QUEST FOR GUINEVERE

Rating: M (A Little Violence & Sexual Content may not be suitable for persons under 18yrs)

Disclaimer: DONOT OWN MERLIN BBC, Content or characters.

Chapter 2

Arthur in his Chambers:

Not having been able to get much sleep, Arthur had gotten up early dressed and suited up in his chain-mail hoping maybe to get in an early session of training, however this now seemed highly unlikely as his useless so and so' of man-servant had actually forgotten to polish his Armor the day before.

Standing by his window Arthur was deep in his thoughts now thinking over the comment that Merlin had made regarding Guinevere, about Lancelot, and of cause, King Michael.

Arthur of cause, all too aware of Merlin, now rummaging around and making a hell' of a racket in the background of his bed chambers, which of cause was more than a little annoying to say the least, quickly breaking him from his train of thought, Arthur now turned to slightly' peer up over his shoulder to see exactly what Merlin was doing, and rolled his eyes at his useless manservant, now seeing his arms heavily laden with unpolished Armor.

His thoughts returned to Guinevere and even more so, "now, especially knowing that Lancelot was in Camelot, and bringing a message for Guinevere no less, but what was even more disturbing to learn' was that the message had been from the King of Camiliard, "King Michael himself" .

Arthur had to wonder what in the world would prevail the King of Camiliard to want to send a message to 'Guinevere'.

His curiosity more then a little piqued, he now quickly put the question to Merlin as he watched the slender young man making his way to exit from his chambers, Arthur quickly called to him, stopping Merlin in his tracks, as he began to say…

"Merlin' have you seen Guinevere this morning?

Merlin now turning to look at his friend then quickly replied to him, saying…

"No Sire, come to think of it" I haven't seen her since Yesterday afternoon', or this morning, Sire?"

Merlin now more then a little concerned as he stepped towards Arthur, clearly seeing a look of concern expression marred on Arthur's face as he now thought to himself, I knew it, I knew something was up, and quickly continued to ask…

"Why Arthur what's wrong? What's happened?...

Merlin now feeling a little more confident to press a little further' sensing Arthur's mood had lightened.

Arthur turned round to walk towards Merlin' placing a hand on his shoulder, and said…

I am sorry for snapping at you earlier Merlin' You are a good friend and I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did" it was wrong of me to do so"...

Arthur please' just tell me what's wrong? What's happened to Gwen?'

Arthur hung his head in shame & felt even more embarrassed to tell his friend of what had past between himself & Guinevere.

I am a damn fool and I made a Goddamn idiot of myself, Merlin I have hurt the one person that I care most about in this whole world"...

Arthur lifting his rough challis hand to rake through his shiny blonde tresses"…

Merlin I accused Guinevere of laying with Lancelot & implied that she'd given herself to him, but that's not the worse of it, I also accused her of being, Lancelot's Mistress!"

Basically, accusing her of being nothing more' than a common whore!

Arthur cringed at the memory of his own words, and even more so when having once again spoken them out loud.

He could now only imagine just how painful his words must have been for Guinevere'.

Merlin' looked at Arthur with a look of shock and disbelief".

You really are a complete clot pole aren't you?', actually NO, that doesn't even begin to touch on your stupidity! I cannot believe that you would even accuse Gwen, 'GWEN of being a'….a'….

Merlin could not bring himself to repeat the words, as he finished saying…

My God, have you completely lost your mind?"

Arthur hung his head in shame.

Oh my God,' Arthur how could you even think that Gwen would even be capable of something so, so utterly ridiculous, not to mention disgusting! and with Lancelot!...Arthur that's just utterly ridiculous, how could you?"

For petesake' Arthur she may have at one time had feelings for Lancelot, but not 'anymore, truly are you really that damn clueless? You only have to look at her to see how goo' goo' eyed she gets when she's around you, or I should say the pair of you'.

Arthur smirking a slight grin as he mumble a little under his breathe...

Hmm really goo' goo' eyed' you say?…

Merlin half rolling his eyes" then said…

Well…not that that matters now does it?...I don't know, Arthur I just don't know what I'm going to do with You, What the hell were you thinking?.

Arthur now staring back at his friend all dow eyed'...then said

Precisely Merlin, that's the thing, I just wasn't thinking', and Yes, I know your absolutely right, You cannot know, just how many times I've just wanted to just kick myself!"

Merlin quickly jibed adding...

Here let me, I'll do it for you" if you like?"... As Arthur shot Merlin a quick glare"…

"Blast me and my damn big mouth!'

Arthur felt so ashamed of himself for hurting & treating Guinevere so badly…

Merlin please, you have to help me get her back?' I can't loose her, not like this, I can't live without her, All that I am and have means nothing without Guinevere, I don't want to live this life if it means living it without her!…I love Her, Merlin?

God' knows, she means the world to me, It's all my entire fault' I let my pride and jealousy come between us, I've been a complete and utter Imbecile'…

Merlin Reflects

"Yes' Arthur Pendragon you are a complete fool, but even more unfortunate a damn fool in love!

For Merlin knew Gwen to be the most sweetest' kindest, gentlest and definitely the most virtucious person he ever knew." For there wasn't anyone more noble of heart than Guinevere "and if the truth be known there were indeed many a men who had thought the same and craved the affections of Guinevere' but dared not for fear of retribution from Arthur. Merlin looked at his friend and could not help but feel sorry for him'.

But if he had to be honest' Arthur was getting his just deserves" how dare he treat Gwen so badly, but Merlin knew he couldn't stay angry at his friend, for he could see the pain that now creased the soft handsome features of his young friends face' & knew he would do all he could to re-unite his friend with his one true love, for it was much his destiny as it was Arthur & Guinevere's.

Besides he could tell that his friend was silently suffering inwardly over what had passed between him and Gwen. Merlin's heart went out to both his young friends and could see that Arthur had spoken in ernest over what had passed & knew that seeing Arthur suffering in silence was more than enough punishment " Arthur shook himself from his rivalry and turned to Merlin again" and asked" …

Merlin, You said that you bumped into Lancelot? and that he brings News of a message from KING MICHAEL for Guinevere?"

Merlin could see that Arthur was gritting his teeth at the mention of Lancelot's name as he then responded saying…

"I'm not quite sure of all the details, but he did say that it was of a personal matter regarding an urgent message from the King of Camiliard himself" but, did not elaborate any further".

Arthur now stood staring off into some unknown abyss his brow now etched with a look of curious concern, as he then quickly turned to Merlin' saying...

Merlin, I need you to find Guinevere and take a message for me'…

Just then there was a knock at Arthur's door, Merlin quickly went to answer it, as he opened the door Thomas the court messenger stepped forward into Arthur's Chambers, he quickly bowed to Arthur...

Arthur now stood with his hand out stretched to Thomas saying...

Well come on boy, I don't have all day?"

As Arthur clicked his fingers at Thomas to bring him the note that he held in his hand…Thomas coughed to cleared is throat and replied to his Prince…ahmm...

"Forgive me milord this letter is actually for Master Merlin, Sire'…

Arthur cocking his eyebrow looked at Merlin and than back to Thomas,

"Well come on then boy" get on with it'...

Thomas quickly passing the Letter to Merlin' then tipping his head quickly made for the exit, through the same way he had entered. Merlin curiously eyed the enveloped, instantly recognizing the hand writing and the sweet aroma of Lavender scented parchment paper".

It's from Gwen?"…

Arthur looked at Merlin a little nervously as he watched Merlin continue reading his letter…

Well I shall leave you to your Letter I'm sure you would like some privacy?" but Merlin then motioned to Arthur to stay saying..."

"No' please Arthur stay.. I'm sure that whatever Gwen has to say will most certainly concern you as well"…

But Arthur wasn't sure if he wanted to know, he dreaded to hear what Guinevere might now think of him remembering her last words she had spoken to him when she had left…and the pain behind the words as she spoke…

I can only now look back on you with Pity in my heart'...God how those words had cut through him.

Merlin quickly ripped open the Letter and started to read it out loud as Arthur now crossed his arms and listened intently. He could now hear Guinevere's own voice and her words of love & friendship to Merlin, he hadn't realized it, but he had been hanging on Merlin's every word, or rather Guinevere's.

Arthur could now feel the sting of tears welling up inside him at Guinevere's beautifully written letter, as his tears now felt like tiny splinters of glass pricking at his eyes' quickly turning his back to Merlin he walked back over to the Window trying to suppress the onslaught of tears now already rolling down his cheeks, Arthur struggled to listen now choking back a lump in his throat hoping that Merlin hadn't seen him quickly wipe the tears from his eyes, he struggled to listen as Merlin read on'…

Dearest Merlin,

My dearest wonderful friend'…Please forgive me for not personally coming to speak to you But I'm sure that once having read the content of this letter, you will understand and hopefully in time forgive me for my hasty departure.

Merlin quickly reading through his letter from Gwen as he then repeated out loud…"departure!

Arthur too, now turned to stare a look of shock at Merlin, but had not wanted to show too much a motion at the realization of Gwen having suddenly left Camelot, but knew full well that he had more than likely been the reason for her leaving, with his heart racing and fearing the worst for his Loves safety' Arthur continued to listen to Merlin as he read on…

As I have not much time, I must keep this brief Merlin, I have had to leave Camelot and all that I know & love, due to a personal matter.' I know this has happened rather suddenly & may come as somewhat of a shock, but the circumstances surrounding my departure is one of a delicate matter in which I hope to explain when I have more time, but for now my dearest friend I could not leave without telling you how much I have admired & cherished our friendship & of course the close bond we've shared. As you well know Merlin, I have come to consider you, Gaius and Hunith as much like my own family and with that being said, Merlin, I have left you a small token and parting Gift to remember me by. Merlin I would like, You & Hunith to have my home, I know it is of very little consequence, but I wish for you to have it just the same. So my dearest friend, I have left the Key & spare with My dear friend and neighbor; old Ben, whom I have advised that you are now the new owner and at some point when you are ready, you will make good on your claim. Merlin I hope once I am settled' "When and Where' ever that may be, I will pen quill to parchment to let you know I am well, but for now' it is imperative my friend that I must put much distance between myself and Camelot, Please my dearest friend, look after yourself, Gaius, Hunith Camelot &… Arthur, I could not bare it if anything were to happen to either of you. I will miss you all so very much and will think of you fondly and of all our wonderful memories we have shared, farewell my dearest, dearest, friend & may Gods peace and good will be with you always. With love & forever Your Faithful friend.

Guinevere Leodegrance xx

Oh God, she's gone, he couldn't believe it, Gwen had left Camelot and wasn't coming back!'.

Arthur suddenly felt numb" he could quite literally feel the blood draining from his body, leaving him with sharp shooting pains that were now piercing & probing at his now already broken heart. Arthur felt like he was hyperventilating trying to gasp for air. He suddenly felt the weight of his chain mail which now felt like it was restricting the flow of air to his lungs as it slowly started to feel like he was suffocating, running his gloved finger around the inside neck-collar of his chain mail, now frantically trying to pull & adjust it, but had to end up loosening off his breast & shoulder plates of armor. Arthur now quickly clutched at the beautiful token he had always kept close to his heart, always hidden from view under the armor of his breast plate, slowly pressing his beloved's token to his lips, closing his eyes it was all he could do to think of her, his beloved Guinevere, not having fully released the armor of his breast & shoulder plates Arthur ripped them from his chest and flung them; Sending the pieces hurling across the room once having done so, he slammed his gloved hand down hard on the table.

Still clenching his beloved's token in his hand' (Merlin jumped from the sound') Arthur was now slightly bent over slouched down on one knee, Merlin could now see that Arthur was choking back tears and a lump that had formed in his throat', as tears now fell like a waterfall down Arthur's face his blue eyes now tinged red with pain, it was hard for Merlin to see his friend suffering so, stepping forward Merlin wanted nothing more than to console his friend but Arthur lifting his arm still clenching Guinevere's beautiful token in his hand, motioned for Merlin to give him a moment whilst he settled his emotions & forced back his tears. Merlin too had felt tears stinging the corners of his eyes for his friend, for he had remembered that there had only been one other time that he had seen Arthur so distraught and consumed with inconsolable grief so openly, and it had been round the time he had challenged his father Uther to a dual over the loss & death of his mother Ygraine. It pained Merlin deeply to see his good friend suffering so, as he too himself struggled hard to choke back overwhelming sadness for both his friends.

Gwen's words had been so beautifully written, Arthur had not expected Gwen to mention his name let alone take the time to write it in her letter. Just hearing all the emotion in Gwen's words listening to the letter that she herself had penned was just too much for Arthur it broke him; it felt like his heart had been ripped from his chest! All Merlin could do was watch on as his friend still struggle to fight back painful sobs.

Arthur didn't care anymore that Merlin had now seen him at his most vulnerable, he just couldn't help it" he couldn't hold back his tears that now flowed' spilling over onto his chain mail" It was all too painful to get his head around' now knowing how lonely & abandoned Guinevere must have been feeling & now sounded. He had pushed her too far he had forced her hand" & given her no other choice but to defend herself the only way she knew how" and now it seemed that he was paying for it' but knew he deserve it! And if anything" he actually felt he deserved worse! .

It was all his own doing, this was all his fault and he knew he had to fix it!" Arthur didn't know what he'd do if any harm should come to his love,' all he knew is he had to set things right he had to find Guinevere & tell her how much he loved her and how much she meant to him & how he needed her, how much Camelot needed her. Arthur knew he could never ever love another & would find Guinevere even if it meant he had tear down the sky to get her back!" He would find her' he would find his love and bring her home to Camelot where she belonged, right here by his side, to be his wife, his lover, his Queen for the rest of their lives, if it was the last thing he ever did he would set things right!

Even after what he had done to her' She had still cared" for the safety of those she loved most' but Arthur knew that was Guinevere, always thinking of others before herself" always putting Camelot & the love of those she treasured most in this world before her own needs." Arthur now somewhat composed & calm, quickly gathered his thoughts pressing his beloved's token to his lips one last time before returning it back to it's original position always directly over his heart". Arthur now lifting his head to speak to Merlin he noticed that the Sun was now low in the Sky and called…

Merlin?"...Quickly make ready our horses, saddle bags, food and water for at least a week, maybe two, we leave within the hour?

Merlin looked at Arthur, beamed a grin from ear to ear & was already making his way out of Arthur's chambers to make ready for their journey ahead…

If Arthur had calculated it correctly he' would have at least a month or so on his side before he would need to be back in Camelot to prepare for Uther's return home. The King had already been away a week tending to further structural planning for one of the Northern outline villages within Camelot's Realm, once having completed his business there, he was to further ride on ahead to visit with King Olaf and his daughter the Princess Vivian for further discussion on trade and strengthening alliances within their neighboring kingdoms. Arthur would just have to hope that he would have found his beloved within the time that he needed to be back in Camelot, to welcome home his King.

Leaving Camelot in the capable hands of Bors, Percival and Sir Galahad, Arthur had advised his Knights that he and Merlin were going hunting and would be away for at least a week, or maybe two, advising his Knights that They would need to remind Sir Galahad to double the guards on the lower west side of the City during the evening. Before departing he re-assured them that he and Merlin would be back well before the King's return.

Arthur now turning to Merlin as they both mounted their horses, climbing up into their saddles Arthur looked at Merlin; Merlin of cause, knew that look and re-assured his friend...

"Do not worry Arthur, we will find her?.

Arthur smiled back at his friend nodding slightly he had appreciated the sentiment of Merlin's words of comfort and re-assurance.

It was in moments like these that he realized just how invaluable Merlin's friendship had come to mean to him. Arthur smiled remembering his beloved's words of brotherly love & affection for Merlin. For he had felt a warmth & sense of euphoria wash over him at her delicate words. Arthur knew that no matter how difficult or indifferent the situation between himself and Guinevere was, he knew that he could always count on Merlin to always be there for them both.

Arthur than looked at Merlin and said"... Merlin we need to find Lancelot?"

Just at that moment Arthur heard horse hooves echo on the courtyard cobbles directly behind them, he and Merlin turned, Arthur surprised to see Sir Leon & Sir Gwaine. Arthur nodded and bid both Leon & Gwaine good day, Arthur then enquired as to where they were off to...

"Aah "Sir Leon?, Sir Gwaine? and where might you two be off to then?.

It was then Leon looked at Gwaine and started to say….

"Milord?..."Merlin? Leon acknowledged nodding to them both as he then continue saying"…

Sire'…Merlin has asked that we join you both on your quest, but of cause "Sir Gwaine and I would consider it our duty and honour that you allow us to join and serve you in anyway we can Sire? …Pausing slightly as he then heard, Sir Gwaine saying...

I milord'...I fear I may have become too settle in my ways and I think a road trip is exactly what I need to sharpen my tracking and hunting skills... He grinned…

Although Arthur appreciated Gwaine' & Leon's sentiments he knew that both the Lads would have been just as worried and concerned as they all were for Guinevere …smiling, Arthur acknowledge both Gwaine Leon's request with a nod and now quickly shot a glare Merlin's way, But then heard Sir Leon saying...

Sire'...Please forgive me, But I couldn't help but over hear you talking to Merlin about Lancelot'…

But if the truth be pressed Merlin had' previously filled Leon & Gwaine in about the events of what had transpired' whilst making preparations for his and Arthur's leave earlier that day, of course leaving out the more personal and intimate details of the scenario. But of cause Leon & Gwaine had long been aware of the Prince's regard for the Lady Morgana's maidservant and had witnessed for themselves on a number of occasions where both the lads had caught glimpses of the young couples forbidden stares, stolen moments & signs of unrequited love between the two young lovers, and of cause had from that moment decided that they would do all they could to help their Prince and future King' and especially for the security and safety of the fair maiden as they knew how much their Prince cared for her. Besides both the young lads cared a great deal for the young maiden and considered Guinevere more than just a servant" but more, a close friend.

Arthur listened intently as Leon continued on...

"I feel I must tell you Sire that I did briefly see Lancelot today, & he did have a traveling companion with him sire...

Arthur's breathe now hitched as if he some how knew what Leon was going to say next…

Sire,' Gwen was with him...

Arthur looked at Merlin nervously and than looked back at Leon' Gwaine and asked…

In which direction did they ride?...

Leon than confirmed they had exited via the east gate, and in the direction of"…

All four gentlemen had chorus in unison...'towards…"CAMILIARD"…knowing glances were shared, but not another word was said, as all four companions knew full well that Lancelot and Guinevere were now doubt', on route to "KING MICHAEL'S KINGDOM".

Arthur quickly than turned to motion his traveling companions…

Come, let us ride' I want to try and reach the outskirts of Kinlocth forest before night fall, there we will setup camp and get a fresh early start tomorrow morning…

Arthur now rode off ahead in front of his traveling companions wanting to put some distance between them and himself and most doubtably Camelot. Riding like there was no tomorrow Arthur kept at a devils pace at least 5-6 leads ahead of his companions with nothing else on his mind but Guinevere.

Merlin was so grateful for Leon's & Gwaine's presence, mostly because he wasn't sure what Arthur's reaction would be like, if indeed they happened upon or were confronted with Lancelot. But it was re-assuring to have them near if Arthur at any point needed to be consoled or worse' restrained, yes it was re-assuring to have two of Arthur's closest friends and knights with them, not to also mention just how skilled, lethal & agile both Leon and Gwaine are, for they were both undoubtedly just as lethal as Arthur himself.

Rising early the next morning wiping sleep from their eyes" the four young men made ready to depart the camp site, the journey last night had been a relatively quick one, Merlin had noticed it had been a bit of challenge keeping up with Arthur as he seemed to be riding like a mad man" but Merlin knew that Arthur's mind was much plagued with thoughts of Gwen as he had hardly spoke throughout the whole journey & supper.

They reached Kinloch forest just before dusk & setup camp" supper consisted of a little smoked ham, some cheese, a little dry crusty bread & some wine to wash it down with. Sleep did not come easy for Arthur his mind still lingered on Guinevere " and his fears of her being alone with Lancelot', he had to put it out of his mind" otherwise it would just drive him crazy" .

But King Michael on the other hand had, somewhat tweaked Arthur's curiosity and was much intrigued as to what exactly his intentions were and why the urgency behind his message to Guinevere.

As Arthur laid there deep in thought, he seemed some what thankful that sleep would soon finally come, as he let his last thoughts drift and settled on his beloved, closing his eyes he could see her beautiful smile & soft beautiful face, he saw them entwined in a sweet embraced, he could feel her soft touch on his own skin and his rough caulis hand smoothing the side of her soft face, inhaling her sweet scent' of Jasmine & lavender, his hands now lost and entwined in her beautiful long wavy tresses which now fell lusciously long all the way down to the nape of her back tilting her head back Arthur was now envisioning himself with Gwen as he drew Guinevere in to a deep passionate kiss, Mmm…my love,…

Guinevere where are you?... do you sleep under these same stars that I sleep under this night. Laying his hand over Gwen's token that laid close to his heart Arthur finally let sleep take him.

He tossed and turned all night with dreams & thoughts of him & Guinevere, of passionate kisses sweet embraces, only to see that it was not himself kissing Gwen but Lancelot, all night his dreams were plagued as he mumbled in his sleep...

"Guinevere' no please' no' don't go' please don't leave me?

"Arthur! Arthur!.. Wakeup!"

Arthur awoke to find Merlin leaning over him shaking him to wake' Arthur shook his head taking in his surroundings" ..

"Sire' please"... you were dreaming?

Arthur had thought to himself it seemed more like a nightmare'.

AN: okay Ya'll so Arthur and the Lads are on a Mission to find Guinevere, where is Gwen?, is she with Lancelot? And what is the purpose of Lancelot's message from King Michael?...well all shall be revealed" and thanks for reviewing and enjoy the next chapter*smiles*