The court was called to the antechamber where Arthur had spent the night in contemplation, and Krysia followed Uther in, trying to ignore how her dress kept clinging uncomfortably to her leg. She hated silk.

"It is time," Uther said to his son, who stood. "What is the quest you have chosen?"

"I can see but one path, sire," Arthur said. "I had to enter the realm of the Fisher King and find the Golden Trident, spoken of in the legends of the Fallen Kings."

"You do understand that if you want to prove yourself worthy of the throne, you must complete this task alone…and unaided!"

"Great," Krysia breathed, disappointed that Merlin wouldn't be going with him.

"I do," Arthur said.

/-/

"If you're going to drink yourself senseless, my advice is not to pick fights," an old man across from the tavern said.

Gwaine forced a laugh.

"Why drink so much?" the man asked.

He was weaving something, and Gwaine sat beside him, watching him work.

"It passes the time," Gwaine said. "I…lost someone."

It was easier to think of Krysia that way, lost, and if he could just find her, everything would be fine again. If he could just figure out how to get back into Camelot without being executed…

"I find things are easier to find when I can see straight," the man said, "and stand straight."

Gwaine laughed again, and he watched the man's hands work rapidly. It reminded him of something from childhood, although he couldn't quite recall what. He rested his head on the wall behind him, feeling sleepiness set in.

He must have dozed off, because the man was suddenly standing over him.

"What?" Gwaine said, realizing he'd been addressed.

"I said, would you like a roof over your head for the night?" the man said. "It's mean to rain."

"I'd be honored," Gwaine said, climbing to his feet. "And I swear not to pick any fights."

This time, the man laughed.

/-/

Krysia stood in a more comfortable velvet the morning Arthur went to leave, watching with members of the court. She had a horrible feeling, but she couldn't put her finger on what was wrong.

"You look troubled, sire," Morgana said to Uther.

"He is the sole heir to the throne, Morgana."

"Don't worry," Morgana said. "I'm certain a Pendragon will rule over Camelot for a long time to come!"

Krysia felt the panic firmly, and she realized Merlin had suddenly looked nervous, turning in their direction. He met Krysia's eye, and Krysia knew as Arthur rode away that she was going to have to speak with Gaius and Merlin.

The three of them did gather in Gaius's chambers, searching books for an object of magic that Merlin described, a supposed gift from Morgana to Arthur.

"I wish there was something where I could just think of a thing, set a book on its spine, and let it open to what I was looking for," Krysia said.

"Are you sure it wasn't a jewel?" Gaius said, showing a picture to Merlin, who immediately shook his head.

"No," he said. "Brighter than that."

"And you think it was enchanted."

"With Merlin feeling magic," Krysia said, "and Morgana's comment to Uther, it must be."

"You're sure?" Gaius said.

Merlin nodded and said, "And if it came from Morgana, it can only mean one thing. Arthur is in danger."

Several hours later, when they were exhausted, Gaius said, "I don't know where else to look, Merlin."

"We can't have looked everywhere," Krysia said, exhausted. "If we haven't found it, there must still be somewhere left to look."

"We've examined every stone imaginable!" Gaius said. Then he paused and said, "Unless…"

Krysia watched him gather a book from the shelf, flipping through, then holding open a page to Merlin, who perked up at once.

"Gaius, that's it!" Merlin said.

"Then it's not a stone Merlin, it's an Eye of the Phoenix!"

Krysia turned the book slightly so she could see the page better. Beautiful, certainly. She could believe it was a gemstone if she didn't know it wasn't.

"What's a phoenix?" she said.

"Some call it the Firebird," Gaius said. "Its eye burns with the fire that consumes the lifeforce of anybody it comes in contact with."

"Arthur!" Merlin said, distressed.

"The eye will drain energy from him. If it's worn for too long, Arthur will die."

Krysia shook her head and said, "He can't do this alone."

"This is not a task to be undertaken lightly, Merlin," Gaius said, because Merlin had already gone to grab his bag. "You'll need help."

"I'll go," Krysia said.

"No," Merlin said firmly. "You'll be missed." He gave her a weak smile and said, "Don't worry. I've got someone in mind. I just have to take a quick detour toward Mercia. You need to keep an eye on Morgana."

"Morgana," Krysia said, frowning. "Great. Who do you have in mind?"

Merlin grinned at her. He gripped her shoulder bracingly and said, "Gwaine said he'd be heading to get cheap Mercian ale."

Krysia was torn between joy and pain at Gwaine's name. It wasn't fair that Merlin would see him while she had to stay behind, but she did know that no one could better protect Merlin and Arthur than Gwaine. She untied her belt and folded it, sliding it into his bag.

"If you can find him," she whispered, "tell him…"

Merlin squeezed her shoulder a little and said, "I know. I will."

/-/

Leon came upon Krysia during patrol and startled at the sight of her staring at the courtyard. She'd lost her belt somewhere, or perhaps had forgone it in favor of comfort. He'd heard Enid lament to Gwen that her mistress favored comfort over beauty. To Leon's eye, nothing was ever sacrificed, but perhaps he lacked refinement in these matters.

"My lady," he said, bowing when she looked at him and smiled. "Arthur won't return for some time."

"I'm aware," Krysia said with a smile.

Leon looked down at the courtyard and saw Merlin riding away.

"Where's he going?" Leon said.

"Ah, well, with Arthur not around, he's doing some errands for Gaius," she said. "He may be gone for some time as well. I thought someone ought to see him off, even if he's not a prince."

She was so empathetic, so kind, so thoughtful. All people were of equal worth to her, and Leon found that fascinating.

"Very good of you, my lady," he whispered. "Have a good night."

/-/

Gwaine's promise not to get in any fights lasted him until the next town. He hadn't actually taken any money he hadn't earned, but he must have that kind of face. He was in the center of a brawl when he heard a familiar voice.

"Hello, Gwaine!" Merlin said.

"Ah!" Gwaine said, brightening. "Merlin! How are you?"

The main aggressor, not interested in the newcomer, said, "Give me my money."

Then they ran. Gwaine and Merlin hurried and hid, trying to catch their breath. Merlin looked around to see if the mob had followed.

"Gwaine," he said, "run!"

They ran again, making it out of town onto a path that circled the town, near the burial grounds.

"Remind me again what you're doing there?" Gwaine said when they paused for another breath.

"Arthur is in trouble," Merlin said. "I need your help."

"What kind of trouble?" Gwaine said.

One of the mob spotted them and shouted, pointing in their direction.

They ran again, and Merlin wheezing, "He's gone to the Perilous lands."

"What?" Gwaine said. "You're serious?"

"Yeah!"

"Just now," Gwaine said, realizing they were all but caught, "sounds pretty attractive!" He looked down and saw a couple of horses nearby. "Right, we go for the horses."

"You've got to be joking," Merlin said.

Gwaine just laughed and pushed Merlin down. He fell in a haystack, and Gwaine jumped after him. They scrambled onto the horses and fled into the forest.

/-/

Krysia hated silk so much, she was thinking of having Enid get rid of all her silk dresses. She was trying to pull the blue silk discreetly off her as she moved, and she was so distracted, she nearly walked right into Morgana.

"Are you alright?" Morgana said, smiling and amused.

Krysia used to find Morgana's smile comforting, but now it only made her uneasy.

"Yes, apologies my lady," Krysia said. "I should have been watching where I was going."

"It's nothing," Morgana said, taking Krysia's hand. "Come, I was coming to find you. Take your midday meal with me in my chambers."

Krysia hesitated. She certainly would be able to keep an eye on Morgana from there, but Morgana seemed in far too good of a mood. Perhaps she simply thought Arthur was doomed.

"Alright," Krysia said, forcing a smile.

She followed Morgana back to her chambers and sat across from her, trying not to play too anxiously with Lady Evaine's pendant while she watched Morgana pour their wine. At least they weren't watching Uther mope over Arthur's absence as they had at breakfast.

"This is nice, isn't it?" Morgana said, sitting across from her and setting down the goblets. "I feel I see less of you now that we are peers than when you were a servant. I'm sure Uther feels the same."

Krysia took a sip of her wine and jerked back, startled by the taste at first.

"What's wrong?" Morgana said, looking genuinely startled.

"Sorry, just a bit of a sour taste," Krysia said. She took another sip. "No, it's fine, Morgana, the wine isn't spoiled, it just perhaps needed to decant longer. It's already mellowing."

"I apologize," Morgana said. She swirled her own goblet before taking a sip, and she winced slightly. "I see what you mean. But here, if we take it with food."

"Yes, of course," Krysia said. She took up her fork and startled in on the chicken.

They two women ate in companionable silence for some time, and then Morgana said softly, "I can tell that it's such a relief for Uther, having you at his side."

Krysia frowned at the wording, and she looked up at Morgana. She took a moment to drink more wine while she considered her answer, but while she was drinking, Morgana continued to speak.

"He really does see you as someone he can lean on," Morgana said, smiling. "Someone he respects. And of course, you're very loyal to the king, are you not?"

"Yes, of course," Krysia said, setting down her goblet. She was beginning to feel a little dizzy, which was a sure sign that she'd had enough wine.

"And I think I'd be right in saying you've always admired Uther," Morgana continued, staring at her.

"I—"

"Haven't you?" Morgana said, a little firmer.

"Yes," Krysia said. She felt very dizzy now. She grabbed a roll and began breaking it into bite-sized pieces, hoping to sop up some of the wine.

"He's done so much for you, after all."

"Yes, he has," Krysia said. She had a headache forming now.

"He's even quite handsome for a man of his age," Morgana said, smiling now. "Dignified."

"Y-yes," Krysia said, setting down the bread. She was exhausted.

"And I know he finds you very, very beautiful."

Krysia wasn't even registering anything Morgana was saying at this point. She pushed back her plate and said, "I'm so sorry, Morgana, I'm…I'm feeling a bit unwell." She stood. "I think I'd better lie down."

"Of course," Morgana said, her voice discordantly bright. "And Krysia," she said, grabbing Krysia's wrist as she was headed for the door. Krysia froze. "You will tell me if you feel you need any help, won't you?"

"Yes, of course," Krysia said.

Her brain couldn't piece the words together, and they sounded as if they were coming from far away. Morgana said something else, but Krysia barely processed that there was sound. She just bowed her head lightly and hurried out of Morgana's chambers, determined to rest. She would feel better after a rest.

/-/

Gwaine rode along, enjoying the particular beauty of the Forest of Engerd, relieved that they had put enough distance between them and the town to be able to rest the horses slightly.

"Why were those men so angry?" Merlin said.

"It's always the way in gambling," Gwaine said. "You make a man a fool, he calls you a thief. How'd you find me?"

Merlin seemed a bit exasperated as he said, "It wasn't easy. I've been in almost every tavern in Engerd!"

Gwaine grinned and said, "So have I!"

They both laughed, and Gwaine felt again as he often did with Merlin, that this was someone who was a true friend.

/-/

They stopped to water the horses and to rest their bodies. Gwaine stretched and checked the bridles and saddles.

"Here," Merlin said, opening his pack. Gwaine thought his friend was retrieving food or a knife, but instead he pulled out a silver embroidered belt.

Gwaine took the fabric and frowned at it, confused.

"A lot's happened while you've been gone," Merlin said, moving into the shade to watch the horses. "Krysia's identity was discovered. She's a lady now, and she's claimed her lands. Uther's got a close eye on her, which I know makes her as uncomfortable as the dresses do, but…that's…she wanted you to have that."

Gwaine closed his eyes and saw her as he'd seen her in his dreams, lavishly dressed (or sometimes lavishly undressed), her hair cascading down silk as soft as her skin.

"So what you're saying is she's still too good for me," Gwaine said, forcing a smile. The belt smelled of her, a little bit floral and sweet.

"She'll always be too good for you," Merlin said with a sad smile. "That's nothing to do with rank. But she loves you, Gwaine."

Gwaine nodded and folded the belt into a small rectangle, tucking it into his pocket.

"I'll never understand why she would," Gwaine said, "but I love her too."

/-/

They reached the end of the forest, where there was a lightly wooded area, and down past that, they could just see the beginning of a marshland.

"This is it," Gwaine said, nodding at the distance. "On the other side of the forest lie the Perilous Lands."

"It doesn't sound too friendly," Merlin said.

"That's because it's not," Gwaine said. "Believe me, it's wretched."

Merlin grinned and said, "How do you know? You've never been there."

Gwaine sat a little straighter on his horse and said, "I've travelled to many places, Merlin."

"Not the Perilous Lands, I know that."

"Why?"

"They don't have any taverns."

The two men laughed together, and Gwaine ran his thumb over the belt where it poked out of his pocket.

"I told you it's wretched," he said.

/-/

Leon heard the sound of footsteps on his patrol, and he paused, placing his hand on his sword. No one should be in this corridor at this time. He relaxed marginally when the figured turned the corner and Krysia came out, still in the dark blue gown she'd worn that morning.

"My lady," Leon said. She looked up at him, her eyes wide in the moonlight. "Are you alright? It's quite late. The king missed you at dinner."

"Did he?" she said, frowning. "I…I must have overslept. I was tired, so I…" She shook her head lightly.

"Are you feeling alright?" Leon said.

"I'm…"

She touched the pendant, his mother's pendant, and she looked like she was trying to think of something.

"I can escort you to Gaius, or I could call him to your chambers," Leon said.

"No, no," she said, smiling and brightening. "No, I'm quite well, Leon, thank you. That's really not necessary. I'll have to apologize to the king for my absence in the morning."

Leon watched Krysia walk away up the corridor, and he said her name, again concerned that she was disoriented.

"Your chambers are the other way," he said.

She hesitated, then said, "I…I was going to see Morgana, but I…" She frowned again. "You're right, of course. It's quite late. I'll see her in the morning. Sleep well."

Leon felt a strange chill down his spine as she walked away, but she'd made it quite clear she didn't think it was necessary to speak to Gaius. He was reminded of when she walked in her sleep occasionally as a child, but somehow this was even more eerie.

But she was tired, she'd said as much. He knew how disorienting it could be to wake up when you weren't expecting to, and if she seemed fine in the morning, everything would be fine.

/-/

Krysia sat beside her bed, and tried to shake the grogginess, the strangeness of the day she'd been in. She felt like she should speak to Morgana, although she couldn't quite remember why. She knew she was supposed to apologize for missing dinner, for worrying Uther. After all, he'd done so much for her, and it was unseemly to repay that gratitude by missing dinner.

She took a sip of the water Enid had left by her bed and was momentarily startled by the sourness, but when it faded and mellowed on her tongue, the shock dissipated with it. She drank the whole glass absently, then laid down and stared at the ceiling, feeling like she was forgetting something.

She did think briefly of talking to Gaius about what was wrong, but if she was fine in the morning, there was really no need to bother him. He had enough on his mind, worrying about Arthur and Merlin.

Krysia closed her eyes and dreamed strange dreams that night, not like the dreams she'd had of Gwaine, but filled with brief flashes of images, strange sensations, like a fever dream. It was strangely comforting, this dream, and when she woke in the morning, she sat up and felt the disorientation from the night had subsided, dissipated into nothingness. She wasn't even confused that she was still dressed in the blue silk dress from the night before.

Everything was fine.

A/N:

Y'all, your reviews are such a lovely boost!

To Fyen: I'm glad you're getting the dopamine boost! I have a similar feeling when I see there's been reviews.

To Like-a-Slasher-Film: Oh, yeah, I'm super excited to get to that point. Not only will we have regular installments of Gwaine, but Krysia's love life is a very complicated polygon.

To Midori Yuki: I'll be honest…if I wanted to write a nightmare story, I've got all kinds of dark ships and shenanigans that I would just let play out. Anyone who's read any of my other work knows I'm very interested in the potential of mind control, and Morgana's just too good of a mind control potential to resist. My imagination takes it far further and in other directions than this story can really sustain, but I couldn't resist putting a bit in.

To SarahELupin: Yeah, read-between-the-lines is definitely not in her playbook. Just as well for Leon, the poor cherub.

-C