Chapter 15: Nimue's Crypt
The Last Great Adventure
The sun rises brightly in the sky as the new day dawns everyone makes their way downstairs. They all eat quick breakfast and Igraine and Aggraavine take Sophia, Esmerelda and the unwanted nanny Gertrude back to Aggravaine's home. Gwen has studied the books and letters that Mithian gave her about Nimue's Crypt almost all night and woke up early so she could have another look at them again.
Once everyone his dressed and ready to go they all ready to board the Vengeful Wench. A letter on the small table in the hallway catches Gwen's eye it addressed to her. She opens the letter recognizing the handwriting immediately she smiles it's a letter from Gaius.
Dearest Gwen,
How are you? I hope all is well with you. Forgive me I meant to write sooner but my duties as the Baron Glodden physician have kept me quite busy. The man is an absolute danger to hisself and anyone close to. I have never seen in all my years (No jokes about how many years when you respond back) But, in all my life I have yet to meet a person so accident prone as the Baron. Every day he is in my office with some self-inflicted injury. When I came on as his doctor I thought perhaps he needed a physician for his children or perhaps his wife due to a pregnancy but the man need serious saving from himself. I guess I can't complain though the pay is excellent. How are the children? And Arthur? When was the last time you heard from your brother?
I just wanted to write you and let you know how proud I am of you. Everything that you have accomplished. You have become a remarkable woman, wife and mother. I know your parents would be so proud, I have always felt like you and Elyan were my own children, and I still feel that same seen of pride when of think of you both. Please write soon I am anxious to hear from you and to catch up on all the things I've been missing.
Love Always Gaius.
P.S Please kiss all the children for me and send them my love.
Gwen smiles as the folds the letter back up and place it back inside the envelope. Arthur emerges from upstairs grinning he kisses Gwen on the temple.
"What's that love?"
"Oh just a letter from Gaius, he says hi and sends his love to everyone."
"You want to write him back before we go?"
"No I 'll wait till we get back. If this crypt is anything like the notes I've studied from Mithian, I'll have plenty of exciting things to write. Are you ready to go?"
"I'm all set. You?"
"I'm ready let's go."
The exit the house and head for the shore most of the crew have been carried to the Vengeful Wench already by Percival in the rowboat. Only Merlin, Freya and all the children stay on the sandy beach.
"I can't believe we actually get to go on an adventure. It'll be just like the stories you told us mom." Elen says jumping off a large boulder.
"Do you think it will be dangerous?" Ariella asks.
"I want to see a zombie!"Thomas yells excitedly.
"No I want to see a sea monster, with lots of slippery tentacles and.. "Theodore starts.
"I sure our little adventure won't be all that exciting, besides you all will stay on the ship the time." Arthur explains.
"But we won't be bored will we?" Elen asks glumly.
"You get to sail on a pirate ship with your brothers, sisters and your cousins I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time." Gwen adds. "Just enjoy yourself, with any luck we'll get into the crypt and out in a matter of minutes."
The journey to Nimue's Crypt was semi quiet and mostly uneventful, the trip there takes a lot longer than expected with very little wind to fill the sails. What should have taken only three hours of sailing actually takes eight hours to land at Nimue's Crypt. The children laughed and played exploring most of the ship loudly before tiring themselves out. Once the Vengeful Wench had finally landed at the crypt every child was snoring fast asleep.
"Well this certainly makes babysitting all the more easier." Mithian says laughing.
"It's too dark, I think we should wait til morning." Gwen calls everyone's attention. " We waiting til morning to explore the crypt. The trip here took longer than it should have. Rest up, we enter the crypt at first light."
Everyone heads below deck to get some well deserved sleep. Knowing that tomorrow will be an eventful day.
At First Light
"We shouldn't be long." Elyan says kissing Mithian and rubbing her stomach. "Don't worry. I'm sure it's bad for the baby."
Mithian gives only a half-smile." I'll stop worrying if you promise to be careful."
"Don't worry little sister I'll protect your husband for you." Gwaine teases, Elyan gives him a playful shove.
Gwen, Arthur and Morgana all climb into one rowboat while, Elyan, Gwaine, and Percival all climb inside the second small rowboat and row toward the small shore. The crypt is basically carved out of a small cave they group lands on the shore and pulls the rowboats up on the beach. Grabbing their gear from within the boats, they hear the sound of water splashing behind them.
Gwen turns around and sees the distinctive shiny green fin disappearing back into the water. Followed by a head of bright red flowing hair the color of rubies.
"Ariella?" Gwen wonders.
"Hello Guinevere. What are you doing here?" The mermaid glances around at the other rowboat. "All of you?" Ariella inquires.
"Why what's wrong?" Arthur questions stepping up beside Guinevere.
"This place it hums with evil magic. If you enter be careful where you tread, this place is full of dangers." The mermaid explains.
"Do you know what we will find inside?" Gwen asks.
"No but I can feel that very evil magic has been used around this place." The mermaid shivers nervously but not because of the temperature.
"Is it more dangerous than your father cache?" Gwaine questions.
The mermaid thinks for a moment. "About the same amount of danger. Just be careful I wouldn't want any of you to be harmed."
"We'll be careful." Elyan agrees. "Thanks again Ariella."
The mermaid smiles and vanishes beneath the water.
The group head into the crypt wary of the mermaid's words. They had anticipated that this would not be an easy retrieval of treasure but Ariella's warning only seems to enforce the fact that they are putting themselves in danger. Upon entering the crypt they discover a long tunnel with doors on each side of the cave. Lighting the torches they brought along with them Gwen takes the lead with Arthur by her side and the rest of the group follows along. Following the directions Mithian left they easily navigate their way to a large circular door, that has three images carved into each ring and in the center there is a small opening for the circular key.
Gwen opens her pack taking out the stone key Mithian gave her yesterday. Looking at the key she can see the images of three small objects engraved on the back of the key. The first key is that of a dragon, the second image is a bird and the final image is a skull.
"You know what to do." She says to Arthur, nodding he walks over to the circular door and stands beside the cranks used to move the images. There are three separate cranks used to manipulate the image on each ring.
"Okay the outer ring should be a dragon."
Arthur spins the largest crank moving the image of a dragon to the outer ring.
"Great okay the middle ring the image should be a bird."
Arthur steps over to the middle crank and turns the device until the image of a bird is present in the middle ring.
"Finally the skull for the inner ring."
Moving to stand before the smallest crank Arthur turns the crank and the inner ring now has the face of a skull. Gwen steps forward placing the circular key inside the keyhole. The group breathes out nervously as all the pieces to the puzzle are in place but nothing happens. They wait it seems four minutes and nothing happens.
"Are you sure you solved the puzzle correctly?" Gwaine asks.
"Yes we've done everything according to these notes." Arthur explains.
"They why haven't.." Gwaine begins.
The grinding of stone and movement from the circular puzzle silences him immediately.
"Always so impatient Gwaine." Elyan teases.
The rings begin to spin and soon the stone door is sliding down revealing an opening for them to enter. The stone puzzles lowers into the ground revelling a large room lined with seven black coffins and a golden coffin in the center of the room. Right in front of the golden coffin lies a treasure chest.
"Alright be careful where you step, according to these notes some place on the floor may be triggered for traps." Gwen warns the group. " Look carefully before you step on anything."
As soon as the group enters the treasure room an iron gate closes down behind them locking them inside the room.
"What the fuck?" Gwaine asks.
"I didn't step on anything I swear." Percival responds.
"Neither did I?" Morgana says.
"I know but this place is supposedly enchanted right? Maybe there are spells cast to sense when people enter." Arthur says to the group.
"Good point. Look over there." Elyan points at lever hanging on a chain, on the far side of the room. " Maybe that's our way out."
"Nicely done bro." Gwen admits. "First let's see about that chest."
As they carefully make their way to stand in front of the chest, Gwen bends down to pick the lock, taking out her lock pick she rotates the lock moving it around trying to find the correct place, the lock moves a little as if it was about to open, in her excitement Gwen turns the pick to suddenly breaking her lock pick in half.
"Shit." She exclaims frustrated and slightly embarrassed. "I guess I'm a little rusty." She turns smiling at the group, they all have a laugh and she retrieves another pick.
Taking her time and calming herself with a deep breath she carefully inserts the lock pick rotating the lock again and waiting this time she turns the lock pick in the correct position the lock clicks and the chest unlocks. Sending a blast of cold air that ripples through the room. The group is silent not sure what has just happen when suddenly a loud crack can be heard from one of the black coffins. Another loud blast from the coffin nearest the door,soon all the coffins are cracking open. The lids blow off all the black coffins and the skeletal remains of Nimue's suitors emerge from their coffins.
"Oh my god." Morgana exclaims.
The skeletons walk slowly toward the group moving to surround them. Percival lifts his steel pipe and swings knocking the head from one of the bony guardians sending its bones flying across the room.
"Great idea!" Elyan calls knocking into the skeleton crushing its body to the ground within seconds all the skeletons have been defeated.
"Well that wasn't too bad. Was it?" Arthur asks looking around, dusting off his hands. " Is everyone okay?"
No one in the group is injured, except the skeletons of course, during the very brief encounter with the undead.
"Right let's check out that trunk." Eylan suggests.
Opening the chest they find in filled with gold coins, rubies, emeralds, necklaces lined with diamonds, pearl jewelry, amethyst and bars of silver. The treasure more than compensates for their troubles no matter how brief. They prepare to leave the tomb. Elyan walks over and pulls the lever releasing the trap and opening the iron gate that had locked them in. Elyan and Arthur grab the handles of the chest and together lift the trunk as they make their way out of the room following Gwen and Morgana, while Percival and Gwaine follow close behind.
A glint of light catches Gwaine's eye and he wanders back off into the room hidden behind the golden coffin in a marble pedestal with a beautiful piece of resting on top. Gwaine is drawn to the way the it sparkles in the light he can't help but reach his hands out to grasp it.
"It's so beautiful, the color reminds me of Morgana's eyes." He smiles to himself. "I take this to her I'm sure she will love it."
The moment he removes the item from the pedestal the chamber begins to shake. A secret wall opens up exposing another chamber piled high with sparkling treasures of all sorts.
"Hey you guys, there's another room back here! It's filled with even more treasure!" He calls out but he cannot be heard over the loud rumbling.
The golden coffin which had remained so still starts vibrating violently. There is the sound of a loud crack as the coffins splits open. From the depths of the golden coffins appears the form of a rotted mummified corpse of Nimue. Her eyes have completely dissolved from their sockets the empty eyes glow bright red. Whatever hair rested on her head is completely gone she turns to look at a petrified Gwaine clutching her prized possession in his hand.
"What are you doing with that?" She asks sharply.
He is stunned into silence unable to answer her clutches Morgana's gift tighter.
"You thief!" She screams and with the wave of her hand she picks Gwaine up with an incantation and flings him into a wall, his body crumpling to the floor with a crack.
The group pushes the boats back into the water after the chest is loaded inside. They look toward the ship and see Mithian, Freya, Merlin, Leon and Elena looking out over the deck waving with the children.
"Hi mom, hi dad." Gwen and Arthur's children call out.
Gwen waves back at the children. "Be careful on that railing we coming back to the ship now."
"Did you find it?" Mithian asks.
"Yes we did, just like you said." Morgana adds and Mithian smiles.
"Too bad we didn't see any sea monsters." Thomas states sadly.
"Yeah or some zombies. That would have been awesome!" Theodore explains.
Gwen, Arthur and Morgana all climb into the boat with the chest when Morgana looks around searching for Gwaine.
"Where is Gwaine?" She asks suddenly worried.
"Don't worry he's probably fooling around inside the room. Percival and I will go after him you all head back to the ship." Elyan advises.
Morgana nods getting into the boat with Gwen and Arthur they begin rowing back to the Vengeful Wench. Suddenly the water begins to bubble and Ariella surfaces from the water with legs with a loud eruption of water.
"Woah did you see that?" Elen asks excitedly.
"That was amazing. A mermaid a real mermaid just like mom and dad's stories." Ariella says happily jumping up and down.
"A mermaid dad did you see?" Frederick asks his father Merlin.
"I sure did, that's the first one I ever saw." Merlin smiles.
"Elyan, Percival come quick Gwiane is in trouble. The Enchantress has awakened." Ariella warns.
Gwen, Arthur and Morgana are in between the shore and the ship, not to far away from the crypt when they hear Ariella's words. Sending Morgana into a panic stricken fit.
"Gwaine! GWAINE!" She yells completely hysterically. " Please save him!"
"Get back to the ship. Everything will be fine." Ariella promises.
With that Ariella, Elyan and Percival rush back into the crypt of Nimue. Running as fast as they can they enter the burial chamber and find Gwaine's body lying still on the ground near an open chamber. Nimue is lurking around the crypt deeper in the hidden room.
"Tend to your friend. I'll deal with Nimue." Ariella commands.
"Is he.." Percival begins.
Elyan reaching out feeling Gwaine's neck for a pulse. "No he's still alive, he's been knocked out pretty bad though. Let's get him back to the ship."
"What's that in his hand?" Percival asks.
"No idea, he has a pretty tight grip on whatever it is." Elyan states. Together they lift his limp body into their arms and carefully take him back outside to the rowboat where the gently lower him inside.
"Mummy?" Ariella questions.
"Yes sweetie."
"That mermaid we say is she the one I was named after?"
"Yes that was Ariella she has saved our lives before and seems she will save us again today."
"Wow she must be really brave."
With a smile Gwen rubs her daughter's head gently. "Yes I think she is quite brave."
Once Elyan and Percival reach the Vengeful Wench they raise his unconscious body onto the ship with the help of Arthur and Leon. They lower a plank suspended by two ropes on each side, Elyan nad Percival secure Gwaine's body to the plank with some strips of cloth and Merlin helps to keep his body stable at they lift him into the air, lowering him on the deck. Morgana who has been a ball of nerves since returning to the ship, completely breaks down, screaming and crying.
"Oh god!" Morgana yells when she sees Gwaine unresponsive body and the massive gash on his forehead.
"What's going on?" Mithian asks climbing the stairs to see her brother laying unmoving on the floor of the ship. "He's not d-"
"No he has a pulse, but he needs to see a doctor soon." Elyan says wrapping his arms around his wife a she silently breaks down.
"Hey he's going to be okay. We just need to get him to a doctor." Arthur adds rubbing Morgana shoulder trying to comfort her.
Morgana leans down and kisses Gwaine cheek softly. She tries to compose herself as best she can. " Will someone bring me some bandages?" She asks tearfully. " I need to stop the bleeding. What's that in his hand?"
"Not sure Elyan and I saw that inside but he got a steel grip on whatever it is." Percival tells her.
Leon and Elana rush downstairs below deck and return moments later with a bowl of clean water and bandages and ointments to clean his wounds.
Ariella goes in search of Nimue, she finds her deep within the hidden secret chamber caressing her precious treasures. At the sound of footsteps Nimue tenses slightly she turns to face her new intruder.
"What are you doing in my... crypt. You have magic I can feel it. Who are you?" Nimue asks nervously.
"I am Arriella daughter of Poseidon. It's time for you to end this evil magic you have cast here. This" She points to Nimue's rotting form. " Is not normal. It's time to let go, you can't hold on to your precious treasures for all eternity. In your shape you couldn't even enjoy them. Let go Nimue, come I can guide you to the spirit world where you can rest."
"NO! I won't go! You can't make me!" Nimue screams.
"You either come willing or I'll send you there myself." Arriella warns.
A dry cackle escapes Nimue's toothless mouth. "Is that a threat fish girl?"
Arriella's turn to laugh. "Oh no I don't make threats that is a promise."
The enchantress scoffs lightly. "I have magic too!"
Ariella shakes her head at Nimue's arrogance."Yes a few spells and incantations from an old book. I was born with magic it runs through my very veins. Do you really think it wise to try and take me on?"
At those words Nimue spins her dry rotten hands and sends bolt of fire at Ariella. Ariella dodges easily and returns a bolt of lighting back at Nimue knocking off one of her arms. The lost appendage hits the floor with a thud, enraging Nimue further. With a quick flick of her Nimue's whole body disintegrates to ash and Ariella leave the crypt as suddenly as she came. As she exits the burial cave she steps into the water as she sinks lower into the ocean her fins gradually return. She swims toward the Vengeful Wench to speak to her friends.
"How is Gwaine?" Ariella asks Gwen.
"Still not responding, Morgana is in a terrible state. We should head back, I just wanted to say thank you. It seem we have a guardian mermaid watching over us." Gwen says with a sad smile.
"Is not problem at all." She states suddenly stilling in the water. Beside her a pool of bubbles begins to brew at this point another head pops up out of the water. A heavily muscled figure emerges from the depths of the ocean as he surfaces, his flame red hair dries and its is bristling with anger as, he glares at the mermaid.
"What have I told you about interfering with the affairs of mortals?" Poseidon admonishes.
"Sorry, but they needed me. I had to do something." Ariella gives a nervous smile at Gwen. " Um, this is my father Poseidon."
"You should know better." Poseidon corrects her.
"They need to get back, one of their friends has been injured." Arriella tells her father. "Please father."
"Then let them go." He says uninterested.
"Father there is no wind to fill their sails at this rate, it could take them days to get home."
"Oh and how is that my problem?"
"Father please, they are my friends."
"You actually care for these fragile mortals?" Poseidon asks amused.
"Yes I do please father, please send them home."
Sigh a loud sigh Poseidon turns to Gwen. " I can send you back quickly if Ariella promises not to interfere with you, or any mortals ever again."
"I promise father anything, just get them home safely." Ariella says sadly.
"Alright, just think of where you want to go and I'll send you there." Poseidon explains to Gwen.
She vividly imagines Pendragon Estates closing her eyes she sees the scenery and garden, and greenhouse the massive pillar on the outside of their home. With a snap of his fingers Poseidon sends transports them back to the shores of Pendragon Estates. As soon as they realise they are back Gwen instantly goes into Captain mode.
"Elyan, Percival get Gwaine inside set in the room he slept in last night."
They nod carefully lifting Gwaine and carrying him inside.
"Merlin I need you to fetch a doctor have the come here a quickly as possible."
"You got it Gwen." Merlin turns and runs off into town to get the physician.
"Elena you and Leon deal with the ship make sure she's tied down and you can set the treasure inside the house for now, we'll deal with that later."
"Come on children, Freya I might need your help with the children until we get Gwaine settled."
Freya smiles. "Sure whatever you need Gwen just let me know."
Gwen ushers everyone inside calling for the nanny to clean up the children and get them feed and taken care of Merlin arrives with the doctor in a matter of minutes and the physician is immediately ushered upstairs to tend to Gwaine. Downstairs everyone nervous awaits the doctor's report. After two hours of nervous waiting the doctor finally returns downstairs.
Arthur and Gwen walk over to greet the doctor.
"How is he? Is he going to be alright?" Gwen asks.
"He should be okay in a day or two. He's dislocated both of his shoulders and sprained his ankle, and he's pretty bruised up. What happened to him anyway?"
"Um , well that um. He's in construction. He had an accident on the job." Arthur lies quickly.
"Oh well yes he should make a full recovery in a few days. He's still unconscious, I have set his leg so that should heal nicely. He had something in his hand but I couldn't budge him, whatever it is he won't open his hand until he's fully awake. I've given him something for the pain, needs to take this twice a day." He says handing Gwen a small bottle. "One drop in the morning and two drops at night."
"Thank you doctor." Gwen says.
The doctor nods and Arthur turns to speak to him. " If you'll come with me I'll get your money thank you for coming so quickly."
"Oh it's no trouble at all. Today not really a busy day for me." He smiles at Arthur as they enter his office.
Gwen turns and tells everyone what the doctor has said. A sigh of relief is unanimously exhaled throughout the room.
"I'm just so glad that he's going to be okay." Mithian breathes out calmly, standing up she walks over to the Gwen and gives her a hug. "Thanks Gwen for everything."
"Mithian you are family it's no trouble. All of you are my family." Gwen says smiling.
"Do you think we can go see him?" Morgana asks quietly.
"I think so I'll ask the doctor." Gwen turns to see Arthur coming out of the office the doctor promising to return tomorrow to check on Gwaine.
"Oh my."Mithinan says as she can feel herself leaking onto the floor.
Gwen turns seeing the puddle on the floor."It's time."
Mithian nods nervously and Elyan hearing Gwen's words is at his wife's side instantly.
"Arthur." Gwen calls, he looks up seeing Elyan comforting Mithian and he knows.
Smiling he faces the doctor. "What was that about this not being a busy day doctor?"
The doctor laughs and the house is bustling with activity the women all help usher Mithian into a private room while she prepares to give birth. Six grueling hours later the cries of a tiny beautiful baby girl can be heard. Mithian has drifted off to sleep from exhaustion and Elyan is cradling his daughter like the most precious jewel on earth. Gwen gently knocks at the door and Elyan tells her to enter she smiles at the sight of her baby brother proudly holding his first child. She remembers Arthur having that same look of wonder and excitement on his face when he held each on of their children.
"How are they?" Gwen asks quietly.
"Great, Mithian's been sleeping a while she seems pretty worn out, she was amazing today I can't believe this baby is ours we created this beautiful baby."
"She precious Elyan." Gwen says smiling.
"Would you like to hold her Aunt Gwen?" Elyan asks.
"Oh I like the sound of that and yes I want to hold my niece." Gwen gently takes the sleeping baby. Softly caressing her ivory skin the raven-haired baby's eyes remained closed and she pucker out her rose colored lips to a cute little sucking motion.
"Oh someone's hungry." Gwen states and Mithian shifts on the bed waking up. "Oh I didn't mean to wake you up. How are you?"
"Sore. But I wasn't sleep anyway." Mithian says as Gwen brings to baby to her mother for feeding.
"Have you two decided on a name yet?" Gwen asks.
Elyan and Mithian exchange looks then shake their heads no.
"I've always liked the name Juliet." Elyan adds.
"Um that's nice but she doesn't really look like a Juliet to me." Mithian states as the baby latches on and feed hungrily. "Perhaps Vanessa or Liliana. We can talk about it later." She says smiling at her husband.
"Well I'll leave you two some privacy let me know if there's anything you need." Gwen says as she leaves the room and heads to her and Arthur's bedroom. Opening the door she sees Arthur sprawled out on their bed his eyes are closed but she knows he's not asleep, she joins him laying down beside him.
"How are they?" He asks. opening his eyes.
"Good. All three seem really good. What about the children? Oh and Morgana I need to check on her and Gwaine."
"The kids are all asleep in their rooms. I checked on Morgana she okay considering, she won't leave Gwaine's side though. He seems to be resting comfortably we gave him another dose of medicine so he should be fine."
Gwen smiles at her husband. "Wow you did all of that?"
"Always the tone of surprise." He teases.
"I'm impressed."
"You should be."
"You taking care of everyone that's really um.."
"What heroic?"
"No."
"Admirable?"
"Nope."
"Sexy."
"Mmm. Is it now?"
"Very."
"Well I guess I should take care of you too then."
"You'd better." She says as she rolls over to straddle him. She leans down and kisses him gently. He deepen the kiss with a moan pushing his tongue into her mouth delighting in the taste of her. Leaning up again clothes begin to fall landing in various places around their room. Within moments they are both naked and he is encased within her moist, hot folds. They build a slowly and steady motion, every grind forward from her he in turn thrusts his hips up into her the continue this slow and steady pace while the heat continues to build in them both. Half an hour later of this slow rocking rhythm they both release powerful orgasms and the collapse back on the bed covered in sweat.
"That was amazing babe." He says brushing her long hair back behind her ear.
"Yes that was delightful." She smiles a she raises off of him and he spoons behind her. His favorite sleeping position.
"I love you."
"And I love you."
They snuggle under the covers and settle down for bed. Arthur moves his hand and accidentally grazes her breast. He moans and purposely strokes the other breast. Like a moth to a flame both hands are kneading her bosom gently. Leaning closer to her he presses his growing arousal onto her ass slowly grinding up against her.
"Arthur?"
"Yes love?"
"Go to sleep."
"Oh alright." He kisses her on the cheek, they both laugh and drift off to sleep.
The doctor returns three days later to check on both his patients Mithian and the baby are doing fine and Gwaine has still not woken up nearly three days after being injured. The doctor reassure everyone that he will be okay that he just needs rest. Morgana walks through the house almost like a zombie completely numb. She won't eat and she barely takes anything to drink. Everyone knows she hasn't been sleeping well.
"Morgana?" Gwen calls as she steps into the room, Morgana is sitting beside the bed holding Gwaine's hand in a silent prayer.
"Yes." She turns around slowly.
"You should really get some rest dear. I'll keep watch for a little while."
"I know but I can't! Gwen what if he never wakes up! What if-"
"NO! Don't even say if Morgana. He's going to be fine. He just needs rest and so do you. You won't be able to look after him if you're exhausted."
Morgana begins to cry softly she rises from her seat nodding her head at Gwen and then she hugs Gwen and she cries harder.
"There's just so much I never told him Gwen. So much I wanted to say and I couldn't because I was afraid. But I cannot lose him Gwen, please."
"All those things you wanted to tell him you still can. But first I want you to get some rest. I'll wake you in a few hours."
"Okay." Morgana says wiping tears from her eyes she leaves the room and heads for her room to sleep. She awakens a few hours later feeling rested and calmer. She walks down stairs and gets something to eat and drink and when she done she heads back up stairs to Gwaine. She finds Gwen in the room.
"How did you sleep?"
"Good really good. thanks Gwen I needed that."
"I know." Gwen says smiling. "I was just about to come and wake you for his nightly medicine. Would you like to do it?"
Morgana nods her head Gwen walks up to her patting her on the shoulder as she leaves the room quietly. Morgana uncorks the medicine and fills the dropper with the correct does amount giving him two drops of medicine. She closes the bottle and takes him hand slowly.
Breathing out slowly she leans closer to him. "I don't know if you can hear me. But I hope you can. I miss you Gwaine I need you to wake up. You're an uncle. Mithian had her baby she's beautiful. She needs her Uncle Gwaine. There is so much I need to tell you. I know I have been difficult but I do love you. I need you, you can leave me you, just can't. I love you and I can't lose you please wake up."
He lies in bed unresponsive still.
"I am sorry for everything I'm scared. I want us to be okay, I want us to be together. I guess I just been afraid because I have been able to become pregnant after all this time together. I want to be your wife and mother to your children but I don't think I can. What if we never have children what will you think of me?"
She finishes with tears in her eyes leaning over she kisses him sweetly on the lips. She can feel him stirring beneath her, she pulls back standing up. At first she thinks it's just her imagination. Because she desperately wants his to wake up perhaps she is just hallucinating. She leans back down and kisses him again and there is no denying it now he is waking up.
"Gwaine." She calls his name quietly.
"Mmm." He moans softly.
"Gwaine." She calls again and he opens his eyes slowly. " Oh Gwaine." She jumps up and hugs him temporarily forgetting about his many injuries.
"Ouch."
"Sorry, are you okay?"
"Um I'm pretty sore."
"What happened?"
"Well as we were leaving the crypt I saw something sparkling at the back of the burial chamber. I called out but I don't think anyone heard me. That's when I saw something amazing. I just had to have it. The pedestal it was on triggered a lock because hidden wall opened up filled with more treasure than I have ever seen in my life. Then the witch woke up, saw what I had taken and flung me into the wall. I blacked out shortly after that."
"You went back for another piece of treasure? You could have died!"
"I know but I didn't."
"That was really crazy Gwaine. I hope whatever you risked your life for was worth it!" She stands angrily.
"It was worth it, look."
He opens his hand that was still clutching the beautiful item he had taken from the crypt. It was a beautiful golden necklace encrusted with sapphire that perfectly matched Morgana's eyes.
"It's lovely." She says sarcastically.
"I went back and got it for you."
"What?"
"It's for you. When I saw it I was instantly reminded of your eyes and I knew I had to bring it to you no matter what. It's just a way to show you that I would do anything for you. I love you even if we never get married I love you Morgana. I understand I really do,I care for you I want to marry you because I never want us to be apart. I know you are worried about children but who says we have to be the settle down and have kids kinda of couple."
"Gwaine that's so... do you mean it?"
"Of course. You wanted an adventure as soon as I get better let's go on adventure."
"Gwaine,I love you."
"I love you too."
"Even though it was incredibly stupid. I was worried half to death."
"Sorry."
"Marry me."
"What?" He asks shocked.
"Marry me now." She says with a smile.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Morgana." He calls her name and she walks back over to the bed and kisses him gently. When she rises up from the kiss her face is slightly wet from his tears.
"Are you crying?" She asks softly.
"No." He lies moving his sore arm to dry his face but it's too late Morgana has already seen his tears.
"When we tell everyone the news can we say I proposed to you?"
Rolling her eyes she laughs. " Alright fine you proposed to me."
"And I never cried."
"Oh we have to leave that part out too?"
"Hey I risked my life to bring you a priceless necklace."
"Okay, okay you didn't cry."
"Should we tell them the good news?" He asks trying to sit up.
"Yes." She smiling putting the lovely necklace around her neck.
Everyone comes into the room as Gwaine retells the story of how he was injured and he also reveal the hidden room her accidentally opened. Finally he shares the news of his and Morgana upcoming marriage. Everyone is excited about their marriage. Finally those two lovebirds are getting married, at last.
"Yeah so it was really great I proposed and she said yes. She even cried she was just so excited and overcome with emotion." Gwaine says with a smile Morgana glares at him and he tenses up suddenly, an action not missed by Mithian.
"So what else happened?" Elyan asks.
"Oh that was all really." He says nervously.
"Well we should probably let you get some rest." Arthur says leading everyone out of the room. Closing the door he winks at Morgana and she smiles back.
Once they are alone again she walks up to stand beside Gwaine.
"How are you feeling?"
"Um I'm pretty sore still but the pain is only in my arms and my left leg."
"Oh that's good." She says slapping his stomach.
"Ouch! What was that for, injured man over here."
"I cried when you proposed?"
"Oh sorry. I guess I got a little carried away. It won't happen again."
"I should go tell everyone the truth."
"I promise it won't happen again. Please don't."
"It better not. Now get some rest."
Closing the door behind her she hears him breathe a sigh of relief. Mithian meets her at the door.
"He cried didn't he?" Mithian questions.
"Like a baby." Morgana replies and the both succumb to unstoppable laughter.
Dear Gaius,
So much has happened since I received your letter. It has been a two weeks since I opened your letter, things have been so busy around here I only have just now found the time to write you back. I am glad to hear that employment at the Baron's house has been enjoyable. Your happiness means so much to me I am glad that you are enjoying yourself. But I hope you are also taking time off to have a little fun too I know how caught up you can become in your work. Maybe you could come and visit us if your travels bring you out this way.
Elyan and Mithian have become the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. They have named her Liliana and everyone is besotted with her, she is the most precious little girl. All the children are well and are equally excited to have another little baby in the house even if is only temporary until Elyan and Mithian's manor is finished.
Gwaine and Morgana or should I say Capt. Gwaine and Capt. Morgana got married here at the house a few days ago. We've decided not to sell the ship after all, when he's able to move around more freely the pair of them are heading off for an adventure. We sent for a priest who married them right in the room they have stayed in. Gwaine seems to be recovering nicely from the injuries he incurred at Nimue's Crypt. It turns out there was secret room hidden behind the witch's coffin. I'm sure they'll got back for in a few weeks.
Percival has opened his own forge with some of his savings in town. His weapons and tools are the most requested from any blacksmith for miles around, his business is booming. Merlin and Freya are planning on having another child soon. Everyone is excited at the prospect of another little one.
I just wanted to say thank you for always believing in me. Even at my most hateful and vengeful times in my life you were always there to guide me. Since we lost dad Elyan and I have always considered you to be like a second father. To know that you are proud of us both means more to us than you will ever know. Thank you for everything. Everyone sends you there love and I hope to hear from you soon.
Love always, Gwen.
Alright folks that's the end. (WEEPS LOUDLY) I cannot believe this story is over I just don't know how to feel right now. My first full-lenght fanfiction over. I'm happy and sad, excited and depressed. I just don't know what to do I have a lot of feels. Well since it's the last chapter I would love to hear from everyone, who enjoyed this story maybe that would help to ease the sting of saying goodbye to The Vengeful Wench. What did you think of the conclusion? I am pretty happy with how this story went, but I am completely biased. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, followed and read this story. Your encouragement, love and support of this story really helped me pull this story to the finish line. I truly could not have done this without all of you. I know I know its sappy but I'm sappy girl so there. Love you guys virtual hugs to everyone!