Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
The Awakening
Gwen walked back to her house as quickly as she could. She was beyond exhausted, her feet hurt, her head ached, and she just wanted to sleep and forget everything, especially her exhaustion.
When she entered the house and saw Arthur's clothes – Merlin's actually, that Arthur had borrowed to help him blend in, as though they could, Gwen remembered belatedly that her house was no longer her own. Thankfully, the afternoon's jousting matches were not over yet, she could have her house to herself for a while.
000
Arthur walked to Guinevere's house quickly he couldn't wait to get there and tell her all about his day. How William of Deira had won all his matches and had advanced to the next level. He had to admit that it felt good talking to Gwen, even if she was clearly unhappy about having him stay with her.
He opened the door, expecting to find her as he had the previous day, preparing their meal, but there was no sign of Guinevere. Quickly quelling the disappointment he felt, Arthur took off his robe and unscathed the sword and put both items on the bed. He stood in the empty house wondering what to do next and then he decided to look around, he was surprised he hadn't thought to look around before.
He found Gwen lying on her makeshift bed. She lay in a fetal position, her arms covering part of her face and she seemed very peaceful. As Arthur watched her, Guinevere turned slightly lifting the arm that was covering her face and she continued in her slumber.
Arthur looked at her; transfixed, he had always been aware of her existence, she was Morgana's maid after all, but he had never really looked at her. Until now.
She was beautiful.
000
"You have to get me a mattress from the castle," Arthur told Merlin, "and some food from the kitchen."
When Gwen awoke an hour later, it was to the delicious smell of perfectly roasted chicken and potatoes. She sat up slowly and realized that she was lying on her bed. She saw Arthur and Merlin sitting at the table, talking softly.
"Great, you're up," Merlin said smiling, "we can eat. Finally."
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End