Ignoring the ‘intrusion’ he wasn’t too worried since the other man didn’t seem more than a bit nervous to be around Tristan. Shrugging slightly he smiled, “I come and go from Camelot to Cornwall, I serve King Mark and Queen Isolde,” he replied. “I spent some time a while back in Camelot…if memory serves me correctly you tended to Queen Isolde during moments of her feeling unwell when she was with child years back. “I could be mistaken..”he offered, perhaps he was, he didn’t know just how many physicians were at court. 

“Ah yes, I do recall helping your Queen. I did not see much of your King during that time however..” Morgant recalled. “..though we did speak later about my possible coming to Cornwall.” It was more a dream than an actual request. A want to be out of Camelot for a short time, to forget the things from his past and change things for his future.

“Am I intruding?” Tristan then asked, maybe he had but the ride had been so long…and well, he was clearly avoiding meeting with his uncle. The longer he could actually spend away from the Citadel the better. Tristan ran his hands through his now dark, wet, locks and looked at the other. “No need for the apology –” this hour, what time was it anyway? Had to be close to supper now..due to the daylight being longer Tristan was slightly out of sorts. Perhaps too stuck in his own mind. He’d been away from Camelot for some time but yet he knew the place enough and when he took another glance he vaguely remembered the Physician. “Morgant, was it?” He asked, “The court physician?”

“No..you aren’t intruding. If anything I’m intruding on you..” Morgant was trying his hardest to keep the flush from his cheeks. But he’d always had trouble with hiding his emotions. When the dark haired man spoke his name, he was taken back. “Yes, that is my name. Have we met somewhere before?” Morgant didn’t really travel. Though, there was that one quest he’d taken with Lancelot had taken some years ago. “I’m sorry I do not recognize you..” 

The ride back to Camelot had been long. Long and wrought with anxiety. But once there Tristan did his best to act as though nothing was out of place. Nothing was, was it? Washing up before meeting with his uncle and King, Mark Tristan enjoyed the cool water. Sipping some himself before letting it cascade along his sweaty and dirty frame he glanced up, “Please carry on the lake’s quite big enough for both of us,” he smiled his usual charming smile.

Morgant for some reason, was starting to spend less and less time at court. More so wanting to be at his home, and working from there. So it was no surprise that he found himself down at the lake once more this afternoon. Though, the sight he found wasn’t quite what he was expecting. “I..I uh..sorry.” Clearing his throat, the man quickly averted his lingering gaze. “I do apologize for intruding. There usually isn’t anyone here at this hour.” 

Morgant nodded as he looked around the cottage, noting some of the changes that had been made in the past year… things he hadn’t been around to see. He wandered over to the window, glancing out quietly. “Yes… it all looks good,” he said after a few moments. The bastard’s attention turned to the little dog that ran in and the briefest smile moved over his face, “Hello little guy,” he greeted, stroking his little head.

Smiling a bit, he watched the scene before him. It was like they had always talked about, even if it was just for a moment. “Where did your travels end up taking you, Mordred?” Morgant questioned, pulling a few cups and the last bottle of wine he had from the cabinet, he moved to take a seat at the table. 

   There was a noticeable tension in the air when the young boy walked through    the city streets. The fae could feel it in his blood. With the sky suddenly    wrecking havoc upon the citizens of Camelot, panic and distress had befallen    the castle and it’s people. Fear was always in sight for Camelot, it seemed.    Misery was never too far behind it. 

   However, Gavin was here to assist. Over his back, a bag of herbs rested,    along with various other healing properties. Most of these were quite common    and easy to find, but with Gavin’s special touch… they could heal even the    gravest of illnesses. He did not make himself stand out in the crowds of people,    however, and chose to blend in with the masses. Attention was not something    he coveted and often was uncomfortable with. Even with his title as Healer,    the fae chose to remain quiet, relishing in peace while he was able. 

It was when he was observing the crowds and shouldering the weight of such    a depressive aura that he stumbled upon someone in need. Gentle eyes locked    onto the figure, his feet carrying him through the throngs of people until he reached    them. ‘ A - Are you hurt ? Is th - there something I can help you with ? ‘

Mordred followed the physician back to the cottage, keeping a good few paces back. It wasn’t that he didn’t know the way since he could probably walk it blindfolded, he just didn’t want to get too close for the time being. Once he was inside, he debated about not taking his cloak off since he didn’t plan on staying long, but then decided it might unsettle Morgant and hung it up. “It’s- it’s not changed much,” he noted as he looked around.

“I added a few things.” He said as he added logs to the fire. “I had a new table built, the one that was here was not big enough. And the garden out back has certainly grown.” Morgant pointed out. As he finished up, the man paused when a light scratching could be heard at the front door. “Oh, and this was a new addition.” Pulling open the front door, a small black dog came running in. “I bought him from a family out in the country.” 

Mordred let out a small breath at Morgant’s words. He would have loved nothing more than to just go to their cottage and stay there for many nights… but he couldn’t. “I can stay a little while,” he repeated again, his gaze moving to the ground as he walked forward.

An almost not there smile came to his lips. Turning to lead the knight to his home, Morgant pulled at a few loose threads on his shirt. The walk was fairly quickly, and soon they were standing in-front of a cottage of modest size. A small garden sat along the rivers edge, and a pile of wood that had been chopped this morning was at the corner of the home. Stepping inside, he quickly set his things down on the table, and went to start the fire. “Please...make yourself at home..” 

Mordred sighed, knowing that he should probably give Morgant a little more but he couldn’t bring himself to, not right now. After a few seconds of deciding on his offer, he nodded, “I can come for a little while but I’ll have to leave to announce my arrival,” he replied.

Morgant watched the way the dark knight moved. The way he held himself. It was the same, but so different. “If it is to much of an inconvenience then please, I’d rather not play the fool...” Taking a few steps backward toward his cottage, Morgant swallowed a lump in his throat. “...but I would rather enjoy being able to see you again.” 

Mordred felt a pain in his heart as he looked at Morgant but he knew that he had to hold his ground. So much had happened since he had left that made him believe that things would never be the same. He nodded at what he said before sighing, “Morgant… it’s good to see you’re well,” he said eventually. 

Morgant felt his chest tighten a bit at the compliment. He wasn’t quite sure why it pained him so to see the other man. There was obviously something going on, but they had been apart for so long, Morgant couldn’t tell what it was. “And you...” He said after a moments pause. “...I am sure you’d rather go to your chambers and rest. But..I have food at ou-...my cottage if you’d like to come for a meal.” It wasn’t really their home anymore. It was Morgant’s. 

Mordred did his very best to ensure that his expression remained unchanged as Morgant stood opposite him despite the fact there was a vast array of emotions moving through him. “I literally walked through the gate now,” she replied to his question, not wanting to show much warmth for the time being. 

Morgant bit at his lip, didn’t quite know what to do. He wanted to rush forward and wrap his arms around the knight. He wanted to be reminded of the love they shared before he disappeared. But, none of that seemed like an option now. “I see...I suppose I should leave yo too things then.” 

Mordred had seen Morgant approaching but he chose to let him pass, not sure if he would be able to face him quite yet. Not with his absence and everything that happened since. But just as he thought he had managed to pass undetected, he heard his name being called, forcing him to stop. The bastard turn to face the man, his eyes sad. “Morgant,” he nodded slowly. 

There was something different about him. Seeing him standing there infront of him, he couldn’t quite place it. Swallowing a small lump in his throat, the man took a tentative step forward, but he didn’t close the space that was now between them. “W-when did you come home?” 

merryshieldmaid:

Merry had looked all over the castle for Caelia, but couldn’t find her anywhere, although in the chaos that everything has descended into she couldn’t be absolutely sure that she hadn’t missed her. All she knew was that her queen would be suffering from the effects of this storm, connected as she was to nature on the most primal level, and Merry had to find her and help her, make sure she was safe and well.

But how could she say no when she ran into the infirmary and found an armful of towels shoved at her? People were hurt, and Morgant was clearly stretched to his limits as he ran between patients trying to help them. Merry had no idea where she would find Caelia, but right now she could do something to help. So, hoping her queen would understand and forgive her, she set to work cleaning up the floor as asked.

Eleanor had seen storms before, back in Cornwall. The staff was usually in an absolute flurry because of them. Crop had to be protected at all cost, their losses counted once it was all over. It was only during these times that she was reminded that she was in fact a princess as her protection was the only thing more important than the welfare of the farm. This was also the reason she had no clue what to do. In the past there was always someone to direct her, but it wouldn’t be that way this time. From the distance she had spotted a woman and followed her hoping that she might somehow lead them both to safety but instead she brought them to a place that seemed to be bustling with activity. Her arms were filled with towels which left the princess just standing there. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked kindly, offering a smile to whom appeared to be a rather tired healer.