The Return Of The Prodigal Son

[Guinevère]

What had she done? Guinevère stood by her table and watched as Arthur left her home. It would be the last time he left her home in to return to the castle. He was going to run away with her, and they could disappear for a few years. Until things had changed or Arthur was king. They were really going to do this?

Still, she could not help but to wonder . . . would Uther ever truly give up his son with out a fight? Arthur seemed to think he could escape his bloodline but Guinevère doubted they could ever run far enough. Though she was willing to try, she could not help but to look at what he was leaving for her. His people, his kingdom, his father!

What would happen to them if they were caught? What if they had children? What of them?

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Guinevère reached down to take the small hand of her two year old daughter and laughed as they started walking back home. Guinevère was walking Anna home from the market, and it was a bright day full of sunshine and laughter. It was not a day where things went wrong. Things went wrong on rainy days, not on perfect days. And today started out a perfect day!

Anna was talking, sort of, about clouds and flowers. Most of what she said was only understandable because Guinevère was her mother. Guinevère was looking down at Anna as they walked slowly to work with the two year old's small steps. Anna pointed ahead of them, and spoke a word that Guinevère was not sure she fully understood until she looked up to see what the child was pointing at.

Red. The color! It was everywhere and in the form of capes on the backs of knights! Guinevère stopped walking, and it pulled Anna to a stop as well. She took a few steps back before looking behind her to noticed there were more of them. Dropping her basket she bent down to scoop up Anna in her arms. She looked back to the first knight she had seen; knowing this was the moment she'd feared.

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been chopping wood for the first part of the morning, taking his son along with him to help. He was getting older and stronger . . . even if he was just five years old right now. He was already growing up to be a fine boy, one who Arthur was in the process to training to fight even if he could not yet put this into practice. He knew how opposed Guinevère was to this but he also had to keep in mind that this boy, Amaren Pendragon, was the heir to Camelot and would one day be king . . . in the far distant future. Right now, he was just enjoying the simple yet completely wonderful lifestyle he was living with his wife and children. It was more than he could have ever hoped for; more than he could have ever dreamed of.

Little did he know that it would all dramatically change today.

They had arrived home just a few moments ago to an empty house, as Guinevère had taken Anna to the market. He used her absence to get away with what he was doing at the moment: training his son. Of course, he was just using rather long training sticks, not real swords. No. Guinevère would be even more opposed to that idea. Besides, Amaren always had quite a bit of fun when learning how to fight, even if it he thought it was all a game right now. These skills would come in handy in the distant future.

"So remember. Its all about aiming that one position, and never letting your eyes off the target." He held up his stick in a defensive position, watching his son do the same. "Ready . . . "

Amaren charged at him, waving the stick around. While he had the slightest strategy in his moves, he still had a long way to go. And quite honestly, Arthur would not have it any other way. There was no apparent pressure on his son right now. They could just enjoy their time together, and spar a little. It was better to see Amaren laugh and have fun while doing this, rather than cry and feel the full extent of pressure while constantly striving for approval. He did not want his son to have to deal with the same pressures Arthur did when he was a child. There would be a time for that, and right now was not it.

They were playing around -- more so that properly engaging in a strategic combat. He was so amused, seeing his son's determined expression every time he went in for that mortal blow that Arthur had trained him to do. Amaren was so filled with life, so filled with excitement. And they moved back and forth quite a bit, switching positions, having the entire front land of the house to use to their advantage. A point came where Amaren took the tip of his stick and rammed it into Arthur's stomach. Arthur let out a pained gasp and clutched the spot where his son had struck him. Then -- in an overly dramatic fashion -- he fell to the ground, closing his eyes, acting as if he was dead.

Amaren stood there, confused and shocked for a few moments as he lowered the stick that he had 'killed' his father with. "Papa?" He asked in a shy, quiet voice. Almost trembling really. He took a few hesitant steps towards Arthur, peering down at him, looking at him very closely. "Papa?" He asked again, looking down even more closely at the slain farmer.

When Arthur felt his son's presence looming over him, he suddenly sprung up, grabbing his son and holding him up in the air. "Got you!" He exclaimed, seeing his son's transformation of fear and uncertainty, to relief and a bit of sore defeat. But being spun around in the air, only filled him with joviality, as he laughed with great amusement. "No fair Papa! You tricked me!" Arthur just chuckled at the accusation. Arthur had still been spinning him in the air when another sound -- apart from the innocent laughter of a child -- filled the air. Hooves. The sound of an incoming army. Arthur froze and he felt his heart beat faster. They lived in a quiet, peaceful area and there should not be so many men so near to their house. Unless . . .

Arthur slowly put his son down, directing his attention towards where he knew a group of men were going to emerge from. And that was when he saw them. Knights. But not just any knights: they wore the Pendragon crest. Arthur remained completely composed but he could feel the fear building up inside of him. They had found him. His father had found him. He pulled his son towards him, protectively putting an arm around Amaren so that he would remain firmly in place by his side. The knights looked at him, and while they tried to hide it, Arthur could easily recognize their expressions. It was a mixture of many things. Disbelief at how their prince could live such a life. At how he could have left everything behind for the life of a farmer. But what they would never understand -- or what his father would never understand -- is how much more he gained by leaving.

"What is the meaning of this?" His tone held a certain authority to it that he had not used in the past five years. He didn't care that he had been vacant from his position in the castle for so long. There was a great deal at stake. His family. And thats when it hit him: Guinevère and Anna. Amaren was here with him, but what of his wife and daughter?! Arthur continued to remain as composed as he could, waiting for an explanation from the knights as he had demanded why they intruded on his land like this. Wait . . . had his father died? Is that why they were here?

"We have been sent by the king to retrieve you, and bring you back to your rightful place in Camelot."

Arthur was not convinced. Though it did at least eliminate the possibility that his father had passed on and so Camelot was without a king. So really, there was no dire need for his return. "My rightful place is here," he said in a completely serious, determined voice. They could not just waltz in here and drag him back to a place he did not yet want to go to.

"Your wife and child have already been apprehended. They are being escorted back as we speak."

While his initial fear increased, so did his anger. They had gotten to Guinevère and Anna?! How dare they! He knew this was his father's doing. Why else would they care to disrupt this peaceful life he had lived in the past several years. Arthur picked up Amaren, very protectively, glaring at the men.

"Papa! Whats going on?!" Amaren was not fully afraid, but very curious while the gleam of excitement at seeing knights was evident in his eyes and expression.

Arthur tried to soften his expression for the sake of his son. He took a deep breath. Why had the moment he'd been dreading in the past five years have to come so soon. He knew he had no choice. They had Guinevère and Anna. There was nothing in their tone that implied they were anything less than serious. "Amaren . . . my son." He looked away from the knights, and at his son, trying to force a reassuring smile. Not wanting his son to notice that his father felt as if he was going to break down. "We're going on a trip to the Kingdom of Camelot."

The journey had been one of the most painful ones Arthur had ever been on. Every second, he feared for Guinevère and his daughter. He didn't know where they were. Or if they were alright. He was not even permitted to travel with her, as they knew that his was the on guaranteed and assured way that Arthur would return to Camelot. He had left with Guinevère and now he was being forced to return without her. If his father was trying to make some sort of peace with him, then he was failing miserably as this only made him more resentful towards the King.

"Whats Camelot like Papa?" At least his son was excited by the prospect of going to a new, unfamiliar land. And ironically, the very place he would one day be king of. Arthur had to keep acting casual for Amaren, not wanting him to pick up on the fact that this was not a place that they should be going to. He wondered what would happen to him. Would his father punish Guinevère? Would he have the audacity to somehow punish his children? There were so many possibilities worthy of making Arthur terrified . . . and he was trapped. Unable to do anything about it.

"Its a beautiful kingdom my son," Arthur answered, trying to sound as optimistic as he could. "You'll love it." That much was true. Arthur just sincerely hoped the king would not tarnish Amaren's first memories of entering a land that he was destined to rule. He had told him, very vague details, and the truth of who he was. Amaren did not seem to grasp the full magnitude of it though. He seemed to be filled with confusion and wonder. He was only five years old, and Arthur knew that it was only until the situation was actually forced upon him, that he would fully comprehend what was going on.

They were drawing closer and closer though. They had entered Camelot and the city gates could be seen from a distance. None of this mattered though. All Arthur longed to see what his wife and daughter, who he missed more than he could say. His heart literally ached for them. After having lived with Guinevère for five years, and having his daughter for two . . . and now, suddenly not seeing either of them for days . . . it was a horrible adjustment, one Arthur would never feel fully comfortable making.

Even when they entered the gates, he was denied the ability to see them. Had they arrived? Were they still on the road? Where were they?! Arthur was too distracted to pay attention to all of the shocked looks that the citizens of the city gave him as he rode through it. They had not seen him in five years, so it was understandable for them to have such a shock. But that did not matter to him right now. All that mattered was his family, and makings sure they were safe. Arthur dismounted his horse, helping his son down as well. It wasn't until one of the knights tried to take Amaren away from him, that Arthur spoke with such warning.

"Don't you dare touch him." He knew that it was not the knight's fault. Arthur was just so angry, so afraid. He did not know how to handle all these emotions that he had not experienced ever since he had heard his father's decision to banish Gwen all those years ago. The knight did not do anything to test how serious Arthur was in this warning voice. He just lowered his head a bit, and took a few steps back.

"The king requires your immediate presence."

Arthur figured as much. This however was not going to be a fully heart warming reunion. His father had dragged him back from his perfect life, to deal with the separation of his wife and daughter. Arthur was not at all pleased, to say the very least. He picked up Amaren in his arms, and followed the knights. "We're going to meet the king, your grandfather now," Arthur said, again, trying to sound more positive than he felt right now. He just deeply prayed that his father did not ruin his grandson's first memories of him. That he would be more open and welcoming . . . despite the fact that Arthur had left Camelot to be with a servant -- in Uther's eyes.

He was not sure when he had felt this nervous before. He held Amaren tightly in his arms, silently clearing his throat. The walk to the throne room felt a lot longer than it ever had in the past. Servants eyed him in shock, as did the other knights he walked past. But he paid them no attention. "Papa, why are all these people staring at us?" Amaren asked in a whisper, filled with wonder at all the gazes people were giving them.

"Because they haven't seen me in a very long time," he answered, finding that was the least complex response he could give him. "And they have never met you before," he added with a bit of a smile, increasing the excitement in his son as Amaren gave a bright grin. Arthur could still however tell that his poor son was overwhelmed by everything. The drastic change of being in a small house in a village, compared to a large castle in an unfamiliar city, was enough to cause anyone a great sense of confusion.

And then, there came to the doors. The oh so familiar doors. One of the knights opened them for him, and led him inside. He heard him announcing Arthur's arrival, not even mentioning his son. Arthur did not know whether to take that as a good sign or a bad. He just wished he could reverse time to several days ago when life had been more simple. But he was now stuck, and had no other choice. He took a deep breath, giving a faint smile to his son, and with no more time to waste, Arthur stepped inside, to see his father standing there, waiting for him.

Arthur had to admit that he had missed him. He was his father after all. He was the man who had raised him, who had given him strength, who had cared for him. So part of the Prince was thankful to see him healthy. On the other hand, he knew his father's temper, and he could not so easily forgive him for having banished a woman he had admitted he loved so dearly. Especially now, when even though they were out of the kingdom, he still found a way to bring them back, and he still found a way to separate them. So for now, Arthur just stood there, holding his son close to him in his arms, and watching his father very closely, waiting for him to speak first. He did not bow out of respect, he did nothing. He just stood. Watching the King with extreme caution.

[kinguthersqueen]

He had searched for them for some time, always hopeful that he would be able to find Arthur and bring him home. He had been furious at the boy's folly and annoyed that he hadn't been able to make him see the error of his ways and that he had left Camelot without an heir. He had hoped to take his secret about Morgana to the grave with him, but eventually, he'd felt he had little choice but to make her his heir. Camelot could not be without an heir, and he could not allow Arthur's actions to go unpunished.

Arthur still looked strong and healthy, but decidedly not like the royalty he was raised as, which was not surprising to Uther. Getting him back here had been delicate work; they were beyond his borders, but he'd made an agreement with the king of that land to be able to send men without it being retaliated against as an act of war. He knew he could not force Arthur to stay, but he had wanted to speak to him again, to make all his feelings accumulated during Arthur's absence known. Secretly, he was happy that Arthur was alive and well, but his pain and anger overshadowed any of that right now.

"I still cannot believe you were foolish enough to do this! You threw everything away and left your kingdom without an heir. I had to bring you back, had to ensure that you faced me when you were found. I cannot forgive you for this, for turning your back on everything for the sake of a peasant girl!"the king said.

[Arthur Pendragon]

There had been a hope in Arthur, that perhaps, just perhaps his father had changed. That by some miracle, his father would just pull his son -- and his grandson -- into a hug and say something along the lines of forgiveness. That they could just get a fresh start, and the last five years would have been enough for them to realize that they should respect the decisions that the other made. That the king would understand Arthur's love for Guinevère was more than just lustful actions; and that he could now explain to his father why he felt he had to do it. Oh how Arthur had hoped that for calm, serene, heart felt reunion, even if he had not expected it. But no. The King did nothing of the sort. Instead, he dared to insult his actions, and in the process, his wife by referring to her as a 'peasant girl'. He spoke of how he would not forgive his son for this. No. His father had not changed in the least.

Arthur stood there, an emotionless expression on his face, as he was trying to contain his anger. He would not have cared as much had his father not had Guinevère and Anna. Arthur did not know where they were and did not trust his father with their lives since he was speaking against his actions now. "That peasant girl --" Arthur began to say with bitter resentment against his father "Is my wife." He said it in such a way, that did not excuse any insult towards her. Even if he was the king, he expected his father to respect Guinevère, who was in fact Uther's daughter in law. He may as well explain just how serious he was when it came to his feelings for her.

"The child with her, is your granddaughter." Did his father even care?! "And this," Arthur looked at his son for a moment before turning his cold gaze back to his father. "Is your grandson." This was Arthur's family now, and it was unavoidably Uther's too. Would the king dare condemn his own blood? These children were his own blood; they had Royal blood running through their veins. Arthur thought nothing of his actions to be foolish. He did not regret a single day he was with his family; he never wished he had not left, especially now, seeing the unwelcoming words his father had to offer. Lets just see what he had to say about his family. About the family that the King's son had made. So with this explanation of his wife, and two children, Arthur just stood there, staring at his father.

Amaren looked at the man who was wearing a crown. If he understood correctly, this man was his grandfather? He did not look very friendly though. Actually, he looked a bit scary. If this is my papa's, papa . . . why isn't he giving him a hug? Why isn't he fighting him with sticks? Why isn't he even smiling? Why does he look mean? Amaren may only be a child but the tone in which the king spoke was enough to send a bit of a chill down the infant's spine. His voice was loud and . . . scary. Was this really his grandfather? Why did he look so mad? Amaren turned his head and buried it in his father's shoulder, just letting his papa speak.

[Guinevère]

They had not had to harm her in order to take her with them. She would not risk her daughter by fighting them like she might have had she been alone. Clutching Anna tightly to her, Guinevère could only be 'escorted' by them away from her home as Anna cried for her Papa. Anna was a Papa's girl and loved Arthur so very, very much. At that age, every girl did. How could they not? To a daughter, her father was the best man in the world. He protected her from all the scary things in the shadows and from older brothers and bugs. Fathers were everything to daughters.

So it only made it harder for everyone when Anna could not have her father. Anna's tears were loud and Guinevère was afraid the knights might get annoyed and seek to try to hush her. After a few hours, it became clear to Guinevère that they were not meeting up with Arthur, and the others. She was told nothing else besides she was going back to Camelot, and that the prince would be going back as well. Was she bait? Had they taken Arthur too? Where was her son?! What if he was not with Arthur!? Would they seek him out before dragging their prince home?!

She was banished from this place, what would happen to her? Would the king seek to keep her children from her?! What would happen to them?!

These questions were only the first of millions and millions that she either thought about, asked about with no reply or feared the answers too.

She was treated like a servant again, and not a respectable wife of a farmer. They would look past her, and when they did speak to her, it was to have her serve them drinks. While not cruel to her, nor overly cold it was very telling about the Camelot she was going back to.

When the arrived, Guinevère pulled Anna tighter to her, and started walking though the court yard. There were so many people there, and they all were staring at her. That was when she saw Sir Leon, as he came down the steps to speak to the knights. His voice seemed louder then normal, as if he wanted her to hear him tell the knights that Arthur and Amaren were with the king. Guinevère felt the sharp almost painful emotions that hit her when she learned they were safe. "Papa is here?" Guinevère looked down at her daughter, "Yes, Papa is here and we will see him soon."

She over heard Sir Leon tell the knight that she was to been keep in the hall, until summoned by the king. Guinevère followed the knights with Anna as she was lead to the doors that would open and lead her to the grand hall. There she waited, hoping that everything would turn out for the good. That she would not loose her children nor her husband.

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[pie]

Merlin had always wondered where they had gone off to. When Gwen had been banished, and Arthur had left Camelot to follow her, where had they gone to? Somewhere Uther couldn't find them, somewhere where Arthur could escape his royalty and be left alone, but where was that somewhere? Wherever it was, it was a pretty good place, for Uther hadn't found them all these years. Still...

He had always wondered what the two of them were doing. How were they? How did they make a living -- though, with Gwen, they were probably well off -- ? Were they happy? He hoped they were, now that they could spend all their time together without having to worry about status' keeping them apart. One of his biggest questions, though, was: Did they still remember him?

He had been devastated when they left. Yes, Gwen had to, and he didn't blame Arthur for going with her -- he actually was proud of the Prince for doing so --, but he hadn't been able to follow. And, not knowing where they were, how was he ever to complete his destiny? How was he to keep Arthur safe? It seemed as if all of that was for naught, now. Now that he had no clue with either of his best friends were.

He stayed in Camelot after still, working with Gaius, learning the -- boring -- ways of the physician skill -- he had to admit, though, he did enjoy mixing things--. He stayed, hoping to be there whenever the two decided to return to Camelot, and to keep an eye on Morgana. He would never have forgiven himself if he wasn't there on the day they returned -- if they ever planned on coming back. Silently, he cursed every moment he saw Uther. The King had banished an innocent woman because Arthur loved her, and had driven away his only son.

A few moments ago, he had left Gaius' chambers to go take a remedy he had made -- while Gaius watched to make sure he didn't mess up -- to one of their patients that had a bad cold for quite some time now. The remedy would help with their coughing and sneezing. This was when, while walking down one of the castle halls, he looked out the window and saw the guards escorting someone inside. At first, he had only mild curiosity, but upon further inspections, after opening and leaning out the window, he recognized the woman. Gwen!

Stowing the remedy in his pocket, he moved quickly to the lower floors to come up behind the guards as they led her into the grand hall. "Gwen!" he whispered to himself, knowing what this must mean. It didn't look like this was a pleasant reunion of families. He didn't know if they would let him inside, but he noticed Sir Leon a little ways away. Perhaps...?

It was only a matter of minutes until he was permitted to enter. Bidding the respected Knight a thank you, Merlin slipped into the grand hall, and stood for a few moments once he looked at Gwen. He didn't know what to say, even as he looked and noticed that she held a young girl. So, Gwen and Arthur had had a child?

"Gwen," he said softly, not exactly sure of what to feel. It had been so long...

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was standing there staring at the doors that would open in a few minutes and revel to her what was going on inside the king's hall. She knew he was making her wait while she spoke to his son but her son was in there! She'd not seen him for DAYS upon DAYS! The longest she had ever gone with out seeing him!

When she heard her name, she turned to the side and the tears started to fill her eyes! Merlin! Oh Merlin! She took a few steps over to him and wrapped her free hand around him. The knights watched her actions as if they might move to stop her but in the end, they decided to let her hug her friend. "Merlin! I have never been so glad to see a friend in my whole life!" She told him before letting go just enough to stop and look up. Anna was clinging to her tighter and she had to let go of Merlin so she could put a calming down hand on Anna's back.

She could see Merlin looking at her daughter and she leaned her head down to speak to her daughter. "Anna? Do remember your favorite story?" She asked the two year old knowing she loved Arthur's stories that he often told her. Anna gave a nod of her head and Guinevère shifted her so Anna could see Merlin. "I want you to meet Merlin. From the stories." Anna turned her head to look up at Merlin with surprised wide eyes that still held a bit of being afraid. She was after all so very far from home and had not seen her father for over a week.

Arthur had taken events from his life, and turned them into stories. Anna's favorite was the one where the princess gets kidnapped and the prince and his 'clumsily servant' had to go and rescue her. They had to dress in berries to hide from trolls, and climb a castle wall for her.

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[pie]

When Gwen wrapped her free hand around him in a hug, Merlin found both his own wrapping around her to do the same. He suddenly found that he was happy, for he should be, to see her again. But he knew something was wrong, and her words only proved that suspicion more. There was something wrong with her having to wait here, something wrong about the room being guarded. And...

Where was Arthur?

"Gwen... what happened?" he asked softly, concern etching his voice. Though he believed he knew what had happened... Uther had found them. He wanted to hold on to her longer, he had missed her so much, but she pulled away. He gave her a small smile, and then looked to the little girl, and his smile widened into a grin. When Gwen spoke to her, Merlin felt as if a heavy burden was lifted from his shoulders. If he had been in the stories they told to the little one, then... they hadn't forgotten him?

"Hello, Anna. Such a pretty name for such a beautiful little girl. You look so much like your mother," he said in a warm voice. "There's no reason to be afraid, I don't bite. Oh, I have something for you!" Merlin, after losing his job -- because when Arthur left, he obviously couldn't be his servant anymore -- had needed something to do in his mass of time. So, after searching for a long while, he had taken up carving wood into various shapes.

His favorite was carving dragons. They were mythical, strong creatures that stood as a source of power. Plus, he carved them in memory of Arthur and Gwen -- for he had been sure that they would get married. He had one of the handheld carvings in his jacket pocket, which he turned to face away from the others to pull out. He turned so he could mumble a few words to finish it without anyone hearing, "ágrafan wideferhð déormód." Wideferhð déormód. Always Courageous. Which the Pendragons always seemed to be, even if foolishly so. Plus, it was a good motto and value to teach children.

Turning back around, he presented the small wooden dragon with the words engraved on the bottom. "A dragon for a Pendragon," he declared. He held it out for Anna to take if she so wished, giving Gwen another little smile.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther just wish Arthur could understand how complicated the lives of royalty were. Marriage for peasants was able to be about love, they didn't have anything to worry about. But a man in such a high position as Arthur's could not worry only about his own life. He had to make such moves wisely and carefully, whether he felt love for his eventual bride or not. Duty to the kingdom and gaining power,wealth and influence among other kingdoms had to be taken into consideration before anything else. It wasn't as though he wanted Arthur to be unhappy, but he had to think about Camelot more. Why didn't his son understand?

"You make things very complicated. Children of royalty can be accepted only with the proper heritage from both parents...that is not my view, it is the council's. Obviously, the king's word is law, but he will be subject to much grumbling and mocking from the people and the rulers of other kingdoms if his wife and children are not fully of royal birth. You know I want you to be happy, I've always wanted that. But I cannot allow myself to be happy unless I know that the kingdom is in good hands. I know how it could damage the chances of Camelot in gaining alliances and winning the favor of other nations to prevent war. I can only see that life is a lot more complicated for a prince than a peasant, and that sometimes, one's own feelings must be put aside for a greater good. I am unhappy that no agreement can be reached, but I cannot adopt views that may put the entire kingdom at risk."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was getting increasingly agitated. His father was showing no emotion to his grandson . . . no attempt to try to get to know him. In fact, he said that he could not adopt views that may put the entire kingdom at risk. Meaning what, that they could not accept his family? Arthur was not going to stand here and listen to his father talk to him about what a mistake he had made; about how the king would not accept his family. Arthur at this point did not care; it was why he had left in the first place. He would concern himself more with facing humiliation than allowing a woman who would be an outstanding Queen, take the throne? Arthur knew his father had pride, but he never knew it was to this extent. It only made him angry to hear how easy it was for Uther to dismiss his son's family.

"If you are so unwilling to accept us, then you will let us return to our home." Their home; not Camelot. Their home where the king had them dragged from. "Now where is my wife and daughter." It was a demanding question, though Arthur had to keep his tone leveled. He knew he had to be very careful about how bold he was. The king -- his father -- had leverage over him, and something told Arthur that he was not going to be permitted to just waltz out of here with Guinevère, Anna and Amaren. But what did his father want from him then? Well, it seemed he was about to find out.

Amaren was not liking this. The man with the crown seemed so angry, and his papa did not seem happy either. The small boy peeked to the side, glancing at the men with swords, getting increasingly scared. This did not seem like a happy place. "I want mama!" He stated, his eyes beginning to well with tears. He had not seen his mother or sister, in over a week, and he did not like this place. He wanted to go home.

[Guinevère]

"Gwen... what happened?" Merlin asked her but then he also offered Anna a wooden toy. Her heart swelled for it seemed Merlin was still the kind man he had been when she'd left with Arthur. Leaving Merlin had been hard on them both, and they had almost named their son after him. However, Arthur would return here one day and their son would have met Merlin. Besides, Gwen finally understood why her father named her Guinevère. It was why she named her son Amaren and not Merlin.

"A dragon for a Pendragon," She shook her head slowly at Merlin, a pained look in her face as Anna reached over for the toy. Anna at lest appeared calmer with Merlin here. Once Anna had the toy she gave Merlin a soft smile before turning her face into her mother's shoulder and hugging the dragon closer to her. "Thank you." Gwen said for her, knowing how children liked comfort things. Everything Anna owned--anything all of them owned was over a week's ride out of the kingdom.

Gwen's voice grew soft, for she was trying not to let Anna hear her tone and worry. Anna would not understand most of what she said anyway. A dragon for a pendragon. "She does not know." Gwen started to explain, "We thought it best if no one knew."

What had happened? Where to start? "We were in Elena's kingdom. On the furthermost border from here, almost in another kingdom. We had a farm, Arthur worked the fields and I did mending for the village." It was home, and it seemed so imposable to get back there right now. "I was walking home with my daughter when they came for me. I have not been allowed to see Arthur, or my son. I did not even learn they were here until Sir Leon took kindness on me and told me." She was so afraid of losing her children and her family. "Is there hope, Merlin? Has the king changed any?" So afraid that the emotion and tone she wanted to hide from Anna slipped thought anyway.

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[kinguthersqueen]

"By all rights, I ought to have you both executed for treason since you abandoned your kingdom. You're lucky I'm at least thinking more clearly than that."Uther remarked.

He had thought about it many times during their absence. He could easily punish Arthur and the girl both harshly, but he did not want to see his son die. He could not bear the thought of watching such a spectacle. Deep inside, he knew he was fighting a losing battle. They would return when he died and take the throne, or try to. He knew exactly how it was going to end, too, now that things had changed.

"I will warn you that you that I know what your intention is. You wish to return to Camelot after I have passed. But you will face a battle if you return to take the throne after my death. You forced me to acknowledge a truth that has remained hiden, one I would rather have taken to my grave, and to make Morgana my heir. This is a great shame for both myself and all of Camelot. We are already recieving scorn and mockery, and once I am gone, it will extend to Morgana. Can you live with yourself if Camelot is conquered because the other kings will not accept Morgana as queen? That is what you are condemning us to!

Uther's eyes blazed with fury. He knew what Camelot's future held without Arthur, and it was a bleak one. Why could the prince not see that? He could not prevent them leaving again, and would not lift a hand to kill Arthur, but he could forbid them ever returning if Arthur did not see reason.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Executed?! No. NO! He couldn't do that. He wouldn't actually orphan two children like that, children that were his own blood! As much as his father wanted to deny it, he could not. Amaren and Anna were a part of him. And yet, he was so willing to leave them without parents. Apart from the fear of Guinevère's fate, Arthur felt devastated. Devastated because he knew his father had not changed in his acceptance; devastated because even after five years, nothing had changed. Everything was as it had been, and it made Arthur only happier that he had left when he did.

When he spoke of Morgana, Arthur just became shocked. What was he implying? He couldn't . . . no. Surely he did not mean . . . but then . . . how else would Morgana be heir if she was not linked by blood? A truth that remained hidden he said . . . No. It couldn't be. Could it? Arthur just stared at his father coldly. How could he have lied about something like that?! How! How dare he! Arthur couldn't believe it. There had to be more to this. Maybe he was speaking about the fact that Morgana was like a daughter to him? No. He knew the king and he knew how he stuck to traditions. It was why he had also been so opposed to his son being with a servant in the first place.

Arthur knew now, that leaving Camelot had meant he abandoned his claim to the throne. This possibility had always haunted his mind. Guinevère had told him that he had been the hope for the kingdom, the hope for many people. Was this really true? And if so, had it meant that he had abandoned them? Yet, he could not bring himself to regret leaving. He knew this could happen. Well, he had never expected Morgana to be the one to take his place on the throne. This shocking truth was just too much. Arthur had so much to say, and he there were no words he could bring himself to speak.

He could not imagine Camelot falling to someone else. It was his father's kingdom, his future kingdom! He couldn't mean this. There had to be something Arthur was missing. Feeling his son getting restless, Arthur used every ounce within him to restrain himself from yelling at his father -- the king -- in this moment. Had Amaren not been in his arms, it would have been an entirely different story. "Let me take my son to his mother," Arthur said both formally and lacking any sort of emotion. "I can not have this conversation in front of him." He had so many things to say . . . but for now, he had to suppress them and pray that the king would not punish his family for his actions.

"Do whatever you want to me, let my family be in peace. They have done nothing wrong." Guinevère had left because she was banished; and the children were of course innocent. Arthur would not be above begging his father for this. As angry as he was, he knew the king's temper. He would give his life for his family, and it greatly saddened Arthur that he would have to consider such a death . . . when his father was the one potentially administering it.

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther saw the expression on Arthur's face that he expected. Surprise, shock, followed by a lot of anger. He had anticipated this, and only wished Arthur could see his own foolishness and agree to stay and reclaim his title so he wouldn't have to deal with this anymore. He had half a mind to throw Arthur in the dungeon or flog him, but nothing would stop his intentions and the king knew it.

Uther sighed and gave a nod. Angry as he was, there was no reason to subject small children to an intense argument.

"Very well, send them out. No one is leaving until our discussion is finished, but i see no reason to subject them to it." I have no ill will for the children anyway, only for you and the woman who caused you to do this. I still often find myself hoping that this is an enchantment, that somehow a way may still exist to break it. But it appears it is not, that it's just what you wanted."

Uther waited for the children to be sent out and then told Arthur"You may speak."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur knew that neither his father nor himself were done with this conversation. And so to hear that he would at least permit his son to return to Guinevère, was a huge relief to Arthur. He gave a short nod before turning to leave, showing that he was not just going to send his son out to wander around through the halls of the castle. No. He would take him to her himself . . . that way, he could also see Anna and Guinevère, and make sure they were alright. He did not like the fact that his father blamed Guinevère. He needed to make sure that no harm came to her, and if his father took pity and mercy on at least the children, then surely he would understand that he could not leave them without a mother. Such things were what Arthur would have to convince his father about . . . but the revelation of Morgana . . . Arthur did not know how he was going to be able to keep his emotions in check. He was furious, shocked, and scared to death for his family.

He walked through the doors and into the hallway, various guards throughout the castle motioning for him where to go, where Guinevère and Anna were being kept. When he was on the opposite end of the hall, he still caught sight of them. Anna. Guinevère. . . Merlin. Merlin. He had not seen him for far too long, and it was one of the most difficult friendships that Arthur had to walk away from. Seeing his friend standing next to his wife and daughter gave him automatic comfort. At least she would be in the company of a trusted friend. And . . . it was indeed wonderful to see his previous servant again. When Arthur was about half way down the hall, he put down Amaren as he was getting a bit restless and far too excited over the site of his mother and sister.

"MAMA!" The small boy cried and ran right towards Guinevère, instantly putting his arms around her. Arthur tried to smile, he had to practically force one onto his lips. While he was ecstatic and massively relieved to see his family safe and sound, he was still terrified for their well being. This was not how he wanted their return to Camelot to be like. He wanted it to be their choice; not a forced return. When Arthur was closer, he took Anna in his arms, leaning in to give Guinevère a brief kiss before holding his daughter, and kissing her on the cheek. He had not held her for over a week. He had not seen his wife in over a week. The separation was unbarable. And he knew, that they could very well be separated for a far longer amount of time.

He then turned his attention to Merlin, looking at him intently, not sure what to say. What did one say to their closest friend that they had not seen for 5 years? He really did not know where to start. Still firmly holding Anna in one arm, he took his other hand and lightly hit Merlin on the side of his arm, below his shoulder. It was not done in an aggressive way, it was more of a greeting. Arthur was in a mix of emotions, unsure what words to say, or what to do. All he could do was look in among the people that he cared for. His children, his wife, his best friend . . . and desperately hope that no harm would come to any of them.

[Guinevère]

'MAMA!' Guinevère turned around at the sound of her son's voice and hurried over as much as she could to him. The guards would not let her to far. She fell to her knees, tears on her cheeks as she hugged her son to her. Anna, still clutching the dragon, held her hands up to her father whom she had not seen for a so very many days.

Finally, Guinevère stood with her son now in her arms and stepped closer to Arthur as he kissed her softly. She pressed her self closer, as she was just as afraid as the children were if not more. She knew however, she had to be brave.

When she looked up at him, he was looking at Merlin. Merlin had not had a chance to reply to her question and she was afraid of the answer. "Arthur, what is happening?" She asked in a saddened whisper, trying to understand what would be happening with her and her children!

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[Arthur Pendragon]

Watching the mini reunion made the guilt continue to build inside of him. This should not be happening. They should be back home, in their quaint little house, away from all of this. But returning would not be so easy. Not when he knew his father had been searching for him since the day he left. He would not so easily let his son -- or his family -- go. "I wish I knew," Arthur said in a low voice, not wanting to cause any alarm in her right now. At least Uther was not sending her off to the dungeon or anything. There would still be hope to convince him to let Gwen and the children at least go. And then Arthur would deal with the situation accordingly. But for now, he had to watch his words around his father . . . knowing, that he had leverage against him -- as bad as it was to think along such terms.

"Go with Merlin, stay in his quarters." He knew that Merlin would not object to this. Even now, he made small demands on Merlin . . . but this was an entirely different situation. Arthur noticed one of the guards look at him quizzically, but Arthur just stared back at him . . . holding that confident authority that he had not demonstrated in the past five years. It was enough to silence the guard on saying anything on the matter. Arthur would inform his father. Besides, it was better than them just standing in the hall. Guinevère and the children would be hungry and tired, and his father should not object too much . . . they were still within the castle walls after all.

"I must go speak with the king some more. I just wanted to make sure you were all alright." And safe. He was still however, not ready to let go of his daughter, and further distance himself from all of them. Arthur prayed that this would all end well. "Merlin," he said, looking at his long term friend. "Take care of them," he said in a soft voice, his eyes with a desperate plea. His previous servant would be a man Arthur would forever trust, and right now he was entrusting him with the most important thing of all . . . his family.

[Guinevère]

He was leaving her?! She knew it was irrational to feel an edge of panic for he was only going to talk to his father but she could not help but to feel it. Merlin nor no Merlin, she wanted Arthur by her side! She loved Merlin, and he had been the one thing she missed most about this kingdom--but she this was her family! She was on the edge of losing everything!

Anna was still clinging to him and Guinevère could not pull her away. Anna was such a Daddy's girl, and it would break her heart to have him leave again. What of the king would not let them see another? Was he that cold?

Guinevère could only look up at Arthur, while clutching her son in her arms. She knew that if she had to leave, that she'd need help. She did not have it in her to just walk away. "We are safer together." She whispered, trying to hold on to him while she could.

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[/quote]

[Arthur Pendragon]

While Arthur was afraid of what his father might to do her and their children, she had a point. It would be safer for them to remain together. At least this way, Arthur would be able to see them with his own eyes. He would be able to keep a close watch on them. Rather than just wonder if they were alright. Wonder if his father had sent out some order to capture them, for Arthur would be helpless to stop them. But this way, he would have a better chance to protect them. This was all so very wrong. He hated the feeling of needing to protect his family from his family; his wife and children from his father. Even when he brought his son to the king, he showed no interest in his grandchild. It angered Arthur. Whether he agreed with his choice in women or not, he should not be taking it out on his grandchildren.

Arthur gave a bit of a nod, holding onto Anna with one arm, while using his free hand to told Guinevère's. "Come on," he said in a low voice, gently tightening his grasp on her hand, as if he was afraid to let go of it. He did indeed fear his father's wrath, especially now when he clearly showed no interest in forgiving and moving on, or even reconciling in the smallest way. No. Instead he chose to argue and show only anger. Well, maybe he would change his mind once he saw them all together. Once he finally accepted that this was his son's life now, and no matter what the king said, nothing would change that. And so, with this confidence in where he stood in terms of his family, he began to walk back to the throne room, trying to shake the fear of what his father's reaction would be to seeing them all together.