o1o ♔ video

[pratentious]

[ Look! I promised that one day Arthur would post without being on the brink of death, and here he is: prim and proper, dressed smartly in a deep red tunic, and Ready For Business. ]

Greetings, people of Asgard. Many of you may already be familiar with my face, but please allow me to introduce myself once more.

I am Arthur Pendragon, Crown Prince and heir to the throne of Camelot - though I come before you today not for the nobility in my blood, but for that very same essence what ties our still-beating hearts together in this life. I come before you not as sovereign, but as a Traveller, one of many that has fought and bled for this land.

Today, I come in the name of Asgard, and all its people whose lives hang from a delicate thread in a dark and unavoidable future.

[ He pauses then and sits up a little straighter, lifts his chin in acknowledgement and esteem. ]

In the time since the first Travellers were brought to Asgard, we have been set upon by all manner of attack, be it beasts of ice and fire or plagues of the body and mind. We have been met with hardship and strife, the likes of which could never have been foreseen, but we have held fast by the brave souls that would face all that comes to pass with their heads held high.

To these noble men and women, it is with every due honour and respect that I implore we band together and make the might of Asgard known. What I am proposing has been long in the making, both through the smaller efforts of such able bodied minds and the pleas of those that would see these efforts taken a step further: a formalised body of defence, to ensure the safety of this city and its residents.

We cannot rely on the Gods for their protection; we have only each other, but it is in the hearts of Men that you find a force greater than all else in creation. You find the will to survive, that stubborn beating drum that carries us forward through dark and difficult times until we come upon the light once more. We have gathered from across the high heavens to this place what turns boys into men, warriors into soldiers, and our strengths shine at their brightest when we stand together as one.

[ Another brief pause, and he lightens, smiles faintly. ]

The choice is solely yours to make; my decision was made long ago, and I should be proud to lay down my life for yours, for my family and my friends. I would fight for you, and it would be my honour to fight with you, so we might see this battle through to the very last. I am Arthur Pendragon, Traveller to Asgard, and I ask of you today to join me, as brothers and sisters in arms - as the guardians of this realm, for it is ours now to defend.

[ ooc; jfc this took forever to write gross sobbing anyhow. this is the IC post for the mod-approved, god-sponsored militia! though I've yet to receive word whether Odin will pick up our bar tab or not. :|a all information regarding the militia can be found here, and I am open to any and all questions on either post!

feel free to threadjack at will! ♥ ]

Comments

[video--private]

[holmes_fanatic]

[Conan's response isn't immediate -- Arthur's speech is impressive, and it takes a few moments for Conan to decide on his reply. In these circumstances, it is better to be sure rather than influenced by the moment.]

This would be a call to arms, Arthur-san?

I'm not willing to kill, but I can use my Body Control for defence, and it's very effective against the faeries and imps and wraiths used by our enemies. There might be other more effective ways that I can help.

[video--private]

[pratentious]

It would be that, yes.

[ A solemn nod. He might tease the boy openly, to have that sort of nonchalant camaraderie, but this different. This is vastly more significant, and he bears the full severity of it in his tone. Much like when Conan asked him what is was like to be in battle, Arthur will regard him carefully as not the troublesome brat he is ordinarily but the young boy caught in a time of trial. ]

Your contributions would be appreciated, Conan, but I would see them only come from the sidelines. You wish not to kill, and I wish not for you to be put in a position where your hand might be forced.

1/2

[veneficus]

[ This is why she wanted to marry him once, you know. ]

video;

[veneficus]

[ Before...he was her brother, anyway. The whole sister ordeal is very confusing at times likes these in which her pride is evident. He grown. He arrived here different that she had remembered and then went and grown even more and now he is more king than prince and more king than Uther ever was.

At least to her.

Somehow all the little lessons she tried to teach him in their years together, Sometimes you have got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences, What kind of king would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant? Or one who does what his father tells him to? have been learned and now he may teach her a thing or two of being valiant and gallant, of bravery and valor.

A smile. ]

Arthur.

video. private.

[stakes]

It's a good idea. [ She's seriously considering whether or not to take up arms with him. She knows she's going to fight. But she also knows she's never been good at taking orders. Not from anyone. She does her thing, her way, on her own. Maybe it's better if she doesn't enlist. Maybe she can just be... an ally or something. ] What're the gooey details?

video. private.

[pratentious]

[ Well done, Buffy. The heavy air about him cracks in just the slightest with the quirk of his lips. ]

Gooey?

1/2 - video;

[gwenhwyfar]

[So this is the great leadership Myrddin spoke of when Regina was a child when he would talk of Arthur. It's been very interesting to watch him; either he's completely self-absorbed or very reckless to the point of selfishness to her. She can respect leadership like this, especially when it's non discriminatory.]

video;

[gwenhwyfar]

[And it's a rarity to have Regina soft, when she's not scrutinizing and cold.]

Ah, so you have gained more support for your militia. I was beginning to worry that you never were.

[assiduous]

[ first reaction? who's this asshole. second reaction, SERIOUSLY WHO IS THIS ASSHOLE. third...? well. ]

Pretty speech.

[ SKEPTECISM...??? mako you're not being helpful. i don't know what this tag is LMAO sorry. ]

[pratentious]

[ Beautiful, is what it is. Confusing, and for a second, Arthur's halfway certain someone's taking the piss, but still beautiful. "Pretty?" Seriously? ]

Thank you. I wrote it myself.

[ y e p. Once and Future BAMF, come at me. ]

private;

[bloodypocket]

[The speech was eloquent at least, and Eyes so far could not detect any attempt to manipulate the masses; of course, his conclusions could always be wrong. It is because of that risk he delays his answer, ready to further questions with the memory of this not being the first time someone had attempted to rally the Travellers before.

But there were undeniably differences now that had to be taken into consideration, and time was running short.] How do you intend to put into action this campaign, Arthur Pendragon?

private;

[pratentious]

[ He is expecting of scrutiny; Arthur has gained the alliance of some, but there are many still that do not know him, and he would not presume to gain the trust of them all. ]

During the attacks I spoke of, I have rallied together with various people across the city, many on more than one occasion. Those that have granted me their allegiance have given themselves unto the task of uniting under one; I would see the same opportunity presented to any that are willing. There are experienced lords and generals here that I would ask to aid me in guiding those as of yet unfamiliar with such coordinated forms of combat, in leading them throughout these trials.

[ There's a pause, and he purses his lips to swallow. He doesn't like it, but - ]

Wars cannot be won by individual fighters, it would be little more than a skirmish lead to slaughter. Wars are won by soldiers, those trained and ready to fight and die together. There are many skilled warriors in Asgard, but we are not prepared for such a thing. This will only work with their consent, with those willing to stand together and operate as one unit. I would gather them together and provide them the means to do so.

video;

[coy]

That was really epic. Totally Braveheart. [You get an applause.]

video;

[pratentious]

[ ... did you just Mel Gibson at Arthur? Seriously? ]

Erm ... Thank you?

[ no, seriously, what is a brave heart. He is brave of heart, is that what you're trying to say? ]

[video | private]

[extraordinarymuse]

[She's not going to turn on the feed until she's done with her whole 'wow he's such a man' feeling she gets when she first sees the video. Instead, when it turns on, she's serious as all get-out.]

Count my in.

[Even if she did have the urge to reply with some old-english-y kind of response. Especially after a speech like that.

But alas, she's from current-day New York City. Not gonna happen.]

[video | private]

[pratentious]

[ Not everyone can be as unnecessarily eloquent as those of the Middle Ages. He took speech lessons from four to sixteen for this precise purpose; he wouldn't wish that nightmare on anyone. ]

I'm glad to hear it, Kate. Your aid in the past has been invaluable, and I would be honoured to fight alongside you once more.

[ Like I said: unnecessary. But he nods his head, as is appropriate, in acknowledgment of her praises and worth. The really weird thing is that his unbearably sincere in all the formality of it. Dem old school folks, mayn. ]

voice

[doomfire]

I'm in.

[ of course he would be, experienced soldier here. and he's probably the only one without immediate questions about Arthur's identity and type of speech- he's seen weirder, man. so much weirder. ]

permavid~

[pratentious]

[ Arthur might be surprised by outright acceptance from one he's never spoken with before, but perhaps he shouldn't be. This city is full of surprises. ]

I thank you.

[ And a courteous nod of his head, because formality and all that; it's his shtick, hence the video feed. ]

Might I ask your name?

video;

[tigers]

[ Oh, Arthur. You get some very sarcastic applause and a face you just want to slap. ]

Well, I'll be sure the lot of you get a proper burial. None of that mass grave nonsense. A separate hole in the ground for each and every one of you.

video;

[pratentious]

[ Unimpressed, by both your joke and your muttonchops. ]

How terribly kind of you. You do us a great honour.

video;

[expy]

You sure know how to talk up a storm, don't you?

[Not that she isn't contemplating joining in. That was a nice speech, regardless of the length, and there was always strength in numbers.]

video;

[pratentious]

[ His lips curl just a little in amusement, despite himself. ]

It's one of my many talents, you'll find, alongside surviving gruesome knife wounds and signing my name with both hands.

[Video]

[foodshortage]

[ Arthur is so vibrant.

When he first told Uther that he would stand behind magic, Uther partly expected to see him lost, not in the way that his ideas changed but... lost as a person. Expected, and feared, to see him become someone entirely else because of the change of heart.

And every time Uther sees this isn't the case, there's equal amounts of relief and uncertainty at it. It's odd, to... feel himself changing with it. Somehow.

Arthur is still very much the son he always knew, and he finds it surreal. ]

I will gladly offer my aid, should you want it. Although I am certain you will be fine without it.

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur has changed - 'magic corrupts,' he's been told all his life; it twists and warps and it changes and Arthur has changed, because he's accepted it, welcomed it, advocated it. Magic has shaped him into something different; something new, something better.

He's Arthur, now - not son of Uther, heir of Camelot, but Arthur. His own man, his own ideals. He is stronger, a bit wiser, and stands taller in his light. He is different and the same, and this, Uther Pendragon, this is what you failed to wrought, but so too is it your greatest achievement. ]

You have taught me well, Father, and I shall certainly fare well with your lessons. But your guidance will always be welcomed, for you are the far more seasoned soldier than I.

[ And Arthur would not think to discount his father's counsel outright, unless it's a stupid ass decision, in which case he will elect to ignore it a la Nick Fury. Fuck yeah. ]

[voice]

[falenandawn]

[So this was the Arthur he had heard so much about. It made sense that Conan would have suggested contacting him about the plans they had discussed at the forum, now that he had heard him speak. He obviously cared about putting forth a proper line of defense for the city, and his way of speaking, if honest, seemed to speak equally of his character.]

I would like to help, if I may. Might I ask what your plans are in more detail?

[He was also curious as to how Arthur planned to organize it.]

[voice]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur nods his head, smiling cordially. ]

Of course. The course I've devised at the counsel of my most trusted allies is hardly set in stone, as it is something that may very well affect the city as a whole, so, please - do feel free to ask whatever you might. I will answer to the best of my ability.

[ Open discussion. He wants what's best for everyone, not just how he envisions it but in a way that will suit everyone's hopes and needs. Arthur is wholly a man of the people. ]

video; Yay! I am excited!

[kabukihime]

[Alto doesn't quite catch the full speech, but he catches almost all of it, and is drawn in by the charismatic voice. He listens to it thoroughly and then switches on his video feed, saluting and standing at attention. He doesn't know this man, but he's more than happy to assist him in his endeavour, considering he'd been wondering just how to get a legitimate defense force off the ground. He lowers his hand after a moment, though he keeps his soldier posture.]

I would like to assist you. I have been thinking about this matter myself, and I am a soldier in my world.

[A very specialized kind of soldier, but a soldier nonetheless. He was very familiar with the military.]

video; I am too ahh ////

[pratentious]

[ Arthur smiles with the salute and raises his head in acknowledgment, before nodding his assent in a polite incline of his chin. ]

I would be glad to have you. There are many across the city with experience in combat such as ourselves; I am certain that our combined strengths will prove a formidable deterrence in the path of these wretched Giants.

Video

[magatama_no_amaterasu]

A noble and practical proposition, Pendragon. However, I will not be joining.

[Maya leans back, resting her nodachi on her lap.]

Oh, I will fight, but I'm not exactly the army kind of girl. But if you find a need for a small strike force hitting a single target, give me a call. That's the kind of party I like.

Video

[pratentious]

[ There's a small measure of amusement for Maya's spirit, but he considers her words seriously all the same. ]

A strike force. I'm not certain there's a need for such a thing at the present, but it's something to keep in mind. Thank you, Maya.

[ ooc; There was one other person who expressed interest in the same sort of thing! If we gain enough support for it, would you be interested in Arthur forming a division specifically for this purpose? ]

not here;

[sicarius]

[Here is a leader. Not one for the gods, but one for the people. Ezio has been keeping an eye on things in general, to know where the Bureau's reach ends and to where there is potential allies among the troublemakers. With the approaching war, time is of the essence and gaining respect and bonds within the city is of utmost importance. Arthur proves that his heart is in for protecting the people, and that is something the assassin can work with.

Another time, however- here is not a place to let him know of his alignment nor of his true ambitions as an assassin. That will come when Ezio is ready, and the Order is more than just interested citizens with a single man behind them.]

not here;

[pratentious]

[ Just this. ]

Video

[childsoldier]

[He's heard this sort of thing before. Moral boosts. Never a bad thing, but... having heard it all before, it doesn't get much of a reaction out of him.]

So you're the one I was told about.

Video

[pratentious]

I must be so.

[ Though there is the odd possibility it's Arturia or perhaps even someone else. Woes for this world and its oddities. ]

Might I ask to whom you spoke of me?

video;

[sonofabitch]

Pretty speech. [He has to smirk at Arthur a little bit, because really dude? You live up to the term "archaic" in every way.]

You have my sword. [Said dramatically, and yes he did just quote Lord of the Rings. Don't tell Sam.]

video;

[pratentious]

[ No, Dean, this joke goes way over Arthur's head. People actually say that to him, in an entirely nonironic way. ]

I wasn't aware you had a hand for the sword. Have you been cracking into the armoury when I'm not looking?

( VIDEO )

[robb]

As I have said before, Arthur - you have the banners of House Stark at your alliance. If fighting this war means saving those in our world, then consider me amongst your men.

( VIDEO )

[pratentious]

You honour me once more, Robb Stark. The people of your realm should be blessed so to have you represent them and stand in its defence.

[ seriously, kingbro. you are badass. ]

voice.

[whitelighting]

So I take it that there's not really a chance of something other than a war?

permavid!

[pratentious]

None to speak of, no. Their intentions have been made clear. Whether you believe it to be the fabled Ragnarok or not, we cannot deny that war is upon us.

video;

[deputychief]

Well, very stirring, Prince Arthur.

Would you accept part-time members?

video;

[pratentious]

So long as you plan on being present when it counts.

[ A small joke, sort of. ]

We will be training as a unit, to operate as a team. I am not certain how well one might operate if his loyalties are divided.

[tradingsecrets]

[After everything that's gone on, Finnick is still able to smile at his friend.]

Have you always sounded this cool?

[pratentious]

[ Arthur smiles easily in return. ]

It is a King's duty to remain composed during even the most dire of times.

[ Wrong definition of "cool." What even is your modern slang? ]

[Video]

[dragonspeak]

[Since Arthur's arrival, he's already seen flashes of the king that would eventually rule all of Albion. Gradually, in between the moments of Arthur and his usual, playful prattishness, those flashes have become more and more common until the seams have joined, filling in those spaces of imperfection. Leaving this.

Arthur Pendragon, future king of the people.

Merlin couldn't be more proud to serve a man like the one who's also become his closest friend and companion.]

I would be glad to follow wherever you go, sire. I have no skill with the sword, but I will protect you with everything that I have, or die at your side.

[If his voice shakes just the tiniest bit, that's no one's business but his own.]

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ There's something to be said for the fact that Arthur is humbled by the words of a servant, except - well, Merlin is hardly just a servant. He is a loyal ally, and a dear friend on the days Arthur isn't too proud to admit it.

As it is now, though, he (barely) fights to contain a smile. ]

Too right, you've no skill with a sword. There are children in the lower town fighting with sticks better skilled than you.

[ It comes without heat, far too fond and with that twice-damned smile. There's loyalty and devotion, and then there's Merlin who redefines both, breaks through all existing barriers and leaves something better behind. Something stronger and brighter - the light of a kingdom they will build, together, because Merlin is an ally and a friend, and there is no one else he'd want to be there at the end. ]

If we are to win this war - and we will win it - I daresay I may need you at my side, old friend.

[ The smile twitches, thinly veiled mirth and amusement, before he outright grins. ]

Who else will polish my armour once it's all said and done?