Gareth checks on Mordred

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Before we begin, please set your Mordred's appearance. Eyes: <<cycle "$eye">> <<option "green eyes" "green">> <<option "blue eyes" "blue">> <<option "gray eyes" "gray">> <<option "brown eyes" "brown">> <<option "hazel eyes" "hazel">> <<option "violet eyes" "violet">> <<option "black eyes" "black">> <<option "amber eyes" "amber">> <</cycle>> Hair color: <<cycle "$hair">> <<option "dark brown, deep and rich and almost black." "dark brown">> <<option "chestnut brown, dark and lush." "chestnut brown">> <<option "light brown like honey." "light brown">> <<option "lush, dark blond." "dark blonde">> <<option "icy blond, cool and lush." "icy blonde">> <<option "golden blond, warm and lush." "golden blonde">> <<option "auburn, deep red." "auburn">> <<option "copper red, fiery." "copper red">> <<option "pure black like the midnight sky." "black">> <</cycle>> Hair type: <<cycle "$hair_type">> <<option "straight" "straight">> <<option "wavy" "wavy">> <<option "curly" "curly">> <<option "coily with corkscrew coils" "coilycurls">> <<option "coily and cloudlike" "coily">> <</cycle>> Complexion: <<cycle "$complexion">> <<option "ivory" "ivory">> <<option "warm beige" "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige" "cool beige">> <<option "rosy" "rosy">> <<option "tawny" "tawny">> <<option "olive" "olive">> <<option "light brown" "light brown">> <<option "sepia brown" "sepia brown">> <<option "golden brown" "golden brown">> <<option "russet brown" "russet brown">> <<option "dark brown" "dark brown">> <<option "warm black" "warm black">> <<option "cool black" "cool black">> <<option "deep black" "deep black">> <</cycle>> Mordred's agab (at this point in the story, trans Mordred is not yet out): <<cycle "$gender">> <<option "male" "male">> <<option "female" "female">> <</cycle>> [[Next, some questions about your Mordred's choices and relationship with Gareth|SetMordred]]

<<silently>> <<if $gender == "male">> <<set $pgen to 0, $child to "boy">> <<else>> <<set $pgen to 1, $child to "girl">> <</if>> <</silently>> A few questions before we begin! How would you describe Mordred's relationship with Gareth? <div class="choice">[[You're very close; best friends; confidants.|NextQuestion3][$Gareth to 90]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Gareth loves Mordred dearly, and gets protective over them; you're friends.|NextQuestion3][$Gareth to 70]]</div> <div class="choice">[[You're not close, but you get along.|NextQuestion3][$Gareth to 50]]</div>

<div class="titlelettersone" style='font-size: 100%;'>Llamagirl</div>

A mini-game

<<set $eye = "unknown">> <<set $hair = "unknown">> <<set $gender = "unknown">> <<set $magic = 50>> <<set $swordsmanship = 0>> <<set $persuasion = 50>> <<set $intimidation = 50>> <<set $deceit = 50>> <<set $independent = 50>> <<set $pendragon_magic = "1">> <<set $water_magic = 50>> <<set $honest = 50>> <<set $confident = 50>> <<set $impulsive = 50>> <<set $calm = 50>> <<set $kind = 50>> <<set $defiant = 50>> <<set $emotional = 50>> <<set $affable = 50>> <<set $complexion = "none">> <<set $age = "a few days old">> <<set $controlled_magic = 50>> <<set $hair_type = "no">> <<set $opinion_arthur = "none">> <<set $Gareth = 0>> <<set $attack = "">> <<set $study = "">> <<set $chapt3_gareth_check = 0>>

<<link "Stats" "stats">><</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

Name: Known as Mordred Leudonus of Lothia - but more often than not called Mordred Le Fay Age: You are 10 years old. //A description of your likeness// You have $eye eyes, much like your parents, $hair $hair_type hair alike your mother's, Morgana and $complexion complexion like your father's, Arthur. <<link "« Return to game" $return>><</link>>

credits <a href="https://nyehilism.itch.io/twine-template/">Twine Sugarcube Template</a> <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2">Chapel - custom macros collection</a> <a href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy's custom macros</a> <a href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a> for sidebar images (<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/P8LZaU52NME">light mode</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pDKoVuXYKxU">dark mode</a>)

<div class="titlelettersone" style='font-size: 150%;'>The Bastard of Camelot</div>

How did the discussion with Morgana in the study end? Did Mordred storm off, cry, leave without fighting etc? <div class="choice">[[Mordred stormed off, angry.|NextQuestion3][$study to "angry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred cried.|NextQuestion3][$study to "cry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred left fine, calmly. No fight.|NextQuestion3][$study to "fine"]]</div>

On to the story! [[Gareth checks up on Mordred. December 2022|Start]]

The duel had been a sham. A brutal, bloody sham. Gareth knew little of the technicalities of fighting, but he enjoyed the excitement of two knights swinging swords around, all in the spirit of sportsmanship and with no intent of actual injury. What he had just witnessed had not been that though, and he was left rattled. Gareth had watched in horror as his mother helplessly squirmed in her seat, gripping the handles till he thought she might snap them. Her face, previously schooled in such stately calm, had contorted to acute distress. Gareth had watched the King too, and waited for him to put a stop to that farce. The rules of the tournament outlined that only a referee can stop a trial if they deem that one is cheating or employing too much violence - which the referee considered no to be the case - and in exceptional circumstances the monarch might put an end to a trial, too. Arthur had the power to stop it. Yet the King might as well have been a cushion, limp and useless in his chair. Gareth avoided his father's countenance though. It held a smile so ugly in its twisted satisfaction that he could not bear to see it. <<if $Gareth >= 60>> Across the ring, Gareth had seen his little sibling, looking just as harrowed as Morgana, and felt awful for the gap between them rendering him unable to aid Mordred. He wished there was a way he could comfort ?them, wished he too could scramble down into the ring and hug ?them. <<else>> Across the ring, Gareth had seen his little sibling, looking just as harrowed as Morgana. All Gareth could feel for Mordred in that moment was overwhelming, piercingly keen sympathy. <</if>> Once the "duel" was over, with Sir Accolon clanging to his knees, thouroughly beat down, Morgana had sprung from her seat, clambered down the booth into the ring and rushed to his side. Another figure emerged from the knights' pavilion, headed for Accolon. <div class="choice">[[Propelled by rage and hurt, Mordred stepped in Lancelot's way, yelling, "You took it too far!"|Story1.1][$attak to "yell"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Propelled by rage and hurt, Mordred summoned a gust of wind to push against Lancelot, yelling, "You took it too far!"|Story1.2][$attack to "wind"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Propelled by rage and hurt, Mordred summoned water to splash Lancelot, yelling, "You took it too far!"|Story1.3][$attack to "water"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred ignored Lancelot, heading straight to Accolon.|Story1.4][$attack to "ignore"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred stopped to glare at Lancelot. "Such a noble knight."|Story1.5][$attack to "glare"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred sent a subtle gust of wind towards Lancelot.|Story1.6][$attack to "subtle"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Propelled by rage and hurt, Mordreds summoned fire to attack Lancelot, yelling, "You took it to far!"|Story1.7][$attack to "fire"]]</div>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm but did not bolt straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. Instead ?they threw ?themselves in Lancelot's way. Gareth's chest constricted, his fists curled in fearful anticipation. His sibling must have yelled something, but ?they was too far, and the stadium was in an uproar of celebration for the Champion Knight. Said Champion Knight ignored the furious Mordred, and Mordred finally fled to Accolon's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm but did not bolt straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. Instead ?they threw ?themselves in Lancelot's way and yelling, raised their arms. Gareth's chest constricted, his fists curled in fearful anticipation. Was Mordred about to pick a fight? He could only hope the supposed honorable knight who had left quite much to be desired would not be foolish - or cruel - enough to raise hand or sword in a child's direction. Even if he wished to, he didn't get the chance. Mordred's arms traced a wide arc in the air and the knight swayed and fell to his knees. The excitement of the crowd turned into one mass gasp like a gust of wind sweeping the forest. Lot's smile had been wiped too, apprehension painting his harsh features. It might have been just exhaustion catching up with the knight - but the way Mordred moved their arms, it all indicated it was more than that. It was ?the doing of ?their magic. Gareth would have been lying if he said he didn't feel a glimmer of satisfaction to see such retribution handled so swiftly. But it was all buried under his worry. Galahad rushed to the fallen Lancelot, and Mordred too fled to ?their own father's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm but did not bolt straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. Instead ?they threw ?themselves in Lancelot's way and yelling, raised their arms. Gareth's chest constricted, his fists curled in fearful anticipation. Was Mordred about to pick a fight? He could only hope the supposed honorable knight, who had left quite much to be desired, would not be foolish - or cruel - enough to raise hand or sword in a child's direction. Even if he wished to, he didn't get the chance. Mordred's arms traced a wide arc in the air and the water in the basin rose and rose, dragged by some invincible force; it travelled the air and swept the knight off his feet like a furious tidal wave. The excitement of the crowd turned into one mass gasp like a gust of wind sweeping the forest. Lot's smile had been wiped too, apprehension painting his harsh features. Gareth would have been lying if he said he didn't feel a glimmer of satisfaction to see such retribution handled so swiftly. But it was all buried under his worry. Galahad rushed to the fallen Lancelot, and Mordred too fled to ?their own father's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm and bolted straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. ?Together they formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm but did not bolt straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. Instead ?they threw ?themselves in Lancelot's way. Gareth's chest constricted, his fists curled in fearful anticipation. His sibling must have said something, but ?they was too far, and the stadium was in an uproar of celebration for the Champion Knight. Sir Lancelot ignored the furious Mordred, and Mordred finally fled to Accolon's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm and bolted straight for Accolon as Morgana had, passing by Lancelot. The knight swayed precariously before falling to his knees, exhaustion no doubt catching up with him. The excitement of the crowd turned into one mass gasp like a gust of wind sweeping the forest. Gareth would have been lying if he said he didn't feel a glimmer of satisfaction to see the man like that. But it was all buried under his worry. Galahad rushed to the fallen Lancelot, and Mordred too fled to ?their own father's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

Mordred emerged from the pavilion like a storm but did not bolt straight for Accolon, as Morgana had. Instead ?they threw ?themselves in Lancelot's way and yelling, raised their arms. Gareth's chest constricted, his fists curled in fearful anticipation. Was Mordred about to pick a fight? He could only hope the supposed honorable knight, who had left quite much to be desired, would not be foolish - or cruel - enough to raise hand or sword in a child's direction. Even if he wished to, he didn't get the chance. A blast of fire, flaming a furious orange, burst out of Mordred's outstretched hands and rushed Lancelot with vengenful speed. The knight dropped to his knees, ducking just in time. The excitement of the crowd turned into one mass gasp like a gust of wind sweeping the forest. Lot's smile had been wiped too, apprehension painting his harsh features. Gareth would have been lying if he said he didn't feel a glimmer of satisfaction to see such retribution handled so swiftly. But it was all buried under his worry. Galahad rushed to the fallen Lancelot, and Mordred too fled to ?their own father's side. ?They and Morgana formed a picture of wild and frenzied concern, bent over the collapsed and bloody knight. Once Accolon was swiftly carted away, Mordred in tow, Morgana returned to the royal booth, this time taking the stairs. <<include Story2>>

There was blood on his mother's hands - Accolon's blood, a bright and lurid red - on the hem of her sleeves, on the front of her cobalt skirt where she'd bunched it in her fists. Her $eye eyes were shinning with unshed tears, but behind that liquid glimmering there was a seething, heated fury that could render water to mere vapor. She turned that sweltering gaze on Arthur. He recoiled futher back into his seat as if he might melt into it, become part of its cushioning and hide from Morgana's anger. No such luck. "You." Morgana advanced, fists balled and chest rising rapidly with aggrieved breathlessness. "I hope you're happy. I hope you're proud of that //honorable// Champion Knight of yours." "Morgana, I am so sorry," he muttered, head bowed so lowly Gareth thought his crown might slip at any moment. "I apologize, I never could have imagined that Lancelot would do anything like this. I am as horrified as you are." "Are you? Are you?" she demanded as the wind picked up around them, pulling at the moss green banners draped about the booth. "Is that why you let your //dog// run amok and bite at anyone? Attack people who have done you no wrong?" Lot scoffed. Morgana rounded on him, words dripping poison: "Something you'd like to say, //dear husband//?" "You take this duel, this fair fight, as an affront, Morgana," Lot said imperiously, "but have you entertained the idea that perhaps Sir Lancelot is merely the better knight?" Gareth thought that Morgana would smite his father then and there. Instead she said, with savage acerbity: "What do you know of being better, Lot? You've always been second to every man you know, you coward, taking delight in Lancelot's strikes because you can't do the same." Lot's contemptuous smile twisted into a moue and he said no more, brooding in his high-back chair. "The both of you," Morgana deplored, voice raising over the wind, "cowards. Craven, weak cowards who can't stand up for themselves." With that decry she swept to the side, towards the servants. "Bring me a wet cloth to wipe my hands." As his father sulked and Arthur wrung in his hands, head still bowed and face still pained, Gareth slinked away from his place and joined Morgana. He placed a comforting hand on her arm as a servant scrambled to produce a wet cloth. "Are you alright, mom?" The gentle smile she leveled his way somewhat mellowed her furious eyes. "Don't you worry about me, my dear." Her smile faltered as she glanced down at the blood stain on her dress. She scowled at it as if she might scare it right off. "Champion Knight my ass," she hissed, hovering her bloodied fingers over the blemish. She wiggled them slowly, as if teasing out a thread. The blood came off, flaking like powder to the ground. By the time the servant arrived with the wet cloth, her dress was as pristine as new. "He did this to get at me," Morgana continued as she fervently scrubbed her fingers. "He should come and take it up to me, if he so desires to hurt me and Mordred." She sighed explosively and returned the cloth. She inspected her hands and nails, now clean. Behind them, down in the ring, the following duel had already begun. "And Arthur does nothing, just lets him walk all over him." Gareth's gaze flitted to the man, folded in on himself in his chair. It wasn't the image he expected from a King. "I should be down there with Accolon," she muttered. There was no anger left in her tone, just plaintive concern. It lanced him through, but he mustered an encouraging smile for her. "He's in good hands, mother. Let the healer do their work. Mordred's with him, too." Morgana smiled and caressed his cheek. "Thank you, darling." They settled back in their chairs. The royal booth, despite being the most lavish and spacious of the booths in the stadium, now felt impossibly poky and stifling and small. Tension had replaced the very air, thick and heavy, weighing down everyone. [[Next|Story3]]

<<if $Gareth >= 60>> Gareth couldn't focus on the trials anymore though he willed himself to, as a distraction. He worried about Morgana, his stomach twisting every time her gaze turned towards the healing pavilion, barely visible from their booth. He worried about Accolon, bloodied and battered and he hoped the knight was healing well. He worried about Mordred, and he wished he could rush to ?them right then. It pained him that Mordred had to bear witness to such cruelty leveled at ?their father. Yet Gareth knew Lot would not allow him to leave the tournament. He hoped it would at least serve to offer Mordred some breathing room. <<elseif $Gareth >= 40>> Gareth couldn't focus on the trials anymore though he willed himself to, as a distraction. He worried about Morgana, his stomach twisting every time her gaze turned towards the healing pavilion, barely visible from their booth. He worried about Accolon, bloodied and battered and hoped the knight was healing well. Then Gareth worried about Mordred, who had looked so rattled. It pained him that ?they had to bear witness to such cruelty leveled at his father. He resolved he'd pay ?them a visit once the tournament was over for the day. <</if>> Morgana gamely put on a front of equanimity, at least until the following duel was over. Then she fled the royal booth despite Lot's waspish yet weak remark that this was both terribly improper and no surprise at all. On her way out, she spat his way the kind of cuss that would earn Gareth a lecture. <<if $Gareth >= 60>> Gareth was left on his own with the gloomy party, with two sulking adult men and his own anxiety gnawing at him like some terrible, hungry creature. There was no doubt to where Morgana had gone - to check in on her wounded lover. Gareth hoped whatever the healer had to tell her where sanguine news, and wondered if his mother would see after Mordred too once she was done. Knowing her, he was convinced Morgana would, and it put him at ease. Gareth, unluckily for him, was stuck at the tournament for one more trial: the flying race. <<else>> Gareth was left on his own with the gloomy party, with two sulking adult men and his own anxiety gnawing at him like some terrible, hungry creature. There was no doubt to where Morgana had gone - to check in on her wounded lover. Gareth hoped whatever the healer had to tell her where sanguine news, and wondered if his mother would see after Mordred too once she was done. Knowing her, he was convinced Morgana would, and momentarily he mused whether he should even take the rarely travelled way to Morgana's wing and make an unexpected arrival at Mordred's door. Would his sibling welcome his comfort, or would he be spurned in some fit of frustration or asked to leave in a moment of weariness? Did Mordred even want his sympathy? He resolved he had to try at least. In the meantime, Gareth was stuck at the tournament for one more trial: the flying race. <</if>> Gareth himself never quite saw the appeal of flight - he was too busy eyeing the growing gap between dragon and ground, that dizzing, terrifying distance that made his stomach roil. <<if $Gareth >= 80>> He'd managed to let himself be persuaded into giving it a try, but only because it was Mordred asking and he trusted Mordred. He'd clung to ?them even as he affected as calm a manner as he could muster, and he'd checked the safety harness twice before taking off. He couldn't deny that it was fun, but it wasn't an an experience he wanted to have often, or ever on his own. <<elseif $Gareth >= 60>> Mordred had offered to take Gareth flying together with ?their dragon friend, but Gareth hadn't let himself be persuaded, no matter how much his sibling insisted it was absolutely safe and totally fun. He was a lot more content watching the two practice their loops and hoops while he stayed with feet firmly planted on the ground. <</if>> King Arthur had marshalled himself into a simulacrum of composure. He smiled and waved at the crowd as he joined the starting line, but from his privileged front view Gareth could clearly see his demeanor. Cheerful if a little timid the other day, Arthur was now muted - dampened no doubt by the guilt that must have been weighting heavily on his mind. Gareth couldn't help but feel pity for the man...comingled with a less indulgent sentiment. Now that he'd spent more time in the King's company, now that he'd seen how utterly undone he was in matters of urgency, Gareth was starting to doubt how well Arthur fit his own crown. <<if $Gareth >= 80>> [[Next|Chamber80]] <<elseif $Gareth >= 60>> [[Next|Chamber60]] <<elseif $Gareth >= 40>> [[Next|Chamber40]] <</if>>

Mordred wasn't in ?their chamber. Gareth had knocked twice and received no answer, so he invited himself inside like he did many times before when Mordred was running late from sword practice; Mordred too had made ?themself at home in his quarters whenever Gareth would prolonge one of his lectures with the deluge of questions he had for his teachers. This Lot saw as an abhorent intrusion and it necessitated Morgana's assertive intervetion to get him to condescend that the guards should let Mordred in. Gareth was used to matters never going smoothly when it involved Mordred. He was happy as long as it all worked out, and his sibling witnessed as little of these tiresome machinations as possible - for the latter he had little hope though, for he knew how sharp Mordred was. Gareth decided best to while away the wait in Mordred's chamber until ?they returned from wherever ?they had gone. He had nothing much to do anyway, other than be concerned for Mordred in his own bedroom, and he'd much rather be here when ?they arrived. So, to preocuppy himself in the meantime, he headed straight for the stack of books on Mordred's desk. They were an assortment of tomes on magic - Morgana's study assignment, undoubtedly. He recognized most of the titles. There were books he'd glimpsed on Morgana's shelves; there were books he'd ask of her to borrow. Morgana stressed no magical education upon Gareth, because he needn't receive one. Much like his grandmother, he had the Le Fay blood coursing through him powerless and impontent. Morgana was more than happy to lent him as many books as he wished, though. He was predominantly focused on the theoretical side, especially since any instructions on how to actually practice magic were a curiosity rather than actually instructional. He enjoyed reading up on the mechanics of magic, the known and the arcane. A tome in particular arrested his attention. It was among the ones he'd burrowed, and a most intriguing read that he had found himself returning to often. Even now, he ran his fingers over the elegant green leather cover, over the gilded curlicules gracing the corners, over the golden, loopy yet clear lettering of the title: //A study in magic//. Underneath, the letters proudly spelt a name he'd only ever heard Morgana utter with rancor: //Merlin Wyllt.// She let no personal feelings get in the way of knowlegde though: she owned all of his writings. And they were very interesting writings indeed. Gareth took the book and perched up on Mordred's bed. He leafed idly through it, gaze roaming over tidy lines of text, sometimes broken up by various explanatory drawings, tables or diagrams. It covered sundry theoretical topics, and delved deep into what made magic what it was, on the very essence of it and its intricate mechanisms - or at least that's what the research attempted to do, but the deeper it went the darker it got, leaning more on speculation than concrete fact. It was still farther than most researchers have managed or even bothered to examine. He skimmed through Merlin's foreword, then through the introduction and the first few chapters, corralling his mind to this one task of reading. It calmed him somewhat. <div class="choice">[[The door burst open and Mordred stormed in, angry. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in fighting.)|Chamber80Angry][$study to "angry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[The door opened and Mordred came in, crying. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in tears.)|Chamber80Cry][$study to "cry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[The door opened and Mordred came in, looking tired but alright. (Talk with Morgana in the study went well.)|Chamber80Calm][$study to "fine"]]</div>

Gareth knocked once; twice; thrice. He pressed his ear to the door for the sound of a feeble respone or splashing water or creaking wood. All he heard was resounding silence. Mordred might have fallen asleep. A nap seemed like a sensible thing to do after the events of the morning, and he was afraid that insisting on knocking might wake Mordred up. At the same time, Mordred might not even be in ?their chamber if ?they hadn't replied by now and Gareth had no idea when ?they might return, though he had an inkling of where ?they might be - at the side of the ailing Accolon, or by their distraught and angry mother. Gareth might have tried the door, but he didn't want to encroach upon Mordred's privacy, especially not at a time like this when ?they've had enough to deal with. He resolved to wait for a while. He didn't have anything else to do except go wait in his own room. <div class="choice">[[Angry footsteps echoed down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in fighting.)|Chamber60Angry][$study to "angry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[A crying Mordred appears down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in tears.)|Chamber60Cry][$study to "cry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Footsteps echo down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study went well.)|Chamber60Calm][$study to "fine"]]</div>

Gareth knocked once; twice; thrice. He pressed his ear to the door for the sound of a feeble respone or splashing water or creaking wood. All he heard was resounding silence. Mordred might have fallen asleep. A nap seemed like a sensible thing to do after the events of the morning, and he was afraid that insisting on knocking might wake Mordred up. At the same time, Mordred might not even be in ?their chamber if ?they hadn't replied by now and Gareth had no idea when ?they might return, though he had an inkling of where ?they might be - at the side of the ailing Accolon, or by their distraught and angry mother. Trying the door to see if ?they truly was or wasn't in ?their room was completely outside the question - Gareth didn't want to encroach upon Mordred's privacy, especially not at a time like this when ?they've had enough to deal with. He resolved to wait for a while. He didn't have anything else to do except go wait in his own room. <div class="choice">[[Angry footsteps echoed down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in fighting.)|Chamber40Angry][$study to "angry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[A crying Mordred appears down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study ended in tears.)|Chamber40Cry][$study to "cry"]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Footsteps echo down the hall. (Talk with Morgana in the study went well.)|Chamber40Calm][$study to "fine"]]</div>

The door flew open to reveal a fuming Mordred. A thousand wild conjectures raced through Gareth's mind, all worse than the other. His wide eyes locked with Mordred's own furious ones and they stared at each other in mutual befuddlement. Then Gareth jumped down from the bed and rushed to his little sibling. "Mordred! Are you alright?" He studied ?their face, watched ?their shoulders slump as part of ?their anger seeped away, making way for tired relief. He wondered whatever might have happened - bad news concerning Accolon's health? An unwanted, unpleasant encounter on ?their way? <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred lied, managing a somewhat genuine smile.|Gareth80Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $honest to $honest-2, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I just...I just had a disagreement with mother.\""|Gareth80Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $honest to $honest+2, $emotional to $emotional+1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth80Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $honest to $honest-1, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth80Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred broke down into tears.|Gareth80Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 5, $emotional to $emotional+2, $crybaby to $crybaby+1]]</div>

The door flew open to reveal a crying Mordred. A thousand wild conjectures raced through Gareth's mind, all worse than the other. His wide eyes locked with Mordred's own weeping ones and they stared at each other in mutual befuddlement. Then Gareth jumped down from the bed and rushed to his little sibling, too concerned for ?them to temper his voice in anything resembling soothing calm. "Mordred!" He threw his arms around ?them, enveloping Mordred in a tight embrace, just like he wished he could have done sooner, when they were standing helpless and horrified by the ring. Mordred slackened and leaned into the hug. Gareth held ?them, hearts beating in unison frenzy against each other. When he finally pulled back, he kept his hands on ?their shoulders to anchor ?them to him, to know that ?they're safe here. "Are you alright?" He wondered whatever might have happened to warrant such a tearful reaction - bad news concerning Accolon's health? An unwanted, unpleasant encounter on ?their way? <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth80Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred shook your head.|Gareth80Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Y-yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth80Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth80Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div>

The door opened to reveal Mordred, confused yet otherwise unbothered. It eased Gareth somewhat; it must have meant that Accolon was faring well. Likely ?they'd only just returned from his side to rest ?themself. "Mordred!" Gareth closed the book and placed it on the side table. "I've been waiting for you." Mordred joined him on the bed and Gareth studied ?their expression: weary and tired but not upset. Still, his tone held a note of concern he couldn't temper as he asked: "How's Sir Accolon?" "He's fine. He's healing." Ah, so things were...as well as they can be, Gareth figured. He smiled. "That's good. But what about you? I can't imagine watching was easy for you." <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth80Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I'm not fine, but I'll be.\""|Gareth80Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth80Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Don't worry about me. What were you reading just before?" Mordred asked to change the subject.|Gareth80Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> "I'm fine," Mordred insisted, no matter the obvious clues to the contrary. The smile ?they displayed was gentle and genuine but there was weariness tugging it down. Usually he'd push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. He threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> "I just...I just had a disagreement with mother," Mordred said and waved ?their hand as if ?they'd rather just brush all this aside and move on. Gareth couldn't simply sweep it under the rug, though. "What sort of disagreement?" Mordred merely shrugged. "Nothing, really." Usually he'd push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. "It's not nothing if you're all worked up," Gareth sighed, long and weary, "but I won't push you." Mordred offerd him a grateful smile at that. His worries weren't entirely eased, but he didn't want to further upset ?them. Gareth did what he wished he could the moment it was clear the duel was more than a friendly fight, the moment he laid eyes on the distressed Mordred at the edge of the ring: he threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "Yeah," came Mordred's feeble response which was far from convincing or reassuring. Usually Gareth would push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. Gareth did what he wished he could the moment it was clear the duel was more than a friendly fight, the moment he laid eyes on the distressed Mordred at the edge of the ring: he threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> "What are you doing here?" Mordred asked in what was a clear attempt to stir the conversation away from ?them; Gareth saw right through it, no matter how well Mordred thought ?they affected that casual air. "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health," he said then, smiling softly: "And check up on you." "He's fine. He's healing." A pause, hastily patched before Gareth could repeat his question to Mordred: "And I'm alright, too." Gareth's smile widened. "That's good." His worries weren't entirely eased, but he decided not to prod; Mordred had been through enough. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 5>> Mordred opened ?their mouth to respond but all that came out was a tearful sob. Gareth didn't hesitate. He wrapped Mordred in a hug, holding tightly ?their trembling, shaking frame that slowly slackened and relaxed against his chest. He rubbed ?their back as ?they cried, and in time the sobs turned to whimpering which turned to sniffling then silence. He held ?them even after the tears subsided until Mordred eventually pulled away with a weary sigh, eyes puffy yet dried. "Is Sir Accolon fine?" Gareth asked, mind still reeling with terrible possibilities. "He's healing." Gareth smiled. "That's good." At least that was well, but it was clear that the day has taken its heavy toll on Mondred. He squeezed ?their shoulder and asked: "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." "I think so," Mordred answered and Gareth squeezed ?their shoulder again before letting go. <</if>> With that, they hopped on the bed and made themselves comfortable. <<include Chamber80Continue>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> "I'm alright," Mordred insisted despite the tears pointing to the contrary. "What are you doing here?" He smiled gently, "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health." //And your wellbeing//, he added, only for himself. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth's smile widened. "That's good," he said and squeezed ?their shoulder before letting go. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> Mordred shook ?their head. Of course ?they wasn't fine. How could ?they be, after everything? The day had taken a heavy toll on Mordred. "How is Sir Accolon?" Gareth asked as terrible unease crept up his spine. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth smiled. "That's good." He squeezed ?their shoulder and asked, "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." Mordred let out a long, ragged breath. "I think so." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "Y-yeah," Mordred said feebly and entirely unconvincingly. "How's Sir Accolon?" Gareth asked as terrible unease crept up his spine. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth smiled and squeezed ?their shoulder. "That's good." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> "What are you doing?" Mordred asked thickly. It was a transparent attempt at diverting attention from ?themself, and Gareth saw right through it. "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health," he said, smiling softly. "And check up on you." Mordred sniffled. "He's fine. He's healing." "That's good." Gareth's smiled widened, but his worries weren't entirely eased. Mordred had not answered his second question. "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." Mordred let out a long, ragged sigh. "I think so." <</if>> With that, they hopped on the bed and made themselves comfortable. <<include Chamber80Continue>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> Mordred mustered a feeble smile. "I'm alright. Don't worry about me," ?they said as if that was such an easy task. Gareth smiled. It eased his concern, somewhat. Mordred had been through so much yet here ?they was, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> Mordred drew in a deep breath and smiled. "I'm not fine," ?they said truthfully, calm yet tired, "but I'll be. Don't worry about me." It eased Gareth's concern, somewhat. Mordred had been through so much yet here ?they was, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "I'm fine," Mordred said, utterly unconvincing. Gareth's mouth thinned in concern, and ?they hastily added: "Don't worry about me." Gareth smiled. Mordred had been through so much. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> Mordred smiled. "Don't worry about me," ?they said as if that was such an easy task. He wouldn't push Mordred, but he wanted ?them to know that ?they could always lay ?their burdens on him. To know that someone cared for ?them. <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <</if>> <<include Chamber80Continue>>

"What were you reading?" Gareth followed Mordred's line of sight to the book. He'd completely forgotten about it, forsaking it the moment Mordred came through the door. Now he picked it up again and flipped through as he said breezily, "Oh, I just grabbed one of your magic tomes from the desk while I waited." "And, is it interesting?" "It is." He returned to the table of contents, then carefully thumbed his way over to the desired page - to a chapter he kept revisiting, that long captivated him. He couldn't help himself. Mordred leant forward to catch a glimpse of the writing. "Merlin poses the question of why some people in lines like ours can't practice magic themselves, like me." It posed yet failed to properly answer the question. "And he seems to conclude it must be some kind of fault, of flaw." Morgana had assured him countless times that being magicless was no flaw, no deficiency. He was no less of a Le Fay for it. Bu her reassuring words did not quite land as she wanted them to. He felt oddly mislaid in his own family picture. Not quite a Le Fay, not quite a Leudonus, sometimes not even knowing which he strived for. Some days Gareth wished with all his heart that he'd been born a sorcerer. Perhaps that way Morgana might have found a leeway to whisk him away to Avalon, too. But that would have meant for Lot to relent, and if he did relent, would that have made Gareth too reminiscent of Morgana for him to bear? Would Lot, upon Morgana's return, have treated such a Gareth the same way he treated Mordred? "To which he's wondering if there's any solution," Mordred muttered. Gareth could feel ?their intent gaze on him as he turned the pages of the chapter, eyes sightlessly set on the text, face schooled into careless nonchalance. He wasn't sure why he even brought this up. He should have put the book aside the moment Mordred noticed it. There was no need to burden ?them with his struggles, not when ?they already had so many - too many - of ?their own. Yet sometimes he still gave voice to random threads of his thoughts before he had time to think better of it, only to never let them unravel for Mordred. So Gareth closed the book and forsake this entire conversation that he should have not even attempted to start, especially not at a time like this. He lounged back against the pillows, lavishly embroidered with vines and flowers and, most notably, serpents - the symbol of the Le Fay. Morgana had no reservations in flaunting the family emblem when it came to her and Mordred's spaces and presensation. Her chambers proudly displayed it over the traditional Lothian design; she wore it boldly, almost as a challenge or insult even, around her neck. Mordred too had a matching pendant, as did Gareth, but Gareth wore his discreetly, concealed under his shirts. Lot //hated// it. [[Next|Chamber80Continue1]]

Hope you enjoyed it!

Heavy, stomping footfalls echod down the hall. Gareth's head shot up in their direction, falling on Mordred. ?They gaze furiously bore into the floor with such intensity that the flagstones might crack. "Mordred?" he questioned, not even tempering the concern in his voice as different awful possibilities reeled through his mind. Mordred looked up, confused and surprised as Gareth approached. "Are you alright?" He studied ?their face, the deep, troubled furrows of ?their brow, the tension in ?their shoulders. <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred lied, managing a somewhat genuine smile.|Gareth60Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $honest to $honest-2, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I just...I just had a disagreement with mother.\""|Gareth60Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $honest to $honest+2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth60Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $honest to $honest-1, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth60Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred broke down into tears.|Gareth60Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 5, $emotional to $emotional+2, $crybaby to $crybaby+1]]</div>

Footsteps echoed down the hall. Gareth snapped up his head, gaze falling on Mordred - a crying, distressed Mordred - and he called out, unable to temper the concern in his tone: "Mordred! Are you alright?" Mordred looked up with plaintive, tearful eyes. Gareth didn't wait. He threw his arms around ?them, enveloping Mordred in a tight embrace, just like he wished he could have done sooner, when they were standing helpless and horrified by the ring. Mordred slackened and leaned into the hug. Gareth held ?them, hearts beating in unison frenzy against each other. When he finally pulled back, he kept his hands on ?their shoulders to anchor ?them to him, to know that ?they was safe here. "Are you alright?" he asked again, calmer now. <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth60Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred shook their head.|Gareth60Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Y-yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth60Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth60Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div>

Footsteps echod down the hall. Gareth snapped his head in their direction, only to see Mordred approaching, looking reassuringly calm and unbothered, if tired and surprised. It eased Gareth somewhat; it must have meant that Accolon was faring well. Likely ?they'd only just returned from his side to rest ?themself. "I've been waiting for you. How's Sir Accolon?" As he asked, his tone held a note of concern he couldn't temper. "He's fine. He's healing." Ah, so things were...as well as they could be, Gareth figured. He smiled. "That's good. But what about you? I can't imagine watching was easy for you." <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth60Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I'm not fine, but I'll be.\""|Gareth60Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth60Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <</if>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> "I'm fine," Mordred insisted, no matter the obvious clues to the contrary. The smile ?they displayed was gentle and genuine but there was weariness tugging it down. Usually he'd push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. He threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> "I just...I just had a disagreement with mother," Mordred said and waved ?their hand as if ?they'd rather just brush all this aside and move on. Gareth couldn't simply sweep it under the rug, though. "What sort of disagreement?" Mordred merely shrugged. "Nothing, really." Usually he'd push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. "It's not nothing if you're all worked up," Gareth sighed, long and weary, "but I won't push you." Mordred offerd him a grateful smile at that. His worries weren't entirely eased, but he didn't want to further upset ?them. Gareth did what he wished he could have done the moment it was clear the duel was more than a friendly fight, the moment he laid eyes on the distressed Mordred at the edge of the ring: he threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "Yeah," came Mordred's feeble response which was far from convincing or reassuring. Usually Gareth would push it, at least enough to make sure that Mordred wasn't merely holding back from a fear of worrying him. This time he decided to let it slide; Mordred had been through enough, and he'd come to offer ?them the comfort ?they needed. Gareth did what he wished he could have done the moment it was clear the duel was more than a friendly fight, the moment he laid eyes on the distressed Mordred at the edge of the ring: he threw his arms around ?them and pulled ?them in a tight hug. Mordred slackened and relaxed in ?their arms - ?their shoulders had been so taut with tension, it seemed ?their muscles would burst through the skin at any moment - and when Gareth withdrew, calm had descended over Mordred's tired features. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> "What are you doing here?" Mordred asked in what was a clear attempt to stir the conversation away from ?them; Gareth saw right through it, no matter how well Mordred thought ?they affected that casual air. "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health," he said then, smiling softly: "And check up on you." "He's fine. He's healing." A pause, hastily patched before Gareth could repeat his question to Mordred: "And I'm alright, too." Gareth's smile widened. "That's good." His worries weren't entirely eased, but he decided not to prod; Mordred had been through enough. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 5>> Mordred opened ?their mouth to respons but all that came out was a tearful sob. Gareth didn't hesitate. He wrapped Mordred in a hug, held tightly ?their trembling, shaking frame that slowly slackened and relaxed against his chest. He rubbed ?their back as ?they cried, and in time the sobs turned to whimpering which turned to sniffling then silence. He held ?them even after the tears subsided, until Mordred eventually pulled away with a weary sigh, eyes puffy yet dried. "Is Sir Accolon fine?" Gareth asked, mind still reeling with terrible possibilities. "He's healing." Gareth smiled. "That's good." At least that was well, but it was clear that the day had taken its heavy toll on Mondred. He squeezed ?their shoulder and asked: "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." "I think so," Mordred answered and he squeezed ?their shoulder again before letting go. <</if>> <<include Chamber60Continue>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> Mordred mustered a feeble smile. "I'm alright. Don't worry about me," ?they said as if that was such an easy task. Gareth smiled. It eased his concern, somewhat. Mordred had been so much yet here ?they were, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> Mordred drew in a deep breath and smiled. "I'm not fine," ?they said truthfully, calm yet tired, "but I'll be. Don't worry about me." It eased Gareth's concern, somewhat. Mordred had been through so much yet here ?they was, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "I'm fine," Mordred said, utterly unconvincing. Gareth's mouth thinned in concern and ?they hastily added: "Don't worry about me." Gareth smiled. Mordred had been through so much. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. <<if $hair_type == "coily" or $hair_type == "coilycurls">> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He lightly, affectionately bumped ?their shoulder and Mordred smiled, this time brighter. It filled Gareth with warm relief. <<else>> "But you're my litte sibling, it's my duty to worry about you." He tousled ?their $hair hair and was beyond relieved when Mordred laughed in response, lightly batting his hand away. <</if>> <</if>> <<include Chamber60Continue>>

Mordred invited him inside ?their chamber and they both made themselves comfortable on the bed. Gareth lounged back against the pillows, lavishly embroidered with vines and flowers and, most notably, serpents - the symbol of the Le Fay. Morgana had no reservations in flaunting the family emblem when it came to her and Mordred's spaces and presensation. Her chambers proudly displayed it over the traditional Lothian design; she wore it boldly, almost as a challenge or insult even, around her neck. Mordred too had a matching pendant, as did Gareth, but Gareth wore his discreetly, concealed under his shirts. Lot //hated// it. Mordred seemed now calm and composed, if drained. There was a question he longed to ask, stemming from the words Morgana tossed yet not explained. Perhaps there wasn't //much// to explain. She'd told him before how the Champion Knight loathed her, and how the sentiment was mutual; she'd informed him that Sir Lancelot was a dog on a leash that Merlin had sicced on her. This had simply been the perfect opportunity - an abuse of power to exert violence. "Mother said Lancelot did..." he swallowed, grimacing as the bloody memory of the morning came to mind, "what he did to get back at her. Isn't he supposed to be a Champion Knight? It was cruel and well, just plain stupid." He threw up one hand, tone dripping with exasperation. One would have thought that a Champion Knight would both be more honorable and know better - especially as someone who was so familiar with Morgana. To do such a thing, surely he expected retaliation. Perhaps he even craved it, to point fingers at how awful of a person she was while he could claim glory from battering a man in what was supposed to be a friendly match. Such hypocrisy reigned their Royal Court. <<if $attack == "water" or $attack == "fire">> Speaking of retaliation, Mordred had been rather swift to it, and Gareth said so, nudging ?their leg with his. It would have been impressive, had the situation not been so dire and the possible consequences concerning. Curiously, Lot had been silent on the matter. "You left quite the impression, you know." Then, more to himself as he remembered Lot's tense expression: "Including on father." The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <<elseif $attack == "wind">> "Lancelot falling to his knees, that was you, wasn't it?" Gareth asked and Mordred nodded in confirmation. So he had been right. It would have been impressive, had the situation not been so dire. There might have been consequences, too, but few seemed to realize it had been Mordred and not merely extertion that kneeled the knight. Lot seemed to realize it, though. Curiously, he did not speak up about it. "Yes, I could tell." Then, more to himself: "I think father realized, too." The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <<else>> The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <</if>> The memories of the morning trickled through, gushing into his mind like blood. The brutal fight, the cheers of the crowd, the utter chaos in the royal booth. He ran a hand through his hair, pensive. "There was a lot of shouting in the royal booth, and nasty words tossed around." He focused his gaze on Mordred, wondering if Morgana had told ?them of it so far. "By mother, to father and Arthur. She left to check on Sir Accolon before the trials ended." "Did Arthur and Lot say anything?". Gareth hesitated, mouth twisting. "Father mostly sulked." Mordred was not about to be fooled, and questioned: "Mostly?" Perhaps he shouldn't have brought it up. It turned out mother had not caught Mordred up with what had transpired in the royal booth afterall. They were hurtful words he was about to reproduce, and he dithered even though Mordred was accustomed to Lot's ways. "He...may have implied that Lancelot was simply a better knight and just giving his all. You can imagine how mother took it." Mordred all but rolled ?their eyes, and he went on: "Arthur looked horrified, however." Mordred's brow furrowed. Indeed, it wasn't much consolation to know Arthur had been horrified by the act, but not enough to do anything - such as stop it, or speak up on the needless violence instead of allowing everyone to celebrate it. "He did apologize to mother, though I don't think anything could mollify her. I pity him but at the same time, I think...I think he lacks the decisiveness of a ruler." Mordred didn't argue; but if ?they had any opinion on the matter, ?they didn't voice it. Instead, ?they airily said, "Well, at least you can take his counter example." Gareth laughed but the sound was humourless. //Counter example.// Was there any good example for him to follow? "Anyway," Gareth sighed, sketching a smile. He'd come here to comfort Mordred and here he was veering off into such sensitive issues. He summoned a smile, injecting some levity into his tone: "Let's talk about merrier matters." Mordred was happy enough to indulge into merrier matters. They exchanged impressions of the tournament, gossip they'd heard, things they'd seen. They talked until it was time to get ready for the feast, and Gareth left reluctantly but feeling lighter. [[The end|End]]

Heavy, stomping footfalls echoed down the hall. Gareth's head shot up in their direction, falling on Mordred. ?Their gaze furiously bore into the floor with such intensity that the flagstones might crack. "Mordred?" he questioned, not even tempering the concern in his voice as different awful possibilities reeled through his mind. Mordred looked up, confused and surprised as Gareth approached. "Are you alright?" He studied ?their face, the deep, troubled furrows of ?their brow, the tension in ?their shoulders. <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred lied, managing a somewhat genuine smile.|Gareth40Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $honest to $honest-2, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I just...I just had a disagreement with mother.\""|Gareth40Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $honest to $honest+2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth40Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $honest to $honest-1, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth40Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred broke down into tears.|Gareth40Angry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 5, $emotional to $emotional+2, $crybaby to $crybaby+1]]</div>

Footsteps echoed down the hall. Gareth snapped up his head, gaze falling on Mordred - a crying, distressed Mordred - and he called out, unable to temper the concern in his tone: "Mordred! Are you alright?" He pushed himselff of the door and approached in a worried hurry. Pain lanced him at the sight and he felt an acute need to offer ?them comfort. He opened his arms, then hesitated as doubt crept in his mind - would the gesture be welcomed? They got along well, but they weren't really all that close, and he'd loath to make Mordred uncomfortable. Instead, he settled for a safer choice and placed his hands on ?their shoulders. If ?they wanted to, ?they could easily shrug him off. Gareth repeated his question: "Are you alright?" <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth40Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred shook their head.|Gareth40Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Y-yeah," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth40Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, both curious and wishing to divert the subject.|Gareth40Cry][$chapt3_gareth_check to 4, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div>

Footsteps echoed down the hall. Gareth snapped his head in their direction, only to see Mordred approaching, looking reassuringly calm and unbothered, if tired and surprised. It eased Gareth somewhat; it must have meant that Accolon was faring well. Likely ?they'd only just returned from his side to rest ?themself. "I've been waiting for you. How's Sir Accolon?" As he asked, his tone held a note of concern he couldn't temper. "He's fine. He's healing." Ah, so things were...as well as they could be, Gareth figured. He smiled. "That's good. But what about you? I can't imagine watching was easy for you." <div class="choice">[["I'm alright." Mordred put on a faint smile.|Gareth40Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 1, $emotional to $emotional-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"I'm not fine, but I'll be.\""|Gareth40Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 2, $emotional to $emotional+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'm fine," Mordred said, not very convincingly.|Gareth40Calm][$chapt3_gareth_check to 3, $emotional to $emotional-1]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> "I'm fine," Mordred insisted, no matter the obvious clues to the contrary. The smile ?they displayed was gentle and genuine but there was weariness tugging it down. Gareth decided not to push it, though. Of course Mordred was rattled - the day had taken a heavy toll ?them. Instead he placed his hands on ?their shoulders and squeezed, silently letting ?them know that someone cared and worried and wished to comfort ?them. Some of the tension seeped from Mordred's frame. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> "I just...I just had a disagreement with mother," Mordred said and waved ?their hand as if ?they'd rather just brush all this aside and move on. Gareth couldn't simply sweep it under the rug, though. "What sort of disagreement?" Mordred shook ?their head. "Nothing, really." Perhaps it wasn't his place to question. Perhaps Mordred didn't trust him enough to say. Or, maybe, ?they was simply too drained. Gareth certainly didn't want to press Mordred now, after the day had taken such a heavy toll on ?them. "It's not nothing if you're all worked up," he sighed, "but I won't push you." Mordred gave him a grateful smile. Gareth wanted Mordred to know that someone cared and worried and wanted to comfort ?them, so he put his hands on ?their shoulders and squeezed gently. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "Yeah," came Mordred's feeble response which was far from convincing or reassuring. Gareth decided not to push it, though. Of course Mordred was rattled - the day had taken a heavy toll ?them. Instead he placed his hands on ?their shoulders and squeezed, silently letting ?them know that someone cared and worried and wished to comfort ?them. Some of the tension seeped from Mordred's frame. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> "What are you doing here?" Mordred asked, a little bit surprised. "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health," he said then, smiling softly: "And check up on you." "He's fine. He's healing." A pause, hastily patched before Gareth could repeat his question to Mordred: "And I'm alright, too." Gareth's smile widened. "That's good." His worries weren't entirely eased, but he decided not to prod; Mordred had been through enough. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 5>> Mordred opened ?their mouth to respond but all that came out was a tearful sob. Pain lanced Gareth at the sight and he felt an acute need to offer ?them comfort. He opened his arms, then hesitated as doubt crept in his mind - would the gesture be welcomed? They got along well, but they weren't really all that close, and he'd loathe to make Mordred uncomfortable. Instead, he settled for a safer choice and placed his hands on ?their shoulders. If ?they wanted to, ?they could easily shrug him off. He squeezed gently as Mordred cried, cried till the sobbing turned to whimpering that turned to silence, cried till ?their eyes were puffy yet dry. "Is Sir Accolon fine?" Gareth asked, mind still reeling with terrible possibilities. "He's healing." Gareth smiled. "That's good. Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." "I think so," Mordred answered and he squeezed ?their shoulder again before letting go. <</if>> <<include Chamber40Continue>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> "I'm alright," Mordred insisted despite the tears pointing to the contrary. "What are you doing here?" He smiled gently, "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health." //And your wellbeing//, he added, only for himself. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth's smile widened. "That's good," he said and squeezed ?their shoulders again before letting go. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> Mordred shook ?their head. Of course ?they wasn't fine. How could ?they be, after everything? "How is Sir Accolon?" Gareth asked as terrible unease crept up his spine. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth smiled. "That's good." He squeezed ?their shoulder and asked, "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." Mordred let out a long, ragged breath. "I think so." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "Y-yeah," Mordred said feebly and entirely unconvincingly. "How's Sir Accolon?" Gareth asked as terrible unease crept up his spine. "He's fine. He's healing." Gareth smiled and squeezed ?their shoulders again. "That's good." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 4>> "What are you doing?" Mordred asked thickly. Perhaps ?they was trying to divert attention from ?themself; perhaps ?they was genuinely surprised by his presence. "I came here to inquire about Sir Accolon's health," Gareth said, smiling softly. "And check up on you." Mordred sniffled. "He's fine. He's healing." "That's good." Gareth's smiled widened, but his worries weren't entirely eased. Mordred had not answered his second question. "Will you be fine, too? I can't imagine it's been easy for you." Mordred let out a long, ragged sigh. "I think so." <</if>> <<include Chamber40Continue>>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_check == 1>> Mordred mustered a feeble smile. "I'm alright. Don't worry about me," ?they said, as if that was such an easy task after seeing Mordred in such distress. Gareth smiled. It eased his concern, somewhat. Mordred had been through so much yet here ?they was, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my litte sibling." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 2>> Mordred drew in a deep breath and smiled. "I'm not fine," ?they said truthfully, calm yet tired, "but I'll be. Don't worry about me." It eased Gareth's concern, somewhat. Mordred had been through so much yet here ?they was, head held high. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my little sibling." <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_check == 3>> "I'm fine," Mordred said, utterly unconvincing. Gareth's mouth thinned in concern, and ?they hastily added: "Don't worry about me." Gareth smiled. Mordred had been through so much. He admired ?their resilience, but he wished it wouldn't be so relentlessly tested. "But you're my little sibling." <</if>> <<include Chamber40Continue>>

Gareth shifted his weight from foot to foot. He'd checked on Mordred and inquired about Sir Accolon, and was relieved to see his little sibling calm now, if weary. He didn't want to overstay his welcome - Mordred may wish to rest until the feast. "Well, I'm glad you're both fine," Gareth said. "I'll be on my way now." <div class="choice">[["\"See you at the feast.\""|Gareth40][$chapt3_gareth_room to 1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"Thank you for coming. See you at the feast.\""|Gareth40][$chapt3_gareth_room to 2, $Gareth to $Gareth+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["\"Do you want to talk for a bit?\""|Gareth40][$chapt3_gareth_room to 3, $Gareth to $Gareth+3]]</div> <div class="choice">[[You're not sure how else to show your gratitude, so you squeeze his arm.|Gareth40][$chapt3_gareth_room to 4, $Gareth to $Gareth+2]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_gareth_room == 1>> Mordred sketched a smile as ?they reached for the doorknob. "See you at the feast." That was Gareth's cue. He smiled and bid his goodbye, feeling lighter now as he headed for his own chamber. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_room == 2>> Mordred smiled. "Thank you for coming. I appreciate it. See you at the feast." Gareth smiled back and took his cue to leave. As he headed for his own chamber, he felt lighter. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_room == 3>> Mordred smiled. "Would you like to come in and talk for a bit?" The offer took Gareth by surprise. He didn't expect that Morded might still be in the disposition to talk, or that he'd want his company now; it was, however, a pleasant surprise. "Of course." They exchanged impressions of the tournament, gossip they'd heard, things they'd seen. They talked until it was time to get ready for the feast, and Gareth left reluctantly but feeling lighter. <<elseif $chapt3_gareth_room == 4>> Mordred squeezed his arm, holding his gaze steadfastly as ?they smiled. Gratitude was plainly written on ?their expression. "See you at the feast." Gareth smiled back and took his cue to leave. As he headed for his own chamber, he felt lighter. <</if>> [[The end|End]]

Mordred seemed now calm and composed, if drained. There was a question Gareth longed to ask, stemming from the words Morgana tossed yet not explained. Perhaps there wasn't //much// to explain. She'd told him before how the Champion Knight loathed her, and how the sentiment was mutual; she'd informed him that Sir Lancelot was a dog on a leash that Merlin had sicced on her. This had simply been the perfect opportunity - an abuse of power to exert violence. "Mother said Lancelot did..." he swallowed, grimacing as the bloody memory of the morning came to mind, "what he did to get back at her. Isn't he supposed to be a Champion Knight? It was cruel and well, just plain stupid." He threw up one hand, tone dripping with exasperation. One would have thought that a Champion Knight would both be more honorable and know better - especially as someone who was so familiar with Morgana. To do such a thing, surely he expected retaliation. Perhaps he even craved it, to point fingers at how awful of a person she was while he could claim glory from battering a man in what was supposed to be a friendly match. Such hypocrisy reigned their Royal Court. <<if $attack == "water" or $attack == "fire">> Speaking of retaliation, Mordred had been rather swift to it, and Gareth said so, nudging ?their leg with his. It would have been impressive, had the situation not been so dire and the possible consequences concerning. Curiously, Lot had been silent on the matter. "You left quite the impression, you know." Then, more to himself as he remembered Lot's tense expression: "Including on father." The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <<elseif $attack == "wind">> "Lancelot falling to his knees, that was you, wasn't it?" Gareth asked and Mordred nodded in confirmation. So he had been right. It would have been impressive, had the situation not been so dire. There might have been consequences, too, but few seemed to realize it had been Mordred and not merely extertion that kneeled the knight. Lot seemed to realize it, though. Curiously, he did not speak up about it. "Yes, I could tell." Then, more to himself: "I think father realized, too." The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <<else>> The sheets rustled as Mordred bunched them up in ?their fists. "I just felt so...so hurt and angry in that moment. And helpless," ?they whispered the last part. A stab of pain shot through Gareth. He placed his palms over Mordred's fists and squeezed gently, enough to snap ?them back from that awful moment and bring ?them back here. Mordred's frame relaxed and he drew back. <</if>> The memories of the morning trickled through, gushing into his mind like blood. The brutal fight, the cheers of the crowd, the utter chaos in the royal booth. He ran a hand through his hair, pensive. "There was a lot of shouting in the royal booth, and nasty words tossed around." He focused his gaze on Mordred, wondering if Morgana had told ?them of it so far. "By mother, to father and Arthur. She left to check on Sir Accolon before the trials ended." "Did Arthur and Lot say anything?". Gareth hesitated, mouth twisting. "Father mostly sulked." Mordred was not about to be fooled, and questioned: "Mostly?" Perhaps he shouldn't have brought it up. It turned out mother had not caught Mordred up with what had transpired in the royal booth afterall. They were hurtful words he was about to reproduce, and he dithered even though Mordred was accustomed to Lot's ways. "He...may have implied that Lancelot was simply a better knight and just giving his all. You can imagine how mother took it." Mordred all but rolled ?their eyes, and he went on: "Arthur looked horrified, however." Mordred's brow furrowed. Indeed, it wasn't much consolation to know Arthur had been horrified by the act, but not enough to do anything - such as stop it, or speak up on the needless violence instead of allowing everyone to celebrate it. "He did apologize to mother, though I don't think anything could mollify her. I pity him but at the same time, I think...I think he lacks the decisiveness of a ruler." Mordred didn't argue; but if ?they had any opinion on the matter, ?they didn't voice it. Instead, ?they airily said, "Well, at least you can take his counter example." Gareth laughed but the sound was humourless. //Counter example.// Was there any good example for him to follow? He lounged on his side, propping his head in palm. Mordred mirrored the stance and levelled his gaze. "I've been talking with Arthur and Gawain these days," Gareth began, since they were already on the subject of the King. The King, who was also their uncle, though one would be forgiven for forgetting it. His fingers stroked the coiling shape of his serpent pendant, the gesture soothing. "And I was thinking, it feels strange how...how Arthur isn't really an uncle to us, despite the blood ties, not like he is to Gawain." He closed his palm around the pendant. It was rounded, with no sharp edges but it felt firm against his skin. It was obvious how much Arthur loved Gawain, how much he cared for him. It was clear, in fact, how much he cared for the Alistairs, his adoptive family. For the cold, gaping abyss between Arthur and Morgana, there was a warm, close bond between him and Kay. Having met Arthur a few times, he knew it wasn't bitterness or cruelty that kept him far from Gareth and Mordred, but all the tension and fear that filled the space between them. Still, it hurt to be cast aside. "I know it's because of the wedge between mother and he. I asked mother once, when I was younger, why can't they just reconcile. She told me it's not that easy, and I think I understand." Back in the royal booth, he definitely understood. Mordred remained silent, worrying ?their bottom lip. ?They didn't need to be told, did ?they? Gareth knew for himself that people did not lie when they said that Morgana was mad at Arthur and Merlin and a whole entourage of nobles; surely she'd spoken freely of her hatred in front of Mordred. "I got gifts from him over the years," Gareth continued thoughtfully, "but except of the few times I've accompanied father to Camelot or other events where the king attended too, I haven't really interacted with him." Gareth had never been quite sure whether the gifts had been truly an affectionate gesture or merely out of respect for Lot, respect which then extended to Gareth as his son. Their gazes met and he sighed. "I know I shouldn't complain, not when..." he trailed off, mouth thinning to a sad, sympathetic line. At least Arthur //bothered// for him. He'd never sent anything for Mordred, though. It was cruel to ignore Mordred based completely on the bad blood between him and Morgana - and he had many thoughts on their bad blood, too. Morgana's anger, while warranted in some measure, seemed to extend to less justifiable lenghts. Arthur's desire then to stay away from her was understandable. Less understandable was his refusal to do //anything// that may soothe the wounds inflicted by Uther. He'd come here to comfort Mordred and here he was veering off into such sensitive issues. He summoned a smile, injecting some levity into his tone: "Anyway, we should talk about merrier matters." Mordred was happy enough to indulge into merrier matters. They exchanged impressions of the tournament, gossip they'd heard, things they'd seen. They talked until it was time to get ready for the feast, and Gareth left reluctantly but feeling lighter. [[The end|End]]