Nightmares once again. Nothing unusual. Strange though. As a child, the Lady Morgana never experience dreams so real like this before. Morgana could not believe that this was happening to her. Every single night, it seemed they dreams grew stronger.
She woke up again, early this morning, and after a few hours of just sitting around and being awake, Gwen finally entered her room. "Gwen." Morgana smiled.
"Morgana, could not sleep again my Lady?"
"Of course I slept," Morgana gave her an 'I can't believe you' smile.
"Perhaps my lady, you should want to ask Gaius for something?" Gwen came over to her windows, opened the curtains letting the sun shine through. "Or, I can do it for you."
"No it is fine. I can go to Gaius." Morgana smiled, but she was extremely irritated. Morgana decided to change the subject. "So for my day today. I thought I would write something. It's been a while since I've written a letter. Such a hobby as mine is not very fond of around the other Ladies at court."
"Morgana you write such beautiful letters. Oh, and the ones you secretly write for Arthur, it is all so beautiful."
"All 24 of them." Morgana smiled at first, and then it went to a small frustrated frown. "But... Arthur will never see those letters."
"Why my lady?"
"Arthur does not like me. He will never see those letters."
"Oh Morgana, some day, he will. Someday, Arthur Pendragon will become King, and you his Queen, and together, you two will rule Camelot, side by side. Having little Morgana's and little Arthur's running around."
Morgana had to laugh at that. "Thank you Gwen. You certainly make my day, as well as bring a smile to my face."
Gwen smiled, "I am glad my Lady."
Morgana continued to beam a smile.
Later though of course, she headed to the library and began to write a letter to Arthur Pendragon. Of course, he was never to see it. In fact, today he'd especially not because he was busy training the young nobles of Camelot to be knights of Camelot.
Sitting in the library by herself she heard someone sit down across from her. It was Uther. "My lord." Morgana bowed her head in respect.
"Morgana." He sat as if a bit tired and taking a needed rest.
"You seem tired."
"I am. It is not easy being king of Camelot."
"I can imagine."
"Yes." He then looked to see what she was doing. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing!" Morgana said a little too quickly.
Uther gave her a short suspicious look but then gave it up as he then decided to change the subject. "Would you go riding with me today?"
"I would prefer to be inside today. But thank you, my lord."
"It must be boring, not having friends." Morgan looked down to her letter, she could not believe how rude the king was being.
"Arthur is training his men today, and young nobles, all training to be future knights of Camelot."
"You must be pleased."
"I'll be pleased if Arthur wins us a new recruit or two."
"You must understand Uther, Arthur is not the one completely responsible for giving you a knight. In the end it is up to that one noble's determination to be one."
"Yes that is true."
Morgana stopped writing her letter, Uther kept looking at it and she thought he might become to curious to read it. It was a love letter to Arthur. She should have remained in her chambers. "Have a good writing moment. I have to return to court."
"Good day my lord."
"See you Morgana." He then walked away and out of the library. She did a sigh of relief. But he was right, she barely had friends, and Gwen wasn't around much either. She noticed her servant taking a liking to Arthur's servant and it wasn't wrong for them to spend time together. She needed someone else in her life and she was starting to believe Arthur soon wouldn't become that person.
At dinner Morgana didn't bother wearing her nice robes. Instead she came down casually wearing her usual day attire. Strangely Arthur noticed this and looked at her weirdly for a few seconds. She wanted to smile, thinking maybe he noticed her pretty figure too many times, got so used to it he took it for granted that she would just always pretty herself up. But she only cared about being comfortable tonight.
She took her seat and Gwen came around filling her glass with wine. She looked to her servant and smiled, Gwen smiled back. After all the food and drinks were served, the servants backed away to give the royal family space. After a bit of silence and no talking, Uther spoke up. "So Morgana, have you finished your writing?" She turned her head from Arthur to Uther.
"Um, it had gone well my lord." She shifted her eyes back to Arthur and he looked at her.
"Writing?"
"Don't mind my business Arthur."
Arthur looked almost started, then he scoffed at the smart comment back. "I was just wondering Morgana."
"Wonder no more then, because you won't figure it out."
"Why? Is it a love letter?" Arthur gave her a fishy grin as he rained one of his eyebrows.
"Not for you even if it was."
"Whatever..." Arthurs grin sort of went away but it looked like a smirk wanted to sneak out. Morgana only slightly blushed.
"Anyhow. Arthur how are the new recruits?" Uther asked his son, trying to change the subject.
"Hardly finding anyone yet. But I have faith that there is someone who might meet the challenge."
"How so?" Morgana asked.
"Because this one seems to know how to fight."
"Well that is good. Cannot have a knight who does not know how to fight." She said rolling her eyes obviously, looking at Arthur.
"Certainly not." Arthur gritted his teeth in annoyance.
Morgana then turned to Uther who just looked at the food with a thinking look on his face.
The next day Morgana headed to the library once again. She knew Arthur would be busy dealing with the training, so she spent her whole morning and afternoon there. But later on, a guard told her that she was summoned to the Great Hall. So she got her things and headed to her room first, putting them away. Soon then arriving in the great hall, Morgana noticed the knights of Camelot in the room and there was Arthur standing and looking content, and she smiled at his expression. Merlin was beside him and everyone was busy chatting. Soon Morgana took her place opposite of Arthur on the other side and she saw Gwen rush right next to her excitedly. "This whole crowd is certainly not for me." Morgana smiled. "I imagine a new knight for Camelot has been chosen."
"Yes my Lady. His name's Lancelot."
"Lancelot, he sounds like he lances, quite a lot."
Gwen chuckled at that, and then covered her mouth to prevent further laughing. Morgana then began to chuckle herself.
Soon though the trumpets sounded and Uther called for everyone's attention. From the doors, there entered a man dressed in armour, his skin was a dark tan and his hair a dark brown. He was indeed quite handsome.
This man walked up to Uther, bowed, then came to kneel before him. "Lancelot. You were chosen by my son to be a knight of Camelot. Are you worthy?"
"I hope so." He said.
Morgana smiled at that, he seemed nervous and somewhat funny.
Uther then said, "Do you swear allegiance to Camelot? Speak only the truth and safe guard all, and to who are helpless?"
"I swear my Lord." Lancelot said, nervous but lowered his head in continued respect for the king.
"Hold no fear in the face of your enemies. As a knight you will come to fight for justice, truth and for what is right. Your blade will be voice of your heart in combat. Do you swear to be a beacon of justice and truth for all those that see you?"
"I swear, my Lord."
Uther then got a blade from one of his knights and on the right shoulder and said "Arise Sir Lancelot," then to his left shoulder, "Knight of Camelot." Then Lancelot rose to accept the duty and everyone in the courtroom clapped for him.
When he rose, suddenly Morgana wanted to know more. She knew his name but she wanted to know really, exactly who was he? "So who is this man? He seems to have come out of nowhere."
"I know. Been a bit of a surprise, to all of us."
Morgana could not help but look him up and down, he was quite handsome. But then of course she thought back to Arthur.
"There is a feast tonight Gwen, you will have to help me prepare of course."
"Yes my lady."
"Tonight is going to be a great thing for Arthur, getting a new knight in the ranks means having a new friend as well. He doesn't have many friends."
"Oh well, I don't know, he seems to get along with Merlin."
"Merlin, his manservant. You think they're friends?"
"I hear they talk, and even fight a lot, making a scene, I hear Arthur calls him a pain."
"Oh dear... He should get a new servant then hm?"
Gwen looked to the floor worriedly, and then smiled to her lady, "That would be the right course of action to take hm."
"Yes, but I mean, it doesn't have to happen, Arthur just might like taking abuse for once in his life." Morgana said that because she suspected Gwen might hold feelings for this Merlin and actually want to keep him around.
That night at the feat, Morgana once again wore her red dress. She'd have to get new dresses soon. She and Gwen then left her room and they began walking to the great hall. On the way, they chattered about how beautiful Morgana looked, how nice Gwen looked, how the day was and especially more on questions about the new knight. "Arthur will be so happy tonight, who knows, he might even get drunk." She giggled to herself.
"Let's all hope he'll be very happy, I think you make him most happy."
Morgana didn't want to get into a depressive conversation as to how wrong Gwen was, that was bedroom talk, Tonight was meant to be happy, is t is her job to set the mood of a good night. "Gwen you are so kind."
Then they entered the great hall for the feast. "I have to part ways with you my lady, the dining table calls."
"Of course Gwen, you may go."
"My lady."
"Have a good night." Morgana said going over to reach for an apple.
Gwen turned back and said, "You to," smiling.
Morgana then walked around for a few seconds, looking at the food. She'd picked up an apple but set it back down. She then smiled to herself, feeling eyes from nobles all around her. People we're giving her their attention and she knew, one of the eyes must have belonged to Arthur. She turned around and saw Arthur looking at her. Immediately she smirked at him and he gave her a sort of longing embarrassed look. It made her grin get even wider. 'He's looking at me,' she thought. Then she turned away blushing and went over to some noble ladies to speak to them. Honestly she'd rather speak to Arthur, but then of course, he was busy talking to Lancelot.
Suddenly Morgana heard tapping, she looked over to Arthur who immediately got up and said, 'Ladies and Gentlemen!" He raised his goblet and continued. "Please join me, in a toast, to our new recruit. A new Knight of Camelot, Sir Lancelot!" Everyone then clapped. But Morgana felt it kind of ironic, nobody joined in any toast, but it seemed alright for Arthur.
Morgana then noticed later on, Arthur had become drunk. It was quite funny. But he smiled more, he talked more and he even shared some jokes with the knights and Lancelot. She smiled.
Soon then, it was time to greet the Knight himself. "Hello." Morgana said, introducing herself to Lancelot.
"Hello," Lancelot bowed to her and smiled a big smile.
"Welcome to Camelot, and congratulations on becoming a Knight." She never really spoke to the knights before, but Arthur seemed attached to this one so she wanted to catch his attention easier. Also she was incredibly bored.
"Thank you." He smiled brightly.
"Enjoy the feast." She said.
"Thank you." Then she turned her gaze to see Arthur looking at her and Lancelot.
Excusing herself from the new knight's presence, she marched over to Arthur and smiled.
"Good evening Arthur."
"Morgana." Arthur gave her a smart smirk and he eyed her up and down. It took Morgana's breath away, but then a part of her thought how rude and un-gentleman like of him. "I saw you talking to Lancelot. Fancy him now eh?"
"I do not know what you mean." She said while keeping her head held high.
"Don't play dumb now, it's obvious you like him."
"Arthur!" She then came down to a low whisper and drew herself in closer, "This is an inaproapriate4 conversation." Arthur smirked hungrily at her then. "I have to go," Morgana said.
"Good night." Arthur said dreamily.
Morgana then left, giving Arthur a glare. She really shouldn't talk to him when he's drunk."
The next day was just terrible. Morgana found out that this Lancelot actually lied about being a nobleman to become a knight. Morgana though could obviously understand why he deceived the king. After all, it seemed he felt he wanted to be a knight so passionately, she couldn't blame the man for chasing his dream. But this time it was different.
She could not march into Uther's chambers, or the courtly and start an argument. Knights rightfully had to be born of noble blood and she could never change that with a snappy attitude. It was tragic.
Morgana was going to head down to the library when on the way she met up with Arthur. "Good morning Arthur," she said, passing him by.
"Hi Morgana." He said, head low, eyes sad.
Morgana then turned around. "Arthur."
"Yes?" He turned to her, head held high but still looking elsewhere.
"I am sorry, about the new knight, or rather, former new knight. I know, you must have made him as a friend on the night of the feast, and it must be terrible to know he is a traitor."
Arthur scoffed. "He is not a traitor! Morgana..." Arthur became angry at her. She was taken aback by his speaking to her that way. Then he became wide eyed and covered his face from her turning around. He marched away in his anger. Morgana was left standing there. She felt bad for what she said. This Lancelot was a traitor to the very code he swore to. A knight swears to speak the truth, and to lie even on the day of your oath is not a very good thing to do. Still though, it was all not fair.
A few hours later, Morgana was in the library, writing a poem for her dear Arthur when suddenly there was a loud noise, like thunder, then another loud noise, a screech, like a big giant bird. Morgana didn't know the cause of this noise. She and many other library guests ran to the windows to see a griffin was terrorising the people in the town. The knights of Camelot all went out to fight it. She then worried for Arthur. Arthur was going to have to fight it. She remained in the library for a few hours, watching Arthur and his men fight the griffin till it finally flew away. But she knew Uther wouldn't want it to be alive, and sometime soon, the knights would have to ride out and kill it.
She went to see Arthur in the evening and saw he was leaning against his fireplace. All dressed in armour, he looked sad and as if he was about to regret something. De ja vu. "Well, this setting is familiar."
"Morgana... I am glad you are alright."
"Me to, for you. ... I saw the griffin today, from the library. You fought well."
"It is not over. I have to ride out tonight. To try and kill it."
Morgana rushed over to Arthur. "And you will succeed. I hold the highest faith in your ability to complete almost the most impossible tasks. Especially with a voice like Uther hanging over your head. Nobody can stand him and you are doing so well being such a great prince, and I just know you will also make a good king." She grasped his arm and held it gently. He looked down at her hold. She felt the cool chainmail under her fingers.
Arthur looked into her eyes and hers looked into his. There was a long pause before Arthur looked away and said, "Thank you Morgana." He put his palm on her arm and smiled a sort of awkward embarrassed smile. She smiled the same smile back.
Soon Arthur got up and said, "I have to rally the knights, we leave right now."
Morgana then went on her toes and came to Arthur's forehead and kissed him there. "Good luck." She came down again and his eyes held the emotions of great peace and bravery. Her heart began beating fast and her breath hitched in her lungs, making her breathless, he made her breathless.
Arthur smiled at her, this time not so awkward but more appreciative. Then he squeezed her hand lightly and said, "Thank you," before taking off. Once again, Morgana was left smiling.
The next day Morgana was in her room. She had yet to ask Arthur how the fight went. She looked at the flowers Gwen gave her a while back, they'd grown. She then turned to her maid and saw Gwen looking out to the courtyard of the castle and down to the drawbridge. "Gwen?" She noticed her maid looked sad. "Guinevere?" She came and walked over to her."Lancelot?" She asked.
"Oh." Gwen took a huge breath in her lungs and looked at her lady sort of embarrassed. "Yes," she said, sadness taking in her eyes, but a smile forming over her face.
"Come Gwen, you have a busy day ahead."
"Yes my lady." Gwen replied as Morgana decided to head down to Arthur, to see how he was doing.
She arrived at Arthur's bedroom and knocked on his door. "Come in." She heard Arthur's voice.
Morgana entered to see Arthur sitting lazily in his chair, or actually more slouched and depressed. His arm was upright and on his armrest while his head rested on his palm. But when he was it was Morgana who entered, he immediately sat upright like a proper prince. "Morgana."
Morgana smiled, "Hello Arthur."
He smiled back at her. "Hey."
She then came over and sat down at his desk in a chair across from him. "I'm sorry about Lancelot."
"Yes well, thank you."
She smiled then looked down at her fingers, then at Arthur again. "Do you think you will see him again?"
Arthur smiled again, "Maybe. I would not mind it."
"That is good."
Arthur leaned into the table, coming closer to Morgana who stayed where she was. "And how are you?"
Morgana gulped, "I am good. It is still the morning, and I was wondering, if you would come for a ride with me."
"Seriously?" Arthur raised his eyebrows with that not so sure look.
Morgana then rolled her eyes and stood up to go away. "Sorry, never mind."
Arthur then immediately got up and grabbed at Morgana's arm gently, halting her steps and he came close to her. "I am sorry. I would like to go riding with you." He said.
His voice was so kind and gentle; Morgana just had to see his face. She looked up and saw his eyes. So full of kindness and longing, she could lose herself in his face. She smiled at him, "Alright, let us go." She said, taking Arthur's hand in hers and they headed out his door to get to the royal stables. It was going to be a good day today.
A couple weeks later, everything was going all happy. Arthur and Morgana saw each other more often and even spoke together more often. He even would joke around with her which was very unlike before. But they were happy; Morgana could tell he liked her.
Even though she had restless nights, thinking of Arthur made her days better. Today she was going to spend time watching Arthur duel. She had just written a poem yesterday on how much she loved her Arthur, maybe someday she would share with him all of these poems she wrote for him. So far there were 33 now.
The early morning, she was busy fiddling with her things. Looking at her gifts from knights who fancied her when Gwen arrived in that very morning. "Look what's just arrived for you." She said happily. She was carrying a big bouquet of large white and vanilla lilies. Morgana loved lilies.
"Whom are they from?" Morgana asked, taking the flowers.
"I don't know." Gwen said, "Maybe Arthur?"
Morgana fake-glared at Gwen, "how disappointing," when really inside she was thinking on how sweet it would be, but also she knew it was too soon for Arthur to really like her that way yet, so it might be someone else.
"Why? Who would you like them to be from?"
"I don't know. Tall dark stranger?" Morgana smiled.
Gwen smiled at her lady, obviously knowing the truth.
The whole day went well. Morgana watched Arthur duel and she tried drawing the lilies she got this morning. When Arthur came to the side to stop to rest he saw he artwork. "Nice, what are those?"
"Lilies. I got some this morning. I don't know who from though." She gave him a suggestive look.
He furrowed his brows."Well... Not from me." He seemed kind of disappointed in himself, and both jealous that he had competition in the kingdom.
"That's alright. I do not expect flowers from you. I expect a heart that is willing to risk his life for the kingdom." She smiled. He smiled back at her, but then furrowed his brows back at the drawing. He knew Morgana liked flowers, and having a hero was one thing, but a lover for her was a totally different scenario. Soon he went back to his training.
Later in the evening, Morgana felt very tired and it was time for bed. She laid down in her sheets, and Gwen covered her up. "Sweet dreams my Lady."
"Good night Gwen." Then her maid left.
Morgana turned to see her lilies and smiled. Whoever sent her the flowers was very sweet indeed.
Morgana woke up, feeling very weak and hungry. Suddenly a man with scars on his face came over to her. "Lady Morgana."
"Hm?" She was frightened. "Who are you?" She asked, her voice dry and coughing.
"Your highness. Lady Morgana I am a healer. I came here because you were put into a coma for almost two days. You are doing better now though, you had a cerebral hemorrhage but I cured it."
Morgana was still a bit confused. "And... I was out, for two days?"
"Yes."
Morgana turned to see her flowers and they were gone. She looked over to the far end of her room and saw they were in the sun; Gwen must have been looking after them. She smiled. "Thank you healer."
He bowed, and then left her chambers. She imagined that everyone must be worried about her. She would have to do deal with a panicking Uther, Gwen, and Arthur? But she couldn't believe, it, two days?
Soon then, everyone came in. Uther walked up relieved, "Morgana, this is truly a miracle." He came and kissed her forehead and then clasped her hand in his, holding it tight, "I thought, I really thought..."
"Oh you will not get rid of me that easily." She laughed weakly.
"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius asked her surprised.
"I have no idea," Morgana said looking at her doctor with wonder. "But thank heaven he did."
She looked and saw Arthur at her bedside. He gave her loving, relieved, happy and still worried look all at the same time. She was flattered, but still she didn't want to talk to Arthur like she usually does with all these people in her room. Then soon Arthur turned his eyes away as if understanding her. "Morgana, I am so glad you are alright. You will be fine you know." Gwen said, coming to her ladies bedside.
"Ah, thank you Gwen."
"Thanks to that healer." Uther said. Gaius and the healer then left the room but everyone else remained.
"Yes, thanks to that healer." Arthur said smiling, coming down to her bedside to look at her. She smiled warmly at him. She then noticed she had a crowd.
"Okay everyone, back away, this girl needs her space."
Everyone was filled with smiles, but Uther had tears and Morgana could only hug him. "Give me a moment," Morgana said to everyone else, and they all left her room, but Uther remained.
"You have no idea how much I cherish you."
"Your love is great. Thank you my lord. No, thank you, you are like a father to me."
Uther kissed her hand again, "You will be alright I am sure."
"Yes I am sure. After all, I have been told that I am fully cured."
"Yes."
"Now, actually, it has been two days since I have eaten has it not?" Morgana smiled smartly.
"Oh yes of course, better to get you something to eat." Uther then got up, opened Morgana's door and called to Gwen. "Attend to Morgana." He said to her. Morgana then saw Gwen rush in, Uther left. "My Lady, what can I get you?"
"Something to eat. I am more than starving." Morgana smiled.
Gwen bowed smiling, "Yes my Lady," and then she left, stopping outside the door first, but then fully took off.
Morgana sat looking outside the door for a second, and then smirked to herself. "If you are sitting out there, I recommend you come in." Suddenly Arthur poked his head through the entrance and saw Morgana laying down still. He glanced at her form with a smile on his face, then slowly walked in. "You see? It is un-princely-like to sit in the hall." Arthur still said nothing and kneeled in front of Morgana by her bedside, he looked deep into her eyes, his smile becoming a lost longing that took her breath away.
They sat there looking at each other for a few seconds till Arthur took her hand in his. "I am glad you are alright."
"So now he speaks," she smiled accepting his hand in hers. He looked a little stil worriedly at her, "I am fine." She assured him.
"That is good, stay that way."
"I promise." She smiled big, showing her teeth. "So, besides my condition, what has transpired in the past two days?"
"I did not do anything. I just spent time worrying about you. I think maybe, I take too many things for granted."
"Do you take me for granted?" She furrowed her brows.
"No! Of course not, no." Arthur denied it, and Morgana even thinks she saw a possible blush. "I didn't mean it... like that. I was trying to..."
"I know. Me to. I cannot function without knowing you are safe."
"Liar, you do not need me." He joked.
"I beg for differ! Without you, I- I do not know what I would do." Arthur gave her a serious, emotional look. She then realized what she said sounded a little too intimate. "I mean... Without you, Camelot would be nothing, and since, I live in Camelot... Without you, I would be nothing."
"Right." Arthur said, nodding his head, trying to accept that that is what she meant, when truly, she meant more.
"You are the prince, we are going to need a king someday."
"Right," he rolled his eyes smiling and chuckling. Morgana did the same. But then once again they found they both could not say anything and Arthur found himself staring deep into her eyes again. Morgana did the same. "Well... Um, I should, get to my chambers, big day today." It was Morgana's turn to say nothing. "You be alright now, and eat something for a change."
Morgana just smiled at that. "Hey!" She said teasingly. Arthur chuckled, smirking, then once more he glanced at her before completely taking off. She was going to be waiting a bit before Gwen would get to her chambers. So she decided to sit and wait, maybe even fall asleep till then.
"Name your reward." Uther said appreciatively.
They were in the kings courtroom. Morgana sat in her fancy new dress she just got and the healer who helped her was bidding them farewell.
"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient sire."
"There must be something I can do for you."
"No, I will wait, until the Lady Morgana is fully recovered, and then I will be on my way."
Uther then stood up, trying to think of something, any way to repay the man. "Why do you not stay a while? You could live here in the palace."
"No, I- I feel like I would be trespassing, and you, already have a, court phyisican." He said.
"I am sure Gaius would be glad of your help." Uther said.
'Really,' Morgana thought, 'if he wants to go, he should go.'
"It is a kind offer but-" began the healer.
"Think about it. Dine with me later and give me your decision." Uther sat down once again.
"To dine with your majesty, would be a reward in itself."
Morgana smiled as the healer then bowed before Uther. But seriously, sometimes Morgana thought Uther took things too far.
After the healer left, Morgana took up small chatter with the king. "My Lord, if he wanted to go..."
"Morgana, he saved your life. Some people just do not know what they deserve." She remained silent, but turning to Arthur, he just shrugged as if saying, 'what do you want me to do about it? Besides he might be right.'
Later on that day, Morgana went to the healers chambers. She knocked. "Just a minute, hold on." So she did hold on then suddenly after a few seconds the door opened. "The Lady Morgana."
"Hello."
"Please come in, excuse my rudeness."
"Hello, thank you." She walked in, then turned to him. He closed the door then. "I had not the chance to thank you properly."
"It is fine. You seem fully recovered."
"Yes, thanks to you. I do not know if I would have lived, without you. You are something else."
"Thank you your highness."
"So will you be staying in Camelot?"
"That has yet to be determined."
"You know, if you wish to stay, we would be glad to have you. But then of course, if you wished to go, we would respect your wishes. I just, want you to properly know, that there is no pressure on your decision."
"The king seems to want my services."
"I and my Lord are quite close, like a daughter with her father actually." Morgana smiled, thinking about that. "It is quite rare that our own physician cannot detect such things as you have."
"Then you are quit fortunate."
"Oh yes, that is what I tell everyone, and what everyone tells me."
"Hm, my lady thank you."
"Hm, it was good to finally speak to you in person. But I have to leave now, some other business calls to my attension."
"Yes of course." The healer then bowed, he went, opened the door for her.
"Good day." She said before leaving.
"Yes you to my Lady."
"I have been through the court medical records with a fine tooth count sire." They were in the courtroom once again. The Healer apparently was able to look through Gaius's records as permission by the king, and apparently, something was wrong?
"And were your findings satisfactory?" Uther asked.
"With regret, I would have to say they were not."
"How so?"
"Gaius is a great man, thorough, dedicated."
"But."
"*sigh* His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to, a number of errors."
"Gaius has served me well for twenty-five years."
"And one cannot blame him for the infirmaty those years have brought. Age, can be a terrible curse."
"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens... Have you given anymore thought to my offer."
"Yes." The healer smiled. "I have concidered it very carefully.
"Allow me some time to do the same."
The healer then bowed and then took his leave. Everyone stood there a bit surprised. Uther, Arthur, and Morgana didn't know what to say. So then Uther got up from his seat and went to pour himself some water. Morgana decided it was time to speak up. She didn't mind this new healer, but she most certainly did not want Gaius replaced. She stood out of her seat and came to her king saying, "Uther you cannot do this."
"You heard what he said. Gaius is old, and he makes mistakes."
"Gaius has treated me since before I could remember. You cannot cast him out."
"You would have died if your care had been left to him. That is something I cannot bare."
"I know that. But-"
"I cannot risk something like this happening again." Uther then tured from her to go sit down again. Morgana had nothing to say. She loved Gaius, thought he was great, to have him go on one mistake, she just couldn't understand. But then of course she could, she did almost die, and this stranger saved her life. It was one of those decisions that broke your heart, and for the first time, she believed her and Uther held the same challanges and heartbreaks.
The next day, Morgana did not want to see Gaius get fired, so she did not enter the courtroom that morning. However, it was Arthurs duty as prince to be witness there, if he is to be king, he has to learn from his fathers example. The day went slow for Morgana though, she decided later she would ask Uther for a tutor on creative writing. Morgana wanted to pursue a true interest in poetry and thought she would be even able to write down her dreams. She could keep a diary to record more poetry, her days with Arthur and of what was to come. Morgana remained in her room reading books on writing. She'd spent much time in the library choosing out books and scrolls about the study of writing and became very much fascinated with it. Gwen had her duties though, after cleaning her room, she went down to wash her clothes, later of course her maid would have to go to the kitchens and get Morgana's lunch. Morgana knows Gwens duties, all of them, they've spent so much time chatting, eventualy they knew almost everything about eachother.
In the hall, Morgana met up with Arthur again, "Going to sword practice?"
"Hello Morgana, and yes." He smiled.
"I'd come, but I have studying to do."
"Studying?"
"I am going now to see Uther and request that I be given a tutor in the creative writings guild."
"Whatever." Arthur didn't really know what that was. "Wait, hold on, you are going to be a writer?"
"Why not?"
"Nothing, I just. Never really saw you as the writing type?"
Morgana furrowed her brows, "Well what type did you expect?"
"I do not know. Hey, but I have to run to sword practice, Merlin has to meet up with me otherwise he will be sorry, and see you later." Arthur said, walking backwards.
"And about Gaius?"
"Retired!" Arthur said, turning and rushing away.
Morgana wanted to say how sorry she was, but neither of them had the time.
She later arrived at Uthers chambers and knocked. "Come in." Morgana heard his voice. She entered and saw Uther drinking water from a goblet. "Morgana come in."
She then let herself walk right in. "My Lord."
"What can I do for you Morgana?"
"How did Gaius take his retirement."
"Well, I never expected it to go jolly. Gaius is a good friend of mine."
"Yes, I can understand."
"He will be missed."
"He is leaving Camelot?"
"If I know Gaius, he likes his work. I am sure he will go some place he is more properly needed."
"I see. Then he will be missed, just like you said."
"Yes..."
"... My Lord. I came here to ask if I may go seek the Writers Guild."
"What would you seek from there?"
"I would like to learn my Lord, about writing, in it's more figurative form. Something to do, a hobby."
"Ah yes, very well then, I can fix you up with an invitation there. Have you talked to Geoffrey? Our court archivist?"
"He has given me books on the subject of writing, I am reading and learning much, but I think someone with better and proper experience is in order to show me how."
"Yes, of course. Alright Morgana, as I have said, I will complete your request."
"Thank you Uther." She said, smiling, then left.
The next morning, Morgana arrived in the courtroom because she heard Gaius had returned. When shesaw what happened, she could not be more exited.
"I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honour of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a freeman, of Camelot." Uther gave Gaius a certificate. Then everyone clapped for him as he went around shaking others hands in gratitude.
Morgana then walked over to Arthur, "So, what happened to Edwin?"
"I think he left, unexpectedly."
"That does not seem like him."
"No, I guess not."
"Strange, well, I am glad Gaius came back for us though."
"Yes, I honnestly think, for him to come back even after retirement, he is the best court physician we can ever have. Father is lucky."
"I agree." Morgana turned to Arthur, he looked at her, they smiled. Then turning back to Gaius, they continued to clap for him.
