Scene #6355: Discovering Knighthood

Owner	Pose
August Kohler	There's a visitor to the white-walled city of Camelot. August Kohler is a redheaded young man in a winter jacket and an undershirt, currently unarmed because that's just polite, except for his mirrored bracelet. His hands are covered in thick gloves, and his arms completely covered by the jacket, as he moves to find somewhere near the entrance of the city to meet - unless Rhongomyniad would prefer he come to a castle or something. Probably just outside next to the walls unless there's a nearby coffee shop or something to get warm in, to talk to the Knights of the Round Table and their king. August has a series of questions he wants to ask, after all. He appears to be in a good mood, the young man taking a sip from a water bottle as he waits near a meeting point. If the Knights of the Round want to bring him somewhere specific, well, that's fine. He'd have sent them his exact coordinates, though, to help with ease of meet-up.
Bedivere	That visitor is soon met by a white knight upon a shining steed. That is to say, Bedivere is a traveller, but he only takes the scenic route if he doesn't have something pressing to do, so he comes gracefully to a halt a few feet from August, the light motorcycle he's using armorplated like any warsteed and managing to look almost at home in Camelot despite the shining city's anachronism. "Greetings. You must be August, and I am Sir Bedivere," he says graciously from behind his smoothly feathered helmet. "Don't mind my helm, I simply wouldn't want to encourage anyone to ride in an unsafe manner," he says, offering another knightly looking helmet to August. "The King will hold audience in the keep, we can walk or ride, the choice is yours."
Rhongomyniad	The great gates of Camelot stand open, though judging by tracks in the snow they close frequently as well-- possibly each night, if what King Arthur has said of monsters appearing in the countryside rings true. For now, in the daylight, vehicles move in and out regularly as well as foot traffic and the occasional horse or two. August is not left to his devices for long, with Sir Bedivere's arrival. Whichever the two decide, whether to walk or ride through the castle-city's streets, their destination is the distant Keep. And upon it stands a figure holding a gleaming light-- unmistakably the Divine Lance in the hand of the King of Knights, observing the approach, or perhaps acting as a beacon like a lighthouse. Arrival prompts something to rumble, and a section of the keep's wall sinks into the earth beneath it. Standing upon this battlement is a woman in a dark blue suit and pale blue tie, a fur-lined mantle hanging about her shoulders. A near-perfect face, blonde hair, and eyes that gleam with their own internal divine light-- the goddess Rhongomyniad, King Arthur herself. As she disembarks the sunken battlement, it rises back from whence it came, and only once it is in place does the Lance in her hand disappear. And with it, that divine golden glow it emits. "August Kohler. Welcome to Camelot." Her gaze turns to Bedivere, and she offers the white knight an affirming nod, "Thank you, Sir Bedivere." A hand lifts, and she gestures to the keep proper, "Shall we reconnoiter in the company of a warm hearth to address your inquiries?"
Lancelot du Lac	Only slightly behind the other two Round Table members, Lancelot arrives on horseback. He is completely adorned from head to toe in elaborate white armor, his face currently concealed underneath a plumed helmet. "I heard you were coming, yet it appears I arrived a bit late. My apologies, I was a bit...Busy..." Though it isn't exactly visible, Lancelot's eyes shift to the side as he coughs. He quickly regains his composure however. "Anyway, assuming my King is fine with it, I would like to accompany you as well. Talking to new faces is always pleasurable."
August Kohler	"I'm fine with riding." August will join Bedivere on the motorcycle and...end up taking the helmet, putting it on carefully. When they eventually reach the keep, August removes the helmet, shakes his hair, and returns it to Bedivere. As the wall sinks, August stares briefly, before nodding. This isn't the weirdest thing he's seen, and he's talking to literal Knights of the Round Table, so. "Of course." August replies to Lancelot, and soon, hopefully, they're inside the warm keep and near the hearth. When everyone is settled inside with however they're supposed to do so, August folds his hands together. "My name is August Kohler. You have probably heard of me, so I know you might be suspicious of my intentions." Those who keep up with Multiversal politics would know that August is one of the leaders of the Watch, after all. "However, I have come to you because I seek to learn from knights. The reason is that I'd like to become a sort of knight, for the people. I have found myself a code of conduct, I possess the ability to fight...but I want to know more. I want to know how to be chivalrous, how to be just, how to be righteous. I want to know how you all do it." Though that's a lot, August realizes, so he starts early. "How, usually, does one become a knight, besides constant training and exercise? I know they must be chivalrous to be one of yours, for example, but how do you determine that? What is chivalry to you?"
Rhongomyniad	"Mm..." Rhongomyniad makes that charictaristic, thoughtful noise. Her eyes travel to Lancelot, and she briefly interrupts her thoughts to greet him, "Welcome, Sir Lancelot. Your presence is most welcome in this lesson." She then turns. The Keep's doors open and she leads her companions into the hall of Camelot-- and into the warmth within, away from the chill of the Welsh winter, "You seek not only the martial prowess, but to learn the virtues of knighthood. This is admirable for a man of modern mold, and I encourage this path you have chosen." Within, she assumes her seat at the banquet table. It's only slightly different from the rest, and this is not the Round Table. That's elsewhere in the keep. "You have chosen the correct people. My Knights are well versed in chivalry and virtue. And Chivalry is my purview as a goddess." Her hands lift, fingertips lacing together. "It is a law by which one may lead a virtuous life. The Old Code. One need not be a Knight to be Chivalrous, although Chivalry is necessary for true Knighthood." When next she speaks, there's a certain reverbration to her voice, as she invokes her Authority as a goddess. "A Knight is sworn to Valor. His Heart knows only Virtue. His Blade defends the Helpless. His Might upholds the Weak. His Word speaks only Truth. His Wrath undoes the Wicked."
Bedivere	Now bereft of his helmet, white hair draped down his shoulders and back, Bedivere listens to August with care, hands folded on each other. "Mmm, I see, I see. To be a knight. . . well, I'm sure we can all tell you about knights individually and you'd have three contradictory answers," Bedivere murmurs a moment. He pauses, and lets Rhongomyniad speak first and true, then, smiling, he stands up a bit straighter, speaking more clearly. "So, I'll lead with the practical matter: synthesis. We are all knights, and while we may disagree there's hopefully something to be learned from that. Now," he reaches up, scratching at a cheek with his human hand. "To me being a knight is two things: Service and Virtue." He points to Rhongomyniad. "Service is the most important thing. We the Knights of the Round swore to serve our King, for we felt that serving our King's own calling was a great good." He chuckles softly. "But naturally, you serve the interests of a different faction, so I don't see you swearing your fealty to our or any King. So, to whom do you swear fealty? It needn't be a person, it can be a people, or even a concept. I have met worthy knights who swear only to themselves, and even worthier who defended something fundamental, like Justice."
Lancelot du Lac	"I have... heard our voice and your deeds before, sir August." Lancelot doesn't exactly clarify /what/ he's heard, though that's probably for the best. Besides, he's not exactly what one would consider a clean person either. Once they're all situated inside, Lancelot removes his helmet, revealing his short purple hair as he tucks the piece of armor underneath his right armpit. "So... You want to wish to know how to become a knight?" Lancelot's expression twists a bit as he thinks of how to approach August's question. For many reasons, he doesn't feel like he can appropriately answer it, even if he is considered a shining example of knighthood, he still doesn't exactly feel that he is. "I...don't have a good answer for your question, I am sorry."
August Kohler	August takes a seat at the banquet table if welcome, since that seems to be where the meeting is. "Virtue. I want to have that. I have the martial skill, and all, I just...I need something to live by. Instead of tumbling aimlessly at monsters." A pause, as he considers what Rhongomyniad has to say. "I think I have valor. I don't know if my heart only knows virtue, but my blade defends the helpless, my might upholds the weak...my wrath undoes the wicked, or at least, I like to think I have all those." He entirely avoids the 'word only speaks the truth part'. Despite being introspective, August also seems pretty confident, as he nods to Bedivere, and considers his question. "Those who can't fight for themselves. I serve as a sword for those who want to enact change but don't have the power, those who need protection but can't protect themselves. It's vague, but...I feel like I know what it means better than I can explain it." Lancelot gets an eyebrow raise. "Aren't you /Sir Lancelot/? You're one of the greatest knights in history. How did you become a knight? You could tell me that." Probably hitting Lancelot in the Humility. August knows exactly what happened to him, it's famous, but that doesn't mean he wasn't a hero.
Rhongomyniad	"Even I swear fealty," Rhongomyniad adds on the heels of Bedivere's statement, "My loyalty is to Britain, whom I serve even if I am not regarded as King in this modern age." Her eyes travel to Lancelot, glowing in the moody banquet hall lighting, when he declines to comment. After a moment, though, she seems to accept his response and not press the matter. Her gaze returns to August. "If these are traits you feel you possess, than you have walked the path without realizing. Or else, you walk the path sometimes, but not others." She dips her head once in a nod, "The Code must direct your actions at all times. Not only in times of convenience. Live this code each and every day, in its entirety. Including the line you neglected to repeat." Leaning back in her seat, the King lowers her hands to rest on the tabletop, still laced together, "However, you may be closer than you realized, if what you say is true."
Bedivere	August's response does raise an eyebrow for Bedivere, followed by a nod. "That's good. Work on defining it. I can tell you need a little flexibility, but it's important not to let that flexibility bend your morals. So, make sure you have that ideal fixed in your heart. Seeing that Lancelot is in a bit of a funk and also not up to bragging for his deeds, Bedivere grows a delighted little grin. "If the man himself isn't keen, I'll tell you how he proved his knighthood." He says, raising his hand and sweeping it in a grand gesture. "At the time, Arthur was engaged in yet another of the blighted wars we had to fight just to secure Camelot's place and work toward proper rulership of Britain. This time with a man called Galehaut of the Distant Isles." He laughs. "Everyone had such wonderful names. Even I was Bedivere of the Perfect Sinews. A touch of irony, what with the one arm." He ahems a little. "Anyhow, we were not really knights then. We were on the cusp of properly inventing the idea after all. We were simply soldiers in service of our liege lord. But Lancelot is the strongest of us all, and even Galehaut can tell that." He adds an aside with a cheeky grin, "You'd think Lancelot named his son after him or something," but then he straightens, getting back into it, "So Galehaut gets it into his head to win this man to his side. Offers him any boon within his power if he'll but first grant him the honor of spending a night in his camp." "Here is where Lancelot truly established something that we'd see again and again as essential to knights. Obviously in that camp they had wine, women and song, praise and pleasure for the most decorated warrior in the land. And Galehaut was expecting that Lancelot's boon would be something like a fine steed, or a high ranking commission in Galehaut's army." He reaches over, placing his hand on Lancelot's shoulder. "But what was your boon, my friend? How did you phrase it again? Ah yes. "Surrender peacefully to Arthur." He smiles fondly at the memory. "Fidelity. Faithfulness to his lord. That would be the reason our dear man was called to the Round Table when our King finally established it."
Lancelot du Lac	"That's.." Lancelot fidgets in place as Bedivere tells the story. Several times he raises his finger and opens his mouth as if to interrupt him, but every time he ultimately decides to let his fellow knight keep going. "I...I suppose those details are correct, yes." Lancelot's gaze trails off to the side. If he has any problems with Lancelot's story, it's pretty clear he isn't going to openly contest them. Instead he just continues to be obnoxiously humble.
August Kohler	August nods to Rhongomyniad and Bedivere. "Yeah. I'm still defining it. But...if I have a code, it's important to follow it all the time, I understand that-" Rhongomyniad catches him that he forgot to repeat a line. Instead of sweating or hiding something, he just laughs. "My line of work makes that one a little hard to follow, sometimes, but I try and be honest in dealings, at least." And then, Bedivere shares the story of Sir Lancelot. August listens with rapt attention. When it's done, he nods, and asks a question. "Did Galehaut accept?" It's a curious question, but he can see the meaning in the story. Always live virtuously, or something, even when you could get something nicer. If Galehaut accepted...that shows his virtue as well, doesn't it? August does turn to Lancelot, who's being mostly quiet, and puts his hand on his chin. "Maybe I could share my code of conduct with you guys, roughly." Reaching into his phone to check his list, August moves to say them one by one. "One should strive to act with compassion and empathy toward all creatures in accordance with reason." "The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions." "One's body is inviolable, subject to one's own will alone." "The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To willfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo one's own." "Beliefs should conform to one's best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one's beliefs." "People are fallible. If one makes a mistake, one should do one's best to rectify it and resolve any harm that might have been caused." "Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word." When he's done, August moves to take a breath, taking a drink from his water bottle. "I think it's a good start, right?"
Rhongomyniad	"When Camelot was first founded and the Round Table established," Rhongomyniad states, "Sir Galehaut was one of the first knights to be invited who was not already associated with me, and served with distinction as a strong and noble warrior." She gestures with one hand, "He was the first of many who would be met as foes and eventually swear themselves to the King of Knights. Each served with nobility." August goes for his phone, and Rhongomyniad's hand moves to her chin as she considers the words he reads aloud. Her eyes lower, a soft 'hm' of thought escaping. "This is an ideology. Perhaps the code you would wish to live your life to, a pursuit of justice if you should wish to devote yourself to such. But it is not Chivalry. The Old Code stands as defined. If you wish to influence your ideology with Chivalry, that is one thing-- and I sense those influences in your words. Although, it is quite wordy as well. To recite it as a meditation must be challenging."
Bedivere	Bedivere nods, as Rhongomyniad expounds upon the part of the story he'd left short. "An excellent catch, August. Stories are best as a form of conversation between teller and listener. It shows you're paying attention and draws to mind new facets the teller may not have considered. Indeed, Sir Galehaut was a half-giant himself and an incredible boon on many an adventure. The lesson here is that your principles can make the impossible possible. . ." Mulling over the words himself, he nods. "I am in agreement with Rhongomyniad on this point. Your code should be something you can follow without even the need to consciously discuss it, and something you can meditate on when the answer is not clear. These are all /excellent/ components. The grammar is more the issue I would take than the content," he concludes, thoughtfully. "I suppose further comparison is worthwhile, then, so. To me, chivalry is a culmination of virtue." "Fidelity to your king, for their calling is yours. Honesty in all things, even if a lie hurts less. Courtesy to all, no matter the discourtesy you may receive. Prowess, to demonstrate your strength of arms and strength of will. Generosity, to never turn a blind eye on those in need. "Fidelity, Honesty, Courtesy, Prowess, and Generosity. They're things I can say in a breath, beliefs I can adhere to without need of a reference." He pauses a long moment, thinking it over. "Yours are somewhat an ideology more than a code, but I can identify that we share an admiration of Generosity, and if you squint just so, Courtesy and what I would call Freedom are kindred."
Atalanta	There's another visitor to the white-walls of Camelot, this one a much more puzzling one than August Kohler. Atalanta's leonine tail and ears are out, twitching idly. She's idly dodging cars, wagon, people, knights, horses and the like without much of a concern, and in fact seems dead-set on the keep in the distance. Once there, heedless of anyone that may be there at the doors, she walks straight to the door and just tries to open it. Perhaps to her pleasure - it's hard to tell - she pushes it open just enough to slip through. Atalanta walks straight into the Great Hall without missing a beat, although once there she pauses and starts peeking around. "Lion King?"
August Kohler	"I guess I'll need to rewrite it then, huh?" August doesn't tell them he got it off the internet, though he does like it. He seems in good cheer, as he nods to Bedivere's. "That's pretty good...though doesn't serve me well." And a glance to Rhongomyniad. "What I do doesn't fit your classic chivalry, then. I just...I don't know. But I'm trying to figure out who I am and who I can be. A knight who can fight for the people is what I idealized...but is life really that simple?" He goes into thought, clearly self-reflecting again, August unsure of his path even if he knows Who He Is. And then Atalanta snaps him out of it as she approaches. "Oh, Archer. These are the king and knights of Camelot. Your highness, knights, this is Archer, my Servant." August puts his phone away, tapping against his chin. "So, what would you suggest for someone taking this path, where to start, besides learning the virtues? I also realized something recently, and that's that righteousness isn't justice. They're different things. Is that right?"
Rhongomyniad	"I am the Lion King," Rhongomyniad responds to Atalanta's sudden appearance. She recognizes the voice from the radio, although she had not expected the self-proclaimed lion to be this young Greek with ears and a tufted tail. The King's head tilts slightly in thought, and she lets out that characteristic 'mmm' of thought. Bedivere and August draw her back to the conversation of knighthood and chivalry, "An ideology inspired by the Chivalric code is still noble. Use it as you wish. The important thing, I feel, is not just discover a code that you can uphold-- but to uphold it at all times, not only when it is convenient. Many a warrior falls short of being a true knight through this failing." The King nods once, "Mm. Adhere to your principles and to your duty, whether your duty is to your King," She gestures to Lancelot and Bedivere, "Or to your people." The gesture moves to indicate herself. "You are, however, correct. Righteousness is not Justice. Justice is fairness to all-- even the King is subject to his own Law, which is why the King must be the exemplar. The paragon who embodies the idealized law-abiding citizen. Such perfection as my own may not be obtainable by the common man... But each who attempts to better himself in an effort to reach this perfection betters himself even from a failed attempt. As a Knight who swears fealty to Justice, you must pledge fairness to all, including yourself should you run awry of the law you have sworn to uphold." Her face inclines, eyes glowing in the firelight, "To do otherwise is the path to wickedness, and in that path, those who are Just shall become your undoing rather than your following. I expect no less from my Knights of the Round Table should I fall to wickedness myself."
Lancelot du Lac	"Justice and righteousness are two different things,that is correct. There are also plenty of times they will come into conflict, though how one deals with that is hard to say. At least for me." r Lancelot is bit too familiar with the question August asks, so he feels he's better suited for answering it. Well, 'answering' it. It's not a very good answer, but it at least confirms that at least according to him, Justice and Righteousness are two separate things. With that answered, his attentions turn to Atalanta. Bringing up a hand to his chin as if to briefly ponder the actions he's about to commit, he ultimately gives in and walks towards her. After all, it'd be rude not to introduce himself to a fine young lady like herself. "Greetings, miss Archer. I am Lancelot du Lac, Knight of the Lake and a member of the Knights of the Round. It is a pleasure making your acquaintance." As he says this, Lancelot drops to one knee with zero hesitation and attempts to grasp the green haired servant's hand in an attempt to bring it in for a light kiss
Bedivere	Bedivere lapses into a moment of reflection as the Archer is introduced and several weighty matters are brought forth as questions. He only folds one arm across his body, the silver arm lying lax at his side as he ponders the ground a moment. But then he turns and greets the Sniper. "It is a pleasure to meet you," he says, conducting a bow that carries his cape out to the side so that as he goes low it doesn't touch the ground. "I am Sir Bedivere of the Round Table. I would offer you my fullest hospitality were we not already engaged with your liege." He stands to consider, only for. . . Lancelot, to make his introduction. He raises a hand to try to stop this in action, a look of growing horror on his face- but it seems Atalanata has her own defense well in hand. So, instead, that hand continues raising, lightly palming the side of his face. He's thoroughly sidetracked for the moment, please try again later for further knightly wisdom.
Atalanta	"Lion King." Atalanta says, nodding at Rhongomyniad. There's some sort of eclectic understanding she has of the Divine Spirit, a kinship in lion-nature, of being prepared to be lazy, and yet to kill or be killed. It is a sort of quiet acceptance of someone she immediately likes. Which, compared to everyone else in the room, is distinctive. She lifts up her hand in some sort of motion to Bedivere that is both a wave and a 'nah I got this bro'. Then she leans in down towards Lancelot where he kneels, her hand lifting up lightly in a swift manner away from his. Her tone is cold, yet matter of fact in the viciousness: "I do not like you already. Kind words from men have often led to heartbreak where I am concerned, and I have only been really proven wrong in this regard once in the many years I have been around." "It is nice to meet you, Lion King. Knight." Bedivere gets a nod.
Rhongomyniad	"Mm," Rhongomyniad regards Atalanta once more, in her reaction to Lancelot's no-doubt virtuous, pure-hearted greeting. Ah, but if her experiences have been negative thus far, it makes sense to respond in such a fashion, doesn't it? Therefore, the Divine Spirit raises no objections nor defense for the Knight of the Lake. She simply watches, eyes glimmering like jewels, as the exchange takes place. Once that has settled down, Rhongomyniad returns her attention to August, "You and your Servant are welcome to reside within Camelot for the evening, should you wish to wait until morning to depart. I have had the King of Inventors assist me in creating a radio station native to Camelot, which is shared by myself and my Knights, and those who wish to aid Camelot in times of need." Another light nod, "This, you are also welcome to, should you have further questions or wish for further discussion. This conversation has been pleasing, August Kohler. I find satisfaction in guiding others to a more chivalrous way of life."
Lancelot du Lac	"I see...I uh...M-My aplogies." Lancelot doesn't push the matter further. If this woman has been wronged before, it's perfectly within her reason to be upset. Or at least, that's how he thinks. Picking himself, he lets out an awkward cough before returning to his spot, remaining silent once more.
Bedivere	There's a brief bow of Bedivere's head to Atalanta, one of understanding at the least. The slightly wan smile he offers her as well speaks volumes to how much trouble it could be and has been. "Absolutely, I can have the rooms prepared at once," he says, in the manner of someone who knows the rooms are already plenty prepared but knows a good last second inspection can save you a great deal of headache. "As to your earlier questions, I wouldn't gainsay my King or Lancelot's explanations, so I will instead focus on the matter of being a knight, and on the truth of life. Please understand, we look a similar age but I'm one of the most wearyingly old people you will meet, so I speak from a perspective different from yours: Life is as simple as you want it to be. You can retire now, go and build a log cabin and wake up every morning to tend to your geese, or you can throw yourself into battle and intrigue for the sake of your ideals, and neither of those lives is really all that more complicated, just a shorter life expectancy. Knighthood is at its core a means of tempering the heroic drive, of applying standards and wisdom to young men who have neither. You should start, thusly, with study and practice, as in all things."
August Kohler	As Lancelot moves up into Archer's space, August, knowing her identity, just sighs and waits for it. And it comes! As she rejects him pretty aggressively, he just shrugs at Lancelot, and turns towards Rhongomyniad and Bedivere. Normally, he'd refuse the offer of staying in Camelot. He doesn't know it well and doesn't have all his preparation here, and he isn't fully armed. But now... He's more confident. He can handle himself. "I'd most appreciate that, thank you. I'd like to see the city some, after all, I mean, if it's called /Camelot/." August smiles a little bit, though he seems somewhat withdrawn in general, as he accepts what Bedivere has to say. "I've known my life expectancy is short since I started this career. Better to live fast and die young if it means helping people...but temperance is good. Study and practice. Yeah. I've been reading philosophy, somewhat, and analyzing myself. Trying to figure out who I can be. I know who I am, someone with the actualized determination to break any barriers in his way...but how that looks, I'm still figuring out." He seems /very/ adamant about the 'I know who I am', as if he knows that somewhat objectively. And a turn to Atalanta, briefly. "Are you fine with staying overnight? I'll buy us a treat out in the city."
Atalanta	"Thank you." Atalanta says, somewhat much more nicely than she previous addressed Lancelot. "Okay. I want pie." She tells August, before immediately wandering off to explore.