Author's Note: I should be working on the other two stories that I have going at the moment but this one got into my head so I had to get it down on paper. I don't own anything; they belong to whoever owns Merlin.
PS – The continuity on Merlin needs some work, there are scenes that just don't work for me like Gwaine in the caves of "Secret Sharer", one moment he doesn't have a sword and the next he does.
A young woman carrying an unborn child slowly made her way through Camelot after a journey of many days seeking a man she had not seen I many years. She had heard stories and rumors of him but now she was fairly certain he was now in the service of King Arthur. She knew he had a thing for the tavern so it was a good as place to start as ever. It didn't take her long to find the tavern; she could smell it a mile off.
"What can I get you?" asked the barmaid at the counter in the busy tavern.
"I am looking for someone, tall, long dark hair, a taste for mead, a tendency to fight, and excellent with a sword." She paused. "Usually goes by the name Gwaine."
"Ah, yes, Sir Gwaine will be here soon enough, he always is." Said the barmaid with a broad grin.
"Thank you." Said the young woman.
She was lost; she was not looking for a knight, a solider maybe but not a knight. The last time she had seen Gwaine he was jumping from village to village fight and running. He hated nobles, crowns, and all that stuff, that is why he had run away in the first place. He had left her to find her own way because of it. She found a seat at a table in the corner of the tavern, she carefully watching the door. She sat waiting to see if the man she sought would come. She didn't have to wait long; four knights entered the tavern and took a seat at a large central table. She watched them as they ordered the first round of drinks and yes Gwaine was among them. This was going to be more difficult than she had first thought, she sat waiting and watching for the opportunity she needed. Then suddenly she had to make her move as Gwaine got up to get another drink, she quickly went to join him at the counter.
"Gwaine," she said quietly putting her hand on his chainmail covered arm.
He turned to see who had spoken to his name, and he met a pair of eyes he had not seen in many years but he knew who they belonged to. He took her by the shoulders and led her from the tavern. He didn't care that he was leaving his friends, this was more important. He would find some excuse to tell them later. She was more valuable than just about anything in the world. He walked her towards the castle.
"I will explain everything, just trust me." He paused. "Let's get you out of this cold."
They passed thought the gate in the citadel and then on into the castle, he was careful to avoid anyone seeing them as they made their way to his chambers. Once in his room he sat her down in front of the fire that a servant had built, he found an extra blanket in the wardrobe.
"Thank you." She said taking the blanket and wrapping it around her shoulders.
"Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" asked Gwaine.
"I was looking for you, I need help" she said softly. "I had nowhere else to go."
"Where is Matthew?" he asked.
"Dead and I was imprisoned for treason against the crown."
With this Gwaine pulled Elizabeth in to his arms, she began to cry softly. She could finally begin to feel again. She was safe now, no one could hurt her. Gwaine listened as Elizabeth explained that her husband, Sir Matthew of Everett had died in battle with the knights of Camelot in a boarder skirmish a few weeks ago. And when King Evan had learned that Gwaine had been among those fighting in King Arthur's name she had been charged with treason. She was to be executed but several of Matthews's closest friends had helped her to flee. She had come to Camelot in search of him. He was the only one left that she could trust. She had nothing left of her life in the court of King Evan except her wedding ring which she wore on a chain along with her mother's wedding ring.