Play Pretend [Morgana]

[shonz]

Gwaine loved going on patrols. He loved walking through the city and the outlying villages feeling important and well-respected upon by the people of Camelot. A lot of things a knighthood can do to you in such so short a time. Sure, it hadn’t exactly come on a silver platter. Gwaine and his fellow new knights had to stand strong by Arthur in his time of need, battling an immortal army as they rescue King Uther and take back Camelot from his magical and evil half-sister Morgana. It wasn’t one Gwaine minded doing at all. Even before Arthur had heralded him and the others the knighthood, he had already pledged his loyalty to the prince. The knighthood only made it official. After all he had been through with Arthur, he knew he was worth dying for.

Anyway, Gwaine loved patroling so much, he had volunteered to go out on a jaunt to the far-flung villages on the hills of Camelot. Of course, it wouldn't be any ordinary patrol. It's a one-knight, two-pronged job. He was doing it alone, and he must not only check on the village but gather some information as well. He had been to these places once or twice in his early wanderings, and wondered how they are faring now. He wondered if news about Morgana's brief takeover of Camelot had reached them, and how it had affected them. Arthur would appreciate whatever news or bits of information he could take back to the city upon his return.

The sun was high up in the sky, casting sweltering light and heat to the surroundings, as Gwaine spied the first village after traveling for a day. Dressed in everyday clothes, the knight led his horse Leonie towards the unmistakable tavern, hoping to get something to eat and some directions to an inn. He had hoped to spend at least one night mingling with the locals, and getting whatever information he could gather from them. Best stay incognito, pretend to be just a traveler heading to Camelot, in search of information. He’d get honest answers that way rather than to tell the people outright who he really was. Shouldn’t be too hard for him. He had been pretending to be a nobody for most of his life, anyway.



Tagged: Morgana Le Fay
Location: Camelot - Hills and Countrysides
When: After Series 3

[mysery]

Venturing into any town within Camelot's borders wasn't a good experience for Morgana. Ever since all but fleeing the city with her sister, she'd avoided crowded places. No need to give Uther and Arthur any indication of where they were until they were ready for them, so she and Morgause hadn't fled over the borders as one might expect. Hiding right under their noses, as it were. They remained close enough to keep an eye on things. Hence the reason for this venture into town.

The tavern owner was all to happy to chatter on to a lovely young woman about everything they had heard in the last few days over a drink. The one thing about the tavens trips though as, per its function, it was often filled with drunks. And every now and then, they thought it would be a good idea to tyr and make passes at her. Rolling her eyes, Morgana put down the tankard she had been drinking from as some men approached her. The second group today. Clearly they hadn't been paying attention earlier.

Her dark hair was braided loosely and hung from inside her dark hood and over her shoulder. She wore a simple green dress and looked rather unassuming overall. One might think it her own fault, a young woman, alone and unassuming in a small town tavern, but Morgana was far from what she appeared. And threatening appearances sealed people's lips quicker than announcing who she was. Deception had become almost second nature to her thanks to her beloved sister. Now it served her well.

Any men being killed with magic, Morgana knew, would draw unwanted attention to her and that was something she wished to avoid. Camelot City would no doubt hear of it, since small towns were not well known for being able to hold their tongues. Nevertheless, Morgana knew she could handle herself if things went bad. She had grown up fighting with the Prince of Camelot. She knew how to handle a weapon. Magic, for now, was out.

Levelling a glare at one man, who took a seat at her table and was flanked by three others, Morgana lifted her chin as they chuckled.

"What's a pretty youn' thin' like you doin' here all by her lonesome?" the seated one asked, smiling at his best she mused. Missing three front teeth if Morgana counted correctly. Obviously spent a lot of time in taverns then.

"Minding her own business," the lady replied coolly. "Perhaps you should do the same," she added. Unfortunately, her reflexes were a tad late so, when he grabbed for her, her wrist was siezed in his iron grip. That would bruise, she had no doubt. His face was a sneer now, all pretense of the niceties forgotten. Add drunk and violent to the list of qualities then. "Unhand me," Morgana demanded, her voice hard.

---------------------

Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

“You heard the lady. Get your hands off her.”

Gwaine had walked in on the disagreeable scene inside the tavern. He had just entrusted Leonie to a stable boy who was eager enough to feed and take care of his horse for a few gold coins, and was stepping into the tavern for a good meal and some fine ale. Seeing the burly, and obviously drunk, men surround the cloaked woman like vultures zoning in on a kill. It was just one of the usual scenes happening inside a tavern, and one Gwaine had seen a little too much of. He couldn’t fault the women who only want to come in, and have some peace and quiet while having their meals. So it was obviously the men’s fault for falling slaves to their own desires. Sure, flirting with pretty barmaids had become almost like a past time, but Gwaine was never one to force himself when he knew his advances were spurned. He was nothing like these men.

The woman didn’t sound scared nor did Gwaine see her cower at the men advanced on her. He admired her spirit and bravery for that. Any maiden would have already shouted out for help. Despite her strong and seemingly calm demeanor, Gwaine knew every maiden wouldn’t want to be caught in such a situation. The stubborn ones would probably want to handle these men all by themselves, but Gwaine’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to just leave her alone like that. And besides, he was a knight of Camelot. With or without that mandate, he would come to this woman’s rescue…or anybody else’s for that matter, if truth be told.

“You heard her, too. Mind your own business.”

Gwaine chuckled as the men ignored him, and just focused their attention on the hooded woman still. While he was all weary from the travel and would have preferred to take things slow and easy, he knew such wouldn’t be the case for long if these men continue to be stubborn drunks. He had to think hard and fast. “I can’t. She’s with me,” he said, using the line he almost always resorts to in cases like this. Of course, more often than not, it always gets him in more trouble than he bargained for.

At his response, the men finally turned to him and glared at him from head to foot, sizing him up. They were bigger and burlier men than he was, but Gwaine only lifted his chin up meeting them stubbornly. “I doubt that. You want her as much as I do. I’m afraid you will have to fight for her, pretty boy,” the leader challenged him. Before Gwaine could even utter a word or two, he saw the glint of something shiny flash before his eyes, and Gwaine had jumped back just in time to avoid the swing of a dagger aimed at his midsection.

It was definitely on now. Gwaine pulled out the sword from his hilt, and saw the other men do the same as they now surround him, menacingly. All the other patrons in the tavern had moved away from them, and the landlord all but cowered in fear behind the bar. “Then fight for her I will,” Gwaine retorted and then swung his sword at the nearest thug in front of him.

[mysery]

Morgana considered breaking her 'no magic' rule for a few moments when the burly lug head refused to let go of her wrist. She had a dagger slid into her belt, and he was quickly increasing her desire to use it. Maybe cutting off one or two of his fingers would get the message across. She knew it would make herself feel better. Just as she was contemplating reaching for the dagger, and judging if she could get her hands on a sword to handle the rest of the men, someone spoke up behind her.

“You heard the lady. Get your hands off her.”

Great, some man was stepping in. Maybe she'd get out of this without having to kill anybody. The thug however, and his cronies, didnt look like they were going to back off anytime soon. It was a real shame she couldn't use her magic. To see the look of realisation and utter shock on their faces would almost be worth it. Morgana was brought from her somewhat homicidal thoughts as the thug spoke.

“You heard her, too. Mind your own business.”

“I can’t. She’s with me.”

If she'd been drinking something, she may have chosen at that point to spit it out. That was this man's brilliant plan? Clearly he was looking to get his ass kicked. Or maybe he just wanted her for himself and had no sense of self preservation. Either way, it didn't bode well for him after a statement like that. And just as she predicted, the thugs didn't respond well.

“I doubt that. You want her as much as I do. I’m afraid you will have to fight for her, pretty boy.”

The thug stood up then as one of his men took a swing at the man, however he didnt release her. What, did he think holding on to her would afford him some kind of protection? Not likely. Morgana got a brief glimpse of her 'rescuer' before the man holding her tugged her to him. If she could grab her dagger, she'd end him herself. But he had her arm trapped as he drew his own sword, and her rescuer replied and the fray began.

The guy holding her didn't show any signs of releasing her, so Morgana reached for the weapon concealed at her waist. She didnt know how her rescuer would fair, but she had bigger problems at that particular moment.

---------------------

Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

As much as Gwaine would have wanted to end this scuffle as fast as possible, things never always turn out the way he wanted them to. Even as he swung his sword at the nearest thug, the leader had decided not to forget about the target after all, and held onto her even as the fray began. Gwaine cast a quick glance her way, and was comforted by the fact that she was by no means shaken or crying for her dear life. Looks like she could withstand a few scuffles, Gwaine thought as he turned his focus back on the thugs.

He easily demolished the man he was fighting with with a slash on the hip, and was about to make his way towards the one holding the maiden when the two others blocked his way. One had luckily landed a solid blow on Gwaine’s cheek that sent him staggering back a few paces. Gwaine could taste blood on his lip, and decided to get things over with as soon as possible. Not only was he tired from the journey, he was also hungry. It’s never good to get into a tussle when your stomach is empty, he surmised.

The other man had pulled out a sword of their own, but he didn’t even manage to put it up on guard because Gwaine had masterfully swiped it out of the man’s hand, up in the air, and into his own. Gwaine then menacingly pointed both swords at both men, who instantly realized they were battling a pro, and decided to rush out of the tavern instead, leaving their comrade behind. “Good riddance,” Gwaine called out after them before turning towards their leader.

“Let her go,” Gwaine commanded, pointing one sword at the man, before taking another look at the maiden. He wanted to see if she was indeed all right. He hadn’t seen her clearly before with that cloak covering her head and her face. But as she was trying to wiggle her way out of the man’s grasp, Gwaine thought he saw under the hood the flash of all too familiar eyes and the prominent countenance of one who had once graced the halls of Camelot.

It couldn’t be.

[mysery]

Morgana spared little thought for the scuffle taking place. Her sole focus was the brute still holding her arm captive. He too had a weapon, but his eyes were on the fight taking place. Fool. If one wanted to live, they needed to be aware of their surroundings. Something this man was not. How she hated stupidity in all its forms. She just needed to get ahold of her dagger while he was distracted...

Her hand brushed the hilt of the weapon and she grinned. Slipping it from the sheath, she held it concealed, poised to strike, when her rescuer stepped up. Huh clearly the other two had even less stomach than their ringleader did. Or they clearly didnt fear him enough to keep fighting no his behalf. Cowards.

"Let her go."

Morgana glanced at the sword pointed at her captor, her captor was doing the same she noted, but she didn't waste any time. This man had grabbed her, laid his filthy hands on her and proceeded to try and use her as a shield.

He didnt deserve mercy. Or to live for that matter.

Not sparing her actions a second thought, or a blink, Morgana thrust her dagger up into the flesh under her captors arm. Hit a lung if she wasnt mistaken. He scrambled to release her then, but he was none to gentle about it. He all but threw Morgana, for he was much larger than her, at the man who'd fought for her and she had no choice but to go with the flow.

The brute stumbled back meanwhile, clutching at his side where her dagger's hilt protruded.

---------------------

Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

Gwaine didn’t had the chance to blink. One moment, he was pointing his sword at the thug. The next, he was trying to catch the lady who was being thrown at him. Gwaine had only a moment’s notice, and had barely regained his balance from the impact of the throw, before he turned to look at the woman who was now slumped against him, her hood falling off her head.

And he was right. Gwaine was holding Morgana, Arthur’s half-sister, in his arms, even as they both watch the man try but fail to pull out the dagger that was lodged on his side. Gwaine was momentarily torn between confronting Morgana and finishing the man off. But right now, he knew that if he showed any signs of knowing who she was, she would probably finish him off, too. She had magic, and he was a mere mortal. He wondered if Morgana remembered him. He hoped she didn’t. For now, it was best to stay oblivious to her identity, and see how he could milk this situation for whatever it’s worth.

He led her towards a nearby table, helping her onto a seat, before turning towards the man who was now bleeding on the floor. “A word to wise. Not all women are as helpless as you believe they are,” Gwaine said as he saw the man succumb to unconsciousness. He turned to the landlord, who immediately took Gwaine’s cue and barked orders to his people to take care of the man and clean the tavern. The show was over, and people started piling back onto their seats, now all in a tizzy about the scuffle.

“Are you all right? You took that man out real good,” Gwaine asked Morgana as he sat opposite her, playing the concerned rescuer. He waved for the barkeep before turning back to her. ”Would you like anything to eat?" This should be an interesting afternoon. Truth be told, as much as Gwaine was as brave as any knight could get, he knew he was nothing compared to Morgana and her powers. No man who knew her would be a fool to be on her bad side.

[mysery]

As irritated as she was that this man had stepped into a situation she could handle to rescue her, Morgana was grateful he had been standing there and was well balanced, or she would have ended up on the floor in a rather ungraceful heap. And then she'd probably have slaughtered the thugs on principle. She watched, a sort of sick glee bubbling in her stomach as she watched the brute of a man struggle to draw his final breaths and choke on his own blood. Never mind that her hood had fallen off, or that her rescuer was still holding on to her. She wanted to see the light fade from the mans eyes even as he realised that he was going to die and there was nothing he could do about it.

When the man went down, hard, and remained there bleeding before slipping into unconciousness, she finally came back to the situation at hand and that she was being led to a table and helped into a seat. Morgana heard the remaining man's words and smirked. It wasnt a lesson he would get a chance to relearn if he didnt get help soon. Not that she would help him. The scum didnt deserve it.

For the first time, Morgana really looked at her rescuer. And immediately something in her mind flared in recognition. But from where? She stared at him even as he spoke, but she didnt reply as she searched her mind. Where, where, where had she seen him before? But she was drawing a blank. Finally conceeding defeat with her memory, she blinked a few times before nodding. "I'm fine," she replied, glancing down and touching her wrist softly. It was throbbing a little and would bruise, she knew, but nothing that wouldnt heal in a few days. She smirked for a moment as he mentioned the man before she looked to the barkeep.

"Just a tankard of ale for now," Morgana said before she paused. "Please," she added a moment later before looking to her rescuer, realising she didnt even know his name. "Who are you?"


---------------------

Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

Looking at her rubbing her wrist, Gwaine tried but failed to suppress the frown that appeared on his lips. While Gwaine was not one to back down from any violent scuffle, with or without reason, violence against women was just one that he could never easily tolerate and ignore. Whoever that woman may be. He cursed under his breath, and tried to keep himself from taking Morgana’s wrist to inspect it. Truth be told, he wasn’t sure exactly how to act around her. Should he be overly anxious and nice? Or should he be nonchalant, cool? One thing was certain though, he needed to keep his identity a secret from her.

"Just a tankard of ale for now"

“I’ll have a tankard of ale, too, and two orders of your lunch special for the day,” Gwaine told the barkeep after she did. “You should at least get something to eat.” he told her, still trying to be the gentleman that he was. Nice and cool should be the way to play it, Gwaine finally decided. He had to be nice or else, he’d earn her ire or arouse her suspicions. He wouldn’t want her sticking a dagger into his waist or poisoning his drink now, would he? At least, she didn’t seem to recognize him to be one of Arthur’s new knights. Even though Gwaine hadn’t seen her during their raid to rescue Uther as he was fighting beside Arthur in the dungeons, he had seen her the first time he was in Camelot, fighting in that melee to save Arthur. No one could easily forget Morgana's beautiful face.

"Who are you?"

Gwaine was lost in his thoughts that Morgana’s question caught him offguard. He stared at her, not really sure if he heard her right. If she were not Morgana, this question wouldn’t be so hard to answer. Should he be truthful or should he lie? “I am Gwaine. What's your name?” he smiled at her trying to keep his calm and demeanor at this rather sensitive exchange of names. He wondered if she’d be truthful as well.

[mysery]

Morgana somewhat wished the thug was still standing so she could belt him for the pain in her wrist. It wasn't anything overly dramatic but it was going to be sore for a few days she could tell. And all because he'd been a coward who thought he could hide behind a woman. Well, he should certainly have learnt his lesson now. If not.... Well maybe shed pay him a visit at a later time to make sure he did.

When her newfound companion amended her order to include himself, and some food, she noted, Morgana glanced at him for a moment as he replied to her almost unasked question. And then her actual one regarding his name.

As expected, he mirrored it. Within Camelots borders she had abandoned her own name when seeking out information. The barkeep had her 'name'. She almost laughed at how safe people assumed themselves to be when they thought they knew the true name of someone. As though, if they knew your name, you'd never dare cross them for fear of them revealing that name to another. Fools.

"My name is Morgan," she replied, finally lowering her hands. "Thank you for stepping in before Gwaine," she added, still trying to place him. His face... She knew it from.... Somewhere. The familiarity of it was fleeting, probably met in passing then, but it was frustrating her that she couldn't identify him in her mind. Maybe he would give her some clues and she could puzzle it out.

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Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

“That’s a lovely name…Morgan,” Gwaine said, realizing how stupid that had sounded. He seemed like he was complimenting a little girl or a little baby’s name. And it only unnecessarily gave focus to her name, which was a letter short of her real one. Gwaine cursed himself inwardly for his fumble. He really needed to stay calm and confident. There was no danger in being with Morgana right now, not when she doesn’t really know who he was. Right?

"Thank you for stepping in before Gwaine,"

“It was nothing. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time,” he replied with a small smile. Was he really? Meeting Morgana here, was it a mere happenstance or is it really fated? Either way, why? There has to be a reason for everything, Gwaine told himself. Why, of all the knights, does it have to be him who finds Morgana? Why not Arthur himself? And then what happens next?

So many questions were swirling inside his head that Gwaine was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. He may be a good knight, but he was not exactly a good actor. So such was his thanks when the barkeep returned with their meal and drinks. Gwaine immediately grabbed his tankard, and downed all of it before the barkeep could even finish arranging their plates before them. “I’d like another one, please. I’m parched,” he told him with a grin.

Then feeling a little courageous, thanks or no thanks to the drink, he turned to Morgana again. “Do you live anywhere around here or are you just passing by like me?” he asked as the barkeep went to get Gwaine another drink. Best to keep a steady stream of casual conversations. Perhaps, he might be able to get a clue or two as to what she’s up to, not that she’d easily reveal whatever plans she might have to him. It was worth a try.

[mysery]

Morgana had fully expected him to accept her name without thought, which he seemed to do, and she gave it no more consideration. For yes she was still within Camelot's borders, but was it not amazing how dropping a letter from ones name, and offering the right amount of gold could completely change ones identity? Whatever the reasoning behind it, the anonymity and disguise served her well. Part of her subconcious was still trying to place the man before her, but she figured if she couldnt remember, it couldn't be of that much importance.

Perhaps she would flatter his vanity and ego a little by exclaiming she would have been lost without him, but why lie any more than she had to. Besides, even he had witnessed her cold, unyielding disposal of that last thug. She wasn't as helpless as she appeared and she doubted even his ego would allow him to forget that fact since he'd seen it himself.

When the drinks, and food arrived, Morgana raised an eyebrow as the man downed his in basically one gulp. Eager much. He then grinned. For a moment the lady wondered if she made him uncomfortable, but then decided she didnt really care. If he was uncertain around her, all the better. He wouldnt piss her off then for he knew she could hold her own. "I don't live in town," she replied to his question after a moment.

Not entirely a lie after all. She didnt live in the town, and she wasnt going to tell him exactly where. That was just plain stupid, and Morgause had taught her better than that. "What about you Gwaine?" she asked, smiling as she picked up her tankard and stole a drink from it. "Where are you from?"

---------------------

Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3

[shonz]

"I don't live in town,"

“Ahhh, a traveler then,” Gwaine remarked more loosely now. Might as well get rid of this unease for good. Morgana seemed harmless enough right now, Gwaine thought doubtfully. Since when had Morgana been harmless? Even before she had disappeared from Camelot and returned a full evil sorceress, she was harmful in that her beauty could easily ensnare any man foolish enough to wander her way.

He had seen her sitting beside Uther during the melee that time in Camelot. She was a striking beauty unlike anything he had ever laid his eyes on. While Gwen was all soft in features and personality, he had viewed Morgana then as hard and unyielding, every bit dangerously beautiful and breathtaking. She was still that and more now. Her powers had made her even more confident. She was oozing with self-assured poise and coolness when she had demolished that thug earlier up to this point. If Gwaine were to avoid giving her any hint that he knew her, he best play it good, give it his best performance or else it might be his last.

“I'm from Gwent. I'm on my way to Camelot to see a fair maiden my father has arranged for me to marry,” he lied, more conveniently this time, about his purpose. He started eating his lunch. “Are you on your way to Camelot? Do you know the way there?” he asked as casually as he could after swallowing a spoonful of his meal. It was best to present a personality unaware of things about Camelot while trying to gather as much information about her as he could.

[mysery]

Whether it was the mead, or the fact she hadn't lashed out and tried to kill him yet, Morgana didnt know, but it was obvious the man, Gwaine, was loosening up a bit. She listened as he assumed she was a traveler, he could assume all he wanted. Deliberately she'd hadn't told him anything specific so his assumptions were all his own. Until her sister was fully recovered and they had planned their next steps, Morgana wasn't going to reveal anything of importance to anybody, let alone a man she had just met in a tavern.

As he answered her question as to his origins, she nodded. Gwent. She hadn't traveled there before but she had known of Princess Isadora. She had been around when Morgana first came to live with Uther and Arthur. "I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Gwent," she replied, occasionally taking a sip from her tankard. "But I have been to Camelot. Only once though and it was when I was younger," she added. Again, not technically a lie. She went to Camelot when she was young and never left until Morgause. That was the trick to deception, she had found. If she didn't tell an outright lie, she wasn't lying. It was the careful ommitance of certain information, or the framing of it that led people to the conclusions she wanted them to reach.

"Tell me of this fair maiden of yours Gwaine," Morgana instructed. She had no real, personal interest in him or anything to do with his life, but it was polite and she didnt want to come off as rude. "You said your father arranged for you to marry her?"

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Setting: Camelot - Hills and Countryside's

Tag: Gwaine

Timeline: After Series 3