Same Motto: I don't own Merlin. If I did, Gwen would have slapped Arthur during Lancelot and Guinevere. Arthur dumped at the end of the Once and Future Queen. My father wouldn't understand. That line belongs to BBC.
Days drifted by in Camelot. Arthur and his knights prepared to meet Alined. Arthur, Lancelot, Morgana, and Leon spent hours training and running drills. Camelot's knights woke at first light. Their days ended, when the moon shone. Merlin and Gwen spent hours in the woods with Kilgharrah and sparkling fairies. Merlin slowly learned to speak Dragon. Kilgharrah's language challenged Merlin. Gwen spent hours practicing words with him. Kilgharrah shook his large head in disgust. Afterwards, Merlin would practice with Tatiana and Oberon. Merlin learned to clamor. He refused to steal human babies to swap for changelings. He yelled that it was awful practice. Oberon sulked in a corner for days. Puck taught Merlin trickery. Gwen folded her arms like a cross mother. She shook her fingers until Merlin and Puck returned all of Camelot's horses.
Gwen noticed Merlin changing. He was commanding. His back didn't slouch. Dark hair dusted his chin. A loyal noble man. However, Merlin devoured too much pixie dust. He spent hours whining in pain. Gwen tried to forget Arthur. She hid from him.
Merlin sensed her sadness. Merlin introduced her to his fairies. They made Gwen laughed. Tatiana taught Gwen to recognize various footprints. Gwen learned to pick safe berries and flowers.
Gwen laid against an old tree stump. Merlin and Puck chased each other around a gold fire. A cool night air softly blew on Gwen's face. She ignored a deep ache in her heart. Chloe sprayed sparkling fairies dust on Gwen's cheeks.
"Smile, Gwen, it's beautiful night."
Gwen grinned. Yellow fabric twisted around Chloe's feet. She sat on Gwen's shoulder. "Humans are silly, Gwen. You die from broken hearts. Edric, that one over there." Chloe pointed to a male fairy with white hair and leaf green eyes. "He's my first love. He broke my heart for a butterfly. Fool, didn't realize that she was an insect. I cried. Then, I got my revenge. I stole honey from a beehive. I waited for him. I drenched him in honey. Then, I told Queen Bee that Edric stole their honey. Bees chased him for weeks. Revenge makes you feel better."
Gwen smiled warily at Chloe. Chloe was so mischievous. Mistakenly, Gwen thought Chloe was soft, sweet.
"Thanks, revenge isn't an option, yet."
"I would do it for you, except Mother says Arthur will be a great king for Albion."
"Yes, I keep hearing the same thing. Arthur, Arthur, Arthur, "Gwen muttered.
Chloe nodded as she winked at Gwen. "I have to go. "Tatiana flew toward them. "My mother wants me to spend my time wisely." Chloe darted away to avoid her mother.
Gwen's small chest rattled with laughter. Tatiana's lavender eyes scanned the woods. She held a bracelet in her dainty hand. She shoved silver hair away from her tiny face.
"Gwen, have you seen Chloe?"
"She just flew away. Something about growing."
Tatiana twisted her lips. "One day, Gwen, you will be a mother. I won't steal your children. Most definitely not, Merlin's." Gwen giggled. "Children tested your patience. Gwen, forgive, your mother. She had a difficult life."
"Tatiana, I adored my mother. She was kind and loving. I don't want her life. I can't be Arthur's mistress."
"Well, I've been married for over a thousand years. Can't keep track of my children. Last count, 500, or was it, 600. No matter, men are difficult. Fae, human, dragon, animals. Males are challenging. Learn to fight your battles. Then, go for his jugular, when you want to win."
"Yes, mother."
"See, I can tell your aren't the child of my body. They never say, 'yes, mother.' More like, I trapped in a jar. I know that I'm not supposed to play with human children. Tatiana shuddered. "Hold out your arm.
Tatiana placed a silver bracelet with pink, grey and silvery white stones on her wrist. "Gwen, the pink stones are Rose quartz. They will bring you love. The white stones are moonstone. Moonlight will come from them. Brings you passionate love, too. The grey stone is smoky quartz. Provides protection from harm. Your silver links are special. Rub them gently, in a time of danger, you will disappear. Anyone, which you touch, will disappear with you. Danger lies ahead."
Tatiana glided towards Gwen's ear. She whispered soft magical words. "A time will come, when you need to bind Merlin's magic. Recite, my whispered word. His magic will cease for a day."
"Thank you so much, Tatiana. Merlin has learned so much. As have I."
"I gave Merlin an amulet created with similar same stones. Make sure that he doesn't lose it."
"I will try. Merlin is Merlin." Tatiana landed on Gwen's palm. Tatiana's eyes glistened with tears. This is our last night, my friend. Spring must come to other parts of the world. I will miss you. Don't fret." Tatiana pressed a kissed on Gwen's thumb. "My kiss will lead me to you. Just yell my name."
"Thank you, Tatiana."
"Gwen, you are rather tiny for a human. Are you sure that you aren't a fairy?" Gwen shook her head. "Part fairy." Gwen shook her head. "Are you sure?"
"Gwen laughed. "I think so."
Merlin dashed through the trees. Walnuts shot out. Puck galloped in pursuit. Tatiana's mouth curled in rage. "See, not only an annoying, petulant husband for over a thousand years. A goofy friend. Being a queen is hard work, Gwen. Remember that. "
"Goodbye," Gwen called. Tatiana sang a soft harmony. Oberon flew to her side as they joined hands. A large group of fairies danced towards a glowing moon. The fairies resembled falling stars. Loneliness filled Gwen's mind. Nuts dropped from Merlin's dark hair.
"Don't lose the amulet, Merlin."
"I won't. Trust me."
Kilgharrah 's chuckling floated in the woods. "What's his problem?"
"I have no idea, Merlin."
Merlin and Gwen ran towards their large friend. His scales glowed. His leathery wings fluttered in delight. Kilgharrah appeared to be smiling.
"Are you happy?" Merlin asked.
"Why, yes, Tatiana's brats are gone. They play fairy games in my ears. Slide down my back. I can't eat them. She's a nut. I haven't slept in weeks. Almost, ate one last night. Thought she was a squirrel."
Gwen shot him a look of horror. "Kilgharrah, we don't eat our friends."
"I eat anything that gets in my mouth.
Kilgharrah nudged Gwen and Merlin with his nose. "Off to bed. I will see you in a couple of days. I need to hide until Arthur leaves to fight Alined. His knights will invade the woods on their journey. Stay in the house for three days until after he leaves. I will return. Meet me here. Bring some berries. I can't pick them. My paws are too large."
"As you command, "Merlin answered.
"Well, go home."
Merlin pushed Gwen towards their little house in town. He enjoyed seeing her smile again. Their new life would be good for Gwen. A life without memories.
"Gwen, did you ever dream that we would meet fairies? Befriend a talking dragon?"
"No, Merlin, always thought, we would die as servants."
"Adventure beckons us."
Arthur didn't notice Lancelot rarely engaged him in conversation, except to discuss the coming war. Leon saw a rift developing. He didn't know what cause it. Or how to fix it. Morgana clung to Lancelot's side. Often, she would clutch his arm when his brow curled with anger at Arthur. Lancelot would smile and caress her cheek. Leon noticed caring looks between Lancelot and Morgana. Gwen avoided the knights. Her brown eyes were often sad and bleak. Merlin gave Arthur hateful looks. He refused to bandage Arthur's arm. Things were drifting apart in Camelot. A cloud of discord settled among them. Confusion filled Leon's mind.
Lancelot sat on a rock in a meadow. A cool breeze soothed his mind. He felt her presence behind him. He wished Morgana would place her hands on his shoulders. Her husky voice would whispered words of love. Wait a minute. Words of love. I'm losing it.
"Morgana, show yourself."
Morgana looked like a sunflower as she stood in a beautiful yellow gown. Her dark hair twisted with yellow jewels. She smiled at Lancelot. Sadness haunted her eyes.
"Lancelot, I carry your secret about Gwen." Morgan squeezed her hands. "I, too, have a secret."
Lancelot's eyebrows perked. "Tell me, I cannot judge you, Morgana."
Morgana dropped to knees. Her pale hands gripped his arms. Her dark head bowed in defeat. "I was so angry at Arthur. Five years ago, I was enraged at Uther. He was so cruel." Morgana paused to breathe deeply. "I made an alliance with Alvarr, a knight of King Odin's. I told him our battle plans." Morgana stiffened as she anticipated Lancelot's blow.
"Morgana, you were nineteen. We make mistakes. I am not your judge. Forgive yourself."
Her tear drenched eyes bewitched Lancelot. "Angry will destroy you, Lancelot. Sometimes, I watch Gwen for you. Lately, she's smiling and happy. Merlin chased her through town. Her laughter filled the air. Perhaps, her heart is healed.
"Her pain bothers me."
"I know her pain, Lancelot. I know a special pain of loving a devious man. I loved Alvarr. I gave myself to him. He walked away. Nothing was left for me except a stone heart. Lucky for Gwen, she has Merlin."
Lancelot cupped Morgana's face. "One day, another love will capture your heart. His passion born out of love. Forgive yourself." Lancelot leaned his face towards Morgana's.
"Morgana! "Lancelot!" Leon yelled. "We need to pack."
Arthur wished to give his mother, a private goodbye. Her chamber was empty. Where is she? He stomped towards her desk to write a message. He felt a faint chill. His heart felt her presence. Gwen slept on a chaise. Her unruly hair twisted into braids and adorned with blue ribbons. Leon and Lancelot's ribbons. She smiled in her sleep. A pink blanket draped over her small form. Her eyes tightly shut. Quietly, Arthur walked towards Gwen. He stroked a thumb over her soft cheek.
"Oh, you must hate me, Gwen. I deserve your hate. My behavior was horrible. I couldn't face you. You still haunt my mind, soul, and heart. I've longed to speak with you. My pride kept me away."
Arthur leaned over. He pressed a gentle kiss on Gwen's lips. Impulsively, Arthur untied a blue ribbon. His nimble fingers tied Gwen's ribbon to his sword handle. "We will speak, when I return." Arthur left his mother's chamber.
"Arthur, Arthur." A hand touched his head. He swung around in fury.
"Don't kill your mother, Arthur. I called you. You ignored me." Igraine's held her hands up.
Arthur dropped his eyes in shame. "I'm sorry, mother. I wanted to see you."
Igraine cupped his handsome face. Igraine stared into her own sapphire eyes." Be safe, my darling boy. Return to Camelot. Return to me."
"I will return, mother. I love you."
"And I love you."
Igraine and Arthur embraced tightly. Igraine's tears hit Arthur's chainmail. "Let's go meet your knights. " She spotted a blue ribbon tired around Arthur's sword handle. Where did he get a ribbon from?
Merlin tapped his feet as he watched Arthur and His knights climb on their horses. Queen Igraine hugged Lady Morgan and pressed kisses on her cheeks. Townspeople lined the road to watch Arthur leave for battle. Women cried. Children ran behind the knights. Men cheered their king and Camelot's knights to victory. Merlin rolled his eyes in distaste. Merlin grinned. We won't be here when they get back.
Igraine shook Gwen gently. She jumped in shock. "Milady, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I have been so tired lately. "Spent almost every night in the forest talking to a dragon and playing with fairies. I won't mention our evenings to milady.
""You're fine, dear one. Are you rested?"
"Yes, milady." Gwen smiled at Igraine.
Igraine noticed Gwen's braid had unraveled. One side of her was tousled.
"Gwen, your braid loosens during your nap."
"Oh, my birthday ribbons." Gwen climbed off of the chaise. She ran her hands along the cushions. Igraine blinked when she notice Gwen's other braid twisted with a blue ribbon. Igraine's hand covered her heart. This was unexpected.
"I lost my ribbon, milady."
Igraine smiled. "It will turn up, darling. Don't worry." Arthur, please use it as inspiration. Bring Gwen's ribbon home.
Arthur and his knights camped ninety miles from Camelot. They spent three days walking to meet Alined. Arthur ate an apple as he watched Lancelot and Leon sparring. Morgana leaned against a tree. "Leon, hold your stance," Morgana called. Lancelot, sword up." Arthur could feel his knights' tension. They planned to rendezvous with King Olaf's army in two days.
Arthur noticed Leon's sword didn't clang correctly. Maybe, the blade is dull. "Leon and Lancelot, a moment." Leon dropped his sword. His huge chest heaving. Sweat poured down Lancelot's handsome face.
"Leon. When did you last sharpen your sword?"
Leon tried to remember. "I don't recall."
"John," Arthur called Leon's squire. John was a young boy of fourteen. He was eager to please his king. "John, go sharpen Leon's sword. Sharpen it regularly." Leon grimaced.
"Arthur, I can't continue our fight. Lancelot was almost beaten."
"Never," Lancelot yelled. "I never lose a fight."
"Unless, you're fighting me, Lancelot." Morgana batted her dark eyelashes.
"You fell on me."
Arthur laughed. It seemed like old times. "Leon, use my sword." Arthur grabbed his sword and walked towards Lancelot and Leon. Morgana's shrewd eyes spotted a blue ribbon blowing in the wind. "What is that?"
Leon took Arthur's sword. . Wildly, Leon's arm swung. Lancelot spied a blue ribbon. "Arthur, what's tied to your sword?" Arthur blushed.
"Nothing, Lancelot."
Leon lowered Arthur's sword. He examined Arthur's questionable blue ribbon. "Looks like a ribbon that we bought for Gwen's hair." Lancelot's jaw clenched. "It can't be, cause she had them in her hair. She came to say goodbye. She gave her a cake. She always gives me cake during war times."
Gwen's never given me a cake. She's never seen me off to battle. Now, I'm jealous over Leon. How many men like Gwen?
"Wait, this is Gwen's ribbon. It has faint pattern. Most expensive set of ribbons in the shop. Made Morgana pay for them" Leon's fingers traced Gwen's ribbon. Lancelot's sword fell. Morgana ran towards Lancelot.
"Arthur, did you touched her again?"
Arthur shook his head. "I haven't spoken to her in few weeks. I haven't touched her."
"How did you get her ribbon?"
Arthur sighed. "I went to say goodbye to my mother. Gwen was asleep. The stupid ribbon was tied to her braid. I took it."
Leon was confused. "I'm missing vital information."
Morgana gave Arthur a hard look. "Arthur seduced Gwen."
"I did not. "
Leon shook his curly head at Arthur. Morgana rested her elbow on Lancelot' shoulder. She was tempted to encircle his waist.
"Arthur, as the lone women in the group, what are you doing?"
"Stay out of it, Morgana."
"No, we're your friends. What is going on?" Morgana felt Lancelot's muscles tense. Arthur's face was hot.
"I miss her."
"In your bed?" ,Morgana asked.
"No, I miss her sassy mouth. I miss her flirty ways. I miss her chocolate eyes. Her dusty freckles. Her unruly curly hair. I just miss my Guinevere."
"Your Guinevere", Lancelot inquired."
"Yes, my Gwen."
"She's, not a doll."
"I know s he's not a doll. I could control a doll. She doesn't listen to me. She yells at me. She makes my heart hurt. My head pound. I'm lonely, when I don't see her. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Leon gave Arthur an understanding smile. Lancelot exhaled. Morgana smirked.
"What is it?" Arthur yelled. "Morgana, you smirk too much. Should call you, smiley, Leon. Lancelot, you're too quiet."
"Stupid man," Morgana began" Arthur Pendragon, you're in love."
Arthur scrunched his face in distaste. He shook his golden head. "No."
"Arthur, you stole a ribbon from Gwen."
"I'm going to be sick," Arthur muttered.
"Oh, you're already lovesick," Lancelot yelled.
"Lancelot, she hates me."
"Yes, but lots of people hate you, including us, at times. It fades away. Gwen doesn't hate you. She should. Gwen's heart is yours."
Gwen shook her hands in fear. She stomped her foot. Merlin blue eyes begged her.
"Please, Gwen, come with us. It won't harm you."
"Merlin, humans aren't supposed to fly."
Kilgharrah chuckled. He could listen to them argue for hours. He licked a bunch of berries. Gwen remembered to bring his berries. If he waited on Merlin, he would starve.
Merlin's eyes sparkled. "Gwen, go for a ride and I'll keep my room cleaned."
Gwen thought about it. Why not? She made love to her king. Actually, she made love to Arthur. He had sex with me. Made friends with fairies. Collected berries for a talking dragon.
"Okay."
Merlin helped Gwen climb on Kilgharrah's back. He jumped on Kilgharrah's back. His scaly skin gripped their clothes. Merlin wrapped his arms around Gwen's waist. He pressed his knees into Kilgharrah's sides.
"Merlin, watch your skinny knees. Feel like I'm being stabbed by a sword. Hold on tight."
Kilgharrah slowly ascended towards the sky. Gwen's little hands trembled. Moonlight shone off her face. Merlin and Gwen smiled as they flew around Camelot.
"Faster," Merlin yelled.
Kilgharrah flapped his wings rapidly. Joy replaced sorrow.
Author's note: Not much drama. A little fluffy. Next chapter has fluff, not much. It's almost summer!
