Merlini Magia

[Macman253]

Andre stood with his feet apart, a thoughtful look on his face. "This is amazing." He muttered, "Proof of the multiverse theory." He added, a little louder. He listened to the aged woman and the story of what plagued Britannia. So far, everything she mentioned checked out with the Arthurian legends, with some minor changes as to his current knowledge.

 

The historian took the pendant and removed a pair of spectacles from his shirt pocket, he held them up to his eyes and looked over the pendant. It was a rather plain silver pendant, not unlike ones he has recovered from burial sites around england. He adorned himself with the pendant and tucked his glasses away again.

 

"Shall we go visit these Knights?" He said to everyone with a wry smile.

[Zephyr2011]

Aaron blushed slightly after Merlin's chastising. He had always been a curious man, but he let it get the best of him earlier, rendering him a bit annoying. He composed himself and listened carefully about the pendents. Looping the cool metal over his neck, he tucked it between his button down and undershirt. Everyone else seemed to have a little harder time believing the course of events, but Gates was excited and fully on board. It was all so exciting, deep down he wasn't sure if his belief in Merlin's words were because the evidence was compelling enough, or because he wanted them to be true so badly. What a thrill to have come to another dimension to save its people.

 

He still had a pit in his stomach, he missed his wife and children already, and couldn't help but think of them. What would they do? What would they think? Of course they'd be fine, but they would certainly worry and fear for the worst. He bit his lip sightly at the thought before shaking his head slightly. No time to worry about that now. The sooner we help these people the sooner I can get back home. "Lead away, let's get this adventure started in earnest."

[Lisnpuppy]

Rose reached out for one of the charms with chocolate fingers. Even thus, the anulet felt warm in her hand and seemed to glow with a slight inner light for a moment. She put it quickly around her neck and tried to remove the chocolate with the sleeve of her black jacket. She succeeded in only smearing it and adding some dust and grime from the passage way.

 

Grumbling slightly to herself she looked up to see the others following 'Merlin" and quickly shuffled forward to see what was ahead. This bloody business was getting impossibly strange. And she could only believe in so many impossible things before breakfast. Rose looked at the Snicker's bar wrapper and sighed. "Guess it's past breakfast.." Rose shook her head, shoved the wrapper in her pocket and continued following the other's lead.

[GrueMaster]

Ardan raised his eyebrows as Merlin responded to his confusion. "So... everyone has been gender-blended?" He dead-panned softly, before once again struggling to withhold his laughter. Good Lord, and here I am laughing. No wonder Dad printed off that ticket to Hell for me...

 

He watched as Rose (That was her name, right?) handed a Snicker's Bar to the sorceress and found himself nearly breaking. "Um, I don't think she's not herself because she's hungry, Rose..." The red-head brought a hand up and covered his mouth, and after a moment finally managed to quell his building laughter. Ardan became serious again and paid attention as Merlin explained the task ahead of them and handed them magic amulets that would let them understand any language. "Wow... never would have thought these would exist...," he murmured, "though I suppose she probably has more than 6 levels in Wizard, now, wouldn't she...?" As he put on the amulet, he found that he was rather calm for all this. In fact, Ardan found he was looking forward to this adventure. At least I don't have to worry about that bloody paper now...

 

He turned and started following after the others, actually eager to begin their travels. "So Britannia, huh? Never thought I'd end up here. Heh, I wonder if we'll be traveling on horse-back, or with coconuts..." Ardan said aloud, before chuckling softly and shaking his head at himself. "Bugger all, I'm hungry... Anyone have any food?" He asked no one in particular with a sheepish smile. "Say, Rose, right? You wouldn't happen to have any more candy bars, would you?" His stomach growled a little. "Sorry, I only had a bowl of ramen and a muffin today..."

Edited November 23, 2015 by GrueMaster

[AurianaValoria1]

Kat smirked as she heard Ben's remark, surprised he could maintain a sense of humor in a situation like this, particularly after his earlier displays of obvious discomfort. She was also a bit astonished at the eagerness of others among them; what if it was all a ruse? A clever trap? As excited as part of her was, the other part was nearly scared out of its wits, and the only thing keeping her from panicking or lashing out was her own nearly spent self-control. The professor bit her lip as they walked, continuing to follow the female Merlin up the spiral staircase. It seemed to go forever before an archway appeared, and they were led through a larger hall that seemed much more habitable than the corridors below. Two crackling fireplaces lit the stone hall with a cheery warmth, and tapestries and shields decorated the walls. Past carved wooden furnishings and plaques they went, through two more chambers (one with a tall glass window), and then, at last, to the entrance hall. Two men - now women - at arms guarded the entranceway itself and wordlessly opened the wooden double doors as the group approached, though they did stare at the ragtag crew for a bit longer than was polite, only the upper half of their ruddy faces visible between their mail aventails and their kettle-hats. Both guards wore mere padded red gambesons with small plate pieces at their elbows and knees, their gloves and shoes of brown leather. In their hands, they both held short spears. After observing their attire, Katherine concluded that if this was indeed a ruse, then it was an expertly-made one with ridiculous levels of detail...

 

The sunlight and wind were the first things that Kat noticed, both pleasant and welcome sensations after being in such a dank building, and there was the distinct smell of saltwater in the air. They emerged on a hillock by the sea, and upon turning about, Kat noticed that the place from which they had come was a small, lone keep - more of a manor than a fortification. Nearby, on an island close to the cliffs by the sea, was a dilapidated castle, connected to the mainland by a flimsy bridge, and near to that was a small hamlet, smoke rising in lazy curls from the tiny chimneys in the distance. The surrounding terrain was rough, covered in thick, tall grass and pocked by sharp boulders.

 

Merlin gestured about, "Welcome to Tintagel, young ones."

 

Kat's mouth dropped open, "Cornwall."

 

The old woman nodded, speaking louder over the sound of gulls and waves, "Yes, Cornwall! Lovely place, yes?"

 

Kat had no answer, as she was too busy taking in the environment. Her eyes kept wandering to the hamlet, as there was something distinctly missing...and then it hit her.

 

"No powerlines...my God..." the professor shook her head, "This can't be real."

 

Merlin laughed, "And none of us thought our birth sexes could change, either, but we were clearly proven wrong. Ah!" she suddenly pointed, "There they are now..."

 

Kat followed Merlin's finger to see two armored knights cantering towards them. Both were clad in full, shining harnesses of plate, lacking tabards, with swords at their sides and lances in hand. Both also wore hounskull bascinets, though one sported a small golden diadem about the brow, decorated with a scarlet cloth, whilst the other was plain. The crowned knight bore a red shield, emblazoned with a golden, knot-like star, and the other bore a white one that was painted with a black rampant lion. The steed of the star-bearing knight was a cloud-grey stallion, barded in red tack that was embroidered in gold to match his owner's colors, while the other knight rode a bay charger with plain brown leather gear. Both horses were sturdy and strong, held in check only by their riders' capable hands.

 

The professor recognized both from their heraldic arms and nearly passed out right on the spot, swaying precariously and holding her head, "My God...it's them. It's Gawain and Dinadan!"

Edited November 23, 2015 by AurianaValoria1

[Lisnpuppy]

Walking down the way, Rose almost missed the red head's question with all the gabbing Merlin was doing. She wondered if the wizard was such a chatterbox when she was a he. Looking over at the man whose rumbling tummy had provoked the question, she eyed him up and down. She really didn't want to give up any more of her precious Snickers. I mean after all, no matter where or when they are...she might not be re-supplying anytime soon.

 

Sighing under her breath she could hear Nanna in her head, "Rose! What?! Not sharing with a fellow Irishman! In such a precarious place as this? Shame on you, Child!" Rose dug in her bag, pulled out a bar and carefully broke it in half. Once done she opened the end of the wrapper and held it out to Ardan...she thought that was right..so many 'A' names of these people...

 

"Because your Irish and I am partial to red hair, you can have half. Also my Gran would kill me if I didn't. You can have the other half when I know I can trust you." Rose tried a dimpled-grin to show she was..sorta joking. "I also have a bit of an addiction for these. If we really are where that one says" Rose tilted her head forward to Merlin, "I won't be getting more for a time. And no more Coke.." Rose let out a slow groan that was cut short at the word Tintagel and the sight of mounted knights.

[FreemasonGamer]

Ben was still in something of a haze as he closely followed his companions and Lady Merlin through the interior of what struck him as a mansion, and it wasn't truly until they were out of the building entirely did the young man exhale deeply in earnest relief. Closing his eyes momentarily, he savored the wind in his face and the smell of the ocean, steadily calming down after several refreshing breaths before finally internalizing the ongoing conversation around him.

 

Since he was near the front of their group, Ben's attention was quickly taken by the pair of knightly figures riding towards them upon majestic steeds, and his immediate albeit hushed remark was along the lines of, "If only this was American history, and I might recognize these guys..."

 

In all honesty, however, Ben admired the polished intricacy of the two knights whom Kat swiftly identified as Gawain and Dinadan, whoever they were; their adorned armor and sheathed weaponry reminded Ben more so of the grandiose paladins of a fantasy-themed trading card game he once enjoyed when he was younger. Also, the name of the second knight Kat mentioned rang a faint bell in the young man's mind, although he was thinking of an Ancient Greek god of wine instead of any Arthurian knight.

 

"Hmm, I'm sure someone should have invented chocolate and peanut butter by now..." He also soon noted thoughtfully to Rose, although he was intentionally naming off the ingredients of his own favored candy while his stomach growled at the prospect of snacks.

[Macman253]

Andre followed close, he ran over what little he knew of Arthurian legends as they walked. He scratched his stubble idly as he thought, a bad habit he had developed, he recalled his ex-girlfriend having an intense dislike of his beard. He shook off the memories and focused on the two knights. They wore battle-dress well. He smiled slightly, taking in a fresh breath. It was moments like this that fortified his resolve in discovering the truths of history, despite being in an alternate universe. He felt that watching it closely would be beneficial when he returned, or rather, *if* he returned.

 

The american-born historian turned to face Kat as she identified the two knights. "My knowledge of Arthurian legends is limited." He stood with his gloved hands behind his back, a posture his father often adopted. "But I would not be so trusting, we have no idea what our situation truly is nor do we know that Mademoiselle Merlin is telling the truth about the circumstances surrounding us." He said skeptically. While he knew that they were no longer in their own universe, he was not quite sure about this gender bend story. He was rather doubtful of magic before, now, with his situation he was less so zealous against it. He found himself rather curious and it was an unsettling feeling.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Macman253

[GrueMaster]

"Oh, uh, thank you very much." Ardan said with surprise; he actually wasn't expecting the lady to share with a stranger. "Yeah, I'd like a Coca-Cola myself." He scarfed down the proffered candy bar, and though it wasn't much, it did help a little. "Heh, I guess I better get to earning that trust, yes? " He gave a slight chuckle, before looking at the two knights Kat identified as Gawain and Dinadan.

 

"Wow, that is cool..." he murmured, impressed by the armor and horses. Ardan had always been a fan of medieval weapons and armor, and here he was looking at the real thing. Then he remembered these were the folks waiting on them. "So... who wants to say hi first?"

Edited November 29, 2015 by GrueMaster

[AurianaValoria1]

Kat felt extremely nervous as the knights rode nearer; she pulled at the hem of her blouse as her eyes locked on the riders. They seemed larger-than-life as they pulled to a halt not far in front of the group, and despite the presence of Merlin - even if they all were exactly who they said they were - she was not comforted. Regardless of the gentility and chivalric nature that the romances and legends ascribed to the Knights of the Round Table, it could not be forgotten that they were, first and foremost, accomplished warriors...

 

"I don't-" Katherine began to answer Ardan and Andre, but was cut off as Merlin enthusiastically approached the two knights.

 

"Ah! Finally!" the wizard woman gestured to the closest, the one Kat knew to be Gawain from the star sigil, "I had hoped you would make it in time."

 

The addressed knight then raised...her...visor, a feminine face visible to all, then. Framed by the helm, Gawain's female features were sharp and angular, with a pair of bright and pale grey eyes peering at them from under the shadow of her visor. Her complexion was neither fair nor ruddy, but somewhere in between, her bold brows a red-brown color and furrowed slightly at the elderly sorceress.

 

"We departed Camelot as soon as we received your summons, Merlin," the low-pitched woman's voice with which Gawain replied was tinged with a Scottish highlander's accent, "If we are late, then only the weather can be to blame, not a lack of urgency on our parts."

 

Beside Gawain, Dinadan raised her visor too, revealing a softer, fairer, and rounder face with a welcoming grin and glittering brown eyes, "The good Sir speaks true, Merlin. But what say you? Are these the folk we are to escort?" Dinadan's tone was lighter and cheerier than Gawain's, with a distinct English flair.

 

Merlin then gestured back to the group he was leading, "Indeed! These are your charges. I trust you will get them to Camelot in one piece?"

 

"You have our word," Gawain gave an affirmative nod.

 

"Good," the sorceress replied, "Take them straight to Arthur so they may begin their quest." Turning to the group itself, Merlin then added, "And all of you...whatever Gawain and Dinadan tell you to do, do it! If they tell you to hide, you hide! If they tell you to run, run! Trust them to know what they are doing and do not take any chances...this has become a dangerous world, as dangerous as the times before Arthur, and you are too precious to lose to folly!" Stepping back, the famed wizard took a small bow, "It is with this advice that I leave you, and I pray you are successful in your endeavors. May God favor you and luck be always with you, my young friends."

 

And with that, Merlin began walking back towards the fort, turning the group over to the care of the lady knights.

 

When the wizard disappeared, Dinadan was the first to speak again, "Well, then. I suppose introductions are in order. I am Sir Dinadan, son of Brunor."

 

"And I am Sir Gawain of Orkney, son of Lot and nephew of Arthur," the other added.

 

There was a long pause, and Kat was uncertain of who was supposed to speak next. Afraid to prolong the silence any more, the professor went with her gut and blurted, "Kerensa...a pleasure to make your acquaintance, good sirs." She gave an awkward curtsy in her jeans, and her cheeks reddened. She had no idea why she had subconsciously decided to use her RenFaire name, but after thinking about it, it made more sense than going with her real one.

Edited November 29, 2015 by AurianaValoria1