Author's Note: Well… I am the worse updater ever, I know :(, but yea, things happen and writing gets put off... I hope the surprise guest in this chapter will make up for my long absence. I also really hope that I didn't mess up any continuity in this chapter, but if anyone finds any mistakes, let me know. Oh and if I haven't said this yet, this story is not and will not be abandoned without me telling all my readers. So as of right now I have every intention of finishing this fic, how long it will take, I don't know, but I will do it eventually. If you guys can just pester me if I'm gone for too long, that will help :). And you'll all most likely tell me this update lacks ArMor (which I apologize for), but I thought that Gwencelot should have the spotlight this chapter since you know it is called 'Lancelot and Guinevere.'

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.

Lancelot and Guinevere

Lancelot wipes the sweat from his brow as he takes the deserted route to Duchess Estella's chambers. Since discovering that he has a sister and returning to Caerleon, the knight has taken to putting aside his usually duties and going out on patrols for Freya with a group of Caerleon knights, set by the duchess, under his command. Estella does not comment on his ignorance of duty nor does anyone else. She understands, of course. The sense of unwavering loyalty to family Lancelot had learned from his mistress, herself.

Hefina opens the door after Lancelot knocks and he enters the duchess' solar. She is sitting at her writing desk reviewing reports while running the blade of a dagger along the pads of her fingertips.

With concern furrowed on his face he makes his presence known, "Umm, my Lady, you asked to see me?"

She looks up at him with her eyes of icy gray. Quirking an eyebrow at his expression, she asks, "Why the anxious look, Lancelot?" He opens his mouth to speak but the shift of his eyes to her dagger answers her question. Laughing she stands, "What? Do you believe that I intend to spill your blood or mine with this?" The knight simply straightens his stance and put his hands behind his back. "You have nothing to worry about, taking my own life or one of someone who is my ally may be a thought that has crossed my mind but I never actually intend to actually do it. It is simply a dark but fleeting idea that infiltrates my thoughts occasionally." Lancelot cannot tell if she is being serious or cruelly humorous (he has seen that very few can tell the difference) so he remains quiet. Her thoughts shifting she announces, "I am commanding you to three days rest and then you will go on a mission for me."

After the words are registered in his mind, the knight begins to protest, "But my Lady-"

"I know that you are devoted to finding Freya," Estella cuts him off, "But you cannot work yourself to your demise. Trust me; I personally know that your current behavior will bring you to the brink of death." She is equivocating again, the duchess has never searched with such fervor for someone, but she has delved herself into a single goal so zealously that it did affect her health negatively. "So, rest and then you will be instructed on the mission I shall you on and I will take charge of searching for Freya. I know that I have been quite withdrawn, as of late, from that quest, but I promise I will do everything in my power to find your sister. There is no room for protest or discussion on your part in this." The door then opened to reveal another knight, "Sir Ethan will escort you to your chambers and ensure that you actually rest."

Always quick to move on to other matters, with a nod, the duchess dismisses both knights, albeit the dark-haired one is still reluctant to follow her orders. It is not that he does not trust his mistress to continue his work; it is simply that he feels useless if he does not do everything he can to locate his sister. He finds it strange, how he has never even met Freya and he already has that possessive quality that Arthur often displays when it comes to his cousin Estella.

Morgana sits on her white horse in quiet contemplation as she and her party continues on their way to her father's grave. These last few weeks she has been in Cornwall taking up her training as well as aiding in the search for Nimueh's daughter, when she can spare the time.

After their first failed attempt, belatedly the Lady realized that when in the Druid camp she had not searched for the young Druid boy she became attached to months ago. As far as she knew, he was supposed to be one of Aglain's clan (since he was with Cerdan who was a part of the clan of Aglain), but when Morgana asked of Mordred to her cousin, Estella stated that she knew not of such a boy amongst any of the Druid clans – not that she is acquainted with everyone but she knows a fair amount of them.

The Lady then enlisted her mother's help. Although, Vivienne and Morgana are not on the best of terms, they have dissolved the tension and have a fairly stable relationship, but not the ideal one that a mother and her daughter should have. Vivienne, however, was quite helpful, albeit it did not seem so at first. The priestess seemed to have hesitated when her daughter questioned her about the boy, but after overcoming her reluctance to answer she said that Mordred is from a time that is not theirs yet.

Always one to catch these things, Morgana knew that it was a riddle and a very straightforward one at that. So, Mordred the Druid boy traveled through time (dangerous but possible, Morgana learned this was)… but for what? Her mother's answer was not to find out. Claiming that seeking Mordred's purpose in a different may disorder what he tried to change, the Lady begrudgingly let the matter go. Although, the curiosity often comes to her, like at this moment.

Shaking her head and throwing away the thought, Morgana looks over to right at Gwen, who is unusually quiet. Yes, her maid is quite a shy and humble one, but when in times of solitude with just Morgana, Lancelot, Merlin, or Hefina and sometimes Estella, Gwen often talks consistently.

"You look troubled, Gwen," the Lady notes. Attempting a smile to her mistress, she assures her that nothing is amiss. "If I did not know you well, then I would assume that you are not lying to me, but I know you and I know you are lying." The younger woman bows her head slightly. "Come now, whatever it is you can tell me, my friend."

Sighing forlornly, "It is Lancelot."

"Oh," Morgana drawls, "Men troubles, never good, this is why we women should steer clear of any and all courtships with men."

Gwen gives her friend a dubious look. "Oh, so what are you and Arthur doing? Simply being each other's bed partners?" she inquires with a smirk.

The taller of the two women nearly halts her horse. "Gwen!" her face flushes. "Since when have you become so wicked minded?"

This time, the maid blushes slightly, "I… I would have to pin the blame upon Hefina, her habits are becoming mine."

"Oh…" the Lady drawls once more, "Then we must blame the original source of all this, Hefina's mistress, my darling cousin herself, Estella! It is always her fault when innuendos creep their way into the conversation."

"I did not think you minded," Gwen notes as her mistress remains quiet, "Ahh, I see only if is not directed at you."

"What were we even talking about before, I have forgotten," Morgana remarks, veering away from where their talk is heading.

The younger woman narrows her eyes, "Oh, no, do not change the subject. You are becoming too much like your cousin. Not, that that is a bad thing, Duchess Estella is wonderful-"

The Lady's musical chuckle fills the air, "Gwen, you amaze me – going from the clever and confident friend to the meek handmaiden," shaking her head, "You know that you have nothing to fear when overstepping 'boundaries' when speaking with me."

Before the other woman can speak, a shower of arrows fly upon the party, felling the knights and scaring off the horses while a man jumps out from the trees and grabs a hold of Gwen, pulling her off the horse and against his chest with a knife to her throat. All this happens in a blur and by the time Morgana has her sword in hand and ready to save her friend, they are surrounded by bandits.

"I would advise you put that down, you may hurt yourself," Kendrick mocks, "Besides, you don't want your maid hurt do you?"

Morgana weighed her opinions. She could easily attack the small group with her magic, but risks harming Gwen by accident. And despite the dark-skinned girl's status as Morgana's best friend, she does not know about her magic. Morgana – knowing how Gwen despises the craft – fears revealing herself and so she decides to stand down, throwing her sword to the ground, defiantly. The men smirk and laugh as they grab her roughly and take both struggling women to their makeshift camp.

Lancelot finishes getting a drink of water from the river as he hears a rustling sound nearby. Crouching low and staying hidden in the shrubbery, he carefully makes his way toward the sound. Through the patches of leaves, he spots a lone horse, saddled and packed with supplies and weapons. After making certain that it is indeed only he and the horse, Lancelot comes out of hiding and approaches the animal. It does not react to the knight's presence as he comes closer. Lancelot spots a sheathed dagger at the side of the reins attached to the saddle. Examining the handle – with a design of a griffin carved onto it – closely he notes that it looks vaguely familiar. Unsheathing and twisting the blade, he finds a phoenix carved on the other side of the handle.

A chill rushes down his spine when the knight feels the tip of a sword at the base of his neck. "Didn't your mother teach you not to touch things that do not belong to you?" a smooth, male voice questions.

Raising his hands in surrender, "I apologize for seemingly stealing your belongings. I swear I had no such intentions." Lancelot stays still until he no longer feels the sword at his neck. Slowly and cautiously he backs away from the horse, with his hands still raised.

The stranger comes around and stands in front of his horse, still with his sword pointed toward Lancelot. His hazel gaze assesses the knight and after a moment he seems to make a decision and lowers his blade. "I will give you the benefit of the doubt since you have not made a move to fight with me and, no offense, but you do not look like someone who can best me." Graciously nodding, Lancelot affirms that no offense is taken. Sheathing his sword, the stranger asks, "Are you a knight?"

The other man is taken aback. When Estella set him on the mission to spy on the bandit leader Hengist, he was instructed to wear plain armor with no colors or insignia to give away his identity or allegiance. It seems that the mannerisms of a knight have become instilled into his demeanor without his notice. "Um, well-"

Recognition flickers across the other man's face, "Ah, I understand, a knight on an undercover mission, are you?" Stunned, Lancelot could only nod. Chuckling, "Yes, I know. I seem like a senseless commoner but I do know some things." Again, Lancelot only nods. After narrowing his eyes and pursing his lips in response to the silence, the other man asks, "So, what do they call you, Sir…?"

Now he speaks, holding out a hand, "I am Lancelot."

Taking his hand and shaking it, the stranger answers, "Gwaine."

Lancelot keeps his surprise and curiosity suppressed. Reasoning that it is only a coincidence, he tries to pry more information about the man before him, but mocking laughter cuts through the air and interrupts him.

The two dark-haired men stealthily follow the sound and hide behind the brush while spying on the scene before them. There are a group of scruffy men dressed in simple chainmail and leather hides. Lancelot recognizes the leader as Kendrick, a bandit commander who works for Hengist. The knight's eyes widen as he sees the Lady Morgana and her ever faithful friend Gwen being tied to a horse.

"We are sorry, my Lady Morgana, but if we allow you to bathe you may try and escape us and we cannot have that." Kendrick leered at the aforementioned woman, "Perhaps after you meet Hengist he will allow you and your maidservant to have a bath… while we 'guard' you two." He chuckles darkly as Morgana glares coldly, her face displaying her disgust. Gwen shivers with fear beside her mistress, but her face is schooled to hide it. Kendrick then mounts his horse and orders his party to start moving. Lancelot quickly runs back to his horse to follow them.

"Where are you in a rush off to?" Gwaine questions as he watches the knight gather his things together. Lancelot does not answer his question. "So, are those bandits part of your mission or are you the chivalrous hero type wanting to save the damsels-in-distress?"

"Those women are my friends," he explains.

Despite the situation, Gwaine then smirks, "A simple friend would not be as frantic as you are, Lancelot. You don't seem like the type to have more than one, so which one is it?"

Lancelot stops, "I beg your pardon?"

"Girl," the other man clarifies, "Which one of those girls is yours? Personally, I should hope it the one with the dark lavender cloak."

Curiosity creeps up again, "Not that it matters, since it is the one you are speaking of – and her name is Guinevere – but what is wrong with the other one?"

"She…" A mix of anger and perhaps a hint of sadness are reflected in Gwaine's eyes, "Reminds me of someone from my past. It is not important," but even these simple words convince Lancelot that it cannot be a simple coincidence. "Why don't I join you on this mission?"

"What?" the perplexed knight asks.

Gwaine then grins, "You are about to trek across the country to try and save two women from a large host of bandits, all on your own. Chances of coming out of that alive… well it sounds like an adventure, so I will join you, my friend."

Lancelot is caught off guard by the abrupt offer of assistance and the use of the title 'friend'. He could use the help even though Estella and perhaps even Arthur will eventually join in, but with what he thinks he knows of the man before him, Lancelot is unsure of what to decide. However, he feels that he should accept and give Gwaine the same courtesy he gave him – the benefit of the doubt. Besides, he already seems to have trust in him since he called Lancelot his friend.

After a simple thank you, Lancelot then mounts his horse, with Gwaine doing the same and the two men start galloping after Kendrick and his prisoners.

While on a hunting trip with Merlin and his knights, Arthur comes across the ambushed Cornish knights and finds the ransom letter for Morgana. The prince is quick to return to Camelot to inform his father, assemble the ransom, and without delay rush to save his Lady.

King Uther relays the news to his niece in Caerleon who immediately follows Arthur's example, soldiers and additional ransom just to be prepared for anything unexpected. Hefina also informs her mistress of Sir Lancelot already pursuing Kendrick to Hengist's fortress. Lancelot also left an aside note for the maid, that he is being accompanied by a stranger by the name of Gwaine. Hefina keeps this knowledge to herself, but her curiosity urges her to insist on joining Estella's rescue party. Knowing that Sir Ethan has been training her friend and that Hefina can hold her own, the duchess agrees. Besides, matters of state keep her in her duchy for the being and so Estella sends Sir Ethan and the party ahead while she will catch up when she can.

The two men are now resting for the night. The woods are too dark for them to navigate their way to Hengist's castle. Gwaine had taken to excessively drinking from his wineskin.

"Shouldn't you slow down?" the knight quips.

Laughing, "Come now, man, this is the drink of the Gods, we must relish it!" Lancelot then joins in the laughter. "So, where are you from?" When Gwaine sees his companion's hesitation, he suggests, "Alright, how about this, I will answer the question first and then you will. We can go back and forth with this until I am drunk enough I fall asleep."

Quirking an eyebrow, "Will you be all right in the morning after all this drink?"

"Do not insult me, friend. This is not my first time doing this and I have had enough practice to be fit for tomorrow," he takes another swig, "So?" Lancelot then consents to playing the game. Gwaine admits that he is from Caerleon, where his noble house, Lothian, was quite a prominent family. Until his father's death in battle and then his own situation with the ruling house of the duchy. He then left his home behind.

After Lancelot answers that he is from the village of Benwick (which is not a complete lie), he inquires, "What exactly happened in Caerleon?"

Gwaine is too inebriated to care what the line of question is, "Well, I was a stupid, young boy who foolishly believed that love actually exists and I am talking about real love – the kind between two people ultimately meant to be together. I thought I had that with Estella de Bois, despite our initiate oppositions, but," he laughs bitterly, "I was just her toy. She was a lecherous whore who needed someone to warm her bed and that was me. These, of course, I thought were only rumors, until…"

Lancelot cannot have any doubt now who his companion is, "Until?"

A dark, disgusted look spread across his features, "I caught her with her uncle Agravaine de Bois."

The knight nearly chokes on his water, "Ar-Are you sure?"

"I could never mistake her," Gwaine states, "Even though the last time we crossed paths I had buried her deep enough to not notice that it was her at first, but… Anyway, after I witnessed the incident, I confronted her. She made a show of denial, blood, and tears. After this, I ended our affair, but I stayed in Caerleon to take care of my family. Shortly afterward, my mother fell ill, my sister attacked, and I was framed for begetting a child on Agravaine's ward Elaine." Now, Gwaine's eyes fill with melancholy, "I- I thought, that in spite of the turmoil that Estella would at least stand up for me, for all the misfortunes befalling my family, but she did not. She stood by and let her uncle declare whatever the hell he wanted. Letting my mother and sister suffer, taking all our family wealth, what little we had, as compensation for my 'crime.' I knew there was evidence against me, but I thought that she would believe in me more than… And my family, she had always helped with my family, but…" his words start to mesh together, becoming unintelligible.

Lancelot chances speaking when Gwaine trails off, "It seems to me that even with all this betrayal… you still have feelings for Estella."

Gwaine laughs humorlessly, "Pathetic, huh, I must be right fool for still loving such a wench."

"The heart cannot help what it feels," After a pause, "Have you ever stopped to consider that… it was all a setup to keep you and Estella apart?" Lancelot's brow furrows when he does not receive a reply, "Gwaine?"

Looking closer, he sees that his new friend has fallen under the haze of the wine. Sighing softly, the knight makes note of all that Gwaine said and plans to speak with Hefina of it. He may not be some great and wise man, but something about the whole story does not sit right with him.

Estella is quite the confident woman, in all accounts, but from what he has seen, she and Agravaine despise each other and the hate runs deep. Combine this with the fact that the duchess has boundaries (she and Arthur mock flirt all the time, but nothing beyond that). The knight cannot imagine that the two could be or could ever or could have been involved intimately. It is just something he could not fathom. It cannot be true… it simply cannot.

The two captives are brought before a large, red-faced man. He is bald with a dirty blonde beard, wearing leather hides and a heavy fur cloak. They surmise that he is Hengist, the ruthless bandit leader himself.

He addresses their captor, "Kendrick, I was beginning to think you'd failed me."

Kendrick grimaces slightly, but instead of replying, he pushes the raven-haired woman forward, "May I present the Lady Morgana."

Hengist turns his gaze to said Lady and his eyes widen almost awe, "You're much more beautiful than they say, Lady Morgana." He attempts to stroke his finger along her cheekbone, but she snaps her head back.

"Flattery will not get you anywhere," Morgana says bitingly.

The bandit simply laughs mockingly and she spit in his face. Instead of getting angry or backhanding her, he continues to laugh, "Take her to the dungeon."

"And the servant girl?" asks Kendrick.

Hengist looks Gwen up and down causing her to bristle, "A separate cell, she could be of use later on."

They had been galloping for hours since daybreak, but the horses grew tired and so they slowed to a steady trot. From his uncomfortable seat on his saddle Merlin looks over at Arthur. The prince's face is grim, his jaw locked, his hands griping the reins, his entire body tense.

"Did you even sleep last night?" the servant asks.

"I could not," is the simple reply he receives.

After a pause, Merlin starts, "I do not think-"

"I do not think I want your opinion, Merlin," the prince retorts.

Trying again, "You know-"

Cutting him off again, "What I know is that those men who called themselves knights could not do their duties properly and did not deserve their titles."

"Isn't that a bit harsh, Sire?"

Scoffing and turning a steely gaze on his servant, Arthur emphasizes with gritted teeth, "If they had been competent knights, Morgana would have had a safe journey to her father's grave and a safer journey back to Tintagel Castle." He then returns his eyes back to the path.

The warlock sighs, "You do not know the circumstances, Arthur." The prince says nothing back. "Lady Morgana is strong; she can defend herself," In a whisper he adds, "In more ways than one."

"What about Gwen?" Arthur questions, "She may be able to protect herself, but she is by no means an expert in the arts of defense and therefore can be used to put Morgana into submission. As pride as I know Morgana to be, she would give herself up and surrender before letting any harm come to anyone she cares about."

"And everyone knows how much she cares for you and you for her, so she will fight tooth and nail to get Gwen and herself free. And I am sure Estella has already gotten word of the kidnapping by now and we all know that she is relentless in the pursuit of keeping Morgana safe," the prince gives no response or reaction. "We will get to her Arthur."

Again, no reply, but an action instead, the prince kicks his horse back into a gallop and the rest of his company quickly follow suit.

...

"Gwen," Morgana calls to her maid through the little window that connected their cells.

"Yes, Morgana," her soft voice answers back.

The Lady's brow furrows with concern, "Are you alright?"

Finally standing from the cot, the younger woman offers a soft smile to cover up the anxiety in her eyes, "Don't worry about me, I am fine."

"We need to escape," Morgana looks around, trying to locate something that can help them. "There aren't any guards here, so if we can get the doors unlocked, then we're free."

"We don't have the keys or anything to act as one," she reminds her mistress.

Morgana could easily say that the keys are not necessary. With a simply utterance, the doors would be spelled open and they could run. However, that would mean, she would have to expose her magic and now is not the most ideal time for that.

The Lady could get herself out and then feign picking the lock on Gwen's cell, but the younger woman could probably catch the amber glow of her eyes and then where would they be? Before Morgana gets the chance to risk this, however, her name is called from the window leading outside. Shushing Gwen, the older woman cautiously makes her way to said window. Looking out she sees…

"Lancelot," Morgana nearly exclaims.

He smiles, "My Lady."

Shaking her head, "What are you doing here?"

"I was assigned by Estella to spy on Hengist. There were rumors that this may happen." The knight explains.

"But of course, since Estella is neither Arthur nor Uther, she did not send an entire company of knights to watch over me."

There is no resentment in her tone, but the man feels the need to reassure her, "I am here and I have sent word to the duchess of your predicament. I am sure Prince Arthur is on his way as, well." Pulling something out of his pocket, "But if neither make it here in time, I have a plan," he presents the keys to her.

Morgana's eyes widen in surprise, "How…?"

The knight looks slightly sheepish, "Let's just say that I have a partner in crime helping me."

"Mate, you better hurry before some of those bandits come to check on the fair ladies," A voice hisses from a behind Lancelot.

Raising an eyebrow, she drily asks, "That him?" After nodding, Lancelot then moves into action.

It takes only a few minutes for Morgana to explain Lancelot's presence and his coming to rescue them. By the time she finished, her cell is unlocked and the aforementioned knight is standing at the door. He beckons her out and the two of them along with Gwaine move to save Gwen. Lancelot and Guinevere share brightened smiles until Gwaine hastens them. Fortune, however, seems to be against them. The key to Gwen's cell gets stuck in the lock.

"Well isn't this just divine," Gwaine quips sardonically.

Morgana glares at him, "Sarcasm is not going to help us," she retorts.

"Someone's coming," Lancelot announces, then turning to his male companion, "Take Morgana away." The two protest but the knight insists that at least one captive should make it safety. Reluctantly, Gwaine then drags a gripping Morgana out and away from the castle, planning to wait until the right time to come back for Lancelot and Gwen.

Lancelot fights against the bandits, but he is outnumbered and for intruding the castle and helping the Lady Morgana escape, he is put in her cell. The bandits then go to chase after their runaway prisoner. When they are left alone, Lancelot and Gwen immediately rejoin at the window connecting their cells.

"I am sorry Guinevere," he says before she can speak.

She shakes her head, smiling reassuringly, "You tried your best."

"No, not the rescue," then he backtracks, "I am sorry I got myself captured instead of rescuing you, but… I am sorry that I have ignored you these last few weeks."

A hint of hurt flashes into her brown gaze, "I… I am sure you had your reasons."

Sighing, "It is rather long story…"

"I think we have a rather long time… but whether tell me or not, I already forgive… just because I should," she finishes with a blush.

The knight smiles choosing to begin the tale of the quest for his sister rather than press for a detailed explanation of what she meant. Cautiously he mentions that magic is involved and although wary, Gwen seemed open-minded. The time that went by seemed to be short, but it had to have been at least a couple hours. "Gwen, I have learned that I have a sister, another child of my father's who was taken from her mother not long after birth, now that I know she exists…"

"You have been doing everything you can to locate for her?" she finishes.

Nodding, "Yes," he sighs again, "I know being this crazed in searching for her will drive me mad, but-"

Gwen then nods with understanding, "She is your sister. No matter if you know her or not, she is your family." After a quick pause, "If I had the capabilities I would do anything I could to find my brother Elyan. But… what if she does not want to be found, I mean, you must consider this since it has been years…"

Nodding, "I know, if when I find her, she does not want me in her life, then I will leave her, but often I will watch over her." He adds quickly, "Her name- well the name her mother gave her is Freya."

"That is a lovely name," the young woman compliments.

Lancelot then lets his gaze burn into hers, transfixed he tells Gwen, "Even though I have not been in contact as much as before, I have thought of you more and more since then."

Her eyes widen at his confession and seeing his need for a reply, she says, "As I have often thought of you."

Linking his fingers with hers through the window, he promises, "I will get us out of here."

Giving him a beautiful smile, "I have no doubt," squeezing his fingers, "When I look in your eyes, I always see truth… honor… and everything that is right in the world."

Lancelot is taken by surprise, "I did not know you felt so strongly."

Gwen does not balk this time, "I did not even know I could feel this strong about someone. But it feels right."

His grin is almost blinding, "Then you have given me a greater reason to live, a greater purpose to live by."

Suddenly recalling that Estella supplied him with a spelled pin of sorts, he tells Gwen to hold on and tests the provisional key. After a few attempts the lock clicks. Finding that there are still no guards (he knows this may be a trap, but he cannot let go of an opportunity to escape). As quick as he can while being attune to his surroundings he unlocks Gwen's cell.

"Lancelot?" she cautiously steps away from the cot.

Offering his hand, "We haven't a moment to lose." Returning his grin and taking his hand, the two make a run for it. Soon though, they realize that they are being chased. Realizing that they could both be captured again, the knight stops and faces Gwen, pointing down a narrow corridor, "Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls. I will buy you as much time as I can."

She shakes her head, "I am not leaving you."

"You must," he insists.

"No, I will not leave you here to die," the maid protests.

Lancelot takes her face into his hands, "Guinevere, I would die for you a hundred times over. Live for me, or everything that I am has been for nothing."

The first response she musters is to kiss him. When their lips touch their senses are immediately intensified, but atoned only to each other. The kiss is not fervent, but neither is it chaste, it is sweet, gentile, innocently passionate, and despite being short, the absolute adoration radiating between the two of them cannot be denied. When their lips separate, they can feel that this is not their last meeting – that they will be reunited. Gwen then confesses, "Lancelot, As long as I live, my feelings for you will never fade."

He has the urge – the need to kiss her again, but there is no time, "Run, do not stop running until you are well away from here. Toward the hills, you will find Morgana and Gwaine." Gwen hesitates, but after more insistence from the knight she runs. She can hear Lancelot fight and then yelling and after pausing once, she continues, but to little avail…

...

They had been about to infiltrate the castle to snatch Gwen and Lancelot and then make a run for it, but they discovered that Estella's party had made it. Gwaine was quick to depart, saying that he did not want to get involved with anymore of Lancelot's friends. It was an unconvincing excuse, but he could not risk any of the Caerleon knights recognizing him and Morgana did not really care for his company so she paid him little mind.

Sir Ethan has Morgana lead the Caerleon knights into the fortress while he and Hefina would stay behind to wait for Estella (who is only a few leagues behind them). The duchess arrives at the same time as her cousin Arthur. After the hurried explanations about the entire matter, the cousins, Hefina, Ethan, and Merlin went into the castle, Arthur's knights trailing behind them if needed.

...

Hengist has Lancelot tied up in a cage; all around it bandits are laughing and jeering at the knight. The bandit leader then stands aggressively over him. "Before you die, I can promise you the most unimaginable pain."

Lancelot does not even flinch, bolding pronouncing, "You can do what you will with me. I do not care. You can do no harm to Guinevere."

"Oh, was that her name, huh, the serving girl? And you really believe she is worth dying for?" The bandit leader questions incredulously.

With great conviction, the knight proclaims, "She is worth more to me that you will ever understand."

Hengist simply nods, the gate is opened and Gwen is dragged into the cage. Seeing Lancelot's startled look he mocks, "You thought she got away. No. You failed her. And that must hurt you 'more than I will ever understand'."

The bandits laugh harder at the two of them tied to each other in the cage. Hengist addresses his men, "What do you say?! Shall I spare them?" They all yell 'kill' heartily and excitedly.

Turning over her shoulder, Gwen says, "I am sorry. This is my fault."

Shaking his head negatively, he responds, "You have nothing to be sorry for. You have always reminded me of who I am, of what I must do, but if I am to die today, I will die with faith in my heart. That is worth more than anything."

Gwen fearfully asks, "But what of Freya?"

With a heavy heart, Lancelot assures, "Morgana and Estella will find her and ensure her safety and happiness; as I said Guinevere, with faith in my heart." He entwines his fingers with hers. Hengist calls for the release of the Wilddeoren.

Guinevere tightens her grasp and whispers, "And me beside you."

Lancelot returns the gesture, "And you beside me."

Morgana and Estella's knights invade the room and pandemonium ensues. The bandits attack the knights while Morgana, Estella, and Arthur go into the cage. Merlin and Hefina stand as their backup. The duchess and the prince fend off the rats and her cousin frees their friends. Relieved that the official rescue company has arrived, the three embrace.

The dark-haired man, however, notices something missing amidst the chaos. "Where is Gwaine?"

Morgana answers him, "The coward ran away when Hefina and Ethan arrived, some friend you made Lancelot."

"I think that now would be the time to go," Estella quips as she starts to shove them out of the cage and toward the tunnel. Arthur pushes Lancelot and Gwen before pulling Morgana with him.

Hengist wields a crossbow and aims to strike the duchess. Before he even releases the arrow, one hits him in the throat and he falls back. Estella looks toward the direction the arrow came from but she only sees a shadow before Merlin pulls on her arm and takes her down the tunnel. They are the last of the party to leave and the warlock and witch seal the tunnel to keep the bandits from following.

They pause to regain some energy. Merlin's grip is still on Estella's arm. He absently rubs his thumb against the softness of her olive green tunic. Her steely gray gaze flickers between his face and hand and roughly she tugs her arm away, making her thoughts clear by that action and swiftly sprinting after her cousins while Merlin stumbles to keep up with her vigorous gallop.

After a night's rest, everyone are now saying their farewells and preparing to return home. Aside from the knights, around him are couples. There is Ethan and Hefina, whispering words to one another about something that seems to be of great import. Neither seems to be trying to grope the other, but they are standing closely.

To the right, Arthur is seen holding Morgana rather intimately, his hands on her torso and hers on his collarbone. The prince's sky blue eyes are lovingly looking over his fair Lady's face, reassuring himself for the umpteenth time that she is alright and unharmed. She encourages the feeling by softly stroking his cheek affectionately and pulling his face to hers for a kiss. Merlin looks away from them.

Last, there is Lancelot and Guinevere. She has her hands on his shoulders and his are at her waist. They are obviously whispering sweet nothings to each other. Merlin catches the knight saying, "You have changed me forever…"

There was once a time where the warlock would have felt hurt and angry by hearing such a thing and seeing such a sight, but now he is happy, happy that his friends are safe and that they have each other. But then the last thought brings a melancholy one to his mind, the fact that he has no one.

Fruitlessly and stupidly, Merlin has… had designs for Estella, but of course the 'feelings' involved are not real and in spite of their menial similarities they are worlds apart. Dispelling his mind of such thoughts, he recalls his dreams from the night before. They confuse him to no end, but they give him hope.

He had seen a young woman with brown eyes and wavy, black hair, dressed in a silvery-blue gown and seemingly floating above a sparkling lake with the moon shining behind her and the stars twinkling above her. She had beauty almost as great as a Le Fay and she when she raised her small, pale hands, the water moved with her gestures. As the water continues to majestically dance, an ornate sword rises from the depths of the lake, up to her hands. He recognizes it the sword Arthur used against the wraith. The vision of the young woman is imprinted in his mind and Merlin is determined to discover who she is.

...

Atop his horse, shadowed by the trees, Gwaine watches the scene below. He sees a golden-haired man helping the Lady Morgana onto her horse. She obviously does not need the aid, but accepts it from the man. He even goes as far as adjusting her dark gray cloak before mounting his horse beside hers and giving her a soft kiss on the lips. Shifting his eyes to his new friend, he sees Lancelot kissing Guinevere's knuckles softly.

The intimate vistas are grating his nerves and his gaze then lands on the other raven-haired beauty of the company – Estella Le Fay. Feeling his hazel eyes on her, the duchess shifts her gray ones in his direction. She probably cannot see him clearly, but she must know that it is him and that it was he that had saved her when Hengist was going to shoot her.

Gwaine cannot stand to look upon her any longer – he could not even guess what his next move would be if he continued. So instead of finding out if he would run to her to hit her, yell at her, or even kiss her he steers his horse away, leaving her behind as she did to him the previous time they had met in the Forests of Essetir. But as fate wants it, this would not be the last time their paths cross, for they are meant to be intertwined, even though they do not realize it yet.

Author's Note: So… was it worth the wait? I do try to make sure of that. If I disturbed anyone with a certain bit (Estella/Agravaine), just know it didn't really happen, I hate to divulge information early, but I'd hate even more for a beloved character to be hated because of something untrue. On a side note, I would be very grateful if all my lovely readers here give some love to Of Legacy and Legend, I realize it's not as good or exciting as LoA, but it will eventually get there, I hope. Anyway, thanks for reading and please review.