SACRIFICE
Disclaimer: All publicly recognized characters belong to the writers and creators of the tv series Merlin and the production team of BBC One except for those that I have personally created.
Some may question what in the world were two pale dainty souls, one clad in a brilliant purple silk gown accompanied with a cape of the same color and the other wearing a similar in style blue gown with the hood attached, be doing navigating through the mangled undergrowth of the Nemeth forests. Dark deeds may be the only response.
"Is it much further Katrina? Huh…I would have certainly preferred making this journey on horseback than having to push through this unforgiving forest." Ariana voiced another in the line of her numerous grievances.
"It isn't much further," Katrina responded a bit sarcastic deciding it best not to turn around and offer any further explanation. It wouldn't be the first or the last complaint best to press on and remained focused.
This somewhat secretive undertaking had long been discussed between herself and the Queen at great length. No matter how hard Katrina tried, the Queen wouldn't be dissuaded. In the beginning Katrina may have understood her reasoning, she too had loved and lost, but as time went by the whole idea appeared to be irrational.
Many branches crackled beneath her soft leather shoes as she struggled ahead along the ambiguous path. When they first set off earlier in the day the sun still lay high above yet the more they progressed onward the more the forest canopy blocked out its rays. It wasn't as if the two ladies-in-waiting were alone though; two of the Queen's highly trained and most trusted guards accompanied them.
"I could fully understand her choosing you for this assignment but why me?" Ariana let out a long audible sigh. "Hasn't she been aware of my numerous sensitivities…especially to nature?"
She gazed despairingly at their surroundings. Fall was approaching and many of the leaves were changing from their brilliant greens to dull yellows, oranges and browns. There was an eerie chill in the air and a distinct dankness emanated from the forest. Every now and then her heart leapt upon hearing some indistinguishable animal sounds.
"Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to conquer some of those fears Ariana."
Ariana slightly tilted her head considering Katrina's last statement and was about to comment when suddenly Katrina halted her steps.
"What's the matter?" she questioned with a twinge of fear in her voice. She took a firm hold of Katrina's elbow, her hazels eyes blinking rapidly.
"Listen…"
"I didn't hear anything."
"I don't hear anything either," one the guards spoke up.
"Who's there?"
"We shouldn't have come…," Ariana whispered hoarsely.
"Hush..."
Then there came this sudden change. The wind started howling, shifting the trees, stirring up the debris which lay on the forest floor. The area became darker, colder. Ariana grabbed a hold of her cape as it whipped around her.
"…The presence is here," Katrina said in a trancelike state. The wind died down and all was calm again albeit some of the darkness remained.
"Show yourself!"
It took her last bit of courage. The echoes of Ariana's command permeated the thick air. Afterwards the thunderous flapping wings of ravens quickly answered her cry, flying high above them. Ariana wanted to run, scream yet there she stood tightly grasping Lydia's rigid arm. The guards looked around unsure of what to do next, sensing an ever present danger but from an unknown force, their swords at the ready.
"Katrina what is it? What's happening to you?"
It was as if her body was on fire and Ariana immediately let go of her arm. Katrina's pupils dilated. Ariana's entire body trembled with fright.
"W-W-Who are you? W-W-What have you done to Katrina?"
My name is of no importance to you, came a low, ominous response.
She was unable to discern the voice's tone. It sounded neither male nor female. When the guards stepped forward brandishing their swords, both were struck by invisible blows sending them careening hard up against the hardwood trunk, rendering them unconscious. This was too much for Ariana and she fainted.
A part of the darkness slowly materialized into a heavily cloaked, dark figure whose presence loomed large in the stillness. It hovered directly in front of Katrina.
"E-E-Exon?"
The question barely fell from Katrina's trembling lips; having just been awaken from her trance. Difficult to forget such a strange yet powerful name. Then something terrible started happening inside of Katrina's body.
"What's happening?! What's happening? Stop! Stop!"
At one point her entire being grew feverish and in the next moment it shivered from the deepest cold. She quickly sank down to her knees, clasping both sides of her head with her palms.
"I can't take anymore! Have mercy!"
It was if she was about to lose the last semblance of her sanity.
In an instant those turbulent sensations ceased and her hood slipped off her head. It gave her an opportunity to take a moment to relax and catch her breath. She was alone at the mercy of this dark force yet all tasks must be completed in service to the Queen.
"You mustn't show fear."
"But I will be afraid. Must we go through with this?"
"I must…"
Why have you come?
"The Queen… the Queen has sent me to obtain what was bargained for." Katrina's eyes stayed rooted to the forest floor.
So beautiful, so fair, why doesn't she allow the past remain where it is
"It's not for me to question the Queen's motives."
And yet you have questioned.
"The response remains the same. The choice is hers…never mine."
There's only so much that can be done. Emrys protection is great over Camelot.
"She is aware of this."
Is she really?
Exon extended a pale arm and allowed a small, red glass bottle to fall into Katrina's hands. Inside she discerned a pale liquid.
When the time is right it will do its purpose. Now leave this forest before my restraint has waned.
Three years had flown by pretty quickly and Camelot's kingdom stood at the precipice of an long lasting peace and great prosperity. Under the Pendragons' reign the land and its people flourished; archaic laws were abolished, many treaties between neighboring kingdoms were signed, prolific lands acquired. As the population steadily grew, many more men were added to Camelot's assembly of knights yet the principals of the round table still remained and they stead held in the highest regard. Kilgarrah's vision of Albion was certainly coming to past.
As for Arthur and Guinevere their love continued to endure although Gwen would point out that an important piece still eluded their complete happiness. Yet Arthur never gave such thoughts much consideration instead he delighted in just being around her. The first smile, the first kiss and that look of love in her eyes gave his heart that much needed purpose to carry on throughout the day.
"Leave us," Arthur quietly instructed their male and female bath attendants, who gracefully bowed as they left.
Arthur had followed through on constructing a larger wooden tub inlaid with linen cloth. It was placed at the center of their private bathroom which lay a few feet away from their bedroom. Other than the tub the room was sparsely decorated with a wooden bench and small table which accommodated a basin and pitcher.
Gwen scooped up some of the lavender scented water, throwing it liberally over her shoulder. Arthur kissed the side of her neck sending a pleasurable chill throughout her body.
"Haven't we been in here far too long?" Her eyes halfway shuttered, his lips finding its way to her bare shoulder, hands sliding downwards.
"Far too long," he agreed in a low murmur. He enjoyed the soft feel of her skin against his lips and its heavenly scent intoxicating his nostrils.
"Oh…"
A hitch in her breath, he had found her sweet spot massaging it tenderly with his thumb. When his index and third finger plunged inside her core, he quieted her loud moan with a passionate kiss. Gwen's wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers became entangled within his golden tresses; his body pressing her hard against the tub's edge. The lukewarm water splashed loudly unto the floor, his fingers moving faster, deeper. She came so quickly, easily… her body shuddering through the last remnants of ecstasy. Soon their lips released and he joined their foreheads, both breathing harshly. She felt his throbbing arousal rubbing up against her abdomen. It was hard to concentrate about anything other than his manhood being buried deep inside of her.
"I'm at your pleasure my beloved," he whispered, his warm breath caressing her face.
She opened her eyes to his striking blue hues staring back lovingly at her. There were these moments when it seemed like their first time – wanting, needing, and craving each other's love all over again. Slowly she guided her palms along his taut chest. She felt her heart rate rising, her pulsating core soaked with her sweet juices, excitement overwhelming.
"Hisss…"
He let out a breath when her small hands began stroking his manhood. She smiled at the contortion in his facial features.
"Gui-ne-vere…"
"What is it my Lord?"
Like an answer to his pleas, she slipped a little downwards, spreading her thighs apart, allowing him entrance. In one plunge he buried himself deep inside her walls, she gripped the edges of the tub for leverage. She wrapped her arms around his midsection laying her head on his right shoulder. He groaned aloud at the rush of pleasurable sensations coursing through him. More, more… she bit down hard on his shoulder accelerating his thrusts. One last thrust and the world exploded for both of them, their cries of pleasure loudly bounding off the stone walls.
While they dressed, they talked mainly about their upcoming journey to Nemeth. Considering the distance, it would take two days by horseback and they would return to Camelot within a week or so. It was already arranged that Sir Leon would serve as regent during their absence.
"I wasn't certain if I should ask you to go," he said standing just behind her while she assessed her appearance in the mirror. The lavender gown fitted her perfectly and for now her curly brown hair lay wildly across her shoulders.
"Nonsense I'm glad you asked and there wasn't anything to trouble yourself over." She turned to face him with a small smile.
He took both her hands into his, drew her closer to him and placed a soft, warm kiss on her lips.
When their lips released, Gwen noted a familiar look in his eyes. "What troubles you," she asked gently stroking his cheek.
"Humph…my one concern is that Merlin won't be with us."
"He promised to meet us there once his business is finished." She gazed adoringly into those blue eyes. "Let your heart be at ease, my love." She pulled him into a warm embrace. "…It will be wonderful seeing our old friends and creating new alliances."
He closed his eyes attempting to enjoy the moment before their hectic day began. Yet he was still unable to shake this unsettling feeling.