Lancelot and Guinevere

It was a lovely day out in Camelot, warm, the sun shining, the sky clear, the birds singing, a gentle breeze blowing, everything actually calm for once…though the prince of Camelot noticed none of this as he glanced at Marayna, being helped her onto Bartok by her brother, Gwen already on a horse beside her. He watched as she shifted in her saddle, straightening, getting used to being on the large horse for a moment, her back straight, her hands on the reins, before she smiled blindingly at Merlin for thanks…she looked lovely, the red cloak that she was wearing, the same that Gwen had on, almost made her look regal…

"Arthur," Morgana hissed beside him.

Arthur winced and turned back to helping Morgana onto her own horse, something he'd apparently forgotten he was doing halfway through giving her a boost up. They were standing in the courtyard, Morgana readying for a trip to visit her father's grave with Gwen, having asked Marayna along for the adventure this time. He knew it was a sign of trust for Morgana, she had loved her father dearly and didn't often take others to his grave if she could help it, wanting it to remain as private a place as possible. For her to have requested Marayna attend it with her meant she was trusting the girl with its location.

But he knew there was more to it than that. Things had been…tense ever since the last tournament, for him and Marayna especially. He'd said something in a fit of fear that he regretted more than he had anything in his life. He'd tried to apologize, realizing how large of a mistake he'd made in saying what he had to Marayna, but she seemed to only want to test him instead of forgive him. Though, he had to admit, she had every right not to forgive him after what he'd said and the pain he'd caused her. Still, he would take on any task she assigned him if it meant he was one step closer to being in her good graces before.

It was a strange notion to him, to actually want someone, especially a servant, to be on good terms with him. Ages ago he wouldn't have cared at all if a servant was cross with him, he'd angered plenty of more important people and hadn't given a thought to it, he was the prince after all. But with Marayna…it was different. He couldn't help but feel the need to earn her forgiveness, to have her look at him without the pain in her eyes as she recalled what he'd said to her. He just…he wanted her back. And he'd realized that too late.

But he seemed to be making progress. He'd gotten her to not act like a proper servant around him as she'd begun to do in the time after he'd turned her away. He'd gotten her to talk back to him, to endure his presence. He'd even gotten her to…tease him, if that were the right word for what she was doing. She issued him a challenge to prove his feelings for her, to make her believe how he felt about her…apparently he'd failed. He'd proven she was important to him, more than his pride, proven he'd fight harder for her…but she had been right to say that he DID feel that way for others as well. If he wanted her to know, to truly know the extent of his feelings for her and how she was…different than others to him…he needed to do more.

And he suspected he knew exactly how to do it, how to prove it, and what he needed to do…the only issue with that was…to do that would hurt HIM in the process. And while he knew it was likely a coward's method, he remained silent. But he was slowly reaching the point where, if something didn't change…he just might endure that pain if it meant having her back. Everything was always better when Marayna was with him, everything…hurt less. She was quite the paradox in that way, she was the source of his greatest strength, but was also his largest weakness. She was the thing that made the pain disappear…yet also the cause of the most terrible ache in his heart at the same time.

Despite Marayna starting to act her normal self around him though…Morgana and Merlin were another story. Merlin had made it clear how angry he was with is master for harming his sister, his glares and silence and short snips were evidence of that. Morgana too had made no secret of her ire towards him for harming one of her friends. Though, to Arthur, it seemed more like a sister's reaction to her family in heartbreak than that of a friend. But still, he knew that she had offered Marayna to come with them so the girl might get time away from HIM.

"I hope your trip isn't too upsetting," he offered, knowing she was always a little downcast when she returned from it. Despite the peace her father's grave brought her, to know he was at peace, it still hurt her to return to the castle and see HIS father alive.

Morgana gave him a stiff nod, "Thank you."

"Make sure you return to Camelot before dusk," he called to one of the knights accompanying them.

"Yes, sire," the man nodded.

Arthur watched them go, sighing when Marayna didn't even turn back to look at him, Gwen chatting with her as Morgana trotted ahead of them.

Merlin walked over to him, "They'll be alright, won't they?" he asked, more for his own reassurances. He didn't like letting Morgana or Marayna out of his sight despite knowing both women were more than capable of taking care of themselves. It was natural though, it was the woman he loved and his baby sister going off where he wouldn't be to help them if they needed it.

"Yes," Arthur nodded, "The knights would give their lives to protect them, all of them," he added, fearing Merlin might take his words to mean only Morgana, the noble of the group, would be defended. He sighed, "Come on, I need you to help me with my armor, I've training with the other knights soon."

Merlin hesitated a moment, watching as the trio of women disappeared in the distance, before he went after Arthur, hoping that even this menial task, despite meaning he'd have to be alone with the prince, would help keep him occupied and stop him fretting.

~8~

Morgana and Gwen exchanged a look behind Marayna's horse as they trotted beside her on the way back from the grave, the girl in the middle, looking down. They knew she was torn about Arthur and about her method of dealing with his seeming 'rejection' of her. Morgana was of the opinion that her brother had screwed up royally and did not deserve to ever be forgiven or treated civilly for what he'd done to her, while Gwen was of the opinion that Arthur truly regretted what he'd said and had been doing all he could to prove that and that Marayna should forgive him.

Marayna herself seemed to agree with both. She agreed Arthur HAD mucked things up severely, that his words had hurt her and that…it was only fair she hurt him back even if it was just slightly. But at the same time, she could see that he truly was trying to make it up to her. She was torn because…Arthur seemed to only want forgiveness, when there was something else she felt was far more important. She couldn't give him the forgiveness he wanted, because she firmly believed there was nothing to forgive, but…she couldn't tell him what to do to make it up to her as she didn't want him to do so JUST to make things right and not because he truly felt it. Similarly, she COULD tell him she forgave him…but in doing so he might believe all was well and not bother to try to offer her what she truly felt was needed to make amends between them.

It was complicated.

Boys were complicated.

And thick.

"You look troubled," Morgana commented.

Marayna looked up, offering them a small smile, "I'm fine."

"You don't have to lie to us," Gwen told her, reaching out to take her hand, before glancing at the knights behind them, distance enough away to offer the Lady Morgana some privacy to discuss things with the maidservants, "They can't hear us…"

She sighed, "I just want him to TELL me how he feels," she murmured, "Yes, he's apologized, but…he hasn't said what's in his heart yet. And if I tell him that's what I want to hear…who's to say he won't just say it because of that, because it's what I want to hear and not because he means it."

Morgana nodded, seeing what was wrong. Arthur may have said he was sorry, but until he actually told Marayna that he loved her, the girl couldn't put her heart out there again only to have it broken later...

Suddenly there was a shout as the party was attacked by a group of brutish men jumping out of the woods and attacking the knights, others leaping in front of the horses to block the way.

"My Ladies, you must follow me!" the knight Arthur had put in charge rode up to them…only to be shot in the back by an arrow.

The girls shrieked as they were pulled off their horses, the knights running to try and save them, one managing to kill the men holding them.

"There!" Marayna cried, pointing to the side.

"Head for the path!" Morgana agreed, taking Gwen's hand as they ran off, "Go!"

They ran up a hill, but there was a man waiting for them, as though knowing they'd try to flee, "I warn you," Morgana stepped forward, "I am Uther Pendragon's ward. He'll have your heads if any harm comes to me."

"I have no intention of harming you," the man sneered, "At least not yet. You're much more valuable to me alive…Lady Morgana."

Morgana stiffened at the man's recognition of her, realizing this was likely a trap meant for her and squeezing Gwen's hand, 'Don't do anything,' she called to Marayna, having discovered that, since meeting the Druids, having them all chattering inside her head, her own ability with the skill had increased quite a lot, never had she been more grateful for that…well, not counting when she and Merlin would speak to each other as he did his chores, allowing them to be close in mind even when they weren't physically close, 'Rayna please,' she looked over, seeing Marayna tensing as though ready to all out attack the men with her magic, 'The nearby kingdoms don't condone magic either, they'll kill you.'

Marayna swallowed hard but nodded, wincing as a man came up behind them and grabbed her, shoving her on.

If even ONE man managed to escape and alert someone of her abilities…there would be war with Camelot in the future…and her execution as well.

~8~

Merlin rolled his shoulders as he cracked his neck, weary as he sat in the armory, polishing Arthur's armor. If it hadn't been for the knights coming and going randomly every few minutes he'd have magiced the metal clean, but that would be suspicious. And…it wasn't like he really had anything else to do. The chores would be over after this and he didn't feel comfortable studying his magic on his own any longer. Ever since he and Marayna had begun to help Morgana with her visions…they'd taken to practicing their magic together, reading spells and conjuring things, Gwen watching on in awe as they gathered in Morgana's rooms to do so.

He didn't feel right trying to get ahead in his magic without his sister or love along with him. He liked to think they were stronger when they were all together. And he liked the bond that it formed between them to share that sort of wonder with each other. To tell the truth, the polishing was almost therapeutic in a way, just monotonous enough where he could do it without having to focus on it, the repetitive motions acting almost like a sort of meditation for him, helping him keep calm and not think of how Morgana or his sister could be in danger and…

He stiffened suddenly, jerking up as though hit by a jolt of energy, the brush falling from his hands as he let out a breath, his eyes wide as a flash of…foreboding raced through him.

"Aya!" he gasped, getting up and running out of the room, needing Gaius, knowing what that feeling meant…

~8~

The three women sat around in a tent that the men had set up, watching the bandits that had kidnapped them gathered outside it, discussing them quietly, "I still say I should free us," Marayna muttered, "I can take them…"

Morgana smiled at the fire in her, Marayna was so like Arthur at times, wanting to defend and fight back, but she knew they were outnumbered, even with magic, and, despite her lessons, her magic was not that strong just yet. All it would take was one man and one precise blow, for Marayna to be distracted in trying to protect them, for her to be hurt or even killed. All it would take was for one of the men to see her eyes flash with magic for them to condemn them all.

"He's coming," Morgana hissed as she saw the leader heading over, "You know what you must do?" she glanced at them as they nodded.

"I trust you are comfortable?" the man smirked as he entered the tent.

"I demand to know where you're taking us," Morgana glared.

"You'll find out soon enough. We've a long journey ahead of us. Get some rest."

Morgana stood, "I wish to bathe."

The man stopped and turned to her, incredulous at such a request, "You wish to…bathe?"

"I am the king's ward and accustomed to certain standards. I am sure you are quite contented to stink like a pig, but I am not."

The man chuckled, "The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe!" he called to his men, "Who wants to help me guard her?" her mocked as the men around them leered at her and chuckled, all of them seeming FAR too eager to volunteer to do just that.

~8~

Arthur stood before his father, Merlin behind him, him glancing at his servant in what others might claim was the smallest hint of concern. The boy had run into his chambers only a few minutes ago, shouting that something was wrong. Thankfully, Gaius had rushed in after him and managed calmed him enough to explain what he was going on about.

The girls weren't back yet and they should have been.

He could still recall Merlin's pleas for him to do something and…he had to admit, Merlin WAS right, the party had taken too long and Morgana SHOULD have been back by then. He knew that would be enough of an excuse for his father to launch a search party. Say that any other person was missing save himself and his father wouldn't care at all, but Morgana…that was a different story.

"Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot," Arthur stated, very careful to keep Gwen and Marayna out of it, knowing that talking of 'servants' wouldn't help sway his father, but Morgana would, "There's no sign of her anywhere."

"Send riders to the outlying villages," Uther's eyes narrowed in concern, even HE seemed aware of how unnatural it was for Morgana to take so long on this quest, "I want every guard, every sentry looking for her."

"Dispatch them immediately," Arthur ordered his knights who rushed out of the room. He paused by Merlin as he left, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder, squeezing it a moment in strength before he continued.

Merlin closed his eyes, knowing this was going to be difficult, not just in trying to manage his worry for his sister…but in knowing that he'd very likely have to work alongside Arthur, the reason why his sister had been asked to go with Morgana in the first place.

This was going to be…tricky.

~8~

Morgana started to undress by a stream, Gwen helping her as two men guarded them along with the leader, one of them holding Marayna's arm as leverage so that the girls not try something sneaky, "You may find the water a little icy," the leader called.

Morgana stuck up her chin at that, "I'm sure I'll manage," she glanced at him, seeing him staring at her as she hesitated pulling off her outer garments, "If you were any kind of gentleman, you'd give me some privacy."

"Well, unfortunately for you I am no kind of gentleman," he smirked, "Now get on with it."

Morgana's jaw tensed, but she removed her outer garments anyway, handing them to Gwen. She turned to the stream, looking back at the man again as he leered at her, watching her far too intently in her undergarments, "You can at least turn your backs."

"So you can make a run for it?" the man scoffed, "Do you think I'm that stupid?"

"Yes, VERY stupid," Marayna remarked, grabbing a sword from the man beside her as Gwen swung a branch she'd grabbed at another man. She tossed Morgana the sword and she slashed it at the man holding her, rounding on the leader and slashing at him, only managing to wound him long enough for them to get free, "Run!" she called, grabbing Gwen's hand as they ran off.

"No, no, this way!" Morgana managed to take the lead…

But then Gwen stumbled and fell, taking Marayna down with her, grabbing her ankle as she twisted it.

Morgana hesitated, turning around to help, "Go!" Marayna shouted, "I can protect Gwen well enough, but you need to go! Get back to Arthur and Merlin!"

Morgana nodded, knowing that Merlin, at the very least, would be able to help get them back, knowing that Marayna was telling her to go so that another rescue party could be formed with more men to ensure a safe return, and ran.

"Rayna, go," Gwen winced, holding her ankle, "Please."

"Nope," Marayna smiled, "Not a chance," she turned, moving Gwen behind her as the rather angry men ran up to them…

~8~

Arthur watched Merlin carefully as the boy stopped his horse halfway into the woods, halfway into their own search for Morgana and the others, and hopped off his horse. Merlin looked around for only a moment, before he seemed to walk purposefully past a bush and further into the woods, as though sensing where his sister might be…only to come to the top of a hill, looking down it where they could see the bodies of the fallen knights that had accompanied the girls earlier at the bottom.

"Check to see if anyone's alive!" Arthur called to the knights, before hopping off his horse to follow Merlin down the hill. He watched as the man knelt down, by the guards that had fallen, and joined him, eyeing an arrow sticking out of the man's back, "It's Mercian craftsmanship," he murmured.

"Arthur," Merlin swallowed hard, finding paper, affixed to the guard, "It's a ransom note! They've taken Morgana hostage."

"Tracks lead off this way," Arthur called, spotting more and running into the woods with Merlin…they stopped, hearing someone running ahead of them, towards them, and grabbed his sword, jumping out…only to see a startled Morgana.

"Where's Mara?" were the first words out of Arthur's mouth when he realized neither she nor Gwen were with the woman.

Merlin though, managed to look concerned for 'a noble' while rushing to Morgana's side and hugging her, not caring at all that Arthur was right there and he was more than cementing the man's suspicions about his feelings for Morgana, not that his refusal to deny anything between them had helped when Arthur had cornered him after returning from the Druid camp. He only stepped back away from her when he heard the other knights approaching and moved to put his jacket around her for propriety, he honestly hadn't even realized she was in her underdress till he'd realized other men were coming.

"Where's Aya?" he asked softly, "And Gwen?"

Morgana shook her head, shaking, "She stayed back for Gwen, told me to run."

Arthur closed his eyes at that, letting out a breath…

~8~

"How could you let her escape?!" the leader roared to his men as they led Marayna and Gwen back over to the camp, "Eh?! You bring me the servants! They're worthless to us!" he turned, pausing when he caught sight of Marayna out of the corner of his eye, crossing her arms, sticking her chin up much like Morgana had done at the stream…and walked over to her, squeezing her face, looking her over. He nodded to himself and grabbed the dress Morgana had left behind, shoving it at her, "Put 'em on."

"Why?" Marayna shook her head.

"Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward," he eyed her intently, noting the similar features and coloring she shared with the noble woman, the black hair, the light eyes, she was fair enough to look at, would fit with the rumors of Morgana's beauty…if you squinted at least, but then again rumors could be argued to be exaggerated.

"You can't ask her to impersonate my mistress!" Gwen shouted, fearful for Marayna…the girl was the FARTHEST thing from a noblewoman as you could get.

The man smirked, "I believe you should show more respect to your 'mistress,'" he gestured at Marayna, clearly indicating Gwen was to remain in her role as the maid, pretending Marayna was Morgana.

The two women looked at each other, Marayna more incredulous than Gwen's apprehensive…this was NEVER going to work.

~8~

Uther strode down from his throne as soon as the doors to the Main Hall opened and Morgana entered, "It's such a relief to see you safe," he moved to hug her tightly, "I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you."

Morgana just shook her head, pulling back, "The bandits still have Gwen and Rayna."

"I believe they were Mercian," Arthur continued, stepping to her side, Merlin with him though standing a foot or two behind as was proper, "We've received reports that Hengist has crossed the border."

"Hengist?" Uther's eyes narrowed.

"You must send a rescue party!" Morgana cried.

"If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue your maids," he looked between the two.

"We can't abandon them!"

"How many men would you have me sacrifice to save servants?" he shook his head before casting a small glance at Arthur, seeing his jaw clenching, his hands in fists, his son doing all he could to bite his tongue and not contradict or challenge his king in such a public space as the court.

Oh he knew exactly what he was saying, and exactly what effect it would have on his son. He needed to do this though, he needed to push his son, needed to see…

"As many as it takes!" Morgana shouted, "Gwen and Rayna gave themselves up so that I might escape. I owe them my life!"

"They did so willingly," he waved it off, "And they will be honored for it."

"I don't want them honored, I want the rescued!" Merlin nearly smiled at that, at how close Morgana seemed to be to stomping her foot in anger, "They are more than just mine or Arthur's maids. Gwen's my friend and Rayna…" she swallowed hard, knowing Uther probably wouldn't like this, the relationship she felt she had with the girl, "Rayna is more my sister than anything," she glanced at Merlin to see him truly smiling at that, though not for the reason she was sure Arthur was guessing at…both of them knew a secret no one else did.

"A servant is of no value to these bandits," Uther shook his head, glancing at Arthur, "I fear they are dead already."

"No! We cannot give up hope! Arthur?" she turned to him, "I'm begging you. You have to do something."

Arthur swallowed hard, taking Morgana's hand, "My father's right. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do."

"How can you say that?!" Morgana shook her head at him, "After everything you've put Rayna through!? How can you live with yourselves?! All of you!" Morgana stormed out, the nobles staying to discuss what had happened, no one noticing Merlin slip out into the hall, to pull Morgana into his arms and hold her as she cried, knowing no one would be coming out for a few minutes more as Uther tried to gain control of the court once more.

He could hear it in Arthur's voice though, the prince would not let this stand, he WOULD do something, he had to believe that.

Because that would be the ONLY way for him to forgive Arthur for what he'd done to Marayna. Everyone was so focused on her, on how hurt she had been, and rightly so. But they failed to realize that Arthur's words affected more than just Marayna, they affected HIM as well, she was his sister, his baby sister. When she was hurt, he hurt doubly so for not protecting her enough. What Arthur had done and said…it affected HIM as well, Arthur had hurt his sister, and for that he had every right to be cross with the man and to hold his own grudge against him. But this…this was something Arthur would need to do and see through to the end for him to accept the man back as a man that was almost slightly worthy of his little sister.

He just hoped Arthur lived up to the expectation.

~8~

Marayna took a breath as she and Gwen were led into Hengist's fortress, both of them hoping that they could pull this off. Marayna was not at all like a noblewoman, her cheek alone was proof of that, but Gwen had agreed to remain at her side through it all, alerting her to when she was going too far and subtly trying to hint at what she should do or say in keeping with her 'noble' image. She had tended to Morgana and been a part of the court for as long as she could remember, she, of all people, knew the proper decorum for a noblewoman.

"Kendrick," Hengist greeted the leader of the band as they were led up to him, "I was beginning to think you'd failed me."

"May I present the Lady Morgana," Kendrick smirked, gesturing at Marayna who stepped forward with Gwen, "And her maid," Gwen nodded.

Hengist's eyes roved over her, making her shift and glare at him, "You're as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana."

"And you are as much a brute," Marayna countered, ignoring the small elbow Gwen sent to her ribs, "How dare you hold us captive. I demand you release us, now!"

"I shall," Hengist promised, smirking, "Just as soon as Uther Pendragon pays your ransom. In the meantime, you'll be my guest."

Marayna's jaw tensed, "Gwen stays at my side."

Hengist nodded, "Of course, I would not deprive you of your lovely maid," he eyed Gwen as well.

Marayna shook her head at him, "And do not lie to me. We are both well aware we are NOT guests but prisoners."

"As you wish," he laughed, more amused by her spirit than offended, "Take them to the dungeon."

~8~

"How can you be so heartless?!" Morgana demanded as she burst into Arthur's room later that night, Merlin, for once, unable to (and slightly unwilling to) calm her down, but then again he was as determined to get his sister back as she was, "Gwen is the most kind, loyal person that you would ever meet, and she has been more than a friend to all of us! And Rayna! You claim to want her forgiveness, to care for her and yet you would leave her at the mercy of those animals!"

"Morgana..." Arthur began as Merlin entered behind the ranting woman.

"Have you no shame? Do you think of no one but yourself?"

"Morgana."

"I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!"

"Morgana!" Arthur finally cut in, "Perhaps, if you would stop shouting at me for one second, you would notice that I am packing."

Morgana looked down, seeing he was indeed packing a small bag resting on his bed, already half full.

"You're going after them?" Merlin asked hopefully as he stepped up beside her to see the bag as well.

"Of course I'm going after her," Arthur rolled his eyes, not noticing the small slip in 'who' he was going for, "What do you take me for? I couldn't disagree with father in public."

"I knew it," Merlin smiled, though he let out a breath of relief, he had more…hoped it than known it, "Thank you, Arthur."

He nodded as Morgana moved to hug him in a surprising gesture, "Bring them home Arthur," she whispered to him.

Arthur hugged her tightly back, "I will," he promised, before his eyes caught Merlin over her shoulder, "I swear."

"We BOTH will," Merlin agreed, having already told Gaius he was going after his sister whether Arthur was or not. The man had, of course, encouraged him, wanting his niece back as well but had also requested he see if Arthur would be at all willing to join him, wanting his nephew protected on his quest in the process.

Arthur nodded, ready.

~8~

Marayna sat with her arms crossed in the middle of Hengist's dining hall, a scowl on her face as she was forced to sit beside the brute at dinner, or what he was calling dinner, and watch as the men made fools of themselves in their cheers and jeers and shouts. Gwen stood behind her, as was her customary place, though she was far more tense and nervous than she had ever been and leaning on one foot more as her other was still quite tender. Marayna had attempted healing it in their cell earlier and only managed to dull the pain a bit, apologizing as she was no Morgana.

"Silence!" Hengist called as the rowdy boys around him quieted, "Our royal guest, Lady Morgana has grown bored!" he mocked, having seen her stiff countenance, "She needs entertaining," he nodded to the side and a gate opened within a small caged sort of arena within the hall, a warrior stepping out, "Bring on the challenger!"

The door to the cage opened and another man entered, Gwen gasping as she saw Lancelot within. They caught each other's eye, surprised to see the other there as Marayna stiffened, realizing one wrong word from Lancelot could undo their entire ruse.

"Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive," Hengist grinned, "Do you accept the challenge?"

Lancelot bowed at Hengist, turning to his opponent a moment before the two men attacked each other. The fight was actually fairly brief, though neither woman were surprised, they knew Lancelot's skills, they knew how he fought, how well, so it didn't surprise them when he quickly got the other man under his submission, sparing the man's life before he stepped out of the cage, catching a sack of coins that Hengist tossed to him.

"What is your name?" Hengist asked.

"My name is Lancelot," he replied, breathing a little heavily from the fight.

"You have proved yourself to be a skilful warrior. I believe you may even have impressed our royal guest, Lady Morgana," he gestured at her, before he noted her unimpressed gaze and Gwen's relieved and awed one, "Or at least her maid," he chuckled, earning laughs from the men.

Lancelot turned to Marayna, bowing, "My Lady," he continued the ruse, much to their relief.

"Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy," he warned Lancelot, before proving his statement with a cry of, "Release the Wilderin!"

The crowd looked over as another door opened within the cage and what looked like a rodent of unusual size entered the makeshift arena, making Marayna let out a small scream that she just barely managed to stifle under the cheers of the men, her face paling ten times lighter as she stared in terror at the ridiculously large rat...that proceeded to attack and then eat the fallen warrior as the crowd egged it on.

Gwen grimaced at the sight and reached out to take Marayna's hand, moving to stand in front of the woman and block her view, she could tell...Marayna was terrified, for the first time since being captured...she was truly scared.

~8~

Arthur glanced back at Merlin as they rode through the woods that night, having had to wait for the cover of darkness to make it out of Camelot undetected. It was, quite probably the tenth time in a half hour he'd looked back at his servant, the man unusually quiet given his typical nature, "What are you doing, Merlin?"

Merlin glanced over, they'd managed to sneak out of the castle with relative ease and a bit of magic in distracting the guards. He may have accidently knocked them out by using too much magic to knock over a cart of barrels, but his sister was in danger! He couldn't be held responsible for controlling every aspect of himself when he was worried and fearful for her. Especially not when Arthur had described the sort of man Hengist was before they'd gone out, the prince wanting him to know what he'd likely be up against when they reached the women.

"Nothing."

"Yes, I can see that," Arthur rolled his eyes, "Why? I've never heard you so silent before."

Merlin shrugged, "My sister's life is at stake. Gwen's might be as well. We cannot afford to waste a second or an advantage."

Arthur eyed him, impressed that Merlin was thinking ahead enough to realize that silence would mean they'd have surprise on their side. He nodded, turning back to the horse and continuing on. Though he had to admit, he almost wished Merlin would chatter away, it would be easier to pretend they were only going to rescue Gwen, that GWEN was the only one in danger, to have him rambling on as though they were on any old ride, the three of them, him, Merlin and Marayna.

The silence…it was just another reminder of who was in danger and what was at stake if they failed.

~8~

Marayna was sitting in the prison cell, Gwen's head resting in her lap as the pain in her ankle made her weary, when Lancelot came to the bars, "Rayna," he whispered, getting their attention, "Gwen."

Gwen shifted, Marayna helping her to her feet and hobbling over to Lancelot, "Lancelot!"

"Lovely to see you Lancelot," Marayna smiled at him, trying to keep the situation light.

"I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you," he eyed them.

"I thought my mind was deceiving me," Gwen breathed, reaching out to curl her hand around the bar, Lancelot doing the same, moving his hand to curl around hers, just…wanting to touch her, to make sure she was real. Marayna smiled at that and subtly stepped back, moving to the other end of the cell to keep a lookout and allowing the two a moment of privacy.

"Why does Hengist think Rayna is Lady Morgana?" he asked, seeing Marayna move away out of the corner of his eye but unable to tear his gaze away from Gwen.

"He believes he's holding Morgana to ransom. When no ransom is paid he will realize the truth and then he will throw us to those beasts."

"I will not allow that to happen," he swore vehemently.

"Nor will I," Marayna called, just…needing to add that small bit, "Even if I have to use magic to do it."

Gwen gasped and looked back at Lancelot, fearing his reaction to her admission of her talents…only to see him staring at her with the same look, both of them realizing that the other knew…and smiling, both of them realizing as well that the other had accepted Marayna and Merlin and all the good that they were.

"How did you end up here Lancelot?" Marayna glanced over.

"Are you one of Hengist's men?" Gwen frowned, unable to see that as a possibility, the Lancelot she knew was nothing like the men that had gathered in that hall.

"No," he sighed.

"What became of you after you left Camelot?"

"There are few opportunities for men like me," he offered her a weary smile, "So I've been earning a living the only way that I know…with a sword in my hand. It seems it is my destiny to entertain men like Hengist."

"I don't believe that of you," she shook her head, looking into his eyes earnestly, "You were so full of hope…"

"I was wrong," he whispered, "The world is not like that."

"It can be," Marayna told him, offering him a more hopeful smile.

Gwen nodded, "I still see the hope in you. I do not accept it is gone."

Lancelot looked at her, seeing she truly believed that, seeing she truly DID still see him as that amazing man that she'd helped so long ago. It…made his heart thump in his chest, the look in her eyes, "I have thought of you often," he admitted her in a breath, feeling as though there weren't air enough in his lungs, reaching through the bars to stroke her cheek, "Have you thought of me at all?"

"I thought I would never see you again," she murmured, looking up at him, tears in her eyes, a smile on her face as she leaned into his hand.

"Someone's coming," Marayna hissed, hating to interrupt a moment like that but hearing a door being unlocked down the hall.

"No matter what it takes, I will find a way to get you out of here," Lancelot promised them, "I will."

"We know," Gwen smiled as he backed away.

"Go!" Marayna shooed him as he ran off, the two of them resuming their places should the guards approach and look in at them.

~8~

Merlin watched as Arthur led the horses on, noting that the man hadn't taken his eyes off the forest, not even to sleep, not for a moment, "Did you want to get some rest?" he forced himself to ask though sleep was the LAST thing on his mind.

He knew though, that Marayna would probably kill him if Arthur keeled over at some point.

"I wouldn't be able to sleep," he shrugged Merlin off.

Merlin eyed him a moment, "I've never seen you like this. About anyone."

"What are you talking about?" he tried to play it off, though Merlin had seen him stiffen at the comment.

"Aya," Merlin smiled, starting to see what Arthur had been trying to prove for weeks now, "You really do care about her, don't you?"

Arthur tensed, not particularly good with sharing his feelings, especially not with the object of his affection's brother, "What I care about is not wasting any more time talking. Let's get moving."

Merlin rolled his eyes as Arthur urged the horses on.

~8~

Marayna was standing in the cell, her arms crossed as she watched Hengist enter, Gwen sitting on the floor, massaging her ankle gently.

Hengist eyed her critically for a long while, making her raise an eyebrow in question, before finally speaking, "I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay your ransom. I was informed that the king was extremely fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he is content to leave you here to die?"

"Honestly, that does not surprise me much," Marayna remarked, being entirely truthful about that.

"If I do not hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow, this stinking cell will be the last place you ever see," Hengist cackled as he left.

Marayna smirked, watching him go, "We'll see about that."

And then, a moment later, another door opened and Lancelot snuck in, rushing over to their cell to see them there, "Gwen," he breathed, relieved she was alright, when he'd heard Hengist talking on his way he'd feared the worst.

"Lancelot!" she brightened, pushing herself up, stumbling over to him without Marayna's help this time as the girl turned to stand on a small cot against the wall, looking out the barred windows to give them as much privacy as the cell would provide…and also partially to see if she could get a view of the land to help Merlin when he came looking…for she knew he would , her brother would be the first to race after her if she were in danger just as she would him.

"I was terrified I might find the cell empty."

"You just might," Marayna remarked…ok, so offering others privacy had never been her strong suit, "Uther's said nothing about the 'ransom' of course, and it's just making Hengist more suspicious as to why."

"You must keep up the pretence," Lancelot warned, "I will not allow either of you to die here."

"What about you?" Gwen eyed him, hearing more in his words than she was sure he meant to let on.

"I have little to live for."

"Do not say that," Gwen breathed, feeling tears in her eyes once more.

"It's the truth," he shrugged, "For all my words, for all that I believed, I have come to nothing."

"You are everything that is right with this world," Gwen told him, meaning it.

Lancelot blinked and looked at her, startled and touched at her belief in him, at the raw emotion he could see reflected and magnified by the tears in her eyes, "I did not know you felt that way."

Gwen offered him a small smile, seeming as surprised by her words and admission as he was, "I didn't even know I could feel this way about someone."

"I did," Marayna breathed sadly, unaware she'd spoken loudly enough for them to hear her.

Gwen gave her a sad look over her shoulder, before turning to Lancelot, shaking her head at his confused expression, silently telling him NOT to bring it up or ask at the moment.

Lancelot nodded and looked at her gently, reaching though the bars to touch her cheek, "Then you have given me a reason to live," he murmured, leaning in and kissing her through the bars, "Be ready. I will come for you both before nightfall."

Gwen watched him rush off before closing her eyes, a happier smile on her face as she let her head rest against the cold metal bars, content to stand there a while longer till the flush left her cheeks and she could turn to face the knowing look she knew Marayna was giving her.

~8~

Arthur and Merlin knelt by a stream, wiping rather foul smelling berries off their faces. They'd tried to save time in getting to Hengist's by cutting through some caves where, of course, a dangerous swarm of giant, man-eating rats lived. According to Arthur they were blind, living off smell, and the Gaia berries that Arthur had gathered, terrible as they smelt, were just enough to put the rats off their scent and allow them safe passage. It had been close, they'd gotten far too close to the rodents for either of them to feel comfortable, but they'd made it.

"Gaia berries worked," Arthur eyed one as he picked it off his cheek, "Huh."

Merlin stiffened at that tone and looked at him, "You didn't know if they worked?!"

"Not for sure," Arthur shrugged.

"Now you tell me?!" Merlin stood, "Oh! 'Oh, what's that Wilderin eating? It's alright. It's just Merlin.' You trying to get us both killed?" he glared at the prince, "How would that help Aya or Gwen if we both died getting eaten?!"

Arthur swallowed, not having thought about that, not about the fact that the Gaia berries could have failed, having only seen a possible way to get through the caves and get to Marayna faster, not even about the fact that the other man in danger, should they fail, was Marayna's brother. He slowly stood as well, looking at Merlin, apology in his eyes, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't've risked your life like that."

"Well, they do say love makes you do strange things," Merlin remarked as Arthur turned to walk off along the stream.

But the prince stopped at his servant's words, "What are you talking about?"

"Why can't you just admit your feelings for Aya, Arthur?" Merlin sighed, shaking his head, "I know my sister, that's probably all she wants to know is how you REALLY feel about her," Arthur looked at him, "You can apologize all you want, you know, but really, she just wants to hear you SAY how you feel, whatever that may be," he left out the fact that 'how you feel' meant love, not wanting to influence the prince to say that if he didn't mean it, "Arthur…" he hesitated, "Aya's never thought she'd ever get married, and because of that…she never thought she'd find someone who would love her. She's…never loved someone as much as she does you. And, to hear you saying your first words on the subject being that you'd NEVER love her…it broke her," it had hurt him to find out from Morgana that that was how his sister felt, but he understood, there were just some things that women felt more comfortable telling other women, "And the only thing that will fix it, fix whatever rift is between you, is you telling her what it is you really feel for her, flat out, crystal clear. You've implied it, you've hinted at it, you've acted on it…but you've never SAID it, have you?" he looked at Arthur intently, "Everyone already knows how you feel," he gestured around, "You wouldn't be doing all this if you didn't. You just need to say it and…"

"I can't!" Arthur cut in, Merlin's words affecting him more than they should, "How can I admit that…I think about her all the time, every second of every day, waking or sleeping? Or that...I care about her more than I have ever cared about anyone in my life, that…that I care about her more than I do myself? How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if any harm ever comes to her?"

Merlin shook his head, "Why can't you?"

"Because nothing can ever happen between us!" Arthur nearly snapped, before taking a breath, "To admit my feelings, knowing that...hurts…too much."

"Who's to say nothing can happen?" Merlin frowned.

"My father won't let me rescue a servant. Do you honestly believe he'd let me marry one?"

Merlin's eyes widened, "You want to marry my sister?!"

"No!" Arthur said quickly, before wincing, "No...I...I don't know...it's all talk, and…that's all it can ever be."

"When you're king, you can change that," Merlin told him, swallowing hard, "When you're king…I actually rather NEED you to change that."

Arthur frowned, eyeing him, "And why's that?"

Merlin sighed, not having wanted to admit this to anyone, not even his sister, let alone Arthur, it being just a…treasured secret between him and Morgana but…if this was what Arthur needed to realize that…it COULD happen for him and Marayna, then…he'd say it.

"Because I've already asked for Morgana's hand," he admitted, "And she said yes."

~8~

Merlin stood behind Morgana, his hands on her shoulders as she tried to scry, using her newest basin that Uther had gifted her, but it was hard and she was getting frustrated in how little she was actually seeing.

"Relax Gana," Merlin squeezed her shoulders soothingly, repeatedly, as though massaging her slightly, "You'll get it."

"I know, I just…" she let out a breath, "I don't want to disappoint you."

"As though you ever could," he smiled seeing her smile at his words before squeezing her shoulders once more, "Close your eyes," she did and he leaned closer, one of his hands moving off her shoulder, the other moving to the back of her chair for balance as he moved his head nearer to her side, "Now…take a deep breath," he whispered in her ear, she did, "Good…" he kissed her cheek, slowly moving his kisses down her neck, making her smile, before she laughed, her neck was the most sensitive part of her body, something he knew all too well and delighted in taking advantage of when he could, when it was just them. He grinned and pulled back, "Now…try again."

She opened her eyes and looked at the basin…only to gasp.

It wasn't a vision she saw though…

It was a ring, resting at the bottom of it.

Merlin smiled, seeing her wide eyes, "What do you see?"

She smiled, "A question," she began softly, "And an answer…"

"And?" he squeezed her shoulders, swallowing hard, more nervous than he had ever felt in his life for this moment.

She blinked, feeling tears in her eyes, "And a lifetime of love," she whispered, before standing and turning, leaving him no warning as she kissed him soundly.

He was positively beaming as he pulled away, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, "So I take it the answer is yes?"

She laughed, rubbing her nose to his, "That depends…is the question if I'll marry you?"

"Oh yes," he nodded.

She beamed, her face feeling like it was about to split she was grinning so widely, "Then yes, it is!" before she kissed him again.

~8~

Merlin smiled softly at the memory, his fondest and most powerful one, "She loves me," he breathed, seeming shocked by the mere thought of it, "She really does and…we both know it can't happen now. But, maybe," he glanced at Arthur, "It will one day," he gave the prince a meaningful look, "We can wait."

Arthur shook his head, "But I can't expect Mara to wait for me."

"She loves you Arthur. My sister is the most stubborn woman on the planet. Once she has you, she'll never let you go. She'll wait for you, trust me on that, she'll wait as long as it takes."

"We don't even know if she's still alive," Arthur spoke quietly, NOT wanting to voice that.

"No, she is," he put a hand to his heart, "I can feel it. I just know…we will find her, we'll find her and Gwen still alive. We will."

Arthur nodded, before shaking his head, "Come on," he turned to go, not wanting to talk about either his feelings or his fears for Marayna any longer, "We've got a long trek ahead…" he glanced at Merlin as he came up alongside him, "Oh, and Merlin...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell."

"You mean, more than you already do?"

"Yeah."

Merlin smirked, "We could talk about your feelings while you walk."

"Shut up, Merlin."

~8~

Marayna and Gwen were shoved into the cage of the dining hall where Hengist was waiting, eyeing them, "Morgana. Morgana! I keep asking myself, 'Why does Uther not pay the ransom? He's a rich man, why would he leave his beloved ward to suffer a slow and terrible death?'"

Marayna rolled her eyes, "Have you found an answer or are you hoping a woman could tell you?

Hengist glared at her, "It must be very upsetting to know that Uther has abandoned you. It seems like no one in the world cares for you."

"Hmm," she hummed, "Must take a kindred soul to be able to realize that."

"Such fire," he eyed her, before grabbing her hand and eyeing it, calling to his men, "Take them to the cell. Bring Kendrick to me. Perhaps he can tell me why the Lady Morgana has the hands of a serving girl."

Marayna scoffed as she was led out, "If you need someone to explain that to you then it's no wonder why you haven't worked out why Uther pays no ransom."

"Rayna please," Gwen murmured, "Stop baiting him."

Marayna shrugged as they were forced out of the hall, "He's an easier target than Arthur is."

~8~

Lancelot ran up to the door of the cell not even an hour later, getting there with ease as the guards were currently drugged, courtesy of him, "Ready?" he called.

"Finally!" Marayna smirked, standing up and throwing out her hands, her eyes flashing as she blasted the cell door off its hinges.

"Whoa," Gwen breathed, startled at the display of power.

Lancelot hardly blinked though as he ran in, helping Gwen to her feet, "Come, we haven't a moment to lose," he led them out of the cell and down a dark tunnel, running as fast as they could when they heard the sound of footsteps and shouts behind them, their cell had been found empty.

"Follow this tunnel," Lancelot handed Gwen to Marayna, "It will take you out beyond the castle walls. I will buy you as much time as I can."

Gwen reached out and grabbed his arm, "I am not leaving you."

"Neither of us are," Marayna greed.

"You must," he insisted.

"No," Gwen cried, tears in her eyes, "I will not leave you here to die!"

Lancelot turned to her, gently touching her cheek, wiping away a tear as it fell, "I would die for you 100 times over. Live for me," he whispered, "Or everything that I am has been for nothing."

Gwen pulled him to her, kissing him soundly, "As long as I live, my feelings for you will never fade."

He smiled, kissing her again, "Run," he turned to Marayna, trusting her to see Gwen safely out, "Don't stop running until you are well away from here. Run. Run!"

He turned, pulling out his sword, bracing himself to fight off Hengist's men as Marayna led the way out, "Don't worry," Marayna whispered to Gwen as she helped her limp along, "As soon as I get you safe, Gwen, I'll go help him…I think it's about time these men learned not to cross or threaten the High Priestess of the Old Religion."

Gwen let out a teary laugh at that, wishing she could be there, she imagined that would be…quite the surprise for the men that the 'weak woman' they thought her to be had such power inside her.

~8~

Marayna sat, stiff with fear, with her back to Lancelot's in the cage once more. She'd managed to get Gwen to the edge of the forest, the girl telling her to go back for Lancelot as she ambled to a tree to sit, and she had…only to purposefully let herself get captured in the process so that she'd be taken to the already-captured Lancelot to help free him. Now both she AND Lancelot were stuck in the cage, Hengist before them, both of them tied up. NOT something she wanted, she'd been hoping to be brought before the man, not put in the cage. Because the cage meant the Wilderin...it meant rats.

Why did it have to be rats?!

"What do you say?!" Hengist asked his men, "Shall I spare them?"

The bandits laughed at such a thing, "Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!"

"Lancelot," Marayna called softly so only he could hear.

"Yes?" the man glanced over his shoulder, hearing a tremble in her voice.

"Get ready. I...really hate rats."

He nodded, feeling her stiffen, feeling his ties loosening, knowing she was going to use more magic to get them out.

"Release the Wilderin!" Hengist ordered…

Only for the two of them to jump up, freed of their binds, Marayna about to blast the rats back as they entered, NEEDING to get them as far away from her as possible because if they so much as got near her she was going to scream and she would be NO help at all to Lancelot. If she could just…get them away from her, keep them back, stop them before they raced out at her…if she didn't have to SEE them…she'd be ok…

Right?

But before she could so much as move to do that two men jumped into the cage, pulling off their masks to reveal Arthur and Merlin were there.

"Wonderful," Marayna muttered, no magic now, there went the advantage…and then she stiffened…realizing that without the advantage…the rats were going to attack.

Not good.

SO not good…

"Arthur!" Lancelot shouted as Arthur tossed him a sword he'd nicked off a guard before pulling Marayna behind him, knowing how she felt about the smallest of rats and these were enormous!

"What are you doing here, Lancelot?" Arthur called as they fought, Merlin keeping Marayna behind him as well, able to hear the boy trying to calm down his sister as the really rather giant RATS got nearer to them. This was probably the worst thing that could have happened for a girl who was terrified of rats and all he could think about was getting them out of there as fast as possible.

"I came to save Gwen. What about you?"

"I came to save Mara."

"Where is Gwen?" Merlin looked around.

"Safe," Marayna panted, "I got her out…should have stayed out, Merlin…" she clutched his arm tightly, "There're rats…"

"I know," he swallowed, holding her tightly against him, "I know Aya, I'm here…" his attempts to calm her were cut off when he saw Hengist ready a crossbow at Arthur, "Ic bebíede fealle!"

The chandelier above the man crashed down, Hengist leaping to the side, narrowly avoiding it.

"The tunnel," Arthur called, grabbing Marayna's hand and pulling her off, knowing the girl would be scared stiff and the only way to get her moving would be to physically pull her…something he doubted Merlin would be able to do, "That's our only chance. Let's go!"

"After them!" Hengist ordered his men as the group ran off.

"I'll hold them off," Lancelot offered as they reached the tunnels, Marayna able to breathe now they were away from the rats.

Marayna turned, knowing Gwen had asked her to protect Lancelot, and looked back, her eyes flashing gold as a rope broke and the gate that blocked the tunnel fell, trapping Hengist and his men with the Wilderin, keeping Lancelot from going back in the process.

Lancelot smiled and they took off again, all of them getting down the end of the tunnel where the end was blocked by locked bars, Arthur pulled out his sword and swung, hacking away at a chain that would release them.

"Good to see you both," Lancelot patted Merlin on the back before looking at Arthur, "Where are your knights?"

"It's just us," Arthur grunted, getting through the chains and leading them out, reaching back to take Marayna's hand, "Got to keep moving."

~8~

That night the five of them sat around a campfire in the woods, Arthur staring at Marayna as she tended to Gwen's ankle, Merlin helping her as Lancelot sat beside him, "I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission...with just the two of you," Lancelot commented.

"My father would not risk the lives of his knights for a servant," Arthur remarked.

"Servant," Lancelot frowned at the singular.

"Servants," he corrected.

"And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway."

"Truth is…I um, only came because Morgana begged me to help Gwen," Arthur tried to play it off.

Lancelot, though, saw right through that, "Arthur, you already told me you came to rescue Marayna."

Arthur glanced at him, having hoped that Lancelot would forget that part, before nodding, not noticing Marayna look over, having heard everything.

~8~

Later that same night, Arthur sat up, keeping watch as Lancelot and Gwen slept, curled close beside each other, Merlin finally resting as well, the adrenaline of saving his sister having spent him once it wore off.

"You came for me?" a voice said behind him as Marayna moved to sit on a log right next to him.

Arthur took a breath, before finally admitting, "Yes."

"You, they far-too-loyal son, risked making your dear old dad angry…for a servant?"

"No, I risked it for YOU," he looked at her meaningfully.

She blinked, "Why?" before holding her breath, this might just be the moment she'd been waiting for.

He looked at her intently, at her features flickering in the firelight, looking beautiful in Morgana's gown, it…fit her, "I love you Mara," he finally told her, whispered though it was in the silence of the night, "I just…couldn't let any harm befall you. I couldn't let you be even more hurt than you already were. I know Hengist, I couldn't let him…" he couldn't say it, couldn't even let himself think about her possibly being killed, "When I knew you didn't know the true depth of my feelings for you. I really do love you Marayna."

She smiled at that and leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder as they continued to keep watch.

Arthur smiled as well, knowing that though she hadn't kissed him, she forgave him and she understood him and his affections now. He didn't need words returned to him to know that as he rested his head on hers as well.

~8~

Morgana ran out into the courtyard, having been watching from her window for their return, seeing Marayna and Gwen hop off Merlin and Arthur's horses, their own horses having been found roaming the woods by the search party, pulling them both into a tight hug.

Gwen hugged her back, needing it as Lancelot hadn't joined them, claiming that he needed to regain the honor he'd lost in when he lost his faith as well. That he wanted to be that man once more, a man who deserved her love, and left to find himself for her.

"Arthur," a vice called and he spotted his father standing on the stairs, his arms crossed, looking none too pleased.

"Father," Arthur took a breath, stepping up to his father, prepared for a scolding.

So he was understandably surprised when his father put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it, "I'm proud of you," he told him.

Arthur blinked, "But…I risked my life for servants?" he shook his head.

Uther looked down at the women below, before returning his attention to his son, knowing why he'd done what eh had, he too had undertaken some...rather questionable adventures in the past when he'd been young and a woman was involved, but instead he said another truth, "You did what you believed was right, and did so with conviction. That is what makes a great king."

Arthur just gaped as his father turned and headed back into the castle, leaving his shocked son behind. Arthur though, started to smile, realizing…his father had just told him he believed he'd be a great king. He looked over at Marayna, smiling with her brother and the women, and couldn't help but think…yes, he just might be one day…if he had a rather remarkable woman at his side as Queen.

A/N: Awww, resolution for our favorite couple ^-^ And, speaking of, the winner for pairing name is...Arayna :) Woo! Now if we could just get him to propose like Merlin did...I hope you liked that little surprise ;)

Congrats to all who guessed it for the last chapter, it was a Knight's Tale yup ;)

Some notes on reviews...

Oh I SO agree, women rule ;) We'll see quite a bit of that the closer Arthur and Marayna get ;)

My Sherlock story's been updated through Series 3 with Welcome Holmes ;) I can't update more than that till Series 4 comes out as a spinoff I have planned needs to wait till the show is officially over :)

Lol, Arthur is SO thick, but he finally worked it out :) I'd say 11 is my favorite too, 10 will always be special as he was my first Doctor, but 11 grew on me :)

I try to make the chapters as long as I can, but sometimes the characters get frustrated and shout at me to just 'get the point across, I want to slap Arthur sooner!' lol :)