The various kings, queens, advisors, knights and other representatives of Camelot, Kent, Mercia and Surrey were about to descend on Nemeth for a most important gathering. Call it the G5 of medieval times. These different kingdoms joined together through treaties and a shared appreciation of peace and growth within their territories; saw this assembly as a way to strengthen bonds and formulate strategies against outside forces who threaten to stabilize hard fought alliances. And during that time there were plenty of enemies lying in wait to take advantage of any supposed weaknesses. Whereas Camelot was viewed and respected as the lead, the other kingdoms very often jockeyed for position as the second in line. This made for highly charged and sometimes entertaining meetings.

The Pendragons and their group of thirty already covered around fifty miles during their first day of travel which took them over long stretches of grassy plains, along stony dirt pathways, some rough terrain and across a few rivers. The ever changing colors provided plenty of gorgeous scenery and the cool weather made the journey less arduous. When evening approached they found a suitable clearing just inside the Stonegate forest where they pitched their pavilions, ate a supper of bread, venison pottage and cheese along with ale as they settled in.

As the evening dragged on, Arthur, Gwaine and Elyan huddled around one of the camp fires which blazed a few yards in front of Arthur's and Gwen's personal pavilion. At first the conversation started off lighthearted enough until it turned into a more pressing matter which was bound to be discussed during their time in Nemeth.

"There's an interesting rumor going around that King Odin is utilizing small raiding parties to attack Cumberland and Wedgemore," Elyan commented.

"Aren't those both provinces of Surrey?" Arthur enquired with his left hand underneath his chin.

"Indeed," Gwaine sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"If this is so, I'm very surprised that Surrey hasn't requested our assistance."

"Perhaps they feel they have the situation under control," Elyan replied his eyes never leaving the crackling fire.

"Or perhaps they don't believe it has anything to do with King Odin," Gwaine offered.

"Whatever the case it's serious enough that it must be addressed during our first assembly."

"And if they refuse our aide?" Gwaine questioned leaning more forward.

"They won't have a choice in the matter. If it affects one then it affects all of us." Arthur stated emphatically. "I won't take chances with the peace and stability of this region by turning a blind eye."

While Arthur and his associates continued their frank discussion and debated a future course of action, Gwen passed the time in the company of her two principal ladies-in-waiting sisters Ellen and Amelia. All three changed into their night dresses and afterwards engaged in conversation while Ellen braided Gwen's hair.

"I believed I would be more excited about this visit to Nemeth," Amelia let out a long sigh as she busily rearranged Guinevere's assortment of gowns.

"My dear sister, I believe you're getting bored with being around all too familiar prospects."

"So what if I am," Amelia countered, pushing her lips into a small pout. "Unlike you I haven't discovered that special someone who holds my interest for very long."

Ellen shook her head and Gwen reflected upon the comment. Soon Ellen would be married and no longer in her service. When that day finally came it would be bittersweet but she'd wish her all the best. Amelia on the other hand considered herself too young to become seriously attached to any man and she would never force it upon her although that was often the practice in those days.

"Your highness will you assist me in this task?"

"The choice is and will always be yours Amelia. Besides I confess I'm being blissfully ignorant about the qualities you desire in a prospective suitor."

"He should brave, honest and loyal," she replied dreamily.

"I know of many knights who are all these things to their kings but never to their wives."

"Oh… Your Highness." The three ladies shared a chuckle.

When Ellen finished securing Gwen's braids and attaching her linen coif, she stood behind her a little conflicted. "Your Highness…I'm not sure if I should say anything. It's not my place really…" She cast her eyes towards the carpeted floor.

Gwen turned around regarding both sisters who became unusually quiet. She shifted her eyes between them. It was then she knew it must have been on their minds and decided to respond.

"Ellen there is no quarrel between Princess Mithian and I. Certainly I may become upset if she chooses to linger her eyes upon my husband or is insistent upon having a private meeting with him. Otherwise I will remain the gracious queen."

Amelia finding her voice again said, "Why be gracious when all can be settled during one sword fight. I can see her now running away with fear…"

"And our kingdoms at war over foolishness," she said laughing. "I was only speaking in jest. Whatever she chooses to do is her own affair. My eyes will never watch Arthur's every action or reaction to her presence. I have complete faith in his love and only some sort of evil or death can separate us."

"I just have this troubling feeling..."

"Ellen, please try not to worry," Gwen replied placing a comforting arm around her shoulders. The two sisters shared an uneasy glance between each other. "I'm certain everything is going to be alright. Now …I truly believe it's time for the both of you to get some much needed rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Of course Your Highness."

Gwen ventured outside the tent with a woolen blanket wrapped around her. After Ither left his side, she saw that Arthur sat alone gazing intently at the fire's yellow, orange and red flames. When she slid her arm down his shoulder, he took a firm hold of it. He began summarizing everything that was discussed regarding the raids in the two provinces. Gwen listened keenly then directed her eyes up at the night sky; the full moon and its multitude of stars.

"Could you imagine the sight of both of us riding into battle?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves…," he quickly cautioned.

To which she responded, "We both know King Odin and what he's capable of doing. He desperately wants to destabilize this hard won union between the kingdoms."

"I'm fully aware of his intentions but right now I don't wish discuss this any further." He pulled her down into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning the right side of her face on his shoulder. "I love you more than my own life but the needs of Camelot come before anything else."

Meaning there would be no joining her husband in battle. Meaning she would remain in Camelot. She closed her eyes taking in a deep breath, readjusting the blanket over her shoulder. She listened to the sounds of the surrounding forest and the short bits of hushed conversation going on around them.

When Gwen didn't say anything more, Arthur felt the need to continue his explanation. He kissed the top of her head and said, "I'm acknowledging that you do have the greatest skill with the sword and the bow. After all I am your greatest teacher," he boasted with a wry smile.

"I also have other great teachers namely Elyan, Gwaine, Percival and Leon."

"Be that as it may…"

"Be that as it may, I really do understand Arthur yet I do have this one great fear, a recurring nightmare that one day you'll not return home from battle and I'll be left alone. How many may not return. I wish I could block it out from my thoughts…"

"My love, look at me." He turned her face towards him. He saw the anguish in her gorgeous brown eyes. "Listen to my words. …There is nothing to fear. You do have the strength and the courage to carry on. Over the years I've seen it demonstrated so many times. Your courage and bravery surpasses my own in every way. You are a remarkable, wonderful, intelligent, exquisite woman and I'm so grateful that you're my wife and Camelot's Queen."

The sincerity in his eyes, the touch of his palm on her cheek, his fingers running through her hair made Gwen tingle all over.

"It means so much to me to hear you say those words."

"I've always had that faith in you as you have in me. Let's not speak of this anymore. Let's continue to live in the here and now."

He covered her lips with his; the kiss soft, sweet, an invitation for something more but tonight just being in each other's arms would suffice.

Narado Castle

There was a flurry of activity going on around her as Katrina hurriedly made her way down the long corridor. She hardly paid much attention to any greeting or the whispers that caught her ear. She was too focused on reaching her final destination and when she finally arrived a guard posted outside the room opened the door for her to enter.

Princess Mithian's bower room was exquisitely furnished; elaborately decorated with tapestry above the fireplace and along the adjacent walls. At its center sat a huge bed shielded by beautifully embroidered velvet bed curtains. A small wooden table, a few benches and footstools, as well as a huge chest completed the ensemble.

Katrina regarded the Princess as she frantically paced back and forth; her lovely purple and gold satin gown sweeping along the carpeted flooring.

Katrina bowed lowly and said, "You've sent for me, my Lady."

"Where have you been?!" An anxious Mithian enquired. Her intense eyes scrutinized Katrina from head to toe. "You're looking a bit frazzled." Katrina's cheeks were flushed and hair a little unkempt.

"Ariana is quite ill and I've been assisting in her care."

"Is she getting any better?"

"I'm afraid not my Lady…"

"You may rise." Katrina stood with her hands clasped together. "You do remember the importance of the next few days."

"I do."

"Then I need not explain how much I require your presence."

"There is no need…"

"My Lady…may I speak freely?"

"You may."

"You don't seem to be fully aware of Ariana's deteriorating situation."

"Are you implying that I don't care? Haven't I seen to her needs by providing my own personal physician?"

"Will it be enough? …What bargain was struck with Exon?"

Mithian was caught off guard by the question and its implication. Her eyes blinked rapidly and she massaged her forehead. "I-I don't know…"

"By my personal observations, the Queen is having an unhealthy influence on your well being. She has ignited an uncontrollable fire where there once was merely a flame. Please consider your husband, your son…"

Mithian stared at her horrified. "How dare you!" She struck her hard across her right cheek. Katrina's instantly placed her right palm on the red, swollen area.

"Forgive me my Lady." She went down to her knees bowing at Mithian's feet.

"You are forgiven," Mithian replied massaging her forehead once again. "And let's not discuss this any further."