Happy Halloween everyone!👻🎃🍬 Hope you all have a good one. I'm spending mine handing candy, but before I start doing that here's an update for the story. I also have changed the cover, if it's not clear the girl on it is who I would cast as Elaine. Her name is Sarah Gadon if you're curious. Anyways, thanks for reading. Reviews appreciated and all that jazz.
Chapter 4:
"Elaine? Are you listening to me?" Geoffrey asked his granddaughter, interrupting her jumbled thoughts.
Elaine turned away from the window she had been staring at, refraining from saying a snarky comment about how it was hard to not to. She faced her grandfather, plastering a sweet smile on to her face. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" She asked him teasingly. Truth was that she hadn't been listening, her thoughts were far away thinking about a particular young man, and had only just begun to scramble back together.
Geoffrey gave her a hard look, watching her as she moved away from the window to stand in front of his desk. Pressing her hands against the edge and leaning into them. "What was I talking about then?" He asked, crossing his arms across his chest.
Her cheeks blushed, her mind searching to remember what he had been talking about. The library? She wondered, it probably was the library."The library." Elaine said, though from the way she drew out the word it sounded more like a question than an answer.
"The library." He repeated, his face impassive.
Elaine matched his stare, raising her chin defiantly. "The library." She said again, more assuredly.
Her grandfather hold out for a few more seconds before a smile broke out on his face. "Yes, I was." He started before continuing his rant about the library. "Now the east side of the library has been getting neglected and…"
Elaine had already zoned out again before he finished his sentence, her attention drawn to something else. Moving away from the desk, Elaine went and sat down in her chair. While Geoffrey had his own desk with a high back chair for his duties as keeper of the library; Elaine had to move in a chair for herself once she had gotten tired of sitting on the floor or on the uncomfortable wooden benches.
Elaine shot up from her chair when Geoffrey slammed a book onto his desk and shouted her name. She stared at him, gaping like a fish. "What was that for?" She asked astounded, putting a hand to heart and feeling it beat faster than what was normal.
"You're not listening!" Grandfather yelled, his anger visibly growing.
Elaine ducked her head, "Sorry." She mumbled quietly, "I was just thinking." Putting her hand on the book he had slammed on the desk and sliding it over to her. Subconsciously, inspecting it for any damages to the spine or cover.
Grandfather leaned away from the desk, walking around the other side to his granddaughter. "About what?" He asked awkwardly, caring about and understanding young girls wasn't Geoffrey's forte.
Elaine pursed her lips, methodically wiping at the scuff he had caused on the book. Deciding it was probably better to not tell him the truth, she lied. "Nothing in particular, just girl stuff."
Geoffrey straightened his shoulders and as quickly as he could without looking scared, he backed away from Elaine. "Oh, well we don't have to talk about it." He picked the book out of her hands, "I should go return this to where it belongs."
"Okay, grandfather." Elaine replied watching as he hurried away, an amused yet sad smile on her face.
When he returned, Geoffrey had already forgotten about their "talk" or at least pretended to forget about it. "Elaine," He said, giving her a strong look that all parents seemed to have mastered by the time their children were teens. "Someone left the window opened yesterday." 'Someone' being heavily implied that it was Elaine considering she was the only that went to that section of the library and her wince at his words proved him to be right about his suspicions. "Leaves were blown in last night, and it needs to be cleaned up. Also, I think an animal might have gotten in so it needs to be found."
"You're right, someone should go do that."
"I'm glad you feel that way." Geoffrey said his tone much lighter than it had been before. He pulled a broom and bag out from behind his back. "You're gonna need these. And I would get started soon, you don't want to be stuck working all day."
"Grandfather," Elaine whined. "Can't we just have one of the servants do this?"
"Nope, I want it done today and I don't want some ruffian stomping around in here messing up my system."
"But you don't even have a system!" She reminded him flabbergasted.
"Go now!" Geoffrey said adamantly, pointing down one of the halls in the library. "The critter could have already started chewing on the books."
Elaine glowered at him, "Fine, but I expect a reward for this!" She said, stomping away from him towards the east side of the library.
"Get back here, you little rodent." Elaine threatened, running after a chipmunk scurrying between the shelves in the library. It ducked underneath a bookcase causing Elaine to get on her hands and knees to follow after it; leaving the broom behind because she couldn't crawl and carry it with her.
"Ow," She muttered after hitting her elbow against the bookcases for what seemed like the umpteenth time. She had been chasing after the critter since that morning when Geoffrey had given Elaine the task. So far, Elaine had only managed to scare the critter even farther into the library.
Footsteps came from the other side of the shelves, Elaine peeked through them wondering who they belonged to. Merlin? What was he doing in the library, I didn't even know that he could read. The boy in question was rifling through some of the scrolls and books while Elaine's grandfather watched with annoyance. Merlin glanced behind shoulder at the disgruntled man, a sheepishly smile on his face. "Homework," He said as an explanation, causing Elaine to chuckle in amusement. She doubted that his explanation helped his case.
Merlin moved away from the bookcase and opened the book he had pulled from the shelf. Flipping through the pages and smiling at the words on the page. He slammed the book close, causing Geoffrey to jump in surprise; evidently Merlin had found what he was looking for. Elaine covered her mouth to keep from laughing out loud, poor Merlin. I doubt he realizes how much of a nuisance he is being to grandfather. Although, he is bringing much entertainment to me. She chuckled when he dust that shot out of the book made him sneeze.
The dustiness of the books and library were something that she had gotten used to. Silently, she stood and moved to get a better look at the book he was reading. It depicted coat of armor of an old noble family with a list of its members. A book about noble genealogy? Why would Merlin want to read that? Elaine herself had never even bothered to read it and had only scanned through the pages on one occasion, but she could remember that it wasn't exciting at all. Merlin continued flipping through the pages before staying on one whose colors were orange and blue. He pulled a piece of parchment from an inside pocket of his jacket, and splayed the paper against the book. His eyes flashed gold, then the parchment was no longer blank instead it seemed to be a copy of the page he had opened to.
Elaine gasped at the sight of his eyes and fell backwards, toppling over a stack of books. She landed on to the stone floor, getting the wind knocked out of her. By the time she managed to get back up and look through the bookcase, Merlin was gone. In his place was a confused bookkeeper staring at the book Merlin had. What just happened?
A couple hours later, Elaine had arrived at Gwen's simple home in the lower part of town. She would have left earlier, but grandfather had refused to let her until Elaine had finished her chores. "Gwen!" She called through the door, knocking on it repeatedly. "Gwen, open up."
The aforementioned girl complied, putting her body in the small space between the door and its frame. "Elaine, what are you doing here?" She asked with a large smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes.
Elaine frowned, "What are you talking about? Today's your day off. And I always come over on your days off." She reminded her obviously confused friend. Gwen always remembered this, Gwen was usually the one that had to remind Elaine not vise versa.
"No- I know that. It's just that you're early, and you're never earlier." Gwen replied, "You're usually never on time either." She continued to smile in her weird way that was making Elaine grow suspicious.
"So now I'm making up for all that." Elaine said, scrutinizing Gwen. "And something strange happened today at the library. Plus there was this chipmunk- or was it a squirrel? I don't know, doesn't matter. What matters is that you must never leave a window open or you will get several bruises in very odd places." She said, her conversation somehow turning into a lecture; Elaine was even wagging her finger at Gwen like a parent would at a naughty child.
"You are so right, Elaine." Gwen said, nodding her head empathetically and drawing out the 'so' for emphasis. "Well… bye!" She said far too cheerily and closed the door quickly.
"Wha-? Wait a second!" Elaine slammed her hand on the door before it could completely close. She tried ducking past Gwen into her house, but Gwen managed to block Elaine; her smile becoming more and more embarrassed each time. "Gwen! What is going on with you?" She asked, befuddled by her strange behavior.
"Nothing!" Gwen replied, but her voice accidently squeaked; Gwen never was a good liar, especially when it came to her friends. As a last ditch effort, Elaine used all of her strength to get past her and make it into Gwen's house. She stumbled inside when it worked, as she regained her balance she noticed the two men standing before her. Giving them suspicious looks as they stared back at her uncomfortably. Merlin was one of them, but Elaine didn't recognise the other, incredibly good-looking, man.
Slowly, staring at the two men closely, she faced Gwen; Gwen had shut the door and was now standing behind Elaine, biting her cheek. "Gwen, what are they doing here?"
Gwen moved forwards and grabbed on to Elaine's shoulders. She pointed Elaine's body at Merlin, "You know Merlin," she moved Elaine towards the other man. "-and this is Lancelot." Gwen gestured at Elaine, "This is Lady Elaine."
Lancelot looked at Merlin, taking his cues from him; concealing his hesitation, Lancelot stepped towards Elaine, politely taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. "My lady," He said, bowing low to her.
Oh my, and just like that Elaine was swept off of her feet. "Heh," Was all she could get out, smiling stupidly at the man in front of her and getting lost in his gorgeous brown eyes. She blushed furiously when she realized Gwen and Merlin were giving her shocked looks. She licked her lips, and reluctantly drew her hand out of his grasp. "My- Lancelot…" Elaine closed her eyes, mentally shaking off her clouded mind. "Uh- good to meet you." She said, her voice a lot shakier than normal.
"Anyways…" Elaine said, looking back at Gwen's surprised expression. What? I'm not immune! Elaine told her silently with her eyes. Gwen was laughing internally at Elaine, her eyes showing the mirth that Elaine had given her.
Elaine frowned at her friend, it's not that funny. "So Merlin," If that's even your real name. "To what do I owe your intrusion on my special, alone time with Gwen?" She asked, with emphasis on the 'alone'.
"Oh!" He looked at Gwen for help, "Um, we were just getting-"
"-It's my fault, my Lady." Lancelot interjected, not wanting Merlin to get blamed for it. "Gwen has agreed to sew a new set of clothing for me."
Elaine frowned, and looked at Gwen. "Is that so?" She sat down at the table, "Then continue, I won't interrupt you any longer."
Lancelot smiled kindly, "Thank you, my Lady."
Elaine smiled back and waved her hand at Merlin, "Come sit by me." She told him, patting the seat next to her. "I've heard so much about you."
Gwen paused as she pulled her measuring kit out of a basket, she gave Elaine a look to behave as Merlin went and sat down beside her.
"You have?" Merlin asked Elaine, a curious expression on his face.
"Oh yes," She said, grinning impishly. "Gwen talks about you all the time. Non-stop actually." She mimicked Gwen's voice, " Merlin did this today, Merlin did that today." She changed her voice back to normal, "And after you two kis-"
"Elaine!" Gwen yelled, interrupting her from saying anymore. "Stop." She mouthed, her skin turning red.
"What? He was there. I think he remembers." Elaine replied, gesturing towards Merlin. "It's not exactly new information."
Lancelot cleared his throat, and all eyes went to him. As if they had forgotten that he was there. Gwen blushed even more, "No more talking, Elaine." She told her friend, getting on her knees in front of Lancelot. She began measuring Lancelot's legs, her hands near dangerous regions. Elaine wasn't the only one that noticed, because Lancelot cleared his throat for second a time.
"This is very kind of you, uh.." Lancelot said, searching for her name.
Gwen smiled reassuringly and looked up at him, "Gwen."
"Gwen." He repeated, giving her the sweetest look and smile imaginable.
Aw, he's so cute. Elaine looked at Gwen wondering if she had noticed. Of course Gwen didn't, paying attention only to her work. "Short for Guinevere." She told him, making pleasant conversation with him not noticing the looks he was giving her.
"Ah." Lancelot said, "Then thank you, Guinevere."
"Don't thank me, thank Merlin."
No, why Gwen? I wish I could smack some sense in your head. Elaine mentally facepalmed, there were so many hidden feelings in this room, and she was the only one who seemed to be noticing.
"Merlin, would do anything for anyone. Wouldn't you, Merlin?" Gwen asked smiling at him with admiration.
Merlin waved his hand, and smiled modestly.
I get it, she likes Merlin. And I can see why, the boy is cute. But there was a man here, who was just as cute if not more. And he was sending her some major signals that a blind dog could pick up.
"Sorry. Can you raise your arms?" Gwen asked, going to measure his chest. "Sorry," She apologised again, having to reach around him awkwardly to get his measurement. Poor Lancelot, it looks like he is being put through the paces. His face was so hopeful and he was trying to mask it, but he was failing to do so.
"I think it's great that Merlin's got you this chance." She told him and moved on to his neck. "We need men like you."
"You do?"
Gwen blushed realizing the innuendo in her words. "Well, not me personally. But, you know, Camelot."
Simultaneously, Elaine and Merlin looked at each other, sharing a grin at the both of them stumbling over themselves adorably. And they don't even realize it.
"Camelot needs knights. Not just Arthur and his kind, but ordinary people like you and me."
"Well, I'm not a knight yet, my Lady."
"And I'm not a lady." Gwen said laughing at the thought.
"Sorry, I…" Lancelot paused, searching for the perfect way to apologise and obviously struggling.
"Gwen, are you done yet? I'm getting bored." Elaine lied, interrupting the two of them and putting them out of this tragic mishap of a conversation. Gwen looked at Elaine, blinking at her several times as if she just remembered that Elaine and Merlin were also there.
"What? Oh, yeah. We're done." She told Elaine then looked at Lancelot. "I should have this ready by tomorrow, especially with Elaine helping."
Wait what? Elaine frowned at Gwen, "I don't remember volunteering my services."
Gwen gave her a stern look, "You did when you barged in here."
Elaine smiled sheepishly and picked at an invisible thread on her sleeve. "Oh, right." A thought came to her mind, "Will you be providing food for this?"
Gwen rolled her eyes heavenward, leading Merlin and Lancelot out of the house. Before she closed the door behind them, she held her hand out towards Lancelot. "It's nice to meet you, Lancelot." She told him smiling pleasantly.
Lancelot took it and kissed it quickly, as if he was afraid Gwen would have refused him the honor. He looked at her, his expression showing that he wanted to say something, but he wasn't able to muster up the courage to do so. Merlin patted him on the back and motioned for them to go. "Goodbye, Gwen, Lady Elaine." They said, leaving the home.
The rest of the night, Gwen had this far away look in her eyes. Several times, Elaine had to snap her back to reality, though it wasn't until she burned the stew that it became less cute and more annoying. How can you even burn stew?! By the end of the night, Elaine had ended up doing more of the work than Gwen. Not to mention, they had to restart several times when Gwen would make a simple error. Eventually, they fell asleep early in the morning, Elaine staying over because she had grown too tired to make the long jaunt back to the castle.
The next morning Gwen and Elaine met Lancelot and Merlin with Lancelot's new knight clothes. He changed into them quickly, not wanting to be late, and they all walked together to the training field for the knights.
"Well you certainly look the part," Merlin said as Elaine and Gwen made some last minute adjustments on the armor.
"Doesn't he just?" Gwen asked rhetorically, agreeing with Merlin.
"I don't feel it." Lancelot said, nervously fixing his collar.
"Don't worry, Lancelot, there's not much in being a knight. You just have to turn off your brain." She said cheekily, but when she saw the unamused look Gwen was giving her, she smiled reassuringly. "I mean, you'll do great."
They turned towards Prince Arthur who had just dismissed the knights from where they were huddled. "Here's your chance. Go for it." Merlin told Lancelot, shoving him towards the prince.
Lancelot walked forward, going over to where Prince Arthur was putting away his sword. Prince Arthur looked up at Lancelot, giving him a questioning look, "Yes?" He asked Lancelot.
"Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria."
"Lance-a-lot," Arthur said drawing out his name disbelievingly. "My servant mentioned you. Got your seal?"
"Sire." Lancelot bowed forward and held out a scroll. Instead of accepting the seal, Prince Arthur hit him and caused Lancelot to fall back on to the grass. Gwen and Merlin both started forward as if they were preparing to go defend him. Elaine wasn't surprised by this, having gone through this before, but a part of her did want to go smack PRince Arthur upside the head.
"Sluggish reactions. On the battlefield, you'd be dead by now." Prince Arthur gave him a dismissive look and turned away from him, "Come back when you're ready."
Lancelot stood up,determination set in his bones, "I'm ready now, Sire." He told the prince, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.
Prince Arthur turned around slowly, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You are, are you?"
Lancelot nodded, Elaine smiled when she noticed Merlin had nodded with him.
"Fine, you can start by cleaning out the stables." He told him and turned away, the other knights laughing behind him.
Elaine frowned shaking her head in pity, poor Lancelot. Lancelot turned around looking confused from what had happened. He looked at his friends, wondering if this was good or bad. His friends giving him various actions: Elaine continued to shake her head, Gwen smiled reassuringly, and Merlin gave Lancelot a big grin and two enthusiastic thumbs up.
A few days later, Elaine was reclining in her grandfather's chair with her feet propped up onto his desk. She had just started reading a book, when Gwen burst into the library. Thinking that it was her grandfather that was coming in and had caught her relaxing in his spot, she brought her legs up off of the mahogany and slid back in the chair. But she over-corrected in her weight distribution and lost her balance, falling back in the chair. She groaned, the pain in her back and head stunning her. Gwen quickly came over and helped her up, getting her onto her feet and brushing off the dust.
"Elaine, I'm so sorry." She said giving Elaine a concerned look. "I didn't know that-" Her sentence was broken by her laughter, Gwen's hand trying to stifle it.
Elaine glared at Gwen and leaned against the desk for support, "Oh go on laugh." She told her bitterly. "Don't stop on my account. I'm already hurt as it is." She said, rubbing her back.
Gwen regained her composure, "Sorry." She said though there was still a hint of a smile on her face.
"What do you want, Gwen?"
"It's Lancelot."
Elaine straightened, forgetting about the pain in her back. "Is he alright?"
"He is," Gwen said quickly. "But Arthur moved his test forward."
"What? To when?"
"This morning." Gwen answered, and started pulling Elaine out of the library. "We need to go now if we are to watch."
"Of course." Elaine followed after her. They rushed to the Knight's Field, running as fast as they could in their dresses. Elaine and Gwen made it with little of time to spare, for Prince Arthur had just begun to speak. They made their way over to Merlin who was standing by a rack of weapons, mostly swords.
"Well, here we are. Your final challenge." Prince Arthur said, circling Lancelot on the fields as everyone watched by the edge. "Succeed, and you join the elite. Fail, and your journey ends here." Prince Arthur turned and faced the determined Lancelot. "Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria," He nodded towards the timekeeper. Elaine wasn't watching Arthur though, she was watching the strange look that passed between Lancelot and Merlin when the prince mentioned Lancelot's heritage. "Your time starts now."
They both put on their helmets, and their fight started when Lancelot struck first. Their battle, based on the series of thrusts, parries, and hits that were blocked, ducked, and dodged, was evenly matched. Until Prince Arthur struck Lancelot in the face causing Lancelot to grunt and fall to the ground; Prince Arthur had gained the upper hand. Lancelot lost his helmet as he fell, he seemed to have lost consciousness from striking his head against the ground.
Prince Arthur stabbed his sword into the ground and tossed his own helmet aside. As he reached down to grab Lancelot's flag, "Shame." He said with a look of disappointment. Instantly, Lancelot leapt forward; he knocked Prince Arthur's feet out from underneath him, grabbed his sword, and held it at the prince's throat. "Do you submit, Sire?" Lancelot asked him.
Gwen grabbed onto Elaine's arm, smiling happily at Lancelot's victory. Before the prince could reply to him, the guards came forward and pulled Lancelot away from Prince Arthur. "On your knees," He ordered Lancelot, getting to his own feet. Gwen's grip tightened, her face worried as Elaine watched in confusion. Prince Arthur held the sword against Lancelot's shoulder, and Elaine watched as Arthur's face went from anger to pride.
"Arie, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot." King Uther spoke, knighting the young man kneeling before him. Elaine stood in the book of room along with the lesser nobles, she had made sure that she had a good view of Lancelot. She clapped more enthusiastically than the people around her, a large grin spreading across her face.
When King Uther pulled Lancelot aside to speak with him, Elaine made her way to leave. Her grandfather had asked her to return as soon as she could so that they could start rebinding the books. When she entered the library, Geoffrey was seated at his desk; he smiled at the entrance of his granddaughter, but if faded when a servant entered behind her. Geoffrey was a very particular man when it came to his library which is why he didn't like it when strangers entered the library, he was afraid the mess they would make. Which is strange, considering I'm was the one that usually makes all the messes and is always the one that has to clean them up even on the off chance that they weren't mine
The servant girl went over to Geoffrey, "Geoffrey of Monmouth?" She asked, though it was just a formality, and already was handing him a scroll that was meant only for him. "From King Uther, he wants your opinion by morning."
Elaine's grandfather nodded and looked at the scroll, opening it up and reading it's contents. "Very well, he shall have it by then." He said dismissing the girl.
She bowed to him then to Elaine, and left the library. Elaine watched her leave, wondering what this was about. "What is it, grandfather?" She asked, walking to his desk to get a better look.
"It's a seal." He told Elaine and held the parchment up in the sunlight streaming through the window.
"Whose?"
"Sir Lancelot." Geoffrey said, not noticing the shocked look that Elaine had from the name.
"Why does King Uther want you to look at it?" She asked worrying for her friend.
"Probably to see if it's real or not." He stood and laid the scroll out on to his desk, using weights to keep it in place. "I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, Elaine. King Uther has this done with a lot of the knights. He likes to make sure he knows who they come from."
"I'm sure it's real, I met Lancelot. I just came from his knighting. He is…" She sighed wistfully, "Not like any man I have ever met. Nobler than most."
Geoffrey scrutinized his granddaughter as he removed a large book off of a shelf. "Why don't you go to the celebration tonight then? I'm sure Gwen will be there. And this will probably take me awhile, we can do the rebinding tomorrow."
"Really?' Elaine asked, excited at the notion. Rebinding the books was never a job she looked doing, the smell always gave her headaches, so to put off until tomorrow was a wonderful idea.
"Yes, now go wouldn't want you to be late." Grandfather told her, waving his hand for her to shoo. He didn't need to tell her twice, Elaine was out the door before he even had a chance to say goodbye. His smile faded when he looked back at the scroll on the table, the book he had pulled from one of the shelves was the same as one that Merlin had not so long ago.
"Gwen," Elaine said, linking her arm with her friend's. "What took you so long?"
"Elaine!" Gwen said, surprised at her friend's appearance. "I thought you said you weren't going to be able to come."
"Grandfather changed his mind." Elaine said, she looked around and pulled Gwen towards one side of the room. "Look there's Merlin." Gwen's face got a silly grin on it as we walked over to him, Merlin's own face had an equally happy grin on his face at the sight of them.
"Hey," Merlin said to them, holding a tankard in his hands.
"Hi," Elaine replied as Gwen said, "Hello."
"You know what? I think our Lancelot might have eyes for you Gwen." Merlin said, smiling cheekily at where Lancelot was sitting with Arthur.
Gwen laughed, "Don't be silly." She said, embarrassed at the thought of it.
"I don't know, Gwen, Merlin might just be right this time." Elaine said, she had also noticed the smitten looks Lancelot had been giving Gwen.
"Exactly." Merlin said, gesturing at Elaine, thankful that she was helping him prove it. "Would it really be so bad if he did?"
Gwen sighed, "He's not really my type."
"Oh," Elaine said sarcastically, nudging her friend with her elbow. "There's a surprise."
"Sometimes, Guinevere," Merlin said, giving her a scolding look. "I wonder if you'd know what your type was if he was standing right next to you." He was oblivious to the look Elaine was giving him about how he just said one of the most idiotic things.
"You're probably right," Gwen said as Merlin reached for another tankard of ale, giving him a secretive smile.
"So, come on. Just for the sake of argument," Merlin said, though it seemed like he had put more thought into it. "If you had to, Arthur or Lancelot?"
Elaine laughed, "Smooth Merlin." She said, looking at Prince Arthur and Sir Lancelot, if not for their looks, the two were practically the same.
Gwen laughed also, "I don't have to and I never will." She said.
"Oh, you are no fun." Merlin said, laughing with them.
A pounding on the table, interrupted their talk and everyone turned towards Prince Arthur who was now standing on a table. "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast." He raised his goblet in the air, "To our new recruit. Our new Knight of Camelot. Sir Lancelot!" The people began cheering and clapping, as Lancelot stood next to Arthur with a big grin on his face. Music began playing, as Elaine and Gwen continued clapping, Merlin shouting Lancelot's name.
Gwen and Elaine were at Gwen's home the next evening, Gwen sitting at the table grumly as Elaine paced in front of the fireplace."How come you didn't tell me about this? I could have done something. Could have vouched for him. Said he was a second cousin on my father's side." She sat down at the table tiredly, "This is all my fault. If hadn't left, I could have stopped him from finding the truth. I could have hid it from Geoffrey." She got out of her seat, beginning to pace again. Her hands gesturing wildly as she spoke, "What are we going to do? What can we do? Maybe we should break him out? But where would he go? I could buy him a horse, you could get him a weapon to protect himself, and Merlin… Well, I'm sure Merlin could do something to help too."
"Elaine, this isn't your fault." Gwen said, watching her friend pace around the room. Her usual optimistic attitude gone.
"Yes, it is!" Elaine shouted, throwing her hands into the air. "I should have warned him, I should have warned you or Merlin! I should have said something about Uther having his genealogy being looked into."
Suddenly there was a knock and the door swung open, Gwen stared shocked at the man that stood there as Elaine only glanced at the guest. "Gwen-" He said stepping into the room.
"Not now, Lancelot. I'm trying to think of a way to break you out of the dungeons." Elaine said, her brow furrowed in thought, Gwen gave Elaine an astounded look. Closely resembling the same look Lancelot was giving their blonde friend. Elaine looked up at him, her face going slack, "Lancelot!"
"Yeah?' He asked, a smile growing on his face.
"You're here!"
"I am."
"How?" Elaine asked confused, looking around as if someone else would show up.
"I don't have time to explain." Lancelot said his usual determined and noble look back on his face."I need weapons and armor. The best you've got."
"But what's this all about?" Gwen asked confused.
"Arthur stands in mortal peril. I must do what I can to protect him. It's my duty. Knight or not."
Elaine frowned, wondering what Prince Arthur had gotten himself into this time. He seemed to get himself in as many messes as Elaine did.
"You really believe that, don't you?" Gwen asked him, confused by his fierce loyalty to Arthur even after what had happened.
"Yes, my lady." He replied without a doubt in his mind about what he would do for Arthur, not Prince Arthur, but the man underneath that facade.
Elaine smiled, as she came to the same conclusion, but a shadow of something darker came across her face. And the smile was gone before anyone could notice it was there.
"Lancelot, I don't believe I have ever met your like before." Gwen said, a strong admiration in her voice and eyes.
Lancelot glanced at Elaine, and she looked away from them giving them the smallest sort of privacy as he stepped closer to Gwen. "Guinevere, if I should not return-"
"Don't go, Lancelot. Please. I- We're your friends and we don't want to see you hurt."
Lancelot looked between us, disappointment in his eyes from when Gwen caught herself from saying "I'm", but there was also doubt there. And for that one second of hesitation, Elaine thought that he wouldn't go. "But go, I must."
Elaine looked at Gwen, noticing the way she hid her crestfallen expression. Elaine had hoped to follow Gwen's example as she always did, but just this once, Gwen was at loss of what to do.
Elaine stepped forward and took Gwen's hand, "Then we'll get you everything that you need." She told him as Gwen nodded in agreement, Elaine smiling as she saw the same determination in both of them.
The next morning after Lancelot had slain the griffin and saved Prince Arthur, Elaine was with him and his horse in the courtyard. He had already told Elaine what had happened last night, leaving out only the smallest of details like how his weapon had managed to pierce the beast. She knew that this wasn't what he wanted, or what anyone wanted, but Lancelot was determined for it to not discourage him.
Unable to stand aside any longer, Elaine moved over to him and started to help him with saddling his horse.
Lancelot gave Elaine a small smile, "Thank you, my Lady." He said, bowing his head towards her.
"I'm sorry, Lancelot." She told him, her voice hushed with sadness. "I'm sorry this is happening to you. I'm so sorry we're not better. You deserve better than this."
Lancelot frowned, "Do not worry for me, I'll be fine."
"But where will you go?" She asked him, meeting his determined eyes.
"Honestly, I do not know." He told Elaine as he swung himself into the saddle.
Elaine stepped next to the horse, handing him his reins and putting her hand on his knee in a friendly gesture to get him to look at her. "Promise you will write to me."
Lancelot nodded, meeting her gaze solemnly, recognising that this was important to her. "I promise, my Lady."
"And you're friends, tell me if you meet anyone as noteworthy as you."
"I will, though I doubt they will be as lovely as you, my Lady."
"I will not lie to you, Lancelot." She said teasingly, "Nobody is as lovely as me."
Lancelot laughed, "I shall write about them anyways."
"Then I will be waiting to read of your epic friends and tales soon enough." She told him grinning, hoping that the next she saw him their easy banter would not be lost.
Lancelot laughed, "I do not think they shall be epic."
"I know they will." Elaine said without a doubt in her mind.
He smiled and looked away from Elaine, "You are too kind, my Lady. I hope to see you again." He told her then with a click of his heels, the horse leapt forward. Galloping away, carrying the noblest man away from Elaine and Camelot. I know that we will, I have seen it.