Kilgharrah shook his large scaly head. He swatted a flock of Robins. His foot shook the ground. A blazing sun blocked his vision. He couldn't fly away from her. Part of him, wanted to spit flames at Gwen as she stood in front of him. Her eyes determined. A small frown on her adorable face. Brown fingers flapped his face. Well, the boy will forget to feed me. Maybe, it won't be so bad. He shot Merlin angry glance. Merlin giggled against a tree. Tears streaming from his eyes. Boney white hands rubbed his stomach.
"Gwen, I'm a dragon. We don't take baths."
"Well, you might be a dragon, but you smell. Horrible!"
"I have lived a thousand years without a bath!"
"I know. Dirt is embedded in your nails. Flesh hangs from your wings. Your legs are muddy. A thousand years of dirt."
Gwen pointed towards a roaring blue lake. Kilgharrah shook his head.
"Fine, get your own berries."
Kilgharrah crossed his arms. "No, berries."
"No, berries."
Kilgharrah gave Gwen a nasty look. He trudged slowly into the river. "It's cold."
"Keep going," Gwen yelled back.
A large plopping noise filled the forest. Kilgharrah squirmed as cool water rushed around him. He stuck his head into the water and grabbed a mouthful of salmon. He chomped happily. Grime floated down his body.
"Not so bad."
Kilgharrah swam around for a few moments. He flicked water from his face.
"Clean enough?" Gwen nodded as she giggled slightly.
Kilgharrah sat up. His mouth curved in a grin. His sharp teeth shiny. He shook his mighty wings. Gwen screamed as cold water hit her face. Merlin sputtered. He wiped his soaking face with a rough sleeve. Kilgharrah flew over dripping water.
"Now, everyone is clean."
"Told you, it was a bad idea."
"Well, he's clean."
"We're soaked.
"Let's lay on the riverbank. Today is hot. A few hours in the sun, we'll dry."
Gwen wringed her dress. She placed her sodden shoes on a small boulder. Her fingers untied her bodice laces. She pulled her yellow dress over her head.
"Close your mouth, Merlin." Merlin gave Gwen a sheepish look.
"Let's go for a swim."
"We'll get wet."
"We are wet. Put your tunic next to my dress. " Gwen ran towards the lake. Her chemise floated around her. "Feels great, Merlin. It might be our last chance, ever, to swim in our favorite spot." Merlin tossed tunic away as he leapt into the water.
"Morgana, do you hear that?"
Morgan scanned the forests. Tall trees shaded them from the sun. Hooves crushed yellow spring flowers. Flies buzzed in her ears. She didn't see any enemy knights.
"Nothing, Arthur."
Arthur pulled his reins tighter. His body ached. He wanted to sleep in his soft bed. He needed a pain draught. His right arm itched. His chainmail was too heavy. He was uncomfortable. He was hot. He just wanted to soak in a hot tub. Filled with herbs to loosen his muscles.
"Morgana, we need to stop. Our horses need water. A river is nearby. A large clearing to rest."
Morgana smiled. "My feet are achy. A cool soak will help."
"Almost home, we rest as soon when we reached Camelot's river." Arthur's knight yelled cheerfully. They missed their wives and lovers. Their bodies craved food, sleep, and Camelot.
Morgana's firm hand halted Camelot's knights. Small rapids crashed along the riverbank. Cool shadows hid a grassy riverbank. "Arthur, think of your actions," Morgana implored. Arthur's body trembled with anger. He eyes glazed with disbelief. He heard Morgana's feet crushing twigs and dried branches. Arthur held his breath.
His feet moved towards them. Merlin and Gwen laid sleeping on a wide ratty blanket. Half eaten plates on food discarded. Gwen's yellow dress hung from a branch. Her shoes drying on a boulder next to Merlin's tunic.
Merlin's thin bare chest rose slightly as he slept. Merlin curled into a tight ball next to her. Gwen's chocolate curls draped his back. Her brown fingers spread open. Her thighs bare. Gwen's breast visible through her wet chemise.
A day of leisure at Camelot's river. I spent weeks fighting to return to you. I find you with Merlin. Almost undressed curled on his body. Trusting him as you never trusted me.
"Morgana, wake up, Merlin. Get him out of my sight. Take our knights, to the next clearing. Have them rest and eat. Send word to Camelot. Send them home. Wait for me at Gwen's house, Arthur commanded tersely."
"Arthur, this means nothing."
"I'm not angry. I need to speak with Guinevere. Trust me"
Morgana believed in Arthur. Her pain had lessened. Once again, she able to love her brother. Wariness filled her mind. Arthur wasn't in a rational state of mind. His rage was unpredictable.
"Arthur."
"Morgana, please."
Morgana pressed her boots into Merlin's thigh. He grunted in pain. He shuddered as Morgana placed a finger on his lips. "Don't wake, Gwen. Come with me." Merlin scooted away from Gwen's sleeping body. He scampered to his feet; grabbed his tunic; and pulled on his boots.
The battle didn't last long. I didn't expect them to July. Why didn't we leave? Oh, yes, Gwen wanted to wait for Arthur. Her feeble excuse that Igraine need her support. Well, the queen was deathly sad. I'm going to die. Maybe, I should say "I'm Emrys. Save my life. Arthur stared at him with distaste.
"Welcome home, sire."
"Leave," Arthur spat."
Merlin mounted Morgana's horse. Her strong arms enclosed his waist. She signaled Camelot's knights to march. Morgana trotted away.
"Arthur might drown Gwen, Lady Morgana."
"No, he won't harm her."
"He already has."
"Things have changed, Merlin."
Arthur threw his black leather gloves away. He peeled his metal cuffs off his wrists. His fingers loosened his armor fastenings. His pulled his chainmail from his body. He kicked off his boots. His tunic dropped from his fingers. Arthur dropped next to Gwen. He snuggled Gwen. Her fragrance invaded his senses. Her soft breath touched his aching chest. His eyelids dropped.
Gwen's hands traced hard cheekbones. His chest rested heavily on her soft breasts. His hand clamped on her small thigh. Her mouth caressed his collarbone.
Arthur feels so warm. Her hand moved along his leg. Gwen sighed in happiness. Always, so perfect in my dreams. Can't open my eyes. He'll leave me again. A soft snore shook Gwen out of her slumber. Gwen's eyes popped open. He never snores in my dreams. Gwen grasped as she recognized Arthur's hand resting on her thigh.
How did this happen? Where's Merlin? He left her in the woods with Arthur. I'm not dressed. Gwen fidgeted to escape Arthur. It was like pushing against a stone wall. Arthur didn't budge.
"Stop wiggling," Arthur commanded sleepily. His arms closed tighter. "You're not leaving."
Gwen listened to his steady heartbeat. "Your mother is worried about you. All of Camelot is worried about you."
"Were you worried?"
"Everyone hoped for you," Gwen replied stiffly.
"Still angry?"
"No, sire."
"Arthur."
"Arthur, please go to Camelot."
"I need to relax, Guinevere. Just a few moments."
"Is Alined defeated?"
"Yes."
"Did you kill him?"
"No, Alined ended his life. He said I would turn into my father, Bayard, and him," Arthur whispered softly. His legs tangled with Gwen's. "He destroyed his kingdom. Starved his people. He ruled with fear. Part of me, worries over my choices."
"Arthur, you're a noble king. Your lands will not contain strife."
Arthur gently released Gwen. He sat up. His muscular body blocked rays from an afternoon sun. "Swim with me?"
Gwen gave him a skeptical look. He wants to go swimming. People are crying for him. He wants to swim. Has he lost his mind?
"Please, Gwen, a few hours of nothing. A few hours of freedom. I need time to be a man, not a king with heavy shoulders. Arthur offered his hand. His weary eyes broke Gwen's heart. She prayed for strength as she slipped her hand into Arthur's. Arthur led Gwen to the river's edge.
"Arthur, the water is cool."
Arthur felt confident when Gwen said his name. Cool water soothed his tired feet. Tides whipped around his aching knees. Gwen hesitated as he tugged her hand.
"Just give me a minute." Gwen's feet floated as she trudged into the river. Gwen's head twitched as water blocked her vision. She listened to Arthur's hearty laughter.
Her mouth opened in surprised. Gwen's wet hair hung in her eyes. She saw Arthur's smug smile. "I thought you're tired, Arthur," Gwen whined. Gwen flung cool water at Arthur. It splashed against his chest.
"Cool now, Arthur."
"Plenty for you love."
Arthur and Gwen splashed in the river. Arthur's wet dark blonde hair cradled his head. Droplets of water ran down his muscular body.
"Gwen, goodness, I can't see. Let's break for a moment."
"Of course, Arthur."
Arthur wiped his eyes. He squeezed water from his hair. Out of the corner of eyes, he saw it. He attempted to dodge a spray of water. Gwen giggled as she swam to shore. Her heart pounded as she heard Arthur splashing after her. Gwen ran towards a cluster of trees. Arthur's hand grabbed her ankle. Gwen groaned as she thumped against hard grass. Arthur scooped her into his arms. He tossed Gwen on her blanket. His hands circled her tiny wrists as he placed them over her head. Arthur's blue eyes shone with mischief. Water dropped on Gwen's collarbone.
"Arthur", Gwen reasoned. "It was payback. You splashed me."
"I'm not mad. I just like to win. Now, I know that I can't let my guard down around you."
Gwen leaned her head back as she laughed. "Fine, you win. Are you happy?"
"Yes, I want my prize."
Gwen trembled as Arthur lowered his head. She pressed her open lips to his. Gwen slipped her tongue into Arthur's mouth. Arthur moaned in surprise. Arthur released her wrists. His hand tangled in her hair. Gwen squeezed Arthur's wet shoulders. Gwen pulled her mouth away.
"Arthur, we can't"
"Yes, we can."
"The sun is out."
"Covered by shade."
"Somebody could see us."
"Everybody is in Camelot."
Arthur kissed Gwen's neck. His fingers traced her collarbone. "Please, I need you." Gwen kissed his forearm.
Merlin watched as his neighbors ran towards the castle. Cries of joy filled the air. People drank ale and goblets of wine. A canon fired. Merlin scratched his head. He could feel Morgana's brilliant gaze on his back.
"Merlin, she's not a child."
Merlin turned to give Morgana a nasty look. He changed his mind. Morgana was really beautiful. She was scary as hell. Deadly as a spider. Morgana's beauty hid her lethalness. Merlin was a little afraid of Lady Morgana.
"I realize that, Lady Morgana. Her mind isn't clear about Arthur."
"They need to discuss their obstacles."
Merlin gave Morgana a blank look. Obstacles? Let's see. He's a king. She's a maid. He can't marry her. She loves him. Unsure of his feelings. He's looking for Emrys. She's hiding Emrys. He's controlling. She carries secrets. They have a great relationship.
"Let's just hope their talking."
Arthur wriggled his foot into a boot. Gwen tied her front laces. Arthur gathered his armor as Gwen slipped on her shoes. She sat on a boulder as Arthur clicked his armor in place.
"Gwen, we need to talk."
Gwen slowly nodded. "Tomorrow? Today was nice. No harsh words, today." Gwen smiled at Arthur. Arthur watched as Gwen approached. She grabbed his hand as they walked out of the grassy clearing. Arthur mounted his horse. He gathered Gwen by her waist. Gwen leaned on Arthur's chest as they slowly trotted towards Camelot. As they galloped towards home; Arthur rested his chin on Gwen's head.
Arthur noticed Gwen's section of town was deserted. Yells and shouts drifted from the castle. Arthur lowered Gwen to the ground. He pressed a kiss to her hand. "Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow," Gwen agreed.
Morgana rushed out. Her green eyes blazing with annoyance. "I don't know how you deal with both of them. Merlin's...is… Merlin is Merlin. Arthur's a prat." Morgana muttered. She grabbed her horse reins. She exhaled. "Gwen, I'm truly sorry about your arm. Please, accept my apologies. My heart is full of regret.
Gwen smiled at Morgana. "Milady, life is full of regret. It's the past." Gwen watched Arthur ad Morgana leave. Arthur gave her one last soft look over his shoulder. Gwen waved. Her shoulders sank. Merlin plopped on her steps. His blue eyes assessed her appearance.
'Well, he didn't kill you."
"No."
"In the woods?"
"It's private matter."
"Not in the woods!"
"Merlin!"
"Gwen, I'll understand if you want to stay."
"No, Merlin, I'm going with you. I started this journey. I'm going to complete it with you."
"You will lose, Arthur.
"I know. "
Author's note: This is our last happy chapter. Prepare yourselves. We're going dark, like pitch black.
