Ah, the tale of my youth. It was interesting to read about it from an outsider’s point of view. Just remembering the days I trained at Rome fill me with youthful vigor. I recall my first tournament—my triumphs, the acknowledgement of my peers…It seems like just yesterday that the first person asked me why I wore a surcoat over my arms, I flippantly replied that I just wanted to wear splendid attire and that somehow earned me the title The Knight of the Surcoat… I remember the war soon after, and how I used a favor granted from the Emperor to become the champion of the Romans and defeat our enemies. That fight with Gormundus was ferocious, as we were closely matched but in the end I was the victor. It still chills me to this day when I think of the moment I could have lost, my sword broke Gormundus’s shield, but in doing so it too broke; luck was on my side as the day ended and our fight could not continue in the darkness and so we fought again the next day and victory was mine.
After that I felt there was no more in Rome for me. I had heard great tales of the adventures at King Arthur’s court, and when I asked my liege to go I was surprised he consented, but I am glad to this day that I went. Things were not smooth, I knew I would have to prove my worthiness before I could join his court, but King Arthur rejected me outright! I was so angry at the time, but reading this tale gives new insight into why he did so. Never did I know that the King was the one who I defeated so easily at the river the night before I arrived! It explains so much. But at the time I was blinded by my determination to prove myself; at the first opportunity I rode out and did it. I heard just as the rest of the court of the trouble at a nearby castle, and so I followed; when the knights failed to do the job I did it myself. I was very proud of myself and I knew King Arthur would have to admit me into his court then. Of course soon after that all thoughts were driven from my head when I learned the news of my lineage. King Arthur—my uncle?! I couldn’t believe it, but I knew no one had reason to lie and slowly it dawned on me. I had family again; I met my mother and father. I was proud to serve my uncle in his court. *Sigh* Leaving Rome was one of my best decisions….I found my family, learned my true name, and had many adventures…
4 comments:
Gawain your courage and honor have been heard through every kingdom. I'm so glad to hear you have found your true lineage and to have meet your true parents Loth, King of Norway and the Queen,Anna. You must now feel more fulfilled then ever before in knowing all these things that make you feel whole. Well i must go, live long and prosper and god speed.
Olwen
Ah, Gawain, it is good to here the tale of your youth. It is truly inspiring. I knew you were a courageous knight, and of course we all aspire to be as fashionable as you. I was not, however, aware of your youthful adventures. It is true that I am indebted to you for the aid you provided in obtaining my wife. Arthur was right to choose you for that quest because of your prowess. I wonder, since you are a nephew of Arthur, could we be related? If so, I am honored to have a valiant knight in the family,your name only increases mine.
I agree very much with your sayings Knight of the Surcoat, and I greatly admire your strength and courage as a knight and all your acts as a good man.
Of course, I do not say this only because I am you. Or maybe I do. No, no, that is not like of me at all. Or is it?
Again this tale is a jest of the real king Arthur. Had you, Sir Gawain, fought the Arthur of my day you would not have won so easily. The great lord Arthur is anything but a pushover and would not have held such a womanly grudge over a defeat. He would have mearly killed you during the next encounter. So grant your lucky stars that you encounter the watered version of Arthur and no the mighty warrior that I knew so well.
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