Castle of Loch Ness

[Apollymi]

A small giggle escaped Merlyn. "Hm, I suppose I'll keep that in mind for next time~" she mused. Of course, Merlyn was soon given the advice from Sir Cador that she should keep her own mental wellness in mind while being so busily preoccupied with Arthur. "I've not been overly concerned. I am only a bothered now because I feel like I set him up. He had such a good day and it fell apart in moments..." she mentioned as if she were fine with it. "I adopted the mindset of Happy now, sad later. Because well, you're going to be sad later... until one day you aren't... that's all," she explained. She wasn't overly concerned with Arthur's wellbeing overall. She knew that she'd set him up to be alright, though that had taken more doing than most things. As for the last part she had to stifle a chortle. What happened to her twin was... not so terrible as it could have been. "Iie, that story isn't so sad. Ichi-nii is a man who adores the attention of women, but he is uncaring as to their feelings in pivotal moments. It is simply the truth of him. He got himself locked in the Tower of Avalon by the not so well balanced, Lady Vivian. When she discovered how much his eyes wandered~" she stated very clearly. Actually, aside from the fact that she'd spent so much time on this planet without her twin, the story itself wasn't that different. "I always told him before he'd end up being stabbed by a girl being so dishonest, but... not everyone takes their little sister's warnings seriously~" she said with a chuckle. "I only wished to know why I couldn't sense my connection to his person when I know I should. But given where he is... it makes sense, it's only a little annoying it will be a while yet before I see him again," Merlyn stated. She knew she'd see her brother again. She was comforted in knowing he wasn't dead and all of that was fine for now. It was a small touch of happiness she could take from this rather extensive life she'd lived.

Sir Cador truly thought, Merlyn's issue with this blind spot in her vision was simply a matter of her never having experienced such a sensation before. Of course it was true, she had never been able to not see. Her abilities had never failed her. Knowing there was something unknown in the world was exciting but it was also... very frightening. "I wouldn't dare speak of myself in absolute terms, but until today there was nothing in this world I couldn't see if I looked. I am distinctly disturbed by not being able to see the truth of something I am looking for," Merlyn stated. "I take it less as a mark against by abilities and find it more threatening to the World at large because it means this entity is something the world didn't prepare for," she stated. "And that is even more unnerving because Arthur is looking for this anomaly."

[Bloodedge]

"Maybe there won't be a need next time. Who's to know?" Cador asked rhetorically. Perhaps next time they met the way they did tonight, it wouldn't be for the sake of one party distracting themselves with the other's body. Perhaps, with the knowledge that Merlyn knew sleep about as well as she knew death, Cador would simply sit up during the aftermath. Cador wasn't a being with anything resembling Clairvoyance, so there was no way for him to know even the potential futures beyond simple rhetoric. "You feel like you set him up. Well, I'm not sure what happened after we left that dining hall, but I am certain you didn't send our young king into darkness. This mindset you say you've adopted implies that the only thing you set him up for, was the happiness he experienced earlier in the day. Does that not mean you've done more than anyone can ask?"

Merlyn's words made little sense to Sir Cador. Sure, knowledge of another's terrible future without saving them from torment could have been something bad... but he doubted that. He had no doubts that Merlyn only let any earlier events transpire because it would produce a better outcome overall. As such, in his mind, she stood above any king. "Grand Wizard Merlyn. You've never raised a king before Arthur, have you? A king has to make difficult choices for the sake of his kingdom, and he must do so without foreknowledge of any consequences. I wish I had a sorceress who could have confirmed, just once, that the things I let happen in Cornwall were really for the greater good in the end. You, Merlyn, have a pension for looking on the negative side of your own decisions~" he chanted, even pressing his forefinger into the succubus' nose as he addressed her directly. "Anyway, you're telling me Avalon is more than just a myth? And your twin, Queen Artoria's Merlin, is held captive there by the Lake Fairy? What, does your name just come with a fate of being incarcerated?" Cador offered with a light chuckle. He had little to offer regarding her lack of sight around some unspecified future, but then... it became just a bit more clear what that future may have been. This new knowledge produced a question, which Cador simply couldn't go without asking. "If you can't see this truth, what makes you so sure Arthur is looking for it? Moreover, if someone like him is seeking it, why do you believe it will threaten the world?"

[Apollymi]

The softness of Merlyn as she laid in discussion with Sir Cador looking slightly down at her, was so very obvious. There was a stark contrast between the very emotion driven succubus and the Fairy known as Morgan. Still the light in those magenta eyes of hers flickered just a tad as Sir Cador spoke in rhetoric. "Well, the clairvoyant succubus wouldn't know what is and isn't necessary again~" she said with gentle sarcasm. "Though I haven't been looking much at myself so I can't exactly say~" she stated with a bit of a chuckle. This was true, looking around herself was something Merlyn avoided for the time being, deciding to go along with building happiness for these people, instead of accidentally seeing to their potential bad ends. Some things weren't worth looking at when she'd already grown so attached to everyone. And Merlyn for all of her current levels of aloofness was already very attached to this group... He didn't believe she'd lead the young king into the darkness. Well, she hadn't exactly, but... "Our young king after we left the dining hall, met a relic from the Age of the Fairies. And found out what happens when someone really lacks human logic while having Clairvoyance. Said relic also happens to share the body of his eldest and most adored sister," she explained of the situation to the one person she trusted more than anyone else. How strange to know that was the truth of this matter. "And yes, I did everything to give him a nice day... but, seeing him so happy and seeing Lady Vivian show up the same day... was like watching a happy family and then seeing the car wreck that happens after dinner, both play out at the same time," Merlyn explained of her thought process. Even though she'd warned Arthur with some rather indirect words that women in this world weren't always okay. Even though she'd showed him what happens when Mysteries of the Old World encounter the Logic of the New. For a person who claimed to want to figure things out on his own... he didn't grab on to the very obvious clues. Hell, it'd still be some time yet before he figured out what she was, and she made an entire show of that situation.

She could tell by the words he spoke that Cador wouldn't fully understand what she meant. She figured no one would really. Still, in her own lack of human logic she tended to bear the weight of her decisions which had even minor negative effects because it was all she could do to protect those who couldn't protect themselves in the same way. Still, Sir Cador's words made her look at him more directly. Was Arthur the first King she raised? Well.... yes and no. Arthur was the first 'Player' King she raised but Merlyn had been alive for longer than most. She'd indirectly led to the rise of many of the nations of this continent, without staying around to directly interfere with them. It was what a king was supposed to do? She knew that... still, it felt wrong to watch relative children stumble into danger every few seconds. A finger made contact with the end of her nose and she managed to look abashed. "I know I do, but... the negatives of my decisions are the parts I see the direct results to most often," she said. Though he claimed he would have liked to know his decisions were for the better in the end, it seemed a trivial consolation at best. Still if he said it as such, that meant she could at least feel the slightest bit of relief that her actions might not be frowned upon one day, even if she looked at them herself with a great deal of dismay. She relaxed against Sir Cador in the moment, he really was good for emotional support, at least her own. "Yes, Avalon is a real place. And my twin's real self is being locked away there by the wayward Water Fairy. Her exact words about the situation were, that he 'cheated' his way out of his imprisonment as well. I did mention how I am as real as I want to be wherever I appear, we share that trait. Someone called Merlin probably needs to be there for some reason or another, so I could probably trade with him whenever I see him..." she mentioned knowing her brother was probably free as he wanted to be and womanizing as he was always going to, aside from the lack of 'realness' of him right just now. The last bit of Merlyn's uncertainty whirled around that unseen entity in her vison. Sir Cador's questions were indeed valid ones. "Because he asked for her, by name to his sister. The Lady of the Lake recognized the name and so do I... she's quite famous in our own time. She's the boss he claimed he was looking for when he ended up here, Ashikaga Kimiko." she told the Spirit Knight, not knowing if that name meant anything to him or not. "It is an assumption, but his batting average on women he believes in is quite bad at the moment. I was prepared for the bad things that could happen when we encounter the others... I cannot prepare for this one so I've been assuming the worst. I'd like to hope, truly. But if I assume the worst I won't be disappointed long term." Merlyn was definitely a half-empty glass of a person.

[Bloodedge]

A turn toward more serious matters resulted in Cador abandoning earlier topics entirely. The Fairy of legend, Vivian, was in fact the same identity as another who caused this new negative occurrence surrounding their king. Vital details were left out, though it was probably for the best. "That doesn't seem nearly as bad as you're making it sound. As far as necessary lessons are concerned, I believe an adored sibling going sour is among the better ways to learn this world is kind to no one. I also believe our Arthur is clever enough to learn that lesson more easily than the last person this world tried to teach through those same means. You know... when I stood as king in Cornwall, Sir Lot was an outstanding member of Zuria's court. His little brother was his manservant, until that same brother was coerced by the idea of a woman's touch to overthrow the kingdom. We've all seen what became of Sir Lot since then. We all have reason to assume Arthur won't go down a dark path as a result of whatever happened to him."

It seemed Merlyn's most commonly-seen futures were the negative results of her decisions. Cador shook his head as it rested atop his knuckles, thinking things couldn't have been nearly so bad. "Hush, Merlyn. Based on the way you talk, I'd say you're just focused on the negatives. Arthur is troubled now, yes? Arthur is also alive. That alone is more than so many can claim. Besides, it's better if he gets the traumas out of the way early. A king who experiences the negatives only at the end, is... well..." Cador spoke no further on the topic. In truth, the hypothetical king he spoke of was none other than himself. Ah, there was perhaps a saving grace─ the mention of what Arthur sought, which happened to be aligned to the gap in Merlyn's foresight. She spoke reasonable concerns, if nothing else. On the other hand, though, it wasn't as if Arthur's track record was a total loss already. "Ashikaga Kimiko ka─" he spoke, knowing the name vaguely. If he recalled correctly, it was the girl's mother he knew of best. "I know only a little of that girl, but if I recall, I don't imagine she's the type to be tainted by this world. From what I hear, she'd be more the type to change it, for better or for worse. And... considering she's his boss, I'd like to thing the former. Don't worry yourself too much until the need to do so arises, either way. Myself and the other knights are at Arthur's disposal, as well as yours; all will be well."

[Apollymi]

"Not my story to tell... I left out the properly traumatizing parts," she said in the same manner she always spoke. "Though the fact that he's been sitting in a cold bath for most of the night is a bit telling," she said of Arthur in general. The telling of the history of Sir Lot and his brother the former King Leorio was about what Merlyn thought it would have been. Still, she knew Arthur would never be that bad even at his worst, but there were still various loose ends wiggling around that pair of brothers. "He won't himself become dark, no..." Merlyn mentioned. But that wasn't entirely the problem, his general demeanor was what would suffer, and thus would cause a bit of an uproar all around him for a while. She understood the negative aspects of a personality a bit more than most, and though she agreed the lad learning such a lesson was necessary, she might not have chosen now when he'd finally relaxed just a little to show it to him. The same could have been said about the situation in Zuria, she wouldn't have thrown him into that... without it being a necessity.

Ah, but she was to hush now and consider the bright sides of these always dark things she was allowing to happen around her? Arthur was alive, that was a plus. Arthur was troubled for the time being? Also true. He could experience his traumas earlier than most, instead of at the end of his kingdom. Perhaps it was worth considering that this would set him up to make better decisions in the future? Oh, but what was this, Sir Cador was very vaguely referencing himself here and now. They'd had a conversation like this while she was imprisoned as well... when she asked him what he'd do if he knew how it would turn out. "So you haven't changed your mind about that part then? I suppose I can't always worry about such moments, though that makes it no less stressful..." she murmured to herself, that was the part of her that was still innately human. Her consideration of the emotional wellbeing of others set her aside from other such entities of the world. She buried her face in the chest of the Spirit Knight while trying to remove herself from all that was the situation. Unlike a lot of other things, she had at least, gotten a few people around Arthur that could help him out of his depression and pull him out of own head. What was more, while she considered this, she was given a tiny little snippet about Ashikaga Kimiko. Apparently the Spirit Knight was more familiar with her mother than the girl herself, but claimed that given that she was Arthur's boss, she might be more inclined for good than evil. "Sou ka, I still don't like not being able to see. I mean... a potentially world changing entity not within my sight when I've seen literally everything else is a cause for concern, no matter how she falls on the scale..." she said with her face buried and obviously pouting. "But the Spirit Knight's ability to comfort and his judge of character are sound. I can believe you if you say I should hold off on worrying... I will push it aside for now, and busy myself with something else~" the succubus mused. How much easier would her life had been if she'd come across just this one person long before this point in her life? Quite a bit she wagered, still, she was happy to enjoy him here and now.

[Bloodedge]

"I assumed as much. I won't pester you for the details, and Arthur is free to speak them whenever he has a mind to. Well... that is assuming his lips aren't too pruned to speak by the time he gets out of that bathtub you spoke of," Cador said, managing some small semblance of his usual joking tone. His faith in Arthur's character was apparent, and it seemed even Merlyn harbored a hefty quantity. Everything would be fine; of this he was sure... because he also had a great deal of faith in Arthur's guide. As Merlyn's face pressed against his chest, the arm he'd previously extended for the sake of tapping her nose was brought around once more. His hand cupped the back of Merlyn's head, holding it in place while shifting ever so gently. "Of course I haven't changed my mind. Doing that sort of thing in this world is dangerous, after all. Besides, what sort of emotional support dog would I be if I couldn't keep myself on a straight path?"

It seemed Merlyn's qualms were to continue with her lack of foreknowledge about this... Ashikaga Kimiko person. Cador supposed being so used to something being a certain way would result in a strange reaction to even a single change. Even so, he could hardly resist laughing; he just knew Merlyn was being nothing but pouty at this point. "Merlyn, I can feel your bottom lip extending. For once in countless generations, you don't know something. Do you even remember what it's like to be surprised? You should be excited to see something unexpected, not ready to throw a tantrum because you don't know something. Yes, keep yourself busy with other things. Loch Ness is going to be a wonderful place to stay, and I can tell you that with confidence, no Clairvoyance needed~"

[Apollymi]

Merlyn found herself chuckling just a tad. It wasn't even a matter of the situation at this point, but mostly just because of Sir Cador's word choice as far as pruning was concerned. "Well, King of Camelot. King of Raisins. Those are likely equivalent titles right?~" Yep, that was her addition to that, that would be how she left it. If she didn't keep her humor she'd likely have wished she could have properly succeeded in killing herself. Ah, but right just now, she was being held close by Sir Cador who was coddling her, in a way she much appreciated. She didn't know she'd enjoy this so much but, it was definitely welcome in a moment like this. Her own arms slid around him on this gently moving bed. "I don't think my Emotional Support Knight should call himself a dog~ He has way more presence than a simple pup~" she mentioned in that same joking tone. In truth she appreciated this man for saving her from herself in moments like these... he was a knight as truly as one could be.

Still he could feel her pouting, eh? Well, she was pouting... so it wasn't going to make much difference for her to continue. She heard through the whole of his statement and fought back a scoff at his utterances. "I have been surprised no less than five times today, and from those instances, I can say... I like my surprises without embarrassment and in relation to sex. Everything else should be laid clear in my eyes like a field on a bright summer day~" she said. Her words were laughable, she knew this she still really, sincerely didn't like not knowing things. "I trust my Emotional Support Knight. If he claims that Loch Ness will be a wonderful, I will bask in its radiance and not think too much about that girl I can't see," she said as she pressed her lips gently into the center of the knight's chest. Such a touching moment would take place for however long it lasted. Before the night became day, and that day another. How many would pass... as Loch Ness progressed and became a well and proper Kingdom and what could be said of Arthur as this time passed? Well...

[Bloodedge]

King of Camelot vs. King of Raisins. Cador appeared to give the matter a few moments of legitimate thought, just prior to snickering over the clause. "King of Raisins actually has quite a nice ring to it. I think I have every reason to be the first citizen. Purple hair has its benefits, you see~" he joked further. Ah, to be capable of jest in the midst of a dark discussion. Now then, he was meant to be Merlyn's emotional support 'knight' as opposed to some dog. What Merlyn had to say in regards to that, though, was... disagreeable at best. "How dare you? I would never be so foolhardy as to compare myself to an innocent pup! I would be put to shame in seconds," he proclaimed.

Surprises may have been uncommon for Merlyn, but multiple had occurred just today. She claimed to be very specific about the surprises she enjoyed, but such things could surely never be left in a singular state. Time would tell, but first, time had to pass. Pass it did, as Loch Ness began to thrive due to the Round Table's collective efforts. Ah, but there was one problem with the newfound prosperity of Loch Ness. Its citizens were claiming fiefdom to a new king, yet the would-be king who addressed them so freely during his first day here, hadn't spoken a word to anyone. Well, that wasn't quite true. Arthur had been speaking here and there, albeit only when the time came to make a request of his knights. Sir Dagonet was sent out day after day, keeping the streets busy with laughter and plentiful energy while houses were turned into homes for the people. Sir Hector and Sir Cador each aided the citizens in restructuring their new homes, and Sir Elyan had been assisting in the creation of deeds and the like, fairly distributing land to those who called themselves citizens. All of these things were being done by Arthur's direct request... which, of course, was the oddity here. Arthur seemed to have a mind only for business as days passed, though it did seem he could remain effective despite harboring a clear lack of motivation to do so.

[Apollymi]

The days passed and the citizens of Loch Ness became more and more settled. All of the knights were doing their parts to keep the world running around and both Emilia and Guinevere were doing theirs to help with castle upkeep. More rooms were fixed up, more stores filled. Coffers were being divided up and kept the way they should be. Meals were even being cooked on regular rotations. But all the while Arthur himself was mostly unseen. The first few days, this had been let go among the girls. Everyone had good and bad days, but over time, it became more and more obvious to the pair that something was amiss with the young King. Guinevere for her part in this, had questioned Viy the spirit within her doll on the second day, and strangely the impish spirit of the North had absolutely nothing to say. Emilia the feisty lass that she was, went to Merlyn directly but after a few moments of conversation while staring into those glowing eyes of the sorceress, Emilia left without a single answer to any of her questions and just a distinct feeling that everything would be fine.

Well, enough was enough. Guinevere was patient and kind, but she was not about to watch this man crumble under the weight of whatever was going on in his head. So, around lunch several days after the man had all but shut down, Guinevere made her way to Arthur carrying a picnic basket and looking about as cheery as she ever did. Of course, she went to him, knowing she didn't intend to take no for answer... she was a woman on a mission and as such she would complete it. Though unlike the last woman he met with a singular goal in mind, Guinevere came from a point of absolute care. She was dressed in a simple white gown having gone back to clothes more suited to how she felt in this world. those blue eyes of hers quite clear of anything other than a mild bit of concern. She'd knock on the door to whatever room Arthur was in, and enter when he mentioned it was alright. "I have your lunch, Arthur..." she said quietly as she always did, only... unlike any other day, she didn't intend to leave it. No, he was leaving this room and going out to do something. No more sulking or hiding or being trapped within his head. He was going out today to see the fruits of his labors. And unlike most, Guinevere was actually quite used to dealing with moody men, her younger brother used to have to be bribed when he was upset in similar fashion.

[Bloodedge]

A knock on his door? Ah, yes... it was about that time again. Each day since their first spent here, he was brought meals by someone he couldn't, and wouldn't even look in the eye. Arthur hadn't met anyone's gaze in days; he could only see those dead orbs of Morgan, and there was no unseeing them. "Come in," he said, his tone clearly melancholic, or at the very least, far more contemplative than need be. Even as his mind refused to settle, he did not refrain from allowing another into his chambers, where he sat in a lone chair by the window. From there, he had all the view he needed. Arthur could see the village below─ at least most of it. Everything was obviously fine, so it would also be fine for Arthur to avoid too much contact with others. After all, what was the point of it? He could continue nibbling on portions of each meal, bathe, sleep, and let the kingdom come into its own before the next leg of his journey. In doing so, perhaps he could avoid making another unpleasant discovery about those he knew... including himself. Everyone seemed to have another side of themselves, some deeper beneath the surface than others. Did he have one as well? He imagined Merlyn did, and there was just as much a chance of the Round Table and everyone else being the same. Maybe it just wasn't worth finding out either way. Regardless, he'd address Guinevere as she entered, the same way he'd done for anyone bringing a meal the last few days. "Leave it on the nightstand; I'll take care of it before addressing today's rotation." Each day, he said some variant of the same sentence. He'd have his lunch left, he'd take a few bites, and then he'd deal with matters of state. All the while, he would hardly look in another person's direction.

[Apollymi]

Yes, she was allowed to enter. She always was. Even so, this lad never so much as glanced in hers... or anyone else's direction. So... she'd watched several days in a row as Arthur folded further and further into himself and today that wasn't going to be allowed. He was about to learn a rather stark difference in personality between people and maybe that would help him with whatever problem he was having. His words were always the same... every day, spoken like a robot or some other form of soulless individual. No more. "So with all due respect such an answer is unacceptable today," Guinevere said as easily as she breathed. She'd already entered the room, and though it was well kept his constant state of staring out that one window was more than a bit disturbing. "The thing is... we've been watching you completely withdraw for days. And while the men are content to do boy things and wait for you to recover yourself, while covering their parts to the best of their abilities. Emilia and I aren't quite so patient..." she mentioned. "Now then, I have no intention as to prying for whatever is going on inside of that head of yours..." she stated as dutifully as she always did. "But I've already pegged you for the type who throws himself into work while falling apart. So, looking out of this window all day only gives you one view point and one angle of consideration. I've found a nice spot which can't be seen from here... and Emilia made us a picnic so... we're going out to lunch today, Arthur."

Ah, what an interesting approach. Girls didn't let their friends mope for very long when they lived in groups. Real friends were willing to just be there for you even when you're mopey. Considering it that way, Guinevere was more than content to be in Arthur's company even while he was very obviously trying to shut everyone out. The sweetness that was Emilia meant that within the lunch basket were bento boxes put together with a taste of home in mind. Whatever weighed so heavily on the king, he had to know that everything in the world came in balance. Not just whatever bad things, but the nice sweet things as well.

[Bloodedge]

What was this? His answer was unacceptable, according to Guinevere. What was the point? Perhaps something happened, and his attention was needed sooner. No; that was not the reason at all. He was in a bit of a slump, yes... and though the knights were content to leave him be and work as they always would, it seemed Guinevere and Emilia were against such things. They could have left him alone; that would have been better. The physically younger of the two even thought to create a picnic for his lunch, as if to coerce him into going outside. How pointless. He could see all he needed, and do all he needed, from high in the castle. Alas, Guinevere claimed there was a spot he couldn't see from the window. "What's so bad about working?" he wondered aloud. Arthur himself didn't think he was 'falling apart' as Guinevere put it. Yes, he was withdrawn, and yes, he knew this to be truth. His effectiveness would not waver, as far as he was concerned. "There's not much point to a picnic; I'm not that hungry. Spread most of it around, or let Emilia enjoy it herself. Unless something is going to ruin outside, I don't much see the point of putting myself out there right now."

[Apollymi]

Resistance. This was expected to some extent. Men were always so difficult. They didn't share feelings, they walked around upset about whatever was on their mind. They threw themselves into work or school or sports and withdrew almost completely. And then sometime later, something a little bit more off-putting happened and they would be completely shattered. Whatever the case, Guinevere was far less inclined to let the lad wallow than most other people. "Nothing is particularly bad about working. It's just a bad coping mechanism." Guinevere stated. He claimed that she should spread the picnic around or let Emilia enjoy it herself and that bar ruin outside there wasn't much reason for him to be outside. She would have scoffed but this was far from the time of such behaviors. She stood there as if considering his words, before coming up with a proper reply. "There are very few things in life worth protecting... I myself find only three of them really worthwhile. One of them is Emilia's innocence," she said while also staring out of the window. "I won't help you hurt her feelings," she stated plainly. Such an idea was beyond her, she imagined he'd felt similarly at the point where Merlyn tried to avoid a meal... the fact he would bother trying to be that way to someone else was partly his problem. "Here and now we see the start of the problem of ruling from above... you'll be out of touch. If you need a work related reason to pull yourself out of the room there is that one. The earnestness of the young king seen his first day, will disappear if he doesn't act..." she said as casually as she'd been speaking this entire time. "I'm sure if I kept it up... I could think of a few more just to push the point, but if you understand that I will stand here and keep listing reasons until I think of one that will have you move... you could simply meet me half way," she said. "Again, you don't have to make eye contact with anyone, talk or even eat very much... but at least change your scenery get some fresh air. Put some space between your head and your thoughts... And accept just a little a small token from those who worry for you." Ah, yes... she might have said too much. But all had noticed the emptiness of the young king's directions. The girl's had noticed that said emptiness came with a certain inability to make eye contact. It was strange to note, but the lad had been so earnest before, even while playing loyal servant to Kolin that the difference was noticeable and out right startling.

[Bloodedge]

A bad coping mechanism. Funny; Arthur couldn't think of a single thing that would ever classify as a good coping mechanism. The only viable thing he found to get over a slump was time, and he intended to take it. Unfortunately, others had different intentions, and he had to be dealing with the most adamant of them. "Three," he repeated. Yet another thing was almost laughable. He could have said that exact statement once, yet now, he was unsure. Guinevere had a point, though. If he rejected Emilia's cooking, he'd be presenting himself in a way he wouldn't want to see on the other end. There remained little purpose in going outside to consume said meal, but... she did go through the trouble of setting up the whole thing. Would it be just as off-putting to dismiss a picnic and eat indoors? Probably; that would have shattered the idea that innocent girl considered helpful.

Ah, and there was the matter of ruling from above and distancing oneself from one's fiefdom. Arthur's brow rose. A young, earnest king on his first day? That was hardly an image to keep, nor was it one Arthur had in his own head. Guinevere left bare her intentions to continue a list. She was so adamant, he almost had it in him to be disturbed by it. Dedication to a cause seemed to be some sort of curse in this world, but where in that dedication was the line to avoid crossing? Well... whether there was a line, or something else entirely, Arthur himself was adamant about something as well. "Guinevere," he said flatly. "I am not King Arthur. No matter what the rest of you say, I am no one's king." His resolve was very specific. Perhaps he still sought the title of king, whether his purpose would remain the same or not. Nonetheless, he was presently king of nothing─ it was all just a silly moniker applied to him by the other knights, and Loch Ness' citizens who needed something tangible to believe in. Arthur could act as a stand-in so long as it was required, but that was all he thought to do. That wasn't all he had to say in that drab tone of his, though. "If it'll ease your minds, I'll go. Where is the place?"

[Apollymi]

"Yes, three..." Guinevere mentioned as if this number was the most legitimate in the world. "One is Emilia's Innocence, Elyan... things like that are worth protecting to me," she said with a careful shrug. Everyone was entitled to their secrets. She didn't much feel like sharing the last thing on her list, especially not currently. That was fine though, the gears in Arthur's mind were all at work already. It seemed a bit of emotional blackmail was indeed necessary. Though such things weren't normally to her liking, she was impish enough to abuse such things if it would help do something about the despondent Arthur. "Oh?" Guinevere's head turned gently, she gave Arthur the most intense form of a side eye, she'd ever been seen giving anyone. How strange it was that he suddenly didn't think himself King Arthur when he called himself Arthur Pendragon. There was much to unpack here. On the one hand, he managed to still call her by her name, which was a mark of his 'self' being about as intact as she'd known it to be. For as long as she'd known him, he'd gone out of his way to address her directly so that was a slight positive. At the same time, it seemed he had all but abandoned his ideal of being king. "If that is what you decided," she said and true enough if he didn't intend to rule he had less reason to have the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Apparently beyond this, in that same drab tone... he mentioned going along with this whole picnic idea of Emilia's. Strange, that he'd bother. But she supposed that meant he wasn't completely lost, just... a bit broken. This world did have a habit of breaking good people... as long as he didn't remain broken for too long all would be fine. "Come along then..." she mentioned. She had no intention of telling him where they were going. Such wouldn't do good for anyone. No. Here and now, she'd take him along a small path out of the castle, managing somehow to avoid various people on the way. A garden path that snaked around this end was well outside of the window view of Arthur from his chambers and lead, to a rather large tree in the middle of a rather peaceful grove. Right in the middle there was a large opening where the sun beamed downward, but it was broken up by a dotting of tree leaves and the like. The temperature of this area was moderate, the gentle fog which came off the lake seemed to cool it to perfection. Here the world was peaceful, it smelled nice and was quiet except for nature alone. "Here. I found this place pretty early on. I like it out here... Spring time in Zuria was kind of rare, but it always feels just like this here," she said as if it meant nothing. She'd move about, setting up this picnic. Blanket on the ground basket with Arthur's bento facing him. Within that box was an assortment of rice balls with various kinds of fillings. A comfort food of childhood which Emilia herself enjoyed and a small note, written strangely in japanese. It said simply... 'Enjoy the food. I hope you feel better.' Yes, definitely the cuteness of Emilia, signed strangely Lia-obaa. At the same time Guinevere take a seat, at the other end not facing him instead looking out at the trees. Yep. She had no intention of leaving, such was about what she wanted. If he didn't want to talk? Fine. He didn't want to be King anymore? Also fine. He wanted time to think? Fine. But none of that should come at the cost of himself. Perhaps he'd realize that eventually.