Sorry this took so long. The muse was not coming for this chapter. And once it did I had a big choice to make about where I wanted my story to go. I hope you like which direction I chose (when it's all over with).

Chapter 8

He looked majestic. His golden hair glinted in the soft light, and his dark tuxedo contrasted nicely with his lighter skin. His baby blues caught her eyes, and she felt unable to look away. He had a woman-the blonde one she saw him snogging earlier-on his arm. However, he seemed completely unaware and uninterested in her. Until she lightly slapped his arm, and her tinkling laughter of, "Oh Arthur…" came drifting over the mindless chatter.

As their gaze broke, Gwen's attention to her surroundings came rushing back to her. She saw Merlin shake Lance's hand, and bow to her. He glanced at her hand, and she held it out for him to gently brush his lips against it.

"My lady," Merlin gallantly said, "This must be the good Sir Lance DuLac?"

"I am indeed," Lance laughed, "And you must be Merlin Emrys-the man I've heard so much about from Gwen, here."

"I'm glad I've made such a favorable impression," Merlin blushed, "Please, feel free to look around, take some refreshments, and make yourselves comfortable. There's going to be a short little speech later tonight, and the tables already have the seating arrangements and place cards all planned out."

Lance nodded, and Gwen smiled distractedly as they moved away from the door to let others in.

"I'm afraid I don't know anyone here," Lance whispered to Gwen, "Although, when you have the most beautiful lady in the room on your arm, who else do you need to know?"

"Lance," Gwen smiled and swatted his arm playfully. She was being silly fretting over Arthur.

"What?" he chortled, "It's true! Why I don't think I've ever seen you look lovelier Gwen. I know this is a formal occasion, but I don't think I've ever seen you so gussied up before! What's the occasion?"

"The occasion? Why this is of course! I can't look exceptionally nice for a formal outing?" Gwen teased.

"Well of course you can. You never cease to surprise me Gwen," Lance said as he steered them towards the bar in the back.

As they came up to the bar, Lance said, "a Black Velvet please, and-"

Here, Lance looked questioningly at Gwen.

"None for me, thanks," Gwen smiled.

"Coming right up" the bartender replied.

"In fact, if you will excuse me, I have to use the ladies' room," Gwen said as she untangled herself from Lance's arm.

As she made her way to the back she saw Arthur again. This time, it was from the back of the head. He was still chatting with the blonde woman, and the man who she thought gave her the business card-what was his name? Gwaine or something like that. His hair was still dazzling, and she noticed how his tux particularly emphasized his assets from the behind. She was so focused on Arthur that she wasn't paying attention to where she was going and knocked over a caterer in the process of walking.

When she came back from the loo, she saw Lancelot. He was talking and smiling with the man who had given her the business card. She didn't really want to go and interrupt their "guy bonding" so she decided to hang back for a little bit and look at all the other guests.

She observed Arthur first. He was hard to miss-especially when Gwen was subconsciously seeking him out. He was in the corner farthest away from her current position, and the blonde was still dangling on his arm. Nothing new there, so her eyes swiveled to rest upon Merlin. He was excitedly gesturing to his art upon the walls to an elderly looking couple who looked quite bemused and scared of the young man's sheer enthusiasm. She saw lots of people she didn't know, but one girl in particular caught her eye. It wasn't because she was particularly more beautiful, but because there was something off about her. Yes, her beauty was great. She had black hair which was in shimmering waves down her back, which offset her deep purple dress. However her brown eyes, which would have otherwise been quite lovely, shone with deep sorrow and fear. She was tucked into the corner of the room, almost as if she was attempting to hide from someone. Her eyes were darting back and forth like she was looking for someone. However, Gwen had no time to contemplate the girl further as an announcement was made by an older looking gentleman.

"Ladies and gentleman, please take your seats. We would like to begin the event."

Gwen hurriedly went over to Lance before she lost him in the sea of people that were heading over to the tables that were spread out in front of the podium. They linked arms as they met, and soon surrendered themselves to the tide of bodies pushing them towards their seats. Every place had a name tag by it, so that no one had to really squabble for seats. It was easy enough to see how people were arranged. The most important people sat closer to the podium, and the lesser invitees sat towards the back.

Gwen instinctively made her way towards the back of the arrangement first. She figured that Merlin just invited her as a spur of the moment decision. However, her surprise increased with each step she took towards the front as she realized that her name was not on any of the placeholders in the back. She was forced to go with Lance all the way to the very front tables. Keeping her head down, she kept her eyes on the writing, barely looking at who else would be with her. She was noticing the rapid decline of people wandering about trying to find their names, and she didn't want to be embarrassed. However, her she didn't have to worry for she soon found her name (and Lance's), and quickly sat down with relief so quickly that Lance didn't even have time to wonder how her arm became dislodged from his, or be offended that he didn't pull her seat out for her. As Gwen looked up, her surprise at where she was quickly quadrupled in quantity. She was at the very table which held the man of the hour himself, Merlin, with his friend Gwaine, and-

"Arthur." Gwen breathed as her eyes came to rest upon his face.

….

The shin-dig was really coming into full swing as the stream of guests stopped gushing, and the champagne was flowing. Everyone was having a good time-except for Arthur. He was stuck to Vivian the entire night. Somehow he had been trapped with her on his arm, and Guinevere nowhere in sight. He didn't see her at all until a rather stuffy looking old man announced that everyone should take their seats.

He knew exactly where he would be placed-right next to Merlin, with Vivian unfortunately by his side. He took his seat quickly, knowing this, but not before pulling out Vivian's chair for her. He wanted the evening to end very soon. He didn't want to be forced to watch Lance and Gwen exchange smiles any more.

Gwaine quickly followed Arthur to find his seat at the table of honor. As soon as he found his name tag he promptly plopped himself down in his seat and motioned for a waiter to bring him yet another drink. He continued to eye Vivian, who scooted closer to Arthur, firmly wrapping her hands around his firm biceps. Arthur wanted to disentangle himself from her grasp, and was so caught up in trying to figure out a way to do so that he was surprised when he heard his name uttered by the most melodious voice.

"Arthur."

Arthur pulled himself out of his strategizing to find his chair directly opposite of Gwen's.

"Guinevere," Arthur said surprised. He could not keep himself from smiling as he said her name, something which Vivian instantly cued in on.

Lance likewise saw the turn of his date's lips upwards. He was concerned about the smile, but more worried about how she still referred to the man as "Arthur". She hadn't even bothered to cover her slip-up and address him as "Mr. Pendragon". However, these irritated thoughts stopped suddenly when he saw the blonde clutching Arthur's arm as if her life depended on it.

'She is very pretty,' Lance thought as he gazed at her. However, these thoughts were quickly dispelled from his mind as Gwen put her gentle pressure on his arm and asked,

"Lance would you pass me the water jug, please?"
"Certainly," Lance said, covering up his "space out" with a quick shake of his head.

Gwen smiled as he poured the water, and thanked him, but Arthur noticed that it didn't quite meet her eyes. She seemed distracted, like something was bothering her. He secretly hoped it was because Vivian's arm was on his, but Gwen didn't seem like the jealous type. Unlike himself. He was deeply irritated when Gwen sat down with Lance, and a protective feeling surged inside of him as he watched their hands touch when Lance poured her water. Evidently she didn't hear him speak her name aloud.

"Hi, I'm Vivian Remington, Arthur's girlfriend, and you are?" Vivian rather abruptly inquired of Gwen. She broke Arthur out of his trance as she did so, but seemed to catch the eye of Lance.

"I'm Guinevere Leodegrance, but I go by Gwen. I'm Lance's-erm-girlfriend," Gwen quickly concluded. She could visibly see Arthur's face darken. She wondered at this fact, when he seemed to be in a relationship, and knew that she was also in one. There was no way he could be jealous.

"Actually, she's not my girlfriend," Arthur interjected, removing Vivian's hand from his arm, "She's my date to the event. Being single and all, sometimes it's hard when a date's required to a party like this."

Vivian was taken aback and glowered slightly. She had thought that after their kiss it was clear that they were an item. Apparently not. Or at least, not to Arthur. So she did the first thing which came to her jealous mind.

"Really? Lance as in the Lance DuLac? You must be really lucky!" she shrieked. If Gwen was to have the attentions of Arthur, she couldn't also have the attention of her boyfriend. She had to pick one, and Vivian decided to pick for her.

"Yes, I suppose I am," she replied.

"Tell me how did you two meet, Lance?" Vivian directed her questioning towards Lance.

"Well, it's um, it's a really great story actually…" Lance began rather nervously.

As he began to tell it to Vivian his body slowly began to turn towards her, and his stance began to change. He became more confident and at ease. He also smiled and laughed more frequently as Vivian responded with equal laughter.

If Arthur and Gwen didn't know any better, they would both say that they were the ones who were dating. They were left behind completely forgotten as Lance quickly drifted away from the story of how they met, and a humorous story involving his campaign which Gwen had never heard.

Meanwhile Merlin and Gwaine, at the other section of the table, were joking and laughing around. It was clear that they were both a little tipsy-one more than just slightly intoxicated-and they were soon making outrageous bets.

"I bet you that I can pick up more of these beauties than you tonight," Gwaine slurred.

"Oh yeah?" Merlin laughed back. He was slightly drunk, but not bad. Just enough of a light happy buzz to clear the uneasy feeling in his stomach about making a speech.

"Yup." Gwaine announced confidently.

"I'll have you know that I could have any of my pick in this room!" Merlin pronounced, "In fact, who's to say that I haven't already?"

He raised his eyebrows suggestively as Gwaine loudly guffawed.

However, before anything else could continue to proceed, however, the old man cleared his throat at the podium in front of all the tables.

The chatter quieted down rapidly as he said, "Thank you for coming tonight ladies and gentlemen. My name is Gaius Wilson, and as you know, tonight was in celebration of my nephew, Merlin's, fantastic achievements. However, none of this would honestly be possible without your support. And now, Merlin would like to say a few words."

At his cue, Merlin stood and walked over to the front of the room, shaking Gaius' hand as he reached the stand. He swayed slightly, but Gaius helped straighten him right side up. Not before shooting his a quick withering glance with the disappointment radiating off the raise of his eyebrow.

"Like Gaius said, none of this would be possible without your guys' support. I would really like to give my sincerest thanks from the bottom of my heart that you all came. First I would like to thank…"

As Merlin rattled on, Arthur began to drift off and stared at Gwen, who was sitting with rapt attention at Merlin's speech. She looked so beautiful.

Unlike Vivian, Gwen had managed to look elegant without looking like an "easy sell". Vivian showed a lot of her bust with her tantalizing neckline, and a lot of her back with the dress starting at her lower back. Not to mention the slit which went up the side of her leg. If Vivian had a message to send to Arthur, she was sending it loud and clear. Gwen's dress was strapless, and had a small slit on the side to help her walk since the dress was so form fitting. She also had a plunging back, however it was done in a tasteful way. The gold which glinted at her wrist and neck complimented her skin tone beautifully. Arthur dully wondered if Lance had bought them for her. He wondered if Gwen was aware of his staring as she suddenly turned around and smiled at him. This promptly made him feel like an idiot as he quickly gave a sheepish smile and turned around to pay attention to Merlin. He was just finishing up his speech.

"…so once again thank you all for coming. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening and have a wonderful night." Merlin gave his final smile as he walked off the make-shift stage and came back to his table. Now seated were Gaius, Gwaine, Arthur, Vivian, Gwen, and Lance at the table, and he took his seat by Gwaine again.

Some of the guests stayed seated while others began to mill about once more. The party was nowhere near concluded. Merlin's table decided to stay seated and get to know each other.

Lance and Vivian resumed their previous conversation whilst Gwaine was passed out on the table. Gaius was checking his vital signs while Merlin looked on. Arthur and Gwen weren't really sure what to do.

"So Guinevere, you look absolutely stunning tonight," Arthur decided to begin with.

"Thank you, you do as well," Gwen smiled, "You really do clean up well."

"Thank you. So tell me, how's your life been since I last saw you at lunch? I'm sorry that we had to cut our time short."

"Oh if anyone should be apologizing it should be me. After all, I was the one who ran out of there."

"Nonsense," Arthur said warmly, but firmly, "You should never have to apologize for anything."

Gwen lightly blushed, "Well, anyways I had to run. I was meeting Lance for his interview which I think went quite well. Although I'm sure your campaign is also going well."

Arthur laughed. It was just like Gwen to be considerate of his campaign when she was dating his rival, and most likely agreed with his political opinions if she did so.

"Yes, I think it is. Tell me Guinevere, what do you think of all of it? Politics, I mean. I know it's only late November, and the elections aren't until May, but it's always great to get more people's opinions."

"Well, as a lawyer I understand politics well enough, I suppose. I guess the most important thing to me is that we help, provide, and care for as many people as possible. I mean, that's what being a leader is all about, right? Caring about your country, and making sure everyone is safe. Not only that, but how other countries interact with it. Also I'm a big supporter of making sure our country has great educational systems. After all, if our children aren't educated, what will our future look like? Pretty bleak, I reckon. Overall I guess whoever makes the better leader will be the one I will vote for. Of course, I can only speak for myself."

"Of course," Arthur agreed. He was amazed. Never once did she imply that her mind was firmly made up and was a hundred percent devoted to voting for Lance. She just wanted what was best for her country. Whether or not her boyfriend was the person to make that happen was not mentioned by her. Furthermore, she had a very strong opinion for what she envisioned for the country. She cared about everyone, and wasn't afraid to voice her opinions. This was a very different Guinevere from the stuttering, but cute, girl he saw earlier. This was more like the Guinevere he saw inside of her from their brief interactions-the Guinevere he knew was lawyer material.

"So then, if you were the one running for the elections and all that, what would you change about our country-if you could I mean?" he asked.

"Well, like I said I just want everyone to be safe and heard, if they need to be. I guess I'm not really sure what exactly I would change. However, one thing that I've noticed is that class differences are growing larger and that people in different classes don't interact as much or treat everyone with the same respect. I guess I would like to change that. I'd like to make sure that everyone gets the same respect and opportunities to become what they want to be. "

"I see," Arthur was only response as he mulled over what she said. She would make a great leader. He wasn't really sure what to say after this, so his mind turned to other subjects as he asked, "So then, how did you fall into the law business?"

Gwen giggled slightly, "It's a funny story actually. I had just graduated from uni, so I was looking around for a job. That's when my brother Elyan started to help me look around. Well he has this friend, Percival who's a police officer, and Percival knew a guy who knew a guy who worked at James and Jarban. So he got me an opportunity to get an interview at the firm. Now I come from a rather poor background, so I was already broke from earning my degree and I didn't have enough connections to get this myself. So obviously this was a huge chance for me. Well, the day of the interview came and who would've thought it, but I ran into Mr. Jarban himself! I was lost trying to find my way to the right door, and Mr. Jarban had a-erm-clothing emergency. He had spilled coffee right down the front of his expensive suit, and he had a major client to impress who was set to arrive in a few minutes. I know a thing or two about sewing-in fact if I didn't want to be a lawyer I guess I would have become something in the fashion industry. I make or tailor all of my own clothes. So I knew how to get that stain right out when he was slightly panicking about the whole situation. I immediately went to help him, and as I did-there's a trick to getting coffee stains out of silk, you know-he was so grateful he asked what I was doing there. When I told him I was looking to become the new intern at the place, he smiled and said to wait outside his office until he was done with the client and he would be back. True to his word, he came back after their meeting and went down to Rachel, who was my boss when I first got there, and told her to hire me immediately. He said he was impressed with me, and that I should be given a chance at the firm. He said he was impressed by my kindness, yet ability to take control of a situation. He said I could be the type of girl who people would trust and be relatable to after hearing of my background."

Gwen blushed as she concluded. She was so modest. Yet Arthur instantly had to agree with Mr. Jarban. He had correctly summed up her character in Arthur's mind. And how serendipitous that they would meet in such a way! It had to be fate.

"Guinevere, I think that Mr. Jarban is right. That sounds exactly like the type of person you are."

Arthur's sincerity was not lost on Gwen as she asked him, "Well I feel like I've spoken enough for a lifetime! Please, tell me about yourself."

Arthur had to chuckle, "What would you like to know? My story isn't anywhere near as interesting as yours."

"Well for starters, tell me about how you came to meet Merlin?"

"Ah. Well you see he used to date my sister…"

So wrapped up were each of the members of the table that no one noticed when Merlin slipped away, feeling like the seventh wheel. No one realized that he had disappeared the whole night before it slipped away from all of them. Suddenly, it was time to say good-bye and take their leave.

Arthur pulled out Guinevere's seat and Lance pulled out Vivian's despite the fact that both couples were on completely opposite sides of the round table. That seemed to slip both couple's minds. As each member said good-bye to the other they didn't realize they had each said good-bye to a person who was not their date.

Lance hurriedly got Gwen's jacket, and started to apologize profusely for ignoring her most of the night. Gwen just smiled and said it was alright. Lance felt guilty for ignoring her, yet he couldn't escape his thoughts turning to Vivian. She was selfish, yes, but there was something about her that was somehow alluring. Gwen on his arm was a slap to the face to him. He remembered how good he had it with Gwen-the kindest soul he had ever met. Not to mention his great friendship with Elyan. He wasn't about to ruin one of the greatest relationships he ever had for some girl that he had just met. On top of that, he was pretty sure he was in love with Gwen. He could feel the lump he had stored in his pocket graze his leg as he opened the door of the building for Gwen. The lump which contained the diamond ring which he had bought her months ago. They had been dating for about a year and she met all of the requirements of his dream girl. She was thoughtful, sensitive, and compassionate, smart, funny-not to mention drop dead gorgeous. He thought he knew what love was with her. Yet something about Vivian was there when he wasn't with Gwen. He couldn't tell what it was, but he wasn't a man who took risks. Especially risks which involved his future joy. As Lance got a cab and they went in, Gwen couldn't help but reminisce on her time with Arthur. There was just something there with him that she had never felt with Lance. But who was she to break-up with one of the best relationships she ever had to be with a man who never once said a thing about his snog with Vivian?

Meanwhile, Arthur got the door of the establishment for Vivian and escorted her to their cab. She felt triumphant at distracting Lance, but there was something more to it as well. She had genuinely enjoyed conversing with him. Although he was a little too "goody goody"-and poor-in comparison to most of the men she was attracted to, she could not deny there was something about his eyes that made her unable to sneer at him. His manners were impeccable, and he was easy on the eyes. Arthur was too busy wrapped up in his thoughts to notice her silence during the ride. He had a very enjoyable time with Guinevere that night. He had completely forgotten that she had arrived with another man, and she seemed to as well. She was starting to look like the ideal woman for him. She was smart, funny, opinionated, and courageous-a trait Arthur himself highly coveted.

As they pulled up in front of Vivian's house and he bade her goodbye, that's when he realized that she had been talking with Lance the whole night. He hoped that meant she had picked up on his not-so-subtle hint that they were not "an item".

When Arthur reached his home that night, he failed to realize that Merlin wasn't home yet. As he drifted off he vaguely wondered what had happened to him. Perhaps he had to stay back and clean-up after the party. Or perhaps he had gotten so drunk that he had forgotten where he lived-Merlin was easily a lightweight-even by non-British standards-when it came to his liquor. However, Arthur quickly expelled these thoughts from his mind as he drifted off to sleep with images of a brown eyed woman beneath his lids.

To be continued