Chapter 15

The drive into Los Angeles had been fun. Watching Arthur's knights' jaws practically hit the floor in astonishment at this world of the future had been entertaining. Forced to leave their swords and armour at home, and made to dress in modern attire, they fit in but were noticeably tense. Looking at Elyan in the rear-view mirror was practically a replay of Arthur's first time out on the open road! Kelly did try her best not to laugh out loud. The poor man was battling culture shock.

The combination of lights and sounds both outside and inside the Cineplex theatre, and the vast array of people casually strolling by, some couples showing VERY public displays of affection, the Knights of Camelot looked distinctly ill-at-ease. Gwaine and Merlin tried their best to help the others loosen up and enjoy the change of scenery. Gwaine simply enjoyed the 'scenery' with appreciative glances at all the scantily clad young women.

Kelly paid for the admission tickets, with a possessive Arthur glued to her side. If another man or teenaged boy dared to look at Kelly, they were immediately attacked with a sharp cerulean blue glare.

Merlin took the others to the theatre's arcade zone. The quiet facade was gone fairly quickly then, as knight after knight took his turn shooting at virtual criminals—and cheering quite loudly when he was victorious. Their loud banter and rough play had heads turning in curiosity. It was the sight of grown men being loud and boisterous, though courteous if other patrons wished to step in and play. Their speech drew attention as well, as it was a marked contrast with the American accent.

Sir Leon stood with arms crossed over his chest as Percival attempted a sport called 'snowboarding'. Each time the brawny knight ran his character into a tree, a building, or into the side of a ramp, Leon would laugh out loud. "While you are a fearsome warrior, Percival," he teased lightly, "Perhaps you'd better stay away from this 'snowboarding'. It clearly isn't for everyone!" He received a scathing look as the Knight tried to focus.

"Shut your trap, Leon," Percival growled, his arms out to try to aid his balance. His eyes followed the virtual trail in front of him, and he attempted to ride successfully. "I'm not bad...for a beginner." He rolled his shoulders uncomfortably.

When Percival was done, he graciously stepped aside for a small boy. In moments the boy made a mockery of his attempt with near perfect execution of each of the challenges.

Leon sniggered quietly, but Elyan crowed, "Percival's been bested by a CHILD!" The knights laughed, meaning no harm, but Percival's face burned with embarrassment. As he passed Elyan, he punched the dark knight's shoulder with purpose. Elyan winced and ceased making fun of his comrade. Clearly he had hit a sore spot...

With movie tickets in hand, it was time to line up and purchase snacks. This, Kelly concluded, looked very much like a bunch of overgrown kids in a candy store. None of them knew what to do with all of these choices laid out before them. They looked lost, frightened for a moment, and then a sudden burst of joy lit the faces of the other knights. Her own husband seemed embarrassed by this display, his own face crimson, as he hissed at the ones who were beginning to behave like five-year-olds to behave and to carry themselves "in a manner best representing Camelot". No, that didn't cause heads to turn, not at all...They instantly looked guilty and were very apologetic to their Future King, struggling to contain their mounting excitement.

Elyan and Percival stepped out of line to look at the display at the front of the counter, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and anticipation. One would point at something, and the other would shake his head, suggesting another. In moments they looked anxious and antsy, casting glances back at their friends as they considered their choices.

Leon watched the popcorn maker and frowned in discomfort. The thing didn't stop, and exploded popcorn kernels constantly filled the glass-walled chamber. Magic, he thought, still carrying some of the disdain for magic that Camelot's previous ruler had outlawed. If anything bore the resemblance to magic, it made Leon uneasy. He watched patrons leave the countertops with huge bags of the stuff. He wondered briefly if it was all some giant enchantment.

Gwaine stood with folded arms, and he cast his glance sideways when he felt eyes upon his tall form. He caught two young ladies watching him and whispering to each other. If he hadn't been so handsome, he might have taken insult to their giggling episode. Ah, they were probably wondering how he kept such amazing hair... He smiled, winking at them, and he got a look of disdain that made him straighten in defence. Then they quickly gestured to a spot just behind him.

Gwaine followed their gazes and nearly choked on air when he realized they were busy scoping out the Prince's manservant! Of course, Merlin was oblivious to this inspection, talking quietly with Kelly, finally nodding about something. When he finally did notice all the attention, he smiled awkwardly, managing a casual half-wave, and his ears burned red in his uncomfortable state.

~.~.~

They were an odd sight indeed, all seven of them seated in the middle of the darkened theatre. They restlessly waited for the movie to start, having opted to see Titanic in the AVX auditorium. Kelly had promised it would be 'epic' and the sight and sound of this ramped-up theatre would make it far more real for the senses. They were at times too loud, and their British accents drew many curious stares in the time leading up to the movie's first commercial. Those from out-of-time had been warned that it was a four-hour long commitment.

From the moment the movie started, with its theatrical music and the larger-than-life screen come to life with vivid colours, their faces were awe-stricken. Eyes wide, they watched a spectacle unlike anything they had ever witnessed before.

From the moment the scene cut in, and they watched people of a bygone era admire the "ship of dreams", they were whispering to each other, nodding in astonishment. The sheer size of the vessel left the knights nearly speechless.

Unable to tear his eyes from the stunning sight of this "unsinkable" ship, Arthur asked softly, "This...really happened?"

Kelly spoke quietly, her hands gesticulating. "Based on the true story, but James Cameron uses a LOT of artistic license in this production. Just go with it." She thought a moment, adding, "Think of it as a...minstrel performing for the Court, orchestrating a reproduction of some significant event in your history—with LOTS of theatrics to keep an audience's interest. Creating a story within a story."

Arthur nodded, understanding a bit of what his wife meant. Still, the way this event was brought to focus, it was incredible. Everything was so real and vivid...

~.~.~

Camelot's men had become an emotional lot not even half an hour into the movie. Arthur was openly apalled by the behaviour of this 'Rose' character, by her loose nature. That did not sit well with the Future King of Camelot. Percival audibly threatened Rose's fiance when he had hit her on screen, and earned a few strange looks and calls to "SHUT UP!" that sent the infuriated knight back to his seat again. He slumped, still fuming—until Merlin explained that it was all pretend. Percival had looked somewhat unconvinced, but Leon had patted his shoulder reassuringly.

They had audibly gasped in disbelief when the engine room flooded, fear and sadness touching each of their gazes. Again, more strange glances and snickers from the younger members of the audience. And when the crew began to lock steerage passengers below deck after the ship had struck the iceberg, well, the entirety of Camelot's knights were practically shaking their fists at such an inhumane reaction to the lack of available lifeboats. And to watch the ship sink, to snap in half as it upended, had left hearts in throats.

As the last credits rolled, they all sat there, stunned and silent. They had seen tragedy and death, and the total disregard for human life in their own time. It was difficult to see it all played out so poignantly on a giant screen with music and (in their opinions) very believable acting, and to see bodies in the water...That had sent a couple of the knights swiping at their faces to hide evidence of tears.

Kelly feared for a moment that perhaps she had actually managed to traumatize her husband's beloved knights. That was until they emerged from the auditorium to the lobby of the theatre. In the presence of the other movie patrons and staff, they became the manly men they had presented themselves to be in the first place. They were, once more, ridiculous and too loud and looking to get kicked out.

So much for lasting impressions...