Guilty Pleasures

[Guinevère]

The ways after that moved slowly. Guinevère jumped at every rider that came into the citadel and wondered which one would bring news--good or bad--of the army and war. Which rider would bring any news at all from Arthur. Even if it was only orders for the castle or for men to be exchanged then she would a least known he was well! Though she also knew it was too early to hear any form of a message from Arthur unless something went wrong.

She spent her days with her children, and let Thomas train with Percival--who seemed to rather be out there by Arthur's side--and she would take Amaren out on a blanket to watch. Life went on. People did their normal thing. Everyone keep living.

Yet there was a new feeling tot he city. As if everyone was holding their breath all at once. Guinevère had the feeling she wasn't the only one waiting for some sign or news from the men who rode out.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur rode to Gawant as quickly as he could and as soon as he arrived, he was greeted by Godwyn. But the man looked so different before. Gone was all the joviality from his features and replaced with devastation and grief. Arthur could feel his heart ache at seeing him like this, for despite his actions . . . his respect for Lord Godwyn was great, as was his respect for her daughter. Words that made him seem only like a hypocrite for he knew that what he had done to her, were not the actions of a man who respected a woman. It was also clear that Elena had not told her father what happened, for Arthur doubted Godwyn would have greeted him so warmly had he known the truth. It left Arthur conflicted. Between wanting to tell him for he knew he did not deserve his kindness. But also did no want to hurt him any more. Perhaps eventually he would, but for now . . . they were to had a funeral ceremony for Elena. Arthur was silent for most of the time, his heart mourning and aching for the woman.

He may not love her as a wife, but he loved her as a person. She had been strongly support all these years, a good queen, and a great friend to Arthur. He should have treated her better, and hated what he had done to her. Her death was entirely his fault. Not only because of Odin's hate toward Arthur, but also because she never should have come here alone. Had he not hurt her, he would not have driven her away. He should have found a better way to deal with everything; found a better way to protect her. Once the ceremony was done, the next couple of days were ones of mourning and by the third day, they had no choice but to start preparing for war. They made plans of attacks, organized troops and readied the men. It had taken Arthur a long time to convince Lord Godwyn to remain behind. The people needed him here, and he was far elder -- and more frail, probably from the sadness his daughter's death had caused. Arthur did not want him in harm's way and after much convincing, Godwyn complied.

The day came when they were to right out to the field, one that was just on the border of Gawant, away from any villages or homes that would get in between the crossfires. They set up their battle camp there and the next few days were spent strategizing attacks and figuring out what the best tactic of attack was. Each night he read the letters that Guinevère had given him, over and over again, memorizing every word, every stroke of each letter from her quill. It helped comfort him, yet at the same time, caused his heart to hurt from missing her so much. From spending such nights away from her, away from their children. Wondering if she was alright, what Amaren was eating, was he talking more, how Thomas' training was going, how the baby was growing inside of her . . . how he wished he could ask all these questions. But not before he made love to her and then just held her in his arms. Arthur knew it was so wrong of him to have such thoughts, but he couldn't help it. He had not been exaggerating when he said that she would constantly be on his mind.

Then, the day came when it began. The war. The fighting. The clanging of swords. The cries of men. The blood staining the grass. Arthur hated war, and every man's life he took because of it . . . haunted him. He did not see Odin anywhere in site and Arthur wished he had come. To put an end to this, whether it be through an attempt to talk of peace between them or by death. Though Arthur doubted Odin was respectful enough to honor even meeting right before battle under a flag of truce to offer terms. No. Knowing Odin, he would have had a dagger ready and stabbed him right then and there. Arthur almost wished he had. But he had promised Guinevère that he would do all that he could to return to her, and he was not going to break such a promise. Out of all the ones he had broken in the past, he would stop making his word meaningless. Even though he knew, it would never count for anything again. It made him selfish, he knew that. To want to keep his word to one woman, and then have so horribly betrayed another. But Guinevère was his heart, as were his children. And he would fight to see the day where he could embrace his family again.

[Guinevère]

Nearly a week later, Guinevère was in her chambers feeding Amaren when she heard a knock at her door. Rosa, who was more friend them handmaiden, moved t opened and then she bowed and moved to let Elyan enter. "Elyan," Guinevère greeted warmly, always glad to see her brother. Rosa excused herself to the gardens were she was going to gather some flowers to for the table in hopes of keeping everything from getting too tense.

'Gwen, good morning.' Elyan greeted walking over to lift Amaren up and hold him. It had taken Elyan time, but he was a good uncle to both of her sons. He had been disproving of her unwed state when he found her with a son. 'I was about to ride out with Gwaine, but wanted to stop here first.'

"You are to ride out? Where do you go?" She said surprised, not knowing where the knights would go with war time upon them. Was he to join Arthur?! Her brother? It was hard to think of their youth when she knew that he was a man now. Not the young boy who rode out of Camelot and disappeared for years while following his heart.

'Taking reports to ---, for the king.' Arthur! "Yo--you are?" She asked, trying to remain calm and not worry for Elyan's safely and not show her need to hear news of her love. 'Yes,' Yes. He was riding to Arthur. Yet he came here only an hour before? "And you came here first?" 'Yes,'

He knew. No! He could not. No one knew of her and Arthur. "Thank you, I would have missed not saying goodbye." Yet he had been there that day in Gaius' chambers, and Elyan was no fool. 'Gwen . . . ' He had that tone, as if asking her not to make him say it. "You know," She whispered, "Don't you."

'I know.' He reviled. Her heart beat slightly faster, "You've not spoken a word to me of knowing." She had feared he might hold it against Arthur but he looked more resigned in angry, 'I've known for a while. I was angry at first but then . . . ' For a while! Her brother knew! She looked at Amaren in his arms, and wondered how he felt. Why he never confronted her.

'You were laughing again,' Before her and Arthur had began this, she had not felt very alive. She had lived with out living. 'Besides, the damage was done. You have his child, Guinevère.' "Elyan . . . I'm sorry."

It was time to be honest with him. "I will be giving him another." Child. She was telling her brother that she was carrying Arthur's next child. "Do not be angry with him!" She begged! knowing that look on Elyan's face. It wasn't angry but nor was it pleased to know his sister was with child. 'It is not anger that I feel, but worry.'

"We will be a family. Worry not for me." Arthur would marry her, and she wanted to make sure that Elyan knew that. 'It is just my sister and her life that I worry for Guinevère! Our queen just died. I know my king well enough to know that he is honorable enough to marry you.'

'This is the heir of Camelot, Gwen. And Odin is a dangerous king.' he said holding Amaren in his arms. 'Even more dangerous is Morgana.' Arthur's sister. Guinevère knew the risk, and while she was no un-afriad she was not going to give up her family for that fear.

"Elyan, I--" She began but he cut her off. 'I wish you would have told me. I wish you would have trust me.' She wished she would have too, but knew that she could not have risked him relationship with Arthur. "I'm sorry! I didn't plan to fall in love. I didn't plan any of this!" She prayed he understood. 'I know. But it's why I agreed to stay behind.'

For her and Amaren, and Thomas. Because they would be targets if others learned of what Elyan knew. 'I am riding out in an hour with Gwaine. If you wish to send word, here is your moment to do it.' To Arthur!! "Thank you!!" She breathed out, knowing this was why he was coming forward now. "I will have them ready with in the half hour and ready to be derived!

'When this is over, I expect to hear news of a wedding.' And he would! "When it's safe, you will." Because that was what Arthur promised and she believed in his word.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been sending word to Godwyn that they had been victorious in the first battle. But it was just the beginning. There would be many more to come, and so many men had already following. Some were gathering the bodies to give them a proper burial, while others were tending to those who were wounded. Arthur would join them soon, once he finished this letter. But it seemed another diversion had presented itself. For he heard riders approaching and considering they were in the middle of a war, one could never be too careful. Going outside though, he saw that it was Elyan and Gwaine, and Arthur was surprised to see them. He knew word would come from Camelot soon enough, he just had not expected these two men to be the ones who delivered the message. But of course he knew they were the most loyal of men, and therefore . . . probably should not have been too shocked to see them. Though he did wish that Guinevère had her brother by her side at this time.

They offered him a letter from council, and when Arthur returned to his tent, Elyan followed as oppose to freshening up . . . to privately hand him another. From Guinevère. Arthur looked at the letter and then at the knight, who just lowered his head in a bow and departed the tent. The king wasn't sure what to make of this. Did he know? Did he know about him and Guinevère? About, Amaren? The letter was unopened so clearly he had not read it. But, he had given it to him in private. So he knew it was from Guinevère. Arthur eagerly opened her letter -- before the one to council -- and read over the words. She was well, and she was speaking of Amaren's development and Thomas' training and . . . the growing child inside of her. Arthur brought the letter to his lips, still able to catch her scent from the paper, and lightly kissed it. He then tucked it away along with the rest, in a concealed place before he went out to join the others and read the updates from Camelot that the council had to give him. He spent some time, talking to Elyan and Gwaine to hear first hand that all was well in the kingdom.

But the day was long, and tomorrow would bring forth another battle, and more bloodshed. So everyone went to rest. Arthur returned to his head, going over some maps and plans, though he knew he would need to get some rest. Sleep had come with great difficulty with all that burdened his mind. He pulled out Guinevère's letter again, reading it over and over, smiling at moments when she spoke of their children, feeling his heart ache for words of missing him. How he missed her too, but was so relieved to hear that she was well. He wondered if it would be too obvious to send a letter back to her. Then again, Elyan had given him this one so surely he would be able to trust the knight's discretion. That night, sleep came even harder to Arthur, though when he closed his eyes . . . instead of seeing corpses and violence, he saw only Guinevère's smile and the children that he missed so dearly. While he may not be able to sleep well, she still had the ability to grant him solace, even though they were so many miles apart.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was in the gardens letting Amaren WALK! Yes! Her youngest was walking now! She loved it! . . . and missed Arthur all the more in these times! It was nearing almost a full month since he had been away. The trip for Elyan and Gwaine would take them almost a week there and a week. She only hoped they were safe and they found Arthur safe as well!

Amaren's first birthday was approaching, and while she planned no great feast, she was planning a simple meal in her chambers for the few who could come. Thomas, Rosa, Merlin. Her brother would be back by then. "Amaren!" She called, walking him to walk back this way, yet another voice called to him. 'Amaren!' Gasping and turning, Guinevère ran to embrace and hug her brother who had finally come home!

With a letter from Arthur! She read it over and over that day, and the next and the next. She read parts to Thomas and some to Amaren as she would help him fall to sleep. Over the weeks the folds in the paper became worn, and by a month later there were holds in the edges were she feared she would over read it. That was when she stopped folding it and left it open. Always open.

She wore his shirts to be every night, and would grow cold missing his warmth. "Arthur," she whispered, praying that he was safe. Amaren's birthday was just two days away on the night she went to bed in his white shirt . . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

It had been two months. Two months of grueling battle and death. So much death that Arthur feared that he'd never be able to rid himself of the smell of blood. Nor wipe his hands clean from the stain of death. He loathed war, and wished they could have come to a more peaceful means of solving their differences. But Odin had this coming. He had been provoking a war, though Arthur knew it was all to seek vengeance. He had just been claiming the life of the wrong people; innocent people. But this war thus far had not claimed Arthur's life. Just so many other men who had died honorably for their kingdom. At the same time, Arthur knew that with their honor, his own was so tainted; so damaged. He could have spared all these men if he'd only given his life to Odin. Now, he would have to return to Camelot to tell their fathers, mothers, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and all other loved ones . . . that their relatives were dead. Had he thought that his life would have stopped this war, Arthur would have planned to give his own to save everyone.

But he knew that Godwyn had done what any just ruler would. The moment Odin trespassed on Gawant, the kingdoms had been doomed for war. At this point, Arthur's death would not have solved anything. Had he thought it would . . . then the outcome would have been very different. But now, he had made a promise to Guinevère and his death would not resolve anything at this point. The war would continue. Odin's troops had rounded up, leaving their mark, but clearly returning to the kingdom for more soldiers. Gawant and Camelot's allied forces were doing the same. He had returned to the castle to report to Godwyn in person about the progress of the war. He also stated that he was to return to Camelot to bury the brave fallen men. And, for another reason that was not far from his mind: it was soon to be his son's first birthday. And he didn't want to miss that. He had missed far too many things in Amaren's life: his birth, most moments during the day, and whatever progress he had made these past couple of months. But he refused to miss his first birthday, and would try with all his power to be there.

For in this world of darkness and violence, being with his family was the only thing that ensured his sanity would not be threatened. It was the only thing that could restore his heart and make him able to bare his own actions of claiming the life of so many men. He was so very glad that they were well removed from such violence, and prayed that the war did not extend to Camelot's lands. For he wished to keep them far away from this as possible. Only staying in the castle for a couple of days -- long enough to make the necessary preparations to leave -- Arthur informed Godwyn that he would return soon, only planning to spend three days in Camelot for he obviously had unfinished business here in Gawant. Their travels were slow with all they were carrying with them, and arrived at the Camelot castle rather late into the night. He met briefly with Godfrey and gave him an overview of what would happen in the days to come. He then went to his chambers, not wanting to wake Merlin at this hour he decided to freshen up himself. He removed his gloves, sword belt, chain mail and armor, all stained with blood.

It would need to be cleaned tomorrow, before anyone saw the gruesome sight. His body relaxed as it was no longer burdened by the weight of the heavy metal. He then went to a bowl of water that had been brought up to him, with a plate of food. He held no appetite right now, though ate a little just enough to keep up his strength. He then washed his face and hands, wanting to make sure there was no trace of dirt of blood on him. Once freshened up, he changed out of his clothing he'd been wearing for these past several days and dressed himself in a fresh pair of pants and shirts. Slipping his boots on, he looked around the room, unsure if he was glad to be back. He knew what would make him happy right now, and it was why he had not just collapsed onto his bed to sleep. He did not want to waste this moment . . . for he knew in these days to come his time would be limited. And he wanted Guinevère to be one of the first people who knew he had returned. He slipped out through the servant's entrance and as quietly as he could, walked to her quarters.

He slowly opened the door, poking his head inside and saw her sleeping in bed. He would not wake Amaren or Thomas right now, but he couldn't wait to see her. To hold her. Even the sight of her made him pause for a moment, just watching her sleeping so peacefully. She looked more beautiful than ever and while he knew he missed her tremendously, he just realized it all the more in this moment. Quietly walking to the edge of the bed, he sat down and slipped his boots off so that he would not dirty the sheets. He then moved to lie down next to her, his body turned toward her, though her back was faced to his chest. He put his chin on her shoulder, his arm slowly draping around her so that his hand could rest on her stomach, which had grown since he'd last seen her. Grown . . . with their child. He moved his head up a bit, his other hand not on her stomach casually resting on her shoulder. He brushed his lips against her cheek before moving his lips closer to her ear. "Guinevère," he whispered, so that he did not wake her in alarm, and so that she did not think a strange man slipped into bed next to her.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was sleeping, dreaming of Arthur and their family. In her dream Thomas was grown and Amaren quickly catching up to him. She stirred slightly when someone whispered her name, but then sank back into the warm embrace that was wrapped around her. Se turned over as best as she could to press her head into . . . the chest . . . of the man . . .

Coming fully awake she pulled back just enough to look up into Arthur's face! "Arthur!" She breathed out, almost silently! "If you are dream then . . . . . " Then she did not wish to awaken. "Please do not be a dream!" She whispered, reaching her hand up to touch his face. When she believed he was solid, tears of joy fell down her cheeks as she wrapped her arm around his neck and pressed her lips to his! Arthur was home!! FINALLY home!!

Pulling back she rested her forehead against his and looked into his eyes. "I love yo," She whispered, "I missed you."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched her as she turned to nestle against him, still asleep . . . though slowly awakening from it. With surprise, but not fear. Good. He hadn't wanted to alarm her to the point of frightening her and it seemed he had not with the way she kissed his lips and wrapped her arms around him. After she convinced herself that he was no dream. He smiled as he returned her gaze, no amount of words ever able to describe how much he missed her. How much he had longed for this moment. And the feeling of being in her arms again, was incomparable to anything else. "I missed you too," he whispered, leaning toward her to kiss her lips again, this time for a little longer than the first. When he pulled away, he brought his hand to her cheek to wipe away the tears, of what he assumed was joy, from her soft cheeks.

"More than words can say," he added, for no word had the capability to describe just how much his heart ached for her during his departure from Camelot. "I love you so much," he added, having missed saying that to her, when he was otherwise accustomed to tell her at least once a day. He'd gone two months without being able to tell her these three words, and would make up for it as much he could in the time he was here and able to see her. "Are you well?" He asked, wanting to make sure. While she looked well, he'd not known what was happening in her life for these past several weeks. "And the children?" He added, wanting to make sure that Thomas, Amaren and the growing child inside of her were all well too.

[Guinevère]

"I missed you too," Guinevère could not take her eyes from him! Arthur! He was home and alive and seemly all in one whole part! She fully planned to make him let her see for sure, but for now she could only stare at his face! "More than words can say," "I know the feeling. I thought of you every day!" Every moment of every day! The growing child a constant reminder of all she had to gain or lose and all on the tip of a sword.

"I love you so much," "And I you!" She told him, "I love you." As soon as she got her wits about her then she would be able to ask him of things but for now all she could do was think He Was Home! Finally! In her arms again! "Are you well?" "Very much so in this moment!" She felt as if she had just been gifted the world! "And the children?" "Wonderful . . Oh Arthur! Amaren is walking!" she told him, praying he could stay long enough to see!

"And your child!" She pushed to sit up and moved so she was sitting facing him, before lifting his hands to rest on her rounding belly. The cuts of her gowns were higher now, looser, so her belly as still hidden behind them during the days. "Feel," though the child must be sleeping for nothing moved. "Just leave your hands here, and you can feel the babe move when they awaken." She wanted him to stay lying down though, so he could rest.

"Are you well?" She whispered, moving one of her hands from his on her belly to brush his hair back. "Are you hungry?" She could dine with him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I know the feeling. I thought of you every day!" As did he. Every second of every day. Even when the midst of combat, all he could think about was that he needed to fight to stay alive; so that he could see her again. And that thought, was what fueled his actions . . . what kept him going. Hearing that she was well filled him with relief, and joy when he heard that Amaren was walking. Surprise swept across his features before replaced with a small. "Is he?" Arthur asked, with pride for his son and excitement for his development. He only wished he had been there to see Amaren take his first step. Another moment in his life that he would never get back . . . but for now, he would not dwell in what was lost. only celebrated what he had here with him. Her. Amaren. Thomas. And their child . . . who he now had his hands placed on, awaiting with bated breath to feel his or her movement. She had grown so much larger, filling him with that excitement of her soon bringing another child in this world.

And could only pray that he would be present to see it. "You've grown so much," he said, speaking aloud his thoughts. "Are you well?" As well as could be expected. "I am," he confirmed, for many had lost far more than he. He didn't even have a serious injury on him from the battle. Just the typical cuts and bruises that were hardly anything. Compared to those who lost a limb, or suffered permanent wounds or . . . lost their lives. "Are you hungry?" He smiled at her concern, not wanting her to worry over him . . . though found that he had missed this. Missed the way she took care of him how no one else had. "I'm fine," he assured her, leaning forward to kiss her lips again. "Besides, you need to rest. Do not worry for me. I am here to take care of you now." He wanted her to let him take care of her for the limited time he was here.

[Guinevère]

"Is he?" "Yes!" She whispered excitedly, "Walking and speaking just a few basic words. He seems to know more now. Thomas is already trying to teach him to fight. I have to tell chasing them both down to keep them out of trouble now." Trouble Arthur would one day help them get into more then out of she though. Thomas wanted Amaren to go watch him train even when Guinevère was ill some mornings and could not go.

"You've grown so much," She laughed softly, knowing that wasn't something women liked to hear but in the way he meant it she was more in agreement then anything over his words. "Your son grows strong. He kicked right after eat all the time." Making her have to eat slowly so she could keep it all down. "I am," Good!!

"Besides, you need to rest. Do not worry for me. I am here to take care of you now." "No!" She whispered, pushing him to keep him resting on the bed. "I spend most of my days curled y the fire or in the gardens with your son. Let me take care of you Arthur, I know you must be tired. Just this once, don't fight me on this." He was not coming home from war to wait on her hand and foot! "Amaren and Thomas will be up in a few hours. You will need to be rested for that."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled in amusement at the mental image of Amaren running about, and Thomas trying to teach him how to fight . . . with Guinevère running after them both. It was a sight that Arthur wished he could see . . . one that he still hoped he would be able to see. "They sound like a handful. More so than before," he teased. Though keeping the mood light and jovial, the guilt of leaving her like this weight heavily on him. What if the war was not over as she grew larger? How would she run after the children then? They should have been married. He should be playing more of a role in her and the children's life. Instead, he was missing it. He did not let these thoughts hinder the mood. He did not want to spend these precious moments with her, talking of what he regretted and how he wished things could be different. He just wanted to be with her, to relax with her. To see their children at first light.

To pretend like they were a perfect and happy family. Arthur chuckled as she spoke of how his 'son' kicked after she ate. Something that he couldn't wait to feel. "So it does feel like a boy then," he further teased, recalling the last time that she had said it felt like a Pendragon. But now, they were speaking of their baby with a select sex: a boy. He couldn't say he was surprised to hear her object, though he still would not let her inconvenience herself to take care of him. He remained where she was urging him to stay, but took her hand in his, gently pulling her toward him. "Rest with me," he stated, wanting to hold her in his arms. Not let her run around to take care of him while he just lay here. "I have been too long without you in my arms," he added, hoping that would soften her decision and convince her to comply with his request. For right now, he didn't need food, or drink, or anything else . . . apart from her.

[Guinevère]

"They sound like a handful. More so than before," They were! So much more then she expected! She could not wait for Arthur to see them and how much they had grown, as even more hold them and hug them and love on them. She was looking forward to everything. looking at the ring on her finger she knew that they were all but a family right now, and if things ended soon, they could be a family in truth soon.

"So it does feel like a boy then," Laughing softly she shrugged, "I have nothing to compared it too. All my children are boys so far." It seemed she was fated to bare him sons. "I hope you like sons. It seems you will have many." OH! How she missed this man in her life! How glad she was he was home! Even for however long he has. "I have been too long without you in my arms," She has she! Or well, been too long abest from his arms. "I will, but first I wish to get something to show you! Stay here!"

Leaving their bed she hurried over the cold floor to by the fire and lifted it up, before stopping at the table for the basket of bread and fruit and coming back to bed. Sitting the basket beside him she crawled on the other side to sit up next to him. Guinevère could lie down after she showed him what she made.

Holding it up, she showed him the shirt, with the Pendragon seal on the left arm. It was red, and thicker so he could wear it and keep warm with winter hitting upon them. "I was going to have it delivered the next time Elyan made the trip, but since you are I will gift it too you now." Turning it, so he could see inside, right over his hear was his mother's family crest. To keep her close to him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wouldn't mind more sons. Just as he wouldn't mind a daughter either. He would welcome either, and love them unconditionally. Whether it was an Anna or an Aydin . . . he could not wait to meet either. She told him she would rest with him, but then spoke of first retrieving something. He sat up a bit in protest, but remained on the bed as he watched her, his back and head resting against the headboard of the bed as he was sitting upright. He didn't take his eyes off of her for a moment. Not when she went to retrieve something, and when she came back. He watched her intently and curiously as she held up something that . . . she had made for him. Arthur shifted closer to her as he properly looked at the shirt she had stitched for him. She was the best seamstress in all the five kingdoms, but it was not the stitching he was looking at and admiring. It was the sentiment. It was what was one it. Not only a Pendragon crest, but also . . . the crest of the du Bois family. His mother's family.

His eyes remained on it for several moments, as his fingers touched the seal of his mother. She had made this for him? Made it so that he would stay warm; so that he would have a sign of his mother so close to his heart, and a sign of his father to represent which family he was born into. "I cannot say what this means to me," he said softly, hardly above a whisper, for he was so overcome with emotion. The last time he felt his way, was when she had named her estate after his mother's family name. It was the same sentiment, the same honor, the same deep appreciation over her actions. He finally broke his gaze from the shirt, to rest on her eyes, unsure of which emotion was being conveyed. "Thank you," he whispered, unsure of how to describe his gratitude, and hoped she could see it . . . for it was only with her that he lowered his guard and let his emotions be displayed. Which was why she knew him better than anyone else in this whole world.

[Guinevère]

"I cannot say what this means to me," Seeing how touched he was, only gave her more pride in the gift. She had hoped he would like it but seeing his reactions to it made her know that he did in truth! "Thank you," "I was hoping ti would keep you warm when you are out there." Away from the warmth of the fire place and her arms. She was wearing his white shirt, but she had the blankets and memories to warm her.

So many memories. Moving to rest down on the bed, so they could both lie back, with her head tucked into his shoulder, Guinevère looked up and just watched him. "This is the best surprise you have very brought me." She teased, knowing he would know she meant himself. Picking a little bit of bread from what she brought over, Guinevère took a small bite though only to attempt to wake their child in her belly. "Perhaps you can wear your shirt tomorrow?" She asked, wanting to make sure it fit perfectly since she had done it by memory of his body rather then by measurement.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I was hoping it would keep you warm when you are out there." Arthur wasn't sure he wanted to take it with him, out of fear that it would get ruined. But he also knew that was why she had made it for him; to keep him warm during the upcoming winter. He smiled when she said that this was the best surprise he had brought her; himself. He knew he could do better . . . if only he could surprise her with news that the war was over and that he could stay here for the rest of her pregnancy, and guarantee his presence for when she gave birth to their son or daughter. "I will wear it tomorrow, and the next day, and every day after that," he said smiling, somewhat joking. As he obviously couldn't wear it every day . . . but he would wear it where she could see him.

"And I will wear it with pride, for the woman who made it for me honors me." For so many things that he could not even list right now. He leaned back against the bed, holding the shirt in his hand as he continued to admire it before looking at her as she ate. "Tell me, what else have I missed in your and the children's lives?" He asked, though with interest rather than the regret in his voice. He wanted to know anything and everything she could tell him. Sparing no detail. If he could not be here, he wanted to experience it vicariously. And he was well aware how much Guinevère could talk . . . something he'd once found odd about her, but now a quality that he absolutely loved about her. Among many other things.

[Guinevère]

"I will wear it tomorrow, and the next day, and every day after that," Guinevère smiled softly and laughed, "You cannot, it will need to be laundered!" Yet she knew he was only teasing her. It felt good to hold him and joke after s long of not being able to touch him. Feeling the need to kiss him again, she stretched up to do so. "And I will wear it with pride, for the woman who made it for me, honors me." And she kissed him again, longer and more lingering after that.

"Tell me, what else have I missed in your and the children's lives?" It make her heart hurt for him knowing that he hated missing so much. Soon, she promised him in her mind, soon he would not have to hide his family, but could embrace them openly. Not miss so much. She kissed him once more, finding herself lingering over him as she spoke. "Thomas has been doing his studies and Amaren walks now." She wanted to tell him something happy, and she paused to think before speaking. "Thomas has become a bit of a favored student among the knight--" Percival, Gwaine, Elyan, "--for they say he is very good." She wasn't sure if they were being honest or telling it because she was Thomas' mother.

Her face grew a bit more serious, but not worried. "They've also taken to coming to see Amaren." She knew he would know what that mean. Grown men did not often visit children whom were too young to train or speak with--not unless they were the father, or the child was ill. For knights to find her in the gardens, or dinning hall and look at Amaren more then they had before . . . .

They knew. Either from Elyan, or their own minds. They knew.

Guinevère trusted them, but if they knew then others could learn too. Still, them knowing meant they would be more on the look out for danger and she felt comforted in that.

[Arthur Pendragon]

His mind stopped every time she kissed him, whether it was a soft one or a lingering one. The feeling of her lips on his was something he had dreamed of these past two months, far too frequently. He gently caressed her cheek as she spoke of Thomas and Amaren. Of how well Thomas was doing, and . . . how the knights were visiting Amaren. "Thomas got a good head start with his training," Arthur explained, wanting her to know that not all children were as skilled as he was clearly proving to be. "I don't doubt that he will become the greatest knight in all this realm," he added, his voice holding pride for the boy and his diligent training, and effort he was putting in to his lessons. Arthur paused in thought however when the subject of the knights visiting Amaren arose.

He knew that he may have to talk to them -- especially Elyan -- but he did not want to bring the conversation to a far too serious note. Not tonight. Tonight, he just wanted to relax with her, laugh, and enjoy the reunion between them. "When the day comes that we marry, and all those know of Amaren's father, then it will be good. For the knights to have developed a bond with him by then." He was trying to remain positive, though he felt the crippling fear of his son being targeted as he was heir of Camelot. "And until that time can come, I'm glad that they are here. To offer their support to you. And help protect our son." Because he hated leaving her here alone, which was why he had asked these knights in particular to remain behind. To take care of her . . . which is what they seemed to be doing.

[Guinevère]

"Thomas got a good head start with his training," Thanks to Arthur, and his training with him very day. Thomas missed that and she knew that he would be over joyed at seeing Arthur again. "I don't doubt that he will become the greatest knight in all this realm," That made Guinevère smile and she kissed his cheek though she wasn't sure if it was for his words or his effort in making Thomas so happy.

Arthur spoke of the knights and she knew that he was trying not to let the worry get to him. She could see his need for just a light night in his face. Tomorrow she would beg him to take one more man with him, Percival or Gwaine perhaps. Tomorrow they could have the real conversations. Tomorrow they could be who they were.

Tonight he was her's.

Lifting her hand to turn his face toward her, Guinevère kissed his lips lightly, then deeper.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched her intently, waiting for her words that either may encourage light conversation, or express concerns and fears she may have had. But instead, she turned his head toward her and kissed him. It was exactly what he needed right now, and he wasn't sure if she knew just how much. She always seemed to know what to do and say . . . what he was in most need for. Tonight, he would be selfish for he was in need of her comfort. In need of holding her and seeing first hand why all the fighting was worth it. He was fighting an army to protect Camelot, but he would fight ten times as many men if it meant just protecting her. He breathed deeply into the kiss, his hand falling from her cheek so that both hands went to her waist, gently moving her a bit so that she was over him. He was not sure what this would lead to, but he knew that he had to show the utmost care with her.

That he could not let himself just lose his control, for she was carrying a child inside of her. And he would not do anything to jeopardize her giving a healthy and safe birth. Hardly pulling his lips from hers, he left just enough space between them to speak. "I have missed you so much," he repeated softly. He couldn't say that enough. Of how every time he closed his eyes he would see her. And every night she would fill his dreams. Whatever little sleep he got, his thoughts were always of her . . . praying that she was safe. Praying that he would see her again. And now that he was able to, he felt alive again. He let his lips returned to hers, deepening the kiss allowing him fully lose himself in her embrace. Just as he always did.