Hiding (Elissa, Uther - Private)

[William Fowlent]

William had ran through the corridors of the great castle. He needed to find a way out of this place, and fast!
He didn't know of the king had sent anyone to follow him - or even if the king himself had followed!
He saw a door infront of him. It was un-guarded - probably becasue it was early in the morning and not lot of people would be up - and William hoped that it would be his way out.
He slammed open the double door and ran into the large room before him.
He looked around and reconised the room as the throne room.
"Damn it!" cried William as he kicked the air.
He was about to back out of the room and find a way out when and idea struck him.
The king would never suspect me to hide in his own throne room! he thought.
William looked around at the empty room, and decided to stay hidden in here - for now at least.
He looked down at his raggedy clothing and thought to change his clothing just incase someone un-expected came in.
"Rachage Drekale" he muttered as his eyes flashed golden.
He looked down to see that his clothes had changed from the commoner clothing he had been wearing before to the uniform of a knight.
"This will do nicely!" he said to himself.

[Elissa Bayard]

Nature continued to show the human eye just how beautiful it truly was. The trees and flowers revealed their full glory as if a rainbow of colours littered the grasslands The sky was like an ocean gently guiding the white clouds just like ships trying to cross its majestic beauty, the wildlife was a happy and care free as the wind. All was just as quiet as a trickling lake, but a sound disturbed the gentle peace that nature had offered to anyone within its eternal serene beauty.

The wilderness surrendered to the beauty and serenity of trees, plants, and grass and of course the kind-hearted animals that thrived within Albion. Flowers continued to show their frail but gently petals of many different colours of a rainbow, the heavens above were as calm and peaceful as ever, far within the depth of Albion stood the Kingdom of Mercia. It was a bustling city, which was ruled by King Bayard, a man filled with honour and respect for his people. Not only was he a good king but he was a loving uncle as well, Sir Alex was named Captain of the Mercia Knights and was a man who was honourable and respected all things.

And also his little sister Elissa who was the princess of Mercia. These siblings did not much about their parents but thanks to their uncle they were raised into strong individuals. Both Alex and Elissa shared a strong bond, even Alex taught Elissa how to fight using a sword and taught her how to use a bow and arrow when she was younger. But Elissa soon developed a quest that she wanted to take on her own, she wanted to travel across all of Albion itself and discover more about the sacred land that they stood upon. This goal made her realise that if she understood Albion then she would be a better princess then she was and perhaps one day a better queen.

And now today was the day when her journey was about to begin. Within the boundaries of Castle Mercia itself and beyond the safety of the castle walls lied a large bedroom that was fit for a king or queen, or a princess. Standing before a large bed was Elissa herself, she had long black hair and had a fair complexion. She looked fairly built and did have a single tattoo, scar or birth mark on her body. The clothes she wore was of a long flowing gown that went down until it barely touched her feet, and small soft shoes that made her feet nice and snug. She stood gathering some essentials for her near impossible journey, it would be one filled with many kinds of dangers but Elissa believed in herself.

As she gathered a few personal belongings she looked around at her room and sighed. It would be a long time before she could see her beloved room again, but still it was a journey that was bound to be worth it. She soon headed westwards towards her bedroom window and opened it outwards as her eyesight saw a wonderful view of the city and just barely those beyond the walls of Mercia. With a focused look she closed the window and soon the front door was knocked on once and it opened revealing a man in his late twenties and stood wearing a full chain mail armour and wore the royal sign of Mercia on the front.

Alex smiled as he saw his little sister and said,” You know I wish you didn't have to go". Elissa smiled back and could tell with the look that Alex was giving that he meant every word but she soon headed over towards him and wrapped her arms around him in a loving hug while saying "I know Alex but this is something I want to do". The captain of the Mercia knights hugged his little sister back and gave her a big squeeze but not using his full strength, just a squeeze to give Elissa that warm and safe feeling. Pulling away from Elissa he said" You sure have grown up my little sister. Come our uncle awaits at the castle gates, here allow me". He said taking his sisters personal items and immediately he headed out of Elissa's bedroom and headed towards the castle gates.

With another sigh she grabbed a long heavy hooded cloak and slowly she exited her bedroom and closed it behind her. Feeling abit nervous she marched westwards, A few minutes later Elissa marched down the halls of Castle Mercia and arrived out in the open. There she saw the royal knights lining up before her so that a straight path was forged towards her uncle and brother, as she marched with the heavy hooded cloak folded over her arms the knights withdrew their swords and held them up high in respect for their princess. She felt really surprised but soon she nodded to each of them in total gratitude until she stood before King Bayard himself and her brother Alex, just behind them was her horse Amity a pure white stallion.

King Bayard smiled at his young niece and happily gave her a heart warming hug" It is sad to see you go but I believe in you Elissa". The young princess pulled away from her loving uncle and smiled. After setting her horse ready Alex headed back over towards his little sister, gently took the long but heavy hooded cloak and gently placed it around Elissa's shoulders until the full length of the cloak closed itself around her entire body until a small slit was scene down the middle. With a smile she kept the cloak together by putting on a small cloak pin that sat just below her neck, the hood of the cloak gently rested on top of her shoulders and sat at the back of her neck and rested near the top of her back itself.

Elissa had a few tears slightly, which made King Bayard to wipe them away with his gloved hand. But there she gently climbed up on top of her horse Amity forcing the cloak to open itself and covered the horses back due to its full but heavy length. With a smile she waved to her family and soon galloped at full pace until she was out of sight.

Many days of travel passed swiftly and luckily her journey was into impeded by bandits or thieves. But she soon found herself staring before the great city of Camelot itself; she was amazed by its sure beauty and the stone craftsmanship making Camelot a fine city. Slowly her beautiful horse Amity trotted northwards and headed into the lower city seeing the many market stalls and the poor trying desperately to survive, she then reached the upper city and saw the many wonders of shops and stables. Finally she appeared before the entrance to the courtyard of Castle Camelot but her path was stopped by two knights guarding the entrance.

One of the knights spoke "Halt! State your business!” Elissa wasn't really surprised and soon she stood Amity and jumped off him to land on the ground forcing her long hooded cloak to close itself around Elissa once more. Walking over to them she nodded to the knights and slowly pulled her left arm out from underneath the thickness of the cloak so that it was open on the left but completely closed on the right. There she held out the imperial seal of Mercia and said, "My name is Elissa niece to King Bayard of Mercia. I wish to see his majesty King Uther to for a place to rest and gather supplies for my journey". The two knights stood to attention and soon the first knight stepped to one side while the second happily urged Elissa to go on threw.

With a smile she thanked the knight and gently headed northwards while placing her left arm back underneath the thickness of her full length hooded cloak. She followed the knight into the castle until she stood before the throne room, there he said "His majesty is currently away at the moment please wait here and I will inform him of your arrival my lady". Giving Elissa a bow he gently opened the throne room door and bowed in complete respect and left to find King Uther. Slowly she headed into the throne room and quietly admired the stone works of the throne room itself.

[William Fowlent]

William stood with his head held high, trying to look as arrogant as possible.
He was trying to seem like he belonged in his new knight uniform.
The chain-mail was rubbing against his skin, he didn't know how the real knights would be able to put up with this day after day.

The door opened slightly and he heared from outside the rough voice of a guard.
"His majesty is currently away at the moment please wait here and I will inform him of your arrival my lady." said he.

William started to panic as he wasn't sure whether to his or to stay and act the part.
He took a deep breath and thought to himself, What was the point of this costume if I was going to hide? So with that thought in his head he stuck his neck out and tried to look as 'noble' as he could.

The door opened fully and in walked a beautiful young lady.
She looked just like the ladies that he loved to romance.
They where usually spoilt and nieve.

She seemed to have been admiring the room and William took advantage of the momentary distraction to prepare himself.

"Hello my lady," he said with a slight bow in a quiet voice "What brings you here?"
He smiled at her charmingly (or at least he hoped it was charming) and shyly tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear.

It was all an act of course, he was not shy, but he knew ladies and he knew that they prefered shy, sensitive men.

[Elissa Bayard]

The journey to discover Albion had begun. It was a task that seemed nearly impossible to discover landmarks, rivers, lakes, meadows, there were still many places left untouched by human hands and saw by human eyes. This quest was to be Elissa's greatest challenge, but she had faith within herself and deeply respects the land that all life lived upon. However she needed some desperate supplies for her journey so she came to Camelot to restock supplies of food, drink and of course let her beloved horse Amity rest in the stables.

Thankfully a handful of stable boys took Amity to the stables just as she arrived and alerted the knights of who she was. She prayed that King Uther still thought of King Bayard as a loyal friend of Camelot and had hoped he could help her with some supplies and a place to stay at least until she plotted her next course across Albion. Perhaps his majesty King Uther could suggest some ideas? Or maybe someone that he trusts could guide her down the next path she wished to take. Deep down she would greatly miss her brother and uncle but when she returned she would become a better person and one-day be a great queen.

But currently King Uther was currently away and so the only thing she could do was gazed around at the great chamber where the royal throne of Camelot stood proudly before her. While she was waiting Elissa admired the craftsmanship of the room as her long hooded cloak continued to gently encase herself within its thick confines. She looked from the ceiling to the floor and to the walls, Elissa took in the entire room and remembered that it looked something like her uncles throne room, however it seemed that she was not alone.

She heard the voice of a young man and instantly she turned herself around seeing a knight fully clad in heavy armour. Elissa wondered where he had come from but she realised that she was too busy enjoying the room before her, with a smile back she said" Sir Knight I believe that is between me and his majesty King Uther. But if you must know I am here to ask for his help".

[William Fowlent]

"Oh of course, I did not mean to pry. William said smoothly.
This girl was much more head-strong then he had thought, she was obviously not like the girls he was used to.

He was about to say a flirtatious compliment when he suddenly stopped.
He needed to leave, he realised.
The king could arrive at any moment if he was here to see Elissa!
William smiled at her soothingly, trying to to seem suspicous as his eyes darted around the room, tring to find an easy escape route.
He glanced upon an open window and saw it an easy escape route. He would not use it now, of course. He would saveit for emergancies. He did not wish to raise the alarm of the lady before hime for she would surely alert the king.

"My lady, may I at least ask your name? For surely a lady as beautiful as you must have a name of equal beauty." he said flirtatiously.

Damn it! he thought. He just couldn't help flirting with ladies. It was a second nature to him.

He shook his head as if trying to shake that instinct from himself.

[Elissa Bayard]

Elissa was actually surprised by the knight’s compliments about her. But it was rather strange because all though the knight standing before her looked like a nice person but he did not wear any banners of the kingdoms, and for one he was not from Mercia as he did not bear the official insignia on the armour itself. In fact it looked like just a plain suit of chain mail armour. However a normal girl would have enjoyed the compliments and compliment the man in return. But this was Elissa Bayard the niece of King Bayard after all and the only think her heart was set on was one finishing the journey before her and two returning home to her family.

She didn't have time to fall in love in someone else. No she made a promise to her family and the people that she will return a stronger and better princess, but now she felt it was strange for a knight to compliment a person that they had never seen before. Elissa assumed that the knight knew that she was a noble lady since peasants weren’t allowed in the castle well at least until they had news that was important to his majesty King Uther.

Perhaps he was a man who had just been knighted perhaps? But then again he would have been wearing the armour of the Pendragon Knights. But again he wore no emblem of the kingdoms so he must be a noble of some kind, also he words sounded sincere. As always Elissa followed her heart and trusted what it was saying, and in response she replied in total honesty "My name is Elissa Sir Knight and I thank you for your kind words. But I do not deserve them until my journey is complete".

[William Fowlent]

As the sweet lady before him humbly claimed that she did not deserve the compliment he had payed her, William felt a slight tinge of guilt.
He was obviously distracting her from her quest, whatever that may be, and he was lying to her.
He could see that she was different from most royal woman he knew. They would usually gooble up the compliment and bask in his flattery. But 'Elissa' was different.
"My name is William my lady, there is no need to call me 'Sir Knight'." he mumbled rather shyly.
He played with his long messy hair as he tried to figure out what he should do next.
William decided he should leave, he didn't want anything to happen and he also didn't want to be caught.
He had his mind made up but he somehow couldn't bring himself to leave Elissa.

[Elissa Bayard]

Thoughts drifted across her mind as Elissa went into deep thought about her next stop across her journey. But she soon remembered what her brother had said, she was told to trust her heart and place her beliefs in her instincts. And so far her heart was saying to gather supplies and journey northwards, with a smile she sighed in relief and was happy to know that her next destination had been decided. But the man that stood before her was a strange one. Indeed he was polite and well mannered but perhaps he was there to be knighted by his majesty King Uther? As he spoke his name as William Elissa appreciated and respected his heart and manners, looking towards the eyes of William Elissa said" It is nice to meet you Sir William". All though William had a good heart Elissa also had the same good manners and heart as well so she shared it by showing her respect to the knight that stood before her. It is not often that you meet someone who respected life and it was something that Elissa had within her soul as well, could it be that they did have something in common? Besides it wouldn’t hurt to chat to someone before meeting King Uther himself in person to help in gathering supplies, after all Mercia and Camelot were at peace with each other.

Plus her good friend Amity needed a good rest, some fresh feed and water to drink. To Elissa Amity was like childhood friend and which they were, they knew each other when they were younger and now they formed a bond that was stronger then any magic. Knights of Mercia have tried to ride Amity but none could ride him apart from one person… Elissa. Silently she hoped that her dear friend would gain all the rest and relaxation he could get. On her journey throughout Albion Amity was her only friend and she promised to protect him and watch over him and was full confident that he would do the same thing in dire circumstances. And while she was away she placed her full believe in her brother Alex to protect Mercia and make sure their uncle is protected while she was away. Now all that mattered was seeing his majesty King Uther and go forwards from there.

Feeling relaxed she happily sighed and said “ So what brings you to Camelot Sir William?”.

[William Fowlent]

"Well, lady Elissa, I am here..." William thought for a second.
He couldn't exactly say 'I am here to kill King Uther' so he would have to think of some sort of lie. Then a thought hit him.
"I am here representing Ealdor, my lady."
Ealdor was he's home town. He had been raised there.
He could still remember the picturesque hills and the morning sun shine.
He missed Ealdor terribly but he had to come to Camelot to complete his mission.
As a seer he had seen many things, but the death of Uther had been the strongest vision he had ever seen.
He knew he must make it true, and that is what he was here for.
He shook himself. He was here to complete his mission, not to flirt with a lady!

[Elissa Bayard]

Albion was a beautiful but vast landed that was ready to be discovered. Somewhere out there were places that was meant to be admired, but throughout out the lands were the homes of terrible monsters, thieves and thugs. However Elissa was not afraid, throughout her young life she has kept her word on several occasions and this time she has given promised her family and her people to one day return to Mercia and be a better princess.

This goal still continues threw her young mind as she stood happily listening to Sir Williams words about representing a place called Ealdor. She hadn't heard of such a name before but this merely fuelled her excitement to discover the unknown, with a smile she responded "Sir William Ealdor sounds like a wonderful place! Perhaps during my travels across Albion I can visit Ealdor". With a gentle sigh she gently looked over towards the main doors and wondered why his majesty King Uther was late coming into the main throne room?

Perhaps she had come at a bad time? Well at least she had some company in the form of Sir William. She slowly began to think of her best friend and loyal steed Amity which in the ancient language which meant friendship she named him Amity so that their bond together would be forever in their hearts. Elissa hoped with all her heart that he was being looked after and being given as much feed and water as he desired. As she pondered about Amity she pulled her floor length hooded cloak tightly around herself until it fully encased her within its warmth and said to William " I here to ask for supplies for my journey across Albion".

[William Fowlent]

William was snapped out of his thought when Elissa told him why she was here.
"Ah, I see." mumbled William.

The first thing that popped into his mind was a devious thought. Not towards her of course, but towards Uther.
"Well pray that he will help you. He is not a very... generous king, if I am to be so bold." muttered William to Elissa.
William knew that the king would help Elissa, as to keep up his relationship with Mercia and avoid any war, but William was hoping to place an underlining of hatred or at least suspicion to Elissa towards Uther.

"He is known to show disregard to people in need. But I am sure he will help, though he has turned out people who have been in worse positions than you are."

[Elissa Bayard]

She had heard rumours of King Uther's hold over Camelot. About how he disrespected the peasants, his hatred towards all things that are magic and druids that he despised so much and how even her uncle was accused of trying to assassinate Arthur. But despite these things that she heard Elissa respected the treaty between Camelot and Mercia and therefore she respected Arthur and Uther Pendragon with all her heart. But she had to admit that William was telling her the truth about Uther, however she was a person who followed her instincts and the path given to her by her heart.

With a gentle nod she said "Sir William I respect the treaty between Camelot and Mercia. I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine after all I am stronger then I look". She said with a smile on her face, she was now even more determined to see what kind of man his Majesty King Uther really was.

[Uther Pendragon]

Uther had been busy when he'd been informed of the new arrivals, but he did make time to tend to buisness as soon as he was able. He was indeed not known to be terribly generous, but at the same time, he also respected the treaty between the two kingdoms. However, whether or not he chose to help would rest on what exactly the story was they told and what the circumstances were. He saw himself as walking a fine line, not wanting to sully Camelot's reputation but also knowing that not everyone could be helped. Of course, it was important not to anger Bayard if he could avoid it; a wrong move could result in the breaking of the treaty and war between the kingdoms.

One of his guards announced him, and he strode into the room, making his way toward the throne. He was aware of the knight, and there was something oddly familiar about him, but he could not quite place it. He didn't appear familiar, but then he couldn't recall the face of every knight in the kingdom.

Uther waited for the woman to be ushered forward. He nodded a welcome, giving her the respect her status should bring her, before he was seated on his throne,. "Grettings, Princess Elissa. I hope that your journey has been uneventful. What is it that you have come to ask audience about?"

[William Fowlent]

William hid his head under his long hair, hoping not to be noticed by the king.
Uther hadn't seemed to have noticed him yet, so William crept slowly and casually towards the door. Hoping to be able to leave without getting the kings attention.
He nearly reached the door when the king spoke to Elissa.
William stopped for a second, to hear what was being said.
He waited eagerly for Elissa's answer. He wondered what the king would say, if he would allow the princess resources, or if he would dismiss her and (hopefully) start a war.
William hoped for the latter.

He moved a tad closer to the door and prepared to walk out.

[Elissa Bayard]

A sea of nervousness flooded itself over Elissa's confidence as she quietly awaited the arrival of his majesty King Uther. She could feel her heart beating as fast as a war drum, but she tried to be as calm as she could and slowly breathed in and then out. It was the first time seeing his majesty King Uther, but her uncle assured her that he was a good man and any decision he made was for the good of his kingdom.

At least the treaty between Camelot and Mercia was stronger then ever. Deep down Elissa respected all the kingdoms but meeting King Uther for the first time was going to be a huge challenge, but her brother taught her to overcome any and all obstacles. Still at least she wasn't alone as William was also there, but it was still strange for a knight to not have a symbol of the person they serve.

Still her ears soon heard some footsteps and the door swung open revealing the figure of King Uther himself. Immediately Elissa stepped away from the wall, causing her full length hooded cloak to gently flow around her. There she also showed her respect to his majesty King Uther and bowed her head until he walked over to his seat and sat down, there she stared into Uther's eyes and quietly she listened to his kind words which went deep into Elissa's heart.

With a smile Elissa bowed her head before King Uther and spoke in complete respect" Greetings your majesty! Its a privilege and honour to see you in person! On behalf of the Kingdom of Mercia I thank you very much for allowing me to see you in person". Uther's words seemed to have drained the sea of nervousness inside her heart and soul but she hoped deep down that she was saying the right words, in the right tone and showing King Uther the respect he deserved.

All she could do now was express her desire to see his majesty King Uther about her desire to understand Albion. But just like before all she could do was tell him what was burning deep in her heart and tell him her dream, soon she plucked up the courage and quickly spoke clearly to his majesty King Uther will still showing him her respect" Your majesty! The reason why I come before you today is because I wish to ask for your aid. You see your majesty I am on a quest to understand the land we live on. I believe deep down that if I can understand Albion itself then I can become a better princess and a better person to my people". She said with all her heart.

Once again she continued her explanation" Therefore you majesty with your permission I would like ask for some supplies for my journey and a place to stay until I am ready to leave Camelot".