Ella could feel something tickle her face and so slowly she opened her eyes, finding wisps of Gwaine's hair tickling her face. Smiling Ella cheekily slowly blew air onto his face to tickle him while holding onto her laughter. Gwaine was pulling faces and groaning in his sleep. Then feeling bad she crawled out from under neath the blankets and cloaks getting the wood for the fire ready. The birds were chirping happily as the morning sun began to peak over the hills. She looked around making sure no one was awake, her eyes flashed a purple and the fire crackled with life. Looking at the fire she felt happy getting better at using her magic.
'You are getting better"
Ella turned around to see Merlin sitting down beside her. He was proud of her and gave her a small hug.
"Thank you... It helps with Damien around. He keeps me sane"
"You must have an inseparable bond" Merlin wandered in thought looking back to Damien's sleeping form.
"Yes... Memories of me having magic are slowly returning to me. But at the moment I feel kind out of control. Like I have all this power but I don't know how to use it. I feel like I am going to explode. As if I have no control and I am getting really scared about it. Not since my mother died" she mumbled distantly and looked into Merlin's eyes. "My mother was murdered right in front of my eyes".
Merlin felt sorry for her and sat closer to her on the cold, wet log. That was a pain that he wouldn't wish upon anyone.
"I am so sorry Gabriella. You haven't told Gwaine have you?"
"No... " feeling sad Gabrielle gazed mindlessly.
"Not even Daniel?" he asked.
"No... Well not about the nightmares anyway" muttered fiddling with her fingers nervously.
The images have been coming back slowly though her nightmares.
" You will be great with your magic with a bit of practise. Just you wait and see. I will help you and Gaius as well. He is very fond of you. Sometimes I think more than me" he joked bumping into her shoulder. "How long do you think it will be before Gwaine realises you are gone? That man can't go without you for five minutes before he gets acts like he has ants in his pants"
"Well I give it a minute..." she mumbled peering over to Gwaine.
Merlin pulled some bread apart, slabbed on some cheese and snuck in some salted pork. Then they both looked on, Gwaine started to stir with a frown on his face, reaching to find no Ella beside him. He eyes opened to find Merlin laughing and Gabriella giving him a low five.
"Ha ha ha... Very funny you two trouble makers" he joked throwing off the blankets and wiping all the dirt off him.
"Told you..." she muffled with a mouth fall of food.
"Gabriella, you are crown princess of Alarien and here you are still talking with your mouth full..." Damien joked as he rose from his bed stiff and sore.
Gabriella pulled a face at him and opened her mouth to show her food. The camp was filled with laughter and joy that the young princess brought them all. It took all the strength the young princess had to not let the walls come crashing down and what was biting away at her would break all that is her. What was in front of her eyes what was saving her.
"Trust me... Our darling princess Gabriella has done much worse" Daniel pointed out whilst adding more wood to fuel the fire.
"Oh you are disgusting" Damien gasped pretending to dry reach.
"Only for you brother" she laughed putting together bread for her brother.
Gwaine sat up looking on as Gabriella and Damien fought and bickered like a brother and sister should. He took in some solace in watching the scene before. Gabriella was happy, that is all he wanted and it made him feel good.
"Better go and feed Gwaine. I am sure he is hungry" Damien taunted tickling her.
Gabriella felt embarrassed and slapping Damien in the shoulder.
"That is treason hitting a king like that you. A blind one as well" Damien teased poking his tongue out at her.
"I know how you feel Damien. She hits me too" Arthur pointed out as he ate his breakfast.
Ella stood in between Arthur and Damien and slapping them around their head.
"Ow..." they both said in unison an rubbing the back of their heads.
"Yep... she controls us all" Percival said.
They reached the gates of Camelot and it was a sight for sore eyes. The sun was shining down and warming their skin, winter was breaking finally across the land of Albion. Down town markets were bustling with life and the last of the winter harvest. Children had rosy red cheeks as they ran not worrying about the cold getting to their bones and making them ill. The last of the snow was dripping off the branches, flowers of all colours sprouted slowly making a sea of ranbow across the castle grounds. Gabriella closed her eyes and took in all of the smell. They had reached the citadel and Gwen was standing there in anticipation. Arthur got off his horse, striding ot her quickly and engulfing her in a huge hug.
"So glad to have you back..." she whispered.
Gwaine dismounted from his horse walking with a slight swagger to Gabriella and a smug look on his face. He offered his hand to help her down "My lady?"
He put his hands under her arms his eyes not leaving hers and setting her down on the ground but not without a soft kiss on the lips.
"About time they got their act together" Gwen pointed out, smiling at the two with Arthur's arm around her shoulders.
Gabriella had a grin from ear to ear with, their foreheads touching. .
"I have someone for you to meet Gwen, this is my brother Damien" she introduced.
Damien took a breath, steadying himself and walked tall like the king he was. He was a battle worn solder and upholding his manners and morals.
"An honour to meet you your majesty"
He bowed down, Gwen the kind and caring person rushed forward taking a hold of his hands.
"Oh no, please no formalities. You are a king of royal blood outright. Please call me Gwen. It is quite the honour to finally meet you, Gabriella told us so much about you"
"We must get you to Giaus, Merlin show them the way and then to their chambers to freshen up. Knights we need to have a de brief while their injuries are being seen too. A feast will be put on tonight in the honour for the both of you"
"Thank you Arthur"
Gabriella held her brothers hand as she nodded a thank you and followed Merlin to Giaus. Gwaine, compelled to follow her.
"You can see her later Gwaine. They need their time together"
"So you and Gwaine dear sister?" he commented with a grin on his face as they walked.
"Yeah, those two took their time..." Merlin teased.
"Just because you are blind Damien doesn't mean I cant hurt you..." Gabriella scolded giving him a soft tap on the head.
Damien wouldn't have expected any less from his sister. Merlin ran a little ahead and opened the door to Gaius' chambers.
'Giaus... This is King Damien of Alarien" Merlin introduced.
"Please to meet you, your majesty. I have heard many great tales of your homeland"
"Please, just Damien will be just fine. But I have heard about your work. But i also should thank you Merlin, helping Gabriella with her magic whilst I was around" he moaned as he was lead to sit down on a chair.
"It is the least we could do... Now lets look at your eyes"
Giaus carefully took away the bandage to show his eyes a lightened colour and red all around. He used water to wash away the gathered dirt and grime. But he recognised the wounds. He glanced at Merlin with a worried look, Merlin in return just feeling awful. But Daniel could sense what type of silence it was.
"You can tell me Giaus.. I already know what you are thinking" he sighed knowing full well what it was.
"You were cursed by very dark and old black magic... I am afraid there is nothing not even I can do..." Merlin told Gabriella.
Realisation hit her, her breath came in short gasp as a wave of guilt flowed through her body.
"No..." she whispered to sitting down on the bed.. "It is my entire fault..."
"Ella.. Don't you dare think this is your fault... You are too kind and caring for your own good. Now why don't you go and get cleaned up and ready for the feast tonight. I am sure you would want to look nice for your knight in waiting"
"He is probably sitting by her door now..." Merlin teased with a cheeky grin on his face.
Gabriella threw a pillow at his face in annoyance as she left the room.
Gabriella wore a white dress with long billowing sleeves that had hand sewn silver patterns an around the top of the bodice was a beautiful lace and a gorgeous long gown. Adorning her head was an intricate band that had leaf patterns with little clear jewels. Her hair was in a intricate bun that was on the base of her neck with a braid that went across her the middle of her head. Gabriella finally had her brother back but there was something in the pit of her stomach flashes of red came across her eyes. Then there was a knock at the door.
"Come in..." she called out brushing her dress nervously.
Merlin came in but stopped in awe with a smile that reached in his eyes.
'You look stunning... Gwaine won't be able to stay away from you. You should see him waiting for you. Arthur threatened to tie him down to his chairs in chains. Your brother made his way down their already but sent me to get you because he is in talks with Arthur. Now if you will, my lady" offering his arm.
Gwaine was mid with a talk with Arthur when Gabriella walked in with Merlin through the great hall. He stopped talking instantly and a huge smile came across his face, sheepishly looking to the ground and back up. He felt happy.
"Best go and greet your princess Gwaine. I am surprised you lasted this long not being by her side" Arthur told him. 'Come to think of it I think it is the longest they were apart since they met"
"My sister has that habit..." he joked.
"She is an incredible lady"
"Will you please excuse me gentleman. I have my princess to go to..."
Gwaine reached Gabriella.
"My lady..."
He reached for Gabriella's hand leaning to kiss it.
"Sir Knight..." she said her held high and regal.
"If I may say you look absolutely striking tonight" he gushed.
"Thank you..." she replied blushing looking to the ground, feeling embarrassed.
"No. No. No. Don't you look to the ground. Such a beauty as you should never been embarrassed of how she looks. I know I am very proud to have such a beautiful soul as my own."
'May I escort you to the kings table?" he offered.
"Of course. Thank you"
Gwaine walked her through the crowd. Men stared and whispered at the beauty of her. She was his and his only. No one else could have her.
"Will talk later.."
"Of course..." Gabriella replied.
Gwaine leant down and gave her a kiss.
"Ladies and gentleman I would like to welcome King Damien and Crown Princess Gabriella of Alarien to Camelot"
Damien wore a light blue shirt with a black jacket and brown breeches. Over his eyes he had a sheer blue silk to hide his scarred eyes but still looking the regal king he was. Gabriella was loyal by his side holding his hand, smiling at him with pride but still trying to shake that feeling off that was building inside her. The court clapped all together in honour of the king and the princess. Gwaine with a huge grin on his face, Percival and Merlin gave her the thumbs up. She kept a curtly smile on her face raising her glass to Arthur. Damien rose out his chair shaking Gabriella's hand knowing he could stand by himself.
"I would like to propose a toast to all that is Camelot. If it were not for the knights of Camelot I would have lost all that I have, my dear sister. Because of that I owe more than anyone could possibly imagine. We are allies, friends. Comrades in spirit. So please if you all could join me in raising your goblets and toasting to a welcomed alliance. Long live Camelot" Damien called.
Gabriella walked over to where the knights stood.
"So.. Crown Princess hey Gabriella"
"You do realise you have to do anything I say..." she said in a serious tone.
"You got to realise when a friend is teasing you, Merlin. Can you please get me some wine?"
"Show them our female dance. The point of it is to distract the enemy"
Gabriella pulled off a silk tapestry that was embellished with metal charms that was around Percival's neck and tied it around her waist. Going to Gwaine and unhooking his cloak with a kiss to the cheek and a pinch of the chin. Standing in front of the fire she kicked off her shoes, holding up the cloak so her body was covered. Ella spun around making the fire light sparks that flew up in the air, drawing down the cloak with a cheeky smile on her face and spun around. Her hips moved in isolation smooth and in circles. Moving about and entrancing everyone who looks upon her magic of dance. Dramatically she through the cloak up in the air leaning down on to the ground and leaning back and the cloak falling on top of her. Her leg slid out of the cloak and a flushed cheeks with a smile.
"Yep... I can see why that would distract the enemy"
"Is that the dance she did on the bar...?"
"Oh no... The one Ella danced was the seduction dance"
The knights roared with laughter spitting out their beer.
"That was enchanting Gabriella" Merlin pointed out.
Gabriella bowed deeply pulling Gwaine's cloak over herself, walking and sitting in Gwaine's lap.
"This is nice... sitting by the fire without having to worry even if it is just for a few moments. A toast" she told everyone.
Gabriella wobbled a little getting up with Gwaine holding on to her waist.
"How much has she had?" Daniel asked.
'Let her have her fun..." Percival pointed out. "It has been too long when she has had one night of amusement. But somehow I doubt it she will find it amusing in the morning..."
"I would like to say thank you to my brothers around me. I have been through some of my darkest days and with out your constant teasing, mindless chattering and over bearing protectiveness. I am afraid I might have not made it with out you all. So to that, I owe you my life and the greatest of thanks from the bottom of my heart"
One by one each of the knights stood up, raised their glasses in homour of Gabriella.
"Trying being her twin... you all find her amusing but I had to fight off almost every damn suitor. Every man wanted her to be his but she refused. Think yourself lucky Gwaine"
"What happened?" Gwaine asked her noticing the look on her face
"He was enslaved trying to save me... "
Gabriella curled more into Gwaine, watching the fire as it flecked sparks and dancing around the scare. Gwaine felt content with Gabriella against him. She smelt of the outdoors, vanilla and a hint of mint. Looking down at her and watching her laughing and having the uncanny ability ti light up the room and make people feel happy.
"This is so nice..." she whispered looking up the stars and to Gwaine. "I can't remember the last time I had a night like this. It has been far too long"
"With me you will have endless moments like this. You wont have a worry in the world I promise you' he told her leaning down and giving her a small kiss on the lips.
Percival leaned over the log and sounded as if he was puking.
"You know what Percival, I think I am going to join you" Merlin said with his nose crunched up.
"I am blind fellas, how do you think I feel. Do you know what an imagination does to you?"
Gabriella too intoxicated to move just hid her face under Gwaine's cloak in embarrassment.
"I am too drunk to be able to move..."
"I do believe we all are" Gwaine laughed.
"I just have one question... How are earth are we going to get back to castle"
"Easy... Stagger..." Gwaine teased with a laugh.
"That right from what I have heard you are drunk, egoistical womaniser..." she told him.
"Now where did you hear that?" Gwaine asked her tickling her.
"Percival..."
"Bros before hoes?" Percival laughed.
Gabriella gasped getting off Gwaine and going over to Percival.
"Ow.. Ow.. Gwaine, your missus here is punching the hell out of me"
"Well you are all on your own because I am not that stupid" Gwaine said pointing his finger at Percival.
"I think everyone is scared of her..." Damien said back laughing his head off.
Gabriella looked around the ground and found a nice branch. Smiling, she picked it up and faced Percival. Pericval back up with his arms up in surrender but Ella wouldn't take no for an answer as she approached him and wacked him on the arm..
"She's using a stick now. Ow ow ow. You are a feisty little one aren't you. Gwaine"
Percival is a tall and strong warrior but would back away from the pint sized princess. She had them all quiver at their knees. Percival tripped over a small rock and landed on his back.
"Uh huh!" she giggled and hopped on his tummy and starting pointing her fingers into his randomly all over. "My brother hated this torture"
"No... Please... This is... Too much. Help!" Help" Percival pleaded to the others.
"Sorry, Percival. No one of is brave enough to endure that amount of pain" Daniel joked.
"Yeah... She stops when she wants to. You just have to endure it" Damien said to him when taking a bite of his bread.