A branch snapped behind me causing me to jump. I drew my sword and spun around, coming face to face with Gawain who instantly put his hands up in defense "Whoa, easy it's just me" I slowly let out a breath that I was not aware I was holding. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that" I told him as I turned back around to face the plains of Britain.
"Something's bothering you, I can feel it" he announced as he approached me and placed his hands on my shoulders, gently kneading the muscles that he found there. I was surprised at how tense I was, "It's nothing" I casually told him as I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch enjoying the feeling that it was evoking somewhere deep within.
All of a sudden I felt Gawain's beard gently tickle the shell of my ear, and his deep dark voice whispering seductively in my ear "Tell me" I really do not know how he managed to do it, but it was as if with those two simple words the dam broke, I broke free of his touch and threw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck and crying into his chest.
"I was so scared" I sobbed, slowly regaining his composure he began to rub my back in circles with his battle worn hands. "Scared of what?" he asked sounding a bit surprised, but who could blame him after fighting in endless losing battles for 15 years, and only now showing the symptoms of fear.
I chocked back a sob, and told him "I am so scared, I thought I would lose you" "Hey it's ok I'm still here" he replied, as he buried his face in the side of my neck "Please, please" he picked up his head and looked at me in curiosity and confusion "Please what?" "Please don't leave me, I love you" All of a sudden I felt him tense and realized what I had just told him.
I waited, horrified of what he would do or say, If I lost him I would be devastated. After what seemed like hours I felt his warm hands under my chin, gently coaxing my head up from his chest, but I refused to look into his eyes "Merenwen look at me" the tone of his voice was firm but gentle at the same time, slowly and a bit reluctantly I looks into his eyes, and was relieved that there was no disgust, only amazement, compassion and…Love? But it could not be I was a knight, covered in scars and dirt, men ran away from me, not fall in love with me. "Did you mean it?" he asked his eyes and voice held such tenderness that there was no way that I could lie to him "yes" I told him timidly and quietly "Oh Mer" he breathed as he dipped his head and caught my lips in a passionate kiss, that was full of tenderness and love.
(Narrator POV)
Unbeknown to both of them there was a lone scout watching them from his spot beneath the tree with only but a hint of a smile on his face.
(Normal POV)