Oh my goodness, CH. 34 recieved the best response of any chapter to date! Thank you so much for taking the time to write the comments and messages; your kind words really brighten my day! I hope you all enjoy 35 as much as 34, because I had a lot of fun writing this one. And don't forget to leave a comment, add to your favorites, etc. I find that my readers will point out symbolism and clever parallels to the show, when I'm just trying to get to the next scene! Oh well, I'll take the 'genius' credit ;)

Anyhow, in this chapter I took a lot from the show-this is still a "Merlin" fanfic! And on that note-any one who is currently in Pierrefonds and actuallly watching the filming of Merlin: I..am...jealous! Just make sure to put up a lot of good pictures and videos, okay? Twitter take the edge off of my Merlin relapse!

I also hope for all of you non-Americans out there, the second part of the first scene isn't too confusing. Sometimes I worry about using Southern slang and good ol' expressions and abbreviations, in fear that I may confuse some people who aren't used to the Southern dialect/English is a second language. But it seems that y'all have been able to grasp the gist so far, so enough rambling! Enjoy!

Chapter 35: Magic, Voodoo, and Hoodoo

Gwen watched her fellow maids scamper out of the kitchen like their hair was on fire, loudly pulling the doors shut behind them. She watched Arthur view the entire scene which he had created with a smug smile, no doubt content at how efficiently he had cleared the room.

"You don't think that was a bit over the top, do you?" Gwen asked, walking over to the sink to wash her flour-crusted hands.

"Why, do you? I think the 'ten seconds' addition was a nice touch for urgency."

Gwen looked over her shoulder at Arthur, shaking her head in mock reproach. "Well, congratulations? I hope whatever it is, that it's urgent."

I just wanted to see you Guinevere."

Gwen's head tilted slightly to the side, as her eyes narrowed as they analyzed. "That's it?"

Arthur beckoned for Gwen to come closer, and he placed his hands on her hips and pulled her in tightly the moment she was within reach. She slightly gasped at the quick movement, and placed her hands on his broad shoulders.

"Isn't wanting to see you enough? Plus, it seems that in these past two days I've become like a ghost."

Gwen pushed Arthur's blonde bangs farther to the side. "I haven't been trying to ignore you—but you know what it's been like around here. I've just been trying to be careful more than usual."

Arthur nodded. "I know." His fingers trailed up her back, and paused at her hair which was in a braid to the side. "You look really pretty today."

"I thought I was pretty every day?" Gwen teased.

"It feels like forever sine I've kissed you," Arthur mumbled, tilting his head for a kiss only to have Gwen turn her hand in the opposite direction, and his lips crashed with her cheek instead. He opened his eyes, looking at her confusedly.

"Arthur, not here," Gwen whispered trying to push away, but Arthur only held on tighter.

"Why not? Anyone who values their job and life will not step within ten feet of that door. So…we have all of the time in the world…"

Gwen pressed her hands against Arthur's chest more adamantly this time, creating semi-permanent space.

"Arthur, we can't stay in here forever without being more suspicious."

"Okay, okay, I'll be a good boy, I swear. But seriously: I wanted to see if you were okay, Guinevere."

Gwen looked away momentarily, as she felt Arthur's deep blue gaze analyzing her reaction. "I'm fine, Arthur." Gwen knew her answer didn't sound too convincing, and she only hoped that Arthur wouldn't push it—but then again, it was Arthur.

"You're not fine. You've ignored me for the past two days."

"I told you already: I wasn't ignoring you. Everyone is so afraid of slipping up: saying or doing something that'll cost 'em their jobs. I have to pretend too, you know. You may forget, but I do work here, and I need this job or else my family is out on the street."

Arthur's eyebrows furrowed. Did she really think he'd let that happen? "I won't let that happen."

"That's beside the point, Arthur."

"Has Morgana said anything to you? 'Cause if she has, I'll—"

"No, she hasn't uttered a single word to me. I clean her room when I'm sure she's not there, and if I pass her on the estate, we just pretend we didn't see one another. I have nothing to say to her, and I surely don't wanna hear what she has to say to me."

"There's something wrong with her, Guinevere."

Gwen rolled her eyes, resting her back against the counter as she folded her arms over her chest. "Yeah, the entire house heard just how wrong she was."

"No, I'm serious: she was never like this before. I never thought there'd come a day where I was holding her off from Stella."

"People change—usually for the worst."

"No: not Morgana."

"Uhmm…I think that's been disproven."

"It's Vivian, it's got to be. All of this 'family honor' mumbo jumbo and 'everyone knowing their place' bologna started when they started to become chummy."

Gwen shook her head again.

"What are you shaking your head for?"

"'Cause it's not Vivian—she may be annoying, but she's not a racist."

Arthur's eyes widened in shock, before they narrowed as he doubled over in hearty laughter. "I can't believe you—you're serious?" Arthur nearly croaked, as he sobered at Gwen's serious stare. "Are you crazy? She is the biggest—don't you remember the way she talked down to you at the Fall Ball? And she doesn't have many good things to say 'bout colored people in general."

"Maybe she's a little snooty and spoiled: I'll give you that. But I don't think racism is in her heart—you learn how to tell the moment you meet someone. Don't you remember how shocked Vivian was at Morgana's rant? She was absolutely horrified."

Arthur took pause, never really thinking of it in those terms.

"Besides," Gwen continued with a sigh, "it takes more than one person to totally transform a person the way Morgana has. Don't blame all of this on Vivian, Arthur."

"I'm not," he said too quickly. "So, if you can tell if bigotry is in someone's heart…what about Morgana? What do you reckon 'bout her heart?"

"I—I thought I knew, but I guess I don't," Gwen said somberly, looking at her feet. She had once considered Morgana a friend, and now what were they—enemies?

"All this talk 'bout Morgana and her new attitude is really puttin' a damper on my mood," Arthursaid, changing the subject.

"All this talk 'round the house 'bout Morgana just reminds me how ugly some people can be, and for no good reason at all…no good reason at all."

Arthur picked up Gwen's right hand, and gave it a small kiss. "If everyone was like you, the world would be a much better, happier place."

Gwen wrapped her arms around Arthur, sighing in content as she inhaled his masculine scent as his arms embraced her securely yet again.

"I love you so much Arthur, and I'm sorry if I don't say it enough." Gwen closed her eyes as she felt Arthur sigh contently against her.

Arthur smiled at Gwen's words, stroking her hair. "You show me how much you care for me. Despite the crazy world we live in, I know I can depend on you."

"I'm the one who can depend on you," Gwen corrected. "I've lost count the number of times you've saved me in one way or another."

"Am I your knight in shining armor?"

"You are definitely my knight in shining armor."

Arthur took a deep breath. He had mentally anticipated this conversation, and had gone through it countless times, but all of the eloquent words he had prepared suddenly slipped from his mind, and he felt his throat go dry like the Sahara. "Guinevere, I'm twenty-two."

Gwen looked up at Arthur quickly. "Uhm…okay?"

"I say you and I pack up our bags, take one last look at this sorry town and then say 'to hell with it'! I mean…why are we still here, anyhow?"

"Arthur," Gwen began taking a small step backward, "my family is here. I've lived here my entire life."

"But—I know they are and family is important to you," Arthur said slightly hanging his head. "But aren't I important to you too?" Arthur realized how childish he sounded, and decided to elaborate. "I'm just letting you know that I don't plan on staying here the rest of my life, because I plan to be with you instead. I've made my decision, and I know deep down you've made yours too, even if you are a little scared." Arthur let his words hang silently in the air for potency.

Gwen took another step backward, her light eyes wide with the stark realization of what was finally happening—in his kitchen of all places. She wanted to faint, despite what she had told herself since she found the ring box in the motel bathroom—Guinevere Gibson was not at all prepared for any sort of proposal. Oh no, she really felt like fainting.

"Guinevere, I'm not Lorenzo—I won't leave you without a trace or a goodbye, and I'm not Morgana—I respect you. And I know we can make a life together, and every time I think of my future with you, I can't help but smile. I promise to always take care of you, and I'll try the best that I can to be the man you deserve. "

"Arthur," Gwen said tenderly, resting her warm hand on his jaw. "You're already all that I want." Gwen wasn't prone to impatience, but she just wanted Arthur to just spit it out already!

Arthur smiled, his nerves calming slightly at Gwen's soothing words. "Guinevere—"

"No! Miss Morgana, don't!"

Arthur and Gwen fell from 'Cloud Nine', as they looked towards the door where they heard one of the maid's outburst.

"Oh, for the love of God!" Arthur exclaimed as he faintly heard Morgana yelling on the other side. Of all the times she could pitch another fit, she had to choose now? And in front of the kitchen?

"It's my house," Morgana continued "and Arthur can hold his private meetings elsewhere. Now would you please get out of my way or I'll fire all of y'all! This is insane!"

Arthur and Gwen quickly took two large steps away from one another, as the double doors swung open, with Marge and Alice stumbling through the threshold and into the kitchen.

The two maids appeared to be out of breath, fumbling to explain to Arthur. "We told her Mister Arthur!" Marge blurted out immediately, just gaining balance from her jostle when she lost her balance against the door she was guarding with her life.

"We told her: aint nobody was allowed in the kitchen 'til you said so."

Morgana looked at the two lovebirds who looked at her with wide eyes, standing far apart from one another—suspiciously far. It was obvious that she had interrupted something, and by judging how flustered Gwen was, and how Arthur's jaw was set in irritation, it was quite important. Oops.

"Sorry, but I missed the memo where the family kitchen became your little office space." Morgana slightly turned toward the open door, calling out to Vivian. "Hey, Viv: you can come on in now."

After a few moments, Vivian popped her head in the kitchen, giving a sheepish smile. "Nah, I reckon I'm good out here Morgana!" The petite blonde quickly fell away back to the dining room.

"Oh, y'all don't mind me," Morgana said walking to the fridge. "I'm just fixin' to faint from hunger and thirst, is all."

Arthur gritted his teeth together as he watched his cousin calmly take a pitcher of sweet tea from the fridge, and filled a tall glass with the sugary amber liquid. She then proceeded to stare at him as she sipped away in content.

"What? You want some?" Morgana asked, holding up the glass.

Arthur looked to Gwen who only stared at her feet: everything was ruined. He turned his fiery gaze back to Morgana who watched him expectantly, drinking happily away. He wanted to knock the drink out of her hand, and drag her out of the kitchen kicking and screaming, if need be. But that wouldn't solve anything. Morgana's smug grin grated Arthur's last nerve.

"I'm going for a smoke," Arthur grumbled, quickly brushing past his cousin who waved goodbye.

Morgana's head turned to watch her cousin trudge out off the kitchen in a huff, before she turned to Gwen. "I thought he quit the cigs? You know, those things cause the cancer."

Gwen opened her mouth for a simple agreement, but the maids who had been banished from the kitchen returned quietly, each woman returning to their previous work station, saving Gwen from having to respond.

"Vivian, let's go upstairs!" Morgana called towards the living room. She finished her drink, and set the empty glass next to the new maid who stood at the counter. "Could you take care of that for me Dorothy? Thanks."

"My name is 'Doris'," the new maid said but Morgana was already sashaying out of the kitchen, whistling some unrecognizable tune before chatting away happily with Vivian in the next room.

All five women had watched Morgana's exit it silent awe, expressions of sheer disbelief were displayed on each of their face's as they grappled for the appropriate words to think the dense layer of awkwardness which hung in the air.

"What…is…wrong with the people up in here?" Doris asked, holding up the empty glass Morgana had just placed before her. "Everyone 'round town told me that this house was the best to work at, and I show up, and it's like everyone aint right in their heads—like God skipped them when He handed out good sense!"

The remaining four couldn't help but chuckle at Doris' last statement, but she remained completely serious, her mouth in a straight rigid line—there was nothing funny about the behavior she had witnessed.

"Girl, it wasn't always like this and it'll pass."

"All in all, everyone gets on alright. The staff work and laugh together and the family was always respectful and grateful. Sure, run-ins happened every now and then, but you're right—it is the best house in town to work for. But it's like Morgana just up and snapped one day," Stella said quietly. "She was one of the kindest people I knew—know. Ah, the sweet thing: she would always be dragging in these raggedy or wounded animals. She'd cry and beg her uncle to let her keep them just long enough so they could recover, and she'd make me promise to keep Arthur away from her pets, 'cause that boy would always wanna do some kinda mischief on them." Stella recounted the fond memory of Morgana, her smile widening as her narration progressed.

Alice and Marge agreed in gentle laughter: they vividly remembered numerous occasions of such love and charity. It was easy to forget that they were talking about the same person who had had an insult-hurling fit for the entire house to hear. The women huddled closer together, so their voices wouldn't carry.

"What do you reckon did it Stella? What made her go crazy?" Doris asked, desperate for more information.

"She aint crazy, Doris," Gwen quickly cut in.

"You don't call how she's actin' crazy?"

"She's just having a rough time."

"What are you defending her for?" Marge asked loudly.

Gwen remained silent at the question.

"Y'all, I think I know what done it—I know why she's been acting so funny lately."

Everyone looked to Marge in expectation, their mouths slightly parted as they awaited an answer which they lacked.

"She's mixed up with the devil," Marge declared with a confident nod and wag of her finger. "Mmhmm, you know what I'm talking 'bout y'all: magic, the devil's work. I reckon the girl might even be possessed, poor child."

There was a moment of deafening silence, before a barrage of feminine scoffs and outcries at the offered explanation. "What are you talkin' 'bout, magic? Morgana aint into no voodoo."

"I aint said 'voodoo' did I?" Marge felt it necessary to clarify. "I mean y'all, just think 'bout it," she began excitedly. "When people are involved with that witchcraft, they don't act in their right minds. All of a sudden Morgana's actin' a spawn from hell and y'all think it's a coincidence? No siree, I'm old and smart enough to know when it's the devil's hand at work."

"That is literally the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard," Gwen said shaking her head. "You have no proof of anything."

Stella rested a hand on her hip, looking at her delusional and rambling coworker. "You've said a lot of fool things before Marge…but this really takes the 'crazy cake'."

"But y'all: don't deny that it could happen, that it could be true! I don't hear any other explanations," Marge stated defiantly as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"The only people who mess with magic in these parts are the Negroes— and we all know who…"

"Mhmm, we sure do," everyone else affirmed.

"So, we all know then that Morgana wouldn't be caught dead 'round those people, so you're just spitting out nonsense Marge."

Marge's shoulders slumped; she thought it was a valid hypothesis but no one took her seriously. "Fine, y'all go on then. But when that witch—"

"She aint a witch!"

"—Puts a hex on all of y'all, and y'all wake up with donkey ears, I'll just sit back with my good ears saying 'I told you so'."

"Marge, would you quit your yapping! Donkey ears? Maybe you've finally lost it!"

"And y'all will be braying too!"

"If Morgana was a witch—which she aint—I don't think she'd waste time doing childish things like that."

"Fine, I wasn't gonna go there and get all sinister, but if she's into that magic stuff then I'm sure she could do things to hurt us."

"Where are we living; the bayou?" Alice asked sarcastically with a scoff.

Marge pointed at Stella, continuing despite her negative reactions. "Stella, she's had her eye on you, girl. I reckon you should check your car and house for charms, and under your outside mats for cursed chalk."

"That girl doesn't know the first thing 'bout no charms or chalk, Marge," Stella said pinching the bridge of her nose in exhaustion.

"Yeah, well we'll see…I'm just makin' sure to stay on her good side."

"Could she really do those things?" Doris asked wide eyed, her voice trembling in terror. "You know…my Aunt Millie-Mae was into that voodoo mess too, and she could make—"

"I didn't say voodoo! Aren't any of y'all listening?" Marge nearly shrieked.

"No!"

"Magic, voodoo, hoodoo, it's all the same!" Gwen burst out. "You're making all of this up!"

"It aint all the same! And I'm just trying to give an explanation, which y'all still haven't done yet. So speak up, I'd like to hear it."

Stella placed her hand on Doris' shoulders, shocked that the girl had literally been rendered speechless. "Doris girl, don't listen to Marge. Aint no one in this house is into the voodoo—or magic. Morgana just must be stressed, or maybe she's upset with one of us—for what, we don't know. There's no need to be frightened, sugar."

Doris looked around at the women, before audibly gulping. "I reckon I need some fresh air."

The remaining four maids watched Doris scamper out of the kitchen, her feet moving down the hall as if she were running. Alice and Gwen leveled glares in Marge's direction, while Stella swatted the loud maid's arm in reprimand.

"Are you happy now that you scared that poor girl half to death with your bologna?"

"How was I supposed to know she'd react like that? Tarnation, you'd think the world's falling off rotation or something the way folks have been acting."

Alice rolled her eyes, walking back to the stove to make sure her dish wasn't burning. "You need to learn to put a filter on that mouth of yours."

"I didn't know that talking 'bout magic would scare her off like that. I'll apologize later, dang."

Marge closed her mouth for all of fifteen seconds as she resumed chopping vegetables for the dinners salad, before she began to think out loud. "I wonder if Morgana knows how to make them dolls: you know, the ones you put push-pins in to hurt folk? I bet she's got four of 'em…and they look just like us, and she sticks needles in when—"

"Marge!"

Marge finally wised up, and decided to work in silence, and everyone else followed. Not only were they fearful that Morgana may overhear Marge's ludicrous claims, but they were each feeling the beginnings of a migraine.

Arthur stood on his toes, trying to obtain a better look around the public park, before turning to Merlin. "I don't see him, do you? You figure he'd stick out in a crowd…" Arthur's head swiveled as he tried to take in what was going on in each direction.

Merlin slurped quietly at his coffee. "Maybe he's not here yet, but he will be; Gaius never goes back on his word." Merlin held up the newspaper Gaius had instructed him to bring during their telephone discussion the day before. "Remember, Gaius said we should sit on a bench and pretend to be reading something; then he'd find us."

Arthur held up his own paper. "Right, I forgot. lets go find one then; I wanna get this over with." Arthur tapped his foot as he ran ahand through his hair, his nervous tic.

Merlin spotted an empty bench large enough for three, and began to walk in that direction. "Get it over with? I'm excited!"

"Of course you're excited, your future isn't hanging in the balance."

"Don't be so dramatic, I'm sure Gaius didn't find anything bad." Merlin sat down, immediately crossing his legs and perching his paper on his knee. "It had to be done anyhow, remember Gaius said: no surprises."

Arthur opened up his own paper, but looked at Merlin. "I mean, you're the only person I know better than Guinevere—"

"And she's the sweetest most innocent girl on the face of the planet. What, are you afraid she's an axe-murderer or Soviet spy?"

"Not that bad…"

"Besides, I'm a little curious—aren't you? This will probably just reinforce what we already know though: that Gwen is a perfect angel with zero flaws."

To any passing pedestrian, the two young men appeared to be casually enjoying a read of the local paper, and discussing local events rather than waiting for an influential lawyer to receive information on Gwen Gibson's past.

"I feel like I'm in the FBI or somethin', like I'm undercover," Arthur said, turning the page for authenticity.

Merlin did the same. "We're so inconspicuous, I feel like I'm on a secret mission," Merlin whispered in return. "I wonder if any one we know is around."

"Better not to risk it," Arthur muttered.

"So…about yesterday: wow, Morgana strikes again!" Merlin said with unwarranted enthusiasm. "You just can't get a break any where, can you?"

"I don't feel like talking 'bout it Merlin," Arthur grumbled; he had been so close.

Merlin turned the page in his paper. "I mean first, we go through all that trouble in setting up that cabin really romantically, and then your car breaks down."

"Oh right, I forgot about that," Arthur said sarcastically.

"Then finally, you're able to get her alone again—in the kitchen of all places; real romantic— only to have Morgana barging in just as you're about to pop the question. Maybe we should reconsider renting a jumbo jet."

Arthur dropped the newspaper he was pretending to read, glaring at his pestering friend. "Would you just shut up for once in your sorry life, Merlin?"

"I'm just sayin'…"

"Well don't 'just say'. Just sit there, be quiet, and pretend like you're reading the damn paper."

The two were silent for a while, and a minute slowly drew into five and then ten, and before long Merlin and Arthur were actually reading the paper and were so engrossed that they didn't realize Gaius' presence when he actually arrived.

"Nice cover, gentlemen," the old man said with a snicker, setting his brief case on his lap as he promptly sat next to Merlin.

Merlin and Arthur immediately folded their papers, turning to Gaius.

"Let's get straight down to business gentlemen, shall we? I have meetings booked for the rest of the day."

"By all means," Arthur leaned over Merlin slightly to hear Gaius better.

"Alright," Gaius rubbed his hands together in giddy anticipation before unlocking his brown leather briefcase. He began as if he were narrating a story, and in a way he was.

"Guinevere Louise Gibson; born September 24, 1934. Aged twenty, graduated from Dearborn High School top of her class in 1952. Father is Thomas Elliot Gibson aged forty," Gaius opened a manila folder for some notes he had jotted down. "Married right out of high school to his sweetheart Celia Dubose, deceased 1942 in a car wreck." Gaius fished around for the coroner's report he was able to dig up. "Poor thing, only twenty-eight; died on impact with a truck; faulty brakes, and the sad irony is her husband was a mechanic." Gaius smiled, picking up another folder. "Now that's out of the way, it's time for the good stuff.

Arthur blanched. "By 'the good stuff', do you really mean 'the bad stuff'?"

"Arthur, I'm happy to report that your gal may as well be a girl scout, sweet thing."

Arthur exhaled, only then realizing that he had been holding his breath.

"Alright: the Gibson's finances aren't in terrible shape for a family of their standing. There is hardly anything to say 'bout their bank account though, but they're not saddled in debt either. I was able to get my hands on their limited account statements, mortgage, salaries—"

"How were you able to do all of that?"

"I'm a finance lawyer, I ask for account statements, and no one bats an eye. But, going through these," Gaius flipped through some pages, "it seems as if her father is suffering from some serious medical condition." Gaius looked up at Arthur for explanation.

"How serious? I know that Guinevere has to pick up pain medication for his back every now and then, but she's never made it sound life threatening.

"And it may not be, but over the last month I can tell that his dosage has increased because they've been buying the medicine more frequently and in larger amounts. Also, you have to take into account that he's bending and stretching all day with cars so if his condition gets worse he can't work. And even with the three salaries, his health is taking a real financial toll on the family and something's got to give or the Gibsons may not have that pretty little house of theirs for much longer."

"I didn't know this was such a problem, but now that I do, Guinevere doesn't have to worry about it; I'll take care of her."

Gaius noted how quickly Arthur was willing to defend and protect Gwen. "Moving on to her brother: Elliot Marcus Gibson, aged twenty-two, but there's not much to say about him. He's never had any run-ins with the law, he pays his taxes, yadda yadda. There were no red flags really, which makes my job and your life much easier."

Arthur sat back in the bench, smiling in thanksgiving that the meeting had gone so smoothly.

"One last thing…though, and don't become alarmed."

"Well that's not a very good introduction!"

"Take it easy, take it easy," Gaius said holding up his left hand, and using his right to pull out another folder. "This Gwen is one sharp girl. This year she applied to Adamson College's School of Nursing down yonder in Georgia."

Arthur's eyes narrowed, as he resisted saying anything until Gaius finished.

"And she was accepted: full scholarship and everything, but—"

Arthur had to resist jumping up from the park bench. "Gwen can't afford college!" He burst out. Everything Gaius said may have been true, but somehow he had confused the facts on this one.

"Did you hear the part where I said 'full scholarship'?"

"Well, you still got it wrong. If she applied anywhere, especially in Georgia—she would've told me. She wouldn't even think about leaving the state without talking to me first—I know she wouldn't."

Merlin felt his heart, to make sure that it was still safely within his chest. If at all possible, he actually became paler as he watched Arthur become distraught with the news which he himself had withheld—which he had altered.

Gaius didn't mean to throw the copy of the admission into Arthur's lap, but that's how it happened. "I'm sorry son, but those are the cold hard facts."

Arthur remained silent and frozen, not touching the papers which rested on his thighs. His mouth went dry, and he couldn't speak. There is no way Gwen would even consider going to Georgia without him…would she?

"I don't mean to cause any sudden health problems for you…but there's something you've gotta see—there's more to this story, and even I don't have it all figured out. But since I uncovered this, I have been wondering: why did your cousin turn in the application on Gwen's behalf?"

Arthur looked at Merlin who appeared to be as equally shocked, before turning to Gaius and pointing at his chest. "M-m-y cousin? As in Morgana Pendragon?"

"As in the Morgana Pendragon," Gaius said with a nod. "She was the one who submitted everything; the transcripts, the letter of recommendation; but the admissions office said the application was later retracted by Morgana as well, and I can't seem to find out why. It's just 'poof'," Gaius said with a snap of his fingers. "Actually, I called the admissions office, and they said they weren't at liberty to tell me the reason for the retraction. Useless bureaucracy," Gaius said under his breath. The largest and most interesting piece of the puzzle was missing, and he had actually lost sleep trying to find it.

"I haven't heard a word of this. And I can't believe that if Guinevere knew that she wouldn't say anything to me: we don't keep secrets like that. And Morgana sure as hell didn't say anything! They're not even friends anymore; none of this makes any sense."

"Perhaps, your lady doesn't know…"

"This doesn't make any sense Gaius—how, why wouldn't she know? So what…Morgana did this without telling Gwen? I'm confused!"

Gaius shrugged. "This is only an old man's humble speculation, but Gwen had never spoken to the school, she didn't write a single word on the application form, she didn't ask her high school for her transcripts; it was all Morgana. And she was the one who pulled the plug on it, so in theory, Gwen didn't have to know anything."

Arthur and Merlin looked at each other silently.

"I'd recommend not to make an inquiry on this subject."

"And why not?"

"Because it's too soon to let everything unravel when we're so close. If you mention one word about the nursing school, it may become apparent that you're having someone do a bit of digging. I know you too are curious, but it'll serve you best to keep your lips locked, especially if Morgana is keeping this a secret for a reason."

"I don't like this…" Arthur said truthfully.

"You may not have to be quiet for long. Now that I know everything is on the up and up with Gwen and her kin, I've begun to look over the will your mother had left you."

"And…"

Gaius smiled, showing straight teeth. "Don't plan on being a beggar anytime soon. You'll be comfortable, I assure you. So far, I don't see any loopholes where Uther could intervene, but I'm going through it very carefully." Gaius looked at his watch, quickly closing his briefcase. "And on that note, I must get going, I'm afraid." Gaius shook Arthur's hand, then Merlin, but the boy appeared to be queasy and his eyes vacant. "I'll call Merlin again to set up our next meeting. I think we should meet next with Father Soma."

"Good idea," Arthur agreed. He turned to Merlin. "What do you think, Merlin? Merlin…hey, Merlin!" Arthur nudged his friend in the rib. "Did you hear? Gaius said he'd call you for the next meeting."

Merlin had snapped out of his thought-filled daze, and looked up only to find that Gaius had vanished.

Arthur Pendragon felt like a bona fide stalker. For the past hour, he had been sitting in his car on the off-beaten road behind Gwen's house which they had used to secretly escape on many occasions. Now he was using it to survey her home on a lovely Saturdaymorning. Forty-five minutes ago, Arthur had watched Tom Gibson leave the house for work and Arthur thought he would have left his car then, but he decided to wait a little longer to calm his nerves. He looked at the box of cigarettes in the center console, and debated whether or not he should have a quick smoke to calm his nerves; he decided against it. After all, Gwen still thought he had quit.

Arthur had considered bringing his military-grade binoculars with him, but he decided against it after much deliberation—his twenty-twenty eye sight would have to be sufficient.

During the day, Gwen kept her blinds open and Arthur could see into much of the small house. He was unnerved by the fact, realizing that any Tom, Dick, or Harry could plop right where he was and they'd have a free show into her hallway, parts of the living room, her bedroom—Arthur pushed the thought out of his head, as he contemplated what the total expense would be to furnish Gwen's home with thick drapes. The thought made him smile.

He watched as Gwen walked back into her room; she had just walked to the kitchen with her sewing kit and what appeared to be some clothing. But now she was bending over something near her window, before standing straight again leaving the room once again. After five minutes of waiting, and then ten, Arthur feared that Gwen had left to run errands like she usually did on Saturday mornings.

Scrambling to his feet, Arthur rushed out of his newly repaired convertible.

"Shit, the flowers," he muttered to himself as he opened the door yet again to retrieve the bouquet of pink and white orchid he had ordered especially for the occasion. He paused to lean over his car mirror to sweep his bangs into place, and to make sure there was nothing on his face or food in his teeth. He patted his pocket to make sure that he actually had the ring—he wanted to reduce the margin for error as much as possible, he wasn't prepared to make a fourth attempt.

Arthur looked around the wooded area which surrounded him, and the only thing he heard was the chirp of birds flying atop of him towards their nests, and the sound of the wind swooshing past him. He looked up at the sky, and he knew that it was about to rain. Running to Gwen's back door, Arthur was positive that no one would be able to see him through the shrubbery and wood fence around the small abode.

Taking one last deep breath, Arthur secured the flowers under his arm before knocking quietly on the door. When no response came, his heart sank as he realized that Gwen had probably left. All that waiting was for nothing. He knocked a little bit harder, hoping against all hope that maybe she just didn't hear him, when the door cracked open slightly. Arthur twisted the knob, to find that the door was actually unlocked. He gasped at the realization, his mind churning out scenarios involving a hopeless Gwen and deranged predator or Klansmen who could just walk in without a care. She needed to be more careful.

Arthur quietly let himself in, only to find the home silent. "Guinevere?" Arthur heard a small shriek come from Gwen's room, which caused him to jump back slightly. Yes! At least she was there!

"Arthur?"

"Yes, it's me!" Arthur nearly sang; he was so happy that he nearly forgot how nervous he had been.

"Arthur!" Gwen shrieked again.

Arthur took the few strides necessary to Gwen's room, stepping inside with a bright smile. "Hi—"

Gwen held the small towel which was wrapped around her chest even tighter, using one hand to push her wet hair out of her face. "Arthur, what are you doing here?"

"I came in through—the back door was open. About that, anyone can just walk through like I did."

That didn't answer the question. "It's a safe neighborhood, and…" Gwen looked around the room nervously. "It's broad daylight, Arthur, are you crazy? Oh my goodness..did something happen? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong: I just came to see you beautiful. And I know it's broad daylight, but no one's home."

"Yeah, but—how'd you know that?" Gwen asked, raising a dark brow.

"Here! I brought you flowers!" Arthur swung the bouquet from behind his back, and Guinevere smiled as she took them, forgetting her tricky question.

"They're stunning," Gwen's eyes illuminated with joy at the unexpected gift.

"I know they're you're favorite."

"Did I forget something? It's not my birthday…"

"A man can't bring his lady flowers?"

Gwen gave Arthur an onceover, before pointing towards the hall. "Let me change first, okay?"

"I'm fine with you wearing just that!" Arthur called out form the hallway, before Gwen pushed him out of the room, and closed the door on his face with a sweet giggle.

After five minutes, Gwen told Arthur that he could finally come in. She stood in front of her mirror, tilting slightly to the side as she finished drying her hair, then putting it in a pony tail so the curls wouldn't touch her back.

"Thank you for the flowers Arthur, they really are beautiful," Gwen said with a bright smile. She walked over to the bed, picking up the bouquet where she had rested them, closing her eyes as she took in their subtle fragrance which she so desired. Had she been able to afford them, Gwen would have her home filled with orchids.

"Arthur, you're looking extra dapper today: are you going to work afterward?" Gwen admired Arthur's dark blue three-piece suit, and the silver silk tie he wore. She sat on her bed, her simple purple dress falling just above her knees as she crossed her legs.

Arthur stood just past the door way, unmoving as he watched Gwen talk happily.

"Arthur…what's wrong?" Gwen asked with a nervous laugh, as she noticed that Arthur had hardly moved. She would've thought he was a gorgeous marble statue, had his eyes not been blinking. Gwen stood, looking Arthur in the eye when she noted that he was slightly sweating on his forehead. She picked up his large hands which to her surprise weren't trembling, but were feverishly warm. "Arthur, you're scaring me, could you please say something?"

"I don't know why I'm acting like this…" Arthur began, his blue eyes scanning each of Gwen's facial features.

"Neither do I…"

"Actually—yes I do." Arthur led Gwen to her small bed, sitting on the edge as she joined him, still holding her hand. "Guinevere, I'm just gonna come out and say it."

Gwen took a deep breath, as she felt her chest moving faster in anticipation. Her eyes traveled to Arthur's right hand which moved toward his pocket as he continued.

"Oh my goodness, Arthur you don't have to—"

"I've been trying to get this out for the past week, and I've been interrupted each time," Arthur finally pulled out the small velvet box, and he could already see the tears forming in Gwen's eyes. "Guinevere, you're the only woman I have ever loved and I can't imagine what my life would be like without you." Arthur's hand slightly trembled as he took the ring out of its black cushion, and he picked up Gwen's left hand. "It wasn't love at first sight, but I was a fool then. Somehow you've stolen my heart, and I want you to keep it—'til death do us part."

Gwen's free hand covered her mouth as she laughed.

"Guinevere Louise Gibson, my beautiful, caring, funny, and spunky girl: would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Gwen only blinked as she looked at the shining ring: a shining platinum band with a white diamond at the center, flanked by two pear shaped sapphires; just like her necklace. Slowly, her gaze rose to Arthur's whose eyes were wide and filled with expectation, and who refused to look away from Gwen for even a single moment. Gwen suddenly wrapped her arms around Arthur, pulling him in as close to her as physically possible. She shut her eyes tight as she felt his heavy breathing against her chest, and his hands reluctantly rested on her back.

"Uhhmm…is that a 'yes' then?"

Gwen pulled away, quickly wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Oh I'm sorry! Yes! Definitely, that's a yes, yes, yes!"

Arthur's bright smile took over his face as he laughed once, a mixture of relief and joy as he picked up Gwen's left hand once again. With ease, he slid the engagement ring on her ring finger and it was a perfect fit.

"Oh my goodness Arthur, this ring is beautiful!"

"I bought while I was away in Columbia for a week, do you remember?"

"Of course, I missed you like crazy." Gwen leaned her head on Arthur's shoulder, as she held up her left hand, marveling at its ornate new edition. "Are we really getting married?" Gwen asked as Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her in closer. He kissed the top of his head.

"As soon as possible"

"But we can't here—it's literally against the law."

"I know, and we won't—just trust me Guinevere, I'm sorting everything out."

Gwen looked up at Arthur. "What does that mean?"

"It means not to worry. As your new fiancé, just know that I'm handling everything, and soon everything will make sense, okay?" Arthur leaned over, kissing Gwen on the cheek. "Are you happy?"

"I'm ecstatic: I can't wait to be your wife."

Arthur smiled, liking the sound of those words very much. "Guinevere Pendragon…it has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Wait—you are going to take my name, right?"

"Of course, Guinevere Pendragon it is. But Arthur…when will we tell people?"

"When I have everything sorted, then we'll break it to them together."

Gwen wish Arthur wasn't being so cryptic, but he always had a handle on things. She knew not to be worried, and that everything would work out in time. "We'll have to leave town…won't we Arthur?"

Arthur sighed, rubbing Gwen's side. "I don't see any way around it Guinevere. I wish we didn't have to, but if we're gonna make a life together we can't do it here."

"Then where?"

"We have a few options."

"…We do?"

Arthur decided that perhaps he should shine a little light on the developing situation for his new fiancée. "A lawyer named Gaius Wilson has been going through my mother's will, to make sure that everything which she has left for me is secure in my name, so that when you and I take off, I'll be able to take care of you."

"Oh mercy…really? You got a lawyer involved?"

"I know my mother left me property around the country, and I bet there's something for me up North somewhere—and that's where we'll go. We'll get a marriage license there as soon as soon as I figure out exactly where there is. I also have a priest friend who said he'll take care of the marriage license, and marry us."

"Oh my goodness, you've been doing all of this?" Gwen asked with a smile.

"I wanted to make sure we were protected." Arthur gave Gwen a quick kiss on the lips. "We can talk about all of this over lunch: Merlin had his staff prepare us a meal, and he gave them all the day off so we could have the house all to ourselves."

Gwen stood happily. "Really? That's so sweet of him."

"He didn't have a choice."

Gwen's head went back in laughter. "Alright, I won't hold us up any longer. Just let me get my jacket—it's in the kitchen."

Arthur nodded slightly, watching Gwen nearly skip out of her room. He walked out to join her a few moments later, noting the sewing kit which he had watch her take to the kitchen earlier.

Gwen shrugged her jacket on. "I wish I could wear my ring everywhere."

"I'm sorry that you can't."

"It's not your fault Arthur. I'll keep it somewhere safe until I can wear it openly. But I'm ready, I'm ready to take that leap with you Arthur."

"We have our entire lives to plan together," Arthur said opening his arms, signaling for Gwen to come closer.

"I like the sound of that." Gwen was about to stand on her tiptoes to kiss Arthur before she caught a glimpse of something in the corner of her eye. She turned around quickly towards the kitchen window, only to confirm that Elliot and Bobbi were walking hand in hand down the street towards her home. "Oh, Lord have mercy!"

"What?" Arthur asked, startled by Gwen's sudden change in mood.

Gwen quickly took her jacket off, throwing it to a chair. "Arthur, take off your clothes!"

Arthur's blue eyes widened in delight, as his eyebrows rose. "Huh?"

"I mean your jacket! Take off your jacket— hurry!" Gwen said moving her hands for emphasis.

"Whoa ho ho, you really want to do this now Guinevere?" Arthur asked with a wry grin.

Gwen rolled her eyes, standing behind Arthur and tugging his jacket off of his broad shoulders.

"What happened to waiting until the wedding night?"

"Oh my God, Arthur stop it, we're not having sex! Elliot and Bobbi are walking towards the house! I didn't know they were coming!"

Arthur tried to peer out of the window past Gwen. "Jeez, why didn't you just say so?"

Gwen thought for a moment, tapping her foot against the tile as her mind processed her limited possibilities. When it finally dawned on her, Gwen looked at the jacket then back to Arthur. "Oh Arthur, please forgive me," she whimpered, reaching for a pair of scissors which sat atop the sewing kit she had been using.

"Whoa Guinevere what are you doing?" Arthur asked slowly and calmly.

Gwen hastily opened the scissors, dragging one of the blades against the outside breast pocket, undoing the tight seams and causing the pocket to turn into a flap hanging off of the jacket.

Arthur visibly winced as he helplessly watched the tragic assault. "Jesus Christ! Guinevere that jacket is cashmere, it cost an upwards of one-hundred dollars!"

"One hundred dollars? Why on earth would you spend that kind of money on a jacket!" Gwen asked, throwing the scissors back to the table without a care.

"Its custom fitted and hand woven from Italy!" Arthur bellowed, hoping that his eyes were deceiving him: that was part of his best and most expensive suit. He pointed at his destroyed jacket. "It's the best of the best, and I wore it for you!"

Gwen shook her head; the suit really didn't matter right now! "Arthur: when Bobbi and Elliot come in here, I need you to pretend that you came to drop this jacket off—and that I'm mending it for you. Do you understand?"

Gwen forgot that she was speaking to the guy who practically invented off the cusp excuses while under pressure. It was refreshing to see that Gwen possessed the same gift—he always knew they were meant for one another. "Got it."

Gwen quickly pulled off her engagement ring, tucking it into the front pocket of her dress. She reached over, picking up a spool of dark blue thread just before the door swung open.

Elliot and Bobbi were laughing lightly, so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice Arthur until they were a few steps into the home.

"What the hell?" Elliot immediately asked, as Bobbi jumped backwards and ran into his chest.

"Elliot, I didn't know you were stopping by," Gwen said quickly.

"I didn't know he was either," Elliot said pointing at Arthur.

Gwen cleared her throat as she noted the blatant hostility in Elliot's voice. As for Bobbi, she just looked confused. "Mister Pendragon came by to drop off his jacket for mending," Gwen held up the navy blue jacket, the ripped pocket hanging as she held it. "He needs it done by tomorrow."

Bobbi moved toward Arthur, apparent that she was drinking in his good looks. She finally held out her hand in a formal introduction. "I'm Bobbi Jones, Elliot's girlfriend, or so he thinks," she covered one side of her mouth as she leaned over to whisper to Arthur.

Arthur chuckled at the joke "Nice to meet you Miss Jones, I'm Arthur Pendragon."

Bobbi grinned flirtatiously. "Oh, I know."

Arthur quickly withdrew his hand from the beautiful stranger he had heard much about. Elliot's wrapping of his arm against Bobbi's waist protectively didn't go unnoticed by Arthur, and he took a step backwards towards Gwen.

"Gwen girl, don't you look good? We're still up for lunch tomorrow after church, right?"

Gwen swallowed, nodding her head. "I've been looking forward to it all week."

The four stood in awkward silence for a moment or two, before Bobbi playfully hit Elliot in the chest. "Well, what are you waiting for? Are you gonna get them or not?"

Elliot silently left the kitchen, walking into his former room.

Bobbi turned to Gwen in explanation. "Elliot came to pick up some car manuals he had in his room which he needed for work." Bobbi outstretched her arm, taking hold of Arthur's damaged jacket. She felt the fabric with her long slender fingers, before looking at Arthur with a knowing smile. "Cashmere? Hmm, good taste."

Arthur was surprised that Bobbi was able to identify the fabric. "Indeed, it is. When I was in Rome, I had it custom fitted, and the cashmere is hand woven." He resisted emphasizing his words especially for Gwen's ears.

Bobbi rubbed the material between her fingers. "I can feel: my mama is a seamstress, I know all about that stuff. You got some expensive threads on," Bobbi said motioning to the rest of Arthur's ensemble. Her hand then ran along the broken pocket, where each seam had been tugged out along one edge. "How'd you manage to do this number?"

Arthur looked at Gwen who subtly nodded. "I, uhh..was getting out of my car this morning, and it got caught on part of my door and it ripped right off. I knew to come straight to Gwen: she fixes everything at the house like a master."

Gwen merely blushed.

Bobbi smiled. "Aww, aint that sweet?" Bobbi delicately put the jacket on the table. "Well Mister Pendragon, it's awfully nice to finally put a face to the name. I've heard a lot 'bout you."

"Really?"

"I sure have." Bobbi grinned, making her smooth skin radiate even further. "Are you as bad as they say you are?"

"I don't know..." Arthur wondered how playful he should be with this flirty stranger, not to mention Gwen was right behind him. He decided to play it safe. "I've heard some tall tales. People 'round this town certainly know how to gossip."

"Aint that the Gospel Truth? But who cares? Folk like that are 'bout as useful as buttons on a dishrag."

Arthur looked at Gwen with a grin, and found that she too was smiling. "That's a good way of putting it."

"Aint it!" Bobbi laughed at her own analogy. "Sugar, are you 'bout done down there?" Bobbi called down the hallway towards Elliot.

"Yeah, I'm comin'."

Bobbi waved at Arthur and Gwen once Elliot was by her side again. "Well, bye y'all! Have a nice day Mister Pendragon, and I'll see you tomorrow, girlfriend."

"Bye Gwen," Elliot muttered, turning around to leave.

"Don't be rude, sugar," Bobbi chided quietly taking some books from Elliot.

"See ya Arthur," Elliot added half-heartedly.

The moment the front door closed, Arthur turned to Gwen with a confused expression. "She's something else, isn't she?"

Gwen laughed. "She does come on a little strong."

"I like her, though."

"She's not that bad at all."

"Yeah, but you are…" Arthur said evaluating the state of his jacket. He sucked in a breath, shaking his head at the travesty. "The world's finest cashmere…"

Gwen stood on her tiptoes, giving Arthur a kiss as repayment. "I'll fix it for you, and it'll look even better than it did before, okay? Let's get out of here before something else happens. I want to celebrate!" Gwen yelped with joy as she put the ring back on her finger.

Gwen's joy was always contagious, and Arthur handed her his jacket with a dopey grin. "I can't stay mad at you for too long, Mrs. Pendragon."

Gwen turned around, sliding her arms as Arthur eased on her coat. "Don't get ahead of yourself now: I'm not Mrs. Pendragon yet!"

"Well we'll just have to fix that, won't we?"

A/N: I know the proposal in the show wasn't as nearly as dramatic, but I just had to spice it up! In case any of you are wondering, I probably have 3-5 more chapters before the end—I still have so much I want to do, but I don't want it to drag! Leave a comment, tell yo' friends…etc.