Gwen rested her weary head against a bright white pillow as she gazed upon a glorious red -gold setting sun. A deep pain racked her wheezing chest as she lay in her bed waiting for death to claim her. Tired dark eyes rested on Arthur, her grandson, as he stroked her withered hand. It pained her heart to listen to his plans for the future.
"Grandmother, we'll go for walk in spring," he whispered as tears streamed from his eyes. "I'll pick wildflowers, and we can have a picnic by the lake."
Turning her head, Gwen smiled at her beloved grandson. "I would enjoy spending a few hours with my boy. You brought so much joy to my long lonely life without your namesake, my beloved husband, Arthur. Your mother healed my heart when I had nothing except a jeweled crown upon my head. You have given me so much hope and promise of a bright future for Camelot."
"I love you, Grandmother," Arthur mumbled. His hot tears landed on Gwen's fragile hand.
"And I will love you forever and a year. You will always feel my love, Arthur."
Arthur noticed his grandmother's eyes widening with joy as tears slipped from her fading eyes.
"It's been so long. I have longed to see you. To hear your voice," Gwen wheezed.
Arthur's bright blue eyes gazed into a silent hollow of Gwen's chamber. "Who are you speaking with?"
"My mother."
"I can't see her. It's not your time. I need you, Granny. Don't leave me alone."
Suddenly, Gwen sat upright, offering her hands to someone. Arthur tossed an apple at empty space. "It's bad magic, Granny. Don't listen to it," Arthur implored. "Focus on my voice. Tell me about grandfather's donkey ears and the goblin. How you ran from the warlord. Merlin's magic. Gauis and his draughts. Speak of the knights…Gwaine, Uncle Elyan, and Lancelot. Stay with me."
"It's been so long. I can still hear your clanging echoing in the lower town. Your hammer pounding on the anvil." Her lips quivered as her face broke into a smile," You look glorious in your uniform. Your cape is so bright red, Pendragon red. I still remember that night in the abandon castle, and my husband knighted you, all of you. Look at you, don't you dare threatened to pull my hair. We aren't children."
Closing her eyes, tears flowed from Gwen's eyes," What do you mean nectar is better than ale? It doesn't make you sick in the morning. You're still a rascal. "
"Stop it," Gwen whispered. "I can't believe you haven't stopped arching your eyebrow. Yes, I can believe it."
Arthur rose from his seat, and began walking around his grandmother's chamber searching for pixies or fairies.
Gwen smoothed a strand of white hair from her face. "Don't look at me. I'm old and withered, not your young wife. It doesn't matter? You missed me? You've been lonely? You love me after this separation? All of this time. I've dreamt of you at night. I made you proud. "Gwen raised her hands," My skin isn't worn or wrinkled. I'm not old any longer. My pain is gone. My heart fills joy. Come to you. It's my time. Come to you. Arthur, I'm ready. Walk into the light? Will you meet me? Take your hand? I'll walk by your side once again. I never forgot how your touch made me strong."
Racing over to her side, Arthur gathered Gwen into his embrace as her chest lowered one last time.
"I will honor and love you forever, Grandmother."
