Chapter 1 [Camelot]
[A/N: This takes place midway through the Fourth Season.]
Sol stabbed through Overcast's cloak over the city. Unseasonable Warmth stimulated people and activities alike. Farmers drove their wagons over the drawbridge with goods to sell. Forges' hammers echoed throughout the Lower Town. Servants and Townspeople pumped water into waiting buckets.
Travelers prepared as well…
[King's Chamber]
Merlin laid out Arthur's ceremonial robes across the grand bed. Preparations for Arthur and Gwen's trip to Gaul for King Bors' summit came to a head. He'd cajoled Audrey into food stores for his friends' ride toward Hampton and the crossing to Gaul. He raised an eyebrow. Hints to Arthur had come back with the cryptic 'it's a state matter. I'd have to kill you if you found out' reply. The last time he said that to me was over the Cup of Life. What's he doing now? He scratched his head.
Gwen stuck her head into the chamber. "Well now! You have Arthur's things all set I see!" Approval brightened her eyes and spread the smile across her face. "I believe he's almost ready to depart."
He turned toward her. "Just deciding on the last few things. You know how he is. He'd rather be in his armor than in a meeting. Can't have looking like a Prat in front of everyone. Now can I? What will you do while he's gone? It'll be a month." He could already see Anticipation and Loneliness bubbling up within her. As much as he'd enjoy some well-deserved downtime, he would miss Arthur's bickering and bellows echoing down the passages. With her, it would be worse.
"I just keep to my work. You above all know how that is." She shrugged off that particular thought. Lament sagged down on her. Her heart already ached for its King. She wished she could accompany him to Paris. Potential Slurs and Comments behind Arthur's back nipped Possibilities in the bud. I wish Agravaine could be quiet and leave Arthur and me alone! Why am I not considered a proper choice? I have served Camelot well! I do not require wealth or a fancy manor! I just want to be with Arthur. That is all! She assessed Merlin once again. And that's not to say how much Merlin has done for Camelot. How loyal of a friend he is! He never asks for much in return either. We just value our time around Arthur. Speaking of that, you've been so busy the last few months. I hope you can relax somewhat while we're gone." Gwen watched him fold the clothes and roll them into a cloth covered bundle. "I haven't seen Gaius for a few days."
"Gaius went to Rothsborough with the latest outbreak. I'll ride down there and see what I can do. He has research for me to do while Arthur's gone. I have herbs to pick. Maybe I might take some time and go see my mother." He set the clothes in question on a blanket and rolled them up. He tied the bundle's ends with rope. "There it is!" He pointed to the table. "I packed some capon and pork for the trip. I know how Arthur wants to change things up every day." Smirk crossed his face.
She shook her head. "You do take good care of him I must say. Well I appreciate that. That's nice that you're going to see Hunith. Do give her my best." She cleared her throat. "Merlin, I wish you would find someone for yourself. How can you do that if you keep working?"
He shrugged. Life pressed a balance. Apprenticeship/Assistantship to Gaius occupied a great deal of time. High Standards drove him to keep Arthur's affairs impeccably. Besides, his heart still hurt over Freya's death. "I haven't met anyone that interests me, I guess. I don't need a trip to the tavern. Arthur seems to think I live there."
She sighed. She knew of course that Merlin wasn't at the tavern as often as people claimed. Still his periodic disappearances and returns brought Questions rather than Clarity and Explanations. Despite that, Merlin proved himself as Arthur's right hand. Problems seemed to solve themselves around Merlin. Dependability followed him around the royal household (even if he still tripped over chamber pots after a decade of service). Other than herself, nobody was more loyal to Arthur than him. "Fine. Do try to relax."
"Relax? Gwen, the stables need mucking out. The floors have to be wiped down. The remaining clothes need washing for starters." Arthur came up behind her in the doorway. He shook his head. "I'm glad to see you finally have those clothes packed. I figured you were fussing over them like a girl." Despite Banter's apparent barbs, he knew Merlin would pack the essentials.
"Oh?" Irritation and Annoyance over Arthur's barbs toward Merlin stabbed at her yet again. She curtseyed to him. "And if I wanted you to look nice? I'm a girl. I used to do this for Morgana. Remember?"
"It's all right, Gwen. Arthur would rather be leading a patrol than the negotiating anyway." Merlin hefted the bundle on his shoulder. "Maybe he'd like the feather from that hat he made me wear that first year?" He rolled his eyes. "You remember that?"
Amusement pressed a giggle from her lips. "Oh, Merlin! You know I think that would suit Arthur well." She looked him over as if sizing that up.
"Maybe I'll order you to wear a dress and feathers while I'm gone, Merlin. That might keep you away from your friends in the tavern perhaps?" Arthur coughed. An eyebrow lifted. "I'm tempted to take you with me anyhow." He looked down the passage again.
"Oh yeah. But then you'd miss a whole month of silver polishing jokes. I know how much you love those." Sarcasm dripped from Merlin's tone. Memoria reminded him of Agravaine's insistence about George rather than him being on the trip. What's Agravaine got planned in Gaul? He looked to her. Has got to be about marriage proposals and politics.
"Are you serious?" She cringed. "Merlin, is that why you aren't going?" She turned to Arthur.
"My uncle thinks that I should look official and have a prim servant with me." Arthur shook his head. "At least one that doesn't trip over the chamber pot every turn of the hourglass."
Merlin shrugged. "So George is there to keep you company." Somehow he kept a straight face. "It might do you good. I remember those two weeks you made me work with him. Mmm yeah! He's really exciting all right." He patted Arthur on the arm. "I hear he's into buffing armor now. Have fun. You miss my trips."
Her hands stifled another giggle. Amusement flushed Pink across her cheeks.
"You're not helping, Merlin." Nausea unsettled Arthur's stomach. He knew Agravaine's contacts on the continent had potential marriage alliances lined up. Rulers there favored magic use. Raiders and Invaders pushed on Europa's eastern flank. Diplomacy's arguments around the meeting table. Potential Marriage Partners pushing their hand. George, Boredom's and Brown Nosing's Servant Extraordinaire, awaited him in his chambers.
Aye. Thrills awaited Arthur on that trip all right….
Arthur somehow kept a straight face. "I brought something for you, Gwen." He brought out a bouquet of her favorite violets. "Don't worry. I know what I have to do." He presented them to her. "I wish I weren't going."
"Thank you, Arthur. They're beautiful!" She sniffed deeply of the blooms' scent. "These will last at least a week." She gazed deep into his eyes. "You know you have your duty. We're counting on you. I have faith you'll come back to me. Make peace and build alliances. Even Camelot can't exist by itself."
Admiration considered Gwen anew. How can Agravaine and the other nobles think she isn't worthy? She understands far more about politics and household management than any of them. "I know that, Gwen. I just wish you were coming." He rolled his eyes. "And yes, Merlin, you as well."
"Oh you do? But you said you didn't want me raising a stink or something like that." Merlin smirked allowing himself a rather cheeky tone with his King and friend. "I'll get these downstairs. You two have your moment or whatever." Jabs sparkled in his eyes. His boots carried him down the passage and toward the stairs at their far end.
"Oh we will." Arthur shook his head. He wanted to add something else. Still Priority stayed with her rather than the teasing servant-Warlock at that point. He took a deep breath. "I wish we had longer."
"I'll be here when you get back, Arthur." She pressed her lips onto his. Amor flowed between them charging their resolve for Separation's looming month. When they came up for air, she added, "Be careful."
"It's a conference no more no less. I'll have the knights with me. Gawain's staying back here. I'll try and get back as fast as I can. You'll see, Gwen. Camelot will be fine. If you have issues, Lord Agravaine will hear them. I'm sure he'll find a solution for you." He embraced her tighter than Constrictor's grip.
"I'm sure." Somehow she kept a straight face at his assessment. Much as with Merlin and Gaius, Doubt crept across her mind as to the Regent's loyalties. Suspicion lingered over Agravaine's disappearing acts. Bile burned over his accusations of Gaius. I'll stay away from him as much as possible. Thank you very much! "They're waiting."
Arthur sighed, "I suppose. Let them."
"Arthur, weren't you just teasing Merlin about being a girl like that?" She raised an eyebrow and motioned toward the passage. "We can't be late. They are waiting for us."
"Merlin acts like a girl with his flowers and…." Arthur cut his reply short. He knew full well she wasn't buying it in any case. Instinct wanted to hold hands with her on the way. Appearances dictated otherwise. "Gwen…"
"Arthur, come on." She tugged him toward the doorway. Purpose motioned with her head once again toward the passage.
"Oh all right, Gwen!" Gagging Noise emphasized his point. "But only because you asked me."
"I know." She rubbed his arm. Then she watched him disappear down the passage and stairs. Watch yourself, Arthur!
Arthur descended the stairs. His feet wanted to root themselves in place or reverse course. Heart and Brain fought over their course. Duty or Amor? He forced himself onward and out the door. He could see Leon, Percival and Elyan already on horseback. George waited by Arthur's own horse. Merlin finished tying the clothes' bundle onto the back of Arthur's saddle. Agravaine lingered halfway up the stairs. "Good morning, Uncle. It is a fine day. Is it not?"
"Why yes indeed, Sire! You should make excellent time to Hampton. I can assure you that our scouts found no trouble between here and there." Agravaine put on his best smile. Enthusiasm shone in his eyes. "Rest assured, everything will be taken care of back here."
"I have no doubt of that. I'm sure the month will be uneventful." Arthur shook the elder man's hand. "Besides I know how much help you have been to me."
"I can do no less, Arthur." Agravaine bowed at the waist. "Have a safe journey." He guided the King toward his waiting horse. Schemes, however, played out in his mind. His eyes took in Details around himself. It was only a matter of time.
"I'll do my best." Arthur walked toward his horse. "Thank you, George. You need to get mounted up. We will be leaving soon."
"But, Sire! I remember that I must help you get into the saddle!" George got down on his hands and knees. "I can be your step stool."
The mounted knights coughed and chuckled to themselves. They recognized Arthur's brewing jab at Merlin sure enough. Percival and Elyan simply shook their heads. Leon didn't betray a single reaction as they remained in the public eye.
Arthur frowned. Brown Nosing and Obsequiousness stank in the air. "Thank you. I do appreciate it. I think I can get up there on my own." He pointed to George and motioned to Merlin.
Excuse me? I do not think so! Merlin somehow didn't roll his eyes. Does George not have any pride. Wait. Of course he does not. Frown spread across his face. He mounted his own horse and pulled up in the group's midst.
"I will see you all in a month! Take care!" Arthur spurred his horse. He led the others toward the Lower Town and route beyond. His Eye glimpsed Gwen one last time from Citadel's window. Heart tugged him back toward her. Purpose, however, remained firmly on course.
Merlin frowned. Distrust dominated his relationship with Agravaine. He remembered the interest in Emrys. Agravaine's accusations toward Gaius still remained on his mind. Suspicion focused on a potential relationship between King's Uncle and Morgana. Gaius and he needed to finish with Epidemic's fight and return to Camelot as soon as possible. After that, he'd head north to help Hunith. Still, with Gaius and Gwen watching things, he felt better.
Perseverance and Caution would dominate the next month. That was for sure….