Hello, thank you for reading. I hope you are liking the story, and will also enjoy this part.
Thank you very much for all of the great ideas. As they all came up as guest, I will just assume that they all came from one person. So I will respond to them all at once. I apologise if was more than one person; I just thought it was the best way to deal with it.
I like that idea of the knights finding out about Arthur and Gwen. It is great, it give me the chance to use all the characters that I tend to forget about. So I will be using that, thank you so much. The idea of Arthur and Gwen having a date or something, I like to, so I will use these ideas together. Thank you so much. As for Mordred I have planes for him already, he is a big part to the story. I have not forgotten him, he will turn up soon. Funny you should mention magical creatures. That is what is going to be the main focus of the next part, after the green knight, but I will try and do more with them later on to. I would like to do more with Arthur and Morgana, but I don't quite know how yet, but I am working on it. I heard that spoiler, something may come of that. I have thought of bringing them back, again I don't know how to. Thank you so much again, for all your great ideas and comments. As-well as being the only one reviewing.
I feel that I should give an explanation as to why it has taken me so long to up-date. I never meant for it to take this long. As sad as it is, it took me so long because I was feeling a little hurt and disappointed (With myself really. That the story was going downhill.) Even though I have received five reviews since the last up-date, they were all ideas. Which is great, as from the first chapter, I have been asking for ideas. However, no one has said anything about the links to dresses I put up, or the two songs I suggested. There has also been no real talk about the story (This is sounding even sadder as I write it.) it is just that I know that fewer people are reading the story, and reviewing it. Which I feel sad and hurt about, as childish as it is. As I feel like the story is getting more interesting, I am starting to get to write the stuff I was working towards, and I feel like it is a waste as no one is reading it.
I don't in any way mean for this to come across as rude or nasty. If you feel that it is, then I am very sorry, I did not mean it to be that way. As I said I just wanted to explain why it has taken so long for me to up-date. Also why it may take my longer to up-date in the future. I fully understand that this is a silly little story and, that you all have a million things more important in your lives, so do I. I also don't want to make anyone feel that they have to read or review if they don't want to either. I just want to explain, that as people lose interest then I will feel less motivation to up-date. (That wasn't meant to sound like a threat.) That is just the way I feel. I do write this story for myself, but I do it more to share it with people, and hear what they think about it. I already know how I plan to end it, so maybe now it is more for people to read than for me to write.
Once again I hope I haven't annoyed anyone, or come across as rude or nasty, I really didn't mean it to. As I think I have said a lot, I just felt I should explain the lateness for the chapter. Hope you like the chapter.
Also one last thing, as the 200th reviewer on the first part of the story, maryamT was asked to name a character. That character will appear in this chapter. The lady Amelia.
A familiar half smile crossed the strange new face that walked towards Merlin and Gaius. The old man turned to his young apprentice. "Is that your plan. Morgana shape-shifts, so she can do what."
"Get close enough to Gwaine to place a protection enchantment on him."
"Or convince him not to fight." Morgana added.
"That's your plan." Gaius accused Merlin.
"No." Merlin answered defensively. "It was hers."
"Unless you can come up with anything better, I suggest you kept you month shut." Morgana bit back at both of them.
"We are not the ones that got us into this situation." Merlin retorted.
Gaius rolled his eyes, as he tuned out whatever Morgana's comeback was. Why were the young so defensive and quick to argue. Did they not realise that life was short, why waste it like this. He had been no better when he was their age. That seemed to be the curse of being young, you think you have all the time in the word, so you waste it. This unfortunately was not one of the times when you could afford to waste time. "It would seem that good or bad, it is the only plan that you have. So you should get on with it." H cut in ending the argument.
Merlin gave a nod of agreement, but Morgana didn't make any movement, except to follow Merlin as he left the room. The halls of the castle were almost deserted, making the sound of their footsteps echo all the louder. Most of the population of the castle and city were now starting to gather in the arena, waiting for the day's events.
Once the arrived on the floor where the knights had their rooms, Morgana seemed to slow down. Though it had been her idea, talking to Gwaine was not something that she was looking forward to. Even hiding behind a different face was not going to make seeing him any easier. She glanced to her side and found Merlin was no longer walking by her side. He stood at the bottom of the steps they had just walked down. It would look to strange if he came with her any further. She hated to think it, but having him walking by her side had given her a slight feeling of support, it stopped her form running away like she wanted to, now she had to walk the last part alone. Merlin seemed to sense this. See it in the fear in her eyes, the only part of her now that he recognised. So offered a small smile of encouragement.
The brave knights doors was closed, so Morgana with a deep breath lifted her hand, giving a light knock. From the other side of the wooden door she heard him walking towards her. For a brief second she felt the powerful urge to turn and run. Before she could, he opened the door. He looked exactly the same as he had a year ago. That was a comfort.
"Hello." He pulled the door open further. To get a better look at the stranger at his door.
A wave of confidence came over her, why would she ever feel nervous around Gwaine. He was one of the very few people that knew the real her. She had always been able to just be herself with him. He never judged her. It was the idea of it all, not him that had made her nervous. "Sir Gwaine." She bowed as she spoke. "You don't know me, I'm the lady Amelia. I just….I wanted to wish you luck." Despite her real confidence, she was doing a good job of acting insecure. "And give you this." From under her long sleeve she pulled out a white ribbon of lace.
Though he was dressed in his chainmail he still had to put on his chest plate, helmet and gauntlets. It was considered to be bad luck for a knight to accept a ladies favour, before they were dressed in their fall armour. This was something that Morgana herself knew, but had forgotten about in her hurry to give him the ribbon, enchanted with a protection enchantment, just like she had given him before. In one quick move Gwaine stepped to the side of the doorway, while pushing the door open fully for her.
"If you want me to accept your favour, I'm going to need your help." There was a light, playful tone to his voice, even with all that was going on, that she only knew him to have.
Her eyes looked past him, to the Armour resting on the chair on the opposite wall. Looking back at him, her eyes met his, pulling away she gave a nod, before entering the room.
As she passed him, walking over to the armour, Gwaine's face scrunched up into a frown. There was something very familiar about this girl, but he couldn't figure out form were. "How long have you been in Camelot."
Quickly she turned her head to face him. "Not long really." She finished with a wide smile.
Turing away swiftly so he didn't see the worry creping onto her face Morgana moved over to the Armour, picking up the cheat plate. He walked over and stood in-front of her. Her heart started to race, this all felt so familiar. She was pulled from her thoughts, buy him giving a faint cough, telling her he was ready to put on the cheats plate she held in her hands. She moved very quickly now, holding out the plate as he moved into it, then securely fastening the stapes automatically. Once that was done she picked up the gauntlets, and held them out for him. He took one and fastened in around his left wrist. Not giving him the chance to take the other one himself she took hold of his right arm, and fastened it in place herself. For a second time she automatically turned and picked up his helmet. When she turned back to face him, she was met with a look of surprise.
He had never expected her to know what to do. He had only really needed her to fasten the chest plate for him. There really was something odd about this girl. "When did you learn how to fasten a suite of armour."
Morgana could do nothing but offer a faint laugh. She could kick herself for most likely giving herself away so easily. It had all just been so automatic. She had needed something to take her mind off of how close he was standing from her and all that was going on. It was also a way to stop herself from saying anything she shouldn't .
"I have a older brother." Inwardly she now wanted to really kick herself.
"Would I know him." Gwaine ever the gentleman politely asked.
She shook her head, trying to hid her face, which was close to falling into a smile. "I don't think so." Before he could ask her anymore questions, she forced the ribbon into his hand and quickly moved to leave.
Gwaine though moved after her. "Wait." She stopped just at the door. "Who are you, why-"
"I like you." She didn't have to try, her face was turning a faint shade of red. Something her pale skin normally never did. That would teach her to give herself a warm skin tone. "I'm no lady. I just wanted to…." He spared her by nodded his head. A thought crossed her mind and she moved over to him in a few large steps, taking hold of his arm. "Though I'm not a lady. You have to wear the favour, please I... it would mean a great deal."
"I would be honoured to wear it." As he spoke in a soft voice, he lifted his free arm, placing his hand over hers that held onto his other arm.
Carefully she tilted her head up. Her eyes locked onto his. "Thank you." Her lips curled into a faint smile. For a second he felt like he was looking into the eyes of someone else very dear to him.
She was about to move away, but he kept his hand over hers. "You still haven't told me who you really are."
Her eyes feel from his. A sudden pain pierced her chest. This is what she had wanted, what she had done, yet it hurt to think of him and other women, even if it was her in disguise. More than anything she wanted to run away, but knew him well enough that he would only try and follow her. Telling him the truth crossed her mind, but then she would have to tell him everything. That she had summoned the green knight, and all that had led her to this point. She couldn't stand him knowing that. Didn't want anyone to know or even think of it herself.
"I'm just a girl for an outlying village. I came here, and….I saw you….please don't make me saw it. Just let me leave with a scrap of dignity and lets leave it at that." As uncomfortable as she had sounded, she finished with a faint laugh and a smile.
Gwaine took pity on her and nodded in agreement as he gave her a warm smile. He removed his hand form hers. Once again she bowed in thanks and quickly moved to leave.
"Goodbye, Lady Amelia." He smiled at her, and bowed as she turned to face him from the doorway.
"Good luck Sir Gwaine. Though I don't think you will need it. You have true strength of heart."
As quickly as she arrived, she slipped through the door and was gone. Leaving Gwaine alone, with a million thoughts racing through his head. The image though he was having trouble getting from his head, was now familiar her eyes had been. When he looked into them, he felt he was looking into the eyes of another. With a small shack of his head he pushed those dangerous thoughts from his head. He opened his closed left had that held the ribbon of lace she had gifted to him. Tying it securely around his right wrist along with the other lady's favour he still wore. Walking back over to the chair, he picked up his helmet, while he looked out the window. From where he could see the crowds gathering around the arena. Picking up one last thing from his table, as he left he made his way to the arena.
Merlin had almost missed Morgana she walked hurriedly past him in his hiding place, a small alcove. She showed no sign of slowing down she he quickly followed her. "Did you give him it."
She turned he head but didn't stop. "Yes."
She suddenly turned to her left to go down a set of stairs. As she did, he caught a glimpse of her pale shoulder, exposed by the cut of her dress. He saw a long ugly scare, most of which was hidden under the dress. "Morgana, What happened-"
"Be quite, don't use my name." A few seconds later they pushed through a set of side doors and made their way in silence to the arena. There would be time after all of this to aske more about where she had been and what had happened. Right now they had to stay focused on keeping Gwaine alive.
Two of the small number of people still in the castle, were Gwen and Arthur. Who were now making their way to the arena. Gwen had slipped her arm through his, while they walked through the almost empty castle, where no one would see him. Arthur lifted his hand and took hold of hers.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." She nodded, but didn't met his eyes. "He is the strongest of my knights."
With a slight grin, she turned to look at him. "I thought Lancelot was the best fighter, and Percival was the strongest."
"No, Lancelot is the most noble, Leon loyal. Elyan is the most energetic. Percival is the strongest and Gwaine then is the….Well I couldn't say he was the most charming, pragmatic to comfort you could I."
Despite the situation, Gwen laughed a little. "No I don't suppose you could." He nodded, and turned away from her. "I suppose that would mean you're the best fighter."
"Well someone has to be."
They both laughed a little, but this time it was forced. There was only so much you could try and ignore what was going on. "Have you seen him today."
It took Arthur a few seconds to realise who she was talking about. "No, no sign."
"Maybe he's on his way back."
A guard that neither of them could name cut across the hall they were walking alone. Quickly Gwen pulled her arm from his and stepped a few paces to her right. Once the guard was gone, they stopped and glanced at each other. "Even if he gets back in time. He won't have found her."
"You don't know that." She offered.
"Yes I do. My father had small scouting parties sent out for her at first. There was no sigh. I doubt Merlin on his own will be able to find her."
Her hand reached out to take hold of his. "Arthur you have to stop blaming yourself for all of this." He nodded his head, like he was trying to shack off her words. "People look to you, because they know they can rely on you. I know it is hard, to be strong for everyone." Her other hand lifted up and stocked his check. "That is why you have me, to be strong for you."
Placing his hand over the one that touched his check, he moved it down an inch, to kiss it. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I would hate to think." She gave a sly grin as she slipped her hand from his and they moved on.
Once they reached the main doors of the castle, Gwen held back and Arthur went out first. She held back a little longer once she crossed the doors. She watched as the crowed parted for him, as he walked to his seat at the royal stand. They did this out of respect, not fear like with his father. For so much of their relationship, she had stood back, and watched him walk on ahead of her. The man she saw in-front of her now, was different from the young boy she watched walk away from her the first time. He had grown into a great man, that she was proud of. Would be honoured to call her husband. With her head held high the Gwen made her way to the stands. Finding a seat close the royal stand. She glanced at Arthur, who was looking around the arena for Merlin, or even Morgana. Just when he was about to spot Merlin, and an unrecognizable Morgana in the pits for the common people, Gwaine walked out into the arena.
The green knight was already there, standing the in the centre of the arena. He was the first thing everyone noticed, but his presence was so unsettling, they choose to ignore him. All but Morgana, her eyes had been locked on him from the minute she saw him. Merlin had had to place a hand on her back, and push her forwards to get them as close as they were to the arena, as she didn't seem to notice the people around her. Morgana focused her magic now onto draining as much energy as she could from the green night. It would not do much, but she had to do something. Feeling Merlin's light hand on her back seemed give her strength to weaken the knight further. Muttering under her breath, as Gwaine walked forward to face his opponent. She spoke an enchantment, hoping to return the green knight to where she summoned him from, or at least get him under her control. It grow harder for her to focus only on her magic, as Gwaine was almost hit by a blow from the knight. Her concentration was finally broken, when Merlin nudged her arm, and hissed her name.
"Your nose." He spoke as softly as he could. Lifting her hand up to touched her nose When she took her hand away there was blood on her finger- tips. Doing her best to push away the panic that came over her, she focused again.
"It has been over a year since I last used shape-shifting."
Merlin gave a nod.
"If you can't stop him, are we really just going to watch."
She shook her head. Lowering her head, so no one saw she her eyes change. For a brief second, she lifted them, and locked her gaze on Gwaine. Forcing one phrase into his mind. Left shoulder, the green knight's weak spot.
For the next few seconds the witch watched as Gwaine seemed to take note of her message. When he could Gwaine seemed to be attacking the knights left shoulder. Morgana was clenching her hands, as the tension started to get to her. Something that Gwen was also doing, only she was gripping onto her dress, as he hands rested on her lap. Arthur looked between Gwen and Gwaine. Not knowing what was worse, seeing a friend in danger, or the women he loved scared for someone she cared for.
When things seemed to be going well for him, Gwaine moved in for the attack. Taking a huge risk he dropped his defensive stanch and focused only on hitting the knight on the left shoulder. His sword came a mere inch from hitting him, but the knight moved to quickly and blocked the attack. Then in a split second moved to strike Gwaine.
Morgana let out a faint yell, as her hand reached out for the closest thing to her. Which happened to be Merlin's arm. She held on so tightly, her fingernails started to dig into his arm through the two layers of his shirt and jacket.
Just as quickly as the knight had moved to strike, Gwaine moved to duck out of the way. He sunk to the ground so swiftly, he almost lost his balance. Everyone that saw this knew it was a great feat of agility and skill. Morgana saw it as something else, magic. She turned to face Merlin, so quickly she was just able to catch his eyes returning to their normal blue. Almost at the same time, they offered the other a smile of relief. As they relaxed a little, they became aware of their psychical contact. Morgana quickly pulled her hand from his arm.
With one quickly swipe, Gwaine hit the knight on the back of his legs. Causing him to stumble forward a little. Getting to his feet, Gwaine, moved to stand behind the green knight, and delivered the finally blow.
The knight seemed to erupt into to a mass of black smoke, that where the bright sun hit it looked green. The smoke seemed to grow as it stretched up into the clouds, were it seemed to float away into nothing. Gwaine took a step back from the smoke, while pulling off his helmet which he dropped to the ground along with his sword. The audience watched as the smoke contained to rise into the air, till it all seemed to have floated away. Only then did the crowd erupted into a loud cheer.
His fellow knights of the round table, were the first the jump the arena fence and run towards the victor. Lifting Gwaine high into the air once they reached him. Merlin himself cheered loudly, a huge feeling of relief and happiness washing over him. He was about to move forward to join his friends in their celebrations, when he remembered Morgana. He glanced to his right to face her, but she was not there. The crowed had started to move forward, carrying him along with it, so he could only look around himself, but he saw no sigh of her.
Thank you again for ready. Sorry again for rant, and that the chapter wasn't that good. I must sound like a broken record at times. I would love to hear from you, but only if you want to. I really don't want to make anyone feel guilty or force anyone into doing something they don't want to.
I know it may seem odd timing, but chapter twenty-five of this part of the story will be the half-way point in the story. I wanted to do something for that. I know this will sound odd, but I thought of a little competition. I wish I could draw, or make videos and write better. So I could draw pictures of scene from the story, and make videos with the songs I suggest. Maybe even a trailer for the story.
So I thought I would ask you all to do anyone of those you want to. Draw a scene, make a video, even maybe write a fanfic of a scene that I didn't write. Like what someone was doing while something else was happening, or a more in-depth look at what they are thinking at any point. If you want to do any of these, you can PM me with a link and when I post chapter twenty, I will also add a poll on my profile, with links, and you can vote for your favourite. I don't know what the prize would be, so maybe you could let me know what you would like as a prize.