o16 ♔ video

[pratentious]

Asgard. I hope you've not yet tired of what I'm told are "long-winded" speeches, as I've yet another for you on this bright morning.

[ He's trying to stay light-hearted, calm, but Arthur is angry and sick like all the rest; sick of this war and the trials it's brought them. ]

Recent affairs have caused a schism between the people of this city, in regards to both the Utgardian spy and the manner in which we would conduct ourselves, and it is in that space between each other that we find ourselves poisoned. Whether you think it justice or cruelty, there is blood in our streets and some of it is that of our own. We cannot afford to remain divided now; we cannot afford to grow so comfortable and complacent in this war that we find enemies in each other. The Giants win this war when they fill our veins with venom so that we might hold nothing but spite in our hearts. It is imperative now more than ever that we stand together - or not at all.

[ Getting to the point. Arthur straightens a bit, sparing only a moment for the people lost between now and the last time he made a very similar broadcast. ]

For those of you new to the city since the Battle of Ragnarok, I would introduce myself once again. I am Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, and I come before you today to remind you of that which we fight for: our homes, our futures, our lives. We fight for each other, and it is for each other that I would see this city united once more.

Shortly before that fated battle, I'd coordinated some of the finest and bravest men and women of this city into a body of defence, to stand guard at the frontlines between the Giants and the countless lives both within these walls and in the realms beyond them. Many of them have since departed from this world to the next, be it their own or the Otherworld, but as their sacrifices will not go forgotten, so too do their spirits remain. I see them daily in all of you, in your stubborn refusal to take these assaults lying down. We refuse to be beaten, and it is in this that I know we will win this war.

Stand with me again, my friends. Forget these petty quarrels that bring us closer to the brink; stand together, and show them we are not yet broken. If any of you would join me, I aim to revive the Guard in a meeting of the Round in three days' time. We have time now to prepare, so that we might stand ever stronger against the Giants. Let them know we are not to be underestimated again.

And to those of you not yet learned in the combative artes, the Citadel doors are always open to those willing to train hard and find their own strengths. We have courses available in a wide array of weaponry, as well as basic hand-to-hand combat for all ages and weights. There are also the Teachers' Council for learning the use of our god-given abilities and Aladdin's magic guild for learning of both Asgard's runic arrays and other magicks across the realms. Our options are countless, our strengths limitless.

We are far from defeated, Asgard. Do not forget: we have achieved the unthinkable, the impossible. Fates be damned. We will carry our destinies in our own hands and share this burden together. Joined as one, there is nothing that can stand in our way.

[ ooc; Holy crap is this long the important bits are all outlined in an OOC post over here. There's a reason I am called the loquacious one. ;; Links are not IC, just for OOC reference! ]

Comments

[video]

[unrestrained]

[How did he manage to sit through all of this. How. Normally, he just kind of zones out-- okay, he sort of dead-- but he paid attention enough to get what he was saying and it was one thing he'd thought a lot o reently.]

...So what you're looking for is more people?

[video]

[pratentious]

[ He appreciates the effort all the same, Percy. :')b ]

In a far more truncated word, yes. I will always need more good men at my side.

[ video ]

[thoughtless]

[ wow, king of camelot and the round and aladdin. and like five hundred other things, he kind of lost track around the middle. there has to be a bingo game for this crap.

jackson looks appropriately impressed, but in that mocking and all-the-wrong-reasons kind of way. ]

Nice speech. But where I'm from? People don't follow orders from other countries' kings. And those are real countries, by the way.

[ he gets that things are weird here and fictional isn't so much a thing, but there's getting it and then there's not being a jerk about it. and, in a completely contradictory follow-up: ]

Does the Citadel do guns?

[ video ]

[pratentious]

[ Whoops, Arthur's just going to be left agape for a second here - he knew Jackson an age ago, and the bond they had was not an easy one to disregard ( forget, as they do so easily ) - but he recovers quickly enough with a shake of his head. ]

I assure you, it's real enough, but I don't aim to be giving orders to any that don't wish to hear them.

[ Because he is not a jerk, Jerkson!! ]

We don't at the present time, but I suppose it's something I ought to start considering.

[necrowmantic]

I dunno about all of that. I fight because I love the slaughter.

[pratentious]

[ Arthur frowns because, well. ]

There should be little joy to be had in the loss of life, be it of your own or of your enemies'.

•´¯`• video •´¯`•

[silverkhaleesi]

[Hear hear, now. Spoken like a true King, though, like her, he probably holds no true ruling power in Asgard. But she realizes this Arthur is the kind of man others might feel inclined to follow.]

Well spoken, your Grace. I agree that we must stand united for our own survival and to take care of the mission thrust upon us by the gods. [Whether they are reluctant or not. If they don't succeed, there's no going home.]

I would be interested in attending these Guard meetings, if it is possible. [That's it, if you accept women, because Dany thinks they are just, if not more, as capable as men.]

•´¯`• video •´¯`•

[pratentious]

[ He always has a quiet smile to spare for Daenerys, despite having met her thrice over by now. She is the sort of Queen he'd imagine Morgana might've made had things played differently in their world; the sort that demands respect, in their brightest and their darkest hours. ]

You honour me with your praise, Khaleesi, but not half so much as you might to see you at our Table.

private;

[bloodypocket]

A riveting and perhaps inspiring speech much like last time, Arthur Pendragon. [And just like last time, he's keeping this exchange private. He does hold some respect for the man, but he was one who liked to given good reasoning for granting that faith even though part of him longed to give it freely.]

So many of the people now did not witness Ragnarok alongside us, how much do you think their views are swayed from what the city believed months ago?

private;

[pratentious]

Thank you, Eyes.

[ He understands it well enough. Arthur gives trust too freely and rarely bids his face hidden from his words; if he's to give them, he wants to own them and everything that would come with it. The proposal of a new militia included. ]

Admittedly? A great deal, if the recent dealings with the spy are any indication. Many of them know nothing of the events that have transpired in the past year and are thusly blind to its severity.

video;

[forgetyourusedtobe]

[...Well, listening to a king give a speech is a first and can now officially be checked off the list. That was damn regal, Arthur.]

I don't have much training, but if there's some way I can help, I want to.

video;

[pratentious]

[ He does so live to serve ! ]

There is always much to be done in a time of war, and holding a blade is only one of the many. A willingness to help is the best place to start. Have you any experience at all with the battlefield?

video;

[conquering]

Wonderfully charismatic yet not dull, a work well-done, my Lord.

[ but let her get to the point she's really here for. ]

And now that all the city shall be clapping and joining you, when will we have our chance of - well how to say it gently -

[ a hum. ]

Abrogate them all?

[ she's joking!! Mostly. ]

video;

[pratentious]

Morgana!

[ Joking or not, that is awful. ]

[audio]

[needsnoheadsman]

If there is still space in your Guard, Your Grace, then you have my sword.

[audio]

[pratentious]

There is always a place for the King in the North, Robb Stark. You pledge not to me, but both of us to each other, and you shall have my sword in turn.

video;

[suckmykiss]

Seriously? [Excuse Bo as she just stares for a few moments. Because... Arthur and wow.]

So basically you're looking for people who are willing or just wanting to kick some ass?

video;

[pratentious]

[ He has to laugh, just a little. ]

Not quite in so many words - or so few, I suppose - but yes. Willing and able to kick some Giant ass.

[ He can colloquialism too! ]

video; private;

[swedge]

[ aw arthur you're so cute. ]

I'm gonna take a wild guess and say the houses are sticking together anyway.

[ a.k.a. does she really need to join or can it be assumed she's following your dumb medieval butt anyway. ]

video; private;

[pratentious]

[ No he is not what are you even. ]

You lot don't get a say in the matter.

video;

[gymnast]

You can count me in, Arthur.

video;

[pratentious]

I surely hope so, Allison. We'll need a steady hand to guide the others.

Audio

[alternia_strength]

[Arthur, it's your favorite Sir Sweats a Lot]

Will there be talk of divisions within said guard and opportunities to develop proper archery bodies? I am aware some have made attempts in the past, and wished to see the opportunity made use of, but perhaps I am putting the cart before the horse in this.

Audio

[pratentious]

[ Oh, good. ]

My hope is to garner enough interest to do so, yes. In our last incarnation, we hadn't the numbers to spare for such a thing. We have more time to search and prepare now.

[not here]

[ex_outofcontrol435]

[Oh christ. And just when he'd come up with the perfect plan to cast a positive light on Magneto and maneuver the Brotherhood into a position of power. Someone sincere comes along to start up what he'd planned.

Back to the drawing board. He'll have an eye on Arthur, though. Maybe even ask Magneto if he should join and watch more closely.]

[not here]

[pratentious]

[ Sorry, Pyro. Some of us really do want to help people. :(b ]

[Video]

[foodshortage]

As always, I will stand by you, Arthur.

[ Goodness knows they need this. Desperately. ]

[Video]

[pratentious]

And I by you, Father.

[ Because they need everything they can get. This is their element. ]

The challenges we face are much the same as before, but now we've changed the battlefield. I fear for what may yet to come; we must be prepared for anything.

[Video]

[unbrokenwheel]

[Half way through this he started drawing up some plans and wanders over to the forge to stir up the fire inside, his work on a automated bellows system is not yet complete. Frustrating but he's working on it.

He waits until it's over before he speaks up.] I can't do what I used to, since the power I got here was different. But like Percy this is nothing new to me. Pretty much the universal deal, and man is it old. Anyway, if you need someone to help with defenses, making weapons, and anything else of the building related variety, Leo Valdez is at your service.

Combat training I'll need some help there. Didn't exactly have the time to get much training in that beyond hammers, back home.

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur spares some measure of amusement, both because of the way they speak of their world and its trials and of the fact he's already working diligently in his own. Good men and women, just as he'd said. ]

I have no doubts we'll have need of you yet, Leo Valdez. Is there any craft in particular you'd be keen to learn?

video

[divinewisdom]

[ She does not necessarily stalk Percy Jackson (and Leo Valdez, possibly), however, it just so happens that she is interested in the same things as they are when it comes to this post, and particularly the part about ordered fighting. It's always better to have a plan, after all. ]

If Percy and Leo are offering, I'm not letting them go anywhere without someone capable. [ It's clearly a joke; they're just fine on their own. ] My name is Annabeth. I only got here after this war, but I've trained my whole life for things like this. If you need more people -- strategists, warriors -- count me in.

video

[pratentious]

[ He grins all the same because, well - there's a theme here. She's in good company. ]

The more capable hands we have, the better. It would be a pleasure to have you, Annabeth.

video;

[livedtwice]

[Harry actually listens to it a couple times before responding.]

Standing united is important. I don't disagree with that. It's only that ...

[How does he put it? Everything he's learned about this is a mess, and still ... something is off. Something about it rubs him the wrong way.]

Aren't you simplifying matters a little? People are divided for a reason. And what happened wasn't because of that divide. Unless you know something I don't know. It is possible.

video;

[pratentious]

[ Arthur has to pause and consider this a moment before responding objectively. ]

I won't say that I know more, per se, as we've all our individual experiences to guide our footfalls. But I've been in this city since near to the beginning of our part in this war, and never before have we been so ... contentious towards one another. What happened came to pass because of a difference in moralistic values and while it is good to have these differences, they should not set us at each other's throats when each other is all we have in this fight.

video;

[unhappymeal]

[He's definitely a true Arthur. Kiritsugu can't say he's fond of that kingliness, but it's somehow still a little admirable.]

Well you're certainly a good speaker.

video;

[pratentious]

You can't lead a people by sword alone.

[ But talk is cheap, he knows that. ]

In the very least, we must give them something to fight for.

voice.

[mulletrock]

[Dean's not sure where to start with the spiel. It's definitely the longest thing on the network he's ever seen through, and he's not sure he even wants to comment. He has to choke back laughter before actually answering the damn feed because Sam sure knew how to pick his friends. No wonder his brother got along so well with mooks like this guy.]

'The Round,' huh?

voice.

[pratentious]

[ Dean? Arthur wasn't aware he'd returned to himself. He should probably seek out Sam after all of this is over with -- ]

The Round Table. Perhaps I put too much stock in symbols, but. No one man holds a head above the rest at the Table. There is a comfort to be found in the reminder.

video;

[etoaktagamat]

I had missed you and Merlin while I was gray. [Not really tho. Because she didn't even remember who she was, let alone you. Point still stands.] You are as handsome as I remember.

Arthur, would it be possible to have my place back at the council? I will also join the Guard if you will have me.

video;

[pratentious]

Leeloo.

[ Always a grin for her. ]

It would be an honour if you would join us. We're always glad to see familiar faces.

[text]

[lensglare]

If it is not too late, then I would be willing to partake in this, as well.

Although I must ask if you have any roles that is... not necessarily a soldier.

[text]

[pratentious]

We will always have room for more. Is there anything in particular you had in mind?

video; SORRY FOR LATE.

[historyrabbit]

[He's still not feeling the best after dealing with the plague but... Arthur's post intrigues him, and it's never wise to raise a Bookman's curiosity.

Lavi's voice is a bit raspy, he's getting it back slowly.] It might take me a while to get to the point where I can kill the giants myself but I'd be willing to join the guard.

[It's not because he can't fight. It's because of...other things.]

video; shh no I am the slowest of slow, it's all good.

[pratentious]

[ Lavi has a face. This is the most important of what he's just said, okay. Now Arthur knows what he looks like. ]

Finding yourself in good health is the first priority. You'll have a hard time of protecting anyone if you're sicking all over them.

[Video]

[bonnypiperlad]

Aye, it's a useful thing to have, no doubt. But if ye don't mind my asking, your Majesty, what had happened to the guard after the battle?

[There's nothing accusatory in his tone, simply some curiosity over what had happened - because this is the first time he's heard of anything like a Guard in the city.]

[Video]

[pratentious]

[ Arthur is quiet for just a second, because remembering that battle isn't exactly pleasant. ]

Are you aware of the Battle's conclusion?

[Video]

[childofthewickedday]

[Mordred simply sends a video of himself covering his mouth in an exaggerated gesture. A certain king speaks too much and for too long]

[Video]

[pratentious]

Not you too, little one.

[ / deadcat ]

Video

[tradingsecrets]

You always say a lot, but it makes sense. I'll be helping again.

Video

[pratentious]

At least one of you seems to think so.

[ You are his new favourite, Finnick. ]

Will I be fending off your wife for this one again?