivial and soon he would come to know why.

When Uther called the Knights to his side he hesitated a moment. None of the Commanders were here and so as highest ranking guard available he knew he should attend also in case the new King had questions of the ranks. Turning to Nia he lifted her hand and kissed it smiling. "You are among friends here. See to the children tonight and rest knowing all is well now. Araina would be delighted if she knew you watched over her with love." He bowed to Drak and his companions speaking. "Forgive me, the King calls and I obey."

With that he turned and moved to the place the Knights were gathering and then follwoed King Uther out. Once out of earshot of the Ball crowd he would ask his King. "I am here if you have need, M'Liege. But if you wish me not, then say the word and I will see to the dispersement of the crowd and quarters for those you deem may stay here this cold night." He then fell back knowing that if this King were like the last, he would have heard, and would answer in his own time.

[Rahvin Pendragon]

Rahvin listened to Uther and smiled at the words of a true king and man. Rahvin already liked Uther's way of doing things. Placing his hand on his sword hilt, Rahvin turned as the king made his way. Hearing the king's words about loyal knights. Rahvin was a warrior who had just returned home. He was a former knight though he pledged his sword to the new king. Rahvin decided he would follow even if no one recognized him as a knight now or not. Camelot needed men of action and Uther was a man of action. Rahvin himself was a man of action.

The ball held nothing more to Rahvin then a fond memory. Now it was time for plans and preparation which Rahvin would be more interested in. However he still needed to be cured of the dark curse which plagued him. Rahvin thought about if he should go or should retire for the night. To continue to exert himself now may cause him to lose the battle he'd been fighting for months. However he could not leave Camelot's side now. Troubles in tow Rahvin followed after Uther to see what the new king had in store for Camelot and her enemies.

[Fiamma Bella]

Now apparently was not the time to comfort Drak. She knew though that soon he would break and let the emotion flood over him. She returned his soft smile and into his mind she spoke. "I shalt await thee until thou needst me. I shalt be here Mine mate and most beloved of all." Then she gave him a smile back and stood up and aside. She refused still to let her eyes be taken from him lest he suddenly die as was supposed to happen. Her heart lurched in her chest at the thought, her golden eyes brimming with unshed tears. Fiamma took a deep breath and stayed standing, merely waiting for her mate to take her hand to approach the king together, if he so desired for that to be the way of things.

He gave Zoelleannah a scroll with the ownership of the horse she had trampled the garden with last night. It seemed even though his death was not prepared for implicitely, somehow Kalyssien had made his final arrangements anyway without thought to the suddenness and starkness his death might portray. Then Zoe left to fullfill Draks request. The kindness of the girl he called daughter filled her heart with some hope. As well the flask he gave to Sil'in seemed fitting. Would Kiante recieve any gift she wondered? For now it was not the time, there was business to be held. Such was the business of Death. So too did Drak call forth the baroness and speak to her of things that Fiamma knew nothing of. For now she merely trusted that when Drak was done he would once again reach for her hand and they would go forth together. She was his comfort and his strength. Fiamma knew she did not want him to be alone this day or any other. She felt very guilty for not having returned sooner to his side.

After Drak was finished speaking with The Baroness, the King asked that all Knights come forth. Neither she nor Drak were knights, which meant now was not yet the time for them to come forth. Finally she let her eyes fall from Drak, not for the king, but for the girl Drak called friend and daughter. She realized the girl was crying. She took a single step closer to the girl and kneeled down beside her, taking her in her arms gently while looking up at Drak, again fearing he would die before her very eyes. She was split in two, one to help the girl and one to help her beloved mate.

[Spectre]

looking at her once again he wasnt sure what to say completely. "We can go back for your mare if you'd like, it wouldnt take much trouble at all." He continued to embrance her to keep her hidden from the cool breeze that was beginning to kick up around the area. He couldnt figure out what was going on for sure, he only hoped things would get better back in the village.

As he stood there for a second he decided to find out who the shadow was. Xion, is that you?" he asked as he held Sharla tight. "I have a friend here, i was wondering if it would be a problem if she came bac to teh village with us. She has a mare we can go get before we leave if you dont mind her coming"

[Sil'in]

The drow smiled to Duncan as he the lady presented themselves at Drak's request, a polite nod was also offered to Ladvinia.  Sil'in stood by during the talking, his pieblad gaze studying Uther as the new king dealt with Atra's departure.  Sil'in nodded to Duncan as the man departed to answer the call for knights.  The drow held no rank or title, nor did he wish to.  Yet, Sil'in had already made up his mind to cast his lot with the fighting men.  With a respectful nod to Drakul, the dark elf turned and followed Duncan to the where Uther stood.  

He stood by as Duncan spoke to Uther, his arms crossed.  Sil'in no longer held any sort of rank within the guard, but many of the guards were men he had trained, and so it was left unspoken that the drow would help Duncan prepare the footsoldiers for battle.  Were King Uther to address Sil'in, the drow would simply offer a bow.  "I am at your command, Lord."
As long as he was able to wield his blades in battle, and watchover the guardsmen, the drow would comply with any placement ordered him.  Rank mattered not.

[Ladvinia]

As Drak spoke to here of being with Kalyassian as his horse and hound and how they had a bond. Ladvinia couldnt help but wonder what that had to do with her for she had never seen him before in human form. It was with Draks next words, words of him knowing what Kalyassian knew stunned her . She gasped and put a hand over her mouth while steping back . No one was suppost to know anything about her past." You...you know of me ... everything?" she wisperd.  She just stood there as Drak spoke more of promises Kalyassian had made .Ladvinia didnt know what to do . She bowed to the man " Thank you m'Lord " was all she could say so much had happend that she was unsure of what to do.

 Ladvinia looked back at Duncan she was glad that he was beside her . With the kissing of her hand and his words Duncan left to go to where the new King had called for warriors . She would do as he wished and watch over the children . She turned back to Drak" M'Lord I do wish to  speek with you more but as my maternal duty calls , I will save it for a more aproprate time .  I am avaliable whenever you are  avaliable to speek . But now I must take my leave of you and your companions " she said with a cursey and left to go to the nursery.

 Once inside she nodded to the guards on duty and pulled a large arm chair to the exact middle positon between Dare and Ariana. As she held on to both sleeping childs hand soft tears flowed from her forest green eyes. So much had happend in such a short time , but thease two remained untainted by the news . She wasnt sure how she would tell Dare and she wouldnt tell Ariana , for that was Duncans job and she didnt want to invade upon his little family.  She looked at the sleeping children once again and held on to their hands , not wanting to let go . Ladvinia soon felt sleep coming for her  she orderd the guard to push two beds together and after that was done , she made up the two small beds as one and brought both sleeping children over to the big bed . This way she could watch and protect both even in her sleep. As sleep claimed her she held a child in each , diamond coverd arm  and all whom slept would see what the morning brought.

[Elysse]

An audible gasp was heard falling from Elysse's lips as she listened to the King's harsh words to Llewellyn. She had been too far away to hear of the situation that Llewellyn had first whispered to the King, but she had gathered it forthwith. Perhaps the King's words were true, but the Protectors actions were true also. Weighing up the evidence on both sides, Elysse decided to hold a grudge against the King. These grudges, should they pile up, she would keep track of. It was a habit that she was used to doing, and one that she should perhaps get rid of. For if this King began to anger her, sooner or later the damn would break and she would say something to him that she may regret later. She could only hope that this King was harsh, but that in his harshness some good might come of Camelot. Still, she did not think it right to leave Llewellyn high and dry in such an awkward situation.

Llewellyn's presence had comforted her in the past, and Elysse now wondered whether she should wait, standing beside King Tyrial, for Llewellyn. Her gaze found L'Jess, still standing behind Llewellyn in such a protective manner. after a few moments of hesitation, she decided that she would follow the King upon his orders. She hoped L'Jess would stay behind to support Llewellyn.

Excusing herself from Tyrial, Elysse followed behind Rahvin. Whilst doing so, she deftly removed the bird-mask from her face. The cool, fresh air revived Elysse after the damness and confinement of the mask. She discarded all flowers and foliage that also came loose with the mask, and she allowed her hair to fall free. The mask she handed to an on looker, and then she herself turned towards the King.

[Llewellynn Pendragon]

Llewel gasped silently inside. HOW could he speak to her that awy? Would not ANY realm who felt their guests were being accosted not question the SAME way? Would not even those who now stood admitting they would some day be enemies perhaps even pounce if one under their care, or one of their own even, seemed to suddenly be attacked? She had apologized soon as she saw the drip of blood at the connectino of their lips had not been missed..

She nodded and straightened her shoulders. Looking towards Uli and Bryna she bowed and spoke with a strong voice so all would hear.

"Yes, Lord Uther." She turned to those in question and rose her voice so all may hear. "It is true my whispered words were of such as the King spoke. I spoke because I saw the voracity of the kiss and the blood at the lips as one of an attack. And after seeing the blood on Lady Atra's lips I feared the loss of another in our Realm. Would not one of you felt protective of those who came as guests expecting to be safe? The next words I spoke to the King, once I saw the embrace was mutual were ones of pardon. Displays of lust, desire and passion do NOT turn my stomach and were I so inclined to find one to move me as you two move one another, though my cheeks would crimson out of embaressment simply because I am not acustomed to such things, I have no doubt I would lose myself in the embrace as you two have. I sincerely apologize and ask that you realize that in light of losing a King, my protectiveness to ALL those in this room, is my chief concern. No one here is harmed unless they deserve such things and bring it upon themselves."

She could not give blanket protection to everyone, for then if a fight broke out she would have no side to stand on. But as Bryna was not being harmed against her wishes, she was included in the safety. As Uli was not being attacked for no reason, he, too, was covered. And just as the King had given safe passage to Lady Atra and her compaion, so would she raise a blade to upold that granted permission if someone moved unprovoked against them. But she would not simply tell them to do as they wish and no harm would befall them.

As she stood there making sure her words had been heard, she watched Duncan and Sil'in move to join the King and turned to L'Jess and spoke like the guard she was. "If you are loyal to the King, you will go with him. I am not a child to be coddled nor is your King to be ignored as you are a Knight. Follow him now if youare loyal to him. For to stay with me is to place me above him and that is one pedastal I cannot compete with." Her words had not been strong or harsh, nor had they been loud enough for all to hear. If Jess stayed at her side, theKing may take it to mean he regarded the loyalty to the Protector to be that above Camelot. She could not live with herself if such things were true and prayed that in light of her words, Jess would leave her to face the outcome of her apologee alone.

She smiled and winked to reassure him. "I will be fine, Jess. And if harm falls to me this night, then apparently my apologee and desire to help others is not as wanted as I believed and I will leave to let such things be handled by those more wanted."

She turned her back on him now fearing her voice would crack if she were to speak another word. She had spoken to the King as Protector and he had lashed her like a child. She was Avalon Blessed and Camelot sworn to protect those within the Realm. Had not the last king told her SPECIFICALLY to guard those within the Keep and Realm? Had her worry NOT been one of someone doing just that? It troubled her because if she had NOT spoken up, and Lady Bryna HAD been assaulted without her desire for it to be, then she would have turned her back as surely as a King turning his back on his people. She was no King but she WAS the Protector. And if anyone had half a brain they would know she acted out of concern and not out of some prude desire for all within the walls to be chaste. had she not reveled in Rahvin's touch not and hour before? Had not Jess' touch to her hand send a pleasurable desire thru herself as well. She was a woman like Bryna and the attentions of a man, especially passionate ones, were welcomed, though she could not recall the last time she had had them directed at her.

Llewel smiled to herself seeing Rahvin join the outgoing party behind the King as well. He was a good man, and if not a Knight yet, she had no doubt he would be one soon. She only hoped she would survive this moment to be able to help him.

Sighing she awaited the words that would either forgive or chastize her from the guests involved. She only hoped they were understanding of her concern, even if they disagreed. She then vowed to join the King as he requested, for she was loyal.

[Light_hearted]

She shook her head, "we left like theives in the night do you no think it would look bad going  back I mean some one died and i do not be quetioned for murder.. talikeen can find me anywhere given time she is not an ordinary horse..."

[Zoelleannah]

Zoelleannah was still sitting pressed against the wall, her head resting upon her arms that had covered her knees. Tears seemed to be plenty as her emotions over what had occured ran wildly throughout her being. Her thoughts where her own and they where pounding within her head. Surely she would go crazy if she didn't stop and take a rest, but how could she have. The king had given her more then just her freedom, he had given her a life, the ruby and now the steed. She was so confused over all this, she wished she had a chance to actually gotten to know him better but everything had happened so fast and now it was too late. She was still holding the gem clutched within her closed fist and needed to speak to Drak about it but now wasn't the time she knew that for sure. Still in her thoughts over everything she was slowly ceasing her tears. Suddenly she had noticed that she was being brought into someones embrace, her head lifted as tear stricken face looked into the face of Fiamma and she swallowed deeply. Why was she comforting her, she should be beside Drak comforting him instead of her...

She saw that Fiamma was looking over towards Drak with worried face and spoke up lightly "M'lady go be weth him, I shall be fine on me own. Do naye worry over mine self. I thank thee fer showing such concern and care". With that she looked to her once more with a light smile and then hoped that Fiamma would step back over to Drak's side. She opened her hand to show the ruby to Lady Fiamma as she spoke "M'lady, I can naye accept such gift, it was replaced for the gem he had embedded within me left palm for st...". She suddenly stopped and went silent not sure if she was wanting to reveal her dark past to anyone. She just looked at Fiamma and sighed deeply. She looked up for a moment towards Drak and saw that both Sil'lin and Lady Ladvinia where departing and she looked after them for a mere moment, then back up to Fiamma, as she had calmed down and her tears had finally stopped flowing...

[Anton Dameon]

Standing there next to Ki he wondered how well his own presence would go over with the king and Oberon. It wasn't that he feared them but only having knowledge of someone wasn't enough to go and stand before them. Anton heard everything that was going on in the room, whether he made a movement to react to it or not. He simple wasn't going to allow anything to distract him from the bigger things that were happening now. He wanted to talk to the King first, but the call that was made was for knights, and Anton certainly wasn't a knight even though he was carrying twin blades that any knight would love to have. A whisper was all that he felt was needed but it echoed through the hall, ?Your majesty may we have a word with you when you get a moment."  

Pushing back the hood of the cloak that marked him as Merlin and sliding the clawed hand into Ki's he turned towards Uther and waited. Bringing every thing he had ever read into his mind Anton flipped quickly through the thoughts like a book. Years of study had given him the ability to recall such things, since dragging that many tomes around wasn't really the best idea. Whispering to Ki's mind softly, " Are you ok with this or should i talk to him alone?" something told him that she would come along but he wanted her to do so only if she felt up to it.

[Fiamma Bella]

Kiante too was hesitant to approach the king and Oberon. She had never met Oberon before, she had only heard of his exhistance. Why did the sword go to him and not the goddess or Kiante? THis she did not understand but let it be for now. She heard Antons whisper and looked up at him for a moment before looking to the King who was calling all knights to him. The King had much to do and they were just one more thing but they were a very important thing. He needed to know that the Lady of the Lake and Merlin were here. A support to the crown and the people of Camelot, representing the old ways, the ways Kalyssien had wished for Camelot to return to. IT all was happening so very fast and noone was questioning it. How odd it was when it was a kingdom full of people who should have been. No one was out searching for the body, no one was wondering who this Oberon was, having never before seen him.

Antons arms fell from hers but his hand clasped hers gently. She found this simple act to be very reassuring. She took a deep breath, letting her worries, fears and griefs be set aside. When the breath was fully expelled from her ruby lips she was once more Kiante, Lady of the Lake, High Priestess of Avalon. IT was her duty she had to tend to now, not her personal losses. She looked to Anton, her eyes a deep and everchanging blue like the ocean. Kiante squeezed his hand and smiled softly to him. "No my freind, we are who we are. And in this we should be together. Thank you for the concideration." What else could she say to the man that gave her such strength and hope? She knew when she went to her chambers this night she would grieve once more for the death of a man she loved. She turned to look upon Uther. She was not able to entirely let go of the sadness that dwelled within, but she hardly expected Uther to care about such things.