The Wanderer

by BynWho

Marian Ragnell, a Wanderer, falls through time only to find herself in a land of knights, dragons, and Magic. She faces the daily grind of life in King Arthur's court, having to adjust to a different time with different rules. Joined by Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table of legend, Marian embarks on fantastic adventures while navigating true love. Fix-it fic. Gwaine/OC

30. Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The Return

It had been raining hard for several days. With the weather not cooperating, most people had stayed in the castle, finding all sorts of mischief to get into. Percival was one to usually partake in the fun and pranks; Gwaine was his partner in crime, the one who came up with the ideas, with Percival gleefully following along. But ever since Gwaine had returned from who knows where a month ago, his heart hadn't been in it. After the battle of Camlann, Gwaine and Marian had gone missing, and Gwaine had returned alone. No one dared ask what became of the lady. Anyone who did was usually met with Gwaine's temper and something thrown in their direction.

Gwaine was moody and often took his frustration out on anyone who was around. This morning he had left in the rain, not offering an explanation as to where he was headed. So, to escape the boredom in the castle, Percival decided to explore the forest surrounding the city.

He was cold, and his clothing was soaked through, but he didn't care. He had spotted a stag and was quietly tracking it. He didn't have a bow to hunt with, but this kept his body and his mind occupied. As he approached the animal, it swung its mighty head toward him and watched warily.

Suddenly, a woman cried out and spooked the majestic animal. As the piercing cry continued, Percival spun around, attempting to pinpoint where it was coming from. It sounded like it was off to the east of him. He drew his sword and ran toward the scream.

He arrived just as the woman stopped screaming. She was kneeling on the ground, grabbing her head as if she was in pain, and then she slumped over. Percival rushed to her prone body and turned her over. To his utter shock, it was Marian lying on the ground before him, soaked to the bone.

He bent down to check to see if she was still breathing. Grateful that she was alive, he gathered her in his arms and made his way back toward the city.

Percival carried her through the lower and upper town and through the citadel gate in the pouring rain. She stirred before they reached the stone courtyard and opened her eyes to look at the man carrying her.

"Percival!" she exclaimed. "Oh, thank God, I made it!"

He raised his eyebrows at her, not sure what she meant, but glad she was awake. He set her down and held her shoulders, checking her over to make sure she wouldn't black out. Percival was a shy man and didn't have as much experience with women as some of the others. The few women he had known were frail and delicate; they would faint at the littlest thing. Marian, he had observed, was as tough as a knight. Despite this, it had seemed that she had been through Hell when he found her earlier.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "You looked like you were in a lot of pain when I found you."

"I'm fine, thank you. I'm just a little disoriented," she replied, starting forward.

As if to make her point, she tripped on her skirt and reached out for him. Once she was steady, they walked toward the courtyard.

"Percival, how long have I been gone?"

"You don't know?" he asked, concerned.

She shook her head at him and waited for him to answer.

He looked up thoughtfully before replying. "It's been a little over a month since the Battle of Camlann."

She breathed a sigh of relief, Merlin had sent her to the right time.

"How is Gwaine?" she asked anxiously. She worried that she had been gone so long that Gwaine moved on, or worse, was killed in a battle. Marian held her breath as she waited to find out the fate of her love.

They had reached the stone courtyard, but before he could answer, he saw that his temperamental friend had returned as well. Percival turned to her and gave her a pointed look. She looked at him curiously, so he nodded in Gwaine's direction.

Marian turned to see what he was pointing her toward. She felt herself tremble when she saw him.

"Gwaine?" she called out.

Gwaine had handed his horse off to a stable lad when he heard her voice. He stopped cold and, in a flash, turned in her direction.

His voice broke.

"Marian?"

He ran toward her as the rain continued to pour. When he reached her, he pulled her into his arms, his mouth crashing to hers. She returned his kiss, not knowing where her lips ended and his began. She held onto him tightly, never wanting to let go.

When they broke for air, Gwaine held her waist while he bent down and picked her up under her knees. Without a word, he turned and carried her into the castle. Percival didn't mind, though. He smiled as he watched his friends go, happy that things might now be right. The large knight went up the castle steps, headed to see Arthur and Gwen to inform them of Marian's return.

000

Gwaine carried Marian into the castle and up the stairs to his chambers. As he walked into the room, he kicked the door shut behind him. He set her down on her feet and stood there staring at her, not believing that she was really there with him. Shaking himself, he locked the door and went to the fireplace to light a fire.

Marian watched as he piled the logs in the fireplace. He looked around for kindling but found none.

"Gwaine," she started. She wanted to kiss him and hold him, not worry about a fire. "You don't have to—"

He stood abruptly and held a finger out to her, asking her to wait. Going to one of the chests against the wall, he opened it and pulled out several stacks of papers. Not caring what they were, he crumpled them and stuffed them underneath the logs.

His hands shook as he held the flint, brushing the steel down, but it wouldn't spark. Gwaine growled under his breath, frustrated that it was taking so long. When he was unable to produce a spark, Marian gently lowered next to him and pulled the flint and steel from his trembling hands.

"Let me," she offered softly.

Her movements were quick and steady. She knocked the steel bar across the flint, and a large spark flew down to the papers. Flames rose, spreading up, and the logs finally caught. Standing, she laid the flint and steel onto the mantle and smiled at Gwaine.

He took a step forward and was almost touching her. His hands feathered over her skin, afraid that if he touched her, she might disappear like she had so many times in his dreams. Small tendrils of her wet hair were plastered around her face, and little droplets of water ran down the slope of her nose and fell to the floor. He sighed. She was angelic.

Marian looked Gwaine over; it felt like she hadn't seen him in years. His beard was a little longer, and he had dark circles under his eyes. His long hair was wet and stuck to his brow. He looked both terrified and determined.

"Gwaine," Marian said barely above a whisper.

She closed her eyes and brought his hand to her mouth, pressing a light kiss to his wrist. As if a fire was ignited within him, he suddenly took ahold of her head and bent to her, kissing her lips hard and slow. He reached around her and held her close.

He couldn't believe that she was really there with him. All of the nights he had spent in despair, all of the heartache the past year, all of it was worth it now that she was there in his arms. He vowed then and there to never let her out of his sight, never to let her go. He vowed to show her every day how ardent his love for her was.

Marian tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling slightly and causing him to moan against her mouth at the sharpness. She clung him as if her life depended on it. Opening her mouth to him, Marian pressed her body against his, deepening their kiss.

Gwaine moved his tongue in her mouth, tasting every inch inside. It felt to her like he was trying to climb inside of her. His kisses became frantic and possessive. He wanted to be with her, he wanted her to be his in every way. He wanted to be hers, body and soul.

She pulled on his jacket until she had it halfway down his arms. Without breaking the kiss, Gwaine pulled it off the rest of the way and threw it to the floor. Marian unbuckled his belt and pulled the leather sharply from his body with a crack, dropping it to the floor.

Desperate to taste her, Gwaine's mouth traveled down her neck. With each kiss, he licked and sucked on her smooth, wet skin, his beard scratching and tickling her. He nibbled his way up to her ear, and when he reached it, he whispered breathily to her.

"Will you allow me to have you, Marian?" he asked before nibbling on her lobe.

Her heart hammered in her chest, and her eyes rolled back in pleasure.

"Oh God, Gwaine, yes!" she panted back to him.

She reached down to the hem of his tunic and pulled it roughly up his body and over his head. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the sight of his bare chest. She had seen him naked before, but this time she felt a sense of urgency. She felt that if she dared to look away, he would disappear. Marian reached out to him, running her hands up his chest, caressing his skin and hair.

Gwaine wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. He kissed her neck, sucking at her pulse point. His hands went to the front of her dress to untie it, but his fingers had difficulty with the delicate laces that held it together. When the knot refused to budge, Gwaine pulled hard, ripping the dress, never realizing that there was a zipper in the back.

Once it was loose enough, he roughly pushed it down to the ground, revealing her corset and chemise. He made quick work of the corset, untying it and setting her breasts free. The chemise underneath was actually the short silk nightgown she had worn their first night together in the future. The neckline plummeted between her breasts, barely covering her nipples, and the hemline only fell to her mid-thigh. Thankful she had thought to bring the sexy nightgown back with her, he grinned wickedly as his eyes roamed her body.

Gwaine felt her shiver as a draft crept through the room. When he bent low to nibble her décolletage, he felt the skin on her neck and bosom prickle as his breath caressed her. He stood straight and went to the bed to pull the blanket and a pillow from the top.

Taking her hand, he led her closer to the fireplace, and spread the blanket on the floor by the fire, dropping the pillow beside it. He knelt down onto the blanket and reached over to her, pulling her delicate shoes from her feet and tossing them aside. Gwaine lifted her foot and held it in his hand, marveling at how small it was compared to his own. As she wobbled slightly, he let go and beckoned her to join him on the floor. Once there, he wrapped an arm around her waist to hold her steady as he kissed her hungrily.

She ran her hands over his back, her fingers digging in. She broke their kiss and moved her mouth over his shoulder and collar bone, biting gently. Her tongue dipped into the hollow of this throat, and she nibbled his skin.

"Oh God, Marian," Gwaine moaned.

He held her as he gently laid her back onto the blanket, her hair spread out around her head like a halo of gold. He caressed her face and smiled tenderly at her. For just a moment, time stopped. Gwaine held himself up over her, staring down at her. His heart swelled with love for the woman beneath him. It had felt as if they were two halves of the same soul, only parted by time.

Marian looked up at the man she adored, the man she loved. He was so beautiful, almost too beautiful to look at. The love in his warm eyes shone through when he smiled at her. She reached up and lovingly ran the back of her hand down his face. She would have moved mountains to see him for only one more moment. The pain of traveling through time was nothing compared to the love in her heart.

She loved everything about this man. Determined to show him just how much she loved him, to give her everything to him, she lifted her legs and spread them apart to make room for him, her nightgown rising up her thighs. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him close.

Gwaine dipped down and caught her lips with his, kissing her languidly. His mouth moved down her neck but didn't stop. He continued kissing down her chest until he reached her ample bosom, barely covered by the thin silk of her nightgown. Gwaine's tongue ran over her silk-covered nipple, and after rolling it around, he pushed the fabric aside and pulled it into his mouth. She gasped as he sucked and swirled his tongue around it until it swelled and stood erect.

He trailed his tongue down to the valley between her breasts and up to the other nipple, pushing the silk aside. Kissing the flesh around her nipple, he slowly drew it into his mouth, sucking slowly.

Marian arched her back into him as he continued to suck and flick her delicate flesh with his wet, warm tongue.

He ground his arousal onto her sex, with his trousers as the only barrier between them. Her eyes opened at the sudden pressure. Looking up at him, she saw that his face was dark with lust and need.

Gwaine slid one hand up her thigh and held the back of her knee, pulling her leg up toward her chest for better access to the junction of her thighs. Marian tightened her grip on him, rubbing his bare back, her nails grazing his skin. He lifted himself once again and rolled his hips into hers.

Marian could feel his hard erection as it rubbed against her folds and, slipping between them, pressed down on her sensitive bud. He continued to rock against her in slow and agonizing swoops, each time pressing a little harder. She felt the blood rush down between her legs as her body was preparing to climax.

She tightened her hold on Gwaine as he drew himself against her again and again, pushing and tugging on her flesh. Her legs squeezed him harder, and she gripped his arms, digging her fingers into the hard muscles. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her in the same slow rhythm that he moved himself against her, his tongue caressing hers.

Suddenly, her body tensed and trembled as warmth spread from her sex over the rest of her body. She moaned loudly against his mouth, arching her back. Gwaine lifted his head and watched as her eyes opened wide and her pupils dilated. She breathed out heavily, her mouth open in awe at the sensations traveling up and down her body.

Pleased with himself, Gwaine grinned and moved back away from her, his hand reaching down to knead her pulsating sex as he watched her writhe in pleasure.

When Marian's trembles subsided, she sat up, brushing his hand away, and fixed him with a look of hunger. Her hair, now mostly dry, was wild and sticking out in every direction. Her lips were rosy and swollen from the abuse. Her skin flushed, and her eyes were dark and stormy.

The smirk on Gwaine's face quickly vanished as she pulled herself onto her knees, and forcefully pushed him back to the floor.

He swallowed hard as Marian pulled his boots from his feet. She quickly unfastened his trousers and yanked them roughly from his body. He sat up slightly, leaning back on his arms and watched as she tugged the short nightgown up over her head. Her hair fell back down around her shoulders, and her breasts bounced at the sudden movement.

There she was, kneeling before him, in nothing but a lecherous smile. He slowly raked his eyes down her body, from the honey-colored hair on her head to her round, full breasts, to the soft patch of reddish-blonde hair hiding her sex. The intense way he looked at her naked body made her feel as if he were devouring her whole. Marian shivered in pleasure at the thought.

Gwaine licked his lips and reached out for her, but stopped when he saw her bite her lip and smirk at him. His erection twitched as she took in his naked form, licking her lips hungrily. She looked like a wild cat preparing to pounce on its prey.

Suddenly, she moved to climb on top of his lap, grinding her drenched sex onto his arousal and pushing her pulsating bud against the throbbing head of his erection. Gwaine moaned at the feeling of her sliding down his length and her backside pressing gently against his tender testes.

Marian kissed his mouth hard, biting down on his lower lip and sucking it into her mouth. She ran her nails down his chest and to his abdomen, grazing his sides. Then, holding onto his muscled back, she lifted her hips and ground down again onto him, rubbing herself down his erection.

Gwaine leaned all the way back and grabbed hold of her backside, squeezing her flesh. He moaned as she lifted her hips again. This time, when she ground down, he maneuvered her so that his aching erection plunged into her welcoming sex.

He grunted in surprise when she rolled her hips as she got used to his size. The muscles in her core tensed as they massaged his arousal. Gwaine's head fell back as he moaned, his eyes rolling back in pleasure as he bit his lip, trying to keep control. Just the feel of her around him nearly sent him over. She was slick and warm and strong.

Gwaine watched her as she lifted herself off of him and crashed back down hard, thrusting her hips back, tugging on the delicate flesh below his erection. He sat up so that he could hold her steady with his hands on her hips and backside.

She braced herself on his shoulders as she lifted and slammed back down, calling out at the sensation of him inside of her. She took him in deeply as he filled her completely, his manhood thick and long. The crown of his arousal rubbed against her walls, hitting her sweet spot in just the right place.

Picking up the pace, her heavy bosom bounced in his face in time with the thrusts. Gwaine smirked at her, leaning forward and sucking her nipple into his mouth, his hands spread against her back, holding her closer to his body. He rolled the erect bud around with his tongue and gently between his teeth. Moving over to the other breast, he lapped at her nipple until it swelled once more. His tongue danced down the mound of flesh, and he rested his face in the valley of her bosom. His fingers dug into her back at the feel of her soft breasts pressing on either side of his face as she rode him hard and fast. It was maddening.

"Oh God, Marian, I love you." he moaned, kissing her anywhere and everywhere he could.

"Gwaine, oh God, Gwaine! Fuck! Fuck me!" Marian called out as she rode him harder and faster, pushing him deeper inside of her.

Her backside bounced against his testes, a sweet sensation shooting through his body from his head to his toes.

Gwaine leaned back to brace himself on his arms.

He lifted his hips to thrust into her faster.

He watched her as she took an extra bounce as he thrust.

Her breasts bounced harder at the pace.

Pressure built at the head of his erection.

His scrotum felt tight and full.

He felt like he was about to burst.

The only sounds that could be heard in the room were the heavy pants and moans coming from the lovers and the slaps of supple, slippery flesh as they thrust.

The air around them had become decidedly warmer as they exerted themselves. Marian's scent, her cassolette, swirled in the air with Gwaine's musk and a hint of his salty sweat.

She rocked against him hard, leaning her head back and arching her back toward him. Her eyes were closed and her mouth opened in a silent plea. She moved her hands up her body and cupped her own breasts, squeezing and rubbing and pinching her nipples. She whimpered as she neared her release, but didn't let go.

Gwaine watched her dainty fingers work the mounds of flesh and groaned. He had never been so aroused before.

He trailed a hand across her belly, heading to the curls between her legs.

Reaching down between her delicate petals, he rubbed at her sensitive bud.

Marian moaned Gwaine's name.

Warmth spread around her entrance and up through the rest of her sex.

She felt a tense sensation deep in her core.

She quivered as the warmth spread over her.

Her skin flushed.

And with her head thrown back, her eyes opened wide as she screamed out in ecstasy.

"Yes! Oh, Gwaine! Yes! Yes! GWAINE, YES!"

Pleasure flooded her senses.

The sudden tightening around his erection undid him.

Gwaine felt his testes pull up to his body as his erection pulsated.

The pressure built to an unimaginable level.

His breath became short and quick.

His eyes slammed shut.

The pressure released as he spilled his warm seed into her.

He thrust up into her a few more times, each thrust spilling more of himself into her before his exhausted body collapsed onto the floor.

"I love you. Oh God, Marian, I love you," he called, out of breath.

Marian continued to rock against him, her own orgasm still causing her to quake. She tensed her muscles to milk every last drop from Gwaine, and when she felt his arousal ease, she gently lifted herself off of him and kissed him tenderly.

Still breathing hard, Gwaine wrapped her in his arms and laid back with her on the blanket, pulling the pillow beneath their heads. He moved her leg across him, her succulent sex pressed against his hip, and nuzzled and kissed her face as he caressed the rest of her bare skin. He still couldn't believe that she was here with him, in his arms, and all his.

Marian looked up at him, the firelight dancing on his skin, and she smiled at the sight. He was truly a beautiful man, and he was finally all hers.

"I missed you," she stated simply.

Gwaine's chuckle vibrated in his chest.

"I missed you too, beautiful," he said, brushing the hair from her face.

He suddenly sobered and held her a little tighter.

"I never thought I'd see you again," he told her as he kissed her brow.

"Me either," she replied. "God, Gwaine, when you disappeared, I almost died."

"How did you get back?" he asked her curiously.

"Merlin," she stated simply.

She began telling him about her journey from her home in America to England. She told him how she ran into Merlin, old and withered from time, and of the spell he had discovered to send her back. She assured him that this time, the spell was permanent.

Gwaine listened quietly while she spoke, holding her a little closer, placing light kisses on her face. He marveled at the lengths she went to return to him. Though he was relieved she was back to stay, he couldn't help but wonder if she would regret it in time.

"What about your life there? Won't you miss it? The people? All of the conveniences?" he asked her.

Marian sat up slightly to look him in the eye. She cupped his face with her hand and rubbed her thumb across his cheek.

"Hey, none of that, none of those people mean half as much to me as you do," she replied truthfully. "I couldn't leave you, Gwaine. I love you. I love you with everything I am." She took a deep breath and smiled at him. "I'm yours, Gwaine. Always."

"I've waited a long time to hear that, love," he smiled before he lifted his head and took her mouth softly.

They held each other, kissing and caressing and basking in the warmth of the fire until they fell asleep.

000

When he awoke, it was already dark outside, and the fire had died down. Gwaine gently pulled himself out from underneath Marian and stood. He gazed at her lovingly. It had been so long since he had fallen in love with her. Regardless of the dramatic turn their lives had taken, he still loved her just as fiercely, if not more. She threatened to consume his entire being, as if he was the kindling and she the fire. And he was willing to let her.

As the chill in the air made him shiver, he stooped down to stoke the fire. When he had finished, Gwaine walked around behind her and reached down to pick her up. He was carrying her to the bed when she stirred.

"What're you doin'?" she asked sleepily.

Gwaine set her onto the bed and bent down to kiss her brow.

"Shh, love, go back to sleep. I'm going to build up the fire again," he replied.

Marian didn't want to go back to sleep. She had a perfectly good vantage point where she was and watched him as he brought the fire back up, the firelight illuminating his naked body. More awake, she sighed as she smiled appreciatively. She felt her heart swell as she watched him move around the room naked.

His arm muscles were distinct and developed, without being overly so. He had just enough chest hair spread over his hard chest to run her fingers through, thinning and darkening as it approached his abdomen. Below his perfectly round navel, the hair tapered down until it met a large mass of dark curls just above his manhood, the sensitive and full flesh hanging below reminding her of how much he wanted her body. His legs were hairy, and his thighs were as hard as tree trunks. His ass was slightly round and taut with just the right amount of flesh for her to grab and pinch. He was absolutely perfect.

Feeling her eyes on him, Gwaine grinned from ear to ear. He turned his head and gazed at her for just a moment as she watched him. He'd never felt so wanted, so desired. Content, he finished what he was doing and walked back to the bed, smirking.

"Enjoying the view, eh?"

Marian giggled. "It's not every day one sees a Knight of Camelot out of his armor. One might think he was up to something vulgar and indecent!"

"Maybe I am!" Gwaine called out to her as he jumped onto the bed. "Come here, you saucy she-devil!" He rolled on top of her and growled as he bit down on her shoulder.

Marian laughed and reached around to slap his backside.

"Oh my! Are you trying to bed me again, Sir Knight?"

Gwaine grunted in pleasure. He had never thought that pain could be so arousing. He nibbled at her neck as she smacked his backside again. His erection pressed against her hip when she slapped his firm backside one last time. He grabbed her wrist and brought it up to his mouth.

"I am only trying to protect the lady's honor!" he replied, nibbling at the pulse on her wrist.

Reaching down, he spread her legs enough for him to climb between them and sat on his knees, smirking down at her.

"How are you protecting my honor when you come at me with that jousting lance of yours?" she giggled at him.

His erection bounced in the air as she playfully patted the tip with her hand. Gwaine bit his lower lip and stared at her hungrily. Oh yes, she must be made to pay for that.

Gwaine reached behind her backside and roughly pulled her closer to him.

"Oh!" she squealed.

"What would people say if they found the lascivious lady in my bed, as naked as the day she was born and me, a noble knight, doing nothing about it?" he asked as he scooted back.

He laid down with his face pressed against the inside of her thigh, her leg bent over his shoulder and across his back. Turning his head, he gave her inner thigh a quick kiss and a nibble. Reaching his hand over to her soft curls, he gently dipped his fingers between her lips, finding her bud.

"Oh! You wicked man!" she panted as he worked her sex.

Gwaine playfully teased her bud, causing it to harden and grow as her blood flow was diverted down south. He continued his ministrations, making her shudder under his hand.

"Wicked? I'll show you wicked, you voluptuous doxy!" Gwaine grinned evilly at her and then thrust his head between her thighs.

Marian called out as he moved his mouth between her folds and danced around her warm, sensitive spot. His tongue circled around her bud, pushing and tasting it as his rough beard scratched at her folds. His lips gently closed around her spot, and he sucked as his tongue pushed down on the tip. Moving his mouth around it, the bud throbbed in time with his gentle sucks and licks.

His hand wandered down and teased around her entrance with his rough thumb, making sure she was slick with desire before plunging two of his large fingers into her, curling upwards to graze her walls. His other hand dug into the flesh of her thigh, holding it tightly in place.

She moaned as he pleasured her. Rolling her nub with his tongue and gently sucking, he continued to kiss her sex, his sharp nose pushing against the top of her folds, as his fingers thrust into her at a slow, agonizing pace. His own arousal hardened against the mattress as he bucked his hips down in time with the movement of his fingers and her deep moans.

Gwaine felt as if he could do this for eternity, pleasing Marian, sucking on her sex, smelling her, tasting her, making her moan. She was delicious and the only sustenance he ever needed. She was made for him and he for her. It was Fate that brought them together more than once. It was Fate that had pulled them both through time to be there, together, at this very moment. They were meant to be one.

Marian rocked her hips in time with his tongue and reached down to pull his hair sharply, pushing his face further into her flesh. She grasped the sheets in her other hand, bunching them tightly in her fist.

"There! Oh, yes, there! Don't stop, Gwaine! Don't ever stop!" she panted.

Her back arched, pressing her sex into his face harder. She let go of him to move her hands to her hair, running her fingers through the locks and pulling. She caressed her own skin down her face and neck to her bosom, tweaking and teasing her nipples.

"Please, Gwaine! Faster! Oh God, please!" she screamed.

Gwaine raised his eyes to look at her, smiling against her sex as he quickened the pace. The all too familiar warmth developed in her core, her muscles tensing as it spread down to her toes. She screamed as she shook and rode out her orgasm against him.

"Gw-Gw-Gwaaaaiiiinnnne! OH, GOD!" she screamed between sharp breaths.

When she had finished quaking and writhing against his mouth, he lifted his head and smirked. Sitting up on his knees, Gwaine removed his fingers from her, slowly licked them, one by one, and moaning at the taste of her. Marian's sucked in a quick breath when he licked his lips to finish.

He bent down to her, kissing up her belly and between her ribs, leaving a damp trail of her own arousal shining on her pale skin. His hand moved about her body, exploring her smooth skin, while the other swept back between her legs and kneaded the warm, wet flesh, keeping her ready and waiting. He leaned forward, sucking on the skin above her breasts.

"Tell me, beautiful, when did you fall in love with me?" he asked her seriously.

She arched her back. "I—I think it was..." she tried to speak, moaning softly.

She was having a difficult time concentrating on what she was saying while he tantalized and teased her.

He moved his head back down to her breasts, and drew a rosy, erect nipple into his mouth, his hand still kneading her between her thighs.

"I… oh God… I… started falling for you…"

Gwaine kissed back up her chest and neck to her ear. He nibbled on the soft skin just behind her earlobe as she writhed beneath him.

"…b-back when we were in… the… the… oh!"

Gwaine bit at her neck and throat.

"…the Perilous Lands. But… I…"

Marian felt his erection harden further against her thigh as he pressed himself against her. Spreading her legs, she pulled him to her.

Removing his hand, his length quickly found its way between her folds, and the head rested at her entrance.

"But… I…," she continued, gasping. "…I only realized it before…"

The anticipation was driving her mad.

Gwaine teased at her entrance, moving into her a little before pulling back out.

"Oh God… sometime before Morgana attacked with the Southrons. Gwaine, please!"

He smiled against her skin. He wanted this to play out for as long as possible, savoring her soft gasps and insistent movements.

Gwaine deliberately pressed himself inside of her only a little, the tip of his erection stretching her entrance and pressing against her walls before pulling back out. He played this game several more times before she bucked her hips into his in frustration.

"What… oh fuck… what about you-ou-ou-u?" she drew the last word out as he went deeper inside to her core.

"I lost my heart when you called me an arrogant prick and threw water in my face," he replied, his voice muffled as he nibbled up her neck and across her jaw.

Marian stopped moving and looked up at him, confused at what he was saying.

"Gwaine, that's when we first met!"

Surely it hadn't been love at first sight? She had been awful to him in those early days.

Gwaine raised himself above her, holding himself up on his arms.

"Was it?" he asked as he grinned wickedly at her.

He hadn't known how long she'd loved him, so it was pleasing to him that it had been almost as long as he'd loved her.

She looked up at him with pleading eyes before he pulled back and firmly drove himself into her.

"Oh, God, yes!" Marian screamed.

She bent her legs back so that her knees were at his shoulders. Pressing the heels of her feet against his back, she urged him to plunge into her harder.

Ever the gentleman, he obliged the lady.

Gwaine pulled himself back, and then drove himself in vigorously, the tip of his length hitting that sweet spot deep inside of her.

"I love you, Marian Ragnell," he said as he thrust. "I always have, and I always will."

"And I love you… Gwainnnneeeuuuhhh!" she moaned his name loudly as he pulled back again and again, plunging in deep, hitting her sweet spot.

His rough curls were grazing against her folds, and the warm flesh hanging beneath his erection slapped against her as he drove himself into her hard.

Warmth developed at her core.

She tensed as she felt like she would burst if she didn't get relief soon.

"Oh, God, Gwaine! F-faster! More! Fuck me! More!" she whimpered.

He picked up the pace, his thundering thrusts spiking, the feet of the bed scraping against the floor and the headboard beating a steady rhythm against the wall.

With each thrust, he pressed the sensitive flesh of his testes against her, the pressure building at the head of his erection.

He moaned at the sensations.

Gwaine looked down at Marian, watching as her breasts bounced in time with his thrusts and the knock of the headboard, creating a symphony of pleasure.

The bed creaked.

The floor scraped.

The headboard knocked.

The woman beneath him thrashed.

Gwaine lifted her hips slightly and pulled his arm underneath, his fingers digging into her fleshy backside, holding her up at a new angle.

With his other hand, he grasped the sheets tightly, and the head of his arousal throbbed. The pressure was becoming too much.

Sweat beads formed on his brow as he closed his eyes.

He tightened his face in an effort to hold on to what little control he had as he possessed her, ravished her over and over.

Gwaine was easily hitting the spot in her core that would release ecstasy.

Marian warmed and tensed and writhed and moaned.

She reached around him and grabbed his backside, pushing him harder into her.

The thumping of her sex…

The probing of her core…

The thick manliness of the man above her…

Going in and out and in and out…

She was teetering on the edge of euphoria.

And when she thought that she couldn't handle more, she fell.

The warmth spread all over her body.

The tension turned into quivers and quakes.

"Oh, God, Gwaine! Yes! Gwaine! Yes! Oh! OH! I LOVE YOU! GOD, I LOVE YOU!" she screamed as loud as she could, her head thrown back into the pillow as she writhed in pleasure beneath him.

Her legs held him so tight he thought he could no longer breathe.

The motion of her hips…

The shuddering of her slick, heated core around his erection…

All of it sent Gwaine over the edge.

He fell into the abyss.

His eyes opened wide.

His testes pulled up against his body as he tensed in anticipation.

"Yes, Marian! Oh, God! Yes! MY BEAUTIFUL MARIAN!" he screamed as the pressure increased quickly and finally released, bursting into her over and over, his eyes rolling back in ecstasy.

He continued to thrust as he came, and she rocked her hips against him, taking in everything he offered. Her muscles tensed and released and tensed again, milking him as he continued to come into her until he had nothing left in him. It was never-ending pleasure. Gwaine wanted to stay inside of her forever, thrusting and bursting and moaning and loving.

As his arousal began to ease, though, he stilled.

Marian, however, was still quaking beneath him, her hair plastered to her face and neck with sweat. Intrigued, Gwaine gathered up what little strength he had left and pressed his hips against her sex, his body tugging her folds, his manhood pressing against her bud.

Marian screamed and arched her back.

She slammed her feet to the mattress and lifted her hips from the bed, bucking up into him at an impressive angle.

"OH! OH! GWAINE! OH GOD!" she howled.

Gwaine smiled brightly at her. It seemed that the woman's orgasms could go on forever.

He pressed against her one last time as her legs wrapped around him and held her close to his body.

Tears spilled from her eyes as she shuddered in another climax.

"OH! OH! I can't… it's too much!" she cried.

Finally and completely spent, Gwaine let her down to the mattress and removed himself from her. He dropped down and, not caring that they both were damp from sweat, rested on top of her, his head on her heaving bosom.

Marian's quakes subsided, and she ran her fingers lovingly through his moistened hair.

"God, Gwaine. That was… mind-blowing," she panted.

Gwaine chuckled against her. "Protect th' lady's honor…" he slurred.

His eyes drooped, he was exhausted. Marian felt his breathing calm and heard soft snores. She smiled as she replayed the events from earlier in her mind. It was good to be back in Camelot.

000

The sun had traveled halfway across the sky by the time Marian and Gwaine had awoken. The chill in the air nipped at their bare skin. Neither had moved much in the night, so Gwaine was still pressed on top of her, naked and relaxed.

"Morning, beautiful," he said lazily.

Marian looked outside and chuckled. "More like afternoon. I think it's midday."

Gwaine lifted his head and turned toward the window.

"Ah, that explains why I'm so hungry," he said just as his stomach growled. He turned his head back to her and kissed her tenderly, trailing the kisses from her lips down her throat. He held onto her hips as he nuzzled in her neck and hair, nipping softly.

"What, that it's midday, or is it because you turned into a wild beast last night? Twice."

He lifted his head and cocked an eyebrow at her. "Wild beast? I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. Though, I did hear you howling a few times, milady," he teased as he sat up.

"Howling?" Marian scoffed.

She sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed. Getting up, she walked over to the fireplace and picked the blanket from the floor, wrapping it around herself.

"Looks like the fire finally died," she pouted.

Gwaine stood and walked in front of her.

"I didn't hear you complaining last night. In fact, you seemed pretty warm as you screamed my name over and over," he smirked confidently. "Maybe we just need to share our body heat, eh?" he said as he snuck his arms into the blanket and around her bare waist.

"Oh!" she squealed. "Your hands are cold!" She backed away from him playfully.

"Then let me warm them on your bounteous bosom!" he teased as he chased her around the chambers.

Marian laughed as she rounded the table in the middle of the room. Her foot caught on the bottom of the blanket, and she tripped, but Gwaine reached out and grabbed her before she could fall far. He took advantage of her distracted state and snuck his hands into the blanket that covered her, pulling her close. He bent his head and kissed her languidly.

Marian moved her arms around his neck, allowing the blanket to cover both of them, their naked bodies pressed together. When he lifted his head, breaking their kiss, she knitted her brow. She was certainly ready for an encore if he was.

At her hungry look, he sighed and grinned. "Alas, I cannot even if I wanted to. I am completely spent. You have vanquished me, woman."

Marian giggled. "Well, I guess you had better send for food, Good Sir Knight, if you're to regain your strength. I intend to have you several more times before I'll release you back to the king."

She pulled his hands from her and took the blanket as she went to the fireplace. "I'll tend to the fire," she said.

Gwaine found his tunic and trousers and reluctantly pulled them on. As he went to the door, he heard Marian yell.

"Oh my God, what did you do to my dress?"

He looked back and shrugged before slipping out to the corridor.

000

It was unusually quiet for this time of day. There were no servants or any of the other occupants around. Usually, it would be difficult to walk a few feet without seeing someone. Gwaine walked down the corridor and rounded a corner. One of the newer household servants came up the servant's stairway and almost bumped into Gwaine.

"Sorry, Sir Gwaine," she apologized.

"That's alright," he replied. "Erm… I need to get some food sent to my chambers. Who would I ask about that?" he asked her.

"I can have it sent," she curtseyed.

"A lot of food, if you will. Several meals worth. And some ale."

She looked scandalized as he shrugged.

"I'm famished," he explained. Gwaine conveniently left Marian out of the conversation. No point in adding to the castle's gossip.

She nodded and headed on her way. As the serving girl was about to go past him, he turned and called to her. "Where is everyone, anyway?"

She blushed as she answered him. "Everyone in this wing cleared out last night," she hesitated before continuing, "because of the noise!"

She spun quickly and ran.

Gwaine blanched. He was not going to tell this to Marian, she'd die of embarrassment.

When he returned to his chambers, he saw that the fire had been rebuilt and found Marian sitting on the bed dressed in nothing but his grey tunic. The neckline plunged nearly to her navel, exposing her cleavage and the sides of her round breasts. He had never seen a woman look so delicious in all his life. He made a mental note to get her to wear his tunics more often.

"You are going to be the death of me, woman," he said to himself as he smiled lecherously.

Marian turned when she heard him enter.

"Did you bring any food?"

"I've sent for it. In the meantime, I can think of a few things we can do to pass the time," he wagged his eyebrows at her suggestively.

Marian laughed. "I thought you were spent?"

"I am, but you aren't," he said before joining her on the bed.

An hour later, there was a timid knock at the door. Gwaine rose from the bed and went to answer it as Marian sat up, tugging the tunic back down and pulling the blanket up over her bosom to make herself half decent at least.

When he opened the door, several servants entered with trays of food and one with a jug of ale and two tankards. There were a couple of roasted chickens, potatoes, raw fruit, some sausages, a loaf of crusty bread, and several large chunks of cheese. Marian blushed as a few of the servants gave her knowing looks.

Gwaine thanked them, and then closed and locked the door after them. He went over to the table and poured the ale into the tankards and held one out to Marian.

She climbed off the bed and rushed over to the food.

"I'm starving!" she declared as she stuffed a large bite of bread into her mouth.

Gwaine lifted his tankard to his mouth and watched as she swallowed, and then stuff some cheese and a couple of berries into her mouth. She tore off one of the chicken's drumsticks and bit into it hungrily.

"What?" she asked with a mouth full of chicken. "I'm hungry."

"You're a woman after my own heart," he said as he took two of the sausages and eagerly shoved them in his mouth.

After they'd had their fill, Marian tidied as Gwaine pulled his tunic and trousers off. She started back to the bed when Gwaine grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Just a minute, beautiful," he said as he pulled his tunic off of her in a flourish, leaving her completely bare.

His eyes roamed over her nakedness. Her skin was smooth and creamy, her breasts were heavy and bounced with even the smallest movement. Her belly was soft and round, and her hips were wide, ideal for bearing children.

If she even wants children, he thought.

He certainly hoped she did. The thought of his seed inside of her, growing into their children, made his heart flutter. But the thought of putting his seed inside of her made him grin.

She had a perfect triangle of soft, reddish-blonde curls between her strong thighs. Her calves were well-formed and tapered to small ankles and delicate feet. He walked around her as his eyes wandered over her body. Her honey-colored hair fell in waves to just below her shoulders.

His eyes continued their journey down her back. Her shoulder blades were visible, but only just. He licked his lips as he noticed how her skin creased on either side of her waist, where her back slightly curved inward. She looked soft and supple, well-fed and healthy.

Perfection, he thought.

He wanted to lick and bite every inch of her. Perhaps he'd get the chance soon. The roundness of her backside called to him. It was difficult for him to resist the urge to bend down and bite her on each buttock. Gwaine licked his lips again as he greedily consumed her form.

Throwing caution to the wind, he knelt behind her. As he held onto her hips, Gwaine kissed one buttock, then the other.

Marian chuckled at him. "One-track mind, you knights," she said as she looked back at him.

He gently bit down on her cheek, making her squeal in delight. Smirking at her, Gwaine stood, keeping a hold on her hips. He pulled her back until her backside was up against his manhood. Gwaine cupped her breasts and massaged them gently. He bent his head, kissing her shoulder and neck.

His weary member stirred but wouldn't cooperate. He would need to regain some of his energy and strength before he could take her again. Though he couldn't perform yet, it didn't mean that he couldn't continue to pleasure Marian.

Gwaine stepped back, hitting the edge of the bed. He climbed onto the mattress behind Marian and pulled her back until she fell down beside him. He rolled her on her back and hovered over her.

"It has been at least an hour since I've tasted you. It's time that I get reacquainted with every inch of your body," he informed her, grinning mischievously.

Marian's breath hitched in her chest as he headed down south.

000

After a couple of hours of Gwaine feasting on her, caressing her, exploring her whole body, Marian laid on her back, one arm behind her head. He was spread out on his side beside her, holding his head up with one hand while the other traced lazy circles around her stomach.

"I'm surprised that they brought ale with our meal. I thought they only kept mead in the castle this time of year," she said after a moment.

"I asked them to bring it," Gwaine replied. His fingers dipped down to her navel and traced its shape. "I thought we could celebrate our first real kiss," he smiled at her.

He trailed his hand down to her side and felt the rough scar Morgana's dagger had left there years ago.

"Our first real kiss? I don't—" she stopped to think back.

"You had just tried ale for the first time," he supplied. Grinning, he continued. "I think you really liked it. It… er… loosened your tongue, among other things."

Gwaine's smile widened as realization dawned on her. Several years ago, she had gone to the tavern with the knights to celebrate the anniversary of their knighting. She had drunk so much ale that she didn't remember attacking Gwaine in the corridor with kisses.

"Oh my God, that wasn't a dream?" she yelled as she sat up.

"It was very real, sweetheart," Gwaine said as he reached up and cupped her breast in his hand, giving it a little shake as if to judge its weight. "Been dreaming of bedding you ever since," he admitted. "And let's just say… it surpassed anything I have imagined."

Marian let out a groan and fell back onto the pillow. "It was just a kiss, though, right? We didn't…?" she left her question hanging in the air.

Gwaine laughed and smiled even wider than before. "Just a kiss. Did you dream about bedding me, you saucy vixen?"

She chuckled but refused to answer. She watched as his hands continued to move over her breasts.

Gwaine moved his attention to her nipple, flicking it when his thumb. He watched it rise, and then he smoothed it down only to flick it again. He rubbed his thumb in circles around and then over the nipple. It rose higher and darkened quicker as he slowly massaged it.

"Gwaine?"

"Hmm?"

He gave the flesh of her breast a quick poke with his index finger, making it jiggle in response.

"What the hell are you doing?" she asked, looking at him pointedly.

He stopped poking her and looked at her earnestly. "Breasts are fascinating, aren't they?" He smiled at her as she rolled her eyes and groaned at him, proud that he could still rile her.

Gwaine grew concerned when Marian sobered.

"What is it, love?"

"I guess I need to go back to work soon. Gaius probably needs my help," she pouted.

He rolled over on his back and pulled her to his chest. As he traced circles around the bare skin on her hip, he sighed. "You know, you don't have to work, beautiful. I can take care of you," he offered.

Marian smiled as she ran her fingers through his chest hair. "I appreciate the offer, Gwaine, but I enjoy my work. Mind you, I'll be happy when the Felton boys finally grow out of their accident-prone phase."

Gwaine chuckled. Those boys were a menace. "Are they still what you called walking birth control?"

"Perhaps," she said, laughing with him.

He furrowed his brow, almost too nervous to ask his question. He took a steadying breath.

"Does that mean you do want children?"

"Do you?"

"I do, if it's with you," he answered without hesitation. He had never seriously considered it until he had met her.

Marian's smile widened. She turned her head and kissed his chest softly. "I think it'd be fun to have a couple of little Gwaines and Marians running around the castle," she replied. "Mind you, it would take all of my time just keeping them out of trouble since they'd probably be just like their father."

Relieved and elated, Gwaine reached over and kissed the top of her head. "Sweetheart, if our children are prone to trouble, then you can rest assured that they would get that from their mother," he laughed.

"Hey!" she protested indignantly. "I'm not the one who set farm animals loose in my village!"

He laughed heartily at her, realizing that she was right. No matter who they took after, their children were bound to be troublemakers.

Gwaine rolled her over on her back and kissed her soundly. "Enough talk about work and children and farm animals, love. I mean to hear you howl," he said, his voice low.

His hand moved slowly down her body, caressing her skin, and rested between her legs. As his fingers worked, he bent down and kissed her lips hungrily.

"Oh, Gwaine…" Marian moaned against his mouth.

He had finished his ministrations as darkness approached. He grinned, pleased that he had made her howl twice.

Marian stretched out on the bed, thoroughly spent. The satisfied smile on her face widened as she looked over at Gwaine. Her heart was finally full, knowing that she wouldn't be cruelly torn from him ever again.

Gwaine got up from the bed and rekindled the fire. They ate a little more of the food, then settled back in bed, still exhausted from the activities the night before, and the heavy petting during the day. It didn't take long for them both to fall asleep.

000

The next morning, Marian awoke to Gwaine's erection pressing into her back. He was still sleeping, spooning her from behind, his hand splayed across her stomach. She arched her back enough to press her backside into his arousal. He moaned but didn't open his eyes. She moved again, this time rubbing her buttocks up and down his length and tugging against his scrotum.

Barely awake, he bent his head down to her shoulder and placed soft kisses down to her neck. His hand moved down to caress the soft curls between her legs as he pressed his erection harder into the flesh of her backside.

Marian moaned as he stretched his fingers down and dipped between her folds. She laid her hand on his, covering it as she pressed it harder into her sex, his calloused fingers rubbing at her most sensitive spot.

Gwaine suckled the skin at the base of her neck and pressed his hips harder against her. He lifted his head slightly and nibbled on her earlobe. Marian's breath quickened, as did the pace of his fingers. He pressed himself against her again, asking for permission to go between her legs and enter her.

Marian grinned as she pulled his hand from her, rolling him over on his back. She bent down and caught his lips with hers, kissing him languidly while her hand moved down his torso. She reached the hair below his navel and followed it down to his manhood. As she cupped his testes, gently massaging, her dainty fingers reached behind the sensitive flesh and pressed down lightly.

He moaned into her mouth as she moved to hold his hard erection in the palm of her hand, pumping her fist up and down his length. Gwaine bucked his hips in time with her thrusts, enjoying the feel of her hand around him, but was disappointed when she suddenly broke the kiss and removed her hand from him.

Marian smirked at him when he looked at her curiously. She threw her leg across him and straddled his lap, not letting his arousal touch her. She bent her head to trail kisses down his neck and bite at his collarbone.

"Marian…" Gwaine moaned in pleasure.

He held onto her hips and tried to guide her sex down to him, but she wouldn't budge. She kissed and nibbled down his chest, licking and biting at his nipples. Gwaine was aroused but confused as she continued to move down his body, her ample bosom pressing against his erection, her sex sliding down his leg.

She kept licking and kissing and nibbling until her mouth reached the curls below his navel, brushing her nose through the soft hair to smell him. She grinned. Leather and musk. Gwaine watched as she wrapped her small hand around the base of his erection and dragged her tongue up the length to its tip, swirling around the crown. Her other hand gently caressed the delicate flesh that hung below his arousal.

"Oh God, Marian…" he moaned again.

Gwaine's eyes widened when he saw her open her mouth and suck in his arousal. She started slowly at the head, licking the tip inside of her mouth. Her lips stretched wide around his shaft as she moved her head down and sucked in his engorged member, her hand pressing lightly against his testes. She slowly moved back up and then plunged her head down, taking almost all of him in again, her hand pressing against his tender flesh with her movements. Marian moaned, the vibrations in her mouth pulsating against him.

Her hair splayed out across his stomach as she continued to move her mouth up and down his length, her hand gently cupping his testes, fingers massaging the back of his flesh. Her other hand moved across his stomach, caressing up between his ribs to his chest. Gwaine entwined his fingers in her hair, holding onto her as if his life depended on it.

Marian's tongue rubbed the underside of his shaft with each thrust. Gwaine threw his head back against the pillow, his back arching, and his eyes rolled back when she tightened her mouth around him and moaned again. As she moved faster, Gwaine bucked his hips into her, hitting the back of her throat. His shaft grew darker and hot as it pulsated in her mouth. She hummed and moaned as she moved, her lips loosening and tightening around him, her tongue licking and swirling around his tip.

He couldn't hold back, he was about to lose control.

His breaths were loud and fast as he listened to her suck and moan around him.

"Marian, I love you… I… love… oh God… Marian… I can't stop…" He tried to warn her, give her some sign that he couldn't hold it anymore.

He looked down and saw the corners of her mouth barely turn up in a small smile as she thrust him into her mouth faster.

Gwaine felt the pressure building at the head of his erection.

The shaft hardened more and pulsed when her tongue curled around it, pushing into the large vein on the underside.

The wet, sloppy sounds of her mouth around his cock drove him mad.

She let go of his testes as they drew close to his body, preparing.

His grip on her hair tightened.

His body tensed.

His back arched.

His toes curled.

"Marian!" he screamed as the pressure became too much and he exploded inside of her mouth, spilling himself down her throat in several long bursts.

His eyes rolled back in ecstasy as he moaned at the sensations she had caused.

Never in his life had anyone done that to completion.

It was exquisite.

Marian stopped moving her head to greedily swallow his pleasure but continued to suck him softly until his arousal eased, and he let go of her hair.

She finally lifted her head, releasing his waning arousal with a pop.

"Good morning," she said as she gave him a cheeky grin.

"Good morning, beautiful," he replied lazily. "Come here." He sat up and pulled her to his chest as he leaned back against the headboard. "The best way to wake up," he panted, still shuddering from his release.

Marian smiled against his skin, giving him small, soft kisses.

"I agree," she added. "You taste divine, my delectable and sexy knight."

Chuckling, Gwaine leaned over and placed a kiss on her brow while she caressed his chest. He stretched and brought his arm up under his head. Relaxed and naked, with the beautiful love of his life curled up next to him in his bed, Gwaine felt contented with his life.

000

"It's been two days!" Arthur complained. "What could they possibly be doing in there for this long?"

Gwen gave her husband a sharp look and then broke into laughter.

"Arthur, really," she replied. "You cannot guess at what might be keeping Gwaine and Marian so occupied?"

Arthur turned red. "But for two whole days?" he asked incredulously.

Gwaine had taken Marian to his chambers as soon as she had returned to Camelot two days ago and neither had been seen since. When he complained about this to Merlin and Gaius, both men merely laughed and shrugged it off. Arthur had expected Gwen, at least, to be sympathetic.

"I'm the king. They should have come to me immediately and explained what had happened to them."

"Let them be, Arthur," Gwen scolded. She walked behind her husband and placed her hands on his shoulders, rubbing the tension away. "It's taken them many years to even get to this point. You remember what it was like, don't you? All of the passion of new love?"

Arthur reached up and took Gwen's hand. "We're still passionate, aren't we?" he pouted.

She bent her head and kissed Arthur's hair. "Of course, we are, but their relationship is just beginning. They'll come out soon enough. If anything, they need to eat to keep up that kind of stamina."

She walked around and stood in front of him. Arthur reached up and lovingly caressed her round, swollen belly. He was rewarded with a small kick from the tiny babe inside. Had he known that Gwen was with child, he might have done things differently when dealing with Morgana and the Saxons. But fearing he would shirk his duty to the kingdom in favor of trying to keep her safe, Gwen had kept her condition from everyone.

Arthur chuckled. "No, he's sent for food already."

Gwen had an idea. "Not to worry, my love. I'll take care of it."

She patted his shoulder and left the room, heading toward Marian's chamber. Thankfully she still had a few months before even the smallest of tasks would be too difficult for her.

She went inside the healer's chamber and went through the chest of drawers to find some suitable clothes. She was sure that all Marian had with her was what she was wearing when she returned. Gwen doubted that Gwaine would have thought enough to keep her dress from wrinkling as it dried. That is if he didn't just rip it to pieces trying to get it off of her. She blushed at the thought of the knight tearing Marian's dress from her body.

Gwen picked out a soft dress and a fresh chemise. When she left, she stopped one of her lady's maids and instructed her to have a bath sent to Gwaine's chambers and to deliver the dress and chemise to Marian. The maid curtseyed and blushed before running off to do her lady's bidding. The queen was positive that Marian, at least, would take the hint.

000

Marian and Gwaine were both soaking in a warm bath, courtesy of Queen Guinevere. Gwaine was irritated that he hadn't thought to have one sent up. He should have been the one to realize that Marian's stiff muscles needed relief since he was the one that made them sore in the first place. He smirked when he thought of how he had made that happen.

He leaned against the back of the bathtub while Marian was sitting between his legs. Her head was back against his shoulder, and she stretched, affording him a nice view of her breasts. He went to dip his left hand into the hot water but pulled it back quickly as it stung. Gwaine brought his hand up and examined the cut on his palm. He frowned as he remembered the events leading up to the injury earlier that day.

They had fallen into a light slumber on the bed after she had awakened him in the best way possible. The woman's mouth was magic, he was sure of it. They were cuddled and naked when a loud knock on the door woke him up.

"Sir Gwaine," a servant called. He thought he recognized the voice. "We're here with yer bath."

Confused, Gwaine called out. "I didn't order any bath!"

Startled by Gwaine's sudden outburst, Marian jumped and rolled off the bed and onto the floor.

"Shit!"

"Are you alright?" Gwaine asked, concerned.

She rubbed her backside and narrowed her eyes at him. "Of course, I'm not alright! There's someone at the door, and I'm naked as a jaybird because someone had to go and rip my dress!"

"It was ordered by the queen herself, Sir Gwaine!" the servant called out.

"Just… er… Just a minute!" Gwaine called back. He jumped out of bed and helped Marian to her feet. Picking up his wrinkled tunic from the day before, he handed it to her. "Here, put this on."

"Oh no, the last time I was in your tunic and people came in, they gave me looks."

"What looks?" he asked as he searched for his own clothes.

"Looks," she said again, this time she widened her eyes at him knowingly.

Gwaine laughed. "Is that all?"

The servant knocked again, this time louder. "Sir Gwaine, the water's gettin' cold!"

"I'm not going to be castle gossip, Gwaine."

He didn't have the heart to tell her that it was too late. Everyone in the wing had heard them the night before last.

"Alright, here, get under the blanket," he suggested as he pushed her to the bed and made her lie down. He covered her with several blankets, attempting to smooth away any lumps.

"Sir Gwaine! Can we come in now? Are ye decent?"

"I know that voice…" Gwaine mumbled to himself. He turned to Marian. "Just stay under there. They'll never know."

She scoffed but did as he said. At the loud banging coming from his door, Gwaine pulled his wrinkled clothes on and went to open it.

Rather than servants, Gwaine was met with Percival and Elyan holding a large bathtub between them. There were several maids behind them carrying buckets with steam pouring out.

"What—?" Gwaine asked, confused.

The two knights barged into the room, laughing heartily.

"You should have seen your face!" Elyan said as he pulled a face, and Percival guffawed.

"Funny. Ha. Ha." Gwaine said unamused. He wanted to yell at them for interrupting his time with Marian, but he'd never hear the end of it.

They sat the bathtub down in front of the fireplace and made room for the maids to pour the hot water into the tub. The maids left as they emptied their buckets, whispering with each other, and giggling.

"Where's Marian?" Percival asked. He opened one of the cupboards and looked inside. "Marian, you in there?"

"She's… not here," Gwaine lied. He just wanted them all to leave so he could get back to the very beautiful and very naked woman in his bed.

"Sure she is," Elyan said as he picked up her ripped dress. "Unless you sent her out in the castle with naught a stitch to cover herself."

"That would be very rude, Gwaine. Sending a lady out in the cold like that," Percival joined in. "I bet she's under there!" he exclaimed as he walked toward the bed.

Panicking, Gwaine ran toward Percival to stop him but ended up knocking over a chair while some of the dishes from the day before fell to the floor. At the loud crash, Marian yelped and pulled the blankets from her head. She sat up and shot daggers at the three knights.

"Do you mind?" she asked angrily.

Her hair was in a state, it stood up in the back and tangles stuck out everywhere. The blankets fell from her shoulders, but she held them to her bosom. Her neck and shoulders were littered with love marks where Gwaine had sucked and bitten her skin.

Elyan and Percival had the good sense to look embarrassed as they turned their backs to the nude woman.

"As you can see, gentlemen, we are busy. So if you don't mind…" Gwaine told them as he gestured to the door.

"Sorry, Marian," the shamed knights apologized as they headed to the door.

Before Gwaine could close it behind them, Elyan was handed something from one of the maids and turned to give it to Gwaine.

"I'm glad she's back, Gwaine. Truly. Erm… This is from Gwen," he said as he handed Gwaine the folded clothing Gwen had sent.

Gwaine nodded to his friend and took the clothes, shutting the door and locking it behind him.

"Sorry about that, beautiful," he apologized.

Marian smiled softly. "At least we get a warm bath out of it. I'm pretty sore."

"And clothes," he said as he held up the dress and chemise. "Looks like the queen was concerned for your modesty, love."

Gwaine laid the clothes down and went to clean up the fallen dishes. All but one of the bowls had survived the fall. As he picked up a broken piece, he cut the palm of his hand.

"I can heal that, you know." Marian's voice pulled him back to the present. She twisted her body around to look at him.

"I wouldn't want to put you out," Gwaine said, smiling at her. "Besides, you keep moving like that, and healing me will be the last thing on either of our minds."

As if to make his point, Marian felt his hardness against her backside.

"Is that so?" she asked as she turned completely around and straddled his lap. She ran her fingers through his wet hair and pulled his face to hers. "And just what are you going to do about it, Knight of Camelot?" she asked, her lips softly brushing against his.

Gwaine held her hips firmly to his as he moved his lips over hers.

"I can think of a few things, my love," he said before sucking in her bottom lip and biting down gently. At her moans, Gwaine plunged his tongue inside of her mouth and entangled it with hers.

Marian sucked in a sharp breath as he squeezed her backside. As her arousal grew, she bobbed up and down in the water, grinding her sex against him. She felt his erection harden as she pressed against it, her wet breasts brushing his face as she moved against him.

Gwaine reached down into the water with his uninjured hand and found her folds, probing and gliding around the flesh. He tugged and pulled softly as he pressed his thumb inside against her sensitive spot.

Marian rocked her hips against his hand, the friction causing her to writhe.

He pulled her closer, her bosom at his face. He pulled a nipple into his mouth as her breasts swayed in front of him. Feeling Marian begin to quiver, Gwaine removed his hand and pushed his erection up into her.

"Oh Gwaine…" she moaned as she rolled her head back.

She took his injured left hand and held it to her chest, just over her heart. Placing her other hand over his heart, she continued to buck against him, her backside pressing against his testes.

Surging into her again and again, the head and shaft of his length pulsed against her walls.

Hot water splashed over the tub and to the floor as he moved inside of her.

Marian fixed Gwaine with an intense stare.

"Purhhaele dolgbenn…" she purred breathlessly. "Gehalge!"

Her entire body was suddenly bathed in a golden light as she continued to ride him hard.

Gwaine watched as she quickened their pace. The faster he drove into her, the brighter the light became until it engulfed both of them.

"Drycræft durhhæle dina wunda on de geedstadolie!" she called out between moans.

Warmth blossomed wherever she was touching him and grew. His hand, his chest, and his manhood were all tingling from the magic.

Gwaine felt the pressure begin at the head of his erection, but he felt something else. Deep inside of his abdomen, he felt a tense, warm ache.

Marian writhed on top of him as her orgasm built with increasing intensity.

She threw her head back, moving faster and plunging him deeper inside of her as she cried out.

"Oh, God, Gwaine! Yes! Oh, God! Yes! More! There! Oh! Oh, Gwaine!"

She screamed out in ecstasy, her climax cresting, and her body shook as she rocked against him.

Gwaine's own orgasm built to its breaking point, and he erupted inside of her.

The warm ache deep inside of him also grew in intensity until it spread all over his body. The ferocity and power of this new type of orgasm shook his entire being.

"OH! OH GOD!" he exclaimed.

The golden light grew brighter as Marian continued to rapidly ravage him, rolling her hips faster and faster.

She felt a new pressure building between her legs, her thighs tightened, and she bucked erratically until the pressure released in exhilarating ecstasy.

Her eyes widened, and she howled as she shook with another orgasm.

"Gwaine! Fuck! Fuck, FUCK!" she screamed as she rode out the new sensation.

Much to Gwaine's surprise, that warmth was back, and the tense feeling spread between his legs and down to his toes. His eyes and mouth shot wide open, and he cried out at the sensation.

"Marian! Oh, God! Oh, God! Marian!" he gasped.

Each time he felt Marian quiver and quake around him, he felt his own quake deep inside.

"Oh God, Marian, I love you!" he called, out of breath.

It felt like he was pulling her warmth and strength from her. His heart filled with so much love that he thought it would burst. Tears escaped from the corners of his eyes as he rode out the next wave of pleasure with her.

As she slowed, the golden light dimmed. Marian fell forward and rested her head on Gwaine's brow, trying to catch her breath.

Where she felt weak and tired from the exertion, he felt strong and invigorated.

"I love you, Gwaine," she panted.

She lifted his hand from her chest and looked at the palm. There was only a thin scar left from the cut. Marian lifted her left hand and looked at the palm, she now had the same scar.

Gwaine watched her as she examined both of their hands and then turned them so he could see. He was shocked when he saw the identical scars. These weren't the first scars they shared either. She also had one on her shoulder, the same shape and in the same place as his scar from the Green Knight's ax. He had wondered how she had one that matched his exactly. Now it all made sense. Her magic.

"Marian? What was that?" he questioned breathlessly. He had felt so many new sensations, and he was sure she had felt them as well. He had no doubt that they had moved the Earth.

"I took your injury and gave you my life force," she panted. "And…" she started timidly. She looked away, unsure.

Gwaine hooked his finger under her chin and turned her to face him. "And?" he asked softly as his thumb caressed her chin.

"I… I think I felt your orgasm. I've never felt anything like that before. I felt your love for me, Gwaine. It was… fierce," she said.

Gwaine stared at her in wonder. "As did I," he said.

"My love and my... pleasure?" she asked.

Gwaine nodded. "Several times," he told her, grinning from ear to ear. It seemed that they shared more than injuries and life forces that morning. "Next time I get so much as a paper cut, we should try that again," he chuckled.

He noticed her eyes start to droop as she nodded in agreement. Realizing she was exhausted from either the magic, the delicious sex, or both, Gwaine pulled her down to his chest and nestled her head just under his chin.

She wrapped her arms around his torso and settled in. She grinned as she realized that he still smelled of leather and musk.

"Mmm… Gwaine…" she purred. "I love you."

His body was all hard muscle, but it made her feel comfortable and safe to lie in his arms. Marian could hear his heart beating a steady beat. She was almost lulled to sleep when his heart started beating harder and faster.

"Marian?" he asked nervously.

"Hmm?"

Gwaine's breath quickened as he thought about what he wanted to ask her. He loved this woman with his entire being. And finally, after years of torment, they could be together.

"Marry me?"

Marian opened her eyes and lifted her head to look at him. He was staring at her lovingly, his eyes dark and his pupils full.

She smiled brightly at him. "I would love nothing more, my darling knight."

Gwaine bent his head low and kissed her softly.

000

Once they were rested and out of the bath, Marian dressed and left to go to her chamber. Gwaine had dressed in his chainmail and red cloak and went to the drawer in his wardrobe to pull out two ribbons to tie around his arm. One was white with fancy embroidery and the other was green with bloodstains on the ends, his blood to be precise. Both were ribbons that Marian had once tied around his arm for luck, so long ago; one in a melee when they had first met and the other when he stood against the Green Knight. He had kept them all these years as love tokens.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror and sighed. Though it had been several years, it was still a shock that he had gone noble and had been knighted. If anyone had told him six years ago that he would be in service to a king, live in a castle, and marry a beautiful woman, he'd have laughed in their face before offering to buy them another drink.

Gwaine hadn't been the settling down type. He was a rogue, a scoundrel, a gambling man. That was until he met a troublesome healer that stuck under his skin and stayed. Gwaine chuckled at the thought and then turned to his door. He had a quest of his own to complete, and he needed to ask his king for permission first.

000

With horses in tow, Gwaine went to the stone courtyard where he was to meet with Marian. The black mare with the long mane was now tamed, saddled, and ready for her.

Gwaine didn't have Galahad with him, as the horse was recovering from bruises caused when he'd picked up a stone in his shoe. Instead, Gwaine was riding the white horse from the royal stables, a stallion with a long, flowing white mane, a perfect match to the mare Marian would ride. He was just finishing a last-minute check of the saddle straps when he heard Marian walking down the castle steps.

His breath caught in this chest when he turned to greet her. She was wearing a lavender silk gown that hugged her every curve. There were pretty flowers embroidered at her bosom, which had been secured by a tight corset, causing the swell of her breasts to spill out over the top of the neckline.

Above her bosom sat the silver and emerald pendant he had given her for her birthday the year before. The skirt of her dress was full and flowing, ideal for riding a horse. Her wavy blonde hair was loosely braided and secured by a matching ribbon. She radiated beauty as she smiled at him.

Gwaine met her at the bottom of the steps and bent to kiss her softly. "I told Arthur we'd be gone most of the day," he told her. He leaned close to her ear and spoke softly. "Apparently, there is to be a feast in our honor when we return."

"Oh, how nice," Marian said sarcastically. So far, her experiences with feasts haven't been very peaceful, with most of them leading to some sort of attack on the kingdom.

Chuckling, Gwaine took her hand and led her to the horses. "It'll be fine, beautiful. No battles, no attacks. I promise."

They mounted their horses and sped off away from the castle and into the country, toward Mercia.

After a few hours of hard riding, they finally reached the border of Camelot and Mercia. Marian dismounted and left her horse while she roamed around the field at the border. Her fingers grazed the tops of the wheat as she walked in the sunlight. She smiled when she heard Gwaine's horse gallop behind her. She turned and shielding her eyes from the sun, she watched as the man she loved more than anything rode up to her. He smiled gently at her.

"Hello, beautiful."

Marian laughed. This was just like the dream she'd had from childhood, except she knew the man before her. She knew him and loved him. The wheat field in her dream was the same one on the border of Camelot, where they said their goodbyes after helping Arthur with his quest for the Fisher King's trident. It was where Marian fell in love with Gwaine.

The wind blew his hair into his face as he dismounted his horse. Once his feet hit the ground, Gwaine flipped his hair and walked up to her. He cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb on her smooth skin.

"Is this the place?" he asked.

Marian stared at him, unable to believe this was really happening. She looked into his dark brown eyes, so full of love, and finally found her voice.

"It is," she replied. "This is where you captured my heart, Gwaine. This is where I fell madly, deeply, and completely in love with you."

Gwaine grinned at her as he reached behind her and untied her ribbon. While he ran his fingers through her hair, loosening the braid so that the waves fell freely, Marian noticed the two ribbons tied to his arm. She reached up and fingered the ends.

"Are these…?"

"They are."

"And you've kept them this whole time?"

"I have."

Small tears leaked out from the corners of her eyes. Gwaine had kept her tokens from long ago. She sniffed and laughed.

"I love you," she said finally.

"And I love you, my beautiful Marian."

He took the lavender ribbon in his hand and brought it up to his lips, kissing it softly. It smelled of flowers and everything that was Marian. Gwaine grasped her left hand in his, their matching scars pressed together. He wrapped the lavender ribbon around and around their clasped hands. With each passing of the ribbon, they said their vows in unison.

"I will share in your pain and seek to ease it."

"I will share in your laughter and your joy, your sorrows and your fears."

"I will share in your burdens so that your spirit may grow."

"I will protect and honor you, in sickness and in health."

"I will passionately and faithfully love and cherish you all the days of our lives."

Working together, they tied a knot on top of their hands. Gwaine looked into Marian's eyes and spoke the final words of their handfasting.

"As this knot is tied, so are our lives now bound. The knots of this binding are not formed by this ribbon, but by our vows to each other."

Gwaine bent his head and captured her mouth with his. He moved his other hand into her hair and pulled her closer, his lips slowly moving over hers. She opened her mouth to him, allowing him inside. Marian relished the feel of him as his tongue brushed against hers. When they parted, he untied the ribbon from their hands and handed it to her.

"Would you, dearest wife?" he asked as he held his arm out to her.

She grinned at him and placed the lavender ribbon above the other two, tying it around his arm.

She reached up and held his face in her hand. It was done. She was bound to Gwaine for eternity, and he to her. She couldn't be happier.

Gwaine turned his head toward her hand and kissed her palm. "I'll fetch the horses," he said to her before he went off to find the wayward beasts.

When he returned, they mounted their horses and started back toward Camelot. After a few paces, Gwaine kicked his horse and sped off ahead of Marian. Taken aback, she called out to him.

"Gwaine? Gwaine!"

Not realizing he had gone so far ahead, Gwaine slowed and rode back beside her.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" she asked.

Gwaine looked embarrassed for only a moment. He watched her as they rode side-by-side, the motion of the horse, causing her breasts to jiggle and bounce. He closed his eyes and made a pained face.

"Gwaine? My love?" she asked, concerned.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again. Mind made up, he reached over and grabbed Marian by the waist, pulling her over on his own horse and settling her in front of him.

"Gwaine, what are you doing?" she squealed.

He kissed her neck as he replied to her.

"If I am to have you at least twice before the feast, wife, we must go now. Unless that is, you fancy ruining your nice silk gown on the ground before us."

He continued to nibble at her skin while his hands moved to cup her breasts, squeezing them firmly.

A moan escaped her as his attentions to her body grew in intensity.

"By all means, husband, make haste!" she demanded breathlessly.

Gwaine laughed heartily as he reached over and tied the reins of her horse to his saddle. He quickly got the horses in a gallop as they sped to Camelot… stopping only once and completely ruining her silk gown.

000

Author's Note:

Spells (a rough translation from the Merlin Wiki at merlin dot fandom dot com):

Purhhaele dolgbenn - Heal thoroughly the wound

Gehalge! - Heal together!

Drycræft durhhæle dina wunda on de geedstadolie! - Magic heals thoroughly your wounds and strengthens you!