Comments: Thank you to Guardian Izz...I hope you like it.
The leaves had changed from clinging to the branches with vibrant green to littering the cobbled streets turning orange before the dark canvass of winter took them. Guinevere pulled her cloak closer to her chest as the strong winds bitterly blew causing a shiver to run down her spine. It was the last day of the second autumn month – a night where the line's between the worlds of living and of the dead was smudged, like a transparent veil. So each year since her father had passed away, Guinevere would go and sit by his grave, talk to him, easing his soul so that it could rest in peace and not wander the earth anxiously due his daughter's petty troubles – if one could consider them as such.
Gwen made her way out of the castle, her father had been buried just outside of Camelot on the eastern fields...Tom had always liked it there and on Gwen's request Arthur had arranged for him to be buried in his favourite place.
Meanwhile, the said prince was talking to the guards when the object of his affection walked past seemingly lost deep in thought. He sighed "Dismissed" and followed after her. It was late and he could not very well just let the woman he couldn't stop thinking about to wander off to the gloomy fields on her own – all alone, especially on a night such as this …
Arthur looked up at the sky – the moon was full and the air seemed electric. A fresh wind breezed past the tree-crowns, through the leaves.
Guinevere kneeled down at her father's grave, it was a simple affair, just a rock with his name carved on it she dusted away the dirt and the leaves and placed a fresh bunch of roses down and started talking.
Arthur stopped as he saw Guinevere kneeling by Tom's grave, of course she would come here tonight. He battled with himself on whether to leave or to stay and offer his protection... Leaving her alone was not an option so he rested a safe distance away from her, leaning against a tree and waited. If she needed him he would be there.
"A lot has passed since I last visited you father...Morgana has returned" Gwen fell silent for a moment and pulled out a handkerchief from underneath one of the sleeves of her lilac linen dress. She dried the tears that formed in her dark melancholy eyes: "She is not as she was father … there is something I just can't put my finger on..." Gwen took a few deep breaths. "Truth to be told ... I don't believe we are friends anymore … she treats me as no more than a servant...I guess that is what I am, it is just that we always acted as so much more, but now she looks at me like – she doesn't look at me at all." Gwen half laughed "I know this sounds silly, it is like she is night and I am the day father we just don't fit together anymore. The other day I walked in late at night to find her dressed, a few hours before I had helped her ready for bed, when I queried this she shouted at me and threw a goblet, I had never seen such menace in her eyes. I fear she might take away my position"
Arthur listened intently...he knew Morgana had changed but to this extent? Guinevere had always been Morgana's friend, even as a child his adoptive sister would confide in her maid with everything. Arthur vowed to keep a closer eye on her from now on.
Gwen put her hands in her lap listening to the wind as if was her father's words being whispered to her. "I don't know what I would do then. I have no relatives except for… but that isn't an option. I could always leave Camelot, I have friends that are married now and would help me find some work in outer villages. There's always work to be done. There is nothing for me here really." Gwen's thoughts turned to Arthur.
Arthur's breath hitched and he almost stepped out from the shadow to protest when she continued:
"… But there is someone …" Gwen always had open discussions with her father, he used to enjoy teasing her about the local boys, although she never had much interest shown in her until recently.
Arthur leaned in closer, somewhat less unsettled than before. He knew he shouldn't be invading Gwen's privacy, but Guinevere rarely spoke of her feelings, she always seemed happier focusing on the needs and feelings of others. Hiding from everyone – hiding from his confessions.
"Sounds as if I have loads of men" Gwen laughed as she imagined her father would "No such luck there...So what can I tell you? Arthur well is Arthur and my feelings for him...are complicated. Lancelot I have not seen him since that day and well there is nothing more to say to that. Although If you were to listen to the ladies of the court gossip you would believe there were many fine men in Camelot and well I suppose there are some very handsome men...very handsome indeed " Gwen felt a sudden guilt as her mind strayed to other men, she quickly brought herself back to Arthur.
Arthur pulled a branch off in his hand and Gwen immediately turned, but saw nothing but darkness. She watched patiently for a while, looking for any movement but she saw none so turned back to her father. Still an eerie feeling washed over her.
Arthur gritted his teeth hidden behind the tree. His Guinevere thought there were many handsome men in Camelot, he needed names so that he could remove them from temptation!
Gwen didn't continue talking, something wasn't right she knew she wasn't alone her senses told her that and they also told her to not fear who it was...her heart started beating faster as if telling her the answer...she gasped Arthur. Of course, he had obviously seen her leave and followed her here; her hand went over her mouth to stop herself making another noise. He had been listening, she felt angry that this private moment had an intruder and then she felt guilty, he would have not come with the intent of listening to her confessions, but come to protect her. The rest of the thoughts came quickly and then she decided on her course of action.
"Back to ARTHUR" she said a little louder so he could hear her "Well he is still an arrogant and proud pig, who spends his days bossing Merlin around and chasing WOMEN!"
Another branch broke and Gwen could hear indignant puffs of air coming from the distance...she smiled "If it wasn't for Merlin saving him all the time I am sure he would be dead"
Gwen heard a snort coming from the trees and a huff...she stood up and made her way quietly to towards the sound "Merlin indeed" she heard Arthur whisper, he was grinding his teeth. In the darkness she could see his shoulder, so she took out her small knife that her father had made her and pointed it into his shoulder.
"Now what kind of intruder do I have here?" Arthur went to move but Gwen stopped him by adding. "I didn't say you could go anywhere"
Arthur huffed "You know who it is obviously otherwise you would not have been so openly cruel with your words"
Gwen smiled "Really, I thought I was merely having a private confession in solitude."
With one swift move Guinevere's knife was knocked to the ground she found herself face to face with the blond knight, his arms around her waist and her back pushed against a tree.
"Guinevere"
"Arthur!" she raised her eyebrows, the moonlight seemed to be the only thing lighting where they were and in his face she saw hurt and shame and instantly felt guilty and went to apologise but Arthur spoke first.
"Guinevere I am sorry that I intruded, I thought only of your protection"
Guinevere smiled sadly "I accept your apology if you accept mine, I merely wanted to confirm the identity of the stranger"
Arthur smiled "So you do not think me a proud, arrogant pig that needs Merlin to rescue him?"
"Well I..." Arthur knew she couldn't lie well and his shoulders slumped.
"Guinevere just tell me what you think of me?"
Gwen bit her lip "I think you are less arrogant than before" Arthur dropped his arms from her waist.
"Great...thank you for being honest"
"That's a good thing"
"Yes it really sounded like a compliment" Arthur stepped away and picked up Guinevere's small dagger, handing it to her.
"Come, Arthur, you know you sometimes act arrogantly. When all is said and done, you are a prince it's natural to some extent..."
Arthur looked upset "I don't want to be arrogant, I don't like you thinking of me in such a way... I want to be" He threw his hands up in the air and screwed his face up "I want to be very handsome"
Guinevere laughed so hard she had to hold her sides "What is so funny Guinevere?"
"You were jealous of what I said about the men of Camelot?"
Arthur looked disgusted "I don't get jealous"
Gwen walked up to him "Yes you do"
"I do not...I am the Prince of Camelot and as such I-"
"See...arrogant and jealous" Arthur's shoulders slumped.
"I cannot win with you" He shook his head and took one step away from her, turning to leave.
"If you admit you're jealous I will tell you exactly what I think of you"
Arthur turned "What so I get to feel really rubbish about myself...thank you Guinevere!"
Gwen smiled "Well let's just say there are some good attributes to your demeanour."
Arthur let out a laugh "Well that is very generous of you"
Gwen smiled "Very well, If you don't want to hear then-"
Gwen turned to leave "Alright!"
"Alright, I was...jealous" he said through gritted teeth.
She smiled and turned around "That's better...now what do I think of the prince of Camelot?" Gwen sat back down and Arthur followed suit, she looked towards her father's grave feeling guilty for not sitting and conversing with him.
"I shouldn't be disturbing you, this night it is for you and your father, I can wait over here and escort you home" Arthur stood up but Gwen's hand caught his before he could walk away.
"Please stay."
Arthur did, his hand remained in hers. "I should have done something back then, I ought to have -"
"Arthur, there is no need" a silence passed between them both staring into the distance.
"You asked me what I think of you, I fear there is too much to put into words" Gwen squeezed Arthur's hand. "You are truly the most amazing man I know, you are kind, honourable, strong, honest and the best swordsman any land has seen" she turned to him and found Arthur smiling.
"And as for me being handsome?"
Gwen felt glad it was night time as her face flushed red "I am sure you know the answer to that."
"Guinevere" Arthur warned her to keep her promise.
Gwen sighed and looked away again "You are the most handsome man I know. You always have been."
Arthur couldn't help but narrow his eyes teasingly "Always?"
Gwen laughed awkwardly and looked at Arthur, she was giving his already huge ego leverage, but she couldn't help it: "Yes"
Something in her tone, the honesty and the weight of her words took away the comical relief as he lifted Gwen's hand and placed a kiss on it.
They fell silent once more Gwen leaning her head on Arthur's shoulder while he placed his arm protectively around her. They sat together, looking out into the night both lost in thoughts of what had passed and of what was yet to come. Dreams of what could be …
The first sign of someone approaching was the breaking of a few branches... Arthur stood up his sword in hand, Gwen stood as well and with Arthur's spare hand he pulled her behind him.
He stood a few steps so they were both covered once more in darkness behind the trees, Arthur's eyes focused, trying to make out the intruder in the distance. He detected movement ahead and moved slightly behind a larger tree. By the sound of the footsteps he could make out that it was only one person approaching, about 100 yards away.
Arthur moved with Guinevere tight behind him deeper under cover in the forest. The only light that could be seen ahead was where the moon had penetrated the darkness with beams of light... Arthur saw a flash of green as a cloak swished past in the distance 'Morgana' Arthur said to himself, but somehow could not bring himself to call out for her. What was she doing out this late?
He needed to follow her, the warmth behind him reminded him that Guinevere was with him Arthur turned and leant down to her ear "It's Morgana...I am going to follow see what she's up to stay here"
A shiver ran down Gwen's spine and she was not sure if it was from the breeze now blowing through the forest clearing into the woods, or the mere mention of Morgana's name. "I am coming" She really didn't want him going anywhere on his own.
Arthur looked between Guinevere and where Morgana had gone, if he didn't leave now he would lose her trail...he had to act fact so he grabbed Guinevere's hand and made his way into the forest.
They walked for ages, following even the slightest sound... Arthur for a second thought he may have lost her, until he heard a large crack...he turned to the right and suddenly pulled Guinevere to the ground behind some fallen branches.
In the distance a light could be seen, he gestured for Guinevere to stay where she was and moved his position to see Morgana.
His heart caught in his throat...standing by a large burning pot Morgana had her arms around the very familiar Morgause "Sister, I began to fear you would not show tonight"
Morgana pulled back placing a kiss on Morgause's cheek "I would not miss such a momentous event"
They both laughed, Arthur couldn't believe it. Morgana was in conspiracy with Morgause. "Did you bring what I asked?"
Morgana reached into her cloaked and pulled out a ruby ring, Arthur would recognise that anywhere, it was his mothers.
Rage built up inside of him as he was about to stand up, but Guinevere grabbed his hand and did not let go: "Wait"
Her eyes directed to the right and beside them 12 men stood her blood guards. Arthur could not take a sorceress and 12 men on and keep Guinevere safe...his mind raced, trying to put everything together.
"NOW THE DEAD SHALL RISE AND CAMELOT SHALL FALL," Morgause and Morgana laughed as she threw his mothers ring into the fire.
"UTHER PENDRAGON … PREPARE TO PAY FOR YOUR PAST TREACHERY and REIN OF TERROR" Morgause threw other trinkets in and stirred a large pot chanting in some magical language.
"We have to return to Camelot, to your father" Gwen whispered, Arthur remained frozen on the spot, watching the events take place as whips of coloured smoke seemed to rise from the pot and float off into the sky.
"We cannot stop them here...we have no magical powers, we must protect the king" Guinevere pulled at Arthur's hand and he finally seemed to wake up.
Arthur pulled Guinevere up but as he did a branch cracked beneath his feet, he froze momentarily as Morgana's eyes found his and widened "Arthur...Gwen?" Arthur looked to Guinevere and he ran with her into the forest, they needed to get back to the safety of Camelot's walls as Arthur cleared the woods he could hear the approaching blood guard... he took one look up at the sky which seemed to have turned a magical orange and red and then ran towards the eastern entrance of the castle "SEAL THE CASTLE" The guards suddenly stood to attention at the sight of Prince Arthur and a servant girl running towards them shortly followed by a dozen unknown men.
As soon as Arthur was through the gates he released Guinevere's hand and help the guards seal the door.
Arthur took a few exhausted breaths "Sound the bell's and do not let the Lady Morgana in" the old guard looked shocked, Arthur grabbed him by the shoulders "That is an order do you understand me?
The guard nodded and Arthur did not waste any further time, he grabbed Guinevere's hand again and ran towards the castle...he needed to warn his father and ready the knights for a battle against goodness knows what enemy!
Xxxxxxxxxx
Morgana stood their mouth open Arthur now knew her secret and Gwen too. "Arthur saw us...Gwen was with him" what was Gwen doing with him?
Morgause's eyes narrowed and then she smiled "Then I believe we have finally found a way to rule Camelot"
Morgana looked as she felt confused "I don't understand, Arthur knows we are of magic...he will defend the kingdom until his death"
Morgause smiled happily "Or he will survive and now we know his weakness we will use that against him"
"His weakness?"
"His heart" At her sisters words Morgana suddenly seemed to finally piece together what she was saying. Arthur was in love with Gwen, everything now seemed to make sense and she felt angry for not spotting it before.
"Arthur loves Gwen" she said out loud as if by saying it she was confirming it to herself.
Morgause smiled "Yes...so now we know the weakness of Arthur Pendragon we can use it to rule Albion"
They both laughed into the night "Let the time of magic begin!"
TBC