(it's not a wild goose chase if it's for god)

[knightgallant]

Although he had been hopeful that the Well of the Chalice would offer some divine insight into his quest --a renewal of one of his visions, or perhaps a sign that he was on the right path-- that Galahad left empty-handed in the end did not surprise him. Many times now he had left holy sites without further clues to his final destination.

He had expected this. He had understood from his very first glimpse of the holy artifact in a waking vision, that finding it would be difficult. It would be a test of his patience, perseverance, and faith. He accepted this, and had instead chosen to practice gratitude for the opportunity to measure the strength of his faith. (After all, a faith untested was a faith unworthy of one of Arthur's men, let alone God.) Very few men would ever witness holy perfection, and it was paramount to him that, as adoptive heir to Arthur's dominion especially, he prove Camelot's devotion to the King of Kings on the court's behalf. He had verbally staked his life on finding the Grail before the entire court, and his resolve to find the artifact was still strong.

Any disappointment he felt, Galahad soothed with the consolation of a quiet meal in the wood outside the Well's chapel. As he ate, he contemplated the worn and dirtied map spread out beside him.

"Where do we ride next?" He idly questioned his horse, in between bites of the bread and cheese the Well's priest had granted him. "We have gone on pilgrimage all the way to this place, and the furthest reaches of Briton and Arthur's domain." The horse twitched an ear in relaxed response, and then turned away from his master to drink from the small river before the knight's feet. "I have heard wild tales of a wood in the north that people say is the last place Saint Hector stood before he ascended to Paradise. Is that not a promising locale?"

The horse's tail flicked at insects buzzing around its hindquarters as he nibbled at reeds growing from the riverbed, but he gave no other response besides that. Smiling, the knight decided to take pity on the beast and grant it some peace. This he offered in silence, along with a pat to the horse's neck. "Eat your fill, Amr. Tomorrow is a long ride."

Comments

[mostoutspoken]

It had been a long, hard journey to this place, but as his King had asked of him to find his provincial son, Merek refused to give up. He had pushed through many inhospitable wilds, faced bandits and fae alike, and gone through over a dozen horses in his time on the road. It was a test of his physical prowess as a knight, of that he was certain, and yet he remained undaunted. The knight was known for his strength, his unwavering bravery, and his unusual tactics to get the desired result in battle. What he faced on this quest could not stop him, not when he had a duty to his King to fulfill.

And so it was that three weeks passed from Merek's departure from Camelot when he finally came to the Well of the Chalice. Those who knew Galahad well had given him a path to follow and a list of places to search for the adopted son of Arthur. Now, here he was, on the last of his supplies before he would have to make another detour before continuing on. Luck - or fate, depending on one's beliefs - was on his side, though, and Merek broke into an easy smile as he came down a small path on his tired horse and saw Galahad sitting by the stream. to think, he didn't even need to speak to the men at the holy site to see if Galahad had been recently there!

Once he was a little closer, he called out to the younger man. "Hail, Galahad, heir apparent to the court at Camelot!" When he was but a few feet away, Merek dismounted his horse and set it to drink and graze from the stream before turning to Galahad and bowing deeply. "It is an honor to meet you, my Lord. I am Merek, son of Brandeles, and I have been sent by his Majesty King Arthur, who has bid you return home to Camelot at once."

[knightgallant]

When your only company for weeks have been your horse, your dreams, and your scattered visions, a lively introduction like Merek's is hard to miss. The quiet of the wood broken, Galahad is climbing slowly to his feet by the time the man joins him. He accepts the man's introduction exactly as it's stated, a warm gladness spreading slowly through him. How long it has been since another person has spoken to him this way, let alone someone from Arthur's court. Such reminders of the court and King he loves so well are more than welcome.

"Good morrow, Sir Merek." Smiling, Galahad clasps the other man's arm in the greeting gesture frequently exchanged between Arthur's men. Rather than jumping to attention or displaying a sense of urgency in response to the, well frankly urgent request, Galahad's reply is offered with an air of unhurried serenity. "You come to me when I am at rest after a day's long journey. Will you join me for a time? It has been long since I have had company, and you can tell me the meaning of the urgency of the King's summons."

[mostoutspoken]

Well, that... isn't the greeting he was expecting, but it would be rude to refuse his King's heir such a civil invitation and his horse does need to rest before they begin their return trip to Camelot. It seems the only sensible course of action now is to acquiesce to the request.

With a nod, Merek grabs a saddlebag from his horse and then carefully shifts his light, leather armor (there's no way he could have worn his full armor on a journey like this) a bit before taking a seat on the ground across from Galahad. "His Majesty has said that it is time for you to return home, my Lord. He requires your presence at Camelot as soon as you are able."

In truth, Arthur didn't tell Merek why he is to bring Galahad home, but it doesn't matter. His King gave him a command and Merek will follow it to the letter.

Taking two apples from his saddlebag, Merek offers one to his companion. "I do not think it would be wise to keep his Majesty waiting. Although the King is a patient man, I have been journeying for three weeks now and it will take us a week's hard ride to return home if we stop for rest only when necessary. I can send word ahead to soothe his Majesty's worries, but I believe it is best we ride out as soon as we are able."

[knightgallant]

Once settled back in his spot by the river, Galahad gives Merek his full attention. As the older knight seems to all but launch into explaining himself and their King, Galahad samples the apple in his hand thoughtfully. The more the other man's rather decisive explanation unfolds, the more he feels the need to consider all of this with care, and to choose his words well.

"The day I am back in Camelot and my Lord Uncle's service is a day that will be like a dream to me, Merek. Camelot is my home, and where all of my loved kinsmen and brothers, you now among them, reside," he admits honestly. "But on the path I tread now, I am beholden first to another King. For the sake of our King, Camelot, and Briton itself, I shall not let my resolve fail." He considers the other man for a moment, and sighs sympathetically.

"You have traveled long and hard and done well to find me, and it gives me no pleasure to turn you away to my Lord Uncle empty-handed; I take responsibility for my choice, and for what rebuke our King might give you when you return, should he do so."

[mostoutspoken]

Merek can't help but frown. What a terrible thing to do in the presence of someone who outranks him and has the right to tell him no. "There is no King of Briton but Arthur, my Lord, and that you spurn him to continue your quest when you are called to return home speaks not of the great love you profess to have for him." Perhaps it's unwise to call Galahad out on this, but Merek honestly wonders if Galahad can hear himself speaking. The younger knight seems so far away, so distant from everything happening around him.

Setting aside his saddlebag and his untouched apple, Merek spreads his hands out in front of him with his palms toward the heavens. Since a heartfelt confession didn't seem to move Galahad, Merek decides to switch tactics. A little guile seems the best course of action. "I understand that you were called to a higher purpose by God, but you have been searching for so long. Perhaps what you seek is not yet found as this was only God's way of testing your resolve."

...all right, that was downright rude and Merek knows it. With a sigh, he continues, "I mean no offense, my Lord, and I cannot know the will of God, but there is no shame in returning home to his Majesty for a time before continuing your journey. Rest, relax your weary bones for a while, and when you have fully recovered, return to the quest you are on now. It will appease your King and will only delay you for a short while." He offers a small smile to Galahad, hoping he's soothed over whatever hurt he may have caused with his thoughtless words. And that they are enough to convince the would-be Prince to return with him to Camelot without strife.

[knightgallant]

It is a bold thing Merek has done, but Galahad lacks the inflated sense of nobility that would make a knight more conscious of rank or propriety feel offended over being rebuffed. Rather than be offended, the young knight listens carefully, nodding slowly along with Merek's words.

"I know you speak true, as I know that to refuse our King is a bold act-- one some will say is willful and wicked." But what is this, even this knight's arrival, but a test of his resolve? It is by far one of the more challenging he has faced. Especially as Merek's presence presents one the first real glimpses of home that he's had in a while. Part of him does indeed wish he could give in and ride to Camelot again.

"But...Merek," The young knight reaches out to lay a gentle hand on the top of the other man's armored shoulder. "Does not our King say we should follow his code, but also do what we think is right? What I do now, this winding path I walk, is an act of love and service for my King and court. What earthly calling I could serve for him --and my life and sword are his to do as he will with for any earthly matter-- could not compare to the service I do in his name under the eyes of God. If I deliver us the Grail emblem of His grace, and prove that not mountains nor strife, nor the words of those I trust, will not shake my faith?" His mouth curves into the smallest of smiles, but the sense of calm certainty about him holds. "What can that do but prove our King's reign is blessed by God as we know it to be? This is my purpose, Merek; I have seen it in waking visions and with the same clarity with which I see you sit before me now."

[mostoutspoken]

Galahad's calm and gentle words do nothing to assuage Merek's worry about all of this. He has seen men strong in their resolve, but this is something else entirely. It is as if Galahad has become his quest and can no longer be separated from it. It iss both exhilarating and terrifying. That a man could be so consumed by the path he has set himself to as to not see the world as it truly is before his eyes... It worries Merek no small amount to see the man who would one day be his king this way and sets his resolve even more to bring the man before him home to the safety of Camelot for a spell.

"My Lord, I do understand what you say, but you must know that his Majesty is not asking you to give up your quest for the Grail. Indeed, what kind of King would he be if he asked something like that of his own heir?" Again he goes too far, but as Galahad was not offended before, Merek presses on. "If you were to take a rest in Camelot, would God so punish you for that? Surely our God is not so unkind as to punish you for seeking time and rest within the embrace of your family. The rest offered there can only strengthen and renew you for the long road I am certain lies ahead for you."

Merek then shifts to his knees, bowing as low as he can with his hands out at his sides. "I beseech you, Sir Galahad, ride with me to Camelot, meet with our King, and when you are again ready to take up the mantle which God has made for you, no one will be able to stand in your way." He has no way of knowing if anyone might try to stop Galahad from leaving Camelot again once he arrives there, but if he can only get him home, Merek is confident in his ability to convince the pious knight to stay for a time.

[knightgallant]

The young knight's smile falters, and his gaze drops to the half-eaten apple in his hands.

"I no more than any other man can guess the will of our Lord. What I have are those spare visions He continues to grant me. Perhaps I would not be blamed were I to go home... but it is not God I question in this. Home and rest are temptations I dream about often. If I ride home to my kinsmen and court now... I know not if I would later find the will to leave again." He looks the other man over with a gaze that is first apologetic, but then slowly filling with a creeping sense of appreciation of Merek's dedication to the King. If only their interests were not as opposed as they are, and he did not have to deny him the chance to do his duty at every turn. In a twinge of sympathy, he lays the hand that had previously rested on Merek's shoulder like a gentle blessing on the other man's bowed head. "If I could grant you this I would, but I must say thee 'fie' again."

Taking back his hand, he draws a knee up to his chest, other leg stretching out to get comfortable; In a way, it is too a subtly physical refusal to leave, to go with his verbal one.

[mostoutspoken]

How utterly frustrating. Merek had been told of Galahad's piety and dedication, but he could not have begun to understand the depths to which the man would go to deny himself even the most basic of comforts. What visions has he seen that would cause him to spurn an order from his King to return home? What must he believe to think he must deny himself a chance to rest and resupply in a place that is as familiar as it is comforting? Merek simply cannot understand how or why this must be for Galahad, and so he frowns at the younger man as he sits back on his feet.

There seems little else that can be said now that might sway the younger man, so it seems another way must be found. Merek looks him over critically. The road Galahad has been on has taken an obvious toll on the heir apparent. While not gaunt, it is obvious that Galahad has not eaten more than the bare necessities since leaving on his quest. His clothes hang from him a little and it appears as if he has not picked up his sword to use it in months. Without rigorous and regular training, it is unlikely that the man's strength could even come to match that which Merek brings to bear.

Perchance, then, a more direct approach may have the desired result.

Heaving a sigh, Merek gets to his feet and brushes the dirt from his limbs. "My Lord, I am afraid I cannot return to Camelot without you. I urge you to reconsider your position and come with me peaceably lest I be forced to remove you to your home forcibly." It is not a threat that Merek offers but a promise - he will return Galahad to Camelot, one way or another.

[knightgallant]

Although trained in combat and rivaling his father's skill with the sword, Galahad prefers to appeal for peace and mercy first before bringing things to violence. That Merek seems willing to bring him to Camelot against his will, makes him think that words and appeals may not be enough.

Still, he does not want to be the cause of conflict between them, and does not think the door has been closed to further discussion yet.

"Forcibly?" He hesitates, surveying Merek with a small amount of surprise. "It is my Lord Uncle's will that I be taken in such a way?"

[mostoutspoken]

Undaunted, Merek picks up his saddlebag and returns it to his horse. "It is my King Arthur's will that you return home to him. His Majesty did not in detail explain how I should accomplish this task he has set to me."

Which is a diplomatic way of telling Galahad that he can, and will, use force to accomplish this, though it would cause him much displeasure.

"Please, my Lord, I do not wish this to come to blows or to require such extreme measures." Turning back to the still-sitting knight, Merek gives the man an apologetic look. "While God has called to you, so, too, has your King. You cannot deny him such a simple appeal when it will in no way keep you from your quest for the Grail."

[knightgallant]

Judging from his words, Merek seems to find his cause wanting. Perhaps if he explains himself more, or told the man more of his visions and clarity at which they appear, fully-formed, in his mind...

But there is something that concerns him more about all this. Such urgency must have a cause, mustn't it? Not wanting to be rude, he rises slowly to his feet to join the other knight. A brief hesitation follows, and then:

"Did my Lord say why it was necessary that I harken back to Camelot at such haste?" For a moment, the concerns that come into his mind make him waver in his reluctance. "Is there some trouble at court? ...Is the King not well?"

[mostoutspoken]

Hell, of all the things Galahad could have asked, he had to ask the one thing that Merek has no answer to. He will not lie to the man if he can help it, and so he decides to tell what truth he does know.

"He asked only that I return you to him post haste. It is not my place to question the commands of my Liege and so I did not think to ask why he would be so desirous to see you."

[knightgallant]

"Pray be at ease, Merek. If you do not know, then that too must be my Uncle's will." And he has come far without knowing why, and done it simply because their King asked. Many of Arthur's men would do so, but to have come so far and show no sign of slowing or wavering despite not knowing his intention, is no mean show of faith. Still, he presses gently: "What of the King's welfare as you yourself saw it? And the welfare of the court?"

[mostoutspoken]

Finally, something feels to be going right. What tension was in Merek's shoulders eases as he settles into a neutral stance. "The King was in good health when I left to seek you out and the court has flourished under his Majesty's guidance. Although many things have changed in your absence, one thing has not - his Majesty's devotion to his people, his country, and God have not wavered in the slightest."

Merek pauses for a moment before adding, "But my King has missed you greatly since you undertook this quest. Never has a day passed when I did not hear him speak fondly of you and of how much he desires to see you again." A small, soft smile appears on the knight's face. "You are his heir apparent and as like to him a son as he has ever had. His love for you runs as deeply and openly as any father's does for his favored son."

[knightgallant]

That Camelot and his uncle are both well makes the knight smile. He doesn't know what he would have done if if he were to hear things had gone awry while he was away on his quest.

"The favor of my King is not something I take lightly. I owe him much-- he has made me as much as my flesh and blood father has made me," Galahad admits, his smile turning rueful as a hand rises slowly to grip gently at the fabric of his shirt in an expression of the conflicted feelings in him. God is unquestionably higher than man or any King, and the service he does to Arthur is ultimately a service done unto God, before his King. But he loves Arthur well, and would not want to deny him anything that he was sound of body and mind enough to give.

Torn, he looks away. Either choice he makes, he breaks a vow. He is beholden to God first, but can he break his oaths to Arthur, who has done nothing but love and adopt him as his son, and still claim his conscience is clean?

[mostoutspoken]

Merek watches Galahad with conflicted feelings. He wishes to bring the knight home to his King as he has been commanded, but he does not like putting the man under such stress in doing so. Still, he was given a command and he will see it through. "Then grant him this single wish and I am certain his Majesty will not only help but urge you to continue your quest once you have fulfilled your duties to him. Our King is a kind and just man and I am certain he will only offer you aid in returning to your quest when the time is right."

Cautiously, Merek steps over to Galahad and offers him a hand. "Come, my Lord, it is time to return home."

[knightgallant]

He is sure, as he listens to Merek, that the man is right. Arthur would never bar him from following his conscience, or the will of God. Turning back to Merek, he stares at the man's outstretched hand for a moment, trying to decide what to do.

And then, unexpectedly, an idea occurs to him: What if there could be a way for God, Arthur, and both Merek and himself to all get what it is they ask for?

"My friend." Rather than grip the man's hand, he takes the knight's single, offered one lightly in both of his own, with one laid over the top of the back of his hand. It is a silent gesture in the name of the peace and compromise he wishes for between them. "What say you, Merek, to the idea of a compromise?"

[mostoutspoken]

The gesture is one Merek immediately recognizes and so he is not suspicious so much as curious as to what Galahad might be thinking. "What have you in mind?" So long as his King will be appeased, Merek sees no reason not to consider the compromise.

[knightgallant]

"I will go with you, but I humbly ask of you that our path be of my choosing. On my life and the Grail itself I promise our end destination will be toward Arthur and Camelot, but I cannot with good conscience step foot within my King's domain until I know it will not mean breaking my vow to God." Or rather, cannot in good faith obey his master, the King, before his master, God. "What I ask is you take the time we will have to open my mind to greater truths God may have that I, human and humble in my understanding, may not have been able to see alone-- truths that would allow me to return home without breaking with the will of God."

[mostoutspoken]

That is an agreeable compromise, if one that leaves Merek at the mercy of whatever time and schedule Galahad wishes to keep. Still, he can keep his Majesty apprised of their progress toward Camelot any time they stop to resupply and try to guide Galahad on a shorter path home to keep his King from getting too anxious. Three seems no point in fighting such a welcome change.

"Your compromise is an acceptable one, Sir Galahad." Merek sinks down to Galahad's level and clasps his second hand around one of those still holding his, a gesture of acceptance and respect. "When shall we begin this slow journey homeward?"

[knightgallant]

"Thank you." He looks up, smiling warmly and without pretense. "It does my heart and conscience good that we shall travel together as friends rather than as man and retainer."

It is a peaceful compromise, and one wherein everyone can be settled, because they are getting what they wished for. He wishes all conflicts could be brought to such an end, and hopes that Arthur would be pleased to see that they had been able to bring their meeting to a place that did not involve blows.

"I had thought to make camp tonight, and then to make for the Holy Wood of Cornwall in the morn. My horse is still in need of rest from our visit to the chapel."

[mostoutspoken]

"That is well, for I think my horse would be glad of the rest." Merek chuckles good naturedly and then rises to his feet. As he steps over to his horse, he takes his time untacking the poor beast and brushing out its long, tangled mane. They have had a long, hard journey together these last few days and he is certain this chance to rest will be good for them both.

"What can you tell me of this Holy Wood?" he asks as he works diligently on his horse's needs. "I fear I am not as learned in holy matters as perhaps I should be. The ways of the sword have always held greater sway over me than many lessons taught to me in younger years of study."

[knightgallant]

Galahad tracks Merek's moving over to his horse with smile in place, and then goes to settle himself in his place by the river and his own horse again. Unlike Merek, who returned immediately to working diligently at his duties, and pious knight was content to sit and let the gurgling of the river bring what contemplation it would, until it came time to find dinner for the evening.

"I know naught but what the men and women of the Well's chapel told me; It is an ancient place, said to be home to the last place Saint Hector stood upon the Earth before he was called to heaven." And with that question answered, Galahad finds himself drawn to familiarizing himself with his new companion. "How are you with quests where you must track a person or thing, Merek?"

[mostoutspoken]

"I am passable, but not skilled by any measure. Need you to find someone as we journey? Or is it that you seek assistance in finding a place that has been described to you while on your quest?" When his horse's mane is free of tangles, Merek grabs his things and sets them down a few feet from the stream. As he speaks, he begins gathering rocks to make a small fire pit for them. There is plenty of dried undergrowth, leaves, and sticks about to make a good fire this time of year.

[knightgallant]

Galahad shakes his head, and then shifts to lean his cheek against the hand of the arm propped upon his leg.

"We will be well-served by any tracking skill in the Holy Wood, that is true, but... I ask now because I wanted to know a little of you for the man you are." Somewhat self-deprecatingly, he adds with a smile: "My only companions for many weeks have been Amr and my dreams, and between all of us I do most of the talking."

[mostoutspoken]

In spite of knowing it is inappropriate to do so, Merek laughs at Galahad's words. Their short time together has been very intense and he is grateful for the chance to break away from that. "If my Lord wishes to know more about me, he need only ask." Satisfied with that light, teasing remark, as well as his handiwork with the fire pit, he stands and begins gathering some firewood. "Wish you to know of my remembered deeds? My studies? Or perhaps you are more curious about those things that would have me sent to find you above others in King Arthur's court?"

[knightgallant]

Rather than be offended, Camelot's heir apparent is glad to find that their camp has come to this place of good cheer. Such is the way Arthur would want, he feels, and that Galahad himself enjoys. The calm smile on his face widens, and he rises to help with the gathering of kindling and firewood. A moment of quiet contemplation follows Merek's questions and their crunching through the fallen leaves, before Galahad offers:

"You said Sir Brandeles is your father?" A man Galahad has heard of and one he would recognize upon sight, but not one he knows well. "From where do he and your family come?"

[mostoutspoken]

Although completely unnecessary, Merek is glad for the help in gathering firewood. He offers Galahad a small smile before he answers the other man's question. "We hail from Hampshire, though only my elder brother and his family yet live there permanently. Ours is but a small land and title, but my father's deeds in battle for his Majesty far outweighed any pause that his title may have given other kings. And it was because of his prowess that my father was able to give me to one of his Majesty's knights as a squire until I was old enough to prove my own worth."

Once his arms are full, Merek heads back to their small camp and sets all of the kindling and firewood into a neat pile. When that task is complete, he rejoins Galahad in the hunt for more fuel for their fire. "What else might you wish to know, Sir Galahad? Anything I can answer for you I will."

[knightgallant]

The other knight's near single-minded drive and devotion to a job well done is quite something. Even his, Galahad's, gesture at an attempt at friendly conversation was taken as a task to complete thoroughly and entirely.

This presents to Galahad the curious quandary of how to approach such a person as the equal in mind and spirit he believes he, Galahad, himself to be.

"There is nothing further, my friend," A smile, as the knight lays down the kindling in his arms. "I do not know Sir Brandeles well, but I have heard of his deeds in Arthur's party through the court; He sounds a stalwart and impassioned man. Although to you I'm sure he is much more than that."

[mostoutspoken]

Making friends is easy for Merek, but it is more difficult for him to accept the idea that Galahad wishes for his friendship when the younger knight is the heir to the kingdom he serves. Is he... allowed to be friends with his Prince? It seems improper and against everything taught to him by his elders.

"Indeed. My father is a kind and wise man." A small smile tugs at Merek's lips as he picks up a few larger branches off the ground. "He ensures my mother and sister are well cared for, and taught my brother and I very well. It is by his strong hand that I have become the man that I am today and I could not be more grateful to him for everything he has done for me."

Hoping he's not being too forward, Merek asks after a brief pause, "And what of your family, Sir Galahad? Is it--" A beat, and then he tries again to put his thoughts properly into words. "Might I ask about your family? I have met and heard many tales of Lancelet and Arthur, but I fear I know not very well who they are."

[knightgallant]

If Merek thought he might be rebuffed for asking a personal question, he will find himself again surprised as Galahad slips easily into their conversation.

"To speak true, Merek...I do not know my father very well. When I was a boy he was oft campaigning for the King or journeying throughout Saxon lands. At home I had my mother, sister and our family's priest around me, but I know of my father mostly through those stories people tell of his deeds." The smile he offers then is small, thoughtful.

"I did not want for anything different, but I admit I do wonder sometimes how life might have been different, had my Lord Father lived with us as it sounds Sir Brandeles did with you and yours."

[mostoutspoken]

"It is not always a choice that a father can make," Merek offers with a sympathetic smile. He can see that this is not an easy subject for Galahad, so he seeks to soothe the other knight's worries by speaking more of his own past. "It was not always my father's intention to stay home with us as he did. He took ill shortly after my sister was born and when he recovered, he was no longer fit for battle. Our Lord King bid him move the family to Camelot and act as an adviser, which allowed him the time to stay with us. Even then, I was not allowed much time with him or the rest of my family after I was squired to another of His Majesty's knights, and so we all took great care to make the most of what time we had together."

Perhaps that will not ease Galahad's mind as much as Merek hopes, but he offers the truth freely so that the heir apparent might not think his life so charmed as he might have first described it to be. Quickly setting aside all of the firewood in his arms, Merek turns to Galahad and places a hand gently on his unlikely friend's shoulder. "No matter what may have happened in your past, you are still a good man, Sir Galahad. There is no one in court who does not speak fondly of you, his Majesty and Lord Lancelet above all others. You have earned their respect and they offer their love freely, even if it is not always offered visibly."

[knightgallant]

Galahad does not know quite what to do with such earnestly-given and heartfelt praise. It's touching. He can see that Merek is a kind and devoted soul, and it endears him to the would-be Prince.

"Thank you, Merek. Such words bring me much comfort and happiness to hear." He looks into the man's young face for a moment, and then back towards the flickering red-orange flames of the fire. "If you are finished, will you join me by this fire you've built? The camp seems well enough for now, and you have traveled much further than I and would do to rest some. My provisions aren't many, but you are more than welcome to them."

[mostoutspoken]

"Gladly." Merek takes a seat across the fire from Galahad and smiles at his companion. He takes hold of his saddlebag and fishes out the apple he did not eat earlier and bites into it. Building the camp took more from him than he had expected. "I have some few provisions as well, though I admit I was hoping the men of this land would not be cross with me if I were to hunt for game for our supper. Know you if anyone would mind if we were to hunt? I do not wish to cause any anger or hurt by my actions if it can be prevented."

[knightgallant]

His new companion is busy and businesslike, Galahad notices, because no sooner are they seated again than is Merek making idle preparations for a hunt. It's a change of pace from Galahad's own more ambling and vision-driven travels on his own, and he reasons that he should be thankful for the other man's efforts, somewhat against the grain of his own comparatively more sedate style of keeping camp as they are-- grateful for them, and also that they're directed in service of their camp, rather than in trying to entreat (or drag...) him home against his will.

"The men and women of the Chapel have no claim on the wildlife of this area, as far as I was able to glean from the congregation's principle father." The young knight leans his cheek into a hand, the other falling to trace idle circles in the loose dirt before him as he speaks. "But we may want to tread carefully, all the same. I could not name it myself, but beyond the Well's holy grove, there is an odd... feeling to this wood and the life in it."

[mostoutspoken]

"Odd? Odd how?" Merek is instantly wary of the use of the word. In the past, his instincts have told him that odd often means wrong in a way that leads someone into trouble (or away from it, if he is able to follow his instincts and guide others away from whatever is giving him that feeling). His brow furrows as he regards Galahad. "Perhaps that means it is best if we avoid hunting until we leave this area, then? I would not wish to disturb anyone, or anything, that might not take kindly to our activities."

[knightgallant]

"I know not how to explain it, exactly." Here he glances up to meet Merek's wary eye. Had it only been he, himself, who had the feeling upon entering the wood-- the feeling like a drop of ice water running down the back of one's neck, of the feeling of there being something almost unearthly within reach? "You did not get a ... sense from this place? Not the grove of the Chapel, but the wood surrounding?"

[mostoutspoken]

At the question, Merek offers a thoughtful frown. "I have little sense when it comes to things magical or spiritual. If I cannot grasp it with my own two hands, I often find myself without answer when it comes to dealing with and oft times even noticing them." His siblings and mother were always much more spiritually inclined while Merek focused more often on the physical and natural aspects of life. He learned of such things, of course, and his heart and soul surely belonged to God, but they are that much more difficult for him to understand.

His frown lasts only a moment longer before he shrugs in Galahad's direction. "It is of little consequence, though. As you have greater experience in such matters, so shall I defer to your judgement. Between the two of us we should have enough provisions to last us until we are able to leave the woods on the morrow, though I would be glad to stop at the nearest town to resupply before we begin our journey in earnest." Merek is nothing if not practical, which he hopes will be a boon to them both as they take a winding path back to Camelot together.