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beautifulsnake2162020 · 11 months

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The Vitulation Cycle: An Arthuriana fanfiction (King Arthur x OC and Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot) CHAPTER 5: ARTHUR PART II

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction I do not make any money from this. Cultist Simulator elements belongs to the Weather Factory, House of the Dragon/Game of thrones elements belongs to George RR Martin and Arthuriana while generally regarded as under the public domain, it comes from the culture of Britain.

Chapter 5 - Arthur: Part II

"You don't have to be present, I'll understand if you want to skip today's meeting." You brush your nose against Lancelot's as the two of you had just finished a romantic encounter as the two of you now dressed to meet the Fisher King. It was to take place in the neutral territory of King Mark, the uncle of Sir Tristan, who was about two years older than Mordred and was the latest person to officially join the knights of the round table. It had been a year since the Princess Elaine's delegation had entered into Camelot, harassed your now lover, and took his seed. You had preferred that he stay behind with Guinevere but he insisted in accompanying you.

Lancelot nuzzles you back as his hands meet yours.

"You're going to be there, that's more than enough for me."

You two share one last kiss before you both head out.

He stayed as one of your guards nearby as you, King Mark and the Fisher King have your meeting in a tent. Originally the Fisher King wanted to return to your kingdom, but given what happened while you were away, meeting in a neutral territory was a sufficient compromise.

"What concern do you believe that only I can help with?" You ask as you settle yourself across the Fisher King. King Mark between the two of you, making himself an unofficial arbitrator. In some ways you pity him as he struggled to sit upright before settling on sitting in a way that was in between laying and being upright so no pressure was placed on his genitals. The area wherein he was infected with an unknown disease. It may just be another sign of his aging body, but you didn't encounter many old men who had uncomfortable pain in their cod and cock.

"King Arthur, I believe you are the right person to help find my medicine."

"Your medicine?"

"Yes, something called the grail, or the sacred grail. My supply that has been aiding me has run out. And according to my alchemists the medicine is of magical and probably sacred origin. My kingdom is not as magical as yours and I was hoping that you could help me in this."

"Hmm that seems reasonable. I too don't have the same resources that you have Arthur."

"I hope you understand Arthur why I need the medicine. Camelot is powerful but still young, and I'm uncertain if either you or Mark are prepared to handle an influx of immigrants to your respective kingdoms." He was cunning, you'll give him that. And he did have a point on why you should help him on a quest that he has made you involved in. You do your best to not show any of your thoughts on your face. Let him think you aren't thinking of asking more from him in return. You weren't an adolescent anymore and quests were expensive.

"I see, would it be alright if I asked my sister Morgan, one of my magical advisors to join us? It's true that I do have magical resources, but she will probably know what to look for. She's the better person to involve in our discussion on magical medicine."

"Certainly King Arthur." The Fisher King grins as you stand to ask Lancelot or Gwaine, two of your knights who were guarding outside to ask Morgan to come to the tent. Inside you were hoping that the Fisher King is too occupied by what he thought was your blind compliance. Gwaine goes to escort Morgan to the tent as you and Lancelot share a brief glance.

How are you? Your eyes say before Lancelot gives you a small nod. His eyes never leaving yours.

I am well, go back to your business.

Morgan then hastily arrives just as dinner is set in the tent and a chair was brought for her to join in.

"What more can you say about this medicine of yours?"

"Well I don't need much to cure my ailment. But ever since we began running out my alchemists tried diluting it with water but it only made me need more for my ailment to be healed and maintained in a healed state."

"Why do you call it the Grail?"

"Because my lady, that is how it is served to me. The keeper of the medicine would put the amount in a grail - before it was diluted it was given to me in a cup, and then after my alchemists diluted the supply and a larger amount was needed by me they began putting it in a large serving plate along with water or any other drink I preferred - and so I began calling it 'the Grail' for brevity."

"Have you seen what the medicine looked like? In it's own bottle?"

"Unfortunately no. All I know is that not only did my ailment heal, but almost everything of mine healed."

This caught your attention.

You focused your eyes on your food and an ongoing conversation with King Mark about how Tristan was adjusting in your court. But what the Fisher King said he felt - it was how you felt when you nearly died twice and Daenara's healing blood was there to save you both times. It was how you knew you would live in both times.

It was how you knew that before she died Daenara had healed you.

"It's Targaryen blood isn't it?" You ask Morgan as you and she discuss this in private as you two lead your delegation back to Camelot. You requested your knights to give you some space for the privacy of your conversation.

"Issa valonqar (Yes little brother). If it isn't Targaryen blood then it must be a concoction that has it in it's ingredients or it is an extract from it which managed to get all the healing properties isolated from the blood."

"Which is more likely?"

"Hmm by the sound of it the second option is more likely since he did say that before his supply began to run out he had only needed a few drops of it. But then again Targaryen blood already does this and it's also possible that he just didn't know that it was Targaryen blood. The person who gave it to him must have placed some wine or juice to possibly change the color and to disguise the fact that it is actually blood."

"Huh - we'll need to tell Merlin now of the secret we know?"

"We don't. We made a promise valonqar. I'll prepare a divination ritual to see how we may obtain it. If I can't find the answer myself I'll ask my friends first to see if anyone knows how to get Targaryen blood. So far those who use it are taking from their current supply though."

"No one has found where they are?"

"They are in hiding, ever since they were betrayed by a spy who wanted to severely remove magic they have been in hiding. It's why those who know where they are and those who are responsible for protecting them are very secretive and are keeping an eye on the current supply currently used. Right now if any Targaryen were to allow their blood to be drawn from a large syringe, they would become extremely wealthy really quick with the prices that we currently have."

You take a sigh.

"Still thinking about her?"

"I don't want to give myself false hope from the results of our personal pilgrimage."

"I wouldn't say it's out of place. My hope has grown ever since we couldn't find her remains or any possessions we had when we were last there."

"Mm hmm."

"You may want to think her dead, I would rather fantasize that she was still alive somehow."

"All to justify your dislike for Guinevere?"

"I'm not one to judge how many people a person could love. But I would rather you had been involved with a different couple than Lancelot and Guinevere. Guinevere thinks that just because she knows how to read people she suddenly knows everyone's little secrets or who a person is. Lancelot is a sword happy individual who just so happens to be born into a pretty package."

"There's more to them than that."

"Just because you gave them your blessing in the Beltane celebration last year doesn't excuse their actions. They thought they were discreet when really they were shameless. And just because the three of you are now a triumvirate of lovers doesn't excuse that."

The sun began to set on the horizon. You and your delegation will have to make camp in this field for the night. Camelot was not too far away since you could see your castle from where you were.

"Morgan, I appreciate your protectiveness of me. But I love both of them."

"You also love me and the rest of the knights of the round table." She retorts back at you as the two of you began dismounting from your horses.

"I'm not asking you to suddenly be best friends with them. All I'm asking is for the three of you to be civil. I can't blame Lancelot for not wanting to be your guard or escort during this trip because of how coldly you've been treating him. And you were also responsible for Guinevere's fainting with your friend the Green knight."

"Kostilus valonqar (Please little brother)." She says as she rolls her eyes at you.

"Besides I'm sure Lancelot would prefer to be your escort rather than mine. Both for your protection and pleasure." You raise an eyebrow at her as she smirks at you.

"I suppose you and Guinevere were a good match after all among the many possibilities in an arranged marriage. Both of you think you are discreet, when really you are both rather shameless. To have Lancelot moaning out your name when you think the rest of us couldn't hear is astonishing indeed." You couldn't help but roll your eyes at her sarcastic tone as you help set up camp.

Something strange happened that night.

In your dream, a silhouette of a person - a person vaguely familiar to you yet you don't know why that is - is bleeding out. And from the stream of blood came forth various fruits. It was then you noticed that the stream of blood had also filled in cracks on the ground you only noticed was there. The fruits that emerged were some of the most appetizing and gorgeous seen. From the gooseberries to the apples, all of it was enticing you to feast on it.

And yet you feel some guilt, guilt that prevented you from partaking in the feast that was emerging.

Soon the stream of blood reached your feet.

You tried resisting it for you feel unworthy of receiving such gift.

It healed you anyway. Despite your resistance from feelings of guilt and unworthiness, you find your hidden thirst quenched and you eventually allow yourself to partake in both the blood and the food it brought forth.

And then you awaken in Lancelot's arms.

As you all gathered for breakfast you notice that everyone has had a similar dream with some variations.

With the others it was from a serving plate that was large. Like yours a red substance - some thought it was wine and others thought it was blood - flows out from it and brings forth plenty of food and it too energized them.

With Morgan her dream was encountering a large stream of a red tinted water that was also glowing. But strangely in her dream it not only brought forth food but also a chalice and a blade. On the chalice was a symbol of the blade, and on the hilt of the blade was a symbol of the chalice. Before she could touch either one she was awakened.

"Arthur, you know I'm not one who usually delve into the meaning of dreams." Sir Ector, the man who in your heart was your true father, says as he finishes breaking his fast after everyone has shared their own vivid dreams of the night before.

"But having said that - this might be a sign that the quest for the Grail was meant for us. Meant for you to do."

"Father I'm not as young as I was. I'm not sure if this quest was meant for me specifically. After all you all had similar dreams."

"You're still young, take it from me whose joints are beginning to stiffen." Sir Ector says with a reassuring smile.

"Either way you're still the youngest Wart." Your brother Sir Kay brings in humor to lighten your mood.

"It seems I will have to do the divination ritual immediately once we get back."

"Why not ask Merlin?" You and and Morgan share a look at sir Gwaine's question.

"Based on the description the Fisher King gave, Morgan and I have a good guess on what the medicine actually is. And it seems the dreams we've all had just seem to confirm this."

"Oh? And what is the Fisher King's medicine?"

"I'm sorry Gwaine but Morgan and I have made a promise to those who possess the medicine not to tell what it is."

"Huh, why not?" Sir Gwaine asks rather harshly. You know he doesn't mean it but even passions could be misinterpreted by those whom he is not close to.

"First of all it's not our secret to share and both Arthur and I have too much respect for those who make the medicine. Second of all it's still just a guess even with the dreams we have last night. Third, even if our guess is right we're not sure where to get it from."

"What do you mean you don't know? I thought you both know who the creators are."

"I know that a talented team of seamstresses made my garments, that doesn't mean I know where they are. Also the creators are no longer in their original place. Which is why Arthur and I don't exactly know where to go since even among the magical community, nobody knows where they are and those who do will do anything to keep them hidden for their protection."

"This medicine, this Grail is that powerful?" Your brother asks your sister.

"And it is scarce. Which is why I don't blame the creators for going into hiding."

"That still doesn't explain why you can't ask Merlin. Isn't he also a part of the magical community?"

"He is, but let's just say I'd rather do this myself. On any other matter I don't mind if Arthur asks Merlin. But this is one of the few exceptions to the rule. I know this makes me seem more suspicious in everyone's eyes, but I'd rather presume he doesn't know about it than to break my promise." Her tone leaves no further question to be asked. Normally this would be uncomfortable but in this instance you were thankful for it.

The day after your arrival Morgan performs a divination ritual. In order to show that this was indeed in good faith (to the rest of the court since you know why she insisted on being the one to do this) she did the ritual in open court. After thoroughly cleansing herself and dressing in her most comfortable garments she brings her tools of divination with her. Rune stones from one of her Scandinavian teachers, divination cards, a candle that she had reserved for divination and a huge bag of salt. On a large mat with stones on each corner and side to prevent it from moving, she pours the salt in a circle surrounding her and her tools. She says something that was too soft for you to hear. Then she lights the candle and bows toward it while asking it for guidance. Normally after this she would begin to either shuffle the cards or begin shaking the bag of runes.

But this time was different.

Her eyes begin glowing in a violet color that blocked out the green eyes that you two shared.

And the voice that comes out of her is not her own.

"Is this her doing it?" Guinevere asks Merlin as everyone is shocked by the changes in her.

"No, someone has entered her body. Morgan's aura is at a standstill. It's acting like a stage for the being who had chosen to enter her body." Merlin says ominously making everyone in court bracing themselves for what may occur.

"Excellent observance Merlin." A male voice comes out of Morgan as she - or whomever the being was - looked at Merlin. Merlin had a look of astonishing recognition in his eyes.

"Don't you remember me? Your own mentor?"

"I do. But why do you now inhabit Morgan le fay's body?"

"Because now is the time for me to do so pupil. Don't worry this will not harm Morgan as long as her body doesn't go beyond the circle of salt she created. But now is the time I formally initiate the quest of the Grail." Merlin's mentor then faces you and gives you a serene smile that you haven't seen on Morgan's face.

"Your knights were correct in deducing that this quest is something that you and your knights were meant to do. There are at least two stages to this quest."

"At least two?"

"Yes Arthur, it all depends on how well and how quickly you or your knights or your allies could solve some puzzles in this quest."

"Very well, what must we do?"

"For now I shall tell you what you will need to know for the first part of the quest. First this must be located." Using the flames of the candle, the being formed the flames into a shape of a chalice.

"Forgive me but it looks like the shape of any goblet."

"Right now the shape of the goblet is all I could give you. But don't worry I shall give you a hint on how to locate the chalice you need. The chalice is something that will be very familiar to you, alarmingly so. It may be found among the possessions of a magical being closely connected with something and someone you know. Once you have found it, tell Morgan to conduct the same ritual so I may inhabit her body again." And then the being left as Morgan quickly went back to her senses and balanced herself before she could fall.

Hmm something familiar to you.

"Have you decided which knights will go on the Grail quest?"

"Mordred I can't send anyone without any directions of where to go. I have yet to think on where."

"Also there's logistics to consider Mordred. Sending anyone out on a quest will still need some planning beforehand." Lancelot adds as Mordred gives him his new clothes and gives you water to drink. It had been awhile now since you've received the quest to find a goblet that's supposed to be familiar to you. If it was so familiar then how come you have problems recalling it?

"Mordred can you see if the other knights need anything? Arthur and I will be fine now." Mordred takes the hint and leaves you and Lancelot on your way to the bathing area of the castle. One of the few things of your birth father's that doesn't leave a bad taste in you. It was more for practical reasons than for pleasure. It was near the training grounds and once the men were done with their training, they could easily wash up and make themselves presentable by the next meal time. The infirmary was also close to it on occasions when injuries were suffered and the wounds needed to be quickly cleaned first before it could be treated.

"You are stressing yourself trying to search for the goblet." Lancelot says as your hands were joined as both of you relax in a tub of hot water with him across you.

"I couldn't help it. Many are asking when I will send anyone out on a quest. I feel like I should know where it is despite me having no idea what goblet could be so familiar to me. Or if it is familiar to me then why can't I remember it now."

"And this is stress that will only drive you mad. Didn't you say recently that you had Morgan follow up on the medicine that you believe the Fisher King needs?" He asks you tenderly as you lean back.

"Yes and I have more hope there than my memories. But it doesn't make the pressures of court any less tiring when there are several who are impatient for results. Maybe this is why I am frustrated myself with the memories that I could not recall."

"Then maybe it's that time of the month that you should spend some time away from court. You and Guin weren't able to go to the cabin these past few months, perhaps now is the time to be away from court."

"Something tells me that you want to suggest a different place this time Lance." He chuckles as he holds his hands up in surrender.

"I was hoping this time we could take a trip to Avalon and visit my mother. You, me, and Guin. Avalon is a place away from the politics of court and she had longed to see you again since she gave you Excalibur." Your eyes widen.

"Lance that would be a longer trip than just a half a day's journey on a horse to the cabin."

"Which was why I asked Ector and Kay first before proposing this to you. And they are both quite willing to oversee Camelot in yours and Guin's absence."

You couldn't help but sigh. If even your father and brother agreed then perhaps you do need sometime to genuinely rest from being Camelot's king.

"You need rest Arthur." Kay says as he pushes you toward the stables wherein everything you needed was ready.

"Our father has been running affairs long before you were born, Camelot will be fine."

"Should anything go wrong -"

"Have Merlin get the three of you if it's beyond our abilities to solve it. I know this, our father knows this. Now get on your horse Wart and be off."

"Are you this desperate to have me gone Kay?" You couldn't help but smirk at him.

"Yes I couldn't stand to hear you muttering over a damned goblet for another hour. Now enjoy Avalon and enjoy Lancelot and Guinevere."

"We'll make sure he enjoys himself Sir Kay." Guinevere says as she laughs with him.

You didn't want to admit it but they were right. It was rejuvenating being in Avalon with both of your lovers and you did miss being in the presence of the lady of the lake. On the second to the last night of your stay, the lady of the lake brings out some items from her possession.

"I want to give all of you a gift among my treasures. But since I do not know which to give, I have laid out what I thought was the best choices."

"Or choices you don't mind giving."

"Well Lancelot if you don't want something from Avalon then I'll just give Arthur and Guinevere then."

"Mother! I was just joking." Laughter echoed from all of you as she lay the items on the table. Guinevere chose a necklace that had some of Avalon's power within it. Enough for it to be used to get to Avalon quickly than to travel on horse. Lancelot chose a dagger that did not need to be sharpened. You were still pondering on what to select when one of the lady's servants arrived carefully holding something in a bag.

"Oh I have been looking for this. Arthur since you seem to be having problems among the choices I have laid out, perhaps you will want this one."

"It will be a challenge since you have already given me Excalibur."

"Oh you'll never know."

She brings out the item from the bag.

Your eyes widen in familiarity.

#Arthuriana #Arthuriana fanfiction #The Vitulation Cycle #Arthur Pendragon x OC #Arthur Pendragon x OFC #arthur x guenievre x lancelot #Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot #Arthur x Guinevere #Arthur x Lancelot #Morgan le fay #Grail quest #Cultist Simulator elements #HOTD elements

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