Chapter 19: Finally Home

"You're getting bigger." Elaine cooed as she kissed the top of Galahad's head, causing the baby to squirm. Elaine was laying on her bed with Galahad next to her. "Do you like that?" Kissing the top of his head again, making the baby squirm again. "Shall we go and see how bad cousin Arthur's hangover is?" Lifting the baby into her arms and climbing off the bed herself. Galahad cooed in her arms as they left her chambers. "I shall take that as a 'yes'."

"Good morning." A feminine voice spoke behind her.

"Good morning, Gwen." Elaine smiled softly. "Are you well this morning?"

"Very well, thank you. How are you and Galahad this morning?" Gwen smiled at them both. "If you will excuse me, I have a few chores to continue with." She curtseyed and left Elaine to walk to the hall.

Galahad squirmed in her arms. "Oh all right." she transferred him to rest against her shoulder, rather than in her arms. When she walked into the hall to find Arthur and many of the Knights of Camelot eating quietly. "Good morning." She laughed as she sat on Arthur's left hand side. Every single one of them groaned. "I do not usually see all of you here. Is Arthur being generous?" She ate her breakfast with her one free hand and held Galahad against her.

No one answered her for a moment until Merlin moved around the table and poured water into her goblet. "All I can say is, my Lady, that they never left here." He chuckled along with Elaine. "Is there anything you need, my Lady?"

"No, thank you, Merlin." She smiled at Arthur's manservant. "Just make sure these lot have enough food and water." She laughed again as Sir Elyan groaned. "Then again, I suggest only the water." She looked up the table at the remaining knights, who were Elyan, Gwaine, and Lancelot. She lay Galahad in the crook of her arm for her to be able to eat easier. Now she was able to see the suffering knights nearby. Her cousin seemed to be the worst. "Arthur, go to bed. All of you!" She said sternly.

Elyan was the first to stand up and walked out of the Hall, soon followed by Lancelot. "Goodbye." Lancelot grumbled and left. Elaine's eyes followed him. They had hardly spoken for a while, since Elaine had been busy with Galahad and organising Arthur's coronation. She felt like they were growing apart. When they spoke, they only spoke about Galahad and how they were going to spend time together.

Gwaine seemed to be the less effected of the lot. He was able to eat his food. Elaine looked up at him and gave him a small smile, before speaking to Arthur. "Arthur, do you remember me asking about visiting Corbenic and Joyous Guard?"

Arthur looked at his cousin. "Yes, I remember." Sitting up straight as Merlin poured more water into his goblet. "You can leave whenever you want to." Giving her a small smile. "Though I would like you to have some protection as you travel." Taking a sip from his goblet. "At least two knights and a small patrol of guards."

"Obviously." Elaine chuckled and rolled her eyes, gently rocking Galahad. "If it was all right, I would like to leave in a few days."

"Of course. I can never say no to you." Arthur smiled at her. "Right, who shall escort you?" His fingers rubbing his forehead. "I think Percival would be best." He chuckled as he stole a short glance at Gwaine, who remained silent. "How about Lancelot?" Elaine shifted uncomfortably. "What now?"

"Lancelot and I have not spent enough time together and the awkwardness is there. I believe a break for Galahad and I will be good for us." She smiled softly and looked down at her son, who was chewing on the edge of his blanket. She chuckled and pulled the material away from him. "Cheeky." She smiled and placed her small finger in her son's mouth and he happily chewed it. "Who else do you suggest?"

Gwaine sat up straight. "I will go. I am getting slightly claustrophobic in this castle." Laughing as he watched the newly crowned King.

Elaine looked at Gwaine, giving him a smile. "Arthur? Seems logical."

"Well, I agree. You will be safe with the two of them." Arthur smiled and reached over and placed his hand on Elaine's shoulder. "Just be careful, cousin." He sighed heavily, taking his hand off and stood up. "I have things to do." Leaning down and kissing her cheek, leaving the great hall.

"Thank you." Elaine spoke softly to Gwaine. "For not telling Arthur about King Lot."

Gwaine smiled slightly. "It will be safer and easier for everybody if you keep King Lot's intentions a secret. Until the time is right." He drained the rest of his goblet. "I will let you finish your breakfast in peace." Standing up.

"Stay." She spoke softly. Gwaine looked down at her and saw her eyes begging him. "Please. Just in case." Gwaine smiled gently and returned to his seat. "Thank you." Smiling and continued with her breakfast, talking with Gwaine and rocking her son.

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The plans for Elaine to return to Corbenic began as soon as breakfast was over. Gwaine informed Percival of the journey, which had been decided for two days time. Elaine began to pack for her and Galahad, which gave her an excuse to avoid contact with King Lot. But the persistent King always found ways to come into contact with her. Thankfully Gwaine was there to keep her from being alone with Lot.

Lancelot was the hardest person to tell. "Why are you leaving?"

"I am not a mere woman!" Elaine argued with him. "I am a Princess! I have kingdoms to attend to." She had Galahad in her arms so she did not raise her voice. They were talking in Elaine's chambers, a day before she was to leave. "I cannot be there at your beck and call."

"How long are you going to be away for?"

"I do not know." She sighed heavily. "It may be for some time." Slowly, she place Galahad in the crib. "I have so much to do." Elaine straightened up once she knew Galahad was comfortable and warm. She turned to face Lancelot. "This is my life, Lancelot. I am to be a Queen." A sigh left her lips and she rubbed her forehead. "I have no time or energy to argue with you." She moved to her wardrobe and pulled out another dress, placing it on her bed. "Whenever we speak, we only seem to argue." Her voice slightly raising but she lowered it, when movement came from Galahad's direction.

Lancelot gave a frustrated sigh. "I am just trying to be a father to our son and a friend, or something more, to you. You know how busy my life is now. Everyday I am training with the knights and then I am patrolling. I wish I could be with you and Galahad everyday but you and I both have our duties." He stopped in his angry speech and watched Elaine, who just stared at him in silence. She stood tall and regally. "I shall leave you." He bowed to her and turned, leaving her standing in the middle of the room.

She let out one sigh of relief and relaxed her posture. "Looks as it is only you and me, my baby." Looking back at the crib to where her sleeping son lay. "You and me." Sighing once again before continuing on her packing.

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The time for Elaine and the party of two knights and 8 guards to leave. It was a two day journey to Corbenic so they had to leave very early. Elaine was hoping that King Lot was not awake to see her leave. Thankfully he was not. Galahad had been placed in a sling which was tied around Elaine's body.

"Safe journey, cousin." Arthur grinned up at her as she settled into a comfortable position on her horse. "Any problems, send a messenger without hesitation."

Elaine nodded. "Of course." She held the reins with one hand and her other hand rested across Galahad's back. "I will send word of our arrival at Corbenic." Elaine gestured for Arthur to move to closer. "Spoil Gwen, when you have the time. She deserves it. You do not deserve her as she is a beautiful soul. But do spoil her." She smiled gently at her cousin, who nodded slowly.

"I will." He winked at her. "Take care. All of you." Speaking louder to the whole travelling party.

The knights and guards bowed from their horses towards Arthur and then they began on their way. A few guards led the way with Elaine and the two knights behind them, where they were closely followed by the remaining guards.

After riding for 4 hours, the small party stopped to let the horses recover and to eat. Elaine sat slightly out of view as she breast-fed Galahad. She stroked his cheek as he drank his fill. She smiled as he finished and raised him to her shoulder to wind him. Now, she had become so used to doing this that it had become a part of her. As she rested Galahad against her shoulder, she had time to do up her dress and then return to winding her full son.

She stood up and walked back in the directions of the knights and guards. Galahad had been winded and was now sleeping contently in her arms. The men were patiently waiting for her as she returned to her horse. "Sorry, gentlemen, for keeping you waiting."

"Not a problem, my Lady." Percival smiled and bowed slightly. "Time waits for no man but it most certainly waits for a lady."

Elaine laughed. "Keep flirting, Sir Percival, and you will find yourself on the other side of my hand." She grinned at the large knight. "Just give me a moment." She put Galahad back in the sling and then, she carefully mounted her horse. One arm around her sleeping son and her other hand grasped her reins.

Gwaine pulled his horse into a position beside her. "Are you well, my Lady?" The journey began again.

"I am, thank you." She smiled slightly. "It feels good to be going home." Putting her horse into a gentle trot. "Even if we won't reach home until tomorrow." Elaine laughed lightly as she looked towards the rogue knight. "Just feels good to finally be on the road to home. It has been too long."

"How long since you were last home?" Gwaine asked curiously, as they rode side by side with Percival behind them.

"Over a year. I think. It was too long ago." She smiled softly when she turned her gaze to the road ahead. "I just hope they forgive me for being away for so long."

"They will. They understand what you have been through and they love you." Gwaine explained to her. "You shall see when you reach your country." She turned to looked at him and found herself mirroring his smile. Whenever she was around him, she could not help but smile. The riding party continued their journey until it was late afternoon, when Percival suggested they stop and make camp for the night.

Elaine unpacked her horse with Galahad still in the sling. She laid out her bedding as the other guards did their duties by securing the safety of the camp, building a fire and beginning food preparations. "Now, my son." Pulling him out of the sling and settling him into her arms. "We shall be home soon. Another day's journey." Rocking him gently, as she sat in front of the fire.

Small chatter filled the air as they all spoke about the road ahead, home behind them and what the future lies for them. Elaine listened carefully as she rocked her son. She laughed at the good and, sometimes bad jokes. The guards were going to take turns to be on guard with Gwaine and Percival staying close to Elaine all night. Night finally fell upon them, and the fire burnt in the middle of the camp, slowly becoming hot embers. Elaine lay wide awake and on her side, next to her lay her slumbering son.

"Is he asleep?" A low voice from nearby.

She looked up at Gwaine, who was sitting nearby. "Yes. He has been for a while. I like watching him sleep." Her finger gently ran down her son's stomach, which moved with his breaths. "Let's me know that he is real." She sat up straight. "You not sleeping?"

"No. My mind is working overtime and it is not letting me sleep." He gave her a small smile and ran his sharpening stone down his sword. "I will sleep when I need to." Running the stone down his sword again before speaking. "You should get some sleep. We have a long journey tomorrow." Their eyes were locked until Elaine broke away to lie back down on her bedding. "Good night, my Lady."

"Good night, Gwaine." She whispered softly and waited to drift to sleep. It was the same dream again as before. She was chasing the same man through the forest but this time she was getting closer to him. Still he did not turn around. A piercing cry broke into her dreams, causing her to jerk awake. The source of the noise was a very hungry Galahad crying next to her. "Oh darling." She whispered, trying not to wake anyone nearby, as she lifted Galahad into her arms and rocked him softly as she undid her dress. Reaching for her blanket, she draped her blanket over her shoulder to cover her modesty as she fed Galahad.

The fire had almost completely burnt out and she sat there staring at the dying embers as her son suckled on her breast. She thought about her dream. In her mind, there was only one person who it could be. Lancelot. But deep down she was not sure if she wanted to spend her life with him. She did not know who she wanted to spend her life with. Maybe the man in her dream was of a man she had not met yet. Maybe she may meet him in time. Once Galahad was finished, she tied her dress back up, lay Galahad on her bedding, and she lay next to her son. She fell into the same dream again but another thing was new inside the dream. The man spoke. He was so familiar but she did not recognise the voice.

She woke up startled to see Gwaine sitting by her feet, calling her name. "Oh I am sorry." She sat up straight and looked down at Galahad, who was wide awake and enjoying chewing on the edge of the blanket. "Are we leaving?"

"Not just yet. A little breakfast and then we will be on out way." Gwaine smiled and handed her a small chunk of bread and a cup of water. "It's not much but a feast awaits for us all." The two of them laughed softly. "Here, let me take Galahad." Holding his hands out. "Let you eat in peace."

Elaine smiled gently and nodded. "Thank you." Putting her plate down for a moment, to be able to lift Galahad and hand him over to Gwaine. Gwaine walked away from her with a very quiet baby. Elaine watched him and smiled. There was a good friend.

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They continued the ride for the rest of the way. Elaine had Galahad in the sling and Gwaine at her side once again. They laughed together as Gwaine reminisced an old story of one of his many bar fights in his past. "So, why did the fight begin?"

"I have no idea. I forgot about it the next day." He laughed heartily.

Elaine laughed along with him and she turned to look ahead. "Oh." She gasped at the sight of her home as it came into view. "Home." She whispered and gripped her reins tightly, while her other hand rubbed Galahad's back. "We are home, baby. We are home." She took a long shaky breath as they rode closer. "There are flags. There have not been flags since my mother was alive."

"See." Gwaine stated. "They love you. Arthur sent a messenger ahead to in form them of your arrival." He smiled at the shocked look on her face. "Don't worry."

"I am not worried. Not very much." Biting her bottom lip as the drew closer to the castle. She saw people were waiting. Her heart pounded faster. "I am ready."

"We are here for you. Every step of the way." Gwaine spoke softly as they moved into the lower town and they were greeted with joyous cheers. The people threw flowers in front of her as she rode through the streets.

She smiled and waved broadly to the people. Her heart was still thudding in her chest. "I cannot believe this." She whispered. Just over a year ago, the people were living in fear due to the usurping of her father's throne. Now they were cheering and they looked happy, well fed and safe. She could see that in their faces. Upon reaching the courtyard, she noticed a few familiar faces waiting for her at the top of the steps. She gave a large smile at the men, who waited for her. Percival helped her to dismount from her horse. Instead of walking up the steps to greet her father's advisers, she took Galahad from the sling and held him proudly in her arms.

As she walked up the stairs, every person there bowed. "Your Highness." Her father's lead adviser stepped forward. "It is a miracle to see you so well."

"Thank you, Carter." Elaine grinned widely. "It is good to be home." Her smile seemed to widen as each adviser stepped forward and bowed deeply in front of her.

"Congratulations are in order. For your son." Carter did not speak with disappointment, instead he spoke with pride. "None of us hate you for the birth. We spoke about it and we are happy for the country to have a male heir, even before the Queen has been crowned." He laughed lightly, his bony hand gripped his walking stick.

"Thank you, Cater." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I shall make the official announcement tomorrow. Myself and the travelling party are dirty and tired." Looking back at the Knights and guards, who were standing awkwardly in the middle of the courtyard. "I would like Sir Percival and Sir Gwaine to be placed in rooms near to me. King Arthur's insistence." Chuckling softly.

"Of course." Edward, another adviser, spoke with a smile. "It can be arranged."

"Also, I would like the guards to be placed in comfortable quarters as they are returning to Camelot tomorrow." Elaine spoke regally and stood tall. They all bowed as she walked inside. "I'm home." She spoke to herself. "We are home." She spoke to her son, who was squirming in her arms.

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A/N: Well, Elaine has finally reached Corbenic. Now next chapter is going to be entirely Arthur/ Gwen.

Responses from Chapter 18:

toffeekitten: Thank you! :D Lack of strong female characters is the reason why I wrote Elaine. There is hardly any strong female characters except to be evil characters. I have decided who Elaine will end up with but everyone will find out in a couple of chapters.

Acklesaddict: I love writing Gwaine scenes. Has to be one of the best knights in the series.

Larasmith: Can never trust a man, who is a King and not a relation. LOL. Well, King Lot will be sorted out in a few chapters. :D Lancelot is going to have a slight character change but so is Elaine. You will have to wait and see. I do not want this story to be a straight forward love story, I want it to have twist and turns. Like I said, you will have to wait and see what happens with Lot, Gwaine, Lancelot and everything. ARWEN scenes next chapter. I promise.

ForeverTeamEdward13: Ahhh Lancelot is there. Thank you for reviewing. :D