Author's Note:

After watching (and being broken by) the series finale of Merlin, I really wanted to go ahead and get this story out and posted. I will go back in and post all the other Gwaine stories I have written soon. For now time jump to the end of series 5, where Raieya and Gwaine have been in a committed relationship for about 5 years. They've never married, but instead declared themselves life partners. Arthur has allowed Raieya to move in to Gwaine's chambers and relinquish her own. Ever since Gwaine's quest to Ismere, she has worn Gwaine's necklace.

So the story begins in Morgana's fortress...

"Mordred."

Mordred appeared by Morgana's side, looking at her expectantly.
"Yes, my lady."

"Are the preparations in order for the attack on Stowell?"

"They are," he answered.

"Mm," Morgana nodded, looking distracted.

"What is it?" he asked.

"There's something more we need. Arthur will be weak and vulnerable without Emrys to protect him. However, we have no way of knowing his plans. We need a spy. Someone who can get close to Arthur and find out how he intends to counter us."

"Where would you place this spy?" asked Mordred. "Arthur would not allow someone new close enough to him now. Especially at a time of war."

"Then it is not to Arthur's side that we will send the spy," said Morgana. "It must be one of the knights. Sir Leon would never fall for it but what of Sir Gwaine?"

"Gwaine?" repeated Mordred. "What do you plan?"

"He's a handsome man," said Morgana. "Arrogant. I'm sure he enjoys the attention of the ladies."

"He does," agreed Mordred. "But he has a beloved. The court musician. Raieya."

"Could we turn this woman to our side? Threaten her?"

Mordred shook his head. "She would be more trouble than she's worth. She's devoted to Gwaine. Not only that, she's a skilled fighter. For whatever reason, Arthur permits her to pursue the sword."

"There has to be another way," said Morgana. "Surely there is someone who could come between them. An old love, perhaps?"

Mordred thought for a moment. "There may be one. Gwaine told me once about a woman he pursued. And as luck would have it, she's a barmaid in Stowell. He met her while sent to restock the garrison there. Speaks highly of her, though I suspect we may be able to tempt her to our side. Her name is Eira."

"Find her and bring her to me," ordered Morgana.

Mordred nodded, turning to instruct the men on where to find the woman.

Morgana sat on her chair, Mordred standing at her side as two of her men ushered in a blond woman.

"Eira," said Morgana, as she approached.

The men bowed to Morgana and moved to stand just behind the girl.

"I am," the woman answered. "What is this about?"

"I hear you were once close to one of the knights of Camelot," Morgana answered. "Sir Gwaine?"

"Once," Eira scoffed. "He abandoned me."

"Then you may be very interested in what I'm about to offer you," smirked Morgana. "A chance for vengeance."

"Go on," nodded Eira.

"I'm taking your city, dawn tomorrow. The knights will try to defend their garrison but they will fail. My men will ensure that none within the city survive. I'm offering you a chance to live."

"How?" asked Eira, looking slightly troubled.

"You will run for the gates of the city. My men will try take you, though they will have orders to allow you to be rescued by a knight. Once you are saved the knights will take you to Camelot. There you will reconnect with your old love. Make him trust you, whatever it takes. You will find out everything about Arthur's plans and you will report to me."

"This is all worth my life?" asked Eira. "What good is it to live if my town is destroyed? I will have no way to make money."

"Bring me valuable information and you will be rewarded," said Morgana coldly.

Eira nodded.

"Then we have a deal?" asked Morgana.

"We do," agreed Eira.

"Good," said Morgana. "And Eira, do not think for a second of betraying me or your life will be forfeit."

"I understand," said Eira.

"I will send word to you when the time comes for us to meet again."

Morgana waved a hand at the guards then, signaling for them to return Eira to the city.

Morgana settled back in her chair and smiled wickedly up at Mordred.

"Now everything is in place," she said. "Arthur will meet his doom and Camelot will be mine.