The Replacement Husband [An AU Plot Line] (Arwen)

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had gone to speak to her son, but had not explained anything to her daughter yet. She needed time to adjust her own mind to things before she could talk to Anna. Her daughter's heart was too open, and she feared that she would be hurt. So instead she had met with the council and they'd discussed their course of actions.

Armed with a plan, a clean dress, and a heavy heart, she went to seek out Sawyer. When she found the mysterious man, she froze with a soft gasp! Standing there in clean close and a washed face she would have sworn it was her husband! Even knowing he looked like Arthur had not paired her for the sight before her! He was handsome, and dashing and everything a knight was supposed to be. His jawline accented his face, and his blue eyes screamed at her from across the the room. Goodness! Arthur! Her heart broke, but she knew she could not spend the next week days or even week crying at the sight of Sawyer.

She had to harden her heart to stay strong but how did one harder her heart when the man she loved stared at her---NO! Not the man she loved! A stranger. "Sawyer," She greeted, the emotion thick her voice, and she could not bring herself to look at him. Guinevère shut the door so no one would over hear, and then moved toward the window, taking the path that kept him from her. She would stand here, and look at the sword in the stone in the courtyard below. Arthur's sword.

"If we are to do this, then you should call me Gwen." Not Guinevère, for she could not bare to hear that name from his lips. "Thank you for your help. I know this places you in an awkward place but I will give you my word that I will make sure no harm comes to you, and afterwards you will be handsomely rewarded for the risk you take now." He would never have to farm again.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Sawyer looked at the door when he suddenly heard his name, immediately lowering his gaze to the ground once more. "My lady," he said formally. It was not difficult to detect that there was some emotion in her voice, just as there had been tears in her eyes. Did he really look that similar? He knew that if he saw someone who looked just like his wife, that he too may have a similar reaction. That he too would get emotional and it would place him in a state of shock and so many other emotions that he knew he would not be able to describe if he was not actually in that place. It was why he felt the need to apologize to her . . . he wasn't sure why, since this had been other people's idea. But he never liked to see a woman cry. Especially one as strong as the queen of Camelot. "If we are to do this, then you should call me Gwen." Gwen? Not even by her full name but by a shortened version of it? Could he do that? It seemed so . . . disrespectful. But if she was asking him, and if this was essential to the plan. Then he could make no objects. Deciding to test out the word he voiced confirmation. "Yes . . . Gwen," he spoke hesitantly.

Feeling as if it was a mere crime to speak to her so casually. But her next words distracted him, as she thanked him. He wanted to tell her that he didn't have a choice. That her men were blackmailing him with a life! She spoke of no harm coming to him, and he wanted to tell her that it was not his own life he feared for, but his daughter's. He felt more at ease speaking about such things to her . . . but it was not distrust that was preventing him from telling the truth. It was the risk involved. What if she could not find his daughter in time? What if the men made good on their threat? Sawyer could never take such a risk. Not when there was a way to ensure her safety. Or well, 'safety' since he doubted she was being put in an ideal environment. His poor girl was probably crying, and afraid and just looking for him. It broke Sawyer's heart . . . and made him not want gold in return. All he wanted was Aliana, for she meant more to him than any amount of gold or riches this world had to offer. If he said no to the gold however, then his incentive might be questioned by her. And then what was he to say? That he wished to risk his life just because he wanted to help a sovereign that wasn't even his own? That he had sworn loyalty to no king -- or queen -- but would help anyway?

"Thank you My lady," he said as gratefully as he could. He was grateful to her attempt to protect and reward him. It was not such protection nor such reward that he sought out though. "May I ask precisely what will be expected of me? If it is suitable to ask such things at a time," he quickly added. Not wanting to step out of line for being too forward. The men had been ambiguous and mocking and . . . oh dear. What if she thought that he was not told everything and that he was brought here under false pretense? Would that arise suspicion against what Agravaine told her? "I was told of some detail," he said in a calm voice, concealing the panic he felt. He would have to think through every single thing he said very carefully and with the utmost caution. "But, it would be more beneficial to hear such details from you," he added. Since . . . he would be posing as her 'husband'. It would be her who helped him make this plan successful, because he had no idea what he was doing. And he feared if he asked any of the other men, they would just threaten him again.

[Guinevère]

"May I ask precisely what will be expected of me? If it is suitable to ask such things at a time," At least he gave them somewhere to start. Guinevère had just be trying to think of something to say. Details. Yes, details would be a good place to start. "I was told of some detail," It would not matter, for she would not be doing Argavine's plan. If she must do this, then she would do it her own way, and make sure that he does not try to give up one life for another. Or in this case, give up one life to take another.

"But, it would be more beneficial to hear such details from you," Yes, it would. "It's still in the beginning stages. I was out of the kingdom, and a message came for me. By the time I arrived they'd already spoken with you and brought you here . . . "

Turning her head to look back at him for a moment, she then looked away. "I didn't expect you too look so much like him." she admitted, and took a moment to look out the window, sealing her heart away from this before she again turned to look at . . . . not him.

She wasn't strong enough. Looking instead at the take in the middle of the room which held Arthur's crowns, all lined up from prince to king. "Morgana is my husband's half sister. I am not sure how much you know, but they were very close until . . . she changed. She only wants the crown, and is not afraid to kill anyone in her way. For some reason she has become fixated on killing my husband and his heirs. She cares not that they are children, but only sees that they had stolen what she believes in her mind was her's."

"If she though that he was back. That he was alive . . . . . She's never handled her rage well. Something she got from her father."Their father, for Uther was Arthur's as well. "We believe she would come at us. Stop hiding and sending minions to do her work, but come here to try to kill him." . . . . "You." Since he was to play the role.

"I can no guarantee your life, and that alone makes me wish that we did not have to do this. Yet as your are willing, and it would mean my children would be safe . . . . Then I will give you my word that, I will take every caution I can to make sure she actually does not get close to you."

"There is but one that Morgana fears, and we are going to make sure he is close to you at all times, and that no harm will come to you. Emrys, is very strong, and when she comes . . . . the two of them can meet, and end this reign of fear that she tries to hold over the people of Albion."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Sawyer listened attentively to her words, trying to process everything she was saying. It was clear that she was shocked at the resemblance and Sawyer almost wanted to ask exactly how the deceased king looked like, but it was not relevant. All that seemed to matter was that he did look like him. Enough so to make this plan work. Otherwise, it didn't seem the queen would have gone through with it. For she seemed rather hesitant. Whether it was because she did not want to risk another's life or not, Sawyer could not say. What he did know was that he was the one without a choice. He wondered if she had rejected the plan, if the men would have let him and Aliana go home. It was not something he could question right now though. Right now, he was supposed to be completely agreeable to anything she told him.

"I'm sorry," he said in a low voice when she spoke of how much she looked like him, knowing it must be painful for her to have such a physically vivid reminder of her dead husband. He then remained silent as she went on to explain the situation. Most had heard of Morgana by now; about her ruthless ways and tyrannical rule whenever she did manage to capture the throne. It had not affected where or how he lived . . . so he had not paid too much attention to it. Now, it was what endangered his daughter's life. He was growing more afraid however. If something happened to him . . . what would happen to Aliana? The life of a farmer was not a very dangerous one, so he had never had to anticipate where his daughter would go should something happen to him. They had kind neighbors who would take her in, this he knew. However, would the men just release her, without care as to where she went?

Would they bother taking her back to his home where she could be looked after by people she knew? By people who knew her? He wanted to ask, but again . . . it would be too risky. He would made a mental note to ask Agravaine later, and prayed that he gave him a proper answer. And not just further mock and ridicule him and his situation. The queen was willing to do this for her children . . . just as Sawyer was doing it for his own daughter. He wanted to help, he did. But not at the cost of Aliana. It was not fair, for her to be a pawn in all of this; for her to be used as leverage in such a way. "Thank you My Lady," he said politely when she assured him that she would use every caution to prevent something from happening to him. Knowing, that she did not have to do that. Once again, his mind was screaming to tell her that he was not willing to do this . . . but he remained silent. Knowing the less that he spoke, the better. He just listened, as any obedient servant to their sovereign did.

He had heard vaguely of Emrys, as a great sorcerer . . . so that gave him some comfort. That he would be protected. "If I may ask Your Majesty," he began to say when she was done speaking, just taking a few moments to digest the information. "What exactly must I do? I mean, I know nothing of such dealings and . . . " He could not pretend to be a father to the king's children. Certainly not a husband to a wife. And most definitely not a king to the kingdom. "I am not sure what I must do daily, to help lure out your enemy from hiding." Make public appearances? Travel throughout the land? He didn't know. He did not know how to be a noble, for as far as he could remember . . . he was a peasant. A farmer. That was what he knew. He had tried to ask Agravaine but he was scolded for it. He hoped that her answer would be more helpful.

[Guinevère]

"My Lady," He called her, "Your Majesty," Another title. Guinevère had been born the daughter of a maid and a blacksmith. She knew how titles came out as natural when speaking to a noble as breathing did when one was born. You knew to do it, and you did not risk the wrath of the noble for failing to do so. "Please, Sawyer, just Gwen." She asked of him.

"I am not sure what I must do daily, to help lure out your enemy from hiding." Ah, yes of course. "Nothing daily. I wont have anyone risked that does not need it. I think my plan will be to just been seen with you. Perhaps have the castle close ranks, and go on lock down for a few days. Everyone will wonder why, it will get her attention. When someone see's us doing something as walking down a hall, then rumors will spread. Hopefully that will be enough. If by the end of the week she has made her move then we shall revisit the plan. I don't want the people's hopes up for nothing. My husband . . . . He was greatly loved. I do not like using his name, but I know he would wish it if it meant his children where safe."

She was looking at the crowns, but her eyes were distant as she spoke, "There is nothing quite like the love of a father. He would have done anything for them. . . . . And his people." Blinking slightly, she came out of her own thoughts, "We will teach you to walk like he did, and a few things so say so a conversation could be over heard. The rest of the week you are welcome to a chambers here. To sleep, and eat and . . . . " Be bored. "We will do the rest."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Sawyer wasn't sure he could call her just Gwen. Perhaps he would save such casualness for when they were in public. For he assumed that her husband did not call her 'Your Highness' or 'Your Majesty' . . . maybe he could get away with 'My Lady'. But Gwen just felt so . . . casual. Too much for his own comfort. Yet if it was something as small as that that would upset Agravaine to make good on his threat, then Sawyer would call her Gwen as much as possible. The plan sounded a bit more comforting, as she spoken on about what they would do . . . of how he would just be spotted rather than put as the center of attention. Making him a prime target. So long as he would be protected, then there was hope for his little girl. "So you reckon it will only take a week for this plan to be successful?" He asked, not having realized he'd not yet questioned the length of this plan. Of how long it would take for it to be over . . . so that he could go home. "What will happen after?" He questioned, knowing he was asking a great deal of questions.

What if this put his life in danger? Would people really believe it was not him? Could he live a peaceful life after this? "I apologize for all my inquiries. I just, would like to know as much as I can." Just in case his questions were irritating her, he wished to apologize for them. "There is nothing quite like the love of a father." That, was something that Sawyer could fully relate to. The love of a father was incomparable. The feeling of parenthood . . . it was what had made him survive the loss of his wife. Knowing, that he had a beautiful girl to love and raise. Even if he had done it on his own -- which was not an easy task -- he loved her more than anything. "He sounds like a good man," he said, from the way she spoke of him. "My condolences. For your loss." Even if it was late, he felt he should say it . . . because clearly, she felt it whenever looking at him.

He then listened to her tell him that they would teach him the ways of being a noble. Good! For he knew nothing about that. "That is a relief. For I have lived my whole life --" As far as he could remember "-- as a farmer." So he knew nothing about this, but was relieved to hear that he would be taught and guided as how to act as nobility. Or well, royalty furthermore. Being just a noble or knight was one thing . . . having to act like a king was another subject entirely. "Your children . . . I do not wish for them to be, confused." He knew what children were like, having the personal experience of being a father. And if he looked that much like the late king, then he did not want the children to grow confused and afraid and . . . believe that their father was back. So really, he was trying to find out how to approach that situation. More for the children's sake than anything else.

[Guinevère]

"So you reckon it will only take a week for this plan to be successful?" She hoped that was longer then needed. "I am hoping it will not take even half that long." She could not bare the sight of him, and what he did to her heart. "We will spend tonight and some of tomorrow helping you prepare for this. Then tomorrow shortly after the noon hour, the castle will be placed under lock and key. The towns people will wonder what is happening and rumors will spread of trouble. That will get her attention. Sometime during late tomorrow night, we will let someone see you and I walking down a hall or in a room together. Perhaps a few someones."

"Then once the word spreads, she will come." They were all counting on her wrath. Yet Morgana had never been able to control that well. She always did what she felt she must, do and int he moment she thought she must do it in. She would come. Surely, she would come. "Emrys is in the other kingdom, word was sent to him to return unknowingly. He will be a servant in the castle, and hidden until she comes."

"What will happen after?" If they did this right and feared the kingdom from terror? "Then you can return home, or with the coin we will give you to thank you, you can find a new home. You will my gratitude, and if you ever need anything Camelot will come to your aid, as you have come to ours. You and yours will be welcome here should you ever come this way again." Though, she hoped that he would understand if she declined a visit with him whenever he did so come. Looking at him was too hard on her heart.

"I apologize for all my inquiries. I just, would like to know as much as I can." She could understand that, "You should not worry, I imagine you have a great deal of questions." She would try to answer what she could for him. "He sounds like a good man," Her intake of breath was audible. "My condolences. For your loss." Shivering slightly she tried to speak, but the emotion caused her words to sound strained, "He was. There was not a man better then he." In the past nor present.

"Your children . . . I do not wish for them to be, confused." Her children. Yes. It was time for that part of her speech. "Please do not be offended, but you will not meet me children, and on any visit you ever should make here, I would take it as a kindness if you would not meet them."

"My son knows of this plan. While young, he is old enough to understand what is happening. My daughter would be too young to understand, and I do not wish to see her hurt. They would not understand. I would like to do this with none harmed if we can. Not my children or the people of Camelot, or even yourself. So fear not of my children. You will not have to pretend around them."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Sawyer truly hoped that this plan took a few days as possible. He hated thinking of the fear his little girl was in. Not knowing anyone, being held prisoner . . . he needed to get to her. Yet, could not let his impatience show. Otherwise she would question it and . . . he could not risk telling her. As compassionate as she appeared to be, he would not endanger his daughter's life like that. He would wait. And pray that this plan did not cost him his life. He did not wish to leave Aliana an orphan. "You are sure she will come so soon after?" He asked, going back to the subtle -- or maybe not so subtle -- inquiry of how long this whole thing would take. He had only ever heard stories of Camelot, he did not know its politics or how to govern the kingdom. Hence, the reason he was so nervous now. But faced with no other choice. It seemed that they were willing to protect him quite a bit . . . and for that, he was thankful. Even if he could not disclose the real purpose of him participating with this plan.

"Thank you," he said gratefully when she said that he would have coin and her gratitude. To have the gratitude of a royal -- of a queen -- was no small matter. It was rather large actually! "I live far from here. I doubt I will be able to return any time soon." In a way, he was trying to assure her that she would not have to worry about him reappearing, for he had seen the impact he'd had solely based on the physical similarity he bore to her late husband. "But I truly thank you for your incredibly gracious offer," he added, not wanting to seem ungrateful or offend her in any way. All he could think of right now was getting his daughter and returning to their quaint little home. He didn't even care about the coin! But he knew refusing it would only make her question his incentive for helping her and a kingdom that he held no loyalty to. The subject of her husband was one that seemed to cause her great difficulty, so responded with a bit of a nod and a very faint smile. Not wanting to press the topic.

The next thing he was bracing himself for was what was going to happen with her children. He found himself rather relieved -- as opposed to offended -- when she told him that he would not be meeting them, and gave reason. "I completely understand," he said, breathing a small sigh of relief. "I must say, I am relieved to hear this. The burden of affecting your children is, far too great." It was bad enough she seemed rather disturbed by his appearance. He did not want the responsibility of fooling two young children. "The less chance for anyone to get hurt, physically or emotionally, the better." He only wished he could say the same for his daughter. She could be dead for all he knew! The thought was enough to cause a pain in his chest and a shiver to run down his spine. No. She was not dead. She couldn't be. "I just . . . forgive me, but I feel the need to apologize. For how this, arrangement has hurt you so." Emotionally. For he saw the pain in his eyes, and hoped that he was not too vocal in his thoughts by making this known.

[Guinevère]

"You are sure she will come so soon after?" No, Guinevère wasn't sure about anything when it came to this plan. She only knew that it meant her children were safe. "I am not, but I knew her well while she was here. Morgana has a strong temper and often acts in rage. If she thinks Arthur is alive, I believe she will act. I think it will be swift and meant to be deadly--Which is why we will go far out of our way to protect you."

"I live far from here. I doubt I will be able to return any time soon." She felt glad of that, but regretted that she felt glad about his lack of wanting to visit here. "Then we shall at least make sure your travel home is safe, and comfortable. I will have men escort you to the border and make sure you have enough coin to not fear for things upon your arrive to your home."

She was grateful that he understood about her children, and made a mental note to thank him for that when this was over. "I just . . . forgive me, but I feel the need to apologize. For how this, arrangement has hurt you so." Her pain. "The fault is not yours, but thank you. I loved my husband very, very much. If I seem to stare, you must forgive me. The likeness is . . . . You even wear your hair like his, in the same style. I know it's a common style, but . . . it is unsettling to see someone so close to his appearance."

She stared for a moment before looking away. "We should perhaps speak of how nobles are and try to get you ready?" She changed the subject quickly--abruptly--to think of something beside Arthur in this moment . . . . though she failed.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She couldn't say when the witch Morgana would come. Even if he had never been to Camelot, everyone had heard of her; had heard the tale of the great kingdom of Camelot. He feared her. She was said to be an extremely powerful sorceress, a priestess of the Old Religion. He was afraid for his life, for his life and his daughter's life were intertwined. If something happened to him, something happened to her. He doubted the men who took her would have the courtesy or returning her to her rightful home. Which made Sawyer more anxious and nervous about this entire plan. The queen seemed like such a kind woman, and he wished he could tell her. Surely, she would understand? Perhaps if he told her that they threatened his daughter's life and therefore she could not say anything? Would she? Would she try to find her? Would she be too late? There were too many uncertainties, yet the conflict was strong in Sawyer's mind: wanting to tell her to get her help, yet knowing it could cost Aliana's life.

"I have heard only stories of her. Of her power," Sawyer explained, trying to hide the fear from his voice. He was not cut out for this. He was no hero, no great fearless warrior. He was a simple farmer; a proud father. How could he do this? Any of it? He felt himself on the verge of panic . . . yet somehow remained stoic and composed. "But I have also heard of the strength of this kingdom. I'm . . . sure I will be in safe hands," he said with a weak smile, as if trying to convince himself more than giving vocal recognition to her words. When she spoke of making sure he had safe travels, he found himself grateful once again. "It seems all I can say is thank you," he said a little embarrassed by the frequency in which he used the word. Hoping that it did not lessen the true meaning and his sincerity in saying it. "You truly are a compassionate queen My Lady." The rumors of that had been true at least. Lucky for him.

He listened to her say that he didn't need to apologize, and then spoke of further resemblance, like his hair. The words caused him to subconsciously run his hand through his hair . . . finding it strange that he looked so much like a king. He wished he could say or do something to make it less painful for her, but he didn't know what to do. Besides, the point of this was to make himself appear more like the king. When she changed the subject, he would take that as a hint to not dwell on the topic of her deceased spouse. Besides, he really did need all the help he could get in pretending to be a noble. "That would be for the best. I fear I have never been in the company of nobles in all my life." As far as he knew. "I wouldn't know the first thing about being one," he admitted rather sheepishly, aware that it would be a challenge. He was not only being asked to act like a nobleman or a knight . . . but a king! And so much was dependent on his ability to pull this off flawlessly. Or it would be his daughter who paid the price.

[Guinevère]

Sawyer spoke of some other things, thanking her and calling her kind in a way. Deciding it best to try to on from the harder topics, she only smiled softly, so he would know it was not her being rude and moved on to what he had been saying last. "That would be for the best. I fear I have never been in the company of nobles in all my life." If she really as what he thought of her, then she would have sent him home with an apology rather then let this cost him his life. "I wouldn't know the first thing about being one," Perhaps he knew more then then thought.

Thinking back to Sir William, Guinevère felt a warming feeling her heart over the memory. She had a soft, yet silghtly sad smile on her face as she spoke, staring off into the distance while thinking. "Your speech is refined enough that you could pass for an educated man, so you would not have to worry about that." Starting with something he was doing correct, she hoped it gave him encouragement. "The rest I can teach you." She hoped.

"My husband . . . " She bit her lips and closed her eyes before the sad smile shifted into a slighter wide smile touched her face. "He was so very arrogant. He knew he was the best, and had so much confidant in his skills with a blade." Arthur had worn it well. The smile faded and her eyes moved t his face, "To be a king--to pass for a king, you have to think like he would for a few moments. Think of what you expect in your king, or in any king, and how you would need to present yourself."

"Confidant, strong, friendly but not weak." She paused, watching him while trying to think of how else to explain things. "For a moment, just pretend, and just try to see how you would do things. We can work from there. Shoulders back, head high."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Sawyer listened incredibly intently to all the advice that the queen had to offer. After all, his daughter's life quite literally depended on it. This was a matter of life and death, for many involved and Sawyer would not have any harm come to Aliana just because he was too weak to carry out this seemingly daunting task. So he listened and watched her intently, so much so that he noticed each change in her feature when speaking of past memories of the king. A slight smile formed on his lips, seeing her remain strong through the explanation.

He of course had heard tales of her strength -- and beauty -- but seeing her, being in her presence, added so much truth to these words, that Sawyer found himself rather intimidated by it. By her. He quickly cleared his head of such things, needing to fill them only of what it took to pretend to be a king. Not just any: but a man she once called husband. Sawyer did as she described, standing up straight, raising his chin ever so slightly, squaring his shoulders some. Trying to work on his posture so that he looked to be as if he belonged . . . even though nothing was further from the truth.

"I will not have to use one, right My Lady?" He asked, her mention of a blade causing him to think back of when he had tried -- and failed -- in fighting off the men from taking him and his daughter. "A sword I mean," he quickly terrified. "I can feign such confidence with a blade, but I would fear expectation should one be placed in my hand and demand to make a show of these . . . skills." Skills that he wasn't entirely certain he had, despite what he had displayed previously. Certainly, it was just a mix of adrenaline and fear that had prompted him to fight with some semblance of skill. After all, a lot had been at stake.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was trying not to watch him. She didn't want Arthur's memories mixed in with memories of him. Yet she knew that if it was the cost for keeping her children, and the kingdom safe she would pay it. Yet right now she watched his face, and for a moment almost forgot. "I will not have to use one, right My Lady?" Just for a moment. Where they right? Was this an off spring of Uther's? Another one that they hadn't known about? He was so much like Arthur. The way his face was shaped, the size of his hand (yes she noticed), the way his voice sounded . . . "I can feign such confidence with a blade, but I would fear expectation should one be placed in my hand and demand to make a show of these . . . skills." Even the words he used, sounded like Arthur's. Yet the meaning, and the . . . effortless sense of power in there was not there.

Guinevère took a deep breath before answering, and forcing herself to smile. "No," Her voice was a little rasp as the memories had taken hold but she breathed again and spoke clearer; deciding to say his name often to remind herself. "Sawyer, I know it's a lot to ask you. You will not have to defend yourself. Sir Percival, will be with you every step of the way. He was a trusted knight of my husband's, and . . . and a friend to him. He will personally make sure that you return to your home." She paused for a moment, "And perhaps a family? Is your mother there i the village with you?" Would they have the ability to find out if he was Uther's? A brother to her husband. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. Part of her knew she would extend Camolet's aid to any brother of Arthur's--but she couldn't have him near her. She could not do this with the ghost of her husband standing before her every day.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

When the Queen confirmed that he would not have to use a sword, Sawyer felt a massive sigh of relief. As if he could breathe from the ease of knowing that he would not have to fight. That he would not have to make a spectacle of skills that he did not possess. "That brings me great relief," Sawyer said speaking aloud his thoughts. If he were to fight anyone, he feared the outcome and the last thing he wanted as to orphan his daughter. She had already lost her mother. He would not allow her to lose her father too. As if in sync with his thoughts, she began to speak of a family back home . . . a mother. Sawyer's jaw clenched, his gaze dropping in attempt to avert hers, if she was even looking at him.

"I have no mother there," he confirmed . . . but knowing that his less than guarded reaction begged for more of an explanation. "I did have a family though," he continued, his voice slightly distant as he thought back to Lillian . . . as he thought of Aliana. Could he trust the Queen to tell her about his daughter? Would it be safe? She was a queen; a station above Lord Agravaine. Surely . . . it would be alright. Yet the thought of further endangering his daughter gave him pause. His eyes met her hazel ones as he continued to speak, emotion behind his own blue hues.

"Let's just saw I know what it is to lose the person you love." Where Guinevère lost a husband, Sawyer had lost a wife. Realizing his eyes had locked onto the Queen's for far too long, he slightly cleared his throat and broke out of whatever trance of memories he had entered into . . . and whatever had compelled him to hold his gaze with a queen. Which, a member of a lesser rank should not do to begin with. "What does the day tomorrow bring, so that I would know how exactly to prepare?" The sooner this started, the sooner it was over and the sooner he could return to his beloved daughter. For she was all he lived for now.

[Guinevère]

It was understandable, his unease with being given a sword. Arthur wouldn't be an easy name for anyone to live up too. She often feared that Amaren--who'd been raised on stories of his father, and who had memories of him--would feel that pressure. Childern see only the best in the parents, and that is impossible to live up too. "I have no mother there," That would make it hard to find out about his father. She knew that Arthur would have made sure to know, and she promised herself she would discover the truth. At this time, she had more pressing things to do, but soon she would press--"I did have a family though," She hadn't meet to be staring at him, but for a moment there was something on his face. An emotion she knew in her heart. His tone, his expression matched Arthur's so closely in these few seconds that she almost reached out to touch him out of habit. Almost.

"Let's just saw I know what it is to lose the person you love." He looked away and she let out a breath that she hadn't even known she was holding. She could be brave, and strong, but here she wavered. Turning from him she walked away, looking around to find something to keep her hands busy. Yet there was nothing near. Nothing that needed touching to keep her mind away from these thoughts. She had survived Morgana's attempts on her children. This wouldn't kill her either . . . she just had to keep reminding herself. Sawyer. Not Arthur. Sawyer. Not Arthur. Sawyer the farmer. Sawyer who lived in another kingdom, and was a farmer. Sawyer. Not Arthur. No matter how his eyes looked like Arthurs. No matter how the cut of his jaw reminded her of where she put her hand.

What does the day tomorrow bring, so that I would know how exactly to prepare?" She sent up a silently thank you for him giving her something to focus on, and replied without looking at him right away. Tomorrow we will hand the castle locked up. We only do this in emerges, so the word will spread something has happened. We know Morgana has spys, and she will demand to know what is happening. Whomever they are, will then begin looking around."

Turning to face him she felt less shaken, and tried to have a calming smile. "We will dress you in chainmail, which I regret to inform you is very heavy," an attempt at a joke, "And you will escort me down the halls. Perhaps even to dinner. This will give her spys a change to see you." With any luck, Morgana would be so enraged, that she came for him herself. Only to find the knights waiting for her, as well as another more powerful in Magic then she was. He only had to make it back in time. "You will have a cape as well, as all knight and kings wear the Pendragon red. Your sword that you carry will be only for appearances. You will not have to pull it."

"Is there anything you require of Camelot while you stay here? We can offer you anything you wish to eat, drink. We have a vast library if you wish to read. If you wished to learn the sword, we have teach you. Finer clothes to wear, and a soft bed, perhaps? Whatever you wish to make your stay comfortable. It was only fair since he was the bait to an vengeful dark sorceress. Guinevère was also very careful in her wording. She would not offer him women, as she didn't believe women should offered--and it would prove he was not Arthur. As well as she could not watch a man who looked so alike her husband be with another. He had said he lost someone he loved. If he had come with a wife, she wasn't sure she could have done this. Though she would have forced herself for the sake of her children. It would have hurt too much to see 'him' with another--even knowing that he wasn't her husband.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Sawyer listened very intently as the queen began to explain what tomorrow would bring. He gave a half smile at her comment about chainmail, though he felt his heart beat heavier in his chest. Nerves were certainly setting in. To pretend to be the king was no easy task. And all that was at stake . . . only made him even more fearful. What if he failed? What would happen to Aliana? What would happen to other innocent children, like the Queen's? What would happen to the queen? To the kingdom? Sawyer suddenly felt quite nauseous but managed to swallow it down, attempting be strong in this moment. He had to be strong . . . for Aliana. When she asked if there was anything he required, Sawyer parted his lips as if to answer with full honesty . . . so close to divulging the true motivation behind being here. But he did not. Instead, his mind tried to quickly think of something else to replace his earlier thoughts.

"I would . . . wish to learn the sword." Because he had failed in protecting his daughter. As the life of a farmer didn't require one to be able to fight in such a way, he was now having doubts about whether he could actually live his life in such peace. Perhaps, these would be skills that would come in handy. Perhaps . . . next time he wouldn't be so weak so that his daughter was taken along with him. "Unless I am appearing as the king--" A thought that still made his stomach fill with knots. "I do not require fine clothing or a soft bed. I wish only to . . . " Save my daughter "Fulfil my role to the best of my ability." Which wasn't a lie. "I will even practice wearing chainmail so I do not look so weighted by it," he said only half kidding; his own attempt of a joke. "I hope that I will not fail you, Your Majesty," he added on, lowering his head in a bit of a bow. If this plan did not work, would his daughter still be released?

[Guinevère]

"Then I will assign on of my best knights to work with you. Camelot has many of the finest knights in the realm." Guinevère was able to speak honestly, and proudly in this moment. "Sir Leon, or Sir Percival, both will be with you and can teach you how to handle the sword." They had been some of the closest to Arthur, and now to her. Sir Leon held charge of the knights when it came to training, and ranks. He had the most experience, so the choice had been easy for Guinevère. Besides, he had always been kind, brave and loyal toward her. She trusted Leon with her life. With her children, which was bigger then herself.

His words made her smile, and she was grateful. They were Sawyer's words, not Arthur's. Arthur wouldn't have enjoyed the clothing of a farmer. He'd have worn it, if needed, but she knew he would have rather this clothes. "I understand. I know that's a lot to take in. A lot to perpair for. You're doing well. It would be best however, if you stayed in the clothing of a king, as we never know who might see you."

"I hope that I will not fail you, Your Majesty," That sounded more like Arthur, yet not like him at all. Sawyer and Arthur were a mix of two men much alike--and not alike. Sometimes she remembered this was the farmer she was talking too, while other times the part that sounded or looked like Arthur caught her up in the hurt of loosing a husband. Anna had his eyes. She'd not even realized she was staring again until she blinked and forced her smile back to her lips. "It is Camelot who will try not to fail you." She told him, "You're agree to take this risk on, will protect my children from . . . They will be safe. You will be helping remove our greatest enemy. One who has shown little fear of us. We are in your debt."

"The hour grows late. You must be tired from your journey. Sir Percival is just past that door waiting for you. He will take you to your chambers, and let you get some rest. In the morning, you can dress in the chainmail, and join me after the morning meal." This way she could put the plan in motion; and hug her children, and brace herself to see her husband's face. She would have offered to take the morning meal with him, but she wasn't sure she could bare seeing his face at sunrise, when she used to share that time with Arthur. "Unless there is something you need before then?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Sawyer gave a nod of gratitude for her willingness to offer her finest knights to help him train. Yet he could only remain silent when she spoke of how Camelot was in his debt. Debt. No. He was doing this to protect his daughter. And yet . . . he wondered if they had just asked him, whether he would have said yes anyway, now knowing that was at stake. A queen that the kingdom loved. Innocent children. Civilians. Sawyer wondered if the others would be convinced to let his daughter go and he would continue on with the agreed upon terms. Was such trust believable? Though Sawyer knew he had to try, deep down, he doubted they would release the only leverage they had on him. And thinking of his daughter as leverage, made him sick to his stomach. His mind had been racing with thoughts that he didn't even realize she had asked him a question. Until it belatedly processed in his mind. A clear opening. A chance to tell her about Aliana. Could he risk it?

Perhaps he should try to reason with the others first. Having parted his lips to speak, Sawyer knew that he had to say something. "There is not your Majesty," he stated lowering his head in a bow. There was regret in his words, yet he could not help it. "Thank you," he said before raising his head a little. "I shall bid you goodnight." Before he let anything else slip out. He then quickly turned, allowing who he presumed to be Sir Percival -- the giant of a man! -- lead him to his chambers. Percival too seemed to be staring at him quite a bit. Did Sawyer truly resemble the former king so much? The knight was kind enough, giving him a quick review of everything before departing. Sawyer looked at the room. It was so . . . extravagant. Far more than any room he'd seen in his entire life. But he could not sleep here. Not when thoughts of his beloved daughter sleeping who know's where plagued his thoughts.

Grabbing whatever cloak he found in the cabinet, he wrapped it around him, and attempted to find someone in the castle who could give him some answers as to where to find the men who had his daughter. While he was successful there, he was unsuccessful in convincing them to let her go. Despite any begging -- which he was not above doing for the sake of Aliana. They assured him she would be released once he did what he had to do. If he failed, she too would pay the price. Sawyer made all attempts until he was forcefully dismissed, and had no where else to go other than his chambers. But he found no comfort in the bed. Instead, he curled up on the floor in front of the fire, staring at it, trying to think of how to save his daughter. Whether it was pretending to be a king, or breaking her out of their clutches. It was how he spent the night before the sun's light peaked through the window. A servant was sent in to help him dress, and it was . . . odd. So very odd.

There was a strange familiarity with putting on chainmail, though Sawyer let the servant do majority of it. The weight however nearly had him staggering to the side. Was he expected to wear this all day?! When he was readied, clad in the attire of a king . . . he followed the servant to the dining hall where he was expected to meet the Queen. Taking a slow breath he entered, immediately noticing she wasn't there and moved to sit on one of the chairs at the side. Just like the quarters he was given . . . this room was also quite extravagant; or at least the breakfast laid out on the table was.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère wasn't born to be queen. She was only a queen now because a prince had fallen in love with her. Because he didn't see a servant, but a woman. He believed that she had been born to to do this. That she was fair and just. She would not fail that. She would be what Arthur had thought her to be. If it meant putter her hand on another's arm and pretending he was Arthur, she'd do it. For the children. For the ones that Arthur loved . . . and Morgana hated.

She'd had a restless night. She spent most of it staring at Arthur's things in her chambers. When it was time, she went to the knights she trusted, and together they made a plan. Leon was the only one who'd done this since he was young, and knew the most for how this would work--yet Percival knew more about how to protect the children, as he was used to fighting in chaos. "Then, lets begin," she told them once they had laid out the plan.

Guinevère walked briskly down the hall, her dress flowing around her legs as she entered the room where Sawyer waited. She'd eaten hours ago, and again with her children. "Sawyer," she greeted, walking in with her knights moving right behind her in full chainmail. "I hope your night was pleasant." He was used to something less grand then this, so she hoped staying here made up for the danger he would be in within the hour. "If you still willing, then we will begin." Once he said yes, the knights would leave and begin locking the castle down. They would call out for the council to come, and it would make all eyes turn to the capital. Morgana would be dying to know what was happening. It would not take long--she hoped.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Sawyer turned when he heard the footsteps, and watched the queen enter. He immediately lowered his head in a bow of respect to the higher ranking woman. The highest rank one could possibly obtain. "I hope your night was pleasant." It wasn't "It was." He eyed the knights who seemed to just be staring at him. Were they waiting for him to do something? Or, were they like the queen in taking in the similarities he held to the fallen king?

"I am," he answered in a low voice. Willing, by force. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to do this, not even knowing if his daughter was safe. He had never spent a night apart from her. Yet he would have to do all he could to not let it distract him from . . . whatever it was that was expected of him. "Am I to make some grand appearance first?" He asked, wondering how they were going to 'expose' him so that word got out to the target they had in mind.