Gwaine
Evaine and Anna are walking in the lower town, returning to the castle after picking wildflowers in the meadows. Anna frowns, noticing a familiar face up ahead, smiling when the figure shushes her.
"I will visit Gwen. It's her day off after all," Anna says suddenly. Evaine nods, smiling as she greets people passing by. She jumps when a hand closes over her eyes.
"I must warn you, I've been trained by my brothers and the Camelot knights," she tells the person, surprised when the hand moves and she opens her eyes, seeing a flower being held in front of her.
"Did your cousin help with any of that?" the voice asks, and she smiles, shaking her head as the figure moves in front of her, smirking.
"What on earth are you doing here, Gwaine?" she asks, taking the flower from him.
"Such harsh words for me, dear cousin? Are you not happy to see me?" he asks, and Evaine laughs, hugging him tightly, Gwaine picking her up and spins her slightly. He puts her back on the ground, and Evaine hooks her arm through his, the two continuing to walk.
"Last I heard, you were in the North," she says, and he shrugs.
"That was a few years ago now, Evaine. You know I don't stay in one place for long," he tells her, and she shakes her head.
"I hope you're planning to stay here for a while at least. You know I miss you, and envy you," she adds, and he glances at her.
"Your father still going on about marriage then?" he asks, and she nods. "You could always come travel with me," he offers, and she smiles up at him, hugging his arm.
"You know I would if I could. Why don't you take a place with my brothers in Tiltwood? I know father would welcome you into the household," she suggests, and he balks at the idea. They've reached the castle courtyard by now, and they stop to look at one another.
"You know that isn't my life, Evaine," he says, smiling sadly. She nods, the two glancing up as two riders' approach. "What's with all the guests?" he asks, the two watching as Arthur runs down to greet the two nights.
"You have come just in time to see the melee," she answers, seeing Gwaine roll his eyes.
"Another way for the nobles to show off their position," he says, unhooking her arm and turning to return to the town.
"Keep out of trouble," she warns, shaking her head as she hears his laugh.
Later that night, Anna has just dressed Evaine in her nightgown when there is a knock on the door, and Gwen enters.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but you are needed in Gaius' chambers," Gwen told Evaine before leaving. Evaine glances at Anna, before putting a cloak around her shoulders before hurrying to Gaius' chambers.
"What is it?" Evaine asked, Anna stood worried beside her as they enter, Gaius opening his mouth to speak.
"You're the best friend I've ever had," she hears a drunk voice say, and she scowls as she moves to Merlin's chambers, opening the door and seeing Gwaine laid on the bed.
"You seem to have quite a few," Merlin says, and the two laugh.
"I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill," Gwaine says, grinning.
"Actually, I will be paying that bill," Evaine says, announcing her presence. Merlin watches as Evaine moves to sit beside Gwaine, scowling at him.
"What is it with you and nobles?" Merlin asks.
"Oh, nothing. My father was a knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle, leaving my mother penniless. And when she went to the King for help, he turned her away," Gwaine explains, and Evaine looks down sadly.
"You didn't know him?" Merlin asks, softly.
"Just some stories I've been told," Gwaine answers.
"Yeah, I know how that feels. I met my father just briefly before he died," Merlin said, and Gwaine frowns, sitting up with Evaine's help.
"Why?" he asks.
"He was banished," Merlin answers.
"What had he done?"
"Nothing. He served the King," Merlin tells him.
"But the King turned against him? That doesn't surprise me," Gwaine says, rolling his eyes.
"Arthur's not like that," Merlin tells him, shaking his head.
"Ha! Maybe. But none of them are worth dying for, heh?" Gwaine says, laughing. He falls back, hitting his head against the wall and laughing once more.
"Come Gwaine, lie down," Evaine says, pulling the blanket around him. Gwaine smiles up at her, patting her hand.
"You really are the best cousin," he mumbles, his eyes closing. Evaine sighs with a smile, brushing his hair back before standing.
"You're really cousins?" Merlin asks, following as Evaine closes the door behind them.
"Yes. Gwaine and I were more like sibling's growing up. I assume you can guess why," Evaine says teasingly as Merlin smiles. "Let me know how he is in the morning."
XXXXXX
Evaine stands next to Gwaine as Anna sits next to Merlin as Gaius bandages the deep cut on his finger.
"To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it..." Merlin said, wincing as Gaius ties it tightly.
"You were lucky. I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery," Gwaine tells him.
"What would they want with such a blade?" Gaius asks.
"I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée," Merlin answers, and Evaine's eyes widen.
"But in front of all those people?" she asks, but Gwaine shakes his head.
"It's the perfect cover. If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional," he tells her.
"I need to warn Arthur," Merlin said, beginning to stand.
"Merlin, Sir Oswald's a knight. He comes from a well-respected family. You can't accuse him without proof," Gaius points out.
"Then we need that blade," Merlin says.
"I'll get it," Gwaine offers.
"What if they catch you? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald's chamber? No. It's safer if I do it," Merlin points out.
"Be careful," Anna tells him, and Merlin nods, smiling slightly.
XXXXXX
Evaine glances worriedly at Uther, watching Gwaine be brought in chains in front of him.
"Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me," Sir Oswald says.
"Is this true?" Uther asks.
"I stepped in to protect Merlin," Gwaine answers, looking to the floor.
"I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed. I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up," Sir Oswald continues.
"Indeed, I can vouch for his every word," Sir Ethan agrees, stepping forward.
"He's a liar!" Gwaine shouts, standing and being restrained by the guards.
"I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!" Uther shouts.
"Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are. And these men are anything but. They are arrogant thugs!" Gwaine shouts, struggling against the guards.
"Gwaine," Arthur warns.
"Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves," Sir Oswald comments.
"I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code," Uther says.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of," Sir Oswald states.
"Sir Oswald, please," Arthur asks, looking at him.
"Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction," Sir Oswald finishes, and Evaine gasps.
"Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation. Sir Oswald is a dear friend, and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart," Arthur tells his father.
"How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?" Uther asks.
"Sire, Gwaine is-" Evaine begins, but Gwaine cuts her off.
"Lady Evaine, please don't," Gwaine says, glancing at her and shaking his head. She's about to speak but closes her mouth and looks down.
"Gwaine risked his life to save mine. I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency," Arthur asks.
"You are banished from Camelot. If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city," Uther says after a moment, leaving the room. The guards drag Gwaine out, and Evaine follows them to Gaius' chambers.
"I'm sorry," Merlin says, walking in as Gwaine packs.
"Don't be. I never stay in one place for very long. People get sick of me too quickly," Gwaine says, smiling slightly. Evaine shakes her head.
"I didn't," Merlin mumbled.
"After the trouble I caused?" Gwaine asks.
"You livened the place up," Merlin replies, Gwaine laughing.
"Make sure you look after Arthur. He's in danger," Gwaine says.
"I thought you hated nobles?" Merlin asks, as Gwaine puts his bag over his shoulder.
"Heh, well...maybe that one's worth dying for, eh?" Gwaine asks, patting Merlin on the shoulder. Gwaine stops in front of Evaine, smiling down at her. "Just as I was starting to enjoy it here," he says, and she laughs.
"Arthur is a good man, Gwaine. When he is king, I know he will want you here," she tells him, and he smiles knowingly at her.
"I know not just anyone can steal your heart, Evaine, so he must be a good man," Gwaine says, grinning as she blushes. She leans up, kissing his cheek and hugging him.
"Stay safe. And write to me, when you can," she asks, and he nods. He walks to the door, bowing his head to the two before disappearing.
XXXXXX
Evaine claps as Uther enters the tournament stands next to Morgana, Anna beside her. They sit after he does, and Anna looks at the competitors.
"Do you think Arthur will be alright?" Anna whispers, and Evaine glances at her.
"I don't know," she answers honestly, the two watching as Uther gives the signal for the melee to begin. The knights ride towards one another, fighting one another and trying to unsaddle as many as they can. Evaine winces as Arthur is surrounded, pulled from his horse by Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan. Arthur manages to avoid their blade, a hand-to-hand fight resulting between the three. A knight rises, holding his shoulder but stands back-to-back behind Arthur, helping him fight against Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan. Evaine smiles, seeing a trick only one man she knows can do.
The crowd clap as it leaves only Arthur and Gwaine, Arthur removing his helmet and dropping his sword. Gwaine looks around, before removing his own helmet.
"Guards! Seize him!" Uther shouts above the cheers, Evaine standing as the crowd silences as guards surround Gwaine.
XXXXXX
Evaine hurries through the town streets, catching sight of Gwaine turn around and salute someone in the distance.
"Gwaine!" she shouts, and he stops, smiling when he sees her. "How dare you leave without saying goodbye," she scolds him, and he laughs, throwing his arm around her shoulders.
"I didn't want to cry saying goodbye again," he said, and she hits his chest jokingly. "I'd say you should join me, but I think your heart rests here."
"It cannot be," she tells him, and he lifts her chin up with his hand.
"When has that ever stopped us?" he asks, and she smiles, lifting up and kissing his cheek.
"Please be careful," she asks, and he nods, the two glancing at one another as they go their separate ways.
At the same time, Arthur and Merlin are watching the two from the ramparts.
"They seem very friendly!" Arthur shouts, leaning over the ramparts.
"Why should you care?" Merlin asks, realising Arthur doesn't know they are cousins.
"I don't," Arthur mumbles, pouting. "She could do better than that!"
"What? She should be setting her sights...higher?" he asks. "Oh, but I forget! She can't. She must marry a knight. That's the rules," Merlin says, feigning ignorance to Arthur's feelings.
"Merlin," Arthur says, glaring at him.
"Shut up?" Merlin suggested.
"You guessed it," Arthur says, frowning when he sees Evaine kiss Gwaine's cheek before the two separates.
