Melanie rode purposefully through the woods. Having successfully gotten Excalibur from Arthur, she left immediately. The great sword hung at her hip, and under her glove, she wore the ring Gwain had given her.
As the sun began to set, the got off her horse and tied the mare to a tree so they could rest.
A twig snapped behind her and she heard the distinct sound of human feet. She had Excalibur out in an instant.
"Come out." She called. "Coward! Come out and your life will be spared." Gwain pushed through the trees and the sword fell at her feet.
"Gwain." She whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. She ran into his arms. "What are you doing here? I could have taken off your head."
"I couldn't stand leaving you to do this yourself." He said, burying his face in her neck.
"Are you insane?" She asked. "You could be killed."
"So could you." He replied, lifting his head so they were eye to eye. "If I die, I'd rather die fighting for you." His hazel eyes filled with tears. He held onto her as if she were his lifeline and kissed her hard. A kiss filled with love and lust and passion.
He broke the kiss and rested his head on hers. Gazing into her silver eyes.
"You're completely mad." She almost laughed. "How did you even find me?"
"I always know where you are." He tucked a loose strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"I'm afraid Gwain." She admitted after a moment. "Terribly afraid."
"That's alright. It's alright to be afraid."
"What if we both die on this mission? Everything will be in vain."
"We will survive. Together." He kissed her again. Just as he did before.
"Rest my love." He said, breaking the kiss. "I'll take first watch." He kissed her head and she went to lay down. Sheathing Excalibur as she went.
Gwain began a fire, watching Melanie as she slept. He sat on a nearby log and watched the forest vigilantly. Keeping an eye out for anyone attempting to hurt his love. His beautiful, deadly angel.
"Don't worry Love." He said quietly. "We will make it out safely. I promise you."
"I know we will." She whispered in response, so he just barely heard it.
As the hours ticked on, Gwain became tired. Though he refused to allow Melanie to take over watch. She needed her rest.
"You look exhausted." Melanie said, sitting next to him.
"I didn't see you get up." He replied, avoiding the comment.
"You never woke me for my watch."
"You need to sleep."
"So do you." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "If you're tired during battle, who will have my back?"
"I'm fully capable of fighting through fatigue."
"That may be, but you should still rest." She turned his face to hers. "Please. For me."
"Alright. For you." He kissed her cheek and went to lie down.
"I love you." She said.
"And I you."