Arthur's Odyssey :Rise of the King

The garden was a sanctuary of beauty, tucked away behind the Pendragon estate. It stretched for acres, a lush expanse of vibrant flowers, tall, sweeping trees, and crystalline fountains. Birds chirped joyously from the canopy above, while the fragrance of blooming roses and lavender hung sweetly in the air. It was a haven of peace and tranquility, where the world seemed to slow down, offering a brief respite from the endless ambitions of the realm.

Arthur and Morgana stood at the edge of a small, sparkling pond, their bare feet brushing against the cool grass. Morgana, three years older, towered protectively over her younger brother. Her sharp blue eyes, always watchful and intelligent, studied him as he splashed excitedly at the water, his platinum blonde hair tousled from their game.

"Careful, Arthur!" Morgana called, her voice full of affection, though there was always an edge of concern when it came to her little brother. She would never admit it, but her heart ached whenever she thought of the dangers he might face. His future was already burdened with more weight than she could fathom, and the thought of anything happening to him made her fiercely protective.

Arthur, oblivious to his sister's overprotectiveness, grinned at her as he splashed again. His blue eyes sparkled with a mischief that seemed far beyond his young age, as if he had a whole world inside his mind. His innocent laughter filled the garden as he tried to jump over the lily pads that floated in the pond, his small body leaping with surprising grace for someone so young.

"I can do it! Watch me!" he called, his excitement clear in every movement. He may have only been four years old, but there was a light in him,an innate confidence,that made him seem far older, far wiser.

Morgana smiled, shaking her head, but her heart warmed at the sight of her little brother's joy. "You're going to fall in and get all muddy," she warned, stepping closer to the edge of the pond.

"I won't!" Arthur protested, puffing his chest out like a tiny lion. He crouched low, preparing for another leap.

Morgana couldn't help but chuckle softly. "You're impossible," she teased, reaching out to gently push him forward as he bounded toward the next lily pad. Her laughter was infectious, and for a moment, the weight of their lineage, their family's expectations, and the future ahead of them all seemed to fade into the background.

As Arthur landed safely on the next lily pad, Morgana's gaze softened. She wasn't just his older sister. She was his guardian, his protector, and she would always be by his side, no matter what. The world was a dangerous place, and despite being only seven years old ,she had already seen too much to believe in fairy tales. But for now, she could hold onto these fleeting moments of innocence and joy.

"Alright, you win. But just one more jump and I'm calling it a day," Morgana said, her tone half playful, half stern.

Arthur nodded eagerly, his bright eyes never leaving the pond, his small fingers gripping the soft grass as he prepared to leap once more. He had no idea of the storm gathering just beyond the walls of their peaceful garden. No clue that his father, the mighty King Uther, was currently discussing strategies with the most powerful figures in the northern sector, and that the weight of the expectations of Pendragon family rested squarely on his tiny shoulders.

But in this moment, there was only the laughter, the joy of childhood, and the bond of a sister who loved him more than anything.

Morgana watched him closely, her smile dimming slightly. She was not blind to the weight that Arthur would one day carry. Yet, there was a part of her that fiercely hoped that he would always find a way to smile like this, innocent and free from the burdens of power, responsibility, and the expectations of those who would try to shape his destiny.

She would make sure of it, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way.

"Sis, what are your affinities?" Arthur asked curiously, his eyes wide as he turned to his older sister with a playful grin.

Morgana paused for a moment, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face as she considered the question. It wasn't uncommon for Arthur to ask about affinities, he was always so inquisitive, always eager to learn about the world around him.

"I have three affinities," Morgana said, her voice casual, but there was a certain pride in her words that couldn't be hidden. "Lightning, Water, and Gravity." She glanced at him, watching his reaction. "They're ranked 8th, 8th, and 9th, respectively."

Arthur blinked up at her, his small face a mixture of awe and jealousy. He had always admired his sister,she was strong, skilled, and older than him, but the revelation of her affinities brought that feeling to the surface in a way he hadn't expected.

"Nine?! You have three and they're all so high ranked!" he said, his voice filled with astonishment.

Morgana chuckled softly, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's nothing to be jealous of, Arthur. You're going to be far stronger than me was when you grow older. You're special." Her eyes softened for a moment, but then she quickly masked it with a teasing smile. "Besides, having three affinities isn't all that great, sure it gives you versatility in battle, but it also means that I've got to keep track of all of them and manage them properly so that none of them fall behind. It's a lot of work."

Arthur scrunched up his face, frowning as he tried to process her words. But then his lips quirked into a pout. "No fair… I only have one," he mumbled, his blue eyes wide with the innocence only a four-year-old could possess.

"You're a scion Arthur, yet you say that it is not fair that I have three high ranked affinities? Hahahaha"

Arthur's brow furrowed in confusion as he tilted his head. "What's a Scion?" he asked, his small voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Before Morgana could answer, a familiar deep voice echoed across the garden, cutting through the air like a sudden gust of wind.

"Arthur," Uther's booming voice resonated, and the children turned to see him standing at the edge of the garden, his presence commanding yet warm. His large form was framed by the entrance, his military-style platinum blonde hair and intense blue eyes unmistakable.

Morgana immediately straightened, instinctively stepping protectively in front of Arthur before recognizing her father and relaxing. Uther's expression softened upon seeing his children, but his gaze quickly shifted to Arthur as he approached them with measured steps.

"A Scion," Uther continued, his tone calm but filled with reverence, "is someone chosen by the heavens to carry the power of an affinity like no other. It is an honor granted to those who awaken an affinity with such strength and purity that they are recognized by the world itself. Scions are rare, Arthur. You, my son, are the Scion of Light. The only one of your kind in this domain."

Arthur's eyes widened in awe as he absorbed the weight of his father's words, though his youthful mind still grasped only a fraction of what it truly meant.

"Does that mean I'm special?" Arthur asked quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and trepidation.

Uther crouched down to his son's level, a proud smile on his face as he placed a large hand on Arthur's shoulder. "Yes, Arthur. You are very special. You've been chosen for greatness. But remember, being a Scion is both a blessing and a burden. Your path will not be easy, but it will be one of immense power, responsibility, and honor. And it is my duty, as your father, to guide you as you walk that path."

Morgana, who had been quietly observing, placed a hand on Arthur's other shoulder. Her usual teasing nature was replaced by a more serious expression. "You're going to be incredible, Arthur," she said softly. "But don't let it get to your head. Just remember that being special means nothing if you don't use it to protect those you care about."

Arthur nodded, his small face serious as he looked up at his father and then at his sister. He didn't fully understand everything that had been said, but the weight of their words settled deep within him, giving him a sense of purpose that he would carry with him as he grew.

"I'll protect everyone, Sis," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Uther stood up a genuine smile on his face, his large frame casting a shadow over the garden as he turned toward the estate. "You will, Arthur. And you will do so with honor, as the Scion of Light."

As the family stood together, the soft breeze rustled the leaves around them, a faint promise of the challenges and triumphs to come, but for now, the garden was peaceful filled with the love and support of those who would stand by Arthur as he began to understand what it meant to carry the title bestowed upon him.