I'm thinking of updating around every weekend but knowing my past efforts to keep a steady schedule I doubt that will actually happen but fingers crossed eh? As always thank you to anybody who is still reading, favoriting (still a word), following and reviewing! Please keep it all coming and I solemnly swear that I don't own Merlin!
Gwen's POV
I can't help the jitters when Mordred leaves this morning to train and prepare for the tournament because although I know that my husband is amazing on a horse it doesn't stop the nerves that they'll be an accident. In the past when I was upset or nervous about something I'd talk to my mistress or a certain manservant but neither are in Camelot anymore. The ladies of the court disapprove of me and only tolerate me at public occasions because they are in admiration of Mordred and know the power his family have and have had. When Mordred goes away I do often find myself very alone. Not that I mind, the free time I now have as a lady has allowed me to learn to read and write as well as giving me more time to sew. I've made six dresses for the orphanage and I've even sold a few to some of my old clients within the ladies of the court.
But now all I want is someone to share my worries with over Mordred and to comfort me as a friend. My mind goes to Kara but I realise that she's probably busy under the watchful eye of Lady Blackwood. I know the work of a handmaiden is never done maybe I should ask Mordred if I could have a handmaiden then I would have permanent company then again most of the servants disapprove of me rising above my rank.
Wait! What about Gaius? He's always been a good friend to me- almost a second father-and is sure to be preparing for the tournament with healing balms and bandages so I'm sure he needs help.
The walk to Gaius' chamber is so familiar it saddens me to realise that I haven't seen Gaius that much since my marriage so it's with determination to change this that I walk through the well-worn wooden door. "Gwen! What are you doing here? Are you unwell?"
"No I am very well Gaius I just thought you could do with some help with the tournament today." I smile happily at him remembering all the times when this man has helped and healed me.
"Help would be appreciated, my lady, however it's hardly a job for a lady of the court especially one of the Tregor family." His eyes are soft and apologetic but that doesn't stop the pain from his words.
"Oh come now Gaius I'm hardly a lady of the Tregor family. Anyway what does it matter? I'm not considered by many a proper lady." This is utterly ridiculous!
"You married Sir Mordred Tregor, my lady, I'm not sure you realise how important and influential that makes you."
"From what I understand it allows me to be tolerated. I don't think any other knight would've got away with marrying me."
"That's because Lady Guinevere in Camelot before the Purge when Camelot was in an era of peace the three most powerful political families in Camelot were: Pendragon, Tregor and Gorlouis. The last member of the Gorlouis family died several years ago and the Pendragon family are obviously still in charge however with Uthur's weakened state and Arthur's banishment they are hardly in a strong position. That leaves the Tregor family as the last ancient political family still going strong, the Lady Catriona's return is a sign of this. She clearly recognises the time of need for Camelot. When she left 23 years ago she claimed she wouldn't return because of private reasons so obviously she feels the situation we are now has caused her to put this aside. You, Lady Guinevere, are the new generation of one of the most powerful families in Camelot (second only to the Pendragons!). You have a responsibility to take upon the mantle of the Tregor family."
"I'm not sure I can do that Gaius." I reply nervously, what he describes sounds more than slightly daunting.
"Gwen I know you can do this. You're a beautiful, strong and wise woman. You are more than most women and you will more than excel at being a Tregor."
"I hope your right but I still want to help you Gaius. It will be a welcome distraction from worrying about Mordred and you've always been a dear friend. Even if I do become this great Tregor woman I don't want to lose your friendship, ever since my father died a few years ago, you've been a second father to me." I put my foot down, using my new power, I am helping him whether he likes it or not.
"Then help me but don't even think of Sir Mordred getting harmed. The man is one of the finest knights I've ever seen and I am sure we shall see his victory today." That's what I needed, I reflect as I grab some of Gaius' equipment, a friend.
Kara's POV
"Welcome, to all to this magnificent event! It is my honour to present to you today the Knights of Camelot as they compete to be champion and win the highly vaulted position of First Knight of Camelot!" Blackwood pauses to let the rabble of peasants cheer and I almost laugh at their stupidity. "Today these knights will engage in the sport of men: a joust!" Oh joy a load of men riding towards each other with big sticks poking each other until one falls off. Blackwood continues with a rather long and frankly unnecessary which by the end of even some of the rabble around me are starting to lose interest.
Finally the tournament begins and the first couple of fights are frankly pathetic, although the sport itself isn't exactly my favourite if you couldn't already tell. But if any of these knights beat Mordred I'll die of shock. A couple of fights later I see Sir Bernard who had the nerve once to call me a 'filthy common whore' so because I can tell he's pretty serious at competing and wants to beat Mordred I may have muttered a few words to loosen his girth so he was smashed to the ground as soon as the lance hit him.
Finally Mordred is competing and I sit up a little straighter, I noticed Mordred's little wife isn't around earlier so I guess they must have had a fight or something. Mordred was always eager after a fight so if little Gwenny isn't around… Let's just say I may get lucky again tonight although a few of the knights have been very accommodating since I arrived.
To no one's surprise Mordred sails through to the final although his opponent doesn't fare so well and Sir James is practically beaten already by the time of the final. So Mordred does win and it's pretty spectacular if I'm honest and when he takes off his helmet to show his sweaty triumphant face I cheer as loudly as the rest of the rabble. Mordred has got he wanted; he is now the First Knight of Camelot.
After the tournament I sneak into Mordred's tent only find to find his little wifey is there tending to his wounds. "You shouldn't have exerted yourself so much in the final fight I think you may have dislocated your shoulder."
"You know me Guinevere." His voice is sickeningly lovesick yet still has that undeniable sexiness to it which keeps me rooted to the floor with my ear pressed to the tent silk. "I don't do anything by halves."
"No you don't! I left Gaius nursing Sir James and he apparently has a broken arm, two broken and three cracked ribs."
"Well I can't help it if he didn't pull out when he was injured. I only cracked those ribs everything else was injuries from other fights." Mordred's got the look on his face which says he's only telling a half-truth.
"Mordred I married you I know that that face means you are only telling part of the truth so don't even try it!" She laughs a silly little giggle and whacks him on his uninjured shoulder.
"Will I ever get anything past you Guinevere?" He smiles and stands so that he's closer to her and he's slowly leaning down.
"I hope not." He hits his mouth against hers and I turn away. Obviously Mordred is going to be busy tonight so I might as well find other company so with that I turn my back on Mordred's tent and scan the others in the sea of tents looking for easy prey.
Mordred's POV
It's late but I'm still awake even when my wife is lightly dozing contentedly beside me. I haven't heard from Morgause in a while and I'm starting to get slightly concerned. Getting out of bed I walk over to my desk and take out a sheet of parchment and a quill.
Morgause,
You have been silent for almost a week and I have to wonder the reasons for this. I find myself confused as to why you would be so reckless as to abandon our cause and become lack now. Please contact me as soon as you receive this missive.
I have achieved my goal of becoming First Knight of Camelot and I am hopeful that this will lead to more power within Camelot.
Camelot is in a state of change and the balance of power is shifting. The Lady Catriona Tregor has returned to Camelot, our aunt, so she probably senses it too. The King is as good as dead and the prince… Well you know his circumstance better then I but if he's still in love with that druid girl in a deep sleep then he's hardly a threat to the new regime. The Tregor family is ready to claim the power once Uthur Pendragon finally does the world a service and dies.
I have brought Kara to Camelot in case you meant to contact her for help. She is busy here so please don't call her away.
So again update me on your current situation soon,
Mordred.
I finish the letter and summon a raven to take it, I watch it fade into the darkness and then turn back to my bed and gorgeously naked wife. A smile fixed on my lips as I watch her sleep peacefully. She'll be my queen and produce a healthy legion of heirs to carry on the great Tregor bloodline. I knew as I saw her I'd never met another like her and that I'd marry her so I did. She is the only one to complete me and holds talents that I shall admit I have never processed like the ability to speak to strangers as if they were an old friend.
Guinevere Tregor is my wife and one day soon I'll make her my queen.
Arthur's POV
"Merlin! You're awake!" I crush her into a hug keeping her warm, thin frame beside mine so that I know she's really there.
"Not for much longer if she squeeze all the air out of her!" Morgana hits me around the head good naturedly. "Merlin we were so worried!"
"What happened? I don't remember." Merlin's voice comes out slightly muffled by my chest.
"You were in a dead sleep." I told her shakily tightening my grip around her. "For about a week."
"I'm sorry." Stifled sobs wrack through her body and I feel my shirt dampen but I keep her even more firmly pressed to my body to show support. "I must have had you all so worried!"
"Merlin calm down it's not your fault." Morgana tells her reaching out and gently massaging her shoulder comfortingly. "It was that bastard of a father of yours. Balinor did this to you in that fight. I also share the blame because I distracted you whilst you were fighting. But it was never your fault dear one. You are blameless!"
"For once…" I say with a teasing smile even though she can't see it yet my comment gets a small giggle out of her.
"I better tell the others that you're awake Merlin. Ambrosia was so scared for you. Gwaine and Lancelot too." With that Morgana left me alone with Merlin in my arms.
I want to tell her something but I know it's not the time after she's just woken from a dead sleep and has to face her father. "I forgive her I think now."
"Who?" I say resting my chin on the top of her head.
"Ambrosia. I was so angry before but now all I feel is regret. If I had died-"
"Don't say that!" I cut in sharply.
"No Arthur, if I'd have died I would never made it up with her. I don't want that. I love her. She's the woman who raised me and loved me and even if she didn't share what she knew about magic she taught me so much more." Her voice is hoarse form the strain of crying and the fact she's been dead to the world for a week yet still I can hear the earnest determination.
"I think that you're right. She didn't stop worrying about you, you know?"
"I know I remember hearing her voice- scared and concerned."
"You remember things from when you were out?" I say shocked and a little nervous in case she calls me out on something I said- what the hell did I say anyway?
"Snippets and not really words just feelings. I remember your voice a lot and there was always something warming there and it made me feel better." She laughs weakly. "I don't know why that it is since normally your voice drives me insane."
"Yeah well you weren't well Merlin so I suppose it's to be expected that you'd lose even more brain power than usual." Banter feels familiar and easy. Comforting.
"Your prattish voice probably drove me mad!"
Before I can reply with something that I'm pretty sure would've been witty and intelligent Morgana returns dragging Ambrosia, Gwaine, Lancelot, Leon and strangely Morgause as well with her. I forsake my hold on Merlin and back away so that the others can talk to her.
"Oh Merlin! I'm so glad you're awake!" Ambrosia cries running to her youngest daughter as soon as I leave her and enveloping her in a hug.
Gwaine comes by the side of her then and whispers something into her ear with a cheeky grin on his face, whatever he says makes her laugh weakly and he slaps her on the back jovially before moving away for Lancelot.
Lancelot just looks at Merlin in her mother's arms and smiles sweetly at the sight and says sincerely. "It's good to have you back Merlin. We missed you."
Merlin nods and smiles back at her friend and replies. "It's good to be back Lance. I'm sorry for having you all worried."
Ambrosia pulls away from her daughter for a moment to look her straight in the eye. "Do not blame yourself Merlin. Don't ever let me hear you say sorry for something that you could not help."
Merlin just falls back into her mother's arms and within a minute is fast asleep. Ambrosia gently lays her down on her bed and the others quietly leave- although Gwaine may need to be taught the definition of quiet.
Until at last it's just Morgause and I left in Merlin's tent. "I'll sit with her Morgause."
"Would you mind if I sit with you over her?" Her face is unreadable but the way she looks at Merlin makes it seem like she's curious about her unknown half-sister.
"No but I think we should be quiet so that she can get some sleep." With that I sit down by Merlin's bedside again and Morgause sits silently beside me. Like that we stay watching Merlin sleep for the whole night until the tent is filled with the golden light of dawn.
So in summary Gwen is taking on the responsibilities of being a Tregor Lady, Mordred is now the First Knight of Camelot, Morgause is curious about Merlin, Ambrosia is forgiven or at least in the process of being and Arthur... Well Arthur is in a bit of denial isn't he? :p