QUEST FOR GUINEVERE

Rating: M (A Little Violence & Sexual Content may not be suitable for persons under 18yrs)

Disclaimer: DONOT OWN MERLIN BBC, Content or characters.

"Home to Camiliard continued"

Again no beta sorry, so if you spot any typo's please let me know, and I shall endeavor to correct them*smiles* also just a quick mention" I would have posted this chapter earlier but I'm sure your all aware that we've all been experiencing some site Issues"so yeh just quick apologie for the wait,' thanks so much for hanging in there guyz!"**Enjoy**

Chapter 10

The small Party arrived late afternoon, just before dusk' on the outskirts of Camiliard's boarders. Gently I roused Guinevere to let her know we were now entering Camiliard's territory, she stirred slightly looking up at me with blinking eyes as she then gently asked...

Arthur," how do you know we're in Camiliard?"...

Smiling at her, I then told her...

"When I was a much younger lad I accompanied my father, when he briefly passed through these Lands..."

turning as we were then alerted to Lancelot' who had now rode up along side us, saying...

Arthur,' Gwen,.. I'm sure you are already well aware of where we are'?... nodding, I then asked...

So how far from the actual City are we, Sir Lancelot?"

I'd say, we are less than a half days ride from the actual city itself, my lord.

"looking around at our other riding companions, who all looked more than a little weary, and more than seemed like they could all do with a break from their saddles, I then advised Lancelot...

Sir Lancelot, I think it best that we make camp tonight, get a fresh start early in the morning...with a look of agreement, he grinned, saying...

Isn't it amazing how great minds think a like Sire; we laughed sharing in the humor that Sir Lancelot & myself, were not all too different in our thinking, as he then said...

"I totally agree Arthur...as he too now looked around at his comarades, saying..

...Yes, I dare say we might well benefit from a good nights rest,' as I'm also sure you know as well as I sire that Camiliard's guards would soon be Patrolling the area just outside of the City and most likely wouldn't take too kindly to strangers approaching the City, especially so late in the evening".

I was in total agreeance with Sir Lancelot, for I knew that it was exactly the same at home, back in Camelot.

Lancelot than suggested that he knew of the perfect place for us to set up camp, which was just a kilometer away, up over the next ridge that had plenty of shelter & just below it a little valley where we would be able to give our horses fresh water, wash up and bath, possibly rid ourselves of some of the travel dust before we entered into the City tomorrow. But for now, a good nights sleep and rest was well required" as we all agreed that being well rested would be better before continuing on." As we reached the peak of the ridge we finally came to the small clearing that Lancelot had spoke of, it was exactly what he had said it would be' for there was plenty of shelter in the form of over hanging tree's but what he had fail to mention was the beautiful aroma of wild flowers and Jazzmon that hung in the air & wild flora and fauna that grew there, it had to be easily one of the most beautiful area's and aroma's one could ever imagine." The aroma filled our nostrils and senses, but the most spectacular of all was the view" for it was absolutely breath taking as we all sat on our horses just staring out across the distance at the beautiful city of Camiliard, & just descending below us was a small valley that encompassed a beautiful little stream of crystal clear waters that ran through it's lands. Although just a little after dusk now, we still found ourselves looking out across the distance to par-take of it's beautiful views & shimmering lights of the fair City of Camilliard, which was such a picture to behold.

Guinevere and I stared and marveled at the bright skyline' and twinkling lights that lit up it's beautiful City, for it really was, truly breath taking." Lancelot now riding up along side Guinevere and I as he turned to us both, directing a smile at Guinevere saying...

"Welcome home my Lady?"...

We both smiled at Lancelot, and slowly breathed in it's beauty. Looking at Guinevere I suddenly felt a twinge of emotion inside of me as I watched Gwen" staring out across the distance towards Camiliard, seeing a mixture of emotion that now adorned her beautiful face, I had to wonder to myself what was she thinking" I could clearly sense and see immediately that she was experiencing feelings of anxiety & nervousness happiness also a tinge of sadness " I gently took her little hand in mine and squeezed it gently at hopes to calm and ease her as I gently whispered in her ear...

"Everything will be fine,' you will see my love"...

she gently turned to me and said...

How did I ever get so lucky, smiling at me she then said... "Arthur, do you know' exactly how much I love you?

I smiled at her, saying...

"Well my love, Yes I do, or though I never tire of hearing you tell me how much you love me"...

She giggled and leant up and kissed me, I then answered her sweet beautiful lips with my own' & deepen our kiss with my tongue as it now sought the very sweet contours of her mouth. I held her closer to me' she felt so wonderful, so soft, so sweet and so beautifully gentle.

After dinner we all sat around the Camp fire' digesting our meals relaxing sharing stories, laughing but it wasn't until Lancelot asked the burning question that had been on the verge of everyone's lips' and no doubt had plagued everyone's minds, but however personal or private' the question, Lancelot felt he had to ask it" just the same, as he then began to direct his question to Guinevere …

"My Lady? I did not know you were so skilled a swords woman for you are truly a remarkable and very skillful warrior?

At hearing Lancelot's question Gwen, blushed & shyly looked up from the flames of the fire to see us all now staring at her as she nervously looked back down at the ground again, before answering Lancelot's question with a reply" but slowly looking up again at us all, Gwen smiled" as she realized that we were all now eagerly awaiting with much intrigue as to her reply." taking a deep breathe she then began to say a little nervously...

"Yes' Sir Lancelot, thank you, I know that it is not the done thing for a woman to know such things, But I, I...was trained & taught from my infancy at a very young age all forms of self defense swordsmanship, arm to arm combat from my Father,' as he felt it was just as important for his daughter to learn combat skills as it was to learn how to keep a home, or at least to learn how to protect myself if at all when the time came I would know exactly what to do". I have never spoken of it because it is not something that any young woman should speak of, being that we are not meant to know about such things. But I have always 'loved' the art of combat Archery, swordsmanship, hunting, fishing, all of it, and when my father was alive we would often share a lot of time together doing such things. Being a blacksmiths daughter has had it's useful advantages,' not only was I trained in wielding such weaponry, But I was also taught how to make them, and so spent many a hours in my fathers keep, forging Armor, Swords and crossbows. But as I have mentioned being a young woman" we're expected not to know" or speak of such things and so' my father felt it best to keep my armory, both weaponry and combat training hidden from prying eyes as it would have surely been frowned upon by other towns people, and quite unseemly for a young woman to know such things. So most of my training would take place under cover of night or early mornings. And since my beloved Father's death, I have had to keep up my training on my own, of which I still do in the we hours of early dawn, or if I was ever able, to finish work early, I'd make the time to train then.

Listening to Guinevere talk about such things, I had to say was quite surreal" But I had remembered on a number of occasions her expertise in bracing my Armor to my body, which if I had to be honest, I absolutely delighted in, for it allowed me ample opportunities to be alone with her even if it was for the briefest of moments, and besides I much preferred her soft touch as oppose to "Merlins" befuddled workings"

We all sat listening to her talk of weaponry and Armor and Combat training as if it were simply a natural subject for her to speak of" and in turn could tell that she most certainly had a deep respect for the Art form, and just as much respect, love and admiration for the Person that had tutored her.

I watched and listened to Guinevere as she spoke of her father and the love and pain behind her eyes' as she proudly garnered him, tears now threaten to sting at the corners of her eyes at the loss of a beloved Father her voice quivered' her thoughts were now preoccupied of him.

We all smiled at Gwen and thanked her for sharing her Story with us" smiling at us all she then said...

"No, it is I,' who must thank you all, especially for making this journey with myself and Sir Lancelot,...I cannot begin to tell you all just how grateful I am and cannot think of any better traveling companions.

Lancelot lifting his goblet smiled and cheered saying...

"Here! Here!..

As he smiled at Gwen, saying"...

My lady, I'm not sure if you were ever aware' but did you know that your father was very much revered & a Great' Leader, infact It was said, he to be one of the Greatest if not" "THE" Greatest Warrior and Leader that had ever Lived!", One of the highest ranking Knight's my lady" and was widely known for having Lead one of the Greatest Armies ever known!" called..."THE KNIGHTS REALM!"

"Upon hearing this, all of us Lads, who were quietly seated by the camp fire gasped at the mere mention of the Knights Realm for it was Greatly known back in times of the old religion. Yes indeed the Knights Realm were truly a force to be reckoned with and unrelentingly formidable Elete Army.

Yes' my lady Your Father, I believe was quite Legendary" not just here in Camiliard, but across a vast many a Kingdom and his reputation greatly proceeded him, right up into the northern plains,' I was told…

Gwen now looked at Lancelot smiled & then began to say"...

"Please Lancelot we have been friends many a Years, please call me Gwen"...

Of cause, we too' now smiled at Sir Lancelot's recognition of address to Gwen." However it was what Lancelot had shared about Gwen's father that now had all of us very intrigued as we now listened to what Lancelot had to say, and waited to hear more of what exactly he knew as he continued...

As I mentioned Gwen,' Your father was the Greatest' Knight these lands and the kingdom of Camiliard had ever known and they called him the…"DARK KNIGHT".

We all now looked at one another in astonishment, with all our mouths agape, for everyone knew of the Legendary stories of the GREAT DARK KNIGHT, for his Heroism and for having Lead one of the Greatest Armies in all of the 5 Kingdoms. Vastly legendary and known for his mighty strength, and even more so for his kindness and great nobel deeds, for I myself just could not fathom what Lancelot was saying," not that I thought it' not to be untrue, but I myself remembered as a small child my nurse use to tell me bedtime stories of the Dark Knights Heroic deeds and I would dream dreams of being the dark Knight in my sleep. But alas as the years passed the stories became more mythical legend" than reality.

Completely astounded we could not believe that Guinevere had such a deep and intriguing family Lineage

Guinevere now smiling at Lancelot, then said...

"Well Sir Lancelot I can't say that I ever knew your "LEGENDARY KNIGHT", But I definitely knew the man" and he was a very special person and a wonderful human being of whom I will cherish and miss always. I am so very grateful and privilege to have known such a great man and wonderful father and even more grateful for the times we shared together which I will always cherish.

Gwen now feeling tears starting to well up in her eyes again as she spoke of her father, quickly excusing herself as she said…

'Please excuse me gentleman I feel I may have been sitting far too long, I think I'll just stretch my legs a little, and with that Gwen stood and walked away to reflect.

Leon, Gwaine Myself and Merlin however were far too intrigued with Lancelot's story and continued to press him for more information on Guinevere's Father as we all found ourselves asking...

"So what of Guinevere's father?, What Happended to him?"...and so' quietly listened as Lancelot continued to say...

Well apparently he suffered an attack of some kind, I'm not exactly sure of all the details, but I do know that it was during an attack against the Kingdom of Camiliard, and apparently he went down fighting right to his last breathe" But not without wiping out most of the bandits before his fatal end.

Myself and the Lads were totally enthralled in the story that Lancelot was relaying to us, and could not fathom any of what he was saying to be so real" but alas we were all so intrigued and bid Sir Lancelot to continue with his story...

"Well"...

The story goes that when Sir Lord Thomas came to Camiliard he was already a revered Knight and Great Leader of a Formidable Army, it was here in Camiliard that he met" Princess Jacqualine,' Guinevere's mother for the first time", they instantly fell deeply in love, but unbeknownst to Jacqueline and Lord Thomas, their Love was soon to be doomed" as there was also another who garnered and strived to win the affections of the Beautiful princess. An Evil Jealous Sorcerer" by the name of ..."AGGAMEMNON." Aggamemnon blackmailed King Michael and forced the King's hand to allow him to marry his daughter' King Michael begged Aggamemnon not to take his only daughter and pleaded with him that he would give him anything else, but not to ask for the one thing he cherished most in this world.

But Aggamemnon sneered and said that he did not care of what the wealthy King cherished" he wanted Jacqueline and he would have her. Still the King pleaded with Aggamemnon, this sent the evil sorcerer into blazing fit of rage, as he grew impatient with the King's constant defiance and swore to kill King Michael" if it were not for Jacqueline, who begged for her fathers life, Jacqueline gave her word that she would marry him if he promised that he would not kill her Father. However, as it turns out Princess Jacqueline was already with child;" hers & her beloved's, Lord Thomas' and in a Secret Ceremony they married without Aggamemnon's knowledge. Aggamemnon hearing the news that Jacqueline was with child screamed in outraged & said that it did not matter to him' as he would just kill the bastard child and it's father, again Jacqueline begged the evil tyrant that she would agree to give him anything he desired" marriage monies Lands anything" as long as he would agree to let her keep her child" and as for the father of the child, She had lied and told Aggamemnon that the Father of her child' was no longer a threat as he had been killed in battle. Of cause again eventually the evil tyrant relented believing that what Jacqueline had told him was the truth. King Michael had no choice but to give his consent to Aggamemnon. Even though the kindly King knew of his daughter's marriage to Lord Thomas and of cause Lord Thomas and Jacqueline's undying love for each other, he was still forced to consent.

Arthur's thoughts:

Hearing this tail of events" I felt so deeply for my love" and listened as Lancelot continued his story of the Duhlongcrae & Leodegrance Family lineage or be it; "CURSE", I couldn't help but feel such a loss for Guinevere as I listened to Lancelot, and kept my gaze focused on Guinevere, she had been so deprived of a love and loss of a mother much like myself and now a father and no less partly by her own Grand father King Michael!, but more so from the Evil Tyrant Sorcerer "AGGAMEMNON"..

Arthur still listened to Lancelot as he continued…

"In the coming Months all through her Pregnancy, Princess Jacqueline awaited the birth of her child and prayed relentlessly that no harm would befall her beloved or their unborn child.

Lord Thomas and Jacqueline managed to meet in secret" Every time they met Lord Thomas would try to plead with Jacqueline to leave with him or at least to let him face Aggamemnon in combat, but she would not fearing that Aggamemnon and his brutal thugs would kill him' or if she were to Leave" worse still; Kill her father!". So their love continued undercover of dark or whenever they could steal a moment or two together, Jacqueline tried numerous times to beg her love to stay away, to forget about her to move on But Lord Thomas said he would die first before he would ever give her up!

Arthur's thoughts:

Arthur felt the all consuming feelings of remorse' and anxiety as he instantly knew just how Lord Thomas must have 'felt, there was no way he would ever give up Guinevere!" if he had to walk on hot coals in the very depths of hell itself he would do it! He would fight to the death for his beloved even if it meant the sacrifice of "his own life!" he would give it willingly"

"When the time came for Jacqueline to have her child," sadly she died giving birth.' Aggamemnon had quickly learnt news of Jacqueline's death again this sent the evil tyrant into an outrageous fit" as he quickly sent word to King Michael that he would arrive within days to witness the act for himself. However during the birthing of Jacqueline's child, unbeknownst to Aggamemnon, Jacqueline did die in child bearing," but was survived by two beautiful healthy strong little babies; twins, a Boy and a Girl…the girl being the firstborn and a Son being the second", the sad King quickly came up with a plan to conceal the truth from Aggamemnon, the King quickly had his grandchildren sent safely away from the castle in a secret location." Using the deceased infant of one of his household servants as his daughter's dead child, the King had had to hope that his plan would work. Upon Aggamemnon's arrival he witnessed for himself the cold lifeless body of both mother and child laying in the open casket, heavy laden King Michael openly grieved the loss of his beloved daughter & grandchild", Aggamemnon sneered at the King saying"...

"You are so weak and pathetic " I demand recompense of losses by way of Lands and Monies, of which King Michael agreed to.

To this day, know one knows just exactly what it was that the Evil Tyrant Sorcerer held over the Young King, and of cause' King Michael himself has never ever again uttered another word on the whole matter' not even to myself, Sir Lancelot said.

However Sir Lord Thomas, upon receiving news of Jacqueline's death, heartbroken and torn, had been advised that his love" had given birth to twins' a boy and a girl alive and healthy but were in hiding. Lord Thomas vowled that he would have his revenge for his beloved's death & that her death would not go unpunished. Lord Thomas then went to see King Michael and told him that he knew of his son and daughter and demanded the King to give to him his daughter" He would allow King Michael to Keep his Son" whom Lord Thomas named Eylan after his own father. Lord Thomas knew the King too was heart-broken and torn but would allow him, to raise his only Son, and knew that the kind King would do everything in his power to protect Elyan and keep him safe. But as for the his daughter" he feared the worse and felt if Aggamemnon were to learn of her existence, he then too would surely want to marry her when she became of marriageable age."

King Michael, Listened to Lord Thomas' knowing full well that the words he had spoken were nothing but the truth.

"Heartbroken & torn, the King blamed himself for everything, and had felt all that had happened had been done at his own hand and has never ever stopped blaming himself for his beloved daughters death. Quickly however, both Lord Thomas and the King hatched their plan…Lord Thomas would go faraway leaving no clue or trace of his existence or his daughters" the King felt sorrow at his words but knew that it would be safer for his grand daughter.

Before their departure from Camilliard, King Michael secretly had both Guinevere & Elyan christened and named Guinevere Jacqueline Duhlongcrae Leodegrance, and his grandson, Elyan Perre' Louie Duhlongcrae Leodegrance but never ever had it recorded down fearing that Aggamemnon may learn of their existence.

King Michael with tears in his eyes" holding his small grand child for the last time pressed into Guinevere's tiny little hand a little brown pouch and wrapped the child in her swaddle gently pressing soft kisses to her forehead as his tears continued to roll down his face as he handed Guinevere to her father.

That night Lord Thomas stood at his beloved's opened casket now leaning against it as he openly sobbed with his small bundle gently nestled in his arms,' looking down into his beautiful little baby girl's gentle eyes like her mothers, as he sobbed tears for his love saying to his love that she has your eyes my love and vowled a promise to her' that he would return, find Agamemnon and take his revenge for her death. Not being able to stop the Onslaught of tears' now streaming down his face' nor the agonizing pain in his Heart he gently opened Guinevere's swaddle as if trying to show his love their beautiful daughter. With clouded eyes Lord Thomas now gently leaned down to Kiss his beloved's cold lifeless body and lingered on her Lips as he gently ran his hand over her cold gentle beautiful face for the last time.' With heart-wrenching sobs of emotions" he tore himself away" now leaving behind him his Love!, his Life!" soft cries from his precious baby daughter now alerted him to his mission, so there' that Night, under cover of darkness Lord Thomas and his small baby child disappeared and were never to be seen again."

"But Leaving undercover of Darkness, like a thief in the night was the worse and hardest thing that Lord Thomas had ever had to do" He never ever wanted to leave in such away which felt like to him, so very Cowardice" for inside of him there grew an angry beast for the Death of his LOVE!" and knew that his real Purpose was wanting to find the brutal bastard that tore his world apart and had taken from him the one thing he loved and cherished in all this World" his love and Life, but he would have his revenge, he would be back! He would find Aggamemnon and END HIM! But first he had to bide his time," and would be back' to take his REVENGE' and spill AGGAMEMNON'S blood; putting an END to him FOR GOOD" as penance for his crimes against Lord Thomas himself and his family!" Only then, did Lord Thomas feel that his sweet Wife's soul could rest Peacefully."

But for right now, well right now, he knew he had to protect & worry about his small child she needed him just as much as he needed to ensure her safety and more then anything to get her safely out of Camillard and as far away from Aggarmemnon as possible .

Hearing this chilling tail seemed so surreal for all of the Lads' as they now all looked at one another feeling such remorse for Guinevere and her Family...

Sat beside Lancelot Arthur had found himself asking Lancelot...

"Is Guinevere aware of what has passed or happened?"

Lancelot looked down at the ground," that had instantly told Arthur all he needed to know" as he then rested a hand on his shoulder saying...

I think it best Sir Lancelot, that she not know for now"… smiling' back at Arthur, Lancelot then said...

"I think you maybe right Arthur.

Arthur looking around the campfire could feel the sadness for Guinevere from their friends, as he then attempted to break the somber mood by saying…

"So" hows about brewing us a pot of tea Merlin"...let us liven up the mood lads come on?"

Merlin of cause smirking at Arthur then heard himself saying to Arthur... '

"Since you're in such a chippa mood why don't you make it!

Arthur then gave Merlin his all knowing look" & then said... SHUT UP MERLIN!.. Straight away Merlin jumped to his feet grumbling under his breathe" Arthur then said…

"And without the theatrics please Merlin if you don't mind?

Lancelot, Gwaine and Leon were now laughing at Merlin as he was still grumbling away in the background.

Arthur joining in the banter" then said...

Aaah' now that's more like it lads"... as he then to found himself standing, saying...

'Well if you don't mind, I too, think I may have sat a little too long" and need to stretch my legs, so please, if you all excuse me lads, I shall leave you all in the very capable hands of "Merlin!, who of cause was still grumbling in the background, and with that Arthur left the lads to their quiet conversations and laughter, as he stood and excused himself.

Quietly he joined Guinevere, walking up behind her as he gently wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, gently pulling her in closer to him as he then bent his head and whispered in her ear'…

"Would you prefer' I left you alone" with your thoughts?

Guinevere gently squeezed his arms and held him tighter to her." Turning in his arms to face Arthur, as they now' both looked deeply into each other eyes. Arthur could see all the tail tell signs that she had been crying and gently kissed away her tears as he then pressed his lips to hers as if to let her know that he would always be there for her no matter what!" Gwen relished the feeling of having him so close to her and of cause his lips so softly pressed to hers. Arthur, wanted to show Guinevere that she could depend on him and that he would never give up on her!" on them!" not for anyone!" Arthur now thought about Lord Thomas and how brutally heartbreaking it must have been for him to loose the love of his Life in such a way, and vowel that "NO ONE," NOT ANYBODY!" was going to take away his LOVE" and so swore to himself that he would hunt the tyrant to the ends of this Earth if they were to even TRY!" But here holding Guinevere in his Arms was now the only place in the World he ever wanted to be, she was his "heart" and the Love of his Life!" Arthur had now, more then anything, loved the feel of his love's sweet little form pressed softly against him as they both now stood quietly holding each other, and knew, just as sure as there is night and day" that he would make Guinevere his QUEEN and would do anything!" anything!" to Protect and ensure her safety and of cause now more then anything their' "DESTINE FUTURE TOGETHER!"

AN: Okay, so this is all very surprising I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, actually I didn't realize I was going to get that in-depth about Guinevere's Parents" but now that I have, I'm actually glad I did! and I hope you guys were taken on that Journey with me! And of cause all the other little surprising tidbitz about Gwen." Well guys' upwards and onwards I say to the next chapter. The "REUNION", obviously nerves are setting in" as Guinevere now anticipates the long awaited meeting of both her Grandfather and brother, how will things turnout!" as always guys, your comments, thoughts and reviews are appreciated" and again thanks so very much for all your heart felt reviews' it's been really awesome to read them all thanx and a very special thankyou to Larasmith who has provided me with quite abit of Food for thought" thanx so much I've so enjoyed reading your somewhat "lengthy" but very enlightening reviews'*smiles* you are absolutely "Stunning!"**kohimoana** xx