Guilty Pleasures

[Arthur Pendragon]

The morning had been chaotic. People were running around, hurriedly getting ready for battle. There wasn't a moment to lose or waist. Arthur rounded up his men, as they were quick to prepare. As was expected during such a circumstance. An emergency. He'd had the chance to speak with Elena quickly, explaining that he had to go fight of Odin's men for this time . . . they had gone too far. They had burned villages, they had attacked their very land . . . and Guinevère. He could not begin to explain how afraid he was for her. But he left that bit out, saying that there were nobles of Camelot trapped there. She seemed to understand, as she always did, so he bid her farewell and when he was fully ready, proceeded outside. Just as he mounted his horse and was to about to pull the reigns to turn it and leave, he heard a small frantic voice cry out, racing towards them. "Wait! I want to go! Sire! I am going too! Please! I want to go!" Arthur closed his eyes for a brief moment. Thomas. He had not even thought about Thomas. The boy must know that his mother was in danger, which was why he was so set on coming.

Arthur dismounted from his horse and approached the young boy, crouching down in front of him and putting both hands on each shoulder. "Thomas," he said in a calm steady voice. Even though he was terrified on the inside. "I need you to stay here," he told him. He would never order the boy to do anything, he just needed him to understand. "I will bring your mother home. I swear to you." He knew he should not make such promises, but Arthur was in denial that anything had happened to her. He would bring her home. He had to. He saw Rosa racing out after him, and gave a short nod for her to take him. Before she did, he had a few more words to offer him. "Be brave Thomas. Your mother will be home soon." He was making it worse, he knew that. Especially if Guinevère was . . . no. She was alive. She had to be. Once Rosa took him in her arms, Arthur mounted his horse once more. He cast a look to Elena, giving her a faint smile, before he looked to Thomas, giving him a nod. And with that silent farewell, he turned his horse and raced out of the courtyard.

They did not make a single stop. They could not afford to stop. Arthur was far too desperate to arrive and determined to eradicate Camelot of their enemy. And make good on his promise to Thomas: to bring her home. The smoke could be seen from a distance and Arthur's heart only beat harder in his chest. On the surface, he had to look controlled . . . but he had never been so afraid in his life. The last time he had this kind of fear was, when he saw the dragon swooping down to attack Guinevère. The smoke only made him kick his horse's side harder and flick the reigns so that it sped ahead. Eventually, they did have to make camp. Because they need a strategy, a plan of action. The men had taken control of the estate and they would without a doubt have defenses up. They hadn't seen signs of the others which meant that they were either keeping them prisoner or they had . . . they were keeping them prisoner. That was it. Arthur stood, staring at the estate in the distance as the men set up the tents and proper camp during battle. He needed to think. He needed to find the most efficient way to get inside and get the prisoners out. For right now, that was his main objective.

[Guinevère]

Arleon was not quite in ruble, but nor was it strong. The outer wall had fallen days ago and they'd proceeded to burn the castle mostly to the ground. The men who were left alive from the fighting were locked into the cells below and the women were locked in the towers. It seemed as that point, they had been forgotten with little water or bread given to either the men or women.

When the knights of Camelot arrived to take back their land, Marian and Guinevère and Odette, Kolby's wife, were taken from the tower and pulled before the general. One of them would take a message to the camp of men. Telling the king that this was now Odin's land and if he did not with draw the castle would be set ablaze with every man, woman and child locked inside.

Guinevère found her self afraid but could not hide the look of relief when the told them that the knights of Camelot were just outside their doors. He asked her, why she looked pleased. When she told him that the knights of Camelot had defeated immortal armies twice the size of his men here, the back of his hand came across her face, knocking her tot he floor. It would be Lady Marian who was forced to deliver the message, and Odette returned to the tower. But not Guienvere.

[Arthur Pendragon]

As the men gathered to plan a strategy and attack, word had come that one of the hostages was released but only to deliver a message. He felt a rush of emotion when hearing this, hoping and praying that that person was Guinevère. If only to see that she was alright. But it was not. It was Marian. Arthur rushed out to greet her, as she delivered the message that she was sent to give. That there was hostages inside and . . . they were threatening to kill them. Arthur couldn't stand it. He needed to see if she was alright. He needed to make sure. And he knew, that the risk would be well worth it. He tried to ask her what news of the others, but she was in tears, emotional from the fear and Arthur could not push her any more. She quickly retreated to the castle, Arthur's eyes resting on the men with crossbows at the top of the sole wall that was standing. Prepared to fire should anyone get too close. He needed to figure out what sort of defenses they had, so that they could get in. He knew the estate well, and that was one advantage that they would have. He also knew that he would not be able to wait until nightfall. He would go mad. Absolutely mad. So he regrouped with his men, and explained to them the plan that would take place.

That they would close camp and retreat. But not go too far. Just far enough to assure Odin's men that they were not going to risk an attack where hostages were involved. Cowards. Odin was an absolute coward. He reminded him of Cenred, and the way he would hide behind innocent victims. Odin however had gone too far. It had become more than just claiming revenge; he was now taking lands and harming innocent civilians, and Arthur had about enough. He explained to the others what their point of entry would be. A weak spot in their defense, for he doubted the men had properly scoured the entire area to defend it to its full extent. Everyone seemed to be in agreement of this, and timing was of the essence. They had to return at a specific hour at night. Quietly, in the dark, no torches. Completely undetected. For there was a great deal at stake. The next part of the plan . . . others were not quite in agreement of. But Arthur didn't care. His mind was clouded with the desperate need to see if they were alright . . . if she was alright. Besides, what better way to attack than from the inside out. So without allowing any objection, Arthur took off his sword, and removed all other weapons he carried on him.

He began to walk towards the estate, his hands out to show that he was unarmed. That he would not pull anything. As ordered, no one walked with him. The men with the crossbows aimed at him, but did not shoot. Arthur knew they wouldn't. He knew that they would not kill him . . . because Odin was not inside. And because Odin would want that pleasure himself. Which meant that they would keep him alive long enough to drag him back to their kingdom, and Arthur would be out of here long before then. He made his way to the entrance, but the doors were pulled open by six armed men who just looked at him with complete suspicion. Arthur explained that he was unarmed and that his men were retreating. That he was what Odin wanted and to release the prisoners. He knew they wouldn't be so receptive to this offer, and while it had been worth a try, it wasn't the purpose of his 'surrender'. They told him that his reputation betrayed him and that he was foolish. With that, they pulled him inside the castle. All Arthur could think about, all that consumed his mind, was to catch one glimpse of her. Just one. That was all he needed. So while being 'escorted' through the halls, his eyes looked around, for her. Only her.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was in the upper halls, and could see the courtyard as they were pulling her--dragging her--though the hall. That was when they all paused, seeing Arthur Pendragon himself walk in with no weapons and nothing to defend himself. "No!" She yelled out the window, or tried as he entered the hall. What was he DOING! He was going to get himself killed!

Odin didn't want to do it for himself he just wanted Arthur dead! Would the men bring him to Odin or would they just try to deliver his head? Either way she was afraid to find out! They pulled her along until they got to a bed room and pushed her in locking the doors. she beat on the door until she heard the foots steps fade and then turned to look for the servant's steps. Everyone forgot about servants! Even when Arthur was locked in his rooms once had he not even thought about the servant's steps!

She ran to the door, pushed it open and ran down them. she didn't know how she'd help Arthur but she knew she had to try! What was he doing! This was madness!

[Arthur Pendragon]

He trusted his men. He knew that they would get them all out. At the same time, that was not his initial fear. His fear was Guinevère. He had still not managed to see her. To catch any glimpse of her. And it was making him feel more panicked. He wanted to ask where they were keeping the prisoners, but the two logical places would be the dungeons or the towers. Neither were places easy to get to, especially since he would be kept under extremely close watch. Still. He needed to somehow see her. His desperation was growing, and he was so close to just making a run for it. As stupid and reckless as that was. Because he knew they would have no choice but to kill him on the spot. At least this way, he would be able to drag it out . . . because he knew, and all the knights knew, that Odin wanted the pleasure of killing him. An eye for an eye. He killed his son and now he wanted the man dead.

But he hadn't seen her. He was brought into the grand hall of the estate, where a man stood there. Arthur could only assume he was the man in charge. Arthur looked at him, straightening his posture, not showing the slightest bit intimidation. He greeted him with his name. His full name, as if to acknowledge his presence. "Arthur Pendragon." Arthur just stayed silent. She was not in here, and he wanted to know where she was! "You have me. My men have retreated. Release the prisoners you are holding hostage." His voice had strict authoritativeness in it. Arthur was not going to show the slightest bit insecurity, even though he knew this was a long shot. And his words were returned with the answer that Arthur expected, yet could not help but still feel disappointed to hear. "You are in no position to be making demands." Arthur didn't care. He wanted the others out of here. As soon as possible.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère hurried down the steps and around the turns. She moved as quickly as she could until she reached the main floor. Looking around she darted down it, pressing close to the walls so not to draw attention to her self.

Yet fate had other plans. A guard came around the corner and she turned and ran the other way from him--right into the arms a of another guard. "No!" She pulled back but it was no use, like the time when she had been arrested the two drug her as if she wasn't even fighting them.

Her purple dress was darkened with soot and burned areas, making her smell strongly of burned fabric even stays later. It had rips and dirt all over it, and her lip was slightly cut open where it was split under the force of the man's hand.

They pulled her into the main hall, behind their leader and dropped her there, planning to deal with her later. Just an escapee, my lord, They told the general, knowing he had more important things to deal with the one troublesome woman.

She could see Arthur now, and the sight of him alone made her feel more fear then the past few days could ever have. Arthur! She mouthed his name, afraid for him more then her self!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur heard the door open and both his and the general's attention went to the door. That was when he saw her. The first thing Arthur felt was instant relief. Relief that she was alive, that she was . . . why was she so disheveled? Was that blood on her lip?! Arthur froze in fear of what they had done to her. He wanted to run towards her but also knew somehow in his mind that he could not show how much he cared for her. Because that would be more leverage to use against him. And he never wanted to put her in that position. However, this thought quickly escaped his mind when he saw her thrown to the ground. He instinctively moved towards her, when he felt two men grab him back. This only angered the young king further. He felt himself slowly losing whatever composure he had walking in here. She was alive but she was hurt!

And he had thoughts on how she had received that bruise. Thoughts that made Arthur wanted to kill the man in front of him. "Well we know how to deal with escapees then," he said in a far too nonchalant tone. Arthur eyes fled from Guinevère to the man in front of him, trying to struggle free from the restraint of the men holding him back. "I swear if you lay a finger on her. . . " His voice held dead seriousness. Arthur no longer cared about empty threats. His only concern was for her. Was to get her out of here. He'd come in here to make sure she was alive, and now . . . he may have made it worse. Worse then her already having gotten abused by whatever caused the cut on her lip, and now being thrown to the ground. "Shame. For I intend to lay all ten on her." Arthur wanted to remove that smug and sinister smile from the man's face.

"Take her to my chambers." As if he wasn't angry enough, Arthur felt the rage surge through him. He couldn't stand men like this! Men who would, assault women in such a way. And it was worse. So much worse, because it was his Guinevère. He tried to fight free from the men's hold but another quickly moved in front of him to push him back. The panic and fear coursing through him. The building rage that caused his body to tremble and make him more desperate than ever to get to her, and to protect her. Yet, he'd never felt so helpless in his entire life. He couldn't even find the words to speak, for his body was numbed with trepidation. For her. What . . . what the general would do to her. His eyes darted to her as she was being dragged away, not even trying to hide the fear in his eyes when he looked at her, nor the anger when he looked back to the general.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched them hold him back and their words between them! She felt fear, yes, but she hoped they they did not know how she escaped. If they did not then she could try again! Arthur needed help and she'd died to help him get out of this! When they reached for her she tried to move back, but they grabbed her and pulled her up.

She was afraid to leave Arthur here, afraid that she would not get back in time to help him or ever seen him again, "No!" She pulled against them. Tried to get close to him but in the end they were stronger then her. Pulling her from the room and down the hall. After a few moments she stopped fighting them, walking along to see where they would take her. Saving her strength for what was to come. The general had stayed with Arthur, at least for the moment, and she feared that when she next saw him that he would not be alive.

She could not loose him! She didn't know if she could come back from that.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not remain in the room for long. The general gloated for a few more moments, only filling Arthur with pure rage. He was terrified for Guinevère. What would he do to her? He had told his men to come at nightfall, but he feared that was too late! What if . . . he wanted to kill the general. More than he wanted to kill any other man. Odin had taken his father from him. He refused to let him take the woman he loved. In a way, Arthur felt more reassured with being in the same room as the general. Because it meant he could see him. It meant that there was no chance he was up in his chambers . . . where he had told them to take Guinevère. He could keep an eye on him. That phrase keep your friends close and your enemies closer could not be more applicable than right now. So when the men began to drag him out, he struggled against them. Wanting to stay in the room, wanting to keep the general where he could see him. But it was no use. He was dragged away to the lowest dungeon, in a cell by himself.

Where the security was heavy; guarded with five men. Arthur wasn't sure how much time had passed since he'd been thrown in the cell. It was the more isolated area, where as the other side would most likely be where they were keeping the rest of the prisoners. He had paced back and forth for the first while, until he finally sat. His knees were up and his elbows propped on them. He stared ahead of him. Looking at nothing in particular, and his gaze made him appear as if he was completely out of it. Zoned out entirely. Because, the thoughts that plagued his mind were unbearable. Of what could be happening to her. Of what the man would be doing to her. Would he make good on his threat? Arthur would not put it past him . . . and that was why he could not move. Nor think of anything else. It was why he remained eerily still, because he felt as if he was about to go mad. Finally, something happened that broke him out of this trance. He heard commotion coming from the levels above. And he knew exactly what was happening.

His men had raided the castle! Finally! They were only one level above him, and he knew that it would only be a matter of time before they got control of the estate, and more importantly . . . freed the prisoners. Arthur leaped to his feet and held on to the bars that constrained him. Waiting, just waiting for them to come down to the cells. The guards' attention was on the uproar from above. But clearly they were not as stupid as they looked. He heard one of them call to Kill the King. Arthur moved back from the bars as the guards approached his cell, opening it and drawing their weapons. But Arthur remained unafraid. Infact, a small smile crept onto his lips. "You might want to try and kill them first," he suggested. By the time they turned, they were greeted by the blades of Camelot. One of his men tossed him a sword and Arthur caught it mid air. The five guards were dead and now he could go and find Guinevère . . . praying that it was not too late.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was left int he room for what felt like hours, and this time there was a man in there with her. He was watching her to make sure she did not escape again. Finally, after hours the general came into the room and the other men left. She heard the door lock, and knew she was trapped here. "Please," she whispered to him, but he only grinned at her and started removing his armor.

Guinevère backed toward a wall and stood there, not taking her eyes off of him. He was talking to her, telling her in crude words what to expect. Reaching for her, she fought him but he was stronger, "No!" He had both her hands in his and was pulling her dress up--but he then cursed and stopped. letting her go so quickly that her head spun she fell tot he ground. When she could look up he was yelling orders out the window of 'push them back' and 'set fire tot he castle'. She looked around and grabbed the large rising jug, and ran up behind him.

As the general turned to head tot eh door she smashed it toward his face. It did not leave him unmoving but he did fall to the ground and hold his head. Grabbing the keys she ran toward the door and opened it, locking it behind her and leaving him banging on the door seconds later with all sorts of curses.

Guinevère did not make it far before three of his men found her in the hall and grabbed her, She yelled and tried to fight them, but they pulled her toward the corner. She heard the door to the bed room opening and the general walking out, You little bitch! he told her before his hand smacked her head again, and the world tilted and spun. She almost fell but hands caught her and held her up, pulling at her clothing. She could not even fight back, for darkness filled her . . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had gone to the other cells and let out the prisoners, Kolby included, who was completely frantic about his wife. It was entirely understandable. They began to take back the estate, as their numbers grew the more they regrouped during their hunt for all the hostages Odin's men had been keeping. Time however was getting more pressed because flames were lit in the estate and the smoke was beginning to fill the halls. Kolby seemed to know exactly where the women and children were, but Arthur did not go with him. He needed to find Guinevère, and he doubted the general was exaggerating in his words. Throughout all the chaos, he was separated from his men. But he paid no attention to that. His goal right now was to find Guinevère and get her out of here. Get her as far aware from the clutches of these men as possible. He rushed down the hallways, his heart beating faster in pure fear and worry. What if he was too late? What if the general had his way with her? It was getting harder to see with all the smoke.

But suddenly, Arthur heard someone scream . . . an all too familiar scream. Now he did not only have to rely on his sight, but also his sense of hearing. He followed the sound, only needed to turn one hallway to see Guinevère. And . . . the men. He saw her just in time to see her enter a state of unconsciousness. Was she . . . no. She couldn't be. Arthur raised his sword. "Get away from her!" He demanded and his words managed to catch the attention of each and every man. Especially the general. They released their hold on her, letting her collapse to the ground while they drew their weapons and approached him. Arthur was ready. The three men charged at him first, as the general just watched them, probably assuming that with three against one, the odds would be enough to kill the king. But Arthur was determined. And the adrenaline rushing through his body gave him that extra strength. As did the motivation of protecting Guinevère, which was probably his greatest strength of all. The clanging of metal echoed in the hall way, as did the cries of the men as Arthur's blade crossed each and every one.

He gave them all as swift a death as possible. But once the threat of them was eliminated, his gaze fixated on the general. The man looked angry. Perhaps almost as angry as Arthur. He glared at him, holding up his sword once more. He saw that the man was making a move towards Guinevère -- planning to use her as a shield no doubt -- but Arthur did not give him this opportunity. He threw himself against him, keeping stable on his own feet but sending the general to the ground, on his back. Before Arthur could let his sword make contact with the general's unprotected chest area, the man held up his sword in defense. He quickly scrambled to his feet and Arthur continued to walk towards him, now close to Guinevère to ensure the man didn't lay his filthy hands on her. The general cried out and raced towards him. He was either too impulsive, too enraged, or just purely ill trained. Either way, Arthur's block at his blow was strong enough to send his sword flying and with this advantageous position, Arthur inserted his sword right into the man's chest.

The general froze and as Arthur pulled out his weapon, the man fell lifelessly to the ground. He looked at the deceased only for one instant before he turned his attention to Guinevère. He tucked the sword in between his belt and knelt down next to her. Her lip was cut open, her clothing torn, and it looked as if a bruise was forming on her cheek from yet another slap. Arthur could not describe what he was feeling to see her in such a state. Nor could he stop long enough to let his emotions settle. He scooped her up into his arms and held her close to her. He looked both ways of the hall, deciding to go with what he believed to be the quickest route out of here before the entire building collapsed. Racing down the hall, moving as quickly as he could with her in his arms, making sure no harm came to her, he eventually made his way through the exit. One of them anyway, and he saw his man gathered in front, watching the building burn down. When he got to them, he asked if they got everyone out and they confirmed that they did.

He looked to the side to see Odette crying into Kolby's shoulder and Marian, well just crying. She rushed over to Arthur to check if Guinevère was alright and he confirmed that she was. The next hour or so, everyone was setting up camp and when Arthur's tent was set up, he lay Guinevère down on the makeshift bed, making sure there were extra pillows under her head and enough blankets on top of her to warm her through the cool night. For he wasn't sure when she was going to wake up. He wanted to stay next to her to wait for her to rise out of her unconscious state, but he had to see the status of his men. So hesitantly left the tent to tend to business. They had been incredibly fortunate to not have suffered any losses. Only a few injuries but nothing life threatening. It was a victory of sorts, but Arthur still regretted the way this all had to happen. He was sick and tired of Odin's attempts on the kingdom and his people and him personally. He met with Kolby and Odette, expressing his condolences for what happened to their house.

And told them that they had a home in the castle until their estate could be rebuilt. It was horrible what happened. To their home, to the villagers, and Arthur planned to bring back all the refugees to the city until they were able to repair the damage. He needed to find a way to this resolve this, because people could not keep losing their homes, all due to one man's desire for revenge. Leaving them in each other's company, Arthur went to get some warm water to fill in a bowl along with a cloth so that he could clean Guinevère's wounds. It was the best they could do until they returned to the city and he could have Gaius check her properly. With the bowl in one hand and a few cloths in another, he returned to his tent, telling no one else to enter for she was resting. He would give his tent to her for the night, as he doubted he would be getting much sleep anyway with all that had happened.

[Guinevère]

In her dreams she was seeing it all again, feeling it all again. At first there was pain, and then as the images changed there was sadness and fear. Slowly everything changed again and she felt the loss and the ounces of joy that her mind would bring up, but the loss took over it. It was as if her mind would not let her find the joy. Then it moved to the other emotions of the path that she'd taken that lost her Arthur.

Slowly, they went from the emotional jouncy to the more recent one, and she could almost smell the fire and and feel the hands on her. Someone's hand was on her face, and she reached up to push it away, and every time it came closer she would push and try to fight it. In her dream she could not see the faces of the men, but she felt they were there. She did not even know that she was really pushing someone away out side the dream.

Jolting awake from the dream and gasping as she opened her eyes, no longer fighting the hands that were on her. Her eyes moved around taking in the sight of the tent before they came to rest on Arthur. "Arthur!" She whispered, wondering if this too was a dream, but she started crying before she could asked, and reached over to hug him too her. If this was a dream, she no longer wanted to wake up.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur knelt down next to the bed, dipping the cloth into the warm water and then very gently, began to wipe the blood away from her lip. It did not take long for the action to cause a reaction from her as she pushed her hand away. He quickly lowered the cloth, noticing that she was still asleep. She must be dreaming. And he was not going to push her if she was uncomfortable with his touch. He would wait for her to wake up . . . or perhaps try to wake up her. He softly spoke her name, trying away to brush her cheek in a gentle manner, but her hand pushed him away again. Was it him? Or was it something else? He set the cloth down for now, just deciding to wait for her to wake up. No matter how long it took. Most others had retired for the night so he could sit here for however long he needed to, for her to awaken.

It did not take as long as he thought for she suddenly jolted up, seeing her open his eyes. But before he could say or do anything she looked at him, spoke his name and then put her arms around her. Arthur paused for a moment, his hands out before they slowly reached to wrap around her as well. She was not pushing him away, she was embracing him. And this made him hold her as close to him as possible. He closed his eyes, squeezing them tightly shut, nestling his head into the side of her neck. What an ordeal she had been through and he was afraid to find out exactly what happened. So for now, he just wanted to hold her. To keep her close to him. To reassure himself that she was alive and . . . she was with him. The fear of losing her had been agonizing and now he had her again. Safe in his arms.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère held onto Arthur as tightly as she could and let her self cry out the emotions of fear she felt. It did not take for the constant feeling of safely that he gave her to help her settle down enough for her mind to know that they were safe. It took a bit longer for her to recognize his tent, and just a bit longer after that to know that if they were here, he'd taken back Arleon.

She wasn't sure how long she had been holding him to her in an almost death grip but she did know that when she loosened her hold just enough to let it not be so tight that her arms and hands felt stiff. She could not bring her self to speak yet, nor to even let him go all the way. Guinevère didn't know how she got here but she was here, and she was safe.

Arthur had come. She knew he would. She had always known he would. When the others said he and the knights would come for the land and people she had agreed, but she knew that the army of Camelot was coming for the people, but Arthur was coming for her. "I knew you'd come." She whispered, almost not even being able to hear her own voice for how soft it was.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur felt his heart break when he heard and felt her tears. That she had suffered at the hands of such ruthless men . . . that she had been through, who knows what. He didn't want to think on it right this second. He just wanted to keep her close to him, and let her emotions come out. Ones that he didn't doubt she'd been keeping inside of her. He knew she was a strong woman, which was why it pained him to think of what they had done to broken her. It made him wish he could kill each one of those men over again, and knew that these thoughts of anger and violence were not what was important right now. Only she was important. So he just let her cry, trying to calm the heavy beating of his heart. Keeping his arms firmly around her as if afraid to ever let go again.

"I knew you'd come." She had faith in him. Just as she always did. He should have come sooner. He should have made sure the lands were secure. He needed to send more patrols out for they had missed an entire army. They should have stopped Odin's men well before they raided the first village. She should never have been put in such danger. And he would never let it happen again. He titled his head to the side, still staying closer to her, but his lips near her ear so that he would not have to speak above a whisper. "I'm sorry I took so long," he whispered right into her ear, before raising his lips a bit to kiss the side of her head. His eyes were still closed, he was just still letting himself feel that solace of her presence, that she was alive. She was safe now.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère heard him apologize and kiss her, but she pulled back so she could see him. "Don't." She told him, "Don't apologize for thing. You are the reason I am alive right now." She leaned forward to let her lips touch his. "I am not a fool to think other wise.' She knew that he'd come for her, and the people. She knew he loved her, and a part of her wished he'd not risked so much but she was too glad to be in his arms to wish it with all her might.

Her hands were framing his face, and she stared into his eyes. She loved him so much, and he'd came for her. Odin's bitterness was not as strong as the love Arthur had for his people. He would never win, and she feared how far he would go to try. Would it never end? "Thank you." She whispered, before kissing him again softly, "Thank you!" Over and over again she kissed him softly and thanked him. Just glad to feel safe again!

[Arthur Pendragon]

His actions against Odin's son was what caused all this. And in that way, he was responsible. For letting harm come to her, he was responsible. But right now, he was not going to debate it. He just wanted to be with her, rather than explain to her why the blame should be placed on his shoulders. Nothing else seemed to matter at this moment other than the fact that she was alive. And with him. She pulled back and he looked at her. Just, gazing at her. Having missed every feature that made her so beautiful. She thanked him and he didn't reply for he was kissing her again. He did not even think of how his lips being pressed on her may cause the cut on her mouth to string. Or if the passion in his kiss would cause her bruise to ache. He thought only of wanting her lips on his, for as long as possible. Because this was what he had feared would never happen again.

His hand trailed up her back, moving under her hair to rest behind her head, only to push her closer to him, if that was even possible in this moment. He intensified the kiss, so filled with emotion and relief. Until his lips parted from hers, but not her skin. They moved to the side to kiss the corner of her mouth, to her cheek, trailing along the softness of it. "I love you," he said breathlessly, overwhelmed with everything he'd felt since the moment he found out she was in danger. "I love you so much," he added, his voice catching only by the overpowering feeling in it. Unable to resist the urge, he kissed her again, and again. Speaking in between kisses, with breathless and slightly fragmented words. "I thought I'd lost you." A pain that he could never bare; a loss he would never be able to cope with.

[Guinevère]

He was kissing her, over and over again and she felt the need to be closer to him go. "Arthur" She spoken in return to him before kisses, not wanting to stop long enough to stop kissing him, for it was his kisses that made her feel safe. Safe and warm and loved! "I love you!" She told him, wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him closer.

No other thought was i her mind in this moment, other then the man who held her. The man whom she wanted to hold her all night. "Don't let me go!" She begged when they broke for air, not wanting the fear of the recent events to come back. She only wanted him to make her feel safe and loved, after so many nights of feeling cold and afraid.

Arthur had a way of just his voice or presence around her to make her feel warm and safe, and she didn't want to loose that. Not now. Not int this moment. "Please," She was asking him to not let her go and to hold her closer and to kiss her more and for so very many things she could not ask for out loud in this moment. She could only hold him and whisper his name, "Arthur!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

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[Guinevère]

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