As soon as practice had ended the next morning, Gwaine hurried to put away his things in the armory so he could find Arthur. He knew there was a good chance the prince would have meetings and wanted to see him before then. Shrugging off the other knights' questions and curious looks he hurried off to Arthur's chambers. He knocked on the door and waited.
"Come," called Arthur's voice.
"Hello, Arthur," said Gwaine, pushing open the door to find Arthur seated at the table.
"Gwaine," Arthur greeted him. "Have a seat. What can l do for you?"
Gwaine took the chair Arthur offered him.
"I've got a suggestion," Gwaine replied, with a grin.
"Suggestion?" Arthur repeated, eyes drawn in a mixture of curiosity and doubt. "Go on."
"You need a court musician," started Gwaine. "You haven't got one and it's rather dull with no entertainment."
"A musician," said Arthur, thoughtfully. "We haven't had one in a long time. As you know, we usually just hire someone for one specific event. I suppose you have someone in mind?"
"I do," answered Gwaine. "Raieya."
"Ah, I thought so," he nodded. "She would be willing to stay here in Camelot?"
"I believe so," Gwaine replied. "She's quite talented."
"Hmm," considered Arthur. "I might be able to do that, though I would need to double check the finances to be sure."
"So you'll speak to her then?"
"I will," agreed Arthur. "Perhaps she could help my father. He did enjoy music."
"She could," said Gwaine. "Everyone enjoys hearing her."
"I'll see if I can't speak with her later today," said Arthur. "Is there anything else?"
Gwaine shook his head. "Thanks, Arthur."
"She's important to you, isn't she?" said Arthur, with a knowing smile.
"I owe her," said Gwaine with a shrug, rising from the chair. "Nothing more."
Arthur nodded as Gwaine left, a slight smile still on his face. Lancelot had told him about meeting her with Gwaine at the tavern. He couldn't help but notice how Gwaine seemed when he was with Raieya either. There was something between them, without a doubt.
Later that evening, there came a knock at Gwaine's door. He answered the door to find Merlin waiting.
"Arthur sent me for Raieya," he said with a smile, giving Gwaine a knowing look.
"Ah, of course," Gwaine replied. "Raieya?"
"Yes," she answered, approaching the pair.
"Arthur would like to speak to you, if you don't mind," Merlin explained.
Raieya exchanged a look with Gwaine, who smiled encouragingly, and nodded.
"Alright then," she agreed.
She followed Merlin out the door, through several corridors, and to what she assumed must be a drawing room. Merlin led her in and nodded to Arthur, then left.
"Raieya," said Arthur, warmly. "Please, have seat."
"Thank you," she replied, bowing her head slightly.
"I've called you here to see if you would be interested in a position in Camelot," he began.
Raieya nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"I have heard from a couple of my knights that you are quite the talented musician. Both Sir Gwaine and Sir Lancelot speak highly of you. Camelot does not currently have a court musician. However, after a review of our finances, I do believe we could do with one. Your duties would include several things. First off you would be required to perform at any official feast days or court gatherings. Also you may be required for any court visits or entertaining of any visitors to Camelot. I might also call upon you for entertaining a smaller gathering. And lastly, I would like you to perform for my father, the king. He once enjoyed music, perhaps he still would. Now, if you accept this position there are several benefits for you as well. I will give you your own chambers in the castle. You will also receive a salary for your service. And finally an allowance will be made to get you some finery for official performances- mainly a gown in Camelot red."
"Your offer is most generous," said Raieya slowly, once he had finished. "Though I am aware this was Gwaine's idea."
Arthur laughed. "Yes but he did make some good points. I believe we could do with a court musician. Many other kingdoms have them, why not us?"
Raieya smiled. "Thank you again for the offer. Though if its agreeable for you, I would like some time to think it over. I'm accustomed to traveling, rather than staying in one place. I'm not sure I'm ready to give that up."
"Of course," agreed Arthur. "I can see its an important decision for you. Take whatever time you need and once you have reached a decision, let me know."
"Thank you," said Raieya, rising from the chair to go.
"Well?" said Gwaine expectantly, as soon as Raieya returned.
Raieya shrugged. "He offered me the position, as you said."
"What did you tell him?"
"The same thing I told you," answered Raieya. "I need some time to think about it."
Gwaine nodded. "How long will it take you to make your decision?"
"As long as I need," she shrugged. "Why are you so anxious for me to decide?"
"Because," he replied. "It would be nice to have you here in Camelot, my partner from the road. I think you would like living here."
"But we won't be on the road," Raieya pointed out. "We can't be partners anymore. That just can't work for us here. You're a knight. I would be nothing more than a musician."
"No," said Gwaine, shaking his head. "You're more than that. You would liven this place up. And as for our partnership, yes, that might be over but I see no reason why we can't continue on as friends. There's no reason for anything to change between us."
"We're an odd pair of friends," said Raieya. "To those who don't understand our friendship that is."
Gwaine laughed. "I suppose so. Lancelot is convinced we are in love."
Raieya made a face. "What gives him that idea?"
"He's a bit of a romantic," he replied with a grin. "He'd find love in almost anything."
"There's certainly none here," said Raieya with a laugh. "We both know that's not real."
"Right," agreed Gwaine. "He doesn't understand how to have fun like we do."
"Too bad," said Raieya. "He's handsome."
"He would be nothing compared to me," said Gwaine confidently.
"Right," said Raieya sarcastically. "Maybe I could find out."
"No," said Gwaine. "He thinks we're in love remember? He'd never 'come between us.'"
"No fun," she replied. "And what will Lancelot think if I decide to leave?"
"Good question," answered Gwaine. "He'll probably be convinced that you will realize your love for me and come back."
"So I am destined to stay in Camelot?"
"Sounds right."
Raieya laughed. "Well, as I said, I'm not so sure yet. In fact, lets not talk about it any more right now."
"As you wish," agreed Gwaine. "How about we go get dinner?"
Raieya nodded and followed Gwaine out the door.
They didn't speak of the matter any more that night, though it continued to pick at the back of her mind.
