-- against the wind (Everyone)

[King Artorius Castus]

Christmas, was a time of celebration for Arthur. It was a time for him to give thanks for his God, and be grateful for everything he had. While for other people, it was only a time to eat and have fun, and get away from the dark thoughts of the Saxons. There were many people in Hadrian’s that had their own beliefs – pagan beliefs. While Arthur still held true to his Christian beliefs, he did not feel compelled to nag at the others to follow his own religion. Arthur respected people’s religious choices, and never questioned it. But today was a time for everyone to be together, and just enjoy it. Standing up, Arthur grabbed his dark blue gambeson, pulling it over his head, before reaching for his cuirass. He wasn’t even going to bother with his chain mail – after all, he wasn’t expecting to fight anyone.

Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Arthur slipped into his boots, before standing up, sliding Excalibur into the sheath at his side. Arthur gave one last look around his own personal quarters, before walking out, and closing the wooden door behind him. Walking down the brightly lit corridor, Arthur nodded his acknowledgement to the guards stationed outside of the doors to the Great Hall – where the celebrations would take place. Instead of barging right through the doors, Arthur paused for a moment, listening to all of the laughter and joy. Placing both hands on the each side of the doors, he pushed through, walking inside. As soon the King walked in, everyone stood up, before sitting down once Arthur gave a nod.

He was their King now, but he failed to see why they stood and bowed every time they saw him. Saying a few hellos to the people, Arthur finally made his way to Guinevere, and the other knights. Taking a seat at the large table between Guinevere and Lancelot, Arthur looked around, occasionally engaging in conversation. Before he had even realized it, the maidens have already served people wine and ale, and placed the food on the different tables. Sliding back in his chair, Arthur stood up, grabbing a hold of golden goblet, watching as people slowly turned to face him and stood up. ”This is a time to celebrate what we have and to be thankful for it.” Arthur said with a slight pause, looking around at the most of the faces before continuing on, ”To freedom.” Arthur said, raising his golden goblet, before taking a drink, and sitting back down. Within a few seconds, the music had started to play again, and the laughter could once again be heard.

NOTE: If you want to see his outfit – look in the icons. This thread is open to everyone – more than one person can reply.

[Helena Castus]

It was winter and Helena actually wanted to be running around outside of the castle in the snow. Alas the small girl was fussing with not wanting to get out of her pajamas for the Christmas Celebration that her father was putting on. She had been taking a nap after a morning of running around inside of the castles trying not to be in the way of the party preparations. "Princess please. Your father will not be to happy if you don't go." Helena huffed for a second and finally got out of her bed. She was having such a nice dream too. Though the maid was right she didn't want to upset her parents. Plus it was always fun to see what the others were going to do. The Princess however didn't really like state functions in the first place. She really wanted to sleep through it but knew that it was a bad idea to actually try and do that.

She looked at the maid that had come in to dress her and then down at the little red dress that she was going to wear. She gave off a little sigh and then allowed the maid to take off her nightgown so that she could put on her dress. She didn't like being dressed by someone else she liked dressing herself and that was what she did. The maid tied the bow of the dress behind her and then started to brush out her hair. Helena tried to site patiently but she fidgited. "Princess stay still." "I'm trying..." She said in a rather pleading tone. "There all done." Helena jumped up and didn't even bother to look at herself in a mirror before she ran out of her room and out of site. The maid sighed and quickly followed after her.

She skidded to a halt at the doors of the Great Hall. The guards looked down at her as she giggled a little bit. "Hello..." She said before one of them opened the door for her. She walked into a very loud room. She shook her head and looked up to the main table before running up behind her father and tugging on his shirt. "Daddy...Daddy! Why is it so loud?" She made to crawl up on his lap so that she could see over the table and watch everyone with curious eyes. She was sure he was going to make her sit properly in her own chair but she really didn't want to at the moment. She looked over at her mother. "Mommy you look so pretty." She gave them both a big smile.

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[King Artorius Castus]

Once he had finished with the toast to freedom, Arthur sat his goblet on the table, before taking a seat, himself. His dark blue eyes wondered around the room, before he turned to Guinevere, thinking about Helena, his young daughter. Where was she? He had given her guards specific instructions to keep tabs on the young child, and make sure she made it to the Christmas celebration. Any other time, he wouldn’t have really cared if she made an appearance or not. Helena was young and restless, and didn’t understand the importance of these stately functions. But this was Christmas, a time to be with family and friends. Wrapping his fingers around the goblet, he brought it up to his mouth, taking a drink, before sitting it back down.

Turning his head, Arthur looked past Lancelot, at the Lady Marina, asking if she felt any better. The famed woman knight had been ambushed by a few Saxons. From what he had heard, she had held her own with them, but not without consequences. One of her arms was wrapped up, as if she was a partial mummy, and she didn’t seem very happy about the little incident. But then again, who would be happy about something like that? A few seconds later, Arthur watched as Helena walked into the great hall, in a red dress. A short while later, he turned his head, tilting it to the side, watching as his daughter walked up to him. ”I’m glad you decided to make an appearance..” Arthur said, giving a slight smile.

Helena was like both of her parents: stubborn. So, he wasn’t going to be too hard on her, anyways, she still young. It didn’t take very long before the young child had climbed into his lap, so she could see over the table. ”There are quite a few people in here, enjoying themselves, Helena.” Arthur said, brushing his lips across the top of her head lovingly. Lifting a hand, he ran it through his dark, curly locks, before wrapping his arm around Helena. ”You look very pretty, m’darling.” Arthur said, pulling his lips up into a smile. Helena was his pride and joy. Always had been, and always will be. Arthur grew up without parents, well for the most part at least, and he didn’t want his daughter to grow up in that situation. He was also doing everything in his will power to make sure something like that didn’t happen.

NOTE: If you want to see his outfit – look in the icons. Other people can still reply to this thread – it’s a site wide event.

[Helena Castus]

Helena finished climbing into her fathers lap. He's not made protest to against her doing just that. She was listening to talk around the table but she did not understand any of it. When the grown ups began to laugh at things being said she just tilted her head and wiggled into the right sitting position on her father's lap. She rather liked looking at everyone. Uncle Lancelot was sitting next to Auntie Marina who had been hurt. Helena didn't like to see anyone hurt. She felt bad that Auntie Marina had to have her arm all wrapped up. She gave a cute little innocent smile to both Marina and Lancelot before paying attention to what her father was doing and or saying to her. She had a rather short attention span and both of her parents knew that.

She moved her head as her father kissed it with a little giggle. He was glad that she had come to make an appearance. She was glad that he was happy with her. She was happy to be there too. Christmas was a time you were supposed to spend with others. She just didn't want to be woken from her nap was all. "I was having good dream when I was napping Daddy. I didn't wanna wake up from it." She gave a half of a pouty face before in formed more into a giggle then a pout. "You like the dress daddy?" She questioned after he said that she looked pretty. She knew her parents loved her very much. She never wanted anything bad to happen to them. As a matter of fact bad things happening to any of them didn't enter her mind until something like Auntie Marina's attack got to her ears. Everyone had been so hush hush about it and it had made her angry. She hadn't talked to anyone days following it.

Helena really didn't like not knowing things. "Daddy is Auntie Marina at least feeling a little better?" The knights were family to her as well. The men Uncles and any females were Aunties. She leaned back into her father allowing him to wrap his arms a little tighter around her as she continued to survey the room. She giggled as she show two of the noblemen almost trip as they got up to greet each other properly. The maids were busy making sure that everyone had what they needed. One came up and handed Helena a little goblet with juice to drink. Helena smiled at her and took the goblet taking a small drink before putting it down next to her Daddy's. She moved a bit and gave her daddy a kiss on the cheek. "I love you daddy." She whispered to him before sliding back down into the position she was sitting in before.

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[King Artorius Castus]

Arthur lifted a brow up, watching as Helena scrambled up into his lap. His daughter was still young and curious, so he was going to let it slide by this time. Anyways, if he had been her age, he would have wanted to be a in position so he could watch everything that was going on around him. Wrapping his fingers around the stem of the goblet, Arthur lifted it to his mouth to take a drink, before sitting it back down on the table. Moments like these, were what Arthur truly enjoyed. The thoughts of Saxons were pushed to the back of his mind, with the exception of Alowyn and Marina's attack.

Everyone was happily together and enjoying themselves – and Arthur was glad they weren't so deep in despair that it was impossible for that to happen. Leaning back in his seat, Arthur wrapped both arms around Helena, glancing up as movement near the doors caught his gaze from the corner of his eye. The guards were changing out, allowing the previous ones to step in and enjoy themselves. A few seconds later, Arthur found himself watching Helena, as she spoke about her dream. At least she had gotten a nap in.

The young girl wouldn't be up as late as Arthur and the rest of the adults would be, but she would be up later than normal. He just didn't want her to be cranky, and without adequate rest – that was exactly what she was. ”What were you dreaming about, or do you remember?” Arthur asked, giving his daughter a smile. A few seconds later, Arthur nodded his head. ”Yes I do, I think red suites you.” Arthur said, giving her a gentle squeeze. Red really did seem to suite the young child. Whoever had chosen her dress, had exceptional taste for Helena, at least.

A short while later, the smile on his face faded away slightly at the talk of Marina. Marina was like an adoptive aunt to Helena, just as Lancelot was like an uncle to her. They were all like there very own, huge family. So of course whenever news of Marina's attack had arrived, Arthur had plans on keeping it from Helena. He didn't want to worry her – he wanted her to have as normal of a childhood as possible. Either way, word had gotten out, and back to Helena. Arthur glanced over at Marina, before diverting his attention back to his little girl.

”I think she feels better, she isn't happy because she can't train for a while.” Arthur paused for a moment before continuing on, ”She has a free spirit, like you.” Arthur nodded his thanks whenever one of the maids gave Helena a goblet full of juice, before watching as Helena moved around a bit, and then gave him a kiss on the cheek. ”I love you too, my darling.” Arthur said, kissing the top of her head.

NOTE: If you want to see his outfit – look in the icons. Other people can still reply to this thread – it’s a site wide event.

[Helena Castus]

Helena was glad to be on her father's lap and not in her own chair. She wouldn't be able to see everything nicely in her own seat. She could barely see over the table in that chair. However, on her daddy's lap she could see everything that was going on. She was happy he hadn't made to move her off his lap either. She watched him pick up his glass to take a drink and then put it down. She gave off a little giggle as she picked up her own drink and drank as well. She put her smaller goblet down next to her father's and smiled brightly at the size difference. She looked over at her mother with the same smile before turning to look at the rest of the people in the room.

The room was filled with laughter and Helena was happy just to be arond it all. There was no tension in the air tonight just happy feelings. She wasn't sure why this time of year made people all happy and giddy but she liked it. She snuggled closer into her father as he wrapped both arms around her. She moved her head to watch the guards change and then back to the rest of the party. She still wished that she was sleeping and having her dream. She could almost remember it vividly but it was starting to fade away which was making her rather sad. She turned her head to look up at her father as he asked her what her dream was about. She smiled brightly when he said that her dress suited her. She was sure that her Auntie Pandra had told the others what looked good on her. Pandra had yet to arrive from her home yet. Helena couldn't wait to see her again. However the young girl knew that Pandra was not a full time resident of Hadrain and she had a home she went back too.

Finally she opened mouth and launched into her dream. "I was riding a pretty black horse looking over the land with people dancing happily. It was a party. Grandpa Merlin was in it as well. I was talking to him and he was teaching me new things." That was about it. There were more details but Helena didn't have to words to actually express what else had been going on in the dream. It was just a happy dream and she hadn't wanted to wake up from it. She turned back to watch what was going on glancing every so often to her Auntie Marina. The Knights were her adopted aunts and uncles and she was sad when they got hurt. She noticed the change in her father and she turned to him hoping she had not said something bad.

Helena would have been angry if she had not been told that her Auntie had gotten hurt. She knew that her father and mother didn't want her to worry about things but she cared more about the other person then her own worries. She knew bad people were out there but in the mind of a four year old she was safe with the right people. She smiled when her daddy told her that the other was feeling better just not happy that she could roam free. She snuggled more into her father as he kissed the top of her head and said that he too loved her. She turned back to watching the others with fascination plastered on her face. She took up her goblet again and drank before putting it back.

"Daddy will there be music later?" She loved listening to the laughter but music was something that was much prettier she thought. Where laughter made you feel good music made your spirit sore. It was just a very nice feeling to the young girl and she could listen to someone playing any instrument for hours.

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[Cassius Aurelius]

CASSIUS AURELIUS

Patrolling the walls and ensuring safety; that was Cassius idea of celebration. Being a man of Rome – a man of sword and shield, he knew little of celebration. In his time in service to the Emperor, to his men as a General, Cassius was nothing more than a peasant; then again, what had changed? On the odd occasion he shared an alcoholic drink around a fire after a tiring battle, or after an unneeded border patrol. It was the way of Cassius Aurelius; it always had been and always would be. No matter how much his King demanded equality, there was something that Cassius didn’t find appealing with the whole idea. Standing on the same level as a King or an Emperor defeated the whole purpose of royalty – of law and order – of ruling. It was different when you were a General of a force. A general should have been on par with his men, with nothing greater than they other then the simple mastery of his blade, the stride in his step and the tactics which he stored in his mind. Every soldier was equal with their general in their very own eyes; or so they should have felt. It was one thing to have control over your people, but it was another to think yourself better than them. Everyman, in God’s eyes, was equal.

“General Aurelius, the Knights are expected in the Christmas celebration. The King expects everyone to enjoy this night.” A tall man, armoured to the head was standing, looking on at Cassius with his hand simply rested on the hilt that was located at his side.

“So I’ve heard. Take my post.” Cassius nodded simply, stepping off of his mark and heading down to the likes of the party. He wasn’t dressed for such occasion; his armour was pulled tightly on, while his warming drape over cape rested easily over his shoulders. Passing through a crowd of regular men and women, Cassius thought it best he present himself to the King. He was here for him after all, not for anyone else – for the man that he grew up training to protect. “Artorius, my King.” Cassius nodded his head formerly, more so a bow than anything. Raising his head after just a short moment, the Knight looked deep into his King’s eyes. When addressing someone – whether they be of high authority or importance or not, it was common courtesy and respect to gaze into their eyes.

“It’s good to see that the men and women are happy.” Cassius struggled to smile. He was too firm for that, for the likes of smiling over such petty things – such normal things. “As much as I would like to stay and enjoy this feast that you have brought together for us, my King, I can not. Someone must ensure order over those on the wall.” The Knight spoke firmly, his point trying to be pushed further out; just so that his King understood why his Knight and Roman General needed to leave. As much as Cassius wished it’d be this easy, the Knight knew well and true that his King would more or less expect something more – for the Knight to have a drink, to feast alongside the other Knights, to outstay the entire night. As much as that may have been a tempting offer to some, to Cassius it was nothing more than unwanted attention. Courtesy. That’s what attending this party was. Respect and courtesy for his loved King.

In the midst of his attempt to flee the party, Cassius had overlooked the young girl that was also in the presence of the two men. When gazing down to her, the Knight shot a half smile down to her in an attempt to redeem his rudeness. “M’lady.” He spoke graciously with a slight bow, “You look truly like a princess.” Cassius tried to hold his smile, dragging it out for the longest duration he could, “Your father and mother are very lucky to have been blessed with such an angelic daughter.” The Knight acknowledged his King with the words, and genuine congratulating nod accompanied the words.