The King Has Returned . . . [Arwen]

[Guinevère]

Guinevère didn't quite pull back when he turned his face to kiss her hands but, her look shifted. She was still unsure. Not about him but about how much she could risk. Would he leave again? "Emrys will be here by tomorrow night, we will have all our answers then." She whispered, knowing that Arthur might not like what he learned there, but one step at a time. "They will need to sleep soon, we can talk more then." She promised, before walking past him and over to her son. Guinevère sat on the window seal and spoke to him softly, "It's a big kingdom." She wondered if he already felt the weight of it.

By that point little Anna had come back slowly toward him with an arm full of toys and dolls. She looked over at her Mama, before looking up at Arthur. It was clear she was a bit hesitant, to approach while her mother wasn't near, but she took a few steps anyway. "Papa?" She asked, hesitantly, too young to understand what dead and not dead meant. She only knew here and not here.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tomorrow night. Arthur wasn't sure he could wait that long. What was he to do all day tomorrow? Just sit around? Should he try to be closer to his children; build a proper relationship? Would it only hurt them more in the end? He didn't know, but it was not a question more prevalent on his mind. He was more so concerned with tonight. With being with her and his children. She believed it was him, but he knew she was afraid to believe it as well. He just slowly nodded as she made her way to Amaren, just when Anna returned to him with an arm full of dolls. He smiled as he crouched down in front of her to be somewhat on the same eye level. Her small size was worrisome, but at the same time, he loved her more for it. As if she was so easy to protect, yet so fragile. "My princess," he greeted in return, in a soft voice.

"You have a lot of dolls there. Show me which one is your favorite." These were the moments Arthur had dreamed about. Not playing with dolls, but rather, spending time with his daughter. Being in a room with his wife and children. It seemed so perfect, and yet the perfection of it only made it more difficult . . . because it reminded him of what he had lost. What he still could lose. He could vaguely hear Amaren speaking to Guinevère, as Arthur tried to focus on both of his children at once. Amaren was looking out the window, highly confused about everything going on. "Who were those men, mama?" Because that seemed like it had a less confusing answer that questions regarding his father that was supposed to be in heaven.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched her son and worried about the effects this type of life held on a child his age. He already knew too much of the world and too much of distrust. He was young but sometimes she feared he was older at heart, and that was her failure. Not protecting like she should. Not protecting his legacy like she should. His kingdom--Arthur's kingdom was in ruins! "Agravaine's men." She admitted, not keeping this from him in hopes knowing kept him alive one day. "Did they hurt you? Are you unharmed?"

Anna bent down and dropped the dolls and dresses that went with them on the floor. She then picked up one and held it up to him silently. It was a golden creature of some sort, with wings and a long neck and tail. Larger then her dolls and slightly dirty, as if carried everywhere. "Its a Pendragon." She explained in her soft high pitched voice, that most babies had, while drawing out the word dragon.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Amaren looked at his mother with large curious eyes. "Why do Uncle Agravaine's men want to hurt us?" Like any child, he was filled with questions about recent events, trying to understand. Though not ignoring his mother's question. "We didn't get hurt. I tried to protect Anna!" He said a bit proudly but knew he had not succeeded. Arthur, though paying attention to what Anna was doing, felt a slight smile on his lips from Amaren's words. For he had seen the way he held up the sword, shielding his sister from the men. His boy was a brave one, and it made him all the more proud. Especially knowing that it had been Guinevère who instilled such a trait in him. He would hopefully have an opportunity to speak to his son later. But for now, he was taking a doll from Anna's hands that she offered him.

"A Pendragon?" Arthur repeated with enthusiasm, the kind of tone an adult would use when humoring a child. His smile grew a bit more, finding himself loving every single thing about her. Every feature, the way she spoke . . . she was his daughter. His princess. He looked down at it for a moment before handing it back to her. "Now why is that one your favorite?" He asked her. Out of all the prettier -- and cleaner -- dolls she had, why that one? He wanted to try and learn as much about her as he could, even if it was something as simple as to why she liked a doll. Was it from someone she was particularly close to? Held some sort of sentimental value -- other than the fact that she called it a 'Pendragon', the family name she was born into.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was so proud of her son in that moment. knowing he always looked out for his sister. She had feared once, of what would happen when Anna was of marriageable age and men flocked from all areas of the globe to win her hand. Who would look out for people who wanted the connection more then her heart? Then she started noticing how her son--who was more like his father then he knew--and how he would make sure she was alright.

That was when Guinevère knew that Anna would be alright. She had a big brother looking out for her. And, if fates where kind, a father now too. "You are brave," She told him, in a proud tone, "I don't know why they wanted to find you and harm you but I can promise I will not let them hurt you. . . . Nor will your Papa."

Anna liked the dragon because it was her name, and because of who could talk to them. "Emrys!" She told him, opening up while talking about one of her favorite people, "He tells dragons what too do!" Looking up at her Papa, she told him more. "Dragons are scary, but I like Merlin!"

"I am going to marry him!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Amaren was too distracted with his mother's compliment to realize she had not answered his first question. He just grinned widely, though the smile soon faded when she spoke of his father. Amaren glanced over at the man, as if he was afraid to look, so quickly turned back to his mother. "Is that man really Papa?" The man who used his father's sword. "Why was he gone for so long?" Arthur heard the question, and wished with all his heart that he could give a proper answer. Would his son resent him for the time he'd been apart? For practically missing the first years of his childhood? Would he remain distant from him, afraid to get close? It would be easier to grow closer to Anna as she was still young. But he feared that his relationship with Amaren would not be as strong as it could have been . . . he had been there. The thought saddened him, for he wanted nothing more than to be a good father to both his children.

He was afraid his unexplained absence tarnished that dream though. Regardless, he would do whatever he could to make it up to them, or at least try to. "Emrys!" Who the hell was this Emrys person?! Arthur still wanted to know about him, but was not about to ask his four year old daughter about the court sorcerer. That was something he would have to discuss with Guinevère, late. Though his curiosity only grew when she spoke of how he told dragons what to do. What dragons? There were no more dragons left in this world. Arthur had killed the one that had nearly destroyed the city, and the other that was in an egg was destroyed as well. It peaked Arthur's curiosity, but he did not question it. Obviously knowing that Anna was perhaps not the best person to ask these sort of questions to. "But I like Merlin! I am going to marry him!" Over Arthur's dead and rotting body. Which . . . felt a bit too ironic to find humor in right now.

But where had that come from?! Emrys to Merlin? Merlin! The idiot must have found Emrys from somewhere. He wouldn't put it past him really. Regardless, his daughter was not marrying Merlin. Of course he knew now that it was only a small affection she had for him, but he was not going to let it grow to anything other than that. Right now, he didn't want to think of her being with anyone. "You don't think Merlin is a bit funny looking?" Arthur asked rhetorically, clearly joking, as he made a bit of a face to just add to the humor. Part of him was actually so glad to hear that Merlin had grown close to his children. For it was Guinevère and Merlin that Arthur trusted above all others. And of course the knights. His brothers. "Emrys protects you then, he helps take care of you?" Arthur asked, wanting to learn more about her relationship with a sorcerer. He was worried beyond belief about it, but if Guinevère felt it safe enough for them, then he would trust her judgment. It only showed how much had changed in all these years.

[Guinevère]

Her heart broke for the years her son had missed his father. "Yes, he is really your Papa," She told him, "I would not have let him near you unless I was sure." Even when she'd been sure, she'd not wanted him near them for fear of them getting hurt. "I don't have answers for you, and I know that's hard to hear. The council will be back tomorrow night and then Embrys will be able to give us the answers we seek." She hoped they were they ones they wanted.

Until then she would have to try to fit a lifetime of memories into a few days. One day. "You remember the story you liked to hear? Any of them about your Papa. Pretending to be commoner to joust and ended up jousting an assassin?" She never made them scary, but wanted her son to know his father. "Or fighting a troll? . . . You always said you wanted to know him. Don't hold back." She hoped that he would at least try, "You could learn a great deal about knightly things from him. No one was better with a sword then your father. You have the chance to learn from the best, rather then from Sir Kolby's and Sir Gwaine's stories."

Anna was laughing at his words, a bright happy laugh. She thought he was funny, calling Merlin funny looking. "No! He's handsome!" Anna told him, "No as mooch as Percyvial." He asking if Merlin took care of her, and protected her. "Embrys keeps the bad lady away. She is afraid of him. Afraid of his dragons! She no get me when he is home."

Anna looked over at her mother and then stepped forward to whisper loudly, as if that would keep her other from hearing. "Mama says I no learn magic. The evil lady, she uses it to hurt brother! I want to learn. I want to keep brother safe!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Amaren was still confused. And unsure what to say. He looked back at the man staring at him for a few long good moments, before looking back at his mama. "I like those stories," he said in an excited voice, though he did not raise it. "Especially the one with the troll." Because it was funny and trolls were big icky creatures. "Will Papa leave before Emrys gets back?" Clearly, the boy trusted the sorcerer more than his elusive Papa. Plus, he was old enough to want a proper explanation of where his father had been all this time. "Did magic make him come back? Was he really in heaven?" The questions began to pour out, as he became less and less hesitant to ask things pertaining to his father. "Is he going to leave us again?" He repeated, not sure he liked that idea, still confused about everything.

Arthur on the other hand was almost entirely distracted by Anna and her . . . infatuation with Merlin. Calling him handsome. Good gosh. Even at this young age it was clear his daughter was not shallow; that she liked Merlin because of his kindness, rather than his looks. That just had to be it. Though he was rather reassured that it was not only him she was infatuated with, but Percival as well. That made more sense. But he did not comment, for he listened attentively to Anna explain how . . . Morgana was afraid of Emrys. Was that true? Or was that just what she had been told to ease her mind? If it was true, then it was certainly something. Rather, comforting to hear that Morgana was afraid of someone that was in the castle. Yet, magic? Did that mean he was more powerful than her? So many questions. And as this conversation progressed, they only increased in number. "Some magic is dangerous Anna," he told her softly. He did not like the idea of his daughter learning magic. Not from this Emrys person, nor anyone else.

And from the way she said Guinevère had disallowed her to . . . well, it seemed he and her were on the same page with this. "You have to be careful around it," he reminded. Though, he had to admit it was rather adorable to hear that she wanted to protect her brother. The two were obviously extremely close. Considering his own dysfunctional family and sibling situation . . . he was so happy that Anna and Amaren were so close and protective of each other. "There are many other ways to protect your brother." He decided that he was going to teach her basics of how to defend her own. Just as Morgana had learned. "But for now, let Amaren and your mother protect you." He paused for a moment, knowing that this could be something that fell apart . . . if he was not meant to be here forever. If his return was temporary. "I will protect you too," he added in a low voice. And he prayed that nothing would make these words be a lie to his daughter.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère wished she knew how better help Amaren understand the happenings going on around him. With her not even understanding them, she knew that it was near impossible to explain properly. "He doesn't remember what happened, or where he's been. It could be magic, or it could be love." Because right now, love sounded like a better reason when telling a son that his father was there. "You should talk to him." She encouraged, "You might be surprised how much you have in common." Such as love for fighting, and weapontry.

"Your Papa wont let anyone get to you. It's ok to let your guard down tonight. We are both here to make sure you and Ana are safe."

Anna hugged the dragon to her, as her Papa spoke about keeping Amaren safe, and about other ways that she could protect him. How!? "I will protect you too," At that her face light up, the same way her mother's did. Her eyes widened slightly, and a smile spread over her cheeks. With her blues eyes already being dominating on her face, they shone now. "You didn't let the men hurt us." She told him as if he didn't know, and she moved up to here he was on his knee's--still not coming up to shoulders, even with him being so low--and put her arms on either side of him, as if she was trying to hug him.

"Amelia says her Papa is the best Papa." Anna told him, looking way, up to his face and holding her hands up in a silent demand to be held. The golden dragon still in one hand. "But my Papa makes the bad men go away."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Amaren was torn as to what to do. He wanted to talk to his papa, but he didn't know what to say at the same time. So for now, he would stay with his mother. "What do I say to him?" He asked her in a quiet voice, as if he was afraid to say the wrong thing to him. To the man he didn't know. "I didn't say thank you to him. Should I say that Mama?" Because he was polite enough to know his manners, and realize that he hadn't thanked him for saving them from the bad men. "What else do I talk about?" It was clear that the boy was getting nervous. That he didn't know what him and his papa could speak about. What did one say to their father who they had not seen in five years?

The way that Anna's face lit up made Arthur smile in return. It reminded him so much of Guinevère. Despite Anna's eyes, she was the spitting image of her mother. That bright smile that Arthur just loved seeing. The way it lit up every feature and caused a warmth to consume his heart. It was with that smile that would always win him over. That would make him want to give her the whole world. A smile so beautiful; one that had made him so easily fall in love with her mother. All those years ago. When he saw her come closer to him, her tiny arms not even able to move around him . . . he just froze. His arms did not yet go around her in return, for the emotion filled in this moment made him freeze. Made him unable to move or react. She looked at him, speaking of what another girl said about her father. Now saying that her father made the 'bad men' go away . . . as if saying he was better than another. He knew he was not a good father. For he had been absent from her life. Her world. And yet, she embraced him as if he had been there all along. He knew she was just a child and did not understand the complexities of this all . . . but still.

To hear her speak this way, to feel her tiny arms around him, made him feel that joy of having a daughter. And the sorrow in not being there for when he should have; as he should have. His arms gently went around her, and while still on his knees, pulled her in his arms. He raised her a bit so that her chin could rest on his shoulder as he held her against him. With her not being able to see his face in this hug, he closed his eyes, a single tear falling straight to the ground. Never had he felt prouder in this moment, to have such an incredible family. Nor, had he ever felt like a stronger failure in all his life . . . for not being there for them. Another tear slipped from his eyes as he just inhaled, taking in this moment. For if it was the last he ever had, he wanted to remember how it felt to hold his daughter, for the first time. "I love you," he whispered to Anna. He turned his head to kiss her on the side of her head. Just letting his lips rest there for several moments. She was the most precious gift in all this world. The only thing that compared, was his son. And the woman who was responsible for the both of them.

[Guinevère]

"I know it's hard, to open up to someone, after so long of trying to be strong. If it's easier, talk to him about Anna, or about your training. Even about your horse." Something that would lead to them talking more and letting him open up on his own. Guinevère looked over at Arthur and Anna, about to tell her son something else but freeze, and lifted her hand up to cover her lips.

It was a sight that she never thought to ever see. Arthur embracing his daughter. Guinevère couldn't move her eyes from it for a moment and when she did, she could she was crying at the sight. Wiping her cheeks, and looking down at her son, she wondered how he felt at seeing it. She knew how he'd idolized stories of his father over the years, and could tell by how he looked and even just now spoke that he wanted to go over there but was afraid or unsure. "Giv--" Her emotions were high tonight, "Give them a moment, and then I will take Anna to get a clean night dress on--" One that was not covered in a bit of dust from the lower ground's floors, "--and will let you have some time alone. . . . man to man."

Anna was resting contently in her Papa's arms. "I love you too, Papa. And Mama, and brother." She felt him kiss her head and linger there, and she liked Papa-kisses. She had seen him make the bad men go away when all the other men could not. She felt safe here. Her eyes had started to grow heavy but before she feel asleep she noticed something, "Papa . . . " She asked in a loud whisper, "Are you sad? Why do you cry?" She almost sounded worried.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Oh! Amaren could talk about that! He could talk about how he was learning to ride his horse. And how he was getting better with a sword. So many possibilities fled through Amaren's mind, even though he was not running over there to talk to him. He was still a bit hesitant, even more so when he looked up at his mother and saw her crying. "Mama?" He asked, his eyes widening a bit. She looked like she needed a hug, so Amaren put his arms around her, as high as he could reach, putting his head to the side so his cheek rested against her. "It's okay Mama. The bad men are all gone." Assuming that was what she was crying about. Since he didn't know what else would make her so sad. He knew his mama worried about them. And he would chase any more evil men away. Even though he didn't have his sword right now. And as she suggested, Amaren did give them a moment. Because it looked like his mother needed a hug more than Amaren needed to speak to his papa.

"I love you too, Papa." Hearing such words only made his emotions more difficult to control. This would be the second time he had cried with joy -- even though it was mixed in with other emotions. But joy of his daughter, of being able to hold her, of hearing her call him Papa, hearing her tell him that she loved him, and being able to tell her that he loved her too . . . it made his feelings indescribable. He had always wanted to be a father, but never knew the full joys of it until he had actually held Amaren for the first time. And now he could continue to discover that extreme happiness. When he heard her ask why he was crying, he quietly sniffed to put a handle on his overwhelming emotions and moved his head slightly back so that he could look at her. Her beautiful face, her large curious eyes. "I just missed you," he told her, not wanting her to think that he had abandoned her, but knew that it would be Amaren who required more convincing of this.

"These are happy tears. Because I love you and Amaren so much." He leaned forward to gently kiss her forehead, closing his eyes as he did so. Never wanting to let her go. And prayed that he never had to. That whatever brought him back from the dead was not cruel enough to send him back there. When he finally pulled away from the lingering kiss, he rose to his feet, still holding her in his arms. This may be the first time he had met his own daughter, but he could tell that she was getting increasingly tired. Part of him hoped that he could hold her until she fell asleep. Because he wasn't sure he would ever be able to put her down. So he put one hand on the back of her head, to gently press her against him. He then began to slightly and slowly sway back and forth. Closing his eyes once more, as he tried to rock her to sleep.

[Guinevère]

Amaren's words filled her with an funny little sort of joy. "Yes, but the good men are here." She whispered, wrapping her arms around him, and lifting him up. Her son might be at the stage where he liked to be stronger then he was, but his was his mother and she would hold him in this moment. "Would you like to know a secret?" She whispered, into his straight hair. "I can be in a castle surrounded by the best knights in all five kingdoms, or beyond to the seas and even beyond that . . . . and I would still feel safer by his side then in that castle."

She wanted him to know that, to know it was going to be alright. "Don't worry Amaren, No matter what happens over the next few days, he wont let anything happen to you or to Anna. . . . Because he loves you."

With that she sat him down, took his hand and walked with him over to Arthur who was having his own moment with Anna. She hated to end it, but Anna needed to be clean before she went to bed. The dirt would make everyone wake up inchinag. "Anna," She said softly, "Let us get you in something clean, then you can lie down again, perhaps even with your Papa." So Arthur would know that she was returning Anna to him shortly.

Taking Anna from him, and into her arms, Guinevère then bent down to kiss Amaren's head. "I'm proud of you for today." Her hand then went out to Arthur's hand. Taking it in her's, in plain view of Amaren. Knowing if he saw her openly trusting Arthur it would help him. Encourage him even. As she turned to walk to the other half of the chambers, though the archway where the bed was, her hand held his, until they were too far apart to touch any longer. Leaving Arthur with his son/

[Arthur Pendragon]

With his eyes closed and just gently swaying Anna, Arthur felt as if he was entering a peaceful place. Not one that would put him to sleep, but one that just filled him with such great solace, that he felt like everything was going to be ok. He felt that somehow, everything would work out. No one but his family could give him this kinda of feeling. The first time he had it, was when he was with Guinevère. Even in the early stages of their relationship, she had given him such a great calm . . . and it had been one of the many reasons he was so drawn to her. That feeling had never miniimzed over their years together. The next person who had given him such a calmness had been Amaren. The first time he held his son, sometimes when he even fell asleep on the bed holding the tiny baby. Having left his wife and son to go to battle, had been the hardest thing he ever had to do in his entire life. And now, the third person who gave him this solace was Anna. His precious princess. These three people in his life, were his world; his everything. The only one who would ever be able to compare . . . would be another child if ever they had one.

"Anna." Hearing Guinevère's voice broke him out of this peaceful and relaxed trance, He slowly opened his eyes to look at her, knowing the time came where he would have to part from her. He slowly passed her over to Guinevère, kissing the top of her head just one more time, before fully letting her go. The only thing making it easier was the suggestion of holding her again. He also noticed that his son had come closer to him. That Guinevère now brought his son to him. He looked down at the boy, who had grown so quickly. Only in Arthur's mind though, for he had not been here for each day he grew older. And that would always be his greatest regret. He knew it would be more difficult to explain himself to the boy who's mind was more developed and understanding of his absence. Compared to Anna who had embraced him as if nothing had happened. When Guinevère took his hand, he looked at her, giving it a light squeeze before she had no choice but to let it go so that she could get Anna ready for bed. He watched her walk to the other side of the room before looking down at his son.

Arthur bent down, going on one knee so that he could be on the same eye level. Arthur just looked at him, and as he had done with Anna, just looked at him. Looking at the way he had grown, at how his features had changed. He could tell which parts he had inherited from him, and which parts he had inherited from Guinevère. As Anna did, he looked like the perfect blend of them. Having Guinevère's light skin and dark hair, but Arthur's masculine facial features. Arthur gave a small smile, finding it more difficult to talk to him . . . to explain to him, when he had no explanation to offer. Perhaps the first words should be of encouragement and praise. Because, though this had been the first time he saw him in years, he was already so proud of him. "What you did today, defending your sister like that. I want you to know that I am extremely proud of you." Even though he wasn't sure if it would mean anything coming from him; his father, yet a total stranger to the boy. "That the bravery you displayed was most impressive." His brave boy.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère hummed softly as she walked over to the cupboard and opened it, with Anna in her arms and pulled out one of the clean ones she had there for her daughter. Anna would sometimes sleep here, finding that she was too small to get warm enough in the winters. Her night gowns were often layered. "Are you sleepy, daughter?" She asked, calling Anna Daughter as an affectionate terms of endearment. "You can sleep in my bed tonight."

Arthur and her's bed. She knew that Arthur might not sleep, but she also knew that if he lied down with Anna, that his face would have that same expression on it as he had moments ago.

Amaren on the other hand, was still a bit hesitant to fully approach his kneeling father. He could see Anna's eyes on the man's face but nothing else looked like him and Anna. While Amaren had been told what his father looked like, seeing it felt different.

His head came up, and shoulders back as Arthur told him how proud he was. Amaren liked that his father was proud of him. That he didn't see him as a kid who got in the way. "Thank you for saving Anna and me." Did he call him sir? Was he king now? "You are a good swordsman."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Anna rubbed her eyes, nodding to the first question. "I wanna sleep with you and papa. Amaren come too!" It could be a family sleepover! She liked those. It would be more fun with a papa to join them. So they wouldn't be missing anyone. The thought made her rather excited. "I no sleepy," she lied, these words now contradicting her initial answer to her mother's question. She was of course tired, but didn't want to sleep anymore. She didn't want to miss all the fun and excitement of a family sleep over! She let out a small sleepy sigh, as she relaxed her tiny arms around her mama's neck, resting her cheek on her shoulder.

Arthur once again felt horrible in hearing his son thank him for protecting them. When he had wanted to be someone that they could rely on for protection. That it was a given, and did not need to make it sound like a favor. He knew that was his own fault, for not being there for them. He hoped to remedy that, but also knew that he could make his son resent him even more if he promised that he would only protect him . . . when he didn't even know the nature of his return and how long it was. He didn't want to lie to him, nor did he want him to feel anything but safe around him. "Why thank you," he said in a tone that made him sound highly honored that his son complimented his sword skills. Arthur put a hand on the boy's shoulder, hoping he could develop a strong bond with his son. That it wasn't too late. "I know I have not been there for you, your sister or your mother in the past. But I hope to change that now. I realize that this is not easy to understand, and once I have answers, I will tell you all that I can."

So that Amaren knew he was not purposely withholding information from him. That if he had answers, he would give them . . . if only he could. "All I ask for now, is a chance." He could not ask for his son's trust nor understanding, only a chance for him to prove that he could be a father. "Can you do that for me?" He asked, leaving the option for him. He was old enough to make his own decisions, and Arthur was not going to demand his position on him. He was not going to force him to spend time with him if it was something he was truly uncomfortable with. It would kill Arthur if his son didn't want anything to do with him . . . but he would understand. He had to. Because it would be no fault of Amaren's at all. He would only be protecting himself and his family. Something that Arthur was still so proud of him for doing.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère could tell Anna was tired, the excitement of today--both good and bad--weighted on her. Standing her on the bed, Guinevère moved to help her pull the dress off, so the new one can go on. "Here, let us get you changed, and I will rebrush your hair in front of the fire, before we join the boys and get them into bed, so everyone can rest up. Tomorrow will be a busy day." Because there would be much to do. Agravaine could not hide forever, and the places he would need to seek out would be covered. Royal floors, kitchens and places for water. Merlins' chambers too for they held many magical things, but where always guarded and a new gate had been added and the whole area didn't even have a key. Merlin locked and unlocked it by his magic.

No one could get in or out.

Amaren felt his father's hand on his shoulder, and watched him as he spoke. It seemed fair. Like he was talking to an adult and not a kid. "Yes, I can do that." He said quietly. After a moment his hand came up to rest over his father's larger one. There was a long moment of silence before Amaren spoke again. "Anna likes you." He admitted, trying to work up the courage to get close to him like Anna had.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Anna gave a tired smile when he mama dressed her and then said she would brush her hair. She liked it when her mama did her hair. So she could look all pretty like her! "Can I brush papa hair? Amawen never let me brush his!" She had tried countless number of times, but he would always run away! She wanted to return the favor of brushing someone's hair, mostly because it was fun. And she wanted to be as good at it as her mommy. Brushing her doll's hair wasn't the same. And since Amaren and her Papa seemed to have similar hair, it would be a good substitute! "Mama can put flowers in it!" Just like she did with her hair! Now the excitement of such a thing made her bounce a little.

"Yes, I can do that." Arthur gave an appreciative nod, finding himself extremely relieved to hear that. To hear that he would at least try, so that Arthur could prove to him as much as he could, that he loved him. That he wanted to be a father to him. Even though the past five years of their lives may have suggested otherwise. He just let the silence linger, wonder what his son was thinking about, as Arthur tried to think of ways to make this up to him. There would be a great deal that needed to be done. Not only search for Agravaine, but if all Guinevère said was true, then a great deal needed to be set in order in the kingdom. On top of that, Arthur wanted to spend as much time with his family as he could. Especially since he didn't know how long he would be here for.

"Anna likes you." Arthur gave a short glance over to the young girl, bouncing a little on the bed, before turning back to Amaren with a soft smile. "Does she?" Arthur asked, wondering if that would soften Amaren up to him, or just make him more protective of his sister. "You know her better than anyone," he added. Her mother and her brother, those would be the two people who knew her best. "She doesn't quite understand," Arthur went on to say, not about to pressure his son to say that he too should warm up to him. "She is only happy to call someone her father." Nor was he going to try and glorify his return. He was so happy to be with his family, but he wasn't sure if their happiness was the same. Because it all felt so . . . uncertain. Everything felt tentative.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled at Anna and knew that she would try, and poor Arthur would not be able to tell her no and would find his hair braided. Again. Remembering their short stay with Odo's family from when things were simple and happy, Guinevère knew he would let Anna play. "Tomorrow." She promised, "We will dress in our finest, and make sure everything is pretty. You can spend all day with your father." Because Arthur would keep them safe while she went out and did what she had to do. Until Merlin came back and could confirm what was happening, they could not publicly acknowledge that the king was returned."

Amaren thought Anna was something safe to talk about. His mother had suggested talking about her. Someone they both loved, and Amaren could hold all the knowledge. Even his father said he knew her better! "Anna likes everyone, but she is afraid of strangers." Amaren offered as how he knew she liked Arthur. Because she didn't see him as a stranger. "She's afraid of allot."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Anna grinned when her mama said they could get all dressed up tomorrow and play all day with her papa! "Can we play tonight?" She asked, but the excitement began to wear down as a yawn almost immediately followed her question. She was fighting to stay awake, because she didn't want to miss the fun. But it was also clear that she was having difficulty keeping her eyes open. "All dollies can come for play time," she went on to exclaim. She clutched the one toy she always carried around and clutched it to her chest as she yawned again. "We have party." Now, the enthusiasm was slipping as she was growing more and more sleepy. But she was still awake all the same, because her mama promised to brush her hair and she wanted to stay up for that.

"Anna likes everyone, but she is afraid of strangers." Arthur smiled at this, knowing that was fairly typical of a young child. Especially considering all the traitors that were about. It was different, being royalty and Arthur knew that the more weary she was of people she didn't know, the better and safer it was. Which also made sense when she spoke of how she was afraid of a great deal. "Well then it's good she has an older brother to protect her," Arthur pointed out. "It's best to be cautious of people you don't know. As Anna grows older, she'll need her brother to look out for her. To make sure she stays safe." Arthur would rather focus on encouraging Amaren to protect her -- though it didn't look like he needed encouraging. Rather than him, make false promises of always being there to protect her and his family. He could not say such things until he knew more about the circumstances and conditions that brought him back. Nothing came without a price. "Tell me, hows your training going?" Another safe subject, one Arthur wanted to hear him talk about. Though at this point, he would be happy with just about anything his son told him.