Yours As Long As Life Endures

[Arthur Pendragon]

There was still a considerable amount of things that needed to be done. Arthur had only returned to Camelot earlier that day, as did the other kings and knights who accompanied them back to the kingdom. It was s that they could see the extent of the damage, and begin to help in repairing it. The damage was still extensive, but the understanding of the other royals was immense. They did not expect treatment that Camelot could not give . . . so they could only go so far to honor their visit. The servants were busy with preparations, and the King was still . . . emotionally indisposed, though he did have to greet the others. It look more and more like Arthur was going to be king, whether it be acting king or permanently. All he knew was that so far, he had to do most of the organizing for his father was still a broken man. And the prince was not sure if he would ever recover.

While he wished to aid his father . . . it was difficult to support him when he was still not over what his father had done, or not done; by withholding the truth of Morgana. Either way, the visitors today would prove to be a distraction, and provide them with the greatly needed aid. Uther may be too paranoid to ask for foreign aid, but Arthur was not. Camelot needed it, otherwise it would take that much longer to move past all that had happened. Among the royal guests, as King Olaf . . . and unfortunately along him was the Lady Vivian. After their, encounter in Mercia, Arthur was almost afraid of her. While that strong sympathy would always be there for her -- until the spell was broken -- he could not help but feel frustrated when she was around. It was not her fault; it was more frustration with the spell that still plagued her, and the frustration of him not knowing what to do in that situation.

But, alas, it was not too difficult to avoid her. For now, they were in his kingdom and there was much more to do and much more to worry about than the delusional love that consumed the poor Lady Vivian. Speaking of love . . . as Arthur made his way back to his chambers, he was slowly becoming filled with anticipation. He had told Guinevère to meet him in his room later that night, for he had not seen her for many days. Even in those days, he found himself greatly missing her. And now finally, he had reached his room and it would only be a few moments -- hopefully -- until she came. In the meantime, he began to take off his cape, getting a bit more comfortable for he could not finally relax after a very hectic past few weeks.

_{Setting: The Castle of Camelot; Arthur's chambers
Time of Day: Late at night
Timeline: Several days after The Coming of Arthur II
Tag: Guinevère and Lady Vivian of Lyonesse
Notes: Credit for the title goes to Vivian}

[Guinevère]

He was home! He was home! He was home! Guinevère was smiling brightly as she hurried along the servant's hallways while trying to get to his room. She'd missed him while he was gone, and knew that she could have gone with him but while everything was so unsure--both about where she was emotionally, and status was as well as the upsets in the kingdom--she thought it best to stay here and do what she could for the people.

But he was home now!

Guinevère burst into the door way and peeked in. His back was too her but she knew he expected her. She knew he had to do a few things before he could make it to his room so she had brushed her hair and made sure she looked pretty before coming here. She was wearing her pink gown, and her curls were loose around her/ Little pink flowers were twilled in a few of them.

She walked quickly over to him and reached him just as he turned her way. "I missed you!" She told him in a soft whisper as she stretched high up on her toes to give him a kiss. She'd missed him so much while he was away! After a rather long and beautiful kiss she pulled back, dropping slowly to her heels and leaving her hands on his cheeks. "How was your trip? Did it go well? Are you hungry?! I can get you something to eat."

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been slightly distracted when he heard his door open, knowing that it would be either Merlin or Guinevère . . . hopefully the latter. When he turned to see who it was, he was immediately greeted with a kiss. Though he had not been expecting it, he was not surprised by it. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment as he put his hands on either side of her hips. It had been so many days since he had seen her, let alone kissed her, but it felt like so much longer. It felt like he had not seen her in months. He deepened the kiss before the moment ended and he was just able to just look at her. He was not sure if it was because he hadn't seen her for some time, but if it was possible, she had grown even more beautiful. It never ceased to amaze him how he had never recognized her true beauty before . . . for all those years she served in the castle, to the past couple of years where he had fallen in love with her.

He smiled at her, moving back a stray lock of hair from her cheek. "The trip was fine," he answered casually, as he leaned in a bit to give her another quick kiss on the lips, not as lengthy as the previous one but still held passion to it. "I missed you terribly," he admitted. He understood why she had not accompanied them, but that did not ease the amount he missed her. At least now, she was here with him and they could spend what time they could together tonight . . . alone. "Don't worry about me Guinevère," he said, his smile broadening a bit as she offered him food. She was not a servant any more. She would soon be the queen of Camelot, as Arthur would soon take the role of king. He hoped that it would not take much longer for the two to be wed.

"How was everything here?" He asked, hoping it was uneventful, for it meant that she would have had a few moments of peace. He had not heard of any terribly urgent news upon his return so that hopefully meant that nothing had gone wrong. Will all those against them, and having just come out of a war . . . who knew what further harm could come to the kingdom. With him not able to see for himself that she was alright, it made him worry for her safety every moment of every day he was gone. While he did not want to let her ago, he wanted to be more comfortable and hold her properly and the only way to achieve this would be to remove his armor. "Would you do me the honor of helping me remove my armor?" He asked smiling, knowing she would do it willingly but if he recalled correctly, this would be the first time he had ever actually asked her. Such a small thing, demonstrated the amount of comfort he felt in her company.

[Guinevère]

She smiled up at him brightly, basking in the warmth she felt when he was near. She might not be a servant in his eyes but she still had her been doing her duties while he was gone and staying in her home. The people were not ready for so much change, and their hesitancy in the newest knights were proof of that. She did not mind helping the ways she knew she could.

"Don't worry about me Guinevère," She shook her head slowly, in a teasing manor. "Someone has to worry about you. Besides, Merlin that is." She teased him, knowing that worry wasn't the right emotion Merlin held for Arthur. Merlin was becoming more then just a man servant to him, but a friend and in many ways an adviser of sorts. While Arthur sought no one's approval for any action he too now, it seemed to her that he felt better when he could talk things out with Merlin.

"How was everything here?" Smiling up at him still she found her self glad she could give him good news. "Getting better. Rebuilding the citadel seemed to be something giving your people more hope. As if once it's done this can be just something for the pages of Camelot's history. Everyone is growing more hopeful."

She wanted to ask how everything went but there would be time for that later. Especially with his next words. "Would you do me the honor of helping me remove my armor?" Her face chanced from one of bright joy to one of a woman who loved the man before her greatly. "I would love to help you remove your armor." She told him while taking his hand and leading him to the bed. Moving him with her hands so he could sit on the bed, before her fingers moved to unbuckle the wrist cuffs and the armor over his shoulder. Her eyes never left his as she worked, removing the two parts quickly as she had more and more practice. Just as she was dropping the larger part of his armor on the ground she leaned forward and started kissing him again, this time much slower and much sweeter and more then inviting . . . .

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[Vivian]

Vivian had been excited when her father had told her that they were going back to Camelot again. They’d accompanied Arthur back that day along with the other royals who had also been present in Mercia. She’d ridden as close to him as possible, making light conversation. She had generally been staring at him for most of the journey.

“I like how you ride a horse” she’d commented dreamily to him. Of course her father had been watching her every move for the whole journey so she couldn’t appear too besotted with her love.

She’d headed to her chambers to change and then decided to seek Arthur out. Where better to go than his chambers? Vivian had been there before. She’d lain on his bed, rolled in his sheets. It had been glorious – the feel of her love closer to her than ever. It was as though she could feel his heart beating along with hers.
Vivian hadn’t bothered to knock. If she’d caught Arthur in the middle of undressing then all the better. “Arthur?” she poked her head round the door, “My love?”.
The room was empty, not even his servant was there. Vivian hurried in and closed the door, sliding down it and onto the floor. She kicked her feet excitedly. She was in his chambers! Now she could surprise him when he finally returned.

She got up and walked around, tracing her fingers over his personal belongings, she spotted his tunic slung over the back of a chair and clutched it close to her chest, burying her face in it. It was then she saw some chain mail in the corner, throwing the tunic to one side she headed over and picked it up. She almost fainted at the joy of being able to be so close to him when he wasn’t physically there. Without anymore hesitance she pulled the chain mail over her head and poked her arms down the holes. The arms were of course too long and the chain mail was far too big, but she looked at herself in the mirror, pleased at just how well she could make it all look.

She had to waddle over to where Arthur’s bed was, the noise of the chain mail on the floor clearly heard as it dragged along where it was too big. She flung herself back onto the bed and cuddled the pillows – then she heard voices.

Vivian dived under the bed and watched, seeing two pairs of feet. She knew what Arthur’s feet looked like; so one pair was defiantly his, but the other? No, surely they couldn’t be those of a woman? A servant more like. Then there was talk of removing armour. Vivian knew that she would have to come out soon and what better time than to see Arthur with no armour.

She stuck her head out, “BOO!!” she grinned, looking up and seeing Arthur and…Gwen? “I see yooooooooooou!” she giggled and pulled herself out from under the bed, having a little trouble as the chain mail weighed her down slightly.

“Arthur my heart!” she flung her arms around his neck, “I’ve been waiting for you!”

[Arthur Pendragon]

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and he never believed those words as much as right now. Feeling the weight of his armor being lifted from him, he locked a longing gaze on Guinevère, as she look at him in return. Once the armor proved not to be a distraction she leaned in towards him and Arthur met her half way until their lips touched. The pace of this kiss was different, as they were both more relaxed; he was sitting on his bed and she was not far from it. He raised his hand so that it rested on her cheek, gently caressing her soft skin. He could quite literally spend forever like this for it was the most peaceful, serene moment . . . as it always was. Not one kiss was any less in passion or sincerity as the last. Even if they had done this many times before, each intimate moment they shared was as powerful as the last. Arthur had been so lost in the kiss that it took him a few moments to break away from it to see what that noise was . . . that clanging of metal.

When heard someone yell out, he reflexively jolted up from his seated position and quickly turned while protectively pushing Guinevère slightly behind him to shield her from the intruder. Little did he know that it was him who needed to be protected. Vivian. Wait . . . Vivian?! What was she doing here! In his room! In his . . . chainmail! He did not have time to ask right away for the next thing he knew, she jumped towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Arthur made a mental note to KILL Merlin for not locking his chambers. But, one situation at a time. The force of the heavy chainmail thrust against him barley made him stumble, but he let out a bit of a groan. Maybe it was the chainmail. Or maybe it was because of the woman who was doing so. It was more likely the woman rather than the armor.

He awkwardly turned his head to look at Guinevère, giving her a rather helpless expression. He was not sure what to do. At least Guinevère knew that this was an enchantment but at the same time, he did not want to lead Vivian on in any sort of way. And all the while . . . the main thing he could think about was how she had interrupted their moment. Which led him to further thoughts about how he so desperately wanted some random man to kiss her who only happened to be the one she loved and thus, would break this damn spell! Arthur looked forward again, putting his hands on Vivian's waist so that he could pull her off of him . . . or at least attempt to. "Vivian," he greeted -- or acknowledged -- far less enthusiastically than she had greeted him. "What are you doing here?" He asked her, looking at her and trying to hide his utmost shock and . . . horror? Yes. Perhaps horror was the best word to use. He knew her answer, and he knew that it was a stupid question. "You should not be here," he told her in a more concerned and serious voice, as he recalled the last time they had been in a room together . . . alone . . . and what that had led to. Granted, they were both enchanted, but still! The last thing he needed was King Olaf to charge in here and find Arthur with two women . . . oh dear . . . the implications behind that were just, not ones that Arthur wanted to suggest.

[Guinevère]

One moment, Guinevère was kissing Arthur while trying to decide just how bold she wished to be. She had spent the night in his arms before but they had formed an unspoken agreement to wait until they were married before anything more physical. At the same time she had missed him, and been so afraid that this time--like last time--when he left something would happen that would keep them apart. However he had returned and she was wrapping her arms around him when he pulled away and she started hearing sounds of a rather familiar voice.

Guinevère stepped back a few steps but Arthur was faster, as he had her behind him before she could even see who it was. The the mass of blond hair attacked him! Guinevère could only stand there with her lips parted in an unlady like manor as she watched the princess cling to Arthur while wearing what looked to be one of his chain mail links.

She wanted to speak up and say something but she did not know what to say at the sudden sight of Vivian coming out from . . . under his bed?!--and her years of being a servant were hard to break, and servants did not step in when nobles were doing thing. Not even if they were hiding under beds.

Oh no! Had she seen then kissing?! Guinevère knew that Arthur was not hiding their feelings right now but with so much going on this was not how things should be exposed! Guinevère could only watch in a helpless expression as he tired to untangle himself from her.

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[Vivian]

Arthur! Her dear Arthur! She was in his arms once again! It was as though fate had truly meant for them to be together. Here…in his room….Not alone??!!!!

It was then Vivian caught sight of Guinevère standing and watching the scene unfold. She was just about to open her mouth when Arthur spoke his words that were like music to her ears – once again; all her attention was on him. She didn’t care who was watching, she needed everyone to know about their love, and how so right they were for one another. His touch was burning into her waist from where his hands were firmly holding her. So strong…oh, so courageous.

“I came to see you my love” she answered innocently, “Were we not made for one another? Like two moths to a flame” she sighed, “I miss you when you are not near – had to see you!”

She shouldn’t be there? “Why not?” she asked, “because if it’s because of my father then you have no need to fear” she clamped both her hands to his face and leant her forehead against his, “I shall protect you with my life – mustn’t come between us, we love each other”
Vivan drew away from him and looked down at herself and then back at Arthur with a grin, “Do you like it?” she asked referring to the chain mail, “I think it suits me, but not as much as it does you”. She felt as though she could melt, but that was impossible when another pair of eyes were also in the room.

She remembered Gwen was still standing there. Why? Did she get her kicks from watching people like this? Vivian turned and chuckled, “Im sorry Gwen, we quite forgot you” and looked her up and down. “You can go now” she told her – satisfied that she and Arthur could finally be alone once more without any other interruptions.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Two moths to a flame? That sounded dangerously familiar. Probably because he had spouted out ridiculous notions of 'love' to when when under the influence of the spell. It was embarrassing really. And he certainly did not want Guinevère to hear details of what they had said to one another when enchanted. She had been through enough with all the confusion; she did not need this kind of reminder. Though he had Guinevère had moved past all that awkward uncertainty of a future together . . . Vivian was a dangerous and highly unwanted blast from the past. He was going to focus on the reasons why she should not be here; not the reasons that she was here -- as that seemed fairly clear to him. When she grabbed his face -- literally -- and drew hers near, Arthur felt panic fill him. What was she going to do?! Hopefully not kiss him! He struggled to pull away and thankfully, she let go of her grasp. Only to model her chain mail . . . dress. As that was what it looked like on her. He was surprised her petite figure was able to withstand the weight of all the metal. And she needed to take it off!

"It, looks like it is straining you," he told her, sort of lying as she seemed rather comfortable in it. But he wanted her to get out of his armor, and then get out of his room. Trying to figure out the most polite way to say this. "You should really take it off Lady Vivian," he told her, keeping a very strong formality in his tone. "Guinevère, would you mind assisting her in removing it?" Arthur's voice was pleading; it was more a desperate request rather than a command. He knew that it would not be entirely appropriate -- and it would give Vivian the wrong idea -- if he were the one to help her remove it. She would most certainly read too much into it and he was trying to maintain as much distance from her as he could. Even when she drew away from him, he too took a few steps back . . . so that she couldn't just grab him again. Though she seemed fairly skilled in that department, unfortunately.

And then she dismissed Guinevère. Arthur knew why she had done this, but he still was not fond of the idea of someone sending her away. Arthur turned his head to look at Guinevère, a desperate look on his face as if to say Don't leave me with her!. Hopefully she trusted Vivian as little as he did, and that she would not yet choose to leave. Either way, he was obviously going to speak up in her defense. "She is staying Lady Vivian," he told her in a strict tone. "I think it would be best for you to leave." He was almost afraid to say these words, unsure as to how she would react to them. But he had tried to be less harsh in Mercia, and that only gave her the idea that it was alright to hide under his bed. She was already so very melodramatic . . . he did not want to know what the other extreme to rejection was. Arthur recalled that when he was enchanted, he had not given up on her. She had sent him away numerous times, and he still just kept coming back. In that way, he could not blame Vivian. But it did not mean he would appease her attempts and allow her to stay . . . even though he had not invited her in the first place.

[Vivian]

“You should really take it off Lady Vivian,"

He was concerned that the chain mail was straining her! Vivian almost fainted with joy when he suggested this. “Can you help me then?” she smirked playfully at him. She didn’t care whether Gwen was watching or not, now. No one could ruin this joyful moment with her love.

"Guinevère, would you mind assisting her in removing it?"

WHAT? Now he was teasing her. “There’s nothing to be shy about Arthur – besides it’s nothing that you haven’t seen before” she giggled remembering what had happened and almost happened in her chambers when she’d visited Camelot last.

She waved her hand at Gwen. “I don’t need any help thank you – I think I can do just fine taking this off myself…wait…didn’t I already dismiss you?” she asked curiously, “Really Gwen, you should listen to instructions more” she rolled her eyes.

"She is staying Lady Vivian, I think it would be best for you to leave."

Her? Leave? Why should Gwen stay and she be pushed away from him? If this was a game then she didn’t like the idea of it one bit!
“Why?” Vivian demanded as she allowed the chain mail to fall to the floor with a clang, “You and I need some time alone Arthur – away from the prying eyes and gossip from servants – unless Gwen really enjoys watching such moments, which in my view is quite...distasteful”. She told him, straightening herself out.

Vivian chuckled to herself, “besides, it’s not like you’re in love with her or anything! You’re in love with me – aren’t you?” she trailed off and looked at them both, pouting slightly.

“Arthur?”

[Arthur Pendragon]

"There's nothing to be shy about Arthur – besides it’s nothing that you haven't seen before." Oh. Dear. The worst thing about her statement was that it was true! Arthur and her had been close -- very close -- to things progressing to another level. They had after all been on her bed and both caught up in a burst of delusional and lustful passion. Even if it was not real love, their actions were very real. That . . . night would have led to something very real. At the time, he had not been happy that Olaf and his father had stormed in, interrupting the moment. But now, he could not be more relieved at their timing. It was bad enough now; it would have only gotten worse if things had gone to that level. He didn't even know what to say to that, so he just stood in place, not about to actually go up to her and remove his chain mail from her. He also could not just stand there and let her talk to Guinevère in such a way. Such a . . . dismissive way. People were slowly starting to see her as more than a servant, even though it was still too early for this to be public knowledge.

He only hoped that Vivian would adhere to his words, telling her that Guinevère was staying and that she should be the one to leave. He almost nervously waited for her to react. Her question only put him in a difficult position and he felt himself tense up. He knew the answer right away, but to know it and say it were two different things. He obviously loved Guinevère, but as he had always feared, he knew Vivian was in a very fragile state. What if she reacted . . . dramatically? And yet, here she was asking him a straight forward question and he needed to come up with some sort of answer. He just stared at her, then peeked a glance a Guinevère, then back at Vivian. What should he say?! Talk about being put on the spot! "It is late. Perhaps it best if you get some rest Lady Vivian. We shall talk more tomorrow." Or not! It was just Arthur's very polite way of dismissing her company. That was the best he could do; the best way to evade her questions. He knew it was not very suave, but what else was he to do! What if the wrong answer sent her off the ledge . . . literally?!

He hesitantly moved forward to pick up his chain mail. "Excuse me," he said politely, waiting for her to take a step away so that he could proceed to pick up his chainmail from the ground, a further indication that she should probably leave. Wait. Not probably . . . definitely! She needed to leave right away. Before something happened, before this situation got any more awkward. Before . . . somehow, Olaf managed to make his way in here and find Arthur in the company of his daughter -- as he had once before. That would just be terrible. Just what the kingdom needed, another war. Either way, he needed her to leave, and was not about to offer to walk her to her chambers. Especially what had happened the last time he had done so! He had escorted her, and got trapped in there himself! Then, when he made a get away, she still beat him to his own! No. He needed to avoid that at all costs.

[Guinevère]

Lady Vivian was in his room! "What are you doing here?" What would they say to her? “I came to see you my love. Were we not made for one another? Like two moths to a flame. I miss you when you are not near – had to see you!” Didn't the fires often kill the moths when they got too close? "You should not be here," “Why not? Because if it’s because of my father then you have no need to fear, I shall protect you with my life – mustn’t come between us, we love each other. Do you like it? I think it suits me, but not as much as it does you." That was when Guinevère's eyes fell over what the princess was wearing. Oh goodness! She was wearing the chainmail! Wasn't that heavy on her?

"It, looks like it is straining you, You should really take it off Lady Vivian. Guinevère," Her wide eyes turned to look up at his, as it wasn't until she hear him say her name that she even remembered she should be reacting. "Would you mind assisting her in removing it?" Good plan. “I'm sorry Gwen, we quite forgot you, You can go now” She looked back at Vivian, feeling like the dismissed servant, but she didn't move. "She is staying Lady Vivian. I think it would be best for you to leave." “Why? You and I need some time alone Arthur – away from the prying eyes and gossip from servants – unless Gwen really enjoys watching such moments, which in my view is quite...distasteful. didn’t I already dismiss you? Really Gwen, you should listen to instructions more” Guinevère's mouth fell open in surprise at Vivian's words, and she knew that she she was ever going to be able to hold her head up around Vivian then she was going to have to not let her bully her.

“Besides, it’s not like you’re in love with her or anything! You’re in love with me – aren’t you? Arthur?” Guinevère's face turned to Arthur's as well but not in an expectant way however more in a concerned way. "It is late. Perhaps it best if you get some rest Lady Vivian. We shall talk more tomorrow." Arthur moved as if to try to pick up the chainmail that was pooled around Vivian's feet and he was waiting for her to move back.

Moving around Vivian to take between then, Guinevère places a soft hand on Arthur's shoulder so he would not bend forward to pick it up. She then moved to pick up the heavy chainmail, allowing Vivian time to step fully out of it before lifting it up and dropping it into Vivian's arms. "Perhaps, my lady, you should put it back where you found it." She told Vivian in a soft yet determined tone, with out any heat. Vivian might be a princess, but this was not her kingdom. Guinevère knew that she might be a 'higher rank' but she was no longer a servant and Vivian could not just dismiss her. "It is highly inappropriate for you t be in an unmarried man's chambers. Should you be found here, your reputation would be ruined." More so then it was before.

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