The King Has Returned . . . [Arwen]

[Guinevère]

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[Arthur Pendragon]

This was the best time for her? Arthur wished so desperately that they could spend most nights together at such an opportune moment for her to become with child. But he would not be here. Which only meant that they would have to wait for the next time. He would not say such things yet. Not until he took a look at the rest of the papers and reached a proper and confirmed decision that he needed to leave for a bit. If only to protect the family he had just been reunited with. "I pray for the same thing," he told her, looking down at their hands before back at her with a soft smile. There was no pressure for them to have children, not that he'd ever placed pressure on her before for an heir. They wanted children, so that they could share more of their love. So that Amaren and Anna could have another brother and sister.

Though at her words, Arthur could fully understand what she meant. That everything was so dangerous, and she feared bringing another child into this world, where they could be harmed and targeted. He knew that it was his fault. Whether it just be by his position or not. Which was why he was so determined to protect them. "Children are one of the few blessings that make this world seem as if it is less of a dark place." Because they brought with them light, hope, joy. So many things. "We will make Camelot safe once more. A place for our children, however many we may have, to grow up in and feel at peace." In their home. Because he could not stand for these constant attacks on them, and on his wife. Where someone could just enter the castle repeatedly and cause such harm by posting as threats. He would make it a secure home for his family once again.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère loved hearing him talk about making the kingdom safe for their family and the idea that they could live in peace. The knowledge that he was going to remove the fear they lived in--or help them ease it at least--was the best news that shed had in so many years. She was tired of living in fear, of having men stand over her children, and of not letting them leave the castle.

"We've lived in fear for so long." She whispered too him "You can not imagine how I have longed to take Anna to the flower fields near the city, and let Amaren go to the training ground. Yet for fear of traders and Morgana we have not been able." She was looking forward to helping him do it as well. "Take me back to our chambers husband, and sit with me before the fire, and let us start our forever."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wished he had been here to give her that. To keep his family safe and protected, and not have them be in fear whenever they stepped outside. Camelot was meant to be a place secure enough to raise his children. Whether they wished to be in the gardens, training grounds, courtyard . . . it should be safe for them. But with Morgana's wrath, and all the darkness surrounding Camelot, it would take work to achieve this goal. But he was not alone. He knew that. That he had Guinevère by his side and the support of his knights and . . . Merlin. The thought was still difficult to adjust to, and he wondered if he would ever adjust to it. For the time being, he pushed it aside, not wanting to think of Merlin when his wife was telling him to take them back to their chambers. "We will have that again," he assured her, kissing her lips once more.

"I will make sure that Anna can go to the flower fields, and that Amaren can practice on the training grounds." That they would stop living in fear. He gave a small smile before finally taking a small step back so that they could return to there chambers where he knew there was still a large pile of paperwork waiting to be read. "You need not ask me twice," he told her, taking her hand as he led them back to their room. "Though I must say that this break has refreshed me quite a bit," he said with flirtatious teasing, though not without truth. He only wished they could have been in a bed, rather than having pushed her against the wall. But . . . it would just be one of the many nights they could be together. And tonight, it was important for all of them to be in the same room.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled brightly and bit her lip while watching. "I know that I for one have not felt this alive . . . and in this many places . . . since Sir Percival told me of that battle." The one that took him from her. She turned to walk down the hall, walking backwards so that her eyes did not leave his. "I already feel that nothing can foil our plans, that everything will work out."Because he was Arthur! And Arthur did not let anything stop him! He was strong and sure and stronger then death it's self!

Yet it seems reality was quick into hitting them. Right as she was about to turn to walk up the hall way to her room and hand came out and pulled her back and into the wall behind her, while the shadowed figure's sword aimed it's self at Arthur's neck, "No!" She cried out, "I demand you stop this instant!" She spoke the second time in a lower voice so it would not carry tot he room, yet the figure did not lower his weapon.

'My job is to protect you, my lady, even from your self.' Came the almost sarcastic reply of Sir Kobly himself who had been summoned here by her orders only to find the imposter trumping his queen int he hall. It appeared he had finally arrived.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He was glad to hear that she was so hopeful and confident . . . that she seemed to have such faith in him, as she always did. Faith in them. To restore Camelot to what it once. He had been so distracted by just watching her, and smiling and thinking of stealing another kiss . . . that he hadn't noticed a nearby looming figure. Not until it grabbed Guinevère and held her back. Arthur reacted instinctively by trying to move forward, but froze when the tip of a sword was pointed at his throat. Which also made him realize that he did not have Excalibur on him. That he was unarmed. However, when the voice spoke and his face was more clear, lurking out from the shadows, Arthur realized who it was and almost instantly relaxed. For Kolby was one of the few men that he wanted to be on board with his return. That he trusted enough to inform him of it. Even her orders remained uncomplied with for he spoke of how he was to protect her. Well, at least he was taking his duties seriously.

"Sir Kolby," he acknowledged, partly greeted, in a calm, rational voice. "I am no impostor." He knew that he would have to add proof to his words. For they may think he had tried to enchant the queen or something. Or that her grief had clouded her judgment. Which it had never done. It had taken Arthur a great deal of convincing to assure her that it was really him, and it was for entirely understandable reasons . . . since he'd been gone for five years. "It is I. King Arthur Pendragon, and if you lower your sword then we can speak about this. I am unarmed." Hopefully that would give Kolby enough to at least lower the sword; to know that he could raise it against Arthur whenever he wished for he did not carry his own sword on him. He hadn't needed to for the reason Guinevère had pulled him out into the hallway. A reason that he was obviously not going to mention to the knight in front of him.

[Guinevère]

'Yes! of course, you are so correct! I should drop my sword and back away!' He agreed, not moving but nor was he done, 'I can hand you over the crown jewels too, and while we are at it, I can even give you the cup of life!' Guinevère knew that Kolby would be harder to trust Arthur--unless there was a conversation they'd had or shared that only Arthur and him would know about. 'Back up a few feet, lad, then we shall talk.'

"Sir Kolby, I summoned you here for this reason. To see the truth. Had not not believed it then would have let him near my children?" She asked him, trying to make him see reason, "I am not asking you, but ordering you to lower your sword." Yet he did not. 'Now now, handmaiden, don't get your ruffles up. I kept you alive after that last attempt, and I will damned if I fail my king now. Arthur Pendragon is dead, and I saw him die myself. Whatever this plan is, goes no further.'

[Arthur Pendragon]

If ever there was a time that Arthur really didn't appreciate Kolby's sarcasm . . . it would be right now. He was not in the mood to hear that charming sarcasm that only Kolby was capable of giving. He didn't lower his weapon and Arthur knew that he shouldn't be surprised. Even with the queen ordering him, he knew he was just trying to do his duties. It was why he was confidant that he could trust him. Because underneath that sarcasm and wit, was one of the most honorable men Arthur knew. And he would carry out his duties with the utmost diligence. He allowed Guinevère and Kolby to converse for a few moments before he knew he had to respond. "The only plan right now, is to restore Camelot to safety and prosperity. And I can not do that with a sword being pointed at my throat." If Kolby killed him, then he doubted that Merlin would be able to bring him back.

Though, he was also very aware of the fact that if Kolby did intend to kill him . . . then Arthur would be dead by now. "What is it you need for proof?" He asked him. He could not tell him anything about his life now, not knowing what had happened, but he could tell him about anything from the years before. Anything that started from five years ago and past that. Kolby had been one of the men to train him when Arthur was a young boy. He knew Kolby well; and hoped that Kolby knew him well enough to eventually trust that it was truly Arthur and not an intruder here to wreak more havoc in the kingdom.

[Guinevère]

'Oh yes! proof. Try the year you were born? no? Hmm, perhaps his favorite sword? Or the names of his dogs?' Kolby was making a point--as the king, everything about him was common knowledge. There was nothing personal about him that Arthur could give him, and of there was then Kobly wasn't about to tell him what it was.

'No, the only plan right now it putting you in the same cell as that shady uncle of his--' He shot a glance at Guinevère but then looked back at Arthur, 'Which I am still confused on how that happened. But you shall join him, and we shall expose you for what you are.' Guinevère however was growing short on her nerves, and looked at him, "Tell him something," She asked of him, "Something only Kobly would know about you. Like you did with me. Something that only he would know. That either of you would never tell a soul." She looked at Kolby, "If he's capable of not telling anyone anything." 'Cheeky little handmaiden, aren't you. . . . and so bossy.'

[Arthur Pendragon]

Still with the sarcasm. He knew that Kolby would not stop with it, and that he should be used to it . . . but that didn't mean that in this moment, he didn't want to tell him to stop talking and listen. He didn't even seem to know what had happened with Agravaine, nor did Arthur want to be locked in a cell with him. For he was fairly certain the man would provoke him to killing him. Guinevère had told him to tell him something that only he would know and Arthur quickly searched his mind, knowing that they had well enough encounters in the past to tell him something that only Arthur would know. Though Kolby's last comment had struck a nerve in the king. "Cheeky little handmaiden, aren't you. . . . and so bossy." Yes, he expected Kolby's sarcastic comments. However, he appreciated them even less when they were directed at his wife. Without thinking twice about it, Arthur pushed Kolby's hand that was holding the sword to the side.

So that it would lower, even if only for a second, from Arthur's throat, taking the opportunity to take one step closer to him. Though no more. Knowing that Kolby was the one armed right now. And Arthur had no weapon on him. "Do not speak to her like that," he demanded, his voice strong though not raised. He did not want to alarm anyone else who could be passing in the nearby halls. "She is your queen and you will speak to her with the proper respect." It was not a request, but practically an order. Whether queen or not, even before they were married, Arthur could not stand to hear anyone talk to her in such a way. It was just easier to tell them off for it because she was his wife. Because they did not have to hide anymore. And they hadn't had to for so long. So hearing Kolby now speak to her like this, had angered Arthur. Even coming from Kolby, it was going a bit too far.

[Guinevère]

"Do not speak to her like that," Guinevère gasped when Arthur moved forward and pushed Kolby's sword out of the way, and it seemed to even surprise Kobly but he recovered quick enough. "She is your queen and you will speak to her with the proper respect." She'd forgotten that Arthur didn't know! "Arthur, wai--KOBLY!" She cried out as he pushed Arthur back, and swung out with his sword once. Covering her mouth to keep in the screams he wanted to make to felt her heart beat and skip a beat at the sight of it.

Yet it seemed that as quick as it all happened it was over. "Arthur, Kolby is part of the council now."-'Don't tell him anything he is pretending not know, he will let it all slip out soon-' "Stop it, Kolby! Let him tell you something! Let him give you proof!" She demanded. "Arthur is really here! Merlin brought him back!"

To Arthur she tried again, "Kobly did not mean it disrespectfully. He was trying to get a rise out of you, the same way he does with the others. . . . it might be why they did not tell him."

'Or why they did.' Kobly said reviling he might have known more then he let on. 'But they also said to beware of impostors that the spell could summon. So until you prove to be the real Arthur Pendragon, I will not lower my weapon.'

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not stagger when Kolby pushed him, though did take a small step back, as he did when the sword was swung. It was clear that he had not swung it with the intent to kill. But rather, that he had done so to ward him off. Arthur didn't care if Kolby was part of the council -- though the thought was slightly unsettling. While he may have a strong knowledge of politics, he wasn't sure his bluntness and sarcasm was fitting for a man of council. Then again, he knew that it showed in terms of Kolby and Guinevère's relationship. That she was close to him, as she was the other knights. That she trusted him, enough to put him on a very select and handpicked council. As Guinevère went to defend Kolby, telling him that he did not mean it disrespectfully . . . Arthur again, did not take that as an excuse to appease and accept his comments. Arthur of all people knew that Kolby's sarcasm had no limits. But he refused even him, to speak to his wife like that. Arthur was about to say something, about to provide words that would reveal it was actually him . . . when Kolby said he had been in on the plan all along.

Arthur was partly surprised to hear that, yet . . . it made sense. If he was on the council, then he must have grown close to the other knights. Hence the reason they had brought him on these plans. It could also work in Arthur's favor when it came to convincing him that it was truly him. For the shock of its impossibility would not be a factor. Only the shock that the plan had worked. He paused for a moment, letting Kolby's words sink in, collecting his thoughts. For each moment they just stood here arguing in the halls, was a moment wasted. "Then open your mind Kolby, and perhaps you will see that it is me," he began to tell him as he took a small step toward him. "It is the man that you defended when I had left for a few days, and you vouched for me for my father and the entire court to see." When he had gone to Ealdor and Kolby had thought that Arthur had gone to . . . be with Morgana. The thought was practically sickening now. Especially as she was his sister. With his words, he took another small step toward Kolby.

"It is the man that you extended a hand of help to, when the woman he loved was sentenced to be executed for a crime she did not commit. By offering to help her escape." And another small step. Now referring to the time when when Guinevère had been accused of magic and his father had sentenced him to death. Kolby had come to Arthur, not not necessarily approving of his relationship with Guinevère . . . but knowing that Arthur's feelings for her were genuine. He now took another step, placing him directly in front of Kolby, unafraid of the sword he held out in front of him. Confident in himself. Sincere honesty strong in his voice. "It is the man you helped train when he was a child. A man that you have known all his life, and who you should recognize now." Because, Arthur was that man. Because Kolby had known him since he was a child. And prayed, that he would be able to see it was really him. Not an impostor.

[Guinevère]

"It is the man that you defended when I had left for a few days, and you vouched for me for my father and the entire court to see." Guinevère wondered when that was but sir Kolby seemed to remember. 'Yes, remind me of the time you disappeared for days with the biggest blood traitor that Camelot has ever known.' Guinevère looked between them, waiting to see if Kobly would lower his sword but he did not, it wasn't until Arthur's next words that Kobly seemed to hesitant.

"It is the man that you extended a hand of help to, when the woman he loved was sentenced to be executed for a crime she did not commit. By offering to help her escape." Kobly's eyes moved to her, and then back to Arthur's. Guinevère's eyes rested wide and on Sir Kolby in surprise. She'd not known he had tried to help her escape.

Lowering his sword she watched as Kobly spoke again, this time sounding wavering. 'This does not mean I believe you. Merlin said that if Morgana got wind of their plan and sent an imposter that they would know things.' "But not things we've never told anyone. He knew things that Morgana would not have known. Personal things." 'Yes,' He told her gesturing down the hall, 'I heard all the things.' Guinevère's face blushed, though it was dark enough that no one would see at the knowledge that they had been over heard.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He still believed Arthur had gone out with her that time. Did he still think he had been . . . intimate with her?! Oh dear. That would be revolting. Never the less, now was not the time to convince Kolby that he had not actually gone with her. He had tried to use it as evidence that it was really him, though Kolby fixated on the fact that he had run off with Morgana, who was now deemed as Camelot's greatest enemy. His second reminder seemed to catch Kolby's attention more. For no one else had known about that, since Arthur nor Kolby would ever go around advertising the fact that Kolby had offered to defy the king and break the law. Still. He was not fully convinced. Guinevère was trying to defend Arthur to him, and he felt relieved for it. As Guinevère's word right now meant more than Arthur's. For the moment. Until Kolby accepted that it was really him, returned from the dead.

"Yes. I heard all the things." This made Arthur pause. If there was one time for Arthur to blush, now would be it. Though he didn't. Despite the embarrassment he felt over Kolby's remark. Knowing, that was the reaction that Kolby was going for. He should have known better than to take Guinevère to such a public area. He should have taken her to a bed, rather than against the wall. He did not regret their moments of intimacy. It just proved that he should treat her with more respect, so that others did not overhear things. Arthur showed no reaction to Kolby's words, even though on the inside, he wanted to fist his hand and strike him across the face for embarrassing Guinevère like that. Instead, Arthur would use it as evidence. Trying to find the right words so that it would not embarrass them further.

"If I was an impostor, do you truly believe that I would wish to spend my seemingly limited time with my wife?" If he was an impostor, wouldn't he have made himself publicly known and sat on the throne so that he could begin the damage of whatever Morgana wished him to do. "That I would want to spend my night with her, and my children? I have not made my return publicly known because I fear the state Camelot is in right now. If I was sent by Morgana, do you not think I would have made a such a formal announcement of my return by now?" He was trying to provide logic. That he had chosen to spend time with Guinevère . . . which Kolby heard -- embarrassingly enough. But surely, he would see that only a man in love with her would do that. Rather than one sent to cause problems. He had convinced Guinevère, that much was clear . . . so if he was an intruder, then why would he choose to be with her, rather than resume his kingly duties.

[Guinevère]

"If I was an impostor, do you truly believe that I would wish to spend my seemingly limited time with my wife?" 'It would be a good way to attempt to prove who you are. When the witch Morgana came back to us, she waited a full year before betraying us all.' Kolby reminded them. Yet his sword was still up and he was not reaching for it. 'No one knew that I offered to help you, so for now, I will aid you.'

Guinevère felt her heart skip a beat at his words, knowing that Arthur had won Kolby over. He would not be offering his help had he not. "Then perhaps we should take this back to the room, and speak of things there? There are many things that has happened over the years that Arthur needs to know about before we let everyone know he is back." Back to stay! To be apart of his family again! That alone made even Kolby's words seem softer.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur watched Kolby for a moment. Surely one of his words would have captured the knight's attention. So he waited for some sort of recognition that there was a chance he was not a traitor. And finally, that recognition came. "No one knew that I offered to help you, so for now, I will aid you." Arthur found himself relieved that they were able to convince another; particularly one who was originally part of the plan. One of the few men who knew about this. Arthur gave a small nod, knowing that it would be best to return to the chambers. For there was indeed still a lot that Arthur needed to catch up with. And he needed to know it all by tomorrow at the very latest. For tomorrow night, his journey to bring back Camelot to all it was, properly commenced. Before turning to walk away however, Arthur took a step closer toward Kolby. Not threateningly -- knowing that Kolby was the one with a sword -- but not entirely amicably either.

When they were close, face to face, Arthur spoke. "If you ever dare speak with callous disrespect about such matters regarding my wife ever again, then my patience will not be so great next time." His words were strongly spoken, in a tone that suggested he was not kidding; only dead serious. He had not lashed out at Kolby for saying what he did, for he knew he had to convince him that it was really him. Now however, he was scolding him for it. There were some teasings that Arthur could tolerate . . . but speaking about what Kolby had, embarrassing Guinevère by speaking in such a tone about their moments of intimacy . . . was not something Arthur would allow to slide by. So he warned him, knowing how Kolby was at times -- how he spoke too much for his own good and used that sarcastic tone of his . . . but his words were far too inappropriate to be said without warning. Glaring at him with dead seriousness for a few more moments, Arthur took a step back from him, and stepped to stand next to his wife, in preparation to return to their chambers.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched as Arthur walked up to Kolby and held her breath as the silence between spread out and filled the small hall way. She feared what might happen if Kolby did not heed the warning that Arthur was giving him. She almost spoke up and tried to say something to ease the pain full silence. Yet she did not have too. Finally Kolby took a step backwards and bowed his head, but not his body.

She let out a breath she didn't know that she was holding and then moved forward so she was almost between the men. She wasn't going to defend Kolbys insulting words, with Arthur having just made a point. Her silence on the issue was telling enough on loyalties and sides. "We all need to to go back to the room now, and try to figure out what is happening. How to proceed from here." She tried again before a fight could break out.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He knew Kolby was a good man, and was even more aware of how Kolby would make jokes at Arthur's expense. There were just certain jokes that he would not appease and would immediately discourage. So when Kolby seemed to silently heed to his warning, but not talking and lowering his head . . . Arthur took that as sign enough that he would hopefully not have to have this conversation with Kolby again. Speak what he would of the king, but not the queen. Arthur felt his body relax a little as he watched Kolby and then turned to Guinevère to suggest once again that they return to their room. Which was probably for the best. "Let's go then," he softly urged.

The less time they spent in the hall way, the better. Kolby was just of other potential people who could be walking by and see what was happening: that a man who looked like the king, the queen and a knight were conversing in a secluded hallway in the dead of night. They still needed to keep this between them . . . until Arthur could reach out to his allies and have them as the first to know that the king had returned. And that he was here to stay.

[Guinevère]

Arthur agreed to let them go back to the room, and Guinevère waited to see if anyone would move first. Though she knew that as the lady, she would be the one to go first, she really did not like the idea of leaving the men here alone with each other. So in effort to make sure that they were not tempted to speak alone, she took Arthur's hand and then turned to walk to their room.

Once there, she waited for Kolby to enter and the door to shut. Looking up at Kolby she begin where she thought was most important. "Why was I not told of this?" She asked, in a more demanding tone but still softly. 'We couldn't be sure that it would work. If the real king would come though, or if they could even make it to the island. Then there was . . . . more to the plan.' "More?"She questioned looking up at him, and not letting Arthur go. 'Do you remember Emrys' tale of defeating the witch Nimueh?'

Guinevère knew there was much Arthur did not know. Once Merlin had been outed and honest, he had told the council everything he had been doing. Guinevère had encouraged it so they would know how he's fought for them all along. "Yes. . . . . Oh! . . . " Letting Arthur's hand go her shoulders tightening and she took a few steps toward Kolby. "There was a prince for bringing Arthur back?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

When Guinevère walked toward their chamber, taking his hand, he walked alongside her. Once inside, his eyes immediately went to his children to make sure they were alright. Safe and sleeping soundly. He then walked to the other side of their chambers so that their children could continue to sleep without being disrupted from their conversation. He listened quietly and attentively to what Kolby said . . . obviously not following along with everything. Such as the tale of Emrys -- Merlin -- defeating the witch. He assumed this was something that Merlin -- Emrys -- had told everyone of, only Arthur had not been present at the time. So was only left with more questions. However, Guinevère seemed to address the most important aspect of it which left Arthur not caring about the details of the story.

Not for the moment anyhow. "There was a price for bringing Arthur back?" That was what Arthur had feared. He knew that there had to be a catch to his return . . . unsure of what it was. Afraid to find out. Surely the knights would not have willingly endangered anyone else . . . but they were all noble enough to willingly sacrifice themselves. And that was what Arthur was terrified of. For he didn't want anyone to die because of him. He did not want anyone to die, for him to live. "What was the price?" Arthur asked in a strong tone, using the strength to conceal his fear of the answer.