In The Mid Knight Hour

[Arthur Pendragon]

Things were busy in Camelot, to say the least. It had been decided that Arthur would take the crown of king, as Uther was deemed unfit to rule Due to circumstances beyond anyone's belief. Had Arthur not seen it with his own eyes, had the kingdom not been in turmoil during her tyrannical rule . . . then Arthur would not have believed it either. But the repercussions of Morgana's cruelty was very clear. It had destroyed the kingdom, shattered the people's faith . . . and Arthur knew he had to do all within his power to restore it. He had his doubts in being able to however, when he himself remained unhealed by her betrayal. But he could not join his father. For he was unable to rule, then who would lead Camelot? Such a position could not remain unfulfilled, which was also why Arthur had not objected to what the council consented to. He would be king in a matter of days regardless of whether he was ready or not.

In between preparations for the coronation, the city was still undergoing reparations after all the destruction Morgana had caused. It would take more than some physical repairs, for the damage had also been done to the people's emotional state as many mourned for the death of their loved ones. Arthur did not have to know them personally to mourn in their loss as well, for he loved every single citizen of Camelot. And the fact that she had murdered them . . . was unforgivable. She killed the very people who once loved her and went to her for aid and support. She had defended them once, and now she killed them. Arthur did not understand her reasoning, nor logic nor transition of how someone who had been so loving and loved, turned so dark and cruel. And this very woman was one he had called sister, only to find out that they were related by blood after all.

Arthur pushed these thoughts to silence, so he would not speak them aloud right now. He did not want them to surface on this peaceful night. He was walking with Guinevère to her home, taking advantage of the peace that the vacant streets provided them with at this late hour. She had offered to cook him a late dinner, though Arthur was not going for the food. He was going to just be in her company somewhere outside the castle. She had often spent nights in his chambers -- under complete innocence of course -- so that neither would have to feel alone and could seek comfort in one another's company during such a difficult period . . . for Guinevère had also been so very close to Morgana. At least now, they could just enjoy the cool air and the solitude of tonight. While he was not hiding his relationship with her as much as he had been in the past, he also did not want to push anything.

The people were still adjusting to the fact that he had knighted commoners, for it was not a spur of the moment thing. They had been given proper uniform and positions and chambers in the castle. It was longer term; not a one time occurrence. And Arthur would never regret it, despite the scrutiny he may receive from others. Just as he would never regret soon placing a queen who was not of noble blood on the throne. He had never been more sure of any decisions . . . and this was just the beginning. He had already broken the culture and customs of the kingdom, why stop here. He would follow his heart and better judgment, rather than just follow in his father's footsteps. He wanted Camelot to enter a new era, not fall victim to the same problems it has had in the past. He needed the people to trust the Pendragon name once again. Starting with the coronation leading to his reign as king.

_{Setting: On the streets of Camelot
Time of Day: Very late at night
Timeline: Shortly after the season 3 finale
Tag: Guinevère and Gwaine
Note: Sorry about the lame pun for the title!}

[Guinevère]

Where Arthur was tall, Guinevère was short. Where Arthur was fair, she was dark. Where Arthur was of few words, Guinevère could talk for hours about almost nothing. Their walks where never filled with silence but with talking and most of it from her. While she no longer aimlessly rambled in effort to fill the awkward distance between them she did often tell him everything.

Tonight the air was still, and the full bright. There was enough light that they could see the way to her house with out the aim of a torch. She was glad that he could walk her home now rather then having to just meet her there and walk the shadows so no one saw. She feared that when his father recovered however, that everything will change. That all the good and warmth that Arthur brought to this kingdom would be replaced by the bitter man who had been betrayed. She prayed very day that Arthur would remain king and the kingdom would be allowed to heal under his rule.

She approved of everything he did. From the changes he was making to the lives he was healing to the men he knighted. Not just just because they were brothers of her heart (and one of her blood) but because they were good men of honor and had earned this. There was Percival the gentle giant and Elyan her true brother. There was . . . Lancelot, whom had wanted this since he was a child. And Gwaine the charming mystery.

Guinevère never fully understand the mystery that surrounded him. He was a man who seem to have a since of chivalry that she had only seen in knights but he was not (until recently) a noble man nor knight. Still, she never dewelled to hard on the charm he gave every woman no matter the age or size. It was what made Gwaine special and hold a special place in her heart.

But none as high as Arthur. He was the kingdom's hope and bright light in this dark time, but he was more. He made her feel safe, and loved. She had grown to be more self confidant while around him, and feel beautiful. He had shown her courage when she would have broken, and loyalty and unwavering undoubt in their love. He was more then a good man, and ways she could not describe. She liked to think her father would have been proud of him and approved of her feelings for him.

They walked arm and arm to her home and her free hand was resting above where their arms touched. She knew it might look as if she was clinging to him but in truth it was because she still jumped at shadows. "----but she assured the man that no ill will was meant and I think he believed her." She was saying, telling him about the people that lived in his great city, "He seemed to not want any trouble and let everything pass. For a moment though, everyone feared it would turn into something more. I think everyone is just ready for peace. Even among themselves they no longer hold the heart to fight over small things. They are--" She stopped talking suddenly when she saw a darkened figure ahead, unable to see who it was in the night.

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[thegwaine]

The moonlight was giving Gwaine some sot of direction, fantastic, at least that was a start. It wasn’t that Gwaine was lost exactly, he just could not recall his exact location. The worst part of this whole scenario was that he wasn’t even drunk, he had managed to lose his way in the middle of the night, whilst being as sober as a rock; fabulous. Gwaine had been out walking, it wasn’t completely uncharacteristic as it was giving him a bit of time by himself which until quite recently had been the norm. The last few weeks or so had been quite a lot to take in, so he was glad of a few moments by himself. He had changed the life he had known, the life he had chosen for himself on the words of the Prince of Camelot, and he still did not regret that. However, in Gwaine’s head, the transition was proving a bit more difficult than he thought it would be. He was unused to seeing the same faces every day. True, he had seen Merlin and Arthur after their first meeting, but that had been some time afterwards. Now he saw all the other knights every day and it just took some getting used to.

Of course in front of them Gwaine took it all in his stride. It was after all his way. When he was with the other knights, none of these worries ever surfaced, he was his usual self at all times and that was just fine. When he was by himself though he felt strange knowing he would be living the same life he had today again tomorrow, rather than stumbling into the next tavern to find a fresh set of faces. It was not an unwelcomed change to his previous life style, he got on well with the other knights, though they took it upon themselves to torment him during training, especially when he was hung-over.

He smiled to himself , he had training in the morning, and of course he would only make it if he could find his bed at some point before first light. He wasn’t going up against Leon or Lucan with no sleep; with a hangover was bad enough. He looked up, as if that was going to help. At least it wasn’t raining, and there was enough street light for him to know that he was heading in the general direction of the castle. After all, Camelot castle was pretty hard to miss really. He wasn’t wearing his knights attire tonight, he knew that he probably should in case he was quickly called to duty. However, with some good luck that would not happen, and he sometimes felt more like himself in his usual casual attire. Having said that, Gwaine was finding that having the Scarlet cloak draped around his shoulders worked wonders with the ladies...

He looked up again and was confronted with two figures in the distance. It was too dark to make out their faces straight away, but Gwaine had a sneaky suspicion he knew who it was before their faces swam into the starlight. He approached them with his usual over confident, slightly cocky air and observed the pair. “Not disturbing anything am I?” He asked cheekily, holding his hands up as if to protest innocence if he had walked on the pair sharing some sort of intimate moment. Lowering his hands, he then raised one to run through his hair, making it look slightly more ruffled than it already did. “There’s me thinking I was the only one up at this hour.”

[Arthur Pendragon]

Though Arthur did not respond to Guinevère's talking, he was fully listening; completely attentive. He used to think her ramblings to be annoying and tiresome; but now he found them adorable and charming. He enjoyed the casualness they now had, and would do nothing to change that. When he noticed her abruptly stop talking, he quickly looked up and saw a shadowed figure in the distance. Arthur instinctively, and practically by reflex, took a protective step forward, in front of her so that should it be someone of a dark nature, she would be shielded. He did not yet pull out his sword, but kept his hand close to the hilt, eying the stranger very carefully. These were dangerous times, especially with Morgana and Morgause still lurking about. So anyone who was up at this late hour, wandering the streets, arose immediate suspicion. But when this mysterious figure came into view, the outline of his hair making Arthur instantly recognize him, the young prince relaxed and moved his hand away from his weapon, moving slightly back to stand alongside Guinevère once more.

"Gwaine," he both greeted and acknowledged. And Gwaine wasted no time in his jokes, for the manner in which he was asking his question was with that infamous Gwaine cheekiness. A year or so ago, if anyone were to ask such a question to Arthur while in the company of Guinevère, he would have gotten defensive, perhaps even a bit awkward. But more and more people were getting to know the truth, and Gwaine had found out prior to the general public. "Only the peacefulness of the still night," Arthur said jokingly . . . somewhat jokingly. As the knights were his brothers, he teased and mocked them as such. "What are you doing up at this hour anyway? Surely you are not so diligent in your duties that you have decided to patrol on your own." Again, a bit of sarcasm for Gwaine was not clad in his uniform. If Arthur could guess, he was coming from the tavern. Though he did not seem too drunk . . . then again, one never really knew with Gwaine.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère felt relief when she saw it was Gwaine who was walking up toward them and not a stranger. Her smile was bright an instant at when she heard his voice and she knew for who who was walking up toward them. Arthur gave a witty retort, and Guinevère only very lightly swatted his arm in a silent reprimand for his comments toward his brother in a way.

"You interrupted nothing. I had just talked Arthur into letting me fix him a very late supper." She worried about the weight on Arthur's shoulders. He did not sleep well with Morgana's betray so fresh and his father's illness not improving. Everyone looked to him and he did them proud but it took allot from him. "Please join us." She encouraged, wanting more company for the night. Besides, the food in the taverns were not the best, and if that was what Gwaine choose to live off of then she worried for his health. She was going to put some real home cooked food in his belly to make sure he ate well.

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[thegwaine]

Gwaine was somewhat glad he had found someone, seeing as he had managed to get himself lost in the streets of Camelot. He wasn’t even sure how he had managed it, but he had and that was the problem he was forced to deal with for the time being. He supposed that Arthur would be returning to the castle at some point this evening so he could probably tag along with him without anyone ever knowing how lost he had got. Perfect!

He wasn’t sure he believed Arthur as he said he had merely disturbed the peacefulness of the night. Well that was one thing that Gwaine was acclaimed for. Usually however he was disturbing the night in a drunken sort of haze, usually with some comrades. Tonight was one of his more uncharacteristic nights; he’d only had one drink. He was glad though when Gwen confirmed he had disturbed nothing, as he certainly did not want to disturb the pair of them having one of their moments.

At Arthur’s question Gwaine shrugged slightly, he wasn’t about to say that he was wandering about lost in his own thoughts, or that he was lost. No he would admit to neither so he chuckled slightly, “Well you know me Arthur.” He held his hands up again, protesting some sort of innocence, “The tavern night life has always appealed.” He hoped his stance would show that he was not drunk, and he was not lying as he had been to the tavern tonight, he had just not spent as much time there as he usually did.

The temptation of some home cooked food was certainly one which appealed to very much so. He was usually confined to what he could afford at the tavern, what he was given in the castle and of course what he could liberate from the castle kitchens without the head maid catching him in the act. He’d been developing new ways to sneak food out without anyone noticing but his efforts had been in vain so far. He was sure he would find a way one day, perhaps he could get on the woman’s good side somehow...

“Well it’d be a shame to let Arthur stomach all your food himself.” He grinned cheekily, he certainly would appreciate a good meal. After all it felt like it had been hours since his last meal. If women weren’t preoccupying Gwaine’s thoughts then food certainly was. “I’d be honoured to join you both.”

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a small grin when Guinevère lightly hit him in the arm, obviously not about to apologize for his jibe towards Gwaine. He also knew what was coming next . . . an invitation. He did not mind in the slightest of course. In fact, he loved how caring and compassionate Guinevère was. Always wanting to take care of other people, whether it be him, her brother of her heart, or a total stranger. It was one of the many reasons he loved her, so he said nothing and allowed her to extend the invitation; one that Gwaine would most likely accept. After all, no one could say no to Guinevère. She was far too genuine and sweet for a person to even think of offending her. "I disagree. It wouldn't be a shame at all," he argued when Gwaine spoke of it being so to allow him to stomach all the food. It was of course said as more of a joke than anything. Gwaine was not one of the people that he and Guinevère felt awkward in the presence of. Granted, Arthur became a bit more reserved, but he was not uncomfortable.

"Come then. We should hurry before an angry mob of drunks chase after you." Since Arthur doubted a good tavern brawl was a rare occurrence for Gwaine. Perhaps more so now with his newly attained title, but certainly not before. It was simply another joke made at his expense. Instinctively, Arthur took Guinevère hand in his once more, not caring if anyone saw. Just as he had not cared if anyone saw when he kissed her at the castle of ancient kings; or when she returned to the city and he embraced her in the courtyard. Compared to those, holding her hand was a casual gesture, yet one that he loved doing as it showed all the progress they had throughout the years; from not being able to be seen in the same room alone, to now this. With this gesture, he then continued to walk with her, assuming Gwaine would walk with them, towards Guinevère's home.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère looked up at Arthur when he 'disagreed' with Gwaine. "I think I manage plenty for you both and my brother should he find himself at home instead of working tonight." Elyan and her lived in their father's home, though she knew Elyan could move into the castle as a knight. Sometimes he did stay in the barreks instead of coming home. On the one hand it meant her brother was making friends and she was happy for him.

It did however mean she never knew his plans. Walking along side of Arthur, their hands linked like their arms had been she waited until they reached Gwaine and he could fall instep with them before speaking again, "How is it you never grow tired of barmaids and ale?" She was teasing him, and her tone gave that away.

Her home was not far, she could see it from here. While not large it had a table that she could fit four at, so she did not worry about the room. When her father had owned it, the home had been one room with a table and small desk that he'd build for her. When it became just her, she had a small half wall, and curtains built in to divide the front and back. It gave her home a more womanly appearance.

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[thegwaine]

Gwaine laughed as Arthur replied, saying it wouldn’t be a shame at all if he consumed all that Gwen had to offer. In Gwaine’s opinion it would be a great shame indeed, he had not had the pleasure of sharing a meal at Guinevère ‘s table before, but he guessed that she knew a thing or two about cooking up a fine meal. Then again, he guessed it would take little finery to tempt Arthur to her side at this late hour, but of course he would never insinuate such a thing; orally at least. He chuckled at Guinevère as she replied, saying that there was indeed enough for them both. “Are you sure you have enough?” He now asked her seriously, but in a mocked tone, “Or have you not become well enough acquainted with my appetite to know how much it can take?” He teased softly. Food, next to women and ale, was one of Gwaine’s greatest loves. It was true he was easily distracted, but he was usually distracted by either a pretty face or the prospect of food. Both was equally as pleasing, well, depending on what the context of the situation was.

Anyway he was getting off track, and Guinevère ‘s next question brought him back to the current situation. He blinked a few times, trying to pretend he hadn’t zoned out of the situation and smiled back at the pair. Her question amused him somewhat and he grinned at her, “Because Guinevère , there is always another ale to be had, and another pretty face to speak to.” It was true that Gwaine had been used to a bit more of a variety in company during his travels, but he could still find a different woman to speak pretty words to after an ale or two. Turning back to Arthur, Gwaine scratched his cheek thoughtfully and laughed, “I’m sure I can handle a drunken mob.” Gwaine pointed out jokingly and grinned at Arthur, “I have in the past after all.” And with that, he began to follow Guinevère and Arthur as they headed in the direction of Guinevère ‘s home. He had never actually been, so he assumed this was the right direction.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur allowed the pair to talk, knowing that there would be less silence in the air. Between Gwaine's cheeky remarks, and Guinevère's sweet rambles, Arthur could just listen for the time being. Slightly amused by their interactions. His mind inevitably wandered back to the first time he had seen them together. When Gwaine had been banished from the kingdom, and he'd been watching him in the courtyard, seeing the way he and Guinevère had been completely comfortable around each other. He'd felt . . . jealousy. He knew he had no right to feel that way, knowing he'd had no claim to her and could not as her to wait for him . . . but he had not liked the thought of Gwaine and Guinevère together. It did not take long for his mind to be reassured that it was nothing more than a strong friendship. Well, then again with Gwaine he was always charming a woman. Hopefully, he would know better than to do it with Arthur standing right here.

"How is it you never grow tired of barmaids and ale?" "Because Guinevère , there is always another ale to be had, and another pretty face to speak to." Good gosh. Gwaine was truly never going to stop being the charmer that his reputation built him to be. "A lot of good that has done you," Arthur said teasingly when Gwaine commented about how he'd managed to escape angry drunk mobs in the past. "Control your appetite somewhat. You can't expect Guinevère to cook all night." Another tease as his brother's expense, but he also did not want Guinevère to have to feel she needed to cook excessively. Knowing her, she'd want to keep cooking until they reached their fill. Who knows when that would be. Once they arrived to her house, he opened the door with his free hand, gently pulling out his arm that was linked with hers, giving her a soft smile while doing so. This was so that he could motion for Guinevère to enter first, and then Gwaine could follow.