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Conrad had Mordred summoned to find out about his son Merthyr, how he was adjusting to his new condition and also to discuss appointing Lancelot as Camelot champion

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Gawain raised his eyebrow, having excepted that the arrest would have been gossiped about by now, given Lancelot's otherwise impeccable reputation.

"Lancelot? He is.... hmmm... let's say... indisposed. He stood up to Percival refusing to follow orders and execute prisoners tomorrow... I bet right now is locked up in a cell awaiting Mordred to give him a suitable punishment. Fighting a tournament tomorrow is entirely out of the question" assured Gawain

"Then sir Gawain, as the eldest son and heir to the throne. You are permitted as the champion of Orkney, prepare to rain hell upon your enemies."

"If I can, then of course I will," replied Taff warmly, gratefully accepting her apology. "If you are a sorcerer, that won't change who you are. I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you from persecution."

Moving towards Merthyr, he examined the prince's wounds carefully. They would still hurt, but they weren't infected.

Taff had little experience healing wihout magic, so he drew up his power and began quietly speaking the best healing spell he could muster.

The magic seemed to wash over his back, beginning to heal the sore wounds.

---

Mordred had gone to the King as soon as he had been summoned.

"You summoned me, your majesty?"

Conrad looked up with a clearly troubled look

"Sir Mordred, glad you came so quickly. I summoned you indeed because Camelot is in serious trouble. My kingdom has broken peace treaties and wounded one of my sister's charge. Can you find Sir Lancelot see if he can be Camelot's champion?" Quizzed Conrad unaware of the tavern fiasco.

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Merthyr woke up feeling much better.

"Taff! Good to see you back" smiled Merthyr used to Taff Gelligen leaning over and tending to him "I... you shouldn't have but thanks for taking good care of me" murmured Merthyr sheepishly, sitting up soon after feeling much recovered

"Ah.. I believe he is in the dungeons, your majesty," said Mordred, not wanting to go to the dungeons and pretend to learn something he already knew.

"He was taken there by Sir Percival, on account of treason."

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Taff smiled back. "I'm glad to see you well again." He glanced at Morgana with a grin.

"Treason?! From Lancelot?! This could not have come at worst times" winced Conrad his lips twitching in disgust "Well... we need to find someone else quickly... I cannot afford to let you be the champion, Mordred, if you were to lose or die my sister would claim your possessions, horse, armour and slaves... Merthyr. I am not prepared to lose my son or you" concluded Conrad "Well then, have Sir Percival be the champion" sighed Conrad

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Morgana smiled broadly, elated to see Merthyr improve so quickly

"Taff you've done it! Look at him... ever so recovered" smiled Morgana elated
"You must teach me how you did it" nodded Morgana excited to see magic working first hand

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Gawain smiled in proud relief that he could and would do something about the situation, the injustices done so far. "I will not disappoint you mother" assured the knight with confidence

"..I will inform Sir Percival at once," replied Mordred, knowing Sir Lancelot was easily the best of Camelot's knights; if Queen Morgause was bringing her best, sending Sir Percival was risky.

Presuming that Sir Percival was watching over Sir Lancelot in the dungeons, that is where he went.

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"Of course, I will at the first opportunity​," said Taff, glancing back at Merthyr.

"Be prepared my son, you must rest. More importantly you must not die."

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At that moment, Guinevere arrived to tend to Merthyr's wounds. In her hand she held a warm wet rag, and in the other a bucket. She arrived just in time to see the prince shirtless as well.

Conrad leaned back overwhelmed at how over one decree now he stood up to lose the crown altogether.

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Sir Percival knelt before Mordred

"My liege, Sir Lancelot is guilty of treason and refusing orders, what would you have me do with him?" Asked Percival still keeping Lancelot restrained and locked up

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"Trust me mother, I couldn't be more prepared, the rage of witnessing wrongdoing and the thirst for avenging such, guides my deeds and sword. Tomorrow, at the battlefield, Camelot shall fall and by nightfall you shall be its rightful queen and there shall be a time of peace" swore Gawain

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Merthyr turned to see Guinevere a mild blush of shyness painting his cheeks red. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you here" apologized Merthyr rubbing his forehead briefly

"Ahh I feel fine, see... Nimueh and Merthyr are outstanding healers but... thanks for your personal interest" thanked Merthyr with a broader smile

Amber had changed into a nightgown she already owned and was sitting in her new chambers, awaiting Morgana to come back. She looked around as she waited and smiled.

"Then rest my son, for tomorrow. We deliver justice."

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"Sorry to disturb you all, in just here to tend to his majesty's wounds."

"Taking his past service into account, and seeing as he is one of the King's most skilled knights," said Mordred, "It seems only fair that he receive more or less the same punishment Merthyr did.

"He is to be stripped of his arms and armour, and to work as a servant until he proves himself loyal once more."

Mordred paused, before continuing, "As for you, Sir Percival, the King has requested you be champion for Camelot in the upcoming tournament."

---

Taff had turned to Guinevere as soon as she arrived, surprised and a little worried that she might have overheard.

"It's no bother at all, Guinevere," he said, and turned to Morgana. "My lady, it is getting late," he said.

"Indeed... good night Merthyr" nodded Morgana smiling as she came to tell Amber that Merthyr was much better indeed

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Lancelot looked up wide eyed at the statement having feared the worst.

"Really? You mean ... I get to keep my life and limbs? I don't know what to say, really, I wasn't expecting... well...I am most grateful Sir Mordred that you would allow me to live and remain in Camelot. I shall never forget this act of kindness and I shall henceforth serve you faithfully and dutifully, my liege. I will make myself worthy of your leniency" nodded Lancelot kneeling before Mordred and kissing his hand as he made his pledge of servitude to his new liege lord

---

"I better rest then" nodded Percival knowing he was no match for Gawain but willing to try his best

(OOC : good night )

"I insist, they may be sorcerers, but that's no excuse!"
Guinevere stubbornly retorted.
" I was asked by my lady to assist you through your current situation and do that I shall!"

"I'm sure he could at least do with a checkup," said Taff as he moved to leave, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Coming back to his duties in Morgana's quarters, he saw Amber, newly a lady-in-waiting. He had seen her a few times before but the two had never interacted. He smiled at her as he went about his duties.

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Mordred found himself more than a little taken aback by the easiness with which Lancelot accepted his punishment.

"You should rest in the servant's quarters," he said as Lancelot finished his pledge. "Tomorrow may prove to be a long day," he continued, a hint of cynicism edging into his voice.

He himself went to his quarters, to rest as well.

She blushed slightly and smiled back. Her new position was giving her more confidence and she loved it, more people noticed her as she hoped. She didn't have many friends in the castle or at all really so she was happy just to receive a smile. She sat with her back against the wall as she looked out the window at the sky.

King Conrad looked at his royal seal and his royal sigil, mayhap it may be his last day as king of Camelot all in all, the only consolation was that the kingdom would be kept within the family at least and his sister was not known for her cruelty.

"Lord Pentre, if we do loose the tournament tomorrow. I will ask my sister to keep the oath of protection that I gave to lord Gorlois, your and Morgana's father, on his deathbed.

Should my request be rejected and any harm befall you both, I apologize in advance and promise to make suitable amends, when the opportunity arises" commented Conrad well aware without Merthyr or Lancelot defending Camelot's crown on the arena, there was a very high chance that the kingdom would succumb at the jousting.

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"Of course, thank you, my liege" nodded Lancelot respectfully, with a warm and honest smile as he rose up at such words. "Here... this is now yours, sir Mordred" muttered Lancelot

He dug his hand into his shirt and took out a string with a key from around his neck presenting it to Mordred. With such gesture he was honorably giving him all his belongings which were kept in his former room, for the young knight to make use of anything Lancelot had possessed as Mordred saw fit. Lancelot was well aware nothing he had once owned was his any more, not even his freedom, and honor compelled him to not steal or retain anything that now belonged to Mordred.

"The room is two doors down from your own quarters" indicated Lancelot "By the end of the cot, there is a large wooden chest, in it you will find the armour, sword, bow and arrows, and some good quality ropes and a net too. There are spare parchments and unused candles. There's a thick hooded cloak and Camelot's uniform. Under the good outfit, at the bottom, there is a somewhat smaller silver chest with around three thousand, five hundred golden pieces or so, as well as a black pouch with a silver and copper coins too, at your disposal. I kept some letters from my sister in a small leather pouch you may read or burn them if you please, they're kept inside the diary, beneath the pillow. On the chair, you will find the travel bag, it contains various herbs and healing remedies and the hunting knives as well as the grinding stone to keep the weapons sharp" reported Lancelot giving a full and detailed account of his former possessions as he walked by Mordred's side guiding him.

The large sum of gold was no small amount in those days, proof that Lancelot worked hard to build up the considerable fortune and wasted no wealth on vices or taverns, very much in line with his sober, hard-working knightly attitude. It was also a solid testament to the knight's impeccable if deadly skill.

He dutifully accompanied and escorted young Mordred to his sleeping quarters, opening all doors for him with a respectful bow, quickly settled into his new position as a proper manservant, he even carried the torch to light the way, remaining in dutiful service until they reached Mordred's chamber.

"Good night, sir knight, I shall see you in the morning, my liege" mumbled Lancelot politely.

Without the least objection or further ado he made his way to the servants quarters too, finding not a spare bed available, as expected, thus resorting to sleeping by the hearth, on the hard floor, using a few skins for warmth, hardly the most comfortable place but well used to privations in line with his knightly duties and errands.

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"Guinevere... please, try to understand... I am not used to being manhandled..." stammered Merthyr looking shocked at Taff, at his agreement with Guinevere and her insistence on tending to him personally. He felt completely out of comfort zone in a very obvious manner, made all the worse by the fact that Taff simply walked away without trying to talk her out of it.

"I know my aunt has always been overly caring of me but this really is not necessary at all... I am fine, at least good enough to stand up and work as you can see" pointed out Merthyr raising his palms to stop her and put distance between Guinevere and himself

"Besides, I am an engaged man and you're a woman, unmarried young woman, you know... I have only had manservants my entire life... never a maid before, having no mother or sisters either this is becoming just... a little awkward...plain awkward... errr... a lot awkward... too awkward actually, to say the least" stammered Merthyr the face brighter than tomatoes when they are ripe

His discomfort was made all the greater when he noticed that Mordred had already returned to his quarters in time to hear all this.

"Welcome back, master. Supper is being kept warm for you, if you wish to eat, else I will take it to the kitchens..." smiled Merthyr warmly, making an effort to stand up, in a wince at the still sore back, and lowered a knee to the ground to greet his lord properly, ducking the head for further respect

In the back of his mind, he wondered if Mordred would object to Guinevere's persistent attentions and excessive closeness or if would simply relish on the prince's embarrassment and make him comply to her demands, preferring the first to the latter. Just in case, he focused on his humble duties so as to distract them from the tense situation.

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Gawain went to sleep and rest right away as his mother had commanded, much too tired to refuse anyways.

"Good night, mother, I shall see you in the morning on the battlefield, my queen" smiled Gawain, saluting her with his sword and placing it back into the scabbard which now sported Orkney's royal coat of arms visible on his new cloak too.

He let his appointed servants from Orkney accompany him to his room with all the fuss expected from the prince's entourage. It was clear to him not only that his mother was very wealthy but also that she was overly indulging and caring of him, sending so many servants to take care of so many minor details. She was not only flaunting her wealth but clearly her motherly devotions and attentions too, it was for this later reason that he dared not object and permitted all the pampering with a warm welcoming smile. He quickly dozed off to sleep in the best of cares.

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Josh was bringing Amber some flowers as surprise to end her day of courting when he caught Taff smiling at his girl and frowned displeased, clearly such gesture did not go down well at all.

"You keep your eyes downcast, rat... the princess lady-in-waiting already has higher, better interests. You disrespect her again, I'll beat you up in the training grounds come the morning, servant" warned Josh feeling somewhat jealous and overly protective of Amber

"Here, my fairest maiden... I got these to match your beauty" smiled Josh broadly leaving the flowers on the table, respectfully, for her to take them up if she pleased, leaving her rooms to not cause disrepute at such late hour

Mordred replied with a soft "Thank you, your honesty does you credit," as he took the key. Really, he felt even more taken off guard by Lancelot's politeness and respectfulness. And by his detailed report of his quarters, Lancelot had clearly earned every piece of that gold.

He had heard of Lancelot's reputation before, of course, but he had always assumed it to be exaggerated. Now he felt it somewhat distasteful to punish him overmuch, even if he still felt a rush of envy and skepticism that Lancelot had done so much.

"And you, as well; Good night," Mordred mumbled a reply, having felt somewhat awkward the whole way there, lost in thought.

As he entered his quarters, he couldn't help overhearing Merthyr's stammering plea. Oh, no. Oh no, no, no. He would be lying, certainly, if he said he hadn't had his moments of cruelty, yet he also desperately didn't want to eat listening to all of.. that. As a rule, anything with even the barest hint of romance was enough for him to run into the wilderness.

Thus he found himself having to suppress a strong urge to run away saying that he wanted to be left alone.

Instead, with no small difficulty, he said "Ah, thank you, Merthyr. I think I would have it now."

He cleared his thoat and continued, in the same stilted tone, "Guinevere, since your brother Lancelot has been found guilty of treason, and taking his prior loyal service into account, he has been sentenced to servitude until such time as he proves his loyalty once more. However, I feel it is.. only just, that his possessions would revert to you."

He handed her the key for Lancelot's room, repeating Lancelot's report, albeit much more briefly.

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Taff's smile immediately dissipated at the knights words.

"It was a friendly gesture, nothing more," he replied, though this time he kept his eyes downcast.

Taking this as his cue to leave, he made his way to the servant's quarters. Surprised to find Lancelot there, he decided to take his place by the hearth as well.

((OOC: Good night. I have an appointment in the morning so I might not be able to reply.))

She smiled and took them up. She looked up to thank him, but he was gone. She sighed and placed the flowers back down, deciding to get a vase for them tomorrow and sat back down.

Morgana smiled at Josh's dedication towards Amber thus she did not intervene at the altercation focusing on preparing for bed, certain the morning would bring about its toil

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Lancelot smiled warmly at seeing Taff come to join his space, moving aside to give him the warmer part without a second thought. At the time he was seated on the floor busy with menial chores.

"Well well, Taff, good to see you still show manners and respect by letting prince Merthyr have your sleeping quarters." complimented Lancelot

"You know, for hard working honest lads like you, as dedicated and loyal as you are, I would readily give up my cot, my friend, unfortunately, all I can offer is to share this space by the warmth of the fire" offered Lancelot. He was busy polishing the footwear, having just finished washing the clothes he would wear the next day and hanging them to dry despite the late hour.

"Manservants have to look impeccable, Taff, no less than the knights they portray and serve" explained Lancelot cheerfully "A grubby dishovelled servant speaks much against the liege lord that consents to such low standards, or might even give the impression his liege lord is much too poor to afford better. We can't have anyone thinking such ills of Sir Mordred after being so merciful" muttered Lancelot talking softly so as to not disturb the others servants who were trying to sleep, taking pride in his humble task and every detail of it, working hard and with dedication, not about to give way to sloopy work regardless of his social position or how insignificant the task could be.

Once all was done and ready he laid back down to sleep, to rest whilst he could