Author's Note: Written during a multi-fandom fic tree with Iawen Londea, using the phrase "a vision strikes her" from her Angel fic. Because it amuses me how often the servants are conveniently nearby in their master's bedchambers, even though they both have homes and beds on the other side of Camelot. Set during season one.
A vision strikes her and Morgana wakes screaming. She struggles to sit up, fighting her way out of the twisted bedclothes. She is panicked, driven to terror by what she has seen.
"Mistress?"
Morgana tries to form words, but death lingers behind her eyes and traps the words inside. The only sound that comes out is a whimper.
And then Gwen is there. Soft hands smooth the tangled hair from her face and Morgana quiets, leaning into her touch. It is as kind and gentle as everything else she does, and the feel of Gwen's hand calms her.
"A nightmare," she manages, as Gwen slips in beside her.
She isn't sure when Gwen began sleeping here, on the daybed in her dressing room. She's afraid if she asks, Gwen will stop.
"Hush, my lady," she soothes, and pulls Morgana's head to rest on her shoulder.
She lets out a shuddering breath, clinging to her maid in the dark. Gwen has her own house outside the citadel, but she chooses to remain by her mistress' side. Morgana closes her eyes. Gwen is near, and the visions cannot touch her. She relaxes into Gwen's arms, protected, and feels a gratitude she cannot express.