Disclaimer: First and foremost, I do not own the characters of the legend. Summary: The story begins after Lancelot leaves home and illustrates what happens afterwards as the members of the round-table meet and begin their friendship. Note: Hi all, this is my first fan fiction so any constructive criticism is welcome along with any praise. I noticed that there weren't any stories out there of the actual meeting and what happens to them growing up so I thought I'd give it a shot. Enjoy!
Chapter 1- The First Day
"How long will we be gone?"
"Fifteen years. Not counting the months it will take to reach your post."
It was at that when it occurred to the boy that this could be the last time he would see Sarmatia. The last time he'd be able to feel its soft grass on his skin or see the sunset across the plains. Grass and sunsets are not only of this land, though home is what makes it all so precious. He frowned as this thought crossed his mind. As he rode away with a group of strangers, his family and friends stood in the distance becoming little more than a memory. Nothing bothered him as much as that, to forget and leave his loved ones behind. He turned back and took a glance at them that could very well be his last. There they were as they always had been. "Lancelot! Lancelot!" he could hear their voices carried by a swift east wind, calling his name. He looked away at last closing his eyes, remembering the moment. Taking a deep breath, he drew courage from everything around him, his horse which diligently bore him, the soft glow of the sun glistening against the water, his will to return home again. Lancelot opened his eyes and did not turn back. He would not linger in the past for ahead of him was the biggest task he would have to face. Though the path that lay before him was long and treacherous, he would not face it alone.
A slight chill filled the air as they made their way westward along a wooded road. They had been traveling for hours on end. Lancelot hadn't spoken since they left the village save a few words. There was not much to say but when he did speak, he spoke with confidence and integrity. He rode silently at the back of the group with his head held high. He was not afraid of the hard work ahead, nor was he intimidated by those around him. Light began to fade as the golden sun began to sink behind the hills. Vivid shades of blue and purple filled sky as stars rub their eyes and come out after a days rest to light the darkening world. Gently, he pulled the reigns of the great beast that shook its head and came to a stop. Lancelot stroked the silky mane of his black horse as he found himself, lost in the moment, gazing at the horizon. Releasing the reins, he brought up one hand to cover his eyes from the still bright circle in the western sky. This truly was a sight to behold. He, Lancelot, who had never ventured very far from home, was now on the side of a mountain watching the sun set as he had never seen before. Compelled by the adventurous feeling that was now kindled, the edges of his lips curled in a grin that was the first of many.
"Hey! Don't fall behind now." A voice prompted impatiently. The boy scowled as he snapped back to reality. Reluctantly, he picked up the ropes again and gave the horse a little kick. He soon caught up to the rest of the group which he realized, had stopped as if in a favor to wait for him. "Learn to keep up or you're going to get left behind one day." The man said dryly,"People won't always pity those who stray." Annoyed, Lancelot wanted to argue but nodded instead. Time would go faster if they were all on good terms.
Night came quickly as a cool veil of dark blue covered the land. The cold air was refreshing against the skin of the weary travelers. All signs of the sun which had hung high just hours ago were gone and now the moon took its place on the throne in the sky surrounded by stars as royal subjects. The pale circle gleamed, lighting the way for the group as they sought a place to stay for the night. On an on the road seemed to go, winding and stretching into the distance for all eternity. Lancelot grew tired of riding and was quite relieved when they decided to stop. The group finally decided to settle in a little rocky outcropping on the edge of the forest. It was not the safest nor the wisest place to stay but it would have to do for the time being. Looming trees surrounded them on three sides while a steep drop lay only meters away on the fourth. Dismounting, the boy looked around cautiously. There was something unnerving about this place, perhaps it was because of the ominous creaking trees or simply because he was away from home by himself for the first time. The others had already begun unpacking as one member of the group knelt by a pile of wood, intent on starting a fire. Incoherent speech came from the men as they went about their business then gathered by the fire, which was being tended carefully by the man who had so mechanically reminded Lancelot to 'learn to keep up'. Naturally, he longed to break the silence but was at a loss of words.
"What do you say to a knight?" He asked himself as he began to take what belongings he had brought off of the horse's back. Shy? No, definitely not. Unfamiliar? Perhaps a little but that was only normal. After he got everything situated, he approached the group which was huddled around a brilliant bonfire. He had barely sat down when one of the men, whom he had never talked to, offered him a drink of water.
"Are you thirsty?" The man simply said, holding up a pouch made of fine pelt. Lancelot held out a hand and the man tossed him the water which messily spilled over a bit when it hit the ground.
"Thank you." He said, taking a sip. Shocked by how cold the water was, he quickly pulled back and wiped off his mouth with a sleeve. Not wanting to spill anymore, he leaned across the circle and handed it back. For the first time, he began to take notice of the group. All of the men had short, close-cropped hair save two who had slightly longer hair. Their faces were somewhat caked with dirt that clung to them because of the little beads of sweat that streamed down their cheek. Every one of them wore armor of some sort and had a sword near by or worn closely at their waist. A man with a gaping cut across left arm saw him studying the sword that lay at his feet.
"Ever leaned to use a sword boy?" He questioned, resting his chin on a hand.
"No sir." Lancelot replied truthfully. He had little lessons here and there from his father in sword play but never anything serious.
"Well you're going to spend a lot of time doing just that." The man chortled. "Nothing to worry about young man, it goes a lot faster than they say." The circle broke out in a few chuckles then quiet down.
"Your sword is the first thing you see when you wake up and it's usually the last thing you see before you go to bed. And it's going to be like that for the next fifteen years." Another man added. This time there was complete silence as if something brought back a terribly memory. They remained still until Lancelot finally spoke.
"Well, you can be thankful that you're almost out of your misery then." He remarked at last. At that, the group erupted with laughter. Comments were thrown about and amidst the commotion, the man sitting next to him pounded him on the back.
"To the boy!" the man said raising a bowl of water in a toast, "May your years pass quickly and may you live to see the end!"
"To the boy!" The rest of the group chorused as they drank to Lancelot who couldn't help smirking. There they stayed for quite some time talking and laughing under the night sky. It remained so until someone returned with wild fowl slung over one shoulder. The men applauded as they roasted the birds over the open flame. A wonderful smell filled the air as the meat cooked and was later split amongst them. Hungry from a day of travel, Lancelot gladly accepted the food that was put in front of him. Though there was not much to go around, each man had his fill. Savoring the flavor, he picked every bone clean. Things went very well for the awkward feeling he had early on began to go away. The tight group reminded him of how people used to gather in the village and share the spoils of their hard work. However, this was his life now so he forced the thought from his mind and focused on the moment. Before he could realize it, it was hours past sun down and the cold of the coming winter was upon them. To his surprise, the puddle of water that had spilled earlier was now a think layer of ice. Shivers went down his spine as he inched subconsciously toward the fire.
"It's getting cold." The man who brought back the fowl remarked as he reached to draw his cloak in tighter.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it were early morning now. I should like to get a bit of rest before we head off." Someone said. The entire group's attention was now turned to what was to be done.
"I'll take first watch." The man with the cut volunteered. Grateful that he could now sleep safely, Lancelot began to walk back to where he'd left his horse but was hit with freezing wind as he put distance between himself and the fire. "Don't worry about that." The man said laying a tarp on the ground, "You can sleep here if you'd like." With little warm clothing on his back, Lancelot completely let go of the idea of being strong and took the offer. He quickly fetched his own blanket and settled down by the fire. The knights did not look down on him for that as all would agree, winter was coming on and no one could resist a little warmth. So he lay down on the uneven rock and closed his eyes. The sense of adventure had not worn off and he found it difficult to sleep at first. Even so, the sound of the wind ruffling the falling leaves was rather soothing. He paid no heed to the surroundings for he new he was safe. With his blanket over him and the flame crackling near by, Lancelot drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 1- The First Day
"How long will we be gone?"
"Fifteen years. Not counting the months it will take to reach your post."
It was at that when it occurred to the boy that this could be the last time he would see Sarmatia. The last time he'd be able to feel its soft grass on his skin or see the sunset across the plains. Grass and sunsets are not only of this land, though home is what makes it all so precious. He frowned as this thought crossed his mind. As he rode away with a group of strangers, his family and friends stood in the distance becoming little more than a memory. Nothing bothered him as much as that, to forget and leave his loved ones behind. He turned back and took a glance at them that could very well be his last. There they were as they always had been. "Lancelot! Lancelot!" he could hear their voices carried by a swift east wind, calling his name. He looked away at last closing his eyes, remembering the moment. Taking a deep breath, he drew courage from everything around him, his horse which diligently bore him, the soft glow of the sun glistening against the water, his will to return home again. Lancelot opened his eyes and did not turn back. He would not linger in the past for ahead of him was the biggest task he would have to face. Though the path that lay before him was long and treacherous, he would not face it alone.
A slight chill filled the air as they made their way westward along a wooded road. They had been traveling for hours on end. Lancelot hadn't spoken since they left the village save a few words. There was not much to say but when he did speak, he spoke with confidence and integrity. He rode silently at the back of the group with his head held high. He was not afraid of the hard work ahead, nor was he intimidated by those around him. Light began to fade as the golden sun began to sink behind the hills. Vivid shades of blue and purple filled sky as stars rub their eyes and come out after a days rest to light the darkening world. Gently, he pulled the reigns of the great beast that shook its head and came to a stop. Lancelot stroked the silky mane of his black horse as he found himself, lost in the moment, gazing at the horizon. Releasing the reins, he brought up one hand to cover his eyes from the still bright circle in the western sky. This truly was a sight to behold. He, Lancelot, who had never ventured very far from home, was now on the side of a mountain watching the sun set as he had never seen before. Compelled by the adventurous feeling that was now kindled, the edges of his lips curled in a grin that was the first of many.
"Hey! Don't fall behind now." A voice prompted impatiently. The boy scowled as he snapped back to reality. Reluctantly, he picked up the ropes again and gave the horse a little kick. He soon caught up to the rest of the group which he realized, had stopped as if in a favor to wait for him. "Learn to keep up or you're going to get left behind one day." The man said dryly,"People won't always pity those who stray." Annoyed, Lancelot wanted to argue but nodded instead. Time would go faster if they were all on good terms.
Night came quickly as a cool veil of dark blue covered the land. The cold air was refreshing against the skin of the weary travelers. All signs of the sun which had hung high just hours ago were gone and now the moon took its place on the throne in the sky surrounded by stars as royal subjects. The pale circle gleamed, lighting the way for the group as they sought a place to stay for the night. On an on the road seemed to go, winding and stretching into the distance for all eternity. Lancelot grew tired of riding and was quite relieved when they decided to stop. The group finally decided to settle in a little rocky outcropping on the edge of the forest. It was not the safest nor the wisest place to stay but it would have to do for the time being. Looming trees surrounded them on three sides while a steep drop lay only meters away on the fourth. Dismounting, the boy looked around cautiously. There was something unnerving about this place, perhaps it was because of the ominous creaking trees or simply because he was away from home by himself for the first time. The others had already begun unpacking as one member of the group knelt by a pile of wood, intent on starting a fire. Incoherent speech came from the men as they went about their business then gathered by the fire, which was being tended carefully by the man who had so mechanically reminded Lancelot to 'learn to keep up'. Naturally, he longed to break the silence but was at a loss of words.
"What do you say to a knight?" He asked himself as he began to take what belongings he had brought off of the horse's back. Shy? No, definitely not. Unfamiliar? Perhaps a little but that was only normal. After he got everything situated, he approached the group which was huddled around a brilliant bonfire. He had barely sat down when one of the men, whom he had never talked to, offered him a drink of water.
"Are you thirsty?" The man simply said, holding up a pouch made of fine pelt. Lancelot held out a hand and the man tossed him the water which messily spilled over a bit when it hit the ground.
"Thank you." He said, taking a sip. Shocked by how cold the water was, he quickly pulled back and wiped off his mouth with a sleeve. Not wanting to spill anymore, he leaned across the circle and handed it back. For the first time, he began to take notice of the group. All of the men had short, close-cropped hair save two who had slightly longer hair. Their faces were somewhat caked with dirt that clung to them because of the little beads of sweat that streamed down their cheek. Every one of them wore armor of some sort and had a sword near by or worn closely at their waist. A man with a gaping cut across left arm saw him studying the sword that lay at his feet.
"Ever leaned to use a sword boy?" He questioned, resting his chin on a hand.
"No sir." Lancelot replied truthfully. He had little lessons here and there from his father in sword play but never anything serious.
"Well you're going to spend a lot of time doing just that." The man chortled. "Nothing to worry about young man, it goes a lot faster than they say." The circle broke out in a few chuckles then quiet down.
"Your sword is the first thing you see when you wake up and it's usually the last thing you see before you go to bed. And it's going to be like that for the next fifteen years." Another man added. This time there was complete silence as if something brought back a terribly memory. They remained still until Lancelot finally spoke.
"Well, you can be thankful that you're almost out of your misery then." He remarked at last. At that, the group erupted with laughter. Comments were thrown about and amidst the commotion, the man sitting next to him pounded him on the back.
"To the boy!" the man said raising a bowl of water in a toast, "May your years pass quickly and may you live to see the end!"
"To the boy!" The rest of the group chorused as they drank to Lancelot who couldn't help smirking. There they stayed for quite some time talking and laughing under the night sky. It remained so until someone returned with wild fowl slung over one shoulder. The men applauded as they roasted the birds over the open flame. A wonderful smell filled the air as the meat cooked and was later split amongst them. Hungry from a day of travel, Lancelot gladly accepted the food that was put in front of him. Though there was not much to go around, each man had his fill. Savoring the flavor, he picked every bone clean. Things went very well for the awkward feeling he had early on began to go away. The tight group reminded him of how people used to gather in the village and share the spoils of their hard work. However, this was his life now so he forced the thought from his mind and focused on the moment. Before he could realize it, it was hours past sun down and the cold of the coming winter was upon them. To his surprise, the puddle of water that had spilled earlier was now a think layer of ice. Shivers went down his spine as he inched subconsciously toward the fire.
"It's getting cold." The man who brought back the fowl remarked as he reached to draw his cloak in tighter.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it were early morning now. I should like to get a bit of rest before we head off." Someone said. The entire group's attention was now turned to what was to be done.
"I'll take first watch." The man with the cut volunteered. Grateful that he could now sleep safely, Lancelot began to walk back to where he'd left his horse but was hit with freezing wind as he put distance between himself and the fire. "Don't worry about that." The man said laying a tarp on the ground, "You can sleep here if you'd like." With little warm clothing on his back, Lancelot completely let go of the idea of being strong and took the offer. He quickly fetched his own blanket and settled down by the fire. The knights did not look down on him for that as all would agree, winter was coming on and no one could resist a little warmth. So he lay down on the uneven rock and closed his eyes. The sense of adventure had not worn off and he found it difficult to sleep at first. Even so, the sound of the wind ruffling the falling leaves was rather soothing. He paid no heed to the surroundings for he new he was safe. With his blanket over him and the flame crackling near by, Lancelot drifted off into a dreamless sleep.