(no subject)
Name: lexi
LJ: galaxythief
Instant Messenger: aim; bioilluminescent
Email: galaxythief [at] gmail [dot] com
Over 16 years of age?: Y/Y
Character: Arthur Pendragon
Fandom: BBCs Merlin
Personality:
One's first impression of Arthur is that he's something of a pompous brat who is used to getting what he wants, when and as he wants it. He has an outwardly haughty attitude, and a confidence that borders on extreme arrogance. Despite this seemingly reckless attitude, however, Arthur has a streak of kindness that he cannot hide when the moment calls for it. He is not above throwing his life on the line for even a complete stranger, but will go to almost irrational ends for those he cares for deeply. Of course, it isn't easy to get him to show his benevolent side, being a prince and all.
Arthur is most influenced by those closest to him. More than once he has had to be taken down a peg by Merlin, Morgana, or even Guinevere- just as each person has had to convince him to think twice about his actions. Before meeting Merlin, Morgana was his own form of conscience, nudging him to think differently from that of his single-minded father. Unlike Uther, Arthur can't bring himself to think purely as a warrior. Where Uther can order for his kingdom to starve and think of his reputation above all else, Arthur knows when to step down and ask for help for the sake of his people.
Despite seeming like a self-absorbed jerk, Arthur holds very firmly to the knight's code of chivalry and honour. Once he's put his mind to something, its difficult if not impossible to have him swayed otherwise, especially if it's for a worthy cause. No life is too little, as shown when he risked his life for his manservant- something most of noble blood would never do. He also has conflicting feelings about the world of magic. Where his father believes that no mercy should be shown at all, Arthur shows mercy to the druids, his argument to his father being that 'they are a peaceful people'. This idea wars with the knowledge he was raised with of all sorcerers having an evil heart with intentions only to crush and destroy. He still believes that magic is a dangerous thing, and is distrustful of anyone who can do magic- at least at first.
With so many conflicting opinions around him, Arthur is constantly at war with his upbringing. On the one hand he has the pride his father has taught him, the pride in Camelot, of his status as prince, and in his own abilities as a warrior. On the other are the ideals of right and wrong, of having mercy and recognizing the downsides of power. This lends an unsure demeanor to his character, causing his confidence to falter at times and to ask others what it is they expect him to do- a subtle way of asking others to tell him what to do when he can't make the decision on his own.
History:
Arthur Pendragon was born of magic, though he has no idea. His father made a deal with the enchantress Nimueh to give his wife the ability to bear a child. Unfortunately, the rule of magic says to give a life, a life must be taken- and Arthur's mother died in childbirth. This spurred the lifelong hatred Uther Pendragon has for all things magic, and this ideal is something he pushed onto Arthur since the day he was born. Being the only son and heir to the throne of Camelot, Arthur was raised not only in the lap of luxury, but also as a mighty warrior worthy of protecting the land. In his youth he trained not only with the knights, but also with the Lady Morgana, who has been his father's ward for as long as he can remember.
He met Merlin years later, and was entirely unimpressed. Of course he knew nothing of the boy's magic- all he knew was the boy spoke to him as though they were equals and challenged his authority. It wasn't until he had Merlin thrown into the dungeons that he learned he was Gaius' assistant. It meant little to him, until Merlin saved his life and his father decided to reward the boy by giving him a position in the court as Arthur's own manservant- a decision neither of them were too thrilled by. Unfortunately they were stuck with it, so Arthur made it his personal mission to make life as difficult for Merlin as humanly possible. He was pleasantly surprised- though he'd never admit it- that Merlin could keep up with him tit for tat- until Merlin tried to tell him that a knight in the annual tournament was using deadly magic to win. Deciding to trust him, Arthur brought it to the attention of the king- but the promised proof couldn't be brought forward. In something of a temper tantrum over being embarrassed in front of the court, Arthur sacked Merlin. However when it turned out he was right, and Arthur was nearly killed by that very knight, he took him back as his manservant.
After the tournament, albeit reluctantly, Arthur started to trust Merlin. Though he treated him like garbage for the most part, he was strangely attached to the boy and his peculiar ideals. It was with Merlin's help and Morgana's convincing that he went with the two to slay a beast hidden in Camelot's water source that had slowly been killing everyone in the town. When Merlin sacrificed his safety to drink from a goblet that was laced with poison and fell into a deep illness that nearly killed him, he didn't think twice about riding out to find the antidote- although it did take some convincing from Morgana when his father forbid him to leave the castle.
Where Arthur used to nigh mindlessly listen to everything his father told him, he slowly started to do things his own way. Although this got him in a little bit of trouble with a man born outside of noble blood who attempted to be a knight, and a fey-person who enchanted him and nearly drowned him, it also had a part in his aiding Morgana and recruiting Merlin's help to sneak a druid boy called Mordred out of Camelot when his father decreed to have him executed. Later, it also had him leaving the castle without his father's permission to help Merlin, Morgana and Guinevere in Merlin's home town, a place outside of Camelot's borders, to rescue it from raiders who had been plaguing the village for a long time.
One of the most important things to happen to Arthur, however, happened the days following that of which he killed a unicorn on a hunting trip. Slaying the unicorn brought a curse down upon Camelot that brought the kingdom to the verge of collapse through famine and drought. Though Arthur refused to believe it at first- he listened to Merlin and sought out the Keeper of the Unicorns to right his wrong-doing. He was to be tested, and though he passed the first flawlessly, when a stranger insulted his honour and Arthur moved to kill him- he learned that it was another of the Keeper's tests, one he'd failed, and that through his pride he had sentenced his kingdom to destruction. The guilt plagued him, so far that he could hardly eat as his people were starving, and when Merlin told him he would have one more chance- he jumped at it without a second thought, ordering Merlin to stay and help his people as best he could. Of course, Merlin never listens, and when Arthur reached the end of the maze of the final test, he was presented with the Keeper, Merlin, and two goblets. One cup was filled with poison, the other a harmless liquid, and they were each allowed only to drink from one goblet. Knowing it was his own doing that his people were to die, Arthur poured the liquid into one cup and drank all of it- proving that his heart was pure and therefore lifting the curse on Camelot. It turned out the 'poison' was actually a sleeping draught, and his life was never in danger, so he returned safely to a renewed Camelot.
On another hunting trip a time after that, they came across another mythical beast, which Gaius called the Questing Beast- known to be a bad omen in the old religion. It turns out to be exactly that, as Uther sends Arthur and his knights out to slay the beast. Morgana briefly races out and begs Arthur not to go, fearing for his life, and while the encounter leaves him a little shaken, he still rides out with Merlin and his knights. However, Arthur is bitten by the lethal beast. He falls gravely ill and lingers on the edge of death in Camelot, while unbeknownst to him Merlin heads out to a place called the Isle of the Blessed to strike a bargain with Nimueh to forfeit his own life in place of Arthur's. He returns and Arthur is revived, and miraculously Merlin is also alive the following day. It turns out, however, that the magic had come for his mother instead. Frantic, Merlin decides to return to the isle and once again give up his own life. He visits a healing Arthur in his chambers to say goodbye, telling Arthur that he's a prat who will one day be a great king, and that he'll be his servant until the day he dies. Arthur is puzzled and clearly suspects he's missing something important when his manservant leaves.
He completely misses the part where Gaius gives his own life and Merlin fights a magical battle with Nimueh, killing her with lightning and therefore restoring the balance and saving everyone. Either way, it's after this final episode I'm bringing Arthur in. ♥
Appearance:
arthur. has. too. many. outifts.
Sample log entry:
A switch of his wrist was all it felt like, the metal of the blade singing as it whirled passed his ear. Breath came heavy, from deep in his chest from the exertion of training. He had long since memorized the footwork, the exact path each sword had to take to make perfect arcs in the air and land on invisible enemies. Arthur found it relaxing, the burn of muscles, the rush of the wind as he sliced it clean in two. Whenever his thoughts turned to making him anxious, he found himself taking up some sort of weapon to mindlessly move that current of energy from under his skin to release into the world around him.
It was probably part the reason he was such a brilliant fighter, but truth be told he knew no other way of getting rid of it. Swordplay had been a part of his life ever since he could remember, as was the importance of being a flawless fighter. It just made sense, to expel that useless energy in a functional manner. At the very least he wouldn't make an ass of himself in some other manner, and his composure would seem unmarred from an outward appearance.
Panting, the blade circled his wrist before sinking into the earth at his feet with a dull thunk. One glove was peeled off to run ringed fingers through his hair, sleeve pushing sweat from his forehead. He felt marginally better, though ever since his arrival in this godforsaken place he hadn't been able to relax completely. Every time he turned around it seemed like some other fantastical creature was leaping out of the darkness. When he'd been told the Questing Beast was a bad omen, there was no way he could have expected it to be warning him about something like this. And worse, he wasn't the first, or the last, to be drawn into this place like a heavy nightmare. He could only hope that nobody else from Camelot showed up. What the kingdom would do if his father arrived on accident searching for him, and no one to lead...
Shaking his head, Arthur took up the sword again. If he expected to sleep tonight, he would have to keep training until he could hardly move or think.
Sample journal entry:
I think I am getting the hang of this magic box, despite it not being like anything I have ever seen before in my life. I did not believe magic to have much of a decent function before this. It is far more convenient to contact people through this manner.
Speaking of, Merlin- I know you can hear this- my chambers are a mess and my armor needs polishing. Just because we aren't at the castle doesn't mean you should be slacking on your duties.
I would also like to know how one shields one's entries from prying individuals, since I've heard this can be done.
LJ: galaxythief
Instant Messenger: aim; bioilluminescent
Email: galaxythief [at] gmail [dot] com
Over 16 years of age?: Y/Y
Character: Arthur Pendragon
Fandom: BBCs Merlin
Personality:
One's first impression of Arthur is that he's something of a pompous brat who is used to getting what he wants, when and as he wants it. He has an outwardly haughty attitude, and a confidence that borders on extreme arrogance. Despite this seemingly reckless attitude, however, Arthur has a streak of kindness that he cannot hide when the moment calls for it. He is not above throwing his life on the line for even a complete stranger, but will go to almost irrational ends for those he cares for deeply. Of course, it isn't easy to get him to show his benevolent side, being a prince and all.
Arthur is most influenced by those closest to him. More than once he has had to be taken down a peg by Merlin, Morgana, or even Guinevere- just as each person has had to convince him to think twice about his actions. Before meeting Merlin, Morgana was his own form of conscience, nudging him to think differently from that of his single-minded father. Unlike Uther, Arthur can't bring himself to think purely as a warrior. Where Uther can order for his kingdom to starve and think of his reputation above all else, Arthur knows when to step down and ask for help for the sake of his people.
Despite seeming like a self-absorbed jerk, Arthur holds very firmly to the knight's code of chivalry and honour. Once he's put his mind to something, its difficult if not impossible to have him swayed otherwise, especially if it's for a worthy cause. No life is too little, as shown when he risked his life for his manservant- something most of noble blood would never do. He also has conflicting feelings about the world of magic. Where his father believes that no mercy should be shown at all, Arthur shows mercy to the druids, his argument to his father being that 'they are a peaceful people'. This idea wars with the knowledge he was raised with of all sorcerers having an evil heart with intentions only to crush and destroy. He still believes that magic is a dangerous thing, and is distrustful of anyone who can do magic- at least at first.
With so many conflicting opinions around him, Arthur is constantly at war with his upbringing. On the one hand he has the pride his father has taught him, the pride in Camelot, of his status as prince, and in his own abilities as a warrior. On the other are the ideals of right and wrong, of having mercy and recognizing the downsides of power. This lends an unsure demeanor to his character, causing his confidence to falter at times and to ask others what it is they expect him to do- a subtle way of asking others to tell him what to do when he can't make the decision on his own.
History:
Arthur Pendragon was born of magic, though he has no idea. His father made a deal with the enchantress Nimueh to give his wife the ability to bear a child. Unfortunately, the rule of magic says to give a life, a life must be taken- and Arthur's mother died in childbirth. This spurred the lifelong hatred Uther Pendragon has for all things magic, and this ideal is something he pushed onto Arthur since the day he was born. Being the only son and heir to the throne of Camelot, Arthur was raised not only in the lap of luxury, but also as a mighty warrior worthy of protecting the land. In his youth he trained not only with the knights, but also with the Lady Morgana, who has been his father's ward for as long as he can remember.
He met Merlin years later, and was entirely unimpressed. Of course he knew nothing of the boy's magic- all he knew was the boy spoke to him as though they were equals and challenged his authority. It wasn't until he had Merlin thrown into the dungeons that he learned he was Gaius' assistant. It meant little to him, until Merlin saved his life and his father decided to reward the boy by giving him a position in the court as Arthur's own manservant- a decision neither of them were too thrilled by. Unfortunately they were stuck with it, so Arthur made it his personal mission to make life as difficult for Merlin as humanly possible. He was pleasantly surprised- though he'd never admit it- that Merlin could keep up with him tit for tat- until Merlin tried to tell him that a knight in the annual tournament was using deadly magic to win. Deciding to trust him, Arthur brought it to the attention of the king- but the promised proof couldn't be brought forward. In something of a temper tantrum over being embarrassed in front of the court, Arthur sacked Merlin. However when it turned out he was right, and Arthur was nearly killed by that very knight, he took him back as his manservant.
After the tournament, albeit reluctantly, Arthur started to trust Merlin. Though he treated him like garbage for the most part, he was strangely attached to the boy and his peculiar ideals. It was with Merlin's help and Morgana's convincing that he went with the two to slay a beast hidden in Camelot's water source that had slowly been killing everyone in the town. When Merlin sacrificed his safety to drink from a goblet that was laced with poison and fell into a deep illness that nearly killed him, he didn't think twice about riding out to find the antidote- although it did take some convincing from Morgana when his father forbid him to leave the castle.
Where Arthur used to nigh mindlessly listen to everything his father told him, he slowly started to do things his own way. Although this got him in a little bit of trouble with a man born outside of noble blood who attempted to be a knight, and a fey-person who enchanted him and nearly drowned him, it also had a part in his aiding Morgana and recruiting Merlin's help to sneak a druid boy called Mordred out of Camelot when his father decreed to have him executed. Later, it also had him leaving the castle without his father's permission to help Merlin, Morgana and Guinevere in Merlin's home town, a place outside of Camelot's borders, to rescue it from raiders who had been plaguing the village for a long time.
One of the most important things to happen to Arthur, however, happened the days following that of which he killed a unicorn on a hunting trip. Slaying the unicorn brought a curse down upon Camelot that brought the kingdom to the verge of collapse through famine and drought. Though Arthur refused to believe it at first- he listened to Merlin and sought out the Keeper of the Unicorns to right his wrong-doing. He was to be tested, and though he passed the first flawlessly, when a stranger insulted his honour and Arthur moved to kill him- he learned that it was another of the Keeper's tests, one he'd failed, and that through his pride he had sentenced his kingdom to destruction. The guilt plagued him, so far that he could hardly eat as his people were starving, and when Merlin told him he would have one more chance- he jumped at it without a second thought, ordering Merlin to stay and help his people as best he could. Of course, Merlin never listens, and when Arthur reached the end of the maze of the final test, he was presented with the Keeper, Merlin, and two goblets. One cup was filled with poison, the other a harmless liquid, and they were each allowed only to drink from one goblet. Knowing it was his own doing that his people were to die, Arthur poured the liquid into one cup and drank all of it- proving that his heart was pure and therefore lifting the curse on Camelot. It turned out the 'poison' was actually a sleeping draught, and his life was never in danger, so he returned safely to a renewed Camelot.
On another hunting trip a time after that, they came across another mythical beast, which Gaius called the Questing Beast- known to be a bad omen in the old religion. It turns out to be exactly that, as Uther sends Arthur and his knights out to slay the beast. Morgana briefly races out and begs Arthur not to go, fearing for his life, and while the encounter leaves him a little shaken, he still rides out with Merlin and his knights. However, Arthur is bitten by the lethal beast. He falls gravely ill and lingers on the edge of death in Camelot, while unbeknownst to him Merlin heads out to a place called the Isle of the Blessed to strike a bargain with Nimueh to forfeit his own life in place of Arthur's. He returns and Arthur is revived, and miraculously Merlin is also alive the following day. It turns out, however, that the magic had come for his mother instead. Frantic, Merlin decides to return to the isle and once again give up his own life. He visits a healing Arthur in his chambers to say goodbye, telling Arthur that he's a prat who will one day be a great king, and that he'll be his servant until the day he dies. Arthur is puzzled and clearly suspects he's missing something important when his manservant leaves.
He completely misses the part where Gaius gives his own life and Merlin fights a magical battle with Nimueh, killing her with lightning and therefore restoring the balance and saving everyone. Either way, it's after this final episode I'm bringing Arthur in. ♥
Appearance:
arthur. has. too. many. outifts.
Sample log entry:
A switch of his wrist was all it felt like, the metal of the blade singing as it whirled passed his ear. Breath came heavy, from deep in his chest from the exertion of training. He had long since memorized the footwork, the exact path each sword had to take to make perfect arcs in the air and land on invisible enemies. Arthur found it relaxing, the burn of muscles, the rush of the wind as he sliced it clean in two. Whenever his thoughts turned to making him anxious, he found himself taking up some sort of weapon to mindlessly move that current of energy from under his skin to release into the world around him.
It was probably part the reason he was such a brilliant fighter, but truth be told he knew no other way of getting rid of it. Swordplay had been a part of his life ever since he could remember, as was the importance of being a flawless fighter. It just made sense, to expel that useless energy in a functional manner. At the very least he wouldn't make an ass of himself in some other manner, and his composure would seem unmarred from an outward appearance.
Panting, the blade circled his wrist before sinking into the earth at his feet with a dull thunk. One glove was peeled off to run ringed fingers through his hair, sleeve pushing sweat from his forehead. He felt marginally better, though ever since his arrival in this godforsaken place he hadn't been able to relax completely. Every time he turned around it seemed like some other fantastical creature was leaping out of the darkness. When he'd been told the Questing Beast was a bad omen, there was no way he could have expected it to be warning him about something like this. And worse, he wasn't the first, or the last, to be drawn into this place like a heavy nightmare. He could only hope that nobody else from Camelot showed up. What the kingdom would do if his father arrived on accident searching for him, and no one to lead...
Shaking his head, Arthur took up the sword again. If he expected to sleep tonight, he would have to keep training until he could hardly move or think.
Sample journal entry:
I think I am getting the hang of this magic box, despite it not being like anything I have ever seen before in my life. I did not believe magic to have much of a decent function before this. It is far more convenient to contact people through this manner.
Speaking of, Merlin- I know you can hear this- my chambers are a mess and my armor needs polishing. Just because we aren't at the castle doesn't mean you should be slacking on your duties.
I would also like to know how one shields one's entries from prying individuals, since I've heard this can be done.