"Are you sure you want to do this?" Gwain asked Melanie as she prepared to leave. She was going to kill Morgana herself, if it was the last thing she ever did.
"It's not a choice of whether I want to or not anymore." She said. She pulled on her chain mail and buckled her belt.
"This is a dangerous mission." He said, taking her into his arms. "I just want you to be safe."
"I'm willing to give up my life to save the kings." She swore. "And yours."
"Be careful." He begged.
"I'm not leaving yet." She promised. "First I have to get Excalibur."
"That sword never leaves Arthur's side. How could you possibly get it?"
"I have my ways." She freed herself from his arms. "I'll be careful, I swear." She placed a hand on his cheek and a light kiss on his lips. "Merlin will help. He knows how to get Arthur away from the sword."
"What about when he notices it's gone?"
"I have a plan for that too." She opened her chest and pulled out a sword identical to Excalibur. "Made it myself."
"When do you leave?"
"A few hours. As long as Merlin comes through."
"I'll be waiting for your return."
"Promise me you won't find comfort in the arms of another." She put the sword down and cupped his face in her hands.
"I could never." His hands covered hers and he kissed her palm. "To strengthen this promise I have a question." He took one of her hands in both of his and got down on one knee. "Will you, Melanie, do me the great honor of marrying me." She got down on her knees and put her free hand on top of hers and Gwain's clasped hands. He could see the tears gleaming in her eyes.
"If I return from my mission." She said. "I will marry you."
"Don't say that." He wiped a tear from her cheek. "You will return."
"You're so optimistic." She said. "How do you know?"
"Because I've seen you fight. You are stronger than any other I've seen." He kissed her head. "Kill Morgana and win control of the Saxons. Then come back to me and be my bride."
"I'm not quite fit to be a bride."
"I don't care. Never in my life have I loved a woman as I love you."
"I promised myself I would never fall in love." She rested her head on Gwain's. "But I can tell you that I am unmistakably and madly in love with you."
"Then stay safe my Love." Their hands untangled and Melanie's arms wrapped around Gwain's neck. "And return to me." He pulled her closer and they kissed again.
"I will. I promise I will return." She got up from the floor. "I will be back for our wedding." She put the sword in her sheath and headed for the door.