37 – Ever The Same – Rob Thomas

The next morning dawned earlier than Cara had expected it to. She was dressed in record timing. Cara had already packed everything she would need for the journey the night before, so all she had to do was grab everything and head to the stables where the others would be waiting. She flung her pack over her shoulder and strapped her weapons on.

Cara was one of the last ones in the stable and it was surprising that the only one they were waiting on was Arthur. The horses were tack and ready and Aidan was getting antsy. He hadn't been out in a while and he was looking forward to a nice long run.

They led the horses out and Bors was kind enough to drag Arthur's out. That way they would be ready to go when he arrived. Cara simply stroked Aidan's forehead as she waited for her commander. Then she saw him, but he wasn't alone. Guinevere was on his left and she was surprised to see that Lancelot was on his right.

He was going to kill himself. Then again Cara couldn't complain about Lancelot. She acted the same way and she was sure Lancelot would bring it up if an argument erupted. She chose to keep her mouth shut and waited for the stubborn man to reach her.

He didn't seem to be in too much pain, which was a good thing, but Cara didn't want to give him too much encouragement. He still needed rest and she didn't want him getting any ideas about going with them. He was staying home and that was one argument Cara would win.

He was in front of her now, looking down at her. He wrapped his strong arms protectively around her waist and Cara held on to his neck. "Be careful," he warned, softly.

"Always am," she responded slyly. She didn't want to hurt him and only hugged him lightly, but Lancelot gripped her tighter. He didn't seem to care if it hurt. All he wanted was to hold her close before she left.

It felt like hours, but it was only for a few minutes. Cara didn't want the moment to end and neither did Lancelot. They were quite content and they would have stayed like that had there not been a job to do. "Don't forget what I told you," he whispered in her ear. He pulled her closer.

"I won't," she responded, leaning against him. If it was possible they drew even closer. Lancelot didn't know if he could let her go and Cara didn't know if she could go. Not knowing if she was going to come back. It was hard to predict the future of the battle, but she hoped that fate would be on her side for once. Cara had someone to come home to and that was all the inspiration she needed.

"Come home safe," he said softly. Cara felt the tears start to spring in her eyes. He was going make her cry if he kept this up any longer. Cara blinked away the tears. She wouldn't cry. She couldn't.

"I'll try," she responded, but that wasn't what Lancelot wanted to hear. He pulled away from her and gripped her face in his hands, forcing her to lock eyes with him.

"I want you to promise me," he ordered. Cara was going to cry. She could feel it coming, but she held the tears back. She was stronger than that. "Promise me," Lancelot begged, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"I promise." Once again she found herself in his tight embrace. "I love you," she said into his shoulder. I came out mumbled, but Lancelot understood her. He rested his own head on top of hers.

"I love you too," he responded, with as much love and devotion in his words that Cara had. They knew they couldn't stay like that forever, but for those few moments there was no one watching them. There was no one waiting. It was just them. Arthur's voice soon broke them apart.

"Cara, we have to go," Arthur reminded from atop his horse. His voice was sympathetic and understanding, but it also had certain firmness about it. He wanted to get started and he couldn't wait for Cara and Lancelot to finish saying goodbye. That could last an eternity and they couldn't wait that long. Just yesterday Cara was complaining about leaving so late and now she couldn't let go.

Cara looked at her commander. Her blue eyes locking with his green ones for just a moment, begging for just a few more minutes. That's all she seemed to ask for. "You have five minutes," he said, answering her silent plea. Cara nodded and turned back to Lancelot.

He held her at arm's length now. Both were afraid that they wouldn't be able to let go otherwise. Cara never thought she would meet someone like this after Gareth had died. Now she knew she was wrong. Lancelot was her reason for being. He meant so much to her and Cara had no idea if she would see him again.

Lancelot seemed to feel the same way because he held onto her for dear life. He didn't want to let her go. If he was going with her that would be a different matter entirely, but he wasn't. He was letting her go and he prayed to every god he knew that she would come back safe. He needed her and she needed him.

"Cara," Arthur reminded. She turned to him and then back to Lancelot. Their eyes met and locked neither one having the will to look away.

"I'll be home soon," she said, giving him one last hug. She pulled away, finally having the strength to leave, but his hand caught her elbow, and he spun her around. Their lips met and Cara was left speechless. The moment only lasted a second, but it was enough.

They pulled away at the same time and their eyes remained on one another. "Be safe," he said softly, clasping her shoulder. Cara smiled.

"I'll be fine," she said with a smirk. He let out a light chuckle and Cara turned away. His hand trailed down her arm and finally grasped her hand. With one final step they were separated and Cara walked slowly toward the jet black horse that waited for her.

She mounted smoothly and one she was seated her eyes locked with Lancelot's. She was going to start crying if she didn't get out there soon. Arthur didn't waste time and he and the other knights kicked the horses into a gallop. Cara's reaction was delayed about a half a second as she tore her eyes away from the man she loved and turned her attention to the road ahead.

Lancelot watched her leave. Her figure got smaller and smaller as she got further and further away and he didn't leave until she was long gone and the gates closed, blocking his view. He turned his head skyward and hoped that she returned safely. He wanted to spend forever with her, ever the same.