Chapter Seven: Endings

Meridyth sat in her chair, turning the pages in the open book that lay in her lap. The light from the windows had slowly begun to fade as the bright afternoon faded into evening. Her attention was torn away from her book when a maidservant entered the room.

"Yes?" she asked the maid. The maid coughed softly, clearing her throat before she spoke.

"Your presence is requested in the throne room, milady," the maidservant said softly. Meridyth nodded as she closed her book and dismissed the maid. The maid left silently and left the door open.

Meridyth stood and smoothed out the wrinkles in her scarlet dress. She pushed back her dark hair, which still hadn't grown back from its sudden and unexpected trim. She left the room quietly and closed the door behind her as she turned to the left and headed towards the throne room. She was curious as to the reason why she was summoned to the throne room, but she wasn't too worried about it.

It had been two weeks since the attack and death of Aneira. Aneira's body was burned and her ashes were sprinkled on the forest floor. The men who had surrendered were put to work rebuilding the burned or destroyed villages that had been a result of their uprising. The dead had been buried in the cemetery on the eastern hills.

Meridyth reached the throne room where the king and queen awaited her. Meridyth entered the room and stood before the pair, her expression calm yet curious. Arthur was sustained minor injuries in the battle and showed no trace of them. Guinevere was unblemished as usual.

"Good evening, Lady Meridyth. I hope you are well," Arthur said kindly. Guinevere watched the young woman with gentle eyes as Meridyth smiled and nodded.

"Yes, sire, I am fine. May I inquire as to the reason I was summoned?" she replied politely. She was normally never this polite, but there were a few lords that had lingered in the throne room, so her behavior had to be polite, for their sake.

Arthur smiled back at her and gestured for the lingering lords to leave. They left, some more reluctantly than others. Since the attack two weeks ago, Meridyth rarely left her room, hoping to avoid the questions she knew the people would ask of her. After the room had been emptied Arthur spoke.

"A young man asked for you hand in marriage this morning," he said to her, a smile tickling his lips. Of course, he and Guinevere knew the identity of the young man, but his name wouldn't pass through his lips, at the request of the young man.

Meridyth blinked with surprise as she replied, "Really?"

"Yes, but I didn't answer. I knew you would not appreciate being forced to marry someone, so I told him that you were not mine to give away. He is waiting for your reply," said Arthur. Guinevere said nothing, only smiled at Meridyth mysteriously.

"I see. Where is the man?" she asked, noticing Guinevere's odd smile.

"He's waiting on the western wall," Arthur replied. His eyes twinkled mysteriously, which caused uneasiness within Meridyth. They obviously weren't going to tell her who the man was. She dismissed herself and headed out to the west wall, intent on finding out who was brave enough to ask for her hand in marriage. She was still wondering why, unlike most of the men bent on marrying her, the man asked Arthur first.

As she climbed the stairway leading to the allure, she noticed that there wasn't anyone on the wall. She sighed and walked towards the center of the wall, wondering who had the nerve to keep her waiting when she heard footsteps.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting," a gentle voice said behind her. She felt the mystery man's hands rest on her shoulders. Meridyth smiled.

"No, you didn't, Galahad," she replied with a small laugh. She turned to face her lover. Sure enough, Galahad stood there, his right arm free of the constricting sling it had been force to don. He was smiling back at her.

Meridyth placed her hands on his chest which was covered by the leather vest he liked to wear. The shirt beneath was snowy white, which contrasted from the black cotton pants he wore.

"How did you know it was me?" he asked her as he took her hand. She laughed before she answered.

"Most of the men who want to marry me just ask me, not Arthur," she replied with a small shrug. Galahad nodded and continued to smile.

They stood silently for a few moments. Galahad began to walk, still holding Meridyth's hand. Soon they began to talk first of Galahad's shoulder then of the sunset that was taking place as they walked and talked. Finally the conversation turned to Galahad's proposal.

"Have you thought about it?" he asked nonchalantly, though his heart was beating quickly. Meridyth didn't answer immediately, but continued to walk.

"Yes, I have," she replied evasively. Galahad stop walking. He took both her hands in his and looked into her dark eyes. She returned his gaze easily, but soon tore her eyes away from his.

"Well?" Galahad asked quietly. Meridyth hesitated again then looked at him. He seemed humble and meek, not brave and strong as before.

"I'm scared, that's all." Galahad looked at her with shock. He touched her cheek gently and turned her head so that she looked at him.

"What is there to be afraid of? I'll protect you from everything, you know that," he said with emotion. Meridyth closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Then I will marry you." Galahad smiled brightly and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close. Meridyth placed her hand on the back of his neck and leaned in to kiss him. he leaned forward and met, kissing her softly.

Meridyth broke away and smiled. "They're waiting for us at dinner," she whispered. He nodded and allowed her to lead him to the dining hall.

The noise level was normal until Arthur and the rest of the head table toasted to their engagement. After that the noise grew louder with joy.

The couple headed to their seats and began to eat as though nothing had happened. Gawain looked on with slight interest as he ate. They were calm, but he knew that they were nervous about everything.

Galahad glanced at his fiancée every now and then, wondering how she could appear so calm. Meridyth noticed his glances and looked at him curiously.

"Why do you keep glancing at me?" she asked him, her expression showing curiosity. Galahad smiled sheepishly.

"I'm wondering why you're so calm. I'm so nervous I could faint," he replied, touching her cheek gently. Meridyth looked confused for about thirty seconds then smiled.

"Oh, well, that's because I am calm. What is there to be nervous about? We love each other, other peoples' opinions don't matter to me," she replied, smiling sweetly. Galahad returned her smile then kissed her softly. The entire hall watched with joy. They had grown tired of the couple ignoring each other and refusing to admit their love. It was a relief for both parties.

The kiss had stretched into minutes from seconds until Gawain coughed loudly. Galahad ignored it until a firm hand gripped his ear and pulled.

"She may be Lancelot's daughter and not mine, but I helped raise her. Since she no longer had her father to protect her I've made it my job to intervene when necessary. and besides, some of us want to eat," Gawain said nonchalantly. Galahad touched his ear and glared at Gawain. Meridyth blushed and smiled at Gawain.

"Thank you, Gawain. I'm sure my father appreciates it," she said still smiling. Galahad grimaced as he touched his sore ear. Gawain ignored Galahad and smiled at Meridyth. Arthur chuckled quietly as he looked on.

Galahad excused himself, claiming he needed to tend to his swollen ear, causing Meridyth to frown with disappointment. She excused herself as well, hoping to find out why Galahad was so upset.

Meridyth followed Galahad, calling his name and asking him to wait for her. He ignored the first few shouts until she suddenly stopped. He looked back at her and noticed she stopped walking and looked at him. He though about continuing to walk, but turned back instead and walked to her.

"What?" he asked calmly. Meridyth looked at him.

"Two things; one, my necklace and two, why are you so upset?" she replied curtly. Galahad blinked in surprise at her response then sighed.

"I'm sorry Meridyth, I'll have you necklace returned to you tonight," he replied, not answering the second question. Meridyth gazed at him for a moment before repeating the question. Galahad sighed again. Meridyth began to frown at his hesitation.

"It's stupid really. I'm tired of being treated like a reckless boy who is incapable of protecting the one he loves. It's as though Gawain doesn't trust me, especially with you." Meridyth smiled softly, grateful for his honesty.

"I'll talk to him about it. He, like Arthur, feels responsible for me now that my father is dead. Don't worry about it anymore," Meridyth whispered as she hugged him. He relaxed and returned her hug. Then they went their separate ways.

A month later Meridyth and Galahad were married. The ceremony was public, for many of the citizens wished to attend. Everything was perfect for the couple. Meridyth looked ravishing in her white gown with billowing sleeves. Her dark hair hung loosely about her with a gold circlet encircled her hair.

Galahad wore his chain mail, leaving his sword with Arthur, to be given back at the end of the ceremony. Over the mail he wore a tunic that sported Arthur's coat of arms. His face was smooth and his brown curls swayed in the breeze.

After the ceremony had ended, the entire city rejoiced. The newlyweds sat by the king as they were toasted and blessed. Then the dancing began. People shouted and drank, others sang and danced. Meridyth whispered in Galahad's ear and slipped from the party into the quiet evening.

Galahad followed her and saw that she was heading to the stables. He was curious, but didn't question her. She saddled up her horse and mounted, Galahad copying her. She then rode up to the Stone Circle (Stonehenge), where she stopped.

"do you think he's happy?" she asked vaguely. She had dismounted and stood near the edge of the cliff. She gazed out at the open sea, her eyes closed, feeling for her father.

"Your father? Of course he is. He's very proud of you," Galahad replied as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. She leaned against him and watched the sun set on them.

Meridyth sighed and closed her eyes. Her life had changed dramatically in the past two months. She had found out about her father's death, overcome poisoning, stopped a rebellion, and had even gotten married. She wondered what would happen next in her life. Would she have children with her new husband? Would she live long enough to have grandchildren? Would she have to take part in any more wars? She didn't know. All she could do was wait and find out.

"We should have three children," she said suddenly. Galahad smiled.

"Let's have one first then see how long it lasts," he replied.

"What?"

"I mean let's see how long it could stand to have you as a mother," Galahad laughed as Meridyth turned to glare. Before she could say or do anything, he added, "I'm teasing, love." He then kissed her as the sun slipped behind the horizon.