Morgana
I blame Morgause for my current living situation; she packed my bags after our relationship grew too difficult, her words, not mine. Uther was a walk in a tropical island without humidity. We had screaming matches after my fathermare died. I wanted it all- she had to reflect and think. Uther burns in hell; she leaves me because our relationship is too challenging. I returned with my tail between my legs, right into Arthur's loving arms and his new Stepford wife; actually, I'm insulting Steprford Wives by bullying her in my mind. She's too perfect, right down to her teeth. She has common interests with Arthur. Both are entitled as hell. She's in my house. She's redecorating my mother's house. My mother loved our home. Gwen never attempted to change anything. She learned about my mother through her decorations, not Mithian. Goodness, Arthur fucked himself without lube.
Here I sit with my darling brother and his future wife as I attempt to eat my breakfast. Actually, I'm devouring my English breakfast, and I want more. My son is a greedy boy. I watched Arthur toss away a newspaper in disgust. When did he start reading a paper at the table? Bad American habit of his. He tossed it away from him as if it seared his hand. Between bites, I looked over to read what perturbed my brother so deeply.
It was a rather large photograph of Gwen and Gwaine leaving his art exhibition with Tamed written across it in huge white letters. I didn't bother to read it. So, they alleged Gwen tamed Gwaine's playboy ways. No, he changed himself to win her heart. No, he was a great person. My brother is a great person, and he deserved Gwen until his colossal fuckup. His fuckup ruined several of our lives. It ruined his life. Arthur will ruin Mithian's life. It complicated my life. Gwen is happy as a clam. Go figure. Happiness is life without a Pendragon.
"It is rather odd about Gwen, isn't it," Mithian remarked. "She certainly dates wealthy men. First, Arthur. She is currently dating Gwaine. She survived her breakup."
The wench delicately sipped a cup of steaming tea. She projected such a ladylike demeanor. What a bitch with pearls? Sweet old ladies wearing pearls at 9 in the morning. Fake shrew! She's an insult to sluts across a vastly globe world. I need to call Arthur names. Dumb ass is always good from That Seventies Show! He is a dumb ass! He can't even locate a hole in soaking wet paper bag! Will my baby curse? You aren't supposed to be mean when you are with child. Screw Morgause too! You should be nice to people, Morgana.
"Actually, Gwen's father was friends with Gwaine's father. They knew each other for years. Gwaine taught Gwen how to ride a bike with Eylan. They played tag together. So many pictures of Gwen, Gwaine, and Eylan playing on Gwaine's father estate, or in Notting Hill.
I enjoyed a flicker of emotion across Arthurs face. I decided to continue my little story.
"Gwen benefited from Uther being an arse in a horrible way. She lost her father; Tom was a good father. Our dear father was tipsy; he accidentally killed Gwen's father. Quite hush hush; she didn't know I was a Pendragon. I used Mother's last name to escape scrutiny. Isn't that right Arthur," I challenged.
Arthur viewed Mithian with cold blue eyes, emotionless. Oh, someone dared to speak ill of Guinevere in his presence.
"Guinevere is a lovely, caring, smart sweet girl. I pursued her relentlessly after Morgana brought her home for a holiday. She was unique, unspoiled and vulnerable. I loved her deeply. I will always care for her. You will not speak another ill word about her, Mithian. You will not speak of her again. I don't want you to speak her name in my presence. I will not hear about her relationship with Gwaine at my breakfast's table. Not in my home."
Mithian paled a few shades under her perfectly applied foundation. Did she really expect Arthur to stop loving Gwen? Poor Mithian, she underestimated Gwen's hold on Arthur's heart.
"Arthur, I didn't mean any offence to Gwen. It's just odd that she was able to find another wealthy man."
"Gwaine took advantage of her despair. He crept like a snake into her life. She would have said no, if she thought clearly."
An odd emotion flashed across Mithian's face," So, you believe Gwen isn't in love with Gwaine, Arthur?"
"It's lust, Mithian. Sooner or later, he will tired of her. Look at them, he constantly touches her."
I swallowed a huge mouthful of food. I had manners until I became pregnant. I had heard enough of Arthur's delusional babble and Nosey Nancy ideas about Gwen.
"Gwaine touches Gwen because they have a healthy sex life. He touches her to show everyone that Gwen is his woman, downright primal. He's been in love with her since she was a teenager. Arthur, you trampled on Gwaine's dream. They were friends. Now, they are lovers. Arthur, you were Gwen's first love. Her first lover. She was your first love. That's a hard connection to break unless someone spectacular enters your life. Then, you can move on to another love."
Mithian ruffled her feathers like a swan, proudly. I should have kept my mouth shut.
"Gwaine makes Gwen sparkle… she moved on. Don't worry about Gwen and Gwaine."
I spoke her name in his presence. I did resist the urge to scream Gwen, over and over again.
Granny
I don't have an immediate preference for any of these people except my family. This birthday party was not my idea. I requested a cake and dinner at my home with my family. How many times can I think "my." My foolish son along with his equally foolish wife created a spectacle. Of course my son ignored my request. People smiled at me, but they are really reflect on my age. Will the old girl make it to 91? I thought that she was already dead. She must have had a ton of work done. Nothing plastic about me. No, I don't smoke. I rarely intake alcohol. I exercise daily. I eat well. Staying alive is a great job, and sometime, I don't enjoy working so hard to keep death away. Tonight, I could inhale cyanide. My feet are achy.
My eyes diverted to my favorite grandson. I love all of them, but Gwaine has my spirit. He didn't join his father and brothers in banking. He loathed the idea of a daily suit and tie. He followed his dreams. They took him around the world. He's saving animals, conserving resources, and using his imagination. I stared at him; he's a different man. Love has changed my boy. His grandfather was twenty years my senior. A crusty old bachelor until I wrapped him around my fingers with a dazzling charm paired with good sex. Romance, we spoke for hours. He was fascinating. Overnight, we were in love. It was quite a scandal. His brother's wife planned for her son to become the next Duke. I fixed my husband's heir problem rather quickly.
I noticed Gwaine's hand resting comfortably on Gwen's hip. Occasionally, I caught a loving look between them. She was rather darling in a dress decorated with huge red poppies paired with delicate black heels. I did need to speak to my boy about resting his hand on her bum.
I smiled kindly at well-wishers as I strolled over to my grandson.
"Gwaine," I crooned.
"Yes, Granny," he responded lovingly.
"I think I need a spin on the dance floor. They're playing our song.
I pressed a kiss to Gwen's cheek before he led me to the dance floor.
People had the nerve to mist over their eyes. This is a business conversation. Gwaine is my last hope. I want a granddaughter. He has to have a few X's in him.
"Gwaine."
"Granny."
"When are you going to stop sampling the milk for free?"
"What?"
What they doesn't use cute saying to refer to sex any longer?
"When is Gwen going to change her last name to ours?"
"I suppose we should date for a year."
"Rubbish, I dated your grandfather for two months before our engagement. He courted me, not dated. Court her, not date her. We married four months after our engagement. Your father was born nine months after our wedding. He enjoyed sipping my milk… he put a ring on it."
Gwaine stilled in my arms. I do enjoy shocking them.
"People wait now."
"We aren't people; we set standards, we don't follow them. Do you love her?"
"Yes."
"Does she love you?"
"Yes."
"Do you speak of a future?"
"Yes."
"You talk?"
"Yes."
"The sex is obviously above average. You can't keep your hands off of Gwen."
"Granny!"
Carefully, I slipped a family ring from one of my winkled rings. I dropped in his pocket.
"My birthday gift from you is love. Ask her. Don't wait for a perfect time. Love is not perfect."
"Granny…"
"Love isn't made for doubts and pauses."
"I love you, Granny."
"I love you. Don't lose that ring."
"I understand."
Our music stopped, and ever the gentlemen Gwaine bowed as he kissed my hand. I watched my grandsons happy in life and love with their partners.
"Lady Eleanor," a voice rumbled behind me.
I turned to gaze at Merlin and a rather lovely older man.
"Good evening, Merlin," I responded into his smiling face.
"This is my Uncle Gaius. He's not married. "
I laughed when Gaius flushed bright red.
"Well, come not married Uncle, I require a drink."
Gwaine
This is rather awful. I can't stop holding Gwen tightly to my chest. I pressed another soft kiss on her swollen lips. I shouldn't have kissed her so passionately. I pressed my forehead to Gwen's.
"I'll text, email, and Skype daily. Don't stay up waiting for a call. I'll call when you're awake. "
"I can stay up," Gwen protested.
"Listen to my words, I'll miss you. I love you. I can't believe that I'm leaving for 14 days."
"It will go quick," Gwen consoled. "I love you too."
I gave her one last kiss before I left my heart in Elyan's flat. Maybe, I should go back inside and propose. Maybe, my grandmother is right. Why does love have to wait? Maybe, if she was my wife, leaving wouldn't be so hard?
Merlin
Freya is so pretty, and she laughed at my joke. It was a stupid joke. Morgana rolled her eyes, and her son delivered a sharp kick for being mean. He's on my side. I have a brilliant idea… a party. She can come to my house; it won't be creepy. Gwen and her friends will join us. Some of my friends will come. We can eat and dance. I have to send it tonight. Gwen's birthday party is in a fortnight. This weekend. I'll use an online invite thing.
I researched a site on the web; I made an invitation. It's free. It was so easy; the program will use my email list. Yes, I am a nerd-I asked for email, not her number. She did give me an odd look. I should have asked for her number. I selected people from my contact list with a few little checks. I checked Arthur and Mithian to delete them. I can't have Arthur there. He will ruin everything. I clicked on Morgause as well. Everything looked perfect. I pressed invite to send my invite.
Gwen and Elyan
"Merlin invited to his house for a party on Saturday, Gwen."
"I know. He sent me a text about his party. He wants to spend time with Freya. We're going to help with food and music, possibly decorations. Arthur isn't invited," Gwen responded.
"I'll click accept," I mused happily. "Freya is sweet. I'll invite Viv."
Morgana
A party at Merlin's house. Lovely food for my little darling. I'll invite Edwin.
Morgause
A party at Merlin's? I would say no, but I need to speak with Morgana without that man lurking about.
Percy
Party, I'll be there.
Leon
I don't have any other plans.
Gwaine
I'm gone. Merlin is hosting a party. I'll crack Pendragons' ribs again, if he bothers Gwen.
Freya, Sophia, and Nimueh
"That bloke invited me to a party. He is interested," Freya babbled. "Care to come with?"
Arthur and Mithian
"Damn Merlin, he sent me two invites to his party on Saturday night. I hate junk mail."
"Are you going," Mithian asked.
"We're going. He's my best friend."
"Who else is going?"
"I don't have a copy of the guest list."
Mithian smiled at me brightly.
Elena and Lancelot
"You are actually reading your email," I screamed at my stupid husband.
Lancelot gave a brief shrug of his shoulder," We have to wait two minutes. Merlin invited us to a party."
"I might be pregnant. You want to go to a party."
"Food?"
"Shut up, Lancelot. I hear you mumbling."
I walked back into a bathroom. I didn't really want to touch it. I peed on a stick. Damn, it's pink.
"We need a bigger place to live, Lancelot."