Disclaimer: This story is based on the characters, Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin, Gaius, Elyan, Percival, and Gwaine portrayed in the BBC series Merlin. I in no way claim to own them.
Merlin found the Queen in her favorite hiding place, looking out the stained-glass window at Arthur and his men training on the field below.
"Oh No, Merlin said softly so as not to frighten Gwen, it's very strange this window-pane still hasn't been replaced."
"Hmmm?" Gwen responded as if far away in a dream.
"This window-pane…I've requested it be repaired three times now and yet I see it's still missing."
"Oh that…" Gwen answered again clearly not paying Merlin's words any mind.
"It's just that, it's weird that the pane is still missing as the work-men have reported to me each time that they'd fixed it."
"Strange…yeah…very strange…." Gwen flinched at a particularly close thrust at her husband by one of the newer knights.
"Well, I consider myself duly chastised my lady." Merlin said with deep reverence.
At these words Gwen felt herself being gently touched on the arm. She turned to see Harold, one of the builders who had been very helpful with her and the Kings refurbished quarters.
"Harold?"
"My Queen, Harold lightly bowed, Merlin here tells me that my workers have been lying to me about some of their finished work."
Guinevere finally giving her full attention to Merlin as well as to Harold tried to stop him from castigating his men.
"Oh no, please Harold…"
"No, it is I who must apologize. I didn't believe Merlin at first, Harold looked a bit chagrined in Merlin's direction, so I thought I would come and see for myself. I am so very sorry for this horrible situation. I've brought two of my best workers with me and we'll get this window-pane fixed in no time. Would my lady, mind if we set up our tools?"
"Uh, well, you see Harold…" Guinevere began trying to explain.
"Oh, no, Merlin chimed in; I don't think her ladyship would mind at all. It's time for two of her meetings anyway. We'll be moving along now. "
Merlin took hold of Guinevere's hand and lightly pulled her away from her window.
"Merlin," Gwen exclaimed in a rush just as they rounded the first corner.
"Now imagine my surprise Gwen, Merlin cut over her speaking, when Arthur rounded on me after the first time that pane was supposedly fixed."
"Oh," Guinevere breathed out as she looked at Merlin sheepishly.
"So, I thought I would be very good and I stayed and watched the workers securely fit the window-pane the second time. I was very proud of myself I have to tell you. I even went to Arthur and told him the work was done."
"Really…? Gwen asked with a giggle in her voice.
"Yes, really, and here, I see you, my Queen, using one of Arthur's knives to loosen the window-pane from its secure nest yet again."
"I'm sorry Merlin." Gwen reached up and planted a light kiss on Merlin's cheek.
"Oh, no, don't think you're going to get out of this so easily. Why have you been breaking that window-pane?"
Guinevere stopped as she neared the Throne room and turned to Merlin.
"Arthur promised me that he would give me some training once the kingdom was back in order and there was calm."
"Yeah, I remember him saying that." Merlin agreed.
"Well, Merlin, it's been seven months and still no training."
"Don't fret about that Gwen, I'm sure as soon as Arthur feels it's time, he will keep his promise."
"I don't know. I've asked him twice now; if he has my sword and he keeps saying Elyan is working on it. I try to get Elyan alone to ask and he avoids me. "
"Hmmm…"
"I've even gone into the smithy and I can't find the makings of a sword anywhere."
"I bet it's a surprise, Merlin interjected, you know how Arthur's been giving you all kind of gifts since the wedding. I'm sure he's saving the best for last."
"I hope so, Gwen said skeptically. I've been watching him train with the new knights ever since I discovered that broken pane. I only curse the day I mentioned it to Arthur."
"Mentioned what, you watching him train?"
"No, I stupidly told him I nearly cut my hand on that broken window-pane."
"Ahh, now I can understand why he wanted to take my head off the first time he thought it hadn't been repaired." said Merlin.
Guinevere let out a dramatic sigh and began walking into her first meeting of the day. She enjoyed meeting the people, as she was already friendly with most, but really, she wished she could be one of Arthur's new recruits learning how to properly use a sword and defend herself.
"Do you really think he'll train me Merlin?"
"Why is it so important? Morgana has been defeated."
"I know, but I fear that when next we are called upon that Arthur will spend more time worrying about my safety rather than the fight. I simply feel that if the castle is over-run again, that I should be able to properly defend myself."
"What are you talking about? Merlin pulled gently on Gwen's shoulder to stop her from once more entering the throne room. For someone who hasn't been raised since birth, with a sword in her hand, you do pretty darn well, my lady. I bet Arthur doesn't even feel you need training. He's seen you save my life and I couldn't stop talking about how you fought Morgana and scared her away."
"Oh shush, Gwen said with a smile, Morgana knocked the sword out of my hand and the roof saved me from being killed."
"Well, whatever you believe, I already think you are a great sword-woman, and I think, secretly so does Arthur."
"But…"
"Now, go on into your meeting, and I'll speak to Arthur this afternoon."
"Promise…?"
"Yes, promise, that is, if you promise not to break that window-pane again. I think Harold and Arthur will have my head if it's not properly in place the next time they see it."
"I promise." Gwen said with a smile and renewed energy as she set about her afternoon of meetings.
"We've gone over this before Merlin. I've spoken with Guinevere and as soon as I'm able, I will devote some time to her tra…"Arthur stopped speaking in mid-sentence as he saw Gwaine approaching.
"Hello boys, what cha talking about?"
"I happen to be your King…"
"Oh God, what's got you in such a bad mood? King."
Arthur rolled his eyes at Gwaine, but before he could gesture to Merlin to keep quiet…
"I'm reminding Arthur of his promise."
"Promise…? Gwaine immediately asked. What Promise is that?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with." answered Arthur.
"Sounds pretty intriguing..." Gwaine said speaking directly to Merlin.
"It's not. I see your recruits are patiently waiting for you Gwaine, best not keep them any longer than usual." replied Arthur instead.
"Arthur promised Gwen some training."
Merlin knew immediately that this was not the right thing to say as Arthur smacked him in the back of the head.
"Hey…"
"Oh, I'm sorry; did I accidently hit you Merlin?"
"Was no accident about it," Gwaine spoke up.
"You just get to training your men Gwaine or I'll accidently hit you as well." Arthur said as he picked up his armor and stomped off back into the castle.
"Sorry about that Merlin. I would have caught him but he's pretty quick if I say so myself."
Rubbing the back of his head, Merlin said, "Yeah, I would have gotten out of the way as well had I seen him raising his hand. He usually misses on purpose nowadays, but I guess he's still a bit sensitive when it comes to his treatment of Gwen before the battle.
"Well, why doesn't he simply train her?"
"I don't know. He's seen her fight. He knows she can defend herself and others, if I'm honest, but here lately he's been a bit over-protective of her."
"Well, if he doesn't train her, I will…"
"Ummm, Gwaine, I don't think you should get involved." Merlin said.
Gwaine laughed as he walked over to his men.
"Don't worry Merlin. It'll be our little secret."
"Oh God, Merlin said as he watched Gwaine walk away, that's what I was afraid of."
After all this time, Merlin laughed to himself at how Gwaine still loved to be a thorn in Arthur's side.
Arthur tried the rest of the afternoon to get some alone time with Guinevere, but he found himself in three very long impromptu meetings and was told that she didn't finish her meetings until just before supper herself. As he entered the dining hall, he cursed under his breath because tonight they were hosting the Knights, which is something they did once a month to welcome the new recruits. As if that wasn't unfortunate enough, he saw that Gwaine had gotten to Guinevere's side first, and was talking and laughing away at what probably was some nonsensical flirting.
"Sire?"
"Not now Merlin…" Arthur answered without once taking his eyes off Guinevere. She was looking especially lovely tonight, very luscious and happy. Arthur could just imagine the sorts of things Gwaine was telling her as she couldn't hide the blush on her face. Arthur began smiling himself when he heard her giggle. Oh, yes, he thought maliciously, he'd give Gwaine a real work-out tomorrow.
"Sire!"
Arthur whipped his head around to Merlin's voice.
"Yes…" he was just about to bark and ask Merlin what he wanted but then noticed two tall, skinny, and nervous looking lads, he held his tongue.
"Ah, yes Sire, I wanted to introduce you to two of your new recruits, Sir Bradwen, and Sir Iwan, cousins come to train under Sir Percival."
"Good to meet you both, Arthur said very solemnly. I will write a letter to your fathers thanking them for allowing you to come to Camelot to train."
There was a time in the past when Merlin would have been made to do the deed, but not anymore. After defeating Morgana, Agravaine, and Helios, Arthur was a very much changed man, and he took his duties as King even more seriously than he ever had. He believed in personally writing to all the families who allowed their sons to train, thanking them for their allegiance if ever Camelot needed to call for aid and assistance. These two young men may not look like much tonight, but after a few weeks of training they would be ready to defend against any foe.
"Thank you Sire" Sir Bradwen and Sir Iwan said breathlessly in unison as they were led away from Arthur and to their seats at the table.
"So, I'll be seeing you tomorrow as early as the birdsong, my Lady." Gwaine who had noticed Arthur arriving at his wife's elbow, kissed Gwen's hand and bowed before he went off to his own table.
"Finally" Arthur said against Gwen's neck as he pulled her into a tight hug.
"My words exactly Sire." Gwen replied as she gave her husband a quick kiss and caressed his cheek. "Thank you." she said as she looked him deeply in his eyes.
"No, thank you." Arthur responded as he began to go in for another hug.
"Thank me? For What…?" Guinevere asked confused.
"I don't know, Arthur responded with a smile, everything."
Guinevere stepped out of her husband's embrace and raised her eyebrow now smiling as well.
"You're thanking me for everything" she said slowly.
"Yes, I love you and I'm thanking you. Why are you thanking me?" Arthur asked.
Guinevere shook her head and giggled this time at her husband.
"I'm thanking you for allowing Gwaine some time in his schedule to give me lessons, seeing as you're so busy."
Before Arthur could reply, both he and Gwen were interrupted by several new recruits who were pushed into their space on very knobby knees to greet their hosts the King and Queen.
As with all of these suppers, there was lots of noise of the laughter variety. It was Guinevere's idea to have these monthly functions as a way of meeting the Lords and Ladies from around the kingdom as well as giving the new recruits a night of fun before the hard training began. Many of the recruits were surprised to learn their Queen was the daughter of a Blacksmith, although their parents were surely aware, but they were always happy to speak to her as she knew more about their armor and swords then many of them did.
Had Gwaine not been aware of whom he was training the very next morning, he could have mistaken the fully armored young knight for one of the recruits when it was actually Gwen, the Queen herself, over-dressed and very eager.
"Good Morning" Gwaine said aloud, as Gwen came towards him tripping somewhat on the dewy grass.
"Good Morning Gwaine" came a muffled but happy sounding reply.
"Gwen, why do you have on that helmet? You can barely see. That's the last thing I need is your over-protective husband coming at me with that shiny new sword of his."
"Oh, Gwen giggled. I thought I'd wear all this in case anyone saw me. I thought if they thought I was one of the soldiers they wouldn't worry."
"I can barely hear you lamb. Let's just take this helmet off and then we can see about the rest of this gear."
Gwaine removed Gwen's helmet and just as he suspected, she was very bright-eyed and smiling from ear to ear. He thanked the heavens that he didn't indulge in any ale last night, and could meet her enthusiasm with more than a pounding head and queasy stomach.
"Where in the world did you get these voiders and this chain-mail? I'm surprised it fits you, but it's got to be awfully heavy."
"Arthur had me fitted and Elyan made it for me months ago. I thought they were just indulging me until I saw them last night, laying on the table beside the bed. I wanted to thank Arthur, but I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow."
Gwaine stepped back and surreptitiously glanced in the direction of the castle. As he didn't see a fuming Arthur barreling across the rise, he thought this was as good a time as any to begin. "Well, all ready for our first day of training?"
"Yes, I think that's obvious." Gwen said as she pulled out her personalized sword. It wasn't as long or heavy as the men's swords, but certainly just as sharp and just as lethal.
As Gwen had already fought in one war and saved all of their lives fighting against the Lamia using a much larger sword and the fact that she grew up in a Smithy while her father made the King's armor, she and Gwaine didn't have to waste days going over what item of armor was what and its uses. They instead concentrated on the proper stance for a person of Gwen's size and height to achieve the maximum thrust when striking an opponent. Gwaine began circling Gwen striking her lightly with his sword.
"Defend." Gwaine yelled loudly.
Gwen couldn't believe this was finally happening. She had several times this morning had to stop her perpetual smiling. Gwaine was taking her training very seriously and she wanted to show him as much respect as he was showing her. Even-though he was calling out what position he was going to strike her from, she was taken off guard and off her feet on a few occasions.
"I'm coming from your right." Gwaine's sword swooped down on her right side, not as fast as it could and not as properly aimed, but Gwen knew to pay attention and pull her sword under his to knock his out of his hand or to swing to her left to meet his so that she could try and push him and his sword out of her space.
"Is that panting I hear? Gwaine needled Gwen. Don't tell me the mighty warrior Queen Guinevere Pendragon is tired. Maybe she's a bit sleepy and would like to get back into her fluffy bed with her handsome husband."
Although Gwen had been wishing all morning for a nice warm soaking bath, and she wouldn't have minded still being in bed laying on her husband's chest with his strong arms around her, suddenly she let out a very loud growl, well for her that is, raised up her sword, and rushed towards Gwaine with menace in her eyes.
"Defend!" she screamed.
Gwen had taken Gwaine so much by surprise that he reacted instinctively and mistakenly let her have more force in his blow then he meant. Gwen lifted from her feet and flew back and hit the hard unforgiving ground. To say she had the wind knocked out her would be an understatement.
"PROTECT YOUR QUEEN!"
Both Gwen and Gwaine knew the sound of that voice and both let out their own agonized, "Oh No."
Arthur had been watching their training almost since the beginning. It was only after Gwen had landed on the ground a few times that he thought he'd better put an end to it. Just as she landed on the ground this last time Elyan and his group of young Knights were passing, and he couldn't resist calling out the order. He knew Gwen would be furious with him but he loved the thought of putting some much needed fear into Gwaine. The recruits saw their Queen clearly as her helmet had flown off as she went sailing in the air. To a man, they without haste at their King's voice, went running down the hill, surrounded their Queen, and held their swords at Gwaine.
"My Lady" a young Knight reached his hand down for Gwen to take hold.
Gwen was so embarrassed, not only because she was sprawled on the ground like a rag doll, but several pieces of the rags she was using for padding were sprawled beside her.
Gathering what little breath she had, Gwen was able to greet her Knight, as she made a point to memorize each of the recruit's names by speaking to them on a daily basis. Gwen was very proud of herself for remembering this young man's name despite the fact that she was literally seeing three of him.
"Thank you Sir Anwil."
"Put your swords down boys. Gwaine entreated, as you can see the Queen lives."
"I tell them when they can put their swords down." Arthur said as he made his way into the circle and checked out Gwen for him-self.
Merlin walked over to Gwaine and patted him on the back. He wanted to have a hearty laugh with his friend but the ferocious looking recruits held their positions in deadly silence, with their swords still pointed directly at Gwaine's body and face.
Elyan and a few of the recruits had retrieved Gwen's helmet, her sword and all the rags littering the field from her morning's work-out. Guinevere would have protested the stopping of her training but she looked into Arthur's eyes and saw his anger as he rubbed a bruise on her cheek.
"I think you've had enough training for one day Guinevere." Arthur said quietly.
Gwen knew she'd lost any argument, when she looked into Arthur's eyes but even more so when she heard the sound of her full name from his tense and pursed lips.
"I think you're right my love. I could do with a long hot bath."
Gwen tried her best not to limp as she and Arthur made their way back up the hill, followed by the helpful knights. At the top, they could hear Gwaine cursing at the young soldiers who still had not lowered their swords.
"Arthur, Gwen said, he did have your permission to train me."
"He didn't have my permission and he certainly didn't have my permission to land you on your back-side as if you were a full-grown man."
"He didn't have your permission to train me?"
"No."
"Last night at the banquet…"
"No, Guinevere, I was going to train you once you got your armor and once I had more time in my schedule."
"Well, be that as it may, Gwen said chagrined, I think all of us have had enough fun for one day."
Arthur looked petulantly at Gwen, but finally turned around to the ridiculous scene and yelled out "Dis-Engage!"
Only then did Elyan and Merlin begin laughing as they hugged a humbled Gwaine.
Soaking in a warm bath with her husband massaging all of her aches and pains, Gwen apologized to Arthur for her impatience.
"Guinevere, you should know, when I tell you that I'm going to do something…"
"I know Arthur, my sweet, it won't happen again."
Arthur stopped speaking as Gwen's head flopped forward, she was fast asleep. He wasn't surprised as what with her getting up even earlier than she normally did; training like a true warrior, and now the warm bath and his massaging, it was all too much for her.
Even knowing how tired and hurt the training had made Gwen, Arthur knew once she healed, that she would be raring to get back on the field for more.
Arthur picked up his wife, dried her off and laid her in bed.
"Owwww…"
"Ahhhh finally awake I see." Arthur said from the table he had been working at all morning.
"Arthur, Gwen cried out, I hurt so much."
"Oh, really, I wonder why?"
"Arthur"
Arthur got back into bed and Gwen immediately snuggled into his chest for a hug.
"Imagine if you were in the barracks with the other young recruits. I cried that night after my first day of training."
"You did not." Said a muffled voiced Gwen.
"Yes, I did. I was twelve and I hurt just about as much as you're hurting now. Only I wasn't able to come and sleep in my warm bed. We were ordered to stay out in the stables with our horses. I can remember very clearly burying my head in a thick mane and letting the tears roll."
"Owww, you're not going to send me to the stables are you?"
"I should, Arthur said as he rubbed Gwen's back. You know being a soldier doesn't only involve carrying a sword and dressing in form fitted chain-mail. I take your desire very seriously Guinevere, but I wanted to be the one to train you."
"I'm sorry," Gwen reached up and pecked Arthur on the lips.
"Owww, Gwen buried her head back into his chest, even my lips hurt."
"One more hour in bed and then you'll join us all for a nice and hearty lunch. Many of the young guys were as proud as your husband with your display yesterday. I've had several requests as to your presence at breakfast this morning."
"Awww, really?"
"Yes, really, but if you're hurting too much and can't make it out of bed…"
"No, I can make it out of bed." Guinevere spoke up with more vigor in her voice.
"Good, Gwaine has been pestering me about how you're feeling ever since last night."
"What did you tell him?" Gwen asked with some trepidation.
"I told him that you have bruises all over your body and that I'm not happy."
"Oh."
"Yeah…Oh. Now try to get a bit more rest, and I'll wake you up in another hour."
Another hour turned into four, supper was delayed but no one cared as they all cheered once they saw their Queen slowly walking into the dining hall. Arthur allowed several of the young knights to escort Gwen to her chair as young Sir Anwil lead the hall in three cheers of hooray. Gaius tried his best to gently shoo the young men away so Gwen wouldn't become over-tired and Merlin wondered if he should secretly perform a healing spell on her to take away all the aches and pains, but decided not too as it would be too suspicious for her to be aching one moment and feeling fine the next.
Out of the corner of Gwen's eye she could see Gwaine and she motioned him over. The room quietened down as Gwen asked the hall to raise their cups to the best trainer, aside from her husband the King, Sir Gwaine.
Although Gwaine would never acknowledge this in public, he was very happy to see Arthur raise his cup along with everyone else. He lightly kissed the Queen on her cheek and bowed to the room before grabbing the largest cup of ale as he hadn't had a drink all day.
The End
LOL it ends weirdly I think and honestly the story got away from me some-what, but I tried to bring it back in balance. Gwaine is my favorite Knight, aside from Arthur, and I very much wanted to write a fic where his friendship with Guinevere is re-established as Ep 4.09 separated Gwen from all the people who once openly held her so dear. I'm sorry also about switching from Guinevere to Gwen so often but I think we all know it's the same person.
:-D