o13 ♔ video / semi-open action

[pratentious]

[ Because this picture is pretty and I wanted to share it with you. Shush. ]



[ Arthur hasn't been gone long. Many of you likely wouldn't have even noticed his absence at all. But he is returned now, just over a year older and with a new crown that he may or may not have stolen from Burger King is far more ornate than a Prince's coronet hanging in his hands. He may not be much older but he certainly looks aged. ]

It would seem this realm has not tired of its want for Kings and Queens.

[ A tight lipped smile. King Arthur of Camelot has just come from the middle of his coronation, and he is hardly amused. ]

I would ask a question of you, Travellers, if you care to answer. How many of you believed you would return home following the battle of Ragnarok, as was promised? How many of you were prepared for it? Wished for it?

[ A pause. ]

Are there any among you that held dread for the prospect, and are glad now to remain in this city for however long you might?

[ He did, once. Now, he is not so sure. He rolls the crown in his hands once, shifts. ]

Or - an easier inquiry, if you are not inclined to answer the other. How many have returned to their native realms, despite the unresolved conflict? Those of you that have made my acquaintance or would call yourselves my friends, I ask that you make known your presence.

[ Another beat, another tense smile. ]

I suppose Asgard is not yet finished with me after all.

[ The feed ends there. Arthur can be found walking from the Heimdall district in the direction of Thor, golden crown once more upon his head and his rich red cloak trailing in the dirt behind him. He might seem a bit dazed, as he is trying to fit the memories of Asgard into his memory of Camelot or perhaps the other way around, but he will stop to speak with people if approached.

He hesitates only a moment on the sidewalk before the New Camelot residence. Arthur's not sure if he's still meant to call it 'home.' But after taking the time to look his fill, to try and remember what he already knows, he will finally cross the yard to knock on the door. He no longer has the key, after all. ]

Comments

[action || heimdall]

[extraordinarymuse]

[After the battles ended, Kate hasn't bothered taking time to rest. There was too much to do and too much to help with and an entire city to rebuild. Because of this, she hasn't been on the network very often, and misses this post completely. She might go back and find it later in the day, but for now she ends up seeing Arthur from a ways away as she was passing through her old District.

She notices his new clothes, that he seems to be carrying himself a little differently than she last saw him, but that's about it. Therefore she doesn't see any reason not to call out, smiling as she catches up to him.]

Arthur! Haven't seen you around. [Her eyes fall on the crown, the cloak, the everything and she raises a questioning eyebrow.] Am I missing something?

[action || heimdall]

[pratentious]

[ He paused only briefly at the palace steps to send out his message after the bracelet was returned to him, just a short moment to sit and breathe before he went to face all that remains for him here, and it starts immediately. Katie is a friend and a welcome sight, but it takes Arthur a moment to remember that, to know with certainty that this is real, this is Asgard and he has been here before, he will remain here again, and Camelot will not suffer or prosper for it.

It is all meaningless. ]

It is rather I that has been missing.

[ A soft smile, but he is tired and the day has been long. He held his father's hand as he died, stood vigil beside him until daylight, and was crowned King just seconds before being whisked away to Asgard. Yes, Arthur has been missing much; there are pieces of him left behind. ]

[action || heimdall]

[extraordinarymuse]

[It's that moment when he first sees her, where something flashes across his eyes, that has her hesitating. He's different, older, has a lot more weight on his shoulders. His outfit is different, of course, but it goes beyond that. Goes much deeper than that.

The smile is a little off-putting after she has this realization, but she matches it. Standing here in front of him like this felt like watching someone grow up in front of her eyes - and not, necessarily, in the best way.]

Missing? [Oh. Oh. That explains...some of it, she guesses. But not all. It just seems like he hasn't come back. Not completely.] How are you feeling?

[action || heimdall]

[pratentious]

[ He inclines his head in affirmation once the realisation hits. Grown up, yes, far too much within the last year. ]

Everything is a bit ... muddled, at the moment. But for the most part, I feel well enough.

[ A lie, certainly, but he can't very well openly admit to how exhausted he is, not here. Propriety comes first, at least for one who has just come directly from the throne room. ]