Chapter 13: The Grand Adventure
This is not the epilogue, it was supposed to be. To my defense when I published chapter 12 I was halfway through with the last chapter and I had every intention of ending this story. But the Vengeful Wench and I had a huge argument resulting in a severe case of writer's block and me giving this story the silent treatment. After a few days apart we were able to make amends and work through our differences, though this what not originally planned I hope it flows well with the rest of the story.
"What a lovely wedding and Gwen just looks beautiful, she's glowing Arthur." Morgana states.
"Yeah she is." Arthur says gazing over at his wife. "Maybe when you and Gwaine get married you can have the wedding here too."
Morgana rolls her eyes. "Gwaine and I are not getting married Arthur."
"No, not yet." He teases and Morgana punches him in the arm. "Hey you can't abuse me anymore I'll call my wife she'll get you." Turning to back to Gwen Arthur waves at her. "Guinevere please help."
Watching the interaction between Arthur and Morgana Gwen laughs as she make her way over to the bickering siblings. Gwen has glanced over at the pair of them aggravating and teasing each other, smiling because she remembers that sometimes her and Elyan enjoy the same playful banter.
"Alright you too what's going on?" She asks.
"Arthur's being an idiot."
"I am not!"
"Oh yes you are!"
"She just doesn't want to admit that she likes Gwaine." At this Morgana quietly walks away fuming at Arthur. "See I told you."
Gwen gives Arthur you really shouldn't meddle look and he instantly looks ashamed.
"Arthur maybe she isn't ready to have something with Gwaine."
"But it's so obvious that they like each other. Anyone can see it." He says as he watches Gwaine track Morgana's movements throughout the garden.
"I know that but it's not our place to interfere. When they are ready to be together they will."
During the wedding reception all the guests are gathered outside in the garden in several small groups talking amongst themselves, Mithian and Elyan are whispering and chatting quietly when Gwaine walks up to them.
"What are you too over here talking about?" He asks.
"Well if you must know, you are so nosy by the way. I was telling Elyan about another place I was reading about loaded with treasure."
"Really?" Gwaine asks.
"Yes, and since I have another week left before I have to return to service we were considering going for it. What do you think?"
"You had me a treasure, I'm in." Gwaine admits.
"Do you think we could convince Gwen and the others we need the Vengeful Wench." Mithian states.
"Yeah I'm sure that will be no problem." Elyan adds.
"Well let's go tell the others." Gwiane says, calling the other crew members looks up and glances around for Gwen. Arthur sees her talking with Gaius. He smiles figuring whatever they are discussing is a private matter and he returns to joking with Merlin and Leon. The crew gathers around and almost everyone is there. Mithian is about to tell everyone the plan when she notices Gwen is not there.
"Where is Gwen?" Mithian questions.
"Oh she's talking with Gaius." Arthur states. "I think they need a moment, but I'll fill her in later."
"Okay well here's the plan I have recently discovered another location of hidden treasure. Okay so who's in?" Mithian adds with a smile.
Gwen walks beside Gaius linking her arm through his."Gaius I wondered if I might speak with you in private?"
"Of course anything for you Gwen."
The pair walk slowly back towards the manor away from the large group of friends and family gathered for Gwen and Arthur's wedding.
Gwen and Gaius enter the house and make their way upstairs. Once in a quiet place Gwen tells Gaius all of her physical symptoms and her asks her a few questions and she answers though the line of questioning is a little embarrassing for Gwen. Having to talk about her sexual relationship with Arthur to the person who practically raised her and Elyan was just weird.
"Gaius are you certain?" Gwen asks in the privacy of her Arthur's bedroom.
Gaius chuckles placing a hand on her shoulder. "Quite certain Gwen. All of the symptoms and from what you've told me about your menses everything adds up you and Arthur are going to be parents. But don't worry you have several months before the child is due. You don't have to change your lifestyle or anything at least not yet. It's still quite early in the pregnancy." He smiles.
Gwen sits quietly thinking about what Gaius had told her. A baby. Her and Arthur were having a baby. Sure they had talked of children eventually but, so soon. Were they even ready to be parents? Well it was a little to late to think about that. It would seem she had some news for Arthur.
Where in the world was Guinevere? Arthur thinks having searched almost the entire property. He wanted to tell her about Mithian's new treasure discovery some of the crewmates had expressed interest in tagging along but they wouldn't commit to this journey with their Captain Gwen. Arthur sees his mother and she walks toward him.
"That was such a lovely ceremony son." Igranie hugs Arthur giving him a kiss on the cheek."
"Thanks mother you and Guinevere did all the work I should be thanking you for everything. The ceremony was beautiful because of you and Guinevere."
"Well I am just over joyed that I got to see my son get married. And Gwen is such a beautiful bride her skin was practically glowing all day. This has been one of the most happiest days of my life."
"Mine too mother I am so glad you are here to share this day with us."
"There is one thing that would make me even happier though."
"Really what's that?"
"Grandchildren. Lots and lots of grandchildren." She says with a smile.
Arthur laughs. He and Guinevere have talked of starting a family one day. They never discuss how many children though perhaps in a few years.
"Mother we've only been married a couple of hours. Besides I thinks children are probably a few years down the line for us anyway."
"Oh my son. You and Gwen are newlyweds in love, I think children are closer in your future than you think."
Gwen is still in a bit of shock after the news Gaius gave her. She was having a baby. She wasn't really sure how to feel. Happy, yes. Excited, yes. Scared,hell yes. But how would Arthur take the news. They had talked of children sure, eventually but she didn't expect to be with child so soon. But hell, who was she kidding she knew she was pregnant that first day her morning sickness hit. She had never been a sick child and she can't even remember being ill very often as an adult. A stomach bug yeah right she knew, She just denied the truth because she wasn't sure how Arthur would react. Their vigorous love making had landed them in this predicament, whatever his reaction she had to tell him.
Leaving the manor she walks back out towards the greenhouse she Arthur his back is turned away from her and she calls out to him.
"Guinevere I was looking all over for you." Arthur says.
"Sorry I needed to talk to Gaius about something." Gwen states.
"I have something amazing to tell you." They says simultaneously.
They both looked surprised and laugh at each other.
"Okay you first." Gwen suggests.
"Well okay Mithian has found another spot that there is rumored to be hidden treasure. Elyan really wants to go because he only has one more week of shore leave before he has to return to duty. Some of the crewmates are interested but they'll only agree to it if you say you'll go along. So what do you think?"
"Wow. That's um..."
"Pretty amazing right. Most of the crew want to go for it but no on wants to do it without their brave captain." He says with sly smile. "What do you say one more grand adventure while we have the crew together?"
"Okay let's do it."
"Really, that's fantastic oh I can't wait to tell the gang. Oh um what was it you wanted to tell me?"
"Oh... um... well... I"
Eylan interrupts. " Did you ask her? What did she say?"
"She said yes." Arthur replies.
"Great well you both need to come over here Mithian is going to tell everyone the details of this mission." Elyan smiles and walks away.
Arthur smiles at Guinevere bringing his hand up gently to cup her face. " What did you need to tell me?"
"I'll tell you later we have plenty of time." She gives him a sweet kiss on the lips and grasp his hand leading him over to Mithian and the other crew members.
Buried Treasure
"Alright everybody here comes the Captain." Mithian announces.
Gwen stands in front of her crewmates and calls their attention to her. They all quiet down. "Okay Mithian has found another possible site of treasure. As you probably know, we won't just be able to waltz in there and take it. Whatever we have to face might be dangerous, anyone who does not want to risk it you are not obligated to join this mission. Alright so now I'll turn it over to Mithian and let her fill you all in on what you will be up against if you decide to tag along.
Mithian walks to stand in front of the crewmates nervously. "Well.. I found an old treasure map that marks the location of some hidden treasure supposedly buried by pirates. It's on a small island about two days of sailing away from here. According to the legend these pirates staged a massive heist of some rich nobleman but after they claim the bounty a member of the team snitches and they were all arrested and hanged for their crimes. But not before the leader buried his treasure and hid sent the map to his wife in a letter before his death. She never believed her husbands stories so she never went after the treasure so if nobody else has sought it out it should still be there."
"All we have is a map, we don't know what else we will be up against on this island. So who's in?" Gwen asks.
"Count me in Captain." Arthur says seductively making Gwen blush.
Several other members agree to join and after a few moments the treasure recovery team is all set. Eylan, Mithian, Morgana, Gwaine, Elena and Leon have all decided to join the Captain on one last adventure. Percival and Lance decline because hey have both enlisted to fight in the war and they are called to report in early in the morning to receive their first orders. Gaius and Annis both decide that they are too old for this crazy treasure hunting stuff and decide to stay a shore.
Merlin and Freya are talking among themselves when Arthur walks up beside them. "Are you too sure you don't want to come along? I'm sure it'll be fun."
Merlin shakes his head no. "I'm sure it will be but Freya and I have plans to meet up with a man about expanding our real estate and constructing a larger house. Though we won't build anything a huge as Pendragon Estates." Arthur rolls his eyes.
"The cottage is nice but it's not nearly big enough for us to raise our family." Freya adds.
Arthur's mouth drops open. "You mean you too are going to have a baby."
Merlin and Freya laugh. "Well no, not yet." Merlin responds. "But we hope to get started soon." He pulls Freya into a gentle hug causing her to laugh again.
"That's great news you guys. Building a new house and already starting a family I'm sure Uncle Balinor and Aunt Hunith were ecstatic."
"Oh were they. Mother's already buying baby clothes, cradles and anything baby related." Merlin and Freya smile. " So how about you and Gwen?" He asks.
"Well mother just mentioned grandchildren and plenty of them but Guinevere and I have never really put like a timeline on children. I guess it will just happen when it happens."
"What will just happen when it happens?" Gwen asks coming to stand beside Arthur wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Oh well Merlin and Freya are planning to build a bigger house, they want to start a family right way." Arthur informs her.
Gwen's face lights up with a smile. "What wonderful news I'm so happy for you both."
"Thank you." Both Freya and Merlin reply together.
"What about you Gwen any plans on babies yet?" Freya asks grinning.
"Well... I-" Gwen starts.
"Come on Gwen we need to head out soon." Elyan calls out.
"Okay!" She calls back. Turning back to Freya she smiles. "We have to head out but I promise we'll talk when I get back okay."
"Sure Gwen, you guys have fun." Merlin and Freya wave goodbye as their friends head off toward the shore.
Arthur says goodbye to his mother and the rest of his family, his uncles, aunt and other members of his family have gathered together on his wedding day. Calling out to his mother he tells her that he and Guinevere will come and visit her at his Uncle Aggraivine's home when they return.
The Grand Adventure
Aboard the ship the small crew of eight work the ship effectively. Though most of the crewmates have left the Vengeful Wench in pursuit of the their own dreams they still manage to keep the ship in good working order. On the first night back onboard the ship Gwen finds that she can't sleep. Lying naked in the bed with Arthur she ponders if she made the right decision by not telling him about being pregnant. Looking over at Arthur she chuckles quietly, he is turned over on his back snoring like a pig completely unfazed by anything. Silently she slips out of bed throws on some clothes and makes her way to the top deck.
The quiet churning of the ocean breeze has always soothed Gwen. Before she met Arthur she would often come to the top deck late at night to think and clear her head. She leaned against the railing and let the comforting sound of the peaceful waves calm her soul.
Suddenly behind her she heard movement and then footsteps as someone was coming up the stairs. She turned to see Morgana walking with her head down deep in thought she didn't even see Gwen. She walked up to the railing suddenly shocked to find she was not alone.
"Oh I um sorry I didn't know anyone else was up here. I'll just go back down-"
"Oh no that's okay, come and join me, the ocean breeze always helps me to relax. You seem to have a lot on your mind you want to talk about it?" Gwen offers.
Morgana blows out a huge breath. "Well it's Gwaine. Actually it's not Gwaine it's me. Well it's me and Gwaine I... It's just complicated. You know what I mean?"
"I'm not sure but I think I know what's going on. Is this about your relationship with Gwaine?"
"Yeah."
"Well you like him don't you?"
"Of course I do."
"And it's as clear as day that he fancies you."
"Yes." She admits blushing.
"Then what's troubling you?"
"I've liked other guys before but Gwaine is the first person that I've actually cared for. And that scares me."
Gwen remains silent but continues to listen to Morgana express how she feels.
"He's not pressuring me or anything but I just feel so close so connected to him. Like I may actually, you know.."
"Love him?"
"Yeah and it just feels so sudden. I've never felt this way before about anyone."
"Love really has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. But from my personal experience I say just go with it."
"Yeah I guess you're right I just get nervous sometimes. Do you know that Uther was my mother's fourth husband."
Gwen shakes her head. " I didn't know that."
"Yeah and each time she courts a guy and everything is perfect and then they get married and all hell breaks loose."
"Well just because your mother hasn't had the best luck with men doesn't mean that has to be your fate too. And those men were probably assholes before she married them anyway."
They both laugh together at this statement. The tension surrounding Morgana seems to be melting away as she laughs with Gwen as their conversation drifts from one subject another.
"Thanks Gwen." Morgana says after a few moments of silence.
"Sure anytime. I told you this fresh ocean breeze, does wonders for the mind.
"And what pray tell does your head need to be cleared of?"
Gwen tenses up a little and remains silent. Morgana nudges her shoulder gently.
"Aww come on I told you my secret now you have to tell me yours."
Gwen bits her lower lip considering telling Morgana her secret.
"Come on Gwen. Tell me."
Should I tell her I would really love to confide in someone before I tell Arthur.
"Okay but you have to promise not to tell anyone."
Morgana's eyes alight with excitement. "Oh I promise I won't tell a soul."
"No one Morgana especially not Arthur."
"I promise, I really won't tell anyone."
"Well Arthur and I are going to have a.."
"Babe?" Arthur climbs on the top deck. "Guinevere?"
Morgana rolls her eyes at her brother.
"Guinevere what are you doing up here? I woke up and I couldn't find you. The bed was so cold and I missed you." He says cuddling behind Gwen and wrapping her into his strong arms.
"I was just talking to Morgana. We'd better head back to bed we'll be arriving soon."
"So I talk it you're not going to tell me now?"
"Huh? Tell her what?" Arthur asks.
"I'll tell you both later let's get some rest."
"Come on Guinevere." Arthur takes her hand leading her back to the Captain's cabin.
"BABY!"Morgana shouts stopping Gwen and Arthur in their tracks
Gwen breath quickens how could Morgana have known I didn't tell her anything.
"What was that?" Arthur asks turning around.
"You Arthur Pendragon are a big baby!" Morgana shouts.
"I am not!" He replies pouting.
Gwen calms down realizing her secret is still safe and both her and Morgana laugh at ease as they descend the steps.
Pirates Treasure
Gwen, Arthur, Eylan, Mithian, Gwaine and Morgana all climb aboard the small row-boat and they carefully drag the small vessel on dry land. All are watchful and wary aware of the dangers of seeking out a pirate's treasure. Everyone is armed with a weapon of some sort either a pistol, a sword or a wooden stick to defend themselves if necessary. And Gwaine is carrying the shovels along with his revolver on his hip. Following Mithian's map and the directions provided it doesn't take long for them to discover the location of the hidden treasure.
Upon finding the right spot they all take out shovels and begin to dig. Each one of them plunging their spades into the ground eagerness and excitement building with each clump of dirt that is removed. When at long last Elyan is the first to hit something hard they continue to remove shovel after shovel of dirt until a large chest is revealed.
"That's it." Mithian exclaims.
"Care you guys." Gwen warns as Eylan, Arthur and Gwaine all reach down to extract the treasure chest from the earth.
"Well that was pretty simple." Gwaine adds.
"That's the troubling part." Elyan states.
"It certainly worries me." Arthur admits. " Gwen you Morgana and Mithian stay back just in case." Gwen and the others take several steps away from the mysterious trunk and watch as Elyan, Gwaine and Arthur carefully pry open the locked trunk.
"Shit!" Exclaims Elyan.
"What the hell?" Gwaine yells.
"What? What is it?" Gwen asks running over to see what's inside.
What Gwen and the others see shocks and surprise them. Looking inside the trunk they find not the gold and precious treasures that they assumed were inside but they find the trunk filled to the rim with women's clothing and shoes.
"Wow." Arthur responds.
"That was unexpected." Morgana admits.
They all stare at each other for a while and then suddenly they burst into hysterical laughter.
"This was the stupidest treasure hunt ever!" Gwaine exclaims laughing.
"Definitely not the most exciting." Eylan adds.
"Well it does make sense why he left the map to his wife. It's full of women's accessories." Mithian explains.
"Well let's get back to the ship unless anyone of you are interested in some fine ladies garments." Gwen giggles.
They head back to the ship laughing at their failed grand adventure. Once back on the Vengeful Wench they tell Leon and Elana all about the treasure expedition and they share in the laughter. Once all the comedy of the situation has died down they all make their way to their separate sleeping quarters and Gwen and Arthur enter the Captain's cabin and prepare for bed they are heading back home for Pendragon Estates in the morning.
"Some adventure today huh?" Arthur asks rubbing circles over Gwen's back as they lay in bed together spooning after their rigorous love-making.
"Indeed. But at least we all got to be together before Elyan ships off again."
"True it was worth it even though we failed."
Okay here it goes. I don't want ro wait anymore. I'll tell him now.
"I was wondering if you'd be interested in going on another adventure with me?
"Another adventure? What sort?"
"Well I'm not certain but I've heard it can be life changing."
"Oh. Is it exciting?"
"Yeah I'm pretty excited about it."
"Um. Is it dangerous?"
"I should hope not."
"Exciting but not dangerous. What could it possibly be? I am intrigued by whatever it is, and as long as we are together I'm certain everything will be perfect. So tell me what is it?"
"Arthur we're having a baby."
Arthur looks dumbfounded, as if he has been walloped on the head, for a few moments not saying anything. For a few seconds Gwen wonders if he has gone into shock. Then suddenly he grins a big, goofy, silly grin.
"I'm going to be a father?"
"Yes."
"You're having my baby?"
"Yes."
"Guinevere I love you."
"I love you too Arthur."
He pulls her close an kisses her passionately and she returns the kiss eagerly. His hands instantly go to her stomach rubbing and caressing her flat abdomen.
"Arthur what are you doing?"
"Trying to feel the baby."
"I'm sure it's much too soon for that. I'm only a few weeks along according to Gaius."
"Is that what the two of you wandered off to talking about?"
She nods her head yes and suddenly he is getting up and putting on his clothes.
"Arthur what are you doing? Where are you going?"
"I just have to tell someone."
"Arthur I'm sure everyone is asleep."
Not listening he runs out of the Captain's room to the top deck. She can hear his footsteps as he runs up the stairs finally stopping once he reached the ship's main deck.
"I"M GONNA BE A FATHER!" Gwen laughs as she can hear Arthur screaming at the top of his lungs. She can hear him repeatedly celebrating his upcoming birth of their first child, with shouts of "YES!" "OH YEAH!" and "WOOHOO!" no doubt waking up the entire ship in the process.
This would be an adventure indeed. Gwen thinks laughing at her husband's antics.
So I hope you enjoyed chapter 13 The Grand Adventure. I'm not even going to say that the next update will be the last chapter because honestly I have no idea! I guess we will all find out together. Check out my new modern fic Gwen's Wedding Date if you haven't already. Thanks 4 your support!
Please leave a review. Thank you!