This isn't quite how I planned to end this chapter, but it will take it to part of the storyline I want to write, and will hopefully get me doing a bit more.

"And why are you telling me this?" Gwaine asked Meliodas two days later as they ambled through the market. Benjamin trotted along behind them carrying Gwaine's chain mail, which had been slightly damaged in the altercation with the raiders.

"I thought you should be told."

"You have no obligation to tell me."

"No, I do not," Meliodas said, making a show of eyeing a pen of piglets. Gwaine watched him in irritation. He had been irritated the moment that Meliodas, with particular emphasis had hinted that maybe he needed to get a few things at market. Gwaine had commented he ought to look for some material to make Benjamin a new tunic, for special occasions. Benjamin hadn't replied. He had been pleased that Gwaine had said he liked his new tunic, then some gentle teasing from Gwaine wiped the happy smile off the youth's face. Gwaine took some time to reassure him he hadn't meant it maliciously but he guessed Benjamin remained slightly sceptical, which he couldn't be blamed for.

But Benjamin's wardrobe had not been the reason Meliodas had suggested the trip. As soon as they had walked into the bustling market his bodyguard had started to talk to Gwaine in a low tone, relaying all that had been said between him and the king. That was when Gwaine realised, the purpose of the trip was a private conversation, away from the castle, and within the bustle of the market no one would hear anything, and just see a congenial conversation between the prince and his bodyguard. Which was the facade they were both maintaining.

The chain mail hardly needed much repairing, but again, it provided a reason for shopping. Gwaine turned his head and saw the stall that displayed several bolts of material.

"I suppose we had better do some shopping," Gwaine said walking over to the stall, he cast his eyes over some of the material.

"It would prove natural. However," Meliodas said, returning to the topic in question. "Despite having no actual obligation to tell you anything, I feel it is the honourable thing to do, considering some of the nature of the conversation."

"Like bringing Benjamin into it," Gwaine hissed before the little serving boy got into earshot. Meliodas' face didn't flicker at the flare of anger.

"It seemed a wise precaution, and I worded it as best I could to ensure that the boy stays in a safe position."

Gwaine raised his eyebrows.

"By your side," Meliodas clarified. Gwaine frowned, and started to flip through the material looking for something he liked.

"I'm not sure how safe that may be."

"Safer than away from it, at least for now," Meliodas commented easing a bolt of blue fabric aside to look at the one underneath. "I believe you said green would suit him."

Gwaine rolled his eyes. "Benjamin."

The youth shuffled forward and Gwaine pulled the fabric out to hold it up against the boy's shoulder, eyeing it critically.

"Huumm," Gwaine murmured. Benjamin peered at the rich green fabric and then looked back up at Gwaine. "What do you think?" Gwaine asked him.

"It's nice, My Lord," Benjamin offered tentatively, knowing that Gwaine expected him to answer.

"Do you like it? You could do with something a little more formal to wear, should the occasion require it."

Benjamin looked back down at the green material, and then down at the patchwork tunic he had fashioned, which he had felt quite proud of, it had been the best item of clothing he had ever owned, made from the remains of Gwaine's old clothes lingering in the chest from years ago. He had known that most people would laugh at him, that he could accept; but Gwaine's teasing, however gently meant, had reduced him to tears. Now he wasn't sure if Gwaine was having another joke at his expense. When he looked back up again he flushed, deciding - then he realised not just deciding - but knowing that Gwaine wouldn't do that.

"What occasion?" Meliodas asked.

Gwaine shrugged, recalling his duties from Camelot, and realising the stallholder was in earshot, decided to behave as people expected him to.

"Boring formal dinners, knighting ceremonies, tedious negotiations with other nobles, the list could be endless. A boring endless list, and if I'm bored, other people have to be bored alongside me. And that means you Benjamin."

That seemed to make up Gwaine's mind. "I want four folds of this, you can make it up into something," he informed the youth. "You certainly have that talent, and you can give me six folds of that leather, I need new gauntlets and something for hawking and also a new riding tunic."

Gwaine turned his eyes to Benjamin.

"You've done a good job clearing everything out of my room and tidying up, now you need to start doing it to me and my equipment, since I no longer have my previous colours. I wonder if I should buy some red material."

"That may be unwise My Lord," Meliodas said smoothly, with a hint that he was going to add something else. But he paused, eyes drifting, before glancing back at Gwaine. Without even being subtle about it Gwaine turned his head to meet Shaylee's gaze. Gwaine gave her a congenial looking smile, which went nowhere near his eyes, and a brief bow. Shaylee, although she was carrying a shopping basket didn't appear to be buying anything. Gwaine leant over towards Meliodas.

"I'm presuming she's not being subtle on purpose."

Meliodas' face stayed perfectly still as he said, "I'm not entirely certain she understands subtly as a concept."

"Well, either way, let's give the mare some good exercise," Gwaine said, he rummaged in his coin purse, which was far more loaded than it usually was, thanks to his father casually handing it to him. Not that Gwaine was expected to use it, especially since the stall holder tried to defer him paying, offering the material as a gift. Gwaine ignored the fear in the man's eyes, and brushed aside the objections, and handed out the coins.

"Always the best method, pay your way," Gwaine said. It would annoy his father if nothing else. The soldiers sometimes did the same thing, Gwaine wasn't going to, even if it was just on principle. Quite frankly he wondered how any of the stall holders managed to make a living. Gwaine paid generously, loaded Benjamin up and they carried on their merry way around the market. He also paused to buy some pies for them all. Benjamin looked awestruck by his, as he struggled to eat it around all the packages he was holding. In the end Meliodas relieved him of the chainmail to make it easier for him.

"I'm fine Sire," he added smoothly to Gwaine as the prince tried to take it from him. They all went back to strolling along and eating the remains of the pies. Gwaine felt like he was starting to enjoy himself, then he looked at Meliodas and remembered the reason for this outing; the conversation they were having, in the safe noise of the market. Shaylee still tailed along behind them, her basket empty, even though she had to make a show of looking at a stall every time they paused. Gwaine gestured to a skinny looking boy hovering on the edge of the market, he was clearly looking to snatch a coin purse. The youth hesitated until he saw the two shiny silver coins.

"Stay ahead of the blonde lady with the empty basket and ask the stall holders to be more enthusiastic with their selling. I'll pay for it, if I see it."

"That's a lot of work."

"I've just given you more than you can make in a week running around snatching at purses. And the lady at the pie stall will give you pies for a week, since I've already paid her for them. Tell her you're collecting, one at a time."

Meliodas raised his eyebrows.

"Go on," Gwaine said. The skinny youth took the coins and ran off.

"I wondered about that instruction."

"So you didn't realise that she knew exactly who I was talking about requiring their collection and that the woman on that stall is that boy's mother, and all these people are struggling to survive and helping each other. The one on the material stall pressed us to drink at mead vendor, he emphasized the pies, and I am the only person really paying for my wares. They want me to shop everywhere, I am happy do so. Oh... vegetables... Benjamin, you need to eat more vegetables... can you make stew?"

"Yes my Lord."

Gwaine nodded, looked over the cabbages on display and looked over at a now inundated Shaylee.

"Probably best to drop the chain mail off first," Gwaine announced striding off with his entourage in tow. He felt amused for the first time as he walked into the forge. Not happy, or overwhelmed with laughter, but he had left Shaylee in a predicament and there was something quite satisfying in that.

Gwaine paused as they entered the forge. The large bull of a man who had been dictating the action from the centre of the room turned to look at them. He recognised Meliodas, and presumably could put two and two together regarding Gwaine. He came striding over to them, Gwaine blinked at the size of the man. Meliodas could rival Percival for size, this man looked like he could have eaten both of them for breakfast.

"Meliodas."

The blacksmith greeted the man and Gwaine raised his eyebrows, wondering what kind of act warranted the angry, wary tone of voice. Then Gwaine realised, he hadn't been recognised, and that Meliodas was carrying the chain mail, which the man clearly assumed as his. Gwaine wondered if he was even noticed considering the animosity in the room. Two of the apprentices were staring fascinated, and one other had suddenly found something to do at the back of the room. the last two carried on working. Gwaine reached out and took his chain mail from Meliodas and moved to stand between him and the blacksmith. Not that Meliodas was in any danger, he was a king's soldier, they could get away with anything.

"Is he angry at you, or just generally at my father?" Gwaine asked in a low tone.

"Me, but you can trust him," Meliodas said. "Roldan." he greeted the man. Gwaine gritted his teeth and decided to join in.

"I'm Prince Gwaine," he wouldn't have used the title in normal circumstances, but if his bodyguard wanted to get out of here in one piece he might need the edge, plus, Gwaine knew the tricks that could be employed to sabotage armour. He didn't want it happening to his own. Roldan came to an abrupt halt and stared at him in shock, before pulling himself together.

"My Lord, I am honoured that you would choose my establishment."

"I'm sure," Gwaine said, turning to frown at Meliodas, wondering why, if the man hated him, his bodyguard had brought him here. It was unlikely that Meliodas was trying to find a way to indirectly kill him. Gaheris would probably try to subvert some people to such a plan but the reason his father had picked Meliodas was the fact that he was utterly immovable, and had the option of going to the king should he have any concerns for Gwaine's safety. Lot knew there was animosity between two of his sons, and sometimes openly encouraged it, but Gwaine often wondered if his father wanted them to really harm each other. He needed an heir after all, but he only needed one.

"If you would My Lord," Roldan reached out for the chain mail.

"Nothing serious to do, just a tidy up."

"It will be done My Lord. There is no need for that."

Gwaine had pulled out his coin belt. "There is every need, I think," he said, handing the payment to a lingering apprentice.

"The armour will be ready the day after tomorrow."

"No rush, I'm not planning any more trips to kill bandits in that time. Either myself or my... bodyguard... will collect it."

Meliodas raised his eyebrows at Gwaine attempt to find another term for him and the failure to think of one.

"Benjamin could."

"Benjamin could get mugged on the way home," Gwaine said. "You or I pick up my armour, that way no one will mess with it."

"It will be safe here My Lord, I will see to that personally."

And that was it. The blacksmith might not have liked Meliodas, but he hated Gaheris more. Gwaine looked at Meliodas and then turned back to look at Roldan and something started to stir in the back of his mind.

He couldn't entirely place it, but it felt familiar, and oddly comforting.

"Come on," Gwaine announced to Meliodas and Benjamin. "I think we need a drink."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Ragnelle could hardly believe the consequences of the events in her life, as one of the queen's maids finished helping her dress. She had spent two days in Percival's company, as he escorted her to Camelot.

Percival knew he could have made the journey in half that time, maybe less, if he had pushed and he had intended to do so. However, taking into account Ragnelle's inexperience on a horse he had travelled at a slower pace. She had never felt so well looked after, or felt so important. Even her husband had never been so considerate of her, and her only purpose had been as a way for him to gain access to her father's land. That had been done, her father had died trying to stop the bandits taking her. Her husband had let them.

"Are you well?" one of the girls asked as her grief shuddered through her.

"Fine," she said, smoothing the dress down as a knock sounded at the door. As it opened the serving girl stepped back, curtseying as the Queen came through. Gwen smiled.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness." Ragnelle attempted a curtsey, that felt a little clumsy. It hadn't occurred to her to try such a thing when she had met Gwaine, who was a prince.

As she followed Gwen from the room she found Percival waiting for her in the corridor. Gwen walked ahead of them, two of her maids in tow, leaving Percival to offer his arm to Ragnelle.

"Are you well?"

"Perfectly," Ragnelle said, putting her hand on Percival's arm and walking with him. "I'm sure I didn't need all this."

Her free hand touched the light material of the dress. One of the Queen's, and old one in which Ragnelle could see the fraying and wear, but it had been given to her by the Queen of Camelot. She was probably not the only recipient of such cast offs but it felt amazing to her.

"Gwaine wanted us to look after you," Percival said, and what they couldn't do for Gwaine they would do for her. She was starting to realise that. She was naive in many ways, only coming from a small village, but they heard some gossip. Having travelled with Percival, who listened intently to news, she had come to learn that Gwaine's return had been a shock to the people of Essetir, but his loss a greater blow to people in Camelot. More for the fact that perhaps Gwaine hadn't trusted them. She smiled at Merlin, whom she now knew as someone that Gwaine loved, and Merlin cared for Gwaine.

"Merlin!" the Queen reproached.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him," Leon said.

"He's still limping Leon," Gwen snapped.

"What is he doing?! Merlin!" Arthur snapped, which caused Ragnelle to tense slightly. Arthur however merely glared at his servant in disapproval before taking a firm hold of him, almost lifting him so Merlin couldn't limp.

"I'm not some hopeless..."

"Girl?.." Arthur suggested. Merlin huffed, Gwen coughed significantly. Arthur looked at her. "Don't encourage him. With My Lady's permission?"

"Of course Arthur."

"I'm fine!" Merlin pre-empted as Arthur looked ready to hoist Merlin over his shoulder and carry him. "I'll be good!"

Arthur huffed with laughter. Gwen smirked with good nature as Arthur adjusted his grip to hold Merlin upright, making sure he put no pressure on his damaged leg and almost hopped into the room. At the threshold, aware of the audience in the room Merlin tried to get free.

"I should walk a little distance, Gaius said I'm allowed, you..."

"Clotpole? Cabbagehead?" Arthur suggested.

"... know it's probably not appropriate for the king to be seen carrying his servant," Merlin ended with, sounding snippy, and very tense. "Don't fuss over me, Arthur."

"I'm not fussing, you were seriously hurt."

"Merlin, let Arthur help you," Gwen announced loudly.

"Yes, My Lady," Merlin said, snarling as he saw Arthur smile gratefully at his Queen. However, Merlin let Arthur escort him to the table, putting him into Gwaine's chair again. Ragnelle stayed with Percival who solicitously escorted her into the room and sat her down in a seat. Percival's own, it seemed, as he took up position behind her.

"Merlin you are as important to his discussion as anyone, shut up," Arthur said as Merlin continued to complain about his position.

Merlin shut up with a guilty look at Ragnelle as Arthur turned his gaze in her direction. She wished for a moment that he was still concentrating on Merlin, but Arthur's eyes were nothing more than kind, and concerned. She shifted uncomfortably, she was a fallen woman, as far as her husband was concerned. However, none of that seemed to concern the people around her.

"You saw Gwaine, what did he say?"

"He merely wished me to deliver a message. I'm sure I do not deserve this care."

"Gwaine wanted us to do so. I'm glad that Percival found you when he did," Arthur said. "At least you were safe, and Gwaine would expect nothing less."

"The incident I spoke of occurred in Carleon's kingdom, although I corrected them."

Ragnelle winced in sympathy. Percival did have a good line in cracking heads.

"I know you have news as well Percival, but I think we listen to Ragnelle first. What did Gwaine say?"

She looked around the table, and the men, and the King and Queen who all regarded her seriously.

"When I spoke to Prince Gwaine, the main thing he wanted you to know was that he was fine and well. He gave me enough money to travel, and I didn't expect this."

"Gwaine would have," Gwen told her.

"I can add to this," Percival said. "I think Gwaine's main concern that Ragnelle tell us he was fine."

"And that you are not to try an attempt any sort of reconciliation," Ragnelle added bluntly. "He said..." she paused, to try and reconstruct Gwaine's exact words because, it hadn't entirely made sense to her. But he had tried to make them as clear as possible. Her concentration meant that she stopped feeling nervous of the eyes fixed on her.

"He said even an attempt at peace would not work. Lot would use that to his advantage. Gwaine said he could cope with being a pawn but there are other people that need to be thought of. He said Arthur was a good diplomat but he's far too honest."

Arthur raised his eyebrows, Merlin smirked and nodded, which made Gwen and Leon look at each other, also agreeing with that statement.

"You're best staying away, it's a fight you can't win and I'll survive, I'm good at that." Ragnelle stopped talking and looked around. All of them appeared to be digesting what she had said. It was Arthur that broke the silence.

"Gwaine, for once, is speaking sense. If we attempt a reconciliation Lot will use it to his advantage and I don't think it would work anyway considering what's happened." Arthur sighed and turned his attention to the person behind Ragnelle, who also had something to say. "Percival?"

XxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"You were in the tavern this afternoon," Lot's conversations usually had a general air of accusation to them, this one was no different. He regarded Gwaine steadily, as they sat to supper, since one of the formal occasions that Gwaine couldn't seem to escape was dinner with his family. Gaheris glared at him, as did his step-mother.

"Yes," Gwaine said, lifting his goblet for Benjamin to fill. He did so without looking at anyone else around the table, although Gareth also held up his goblet to keep Benjamin on their side of the table, leaving Shaylee on the other, near Gaheris.

"Thank you Benjamin," Gwaine added. "I see the spies have been on form. Not that it was hard to keep up with me. I had a very good look round. The market was interesting, don't we pay our troops?"

"They protect the people," Gaheris snarled.

"Not that I've noticed," Gwaine said. "As far as I can tell, I'm the only one that protects the people of this kingdom." He took a sip of his wine, smirking to himself as his father's face darkened.

"Well they should be grateful for that."

"After today I think they are," Gwaine smiled at his older sibling, the venom flowing between them.

"You don't want them complacent."

"That's exactly how I want them," Gwaine countered.

"I suppose Camelot is like that," Lot sniped.

"A little bit, people get annoyed with Arthur, but he's fair and kind and his people respect him."

"And they don't respect me?!" Lot rumbled dangerously.

"They fear you."

"Just as good."

"Is it?" Gwaine asked and Gareth kicked him hard on the ankle for his trouble. Lot held up his goblet.

"Benjamin come here!"

Gwaine went still and watched carefully as Benjamin shuffled over to Lot to pour the wine. He wasn't stupid enough to drag his heels but he looked frightened, but also determined to deal with it. As he finished pouring and tried to step back Lot's hand snaked out to grab his arm.

"Stay there."

Benjamin stayed, hovering by Lot's side as he drank deeply, the king's eyes fixed on Gwaine over the rim of the goblet. Gwaine shrugged and swigged his own drink, draining it.

"Come on then, Benjamin."

The boy didn't dare move at his master's order, not that Gwaine expected it. Benjamin glanced nervously at the king, before looking at the floor. Gwaine glared at his father.

"Can my servant serve me?"

"And if I choose to remove him?"

Not by a flicker did Gwaine give anything away. As far as everyone around the table could see he was lounging as casually as he had been moments ago. He kept every reaction to himself, the old nature flaring to the surface, coating him in the armour he had always needed while around his father. He kept his eyes steadily on Lot before giving a casual shrug, and he pushed the chair back from the table.

"I have put quite a bit of work into him, but never mind, I'm quite capable of getting my own wine," Gwaine said, getting up to do exactly that.

"Sit down," Lot snapped at him, another servant had shuffled forward to serve Gwaine but the glare the prince gave him made him back up. Then Gwaine turned back to look at his father with an insolent look that had been on his face often enough in the past, screaming the words 'make me'.

Lot waved his hand at Benjamin who took the hint and went back to Gwaine. Gwaine dropped back into the chair, holding out his goblet to the now shaken youth, whose hands were trembling violently. He didn't look Gwaine in the eye as Gwaine said.

"Thank you Benjamin."

It wasn't so much a victory, but it was, Gwaine decided, probably enough for now.