Where for art thou...Arthur??!!

[Vivian]

Vivian couldn’t remember how many times she’d practically run up and down the corridors in search of her love. He felt so near, yet why was he so far? She needed him. She wanted to see him more than anything else in the world. Arthur. Her one true love and ‘heart’s delight’.
Every time his face came into her mind, her heart leapt right up and then back down again. How was he just so…so…perfect?

Vivian knew that the talks were preventing her from seeing him. Her father would never understand just how much in love she was. She wasn’t exactly as innocent as he deemed her.
She skipped along, humming a little tune to herself. Today was perfect, everything was perfect.

She could barely think of anything else except hunting Arthur down. Vivian had already been down to the council chambers in search of him – but he wasn’t there. Well – she couldn’t hear his voice when she had her ear pressed up against the door. She was sure that if Arthur were near then she would know. She would hear him. Instead she decided to hunt all around the castle. How hard could it be?

She hadn’t yet seen Arthur since her and her father’s arrival the afternoon before. She’d been so bored and her mind was on nothing else. They were together in the same castle so she was bound to glimpse that perfect blonde hair, those eyes a sincere and sleepy shade of blue that had been present in many of her dreams, since she’d fallen for him.
Once again she found herself asking how he was so perfect? So well sculpted? She wanted to run and shout his name down the corridors and from the top of the Mercian Castle’s turrets so loudly that the whole of Albion would hear her call. Including Arthur. Then he would come for her and carry her far away, where no one, not even her father, would ever find them.

Vivian sighed happily, she had begged to come along when Olaf had told her that there were to be meetings between the five kingdoms at Mercia, as a result of the end of Cenred’s war and Camelot’s current situation. Vivian didn’t care for any of that – she would see her one true love! Her Arthur. The man whose name was written in the stars next to hers! Of course, her father wouldn’t have left her behind. Even if he had she would have found some way of going along.

Vivian eventually stopped looking and leant against a wall, she gave a big audible sigh, and slid down it- landing with a thump on the floor. With a small pout, she gazed at the floor in front of her.

“Where are you my love?” she asked herself miserably.

Setting: The hallways of the Castle of Mercia
Time of Day: Almost Mid Morning
Timeline: Post Season 3
Tag: Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

The talks were progressing nicely, but it was the emotion attached to everything that was weight Arthur down. From the betrayal of Morgana, to his father's lies . . . it was all a great deal to bare. The other kingdoms were showing their strong support, and Arthur appreciated it far more than he could ever express. But it did not make the pain disappear. He wondered if it ever would. He knew that things could never truly go back to the way they were . . . all he could hope for was that in time, the pain would alleviate, even in the slightest. But could not dwell or wallow in it either. He was fully aware of his responsibilities. He had attended these talks because his father could not. And he was fairly certain that he would be ruling Camelot for it did not appear that Uther would recover any time soon. He had been traumatized over Morgana's actions, but more so in the emotional sense than the physical. And what consolation and comfort could Arthur bring to him? When he himself was so angry at the lies he told him; at the truths he withheld from him. Their relationship had been strongly affected by this, and he wondered if either of them could ever fully move past it.

These thoughts consumed Arthur's mind as he made his way down the Mercian hallway. He was by himself, a time where these thoughts would dominate his mind for there were no other distractions around him. Or well, that's what he thought anyway. But how mistaken he was. For he suddenly hear a strangely familiar voice, questioning the whereabouts of her love. Arthur would not ever forget that voice. That tone. It was enough to make him freeze, and his eyes slightly widen. It was . . . Lady Vivian. Oh god. Lady Vivian. Their 'love' had been a product of an enchantment -- obviously -- and while he had been fortunate enough to be freed from it, she was not. That fact alone created a strong sympathy towards her. Because the false illusion of love that had been ingrained in her, would never be reciprocated. If the only way to break the spell was a kiss from one's true love . . . then how could she ever be granted that?! Guinevère had to practically push Arthur against a wooden pillar and force him into a kiss, for otherwise, he would never have accepted it under his delusional self.

But with a father as protective as Olaf . . . how would she be given that act to free her from this spell that still plagued her? Yes. Arthur did indeed feel horrible for her. He wished he could do something to help her! He would organize a line up of men for the sole purpose of kissing her, if he thought that would help break this love spell. But he doubted that would work. And unfortunately, right now . . . his cowardice self was preventing him from making his presence known. He was literally around the corner, but close enough to hear her. Had she heard him?! Hopefully not. But . . . how was Arthur to get to his chambers? For he needed to turn the corner and, there she would be waiting! Oh this wasn't good. Not good at all! He just stood there for a moment, deciding that he could not risk seeing her just yet, so very slowly, began to take a few steps backwards, practically tiptoeing to create less of an opportunity for her to hear him.

[Vivian]

She could hear someone or something approaching. She looked up straight away and around the corridors seeing a quick flash but no one there? Had she been imagining it? Vivian quickly got to her feet and looked around again. She could’ve sworn that she had just seen her Arthur. Then again his face dominated every one of her thoughts these days.
She peeked around the corner. It was him! Arthur! Oh the back of his head looked so wonderful that Vivian just wanted to caress that neck of his. Run her hands through his ever so soft looking hair.

How wonderful it felt to finally set eyes on him again! It was as though someone was smiling down on her! He still looked the same, just as handsome as the last time she’d set eyes on him.

“How wonderful” she breathed dreamily, making sure that he didn’t hear her. “How…perfect”

She would surprise him. He wouldn’t even hear her. She needed to feel his touch again. His kiss. She’d had such a yearning that had build up over time that now it could finally be set free for once and for all!

Vivian took off her shoes and tiptoed down the hallway trying not to giggle. Only a few more steps and she would be in his arms once more! The thought excited her so much that she felt her steps were almost light and giddy – like she was walking on the air!

She waited and then literally launched herself on him! “My love! Arthur! Oh I am so glad I have found you at last!” she grabbed his face, “My days have been so grey without you – even the sunniest! Oh please, just hold me again!” she begged and sank into his arms.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was a skilled warrior; a strong combatant; a great hunter; a man who has been through extensive training his entire life . . . but nothing, nothing would have prepared him for what just happened. For he had not heard her light footsteps approach him. He had no idea she was even upon him, until she suddenly threw herself at him, causing him to freeze with horror all over again. Oh this was not good at all! He didn't even know what to do when put in this situation! He did not want to encourage her, but there was really no way to discourage her for she was enchanted and therefore, was not thinking with a clear mind. How had she survived in such a state for over a year now?! How had she endured such . . . delusional love?! Didn't this spell ever wear off?! Or would she have to just remain like this . . . forever? Oh my. The thought of that made Arthur cringe. Not only because it just happened to be him that the enchantment had made her obsessed with . . . but also, it just made him feel all the more worse for her.

It was bad too, that no one else knew that this was a spell. Only Merlin, Guinevère and himself. So for all their fathers knew, she was really in love with him and he had really been in love with her. This was going to turn into such a mess if things kept up the way they did! "Lady Vivian," he said in a slightly strained voice. Not because she was heavy, but because he was holding her in such an awkward position. He did not actually want to be holding her, but the way she sank into his arms made her rely on his support to keep her up. He tried to move his head to the side a bit so that she did not have a hold on it. Was this how she felt when he was the one enchanted and she had not been? No wonder she had kept pushing him away! The spell made one insane!

He did not even know what to say to her. All he could do was remain polite and courteous for she was still a Princess. He tried to lightly push her forward a bit, so that she was not in his arms, as he put his own hands on either side of her shoulders to hold her in place in front of him. There! That was better! "Should you not be resting in your chambers?" He asked, trying not to give her any ideas . . . though his words may not have come across an innocently as he would have liked. "You know that your father will not like the thought of you wandering around, or privacy with another man." He could not expect her to be totally rational, but he was trying to reach her on a level that perhaps she would understand: the over protectiveness of her father. He had forgiven Arthur for their little fight, but that was only because he had spared his life and they went on their separate ways. If he saw them together again, he may not take too kindly to it.

[Vivian]

He obviously hadn’t expected it! And now he was so surprised to see her. Obviously he had missed her too as he caught her and was still holding her.

“My love! Just one touch from you sets me on fire!” she grinned goofily as he caught her. “And the way you say my name? – I think I may die a thousand times over” she sighed dreamily. “It is like the sweetest music to my ears, played by angels themselves”.

He was now holding her by the shoulders asking whether she’d be resting in her chambers. “I have sworn not rest until we were together again, and now it seems I will not be able to rest any more that I already haven’t done! How can I when you are all that my heart desires??” she asked and played with the laces on his tunic.
She feared that she would melt away if he left her side again. She wouldn’t let that happen! It was their destiny! “You once told me that love conquered all!” she said, “and I believe that it really does!”. Vivian held onto him tightly, she would never let go of him again! “I would walk to the ends of the earth for you, I would battle a whole army of knights for you and I would even be your servant if it made you happy!”.

On mention of her father and his morals she snorted, “my father would have to go through me to get to you. I will not let him destroy our love, we have worked so hard for it!” she sighed. “Please walk me back to my chambers, oh pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!” she pouted, “I promise I wont jump on you again”

Well that was a lie in itself but Vivian wasn’t going to tell him that. “By the way! I already have picked out the names for our children!” She bounced up and down excitedly and clapped her hands as they began to walk in the direction of her room. “They shall be two boys and we shall name them Olaf, and Uther!” she squealed, delighted at this prospect, “Our father’s will love them! Then they wont be able to tear us apart again!”

She clenched her fists as she remembered the tantrum she’d thrown as soon as they returned to Lyonesse. She didn’t care if they were to return to Camelot ‘one day’. She wanted to see Arthur!
Vivian had then spent at least a week locked in her room and sobbing into a pillow. They were not as nice smelling as Arthur’s pillows had been, all manly and…. anyway that didn’t matter! They didn’t smell like Arthur at all. In the end Vivian had resorted to drastic measures such as craving their initials into every tree trunk she could find. She’d even gone so far as to embroider his face from memory on a handkerchief. It wasn’t that hard when he was all that she could think of.

She now looked at Arthur sadly as she could see his expression. “You…you do not like the names?” she sniffed.

[Arthur Pendragon]

With who and the what for the why?!? Good god! Had he sounded like this when he was enchanted?! He vaguely remembered some of the stuff he had said . . . surely none of it was this dramatic. No. It was probably was. He had probably been so over the top, just as she was being now. Only, she had an easier time telling him to bugger off. He on the other hand, doubted he could ever utter such words to her. Especially when he knew it was not her fault. He knew that this was all so false . . . and he had to handle it carefully. What he didn't know, was what could happen if he blatantly rejected her. Would she be on the verge of suicide? Is that how far and deep this love spell was? He didn't not want to risk that. Even before all this, they had not exactly been friends . . . but that did not mean he despised her enough to want to see her so distraught and devastated, from a spell.

He looked at her hands as they fiddled with his lacing. And then looked back at her. Then to the ceiling as if it would have the answer he was looking for. But when she spoke, her words only continued to shock him. Apparently, there was no limit to this . . . insane form of delusional love. Love conquers all . . . had he really said that?! Bloody hell! This was terrible. He wasn't sure what he could say right now to fix this. Was there any way to fix this?! "Vivian," He began to say . . . not really sure where he was going with this. "This is not love." Maybe there was a way to get her to see rationality. There had to be some way to reach her! "It is, infatuation. And it will pass." Infatuation. To say the very least. Hopefully, this would not upset her but rather, make her realize that this entire thing was just so . . . ridiculous.

. . . Speaking of ridiculous, now she was clinging on to him! But, she did say something that provided him hope that they could soon part ways and he could go back to avoiding her presence. "Yes. I will walk you back to your chambers," he agreed, trying to say it in the most polite way he could. he would walk her to the door and then turn to leave. Besides, with the way she was holding on to him, she left him with very little choice. His agreement finally made her let go of him, and he was grateful for the distance . . . and would maintain it! Maybe Arthur would suggest that Olaf add extra security to her room so that she would not be wandering about aka stalking following him. It would not be too hard, as Olaf was already the over protective type . . . at the same time, Arthur felt a bit bad for restraining her would not solve this problem. It had the potential to only make it worse!

And now speaking of worse . . . I already have picked out the names for our children! She WHAT?! Really?! Arthur had not thought it was possible to choke on nothingness; to choke on the air. But he did. He coughed a little the moments he brought up the word 'children'. It was spoken so casually, so enthusiastically . . . that Arthur had to take a couple of seconds to catch his breath and . . . focus on breathing after hearing that highly disturbing piece of information. While it was true that Arthur had proposed to her, so children really weren't that far off . . . but to hear it when he was not enchanted did not fill him with excitement and thrill. It made him feel like he was going to start hyperventilating at any given moment. Uther and Olaf. Good god. This was too much! And she seemed so giddy about it! Arthur could only help but think that had Olaf and his father not charged in that night he sneaked into Vivian's chambers when he was with her on the bed . . . . then having children could be a very real, very legitimate concern. It was a huge relief that it had not come to that; and so therefore, children with Vivian would never part of his future. According to him. She on the other hand, was on an entirely different page.

He had been so lost in his thoughts upon hearing this severely disturbing idea, that he realized he had not spoken. Only coughed a little. Only widened his eyes in shock. So when he heard her tone of voice change, he looked at her . . . and she looked like she was about to cry. No man liked to see a woman cry; it was heartbreaking. She especially should not have to shed tears over him! He turned his head forward again. Say something Arthur! Anything! Just . . . don't look so horrified! Impossible. How could not look horrified?! She had just informed him of their non-existent children's names! "The names are . . . " So not going to happen. "Perfect." Damn him for encouraging this! "But it is not with me that you should have these children." . . . So much for stating it delicately. "I only mean that with your father's strong concern for you, perhaps it would be best to wait. And in waiting, someone better will come along." Arthur felt like he was digging a hole and it was just getting deeper and deeper. Curse these ridiculously long hallways! How far was her chamber from here anyway?!?

[Vivian]

She felt like her heart would break into tiny pieces. She could see his face, he did not like them. Oh how cruel life could be! Why didn’t he like them? Were they too old? Had he been thinking that they would have daughters instead? Oh a daughter! She would have blonde hair and the loveliest blue eyes. Of course she would look like Arthur. All the men in the kingdom would line up just to stare at her.

There was no need to worry though. He thought they were perfect! “OOOOH!” She clapped her hands excitedly and had a small bounce to her step as they walked. “I knew it!” she grinned, “I knew you would love them! Although we can always call one Arthur, because Arthur Junior would be just…just” she gave a small sigh dreamily.

She dismissed his concerns, “but, my love? You are the only man In the world that I ever wish to have children with – love have and to hold, for richer for poorer” she’d recited their wedding day in her head so many times that she knew it off by heart.

Eventually they came to her chambers. Vivian opened the door and then looked to Arthur. “Thank you for walking me back my love – you just how a chivalrous man should be in this world”. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and clung into him. The top of her head just touching his chin. Oh how wonderful it felt to hold him again.

She pulled back and then with one large shove, pushed him through the threshold and into the room, running in and closing the door behind her. Her back pressed against the wood so he couldn’t get past and discreetly locking it. “And now we are alone, you have no idea how much I have missed you” she gazed at him lovingly. There was no way that she would ever let him go.

Vivian pushed herself off of the door and walked towards him. “Have you missed me?”

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur Junior? As in . . . AJ?! Hell no. NO! Wait . . . why was he even thinking about this?! Why was he even considering such a name! Vivian would not be the woman who carried his child. Another woman was reserved for that position. The woman who would become his wife. And it was most certainly not Lady Vivian of Lyonesse. Yet his thoughts the exact opposite of hers it seemed. For she continued to display such excitement, and . . . bouncing. This poor, poor delusional woman. She could perhaps be the only one who left him at a loss of what to say -- and not in a good way. She was so very persistent, and Arthur was so very . . . rejecting of her advances. It was alright. Once he escorted her to her chambers then he would bid her farewell and turn to leave. Yes. That would be the plan. It did not seem she would need him to fill the silence either, as she spouted off about their love, and their children, and how her father would not matter . . . and who knows what else.

The only time he started paying attention was when she began to thank him for walking him to her chambers -- ignoring all the other compliments she threw in there. At last! They had arrived! This would be the end of such an awkward encounter! Or . . . maybe not. Arthur stiffened when she wrapped her arms around him. Oh dear. He did not return the embrace, he put his arms out a bit but more to the sides rather than around her. He certainly did not want to give her the wrong idea, though she seemed to be oblivious to all rationality, thanks to this ridiculously strong spell. Soon, this moment would be over. Arthur tried to think of things that would relax him, and make this bizarre hug come to an end. It was not easy though. She was so very distracting -- and again, not in a good way. "You're . . . welcome," he answered awkwardly, trying to be polite. Politeness could only take him so far though.

When she began to pull back, Arthur knew this was it. He would turn to make his leave and -- SHOVE! He stumbled into her room as she closed the door behind her. Oh. Dear. God. His eyes widened at the unexpected forceful push . . . and that . . . suggestive look in her eyes. They were in her chambers! And she was blocking his only escape! . . . And she was locking it too! This was bad. So very extremely bad. As she began to walk towards him, he reacted, walking backwards . . . stepping away from her, as he still looked at her with a slightly panicked look. "My Lady, you . . . should get some rest." Damn. That could be taken in so many ways. "Alone." Wow. How so very subtle of him. "I should leave." Yes! But was that convincing enough? "Immediately," he added with a hint of urgency, wanting to move towards the door, but seeing as how that would require him moving closer to her . . . well, as before, he did not want her to get the wrong idea. So he just continued to back up, wondering if there was a window he could jump out of.

[Vivian]

My Lady, you . . . should get some rest."

She immediately looked brightened at that idea, “Excellent!” she walked towards him, he, however backed away. “I know! Why don’t you rest with me! You look tired my love” she edged closer as he kept walking away. "I would tire you out even more though" she grinned at him.

"Alone."

Vivian frowned at this. “But my love – we are together now. My father won’t bother us like last time” she swayed a little more to him. He was practically up against the table now. Oh so many possibilities that could happen! Just the two of them, a table…alone…

“Don’t leave,” she begged, “I’ve waited but more than a year to just melt into your arms again. For all eternity. I love you Arthur – I have always loved and will do so until my last dying breath…you do love me too…don’t you?” she asked. She was certain he did. He’d fought her father for her love. He’d had to watch her being torn from him, as she was to ride back to Lyonesse. She’d waited a year for this moment and now it was finally here.

And this time, they had a locked room.

It was then she saw him make a sharp move around the table. A game? A very exciting one at least! Vivian loved games, especially if they were just as playful as this one.
“Oooh chasey round the table!” she ran after him, managing to block the door again, her back connecting with it sounding a ‘thud’.

“I loved our little games back at Camelot, didn’t you Arthur?” she asked, grinning up at him, “all the hiding places down the dark passages, finding one another and then playing more chase games – even hiding from our fathers!” she wanted to slide down the doorway again as she thought of the memory.

“Do say that we can do that again my love – I’ve missed it so much that there have been times that I have wanted to rip out my heart just for you”

It had hurt. Returning to Lyonesse was one of the hardest things she’d ever had to do. She didn’t know how she’d survived a year without him. All that mattered now was that they were here. It was all about them and no one else in the world mattered at that moment.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Excellent!" NO! NOT Excellent! This was terrible! She had trapped him! This was not like what it was before! He was not in the same state of mind that she has currently in -- thank god! It made him feel embarrassed though, to know that he had been exactly like she was. And then he felt embarrassed for her. Comparing this Vivian to the other one, the more rude, blunt, angry one . . . well, it just showed how strong this bloody spell was. And now it seemed that he was caught in the middle of it. How could one even attempt to reason with a totally irrational woman? He didn't even know what to say! But that was nothing new. He had not known what to say from the moment he had laid eyes on her in Mercia. He feared that a harsh rejection would push her over the edge, yet saying anything kind would only fuel her delusional thoughts and encourage her.

Yes. He was trapped; in many ways. The closer she moved to him, the further back he moved, until his back hit something. He briefly glanced behind him -- not wanting to take his eyes off of her for too long -- and noticed a table. Damn table! That was not going to stop him from evading her advances. "He will," Arthur argued in regards to her father not bothering him. "I think it best for us to maintain a distance. Until . . . " Until he died? No. That sounded too cruel. He did not want the poor king to die, just because he had a daughter who -- under the influence of magic -- was evidently obsessed with him! "The circumstances are better and we do not have to sneak around." Ha! There! Alright so Arthur knew that there was no way he could convince her otherwise. He needed to do better than that. "After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder." Or absence prevented the heart from having an attack . . . which would be what happened in his case.

He sincerely hoped that he question of whether he loved her too was a rhetorical one. Hopefully, he could dodge that just as he dodged all her other comments . . . though apparently, had not done a good job of dodging the woman herself since here he was, locked in her chambers. When she came closer, he leaned his upper body backwards, the table preventing him from taking any more steps back, but he was still trying to keep as much of a distance from her as he possibly could. He could only lean so far back though, so he abruptly moved to the side, the table now being what separated them. Chasey around the table . . . really?! Oh dear lord! What an evening this was turning into! He did not want to play tag! He wanted to get out of here! When she ran after him, Arthur ran forward. This was ridiculous! He felt as if he was five years old! He could only imagine what someone would think if they entered and saw him?

Oh that's right. The damn door was locked.

Wow. They did do that didn't they. Play horribly cheesy little games in the castle when they had both been enchanted. How . . . pathetic. He nearly cringed when she recalled these little playful things they did. Wait! Hiding. Chase games. Suddenly, an idea game to him. One that was better than him running around the table and her following him, or blocking the door. And she even created an opening for him! Oh how very perfect! "We can most certainly do that again," Arthur stated, trying to sound as excited as he possibly could . . . it may have been a bit too exaggerated but hopefully she would not notice. He may regret this, but he took one -- slightly hesitant -- step towards her so that his words would be more convincing. "Why don't we recreate that," he suggested, referring to the games that they had once -- unfortunately -- played in Camelot.

Following the breaking of the spell, small bits and pieces had slowly been coming back to him, and the more they did, the more appalled he had been with himself over what he had done. What juvenile games he had engaged in. "We can play hide and seek!" The words sounded even more ridiculous when he said them out loud, but this may be his only chance at an escape from here, from her! "So, close your eyes, and count to -- " An exceedingly high number. "Three hundred." That sounded long enough to give him the chance to actually hide, but not long enough to make her impatient -- hopefully. Who knew what this woman was thinking! "I'll go hide while you count," he said, already getting set in motion so that he could make a run for it the second she closed her eyes. Oh please, PLEASE let this work!

[Vivian]

Vivian wasn’t bothering in listening to what her love had to say. Just his face was enough to make her want to launch herself at him and kiss him until the end of time! The only words she managed to hear were, “sneak around!” and “heart grow fonder!” – oh why did he tease her so! But now hear he was suggesting that they should..

She didn’t move from the doorway – she wasn’t about to let her love escape just yet. When he agreed that they should play hide and seek and squealed, clapping her hands with such enthusiasm that she was sure she’d break a wrist if it were any harder. "We can most certainly do that again,"

“Ooooh! Yayyayayayayay!!!” she jumped up and down, “How about I hide and you can jump out and scare me when I come and find you and then take me in those strong…delicious arms of yours” she almost went cross-eyed and slid down the door so as she was now sat on the floor.
They were going to play their games again! Oh how she’d adored playing them in Camelot. They had been so in love. Most of the time they’d been hiding in little alcoves from their fathers. There had been very little seeking in her opinion.

However, Arthur had other ideas. “Three hundred?” she huffed when he suggested that he hid first, “that’s not fair – how about ten? Or five?” she got to her feet. “Or zero?”

She draped her arms around his neck, “Do you remember the alcoves Arthur?” she smiled sweetly at the memory, “You don’t have to hide, you know wherever you may go I will always come back to you…like a sword to it’s sheath, like a dog to it’s bone, like a…like a servant to their master” she ran a hand down his cheek.

“I could be the servant and you could be my master” she whispered into his ear, “although I see myself as more your slave…then again, that’s what servants technically are aren’t they?”

She got on her tiptoes and leant into his ear, “Now…how about I close my eyes and you can take me in your arms like I’ve been waiting for you to do – a year has been too long”

With that Vivian, still on tiptoe, shut her eyes tight and pouted her lips – waiting for her love to fulfil her dreams.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He knew he should have expected it but felt massively disappointed when his plan backfired. Arthur never thought he would ever have this problem of a totally irrational woman being in love with him! Of course he had to remember that it was not her fault, but that did not make it any easier to deal with. In fact, it made it more difficult if anything! With her emotions so extreme, he feared that saying the wrong thing would cause over dramatic actions, but not being firm would only encourage whatever . . . fantasies she seemed to have. Such as ones about his children. Good god. It was too much! When coming to these post war talks he had never anticipated this. Perhaps he should have prepared better. He should have established well thought out 'Avoid Vivian Plans' rather than not be prepared for this unexpected presence. Damn him.

He made a bit of a face -- nothing to obvious of course -- when she said that . . . well, when she spoke of him taking her in his arms. Oh joy. She was not moving from the door. In fact, she had more securely positioned by it. He didn't want to 'play' in her room! The point of this ridiculous game of hide and seek was to get out! Not stayed confined inside! But, everything was backfiring. Apparently, even in her enchanted state, she was smarter than he was giving her credit for. Speaking of which . . . . . . No! He wanted to stick to three hundred! Not ten! Or five! Or ze -- oh dear god she was coming closer towards him. And now she had arms around him! Talk about awkward. His eyes widened a bit, before he regained his composure. He was trying to be stubborn, not show her that she was eliciting all sorts of reactions from him -- even if they were not the ones she wanted. She seemed to be misinterpreting everything! This was not good.

Did he remember the alcoves?! Oh how he wished he didn't. If he said yes, it would yet again be encouraging. If he said no, then well, he didn't want her to go into details about it. He remembered it vaguely enough. Alright, well he remembered it fairly well! But he didn't know what to say! Now she was touching him! How could a petite woman make him feel so nervous, so afraid! Especially when she began to whisper in his ear! Alright; Arthur had stayed silent for far too long! "Lady Vivian," he said abruptly moving away from her, trying to keep some sort of formality between them. He took a few -- aka several -- steps away from her. "This is not appropriate," he stated, though he was well aware that when he was enchanted, they had done far more inappropriate things. Such as, being intimate . . . on her bed. Oh the horror! "We need to move past this and accept that your father will never let it be. For the sake of our kingdoms, we must stay apart!" She was after all the future Queen of Lyonesse. Hopefully touching on that subject would create some sort of recognition in her . . . or maybe it wouldn't!

She was too delusional! This was horrible! There was no winning! But that would not entirely discourage him. "What happened before, in the past . . . well, we learned the hard way the repercussions of our actions. We can not allow such a thing happen again." Mainly, her father nearly killing him. That fight should have never happened, and Arthur was still terribly curious over who had been the one to make it happen; mainly, who the person was who had enchanted them both, and enchanted her still. Oh! He may have caught a break! Her eyes were closed! To add conviction to his next words, he placed both has hands on either side of her upper arms, keeping her in place. As uncomfortable as he pay be doing this, applying logic to the situation was not having an effect. He would have to start using trickery! "Count to twenty, and you will have a surprise," he told her, only somewhat lying. The surprise would be him leaving! Maybe its not the one she would be expecting . . . but he needed to get out of here. Without waiting any time while she counted, he slowly began to practically tip toe towards the door . . . towards his only escape!

[Vivian]

"Lady Vivian,"

She felt the butterflies rise and flap around madly in her stomach. His words made her float on air, even if it were no physically possible.

“I love it when you same my name” she pressed her finger to his lips, “shhhh now – call me Vivvy” she smiled, “after all we’ve been through, I hardly doubt that we need to bother with the formalities anymore”.

She giggled, “neither was the time when you ended up in my chambers, but we still had time to come together as one, even if my father did interrupt” she wrinkled her nose and tapped his nose with her finger gently.

She then saw his face and his next words were not exactly the ones that she wanted to hear “Arthy?” she pouted, “but who cares for what our fathers think – it is about how much we love each other!” she cried and clung onto him. “Once we are married, everything will change – my father will see you for the man who you really are! My love, my one and only – my sweetness and light!” she giggled again at this thought.

Marriage! And children! Lots of little mini Arthur’s and Vivian’s running around – blonde hair reflecting against the sunlight and blue eyes like the biggest of lakes known to any man. Oh how she was annoyed at her father for barging in on them when Arthur had been in their chambers!
"We need to move past this and accept that your father will never let it be. For the sake of our kingdoms, we must stay apart!" she heard Arthur say.

“No” she whined, “I have waited a year for you to return to me! I cannot lose you now! You are my everything Arthur! My one and only hearts desire until the day I die! And I shall do everything in my power to see that I will never let you leave my side again”.

Vivian was a strong and determined woman. Her father would regret the day that he would try to take Arthur away from her again, or visa versa.
On hearing that he had a surprise for her, she clapped her hands excitedly and closed her eyes.

“One…what is it my love? Two…three…four…where are you?…five…ten…im waiiiiiitiiiiiiing…oh I give up twenty!” she opened her eyes to find him not there, but making his way to the door. “Hey!” she pouted, “That’s not fair!” she headed on after him.

“I can’t let my Arthy warthy escapey wapey from me again,” she cooed,

“Oooooh! Wait!!! Is this your way of telling me that you want to play our hide and seek game?”

[Arthur Pendragon]

Oh why did she have to take everything he said the wrong way! He had said her name to establish some formality and instead she seemed oddly aroused by it. Wonderful. Even furthermore that she was now touching his lips, something far too intimate for him to be comfortable with. His eyes widened as he quickly took a step away from her, not about to take her up on her offer to call her . . . Vivvy. No. Never! "I would feel more comfortable with calling you Lady Vivian," he corrected. He wasn't even sure why he was talking. What was the point! Everything he said was getting misconstrued or only encouraging her. But really . . . was there actually a way to discourage her? It seemed impossible right now. "We need to remain with formalities," he added, just because he felt the need to say it. Even his internal rant with finding no purpose in talking did not prevent him from doing so.

Oh dear. Now she was talking about that late night in her chambers . . . that was one place he did not want to go: in both conversation and physically. Then again, here he was. In her chambers. And he needed to get out! And lock the door to his own guest chambers here in the castle! How was he to explain that that time in her chambers had been because he was under the influence of a spell? He doubted she would understand that for he had been so oblivious to it as well when he was enchanted. So he decided to ignore that comment completely, not wanting to draw more attention to that incident, or suggesting a recreation of it. Thankfully, it was not hard to get distracted from that subject when she called him . . . Arthy. Arthur?!? Really?! Good god. He attempted to wiggle free without hurting her when she latched on to him. "It is not just about us Viv -- Lady Vivian," he began. "It is about the goods of out kingdoms, both Camelot and Lyonesse. It is about -- " MARRIAGE?! "What sacrifices we must make as heirs to out kingdoms." Was this even working? Probably not. Damn it.

Especially since she had not been acknowledging his former words either, continuing to speak on the subject of their fathers' disapproval. This was not looking good. "Until then Lady Vivian, we must keep significant distance between us." Yeah. As if those words were going to make a hell of a lot of difference. But Arthur had to try! What more could he do?! She was in such a fragile state and Arthur had never been in such a situation before. He had never dealt with someone who was under such an enchantment that made them so delusional. He only hoped that -- somehow -- in between now and the next time he saw her, she would have found someone to break the spell. Of course, it would not be easy as her father was already so over protective, and would she even allow another man nearby? OH GOOD! she was counting.

He continued to make his way towards the door, just about to open it when she conveniently skipped a bunch of numbers, only getting half way to the expected amount. Why was he surprised? He should not have been. He should have known better! He was caught! She found him trying to sneak out! What would she do now?! Arthur stayed completely frozen in place as she moved closer, his hand on the door, ready to push it at any given moment. But the last thin he wanted was a chase throughout the castle. That would not look good at all. And word would probably get back to Olaf about this. Arthur was going to be king of Camelot; he could not be seen running around the castle as a woman chased him. What a dreadful impression that would give. And it would not help Vivian's reputation either. Thankfully, he did not have to think of an excuse on the spot, for she had done it for him! "Yes!" He exclaimed all too enthusiastically. It was not enthusiasm over the actual game itself, but more so that she had found an excuse for him to get out of here. How she would take that, he could only be afraid to find out.

"Why limit the possible hiding locations to your chambers. Why not extend it to the entire castle!" He sounded ridiculously. And it was worse cause she was conscious of just how ridiculous he sounded, but he could not stop himself. If this was the only way out of her room, then he had to take it. "Which is why I need you to count to a higher number. So that it will be a fair game and give me a substantial amount of time to hide." Twenty seconds. He could run to his chambers in twenty seconds right?! Well, either way, he was about to find out. "So turn around, close your eyes and start counting. No peeking!" Arthur's voice was far too playful, and he had to refrain from making a horrific face at his own juvenile words. It will be worth it; You have no other choice. These were the words that he had to keep repeating in his head to give him some ounce of dignity and reaffirm that his sanity was not completely lost.

[Vivian]

Vivian squealed with delight when Arthur announced that it was his way of telling her that he wanted to play the game. “Oooooh I love games” she almost jumped up and down on the spot. Her love was back! And he was hers! Oh this was like being in heaven itself!

"Why limit the possible hiding locations to your chambers. Why not extend it to the entire castle!"

She frowned,” But that would take me forever to find you – and I swear that if I lost you again I would die Arthur!” she grabbed his tunic and pulled him close to her face, “die!” she repeated and pouted, “please don’t put me through that again!”.
What use was playing a game if you couldn’t find the other person so easily? Pointless.

"Which is why I need you to count to a higher number. So that it will be a fair game and give me a substantial amount of time to hide."

Vivian nodded slowly, “Ok” she nodded and then dived onto her bed, “how about I count and then after…oh I don’t know…one second you come over here and jump on me!” she smirked playfully. “I’ll hide behind this pillow, and then that will count as you seeking me out” she grabbed one of the pillows and hid her face behind it, her eyes peeking over the top at him.

“So turn around, close your eyes and start counting. No peeking!"

She giggled and threw the pillow to one side. “Fine! but im not turning around.” With that she began to count, “One…two…seven…”

[Arthur Pendragon]

There was far too much touching for Arthur's own comfort. Too much touching! The way she kept pulling him closer to her . . . made him afraid that somehow, things were going to escalate -- as if they had not already! At least she seemed excited about the games portion of it. If he could distract her enough with that suggestion then it would allow him to make a clear break. Of course, this was a bit more difficult when she was saying things such as how she would die if she lost him again. It was remarks like that which made him nervous; made him wonder just how literally she meant them; made him wonder the extent of her histrionics . . . of how dramatic a scene she would make. But he could not stay here either and feed into her false delusions of love. It only brought him to his initial dilemma of what he should do. There was no right answer . . . but he could not stay here with her. Maybe that was his way of deciding.

When she finally let go of him, and jump onto her bed, Arthur braced himself. He refrained from making a face at the suggestion of diving onto her bed with her. That . . . was not a game he was willing to play. "Play fair now," he said in a teasing voice when she was peeking from above the pillow. This was utterly preposterous! He did not like these bizarre games of tag, or hide and seek, or whatever the hell they were playing! How on earth had his life resorted to this?! When she tossed the pillow to the side . . . Arthur silently panicked. Was she going to jump on him? Grab him again? Throw him onto the bed?! She was such a petite, delicate woman that he was afraid that any forceful opposing of her actions, would wound her . . . both physically and emotionally.

Oh wait! She was counting! Excellent! Arthur had not idea what they had decided the boundaries of this game would be. But he had decided that they would not be limited to the bedroom! The entire castle was fair game! With that thought in mind, he wasted no time! . . . Especially since she was conveniently skipping numbers. Arthur turned and darted out of the room, trying not to look too eager to get away, but had to walk at a hurried pace so that he could get out of here before she got to . . . well, to whatever number she had decided to count to! He exited the room, closing the door behind him, and hurried down the hall. He kept glancing around him, making sure that no one was around -- specifically Olaf. Every time he passed a guard, he would slow his pace to a walk, and as soon as the guard was out of side, he'd walk more quickly. This was the general pattern of his speed as he made his way down the hall, AWAY from her chambers!

[Vivian]

Fair? Play? She couldn’t help but giggle, “you know I never play fair Arthur” she teased and set about carrying on counting.
It was boring and she skipped a few numbers, well…just 7 or 8 so as she could find him quicker.

“Ten…IM COMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!”

She squealed and looked around, “Arthur?” she called. The door was open so obviously he’d gone out. She hurried to the doorway and looked up and down the corridor. No one was in sight, which was obvious - this was a game of hide and seek after all.

“ARTHUR!” she called.

How silly! This was all part of the game! He wasn’t supposed to reply! She had to seek him out for crying out loud!
Immediately Vivian was out the door and running down the hallway, looking in all the hidden alcoves, behind the curtains – throwing doors open to rooms that looked as though they hadn’t been cleaned in years.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARTHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!” She squealed at the top of her voice as she ran down the hallway.
He had to be somewhere! She was sure that she’d raised a few eyebrows of the guards who were guarding each of the king’s rooms, but she didn’t care. She had to seek out her love!

Vivian felt her heart ache. All she wanted to do was throw him down on the bed and jump on him! Ravenous from the year of being apart. She wanted him. Every part of him. His heart, soul…body…lord even his feet! As long as she had him! She wanted to have his hands running all over her body again, just like he’d done when he’d climbed into her chambers! It had been wonderful!

She decided to go to his chambers. He could be there – and if he weren’t, then he would have to come back sometime. Then they could alone, with a table, a bed and oh so many possibilities!
Vivian found the door she was looking for and opened it. Sneaking inside. There she would wait until her love returned. Then, he would finally be hers for all time!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Bloody hell. Arthur had been purposely going through the more inconspicuous hallways just in case she was on the prowl for him. Which she probably would be! Unfortunately, he had not thought everything out for he had not considered that someone else may be wandering around at this hour of the night. King Bayard had stopped him in the hall way to speak to him, to see how everything was going. Arthur of course could not be rude to him and quickly excuse himself. He had to engage in this small talk, for it was very important to keep a very respectful relationship between the two. Their past had been a bit intense, so Arthur needed to keep up good relations, as he was gracious enough to be the host of their post war talks too. Unfortunately, all that kept screaming in Arthur's mind was the thought of Vivian -- and not in the kind of way that suggested he could not stop thinking about her because he loved her so much. It was more so in the kind of way that he needed to get back to his chambers and lock them before she found him!

On the surface though, none of this was detectable. He just nodded along and smiled politely, trying not to look as distracted as he felt. "It was gracious of you to host these post war talks." ----- What if she was already there?! Where would he go then?! ----- "We truly appreciate your hospitality." ----- What if her father found her? And questioned her motives for wandering about the castle at this hour?! ----- "How have you and your family been?" -----What would he say to Olaf then? What if he once again challenged him to a fight to the death?! They were trying to preserve peace, not counter all of their efforts! ----- "Yes. My father is well. He is slowly recovering, as is everyone in the kingdom." ----- Would the spell ever be broke? What if she was forever enchanted?!

[/i]

Arthur was not sure how much time had passed. It could have been seconds, minutes, or hours, but it felt like an eternity. At last, Bayard had bid him good night and Arthur went off again, hurrying to his chambers. As soon as he got in he closed the door behind him, keeping his back to his room while he locked the door every which way he could! He breathed a sigh of relief, allowing himself to fully calm down. He had escaped her! Thank god! Now he would be able to get some rest and not worry about her trying to sneak into his room, or trying to get her to stay in his. It would be easier in the day to avoid her as there were many others present, and he was in meetings all day. Arthur gave himself a bit of a smile, a very immensely relieved smile. Fully at ease, he turned around to look in his room, and the first thing he saw caused him to jolt in alarm. "AAH!" He cried, shocked by what -- or who -- he saw: Vivian. How the hell did she get in here?! Arthur just started at her in shock. Oh. Dear. God. [/color][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Vivian]

Vivian was growing tired of waiting. Where was he? Her one and only love! How could he tease her so by making her wait!! He had to return to his room sometime and she would stick to waiting for him there! Oh how thrilled he would be to see her in all her beauty lying across his bed. She sniffed one of his pillows again and fell back onto the mattress. It smelt of man, of Arthur, pure Arthur. How wonderful life was!

Finally! The door opened and there he was! Hurrying in so excitedly! It was obvious that he missed her and wanted to take her in his arms again. Oh those strong muscles. How she longed for him to hold her and never let go. He let out a small ‘aah!”. Worriedly – Vivian rushed to him.

“My love! Are you alright? I did not mean to scare you!” she flung her arms around him. A nice toned stomach, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. “Hold me and never let me go again!” she cried and tightened her grip on him. He was hers forever.

She looked up at him and grinned, “and we are alone at last…oh how…how wonderful!” she felt very light as though she were walking on air. With a content sigh, Vivian snuggled into his chest once more.

Note: OH YEAH!!!! VIV IS BACK IN BUSINESS!!!

[Arthur Pendragon]

BLOODY HELL! Arthur could have worn she had magic. As if she had some sort of internal sensor, detecting his every mood, able to move quicker than him to places. And now, here she was . . . again . . . in his arms. Not a place he wanted her to be though clearly a place that she felt perfectly content with being in. She latched onto him like a leech, though Arthur did not return the gesture. He kept his arms out, as if he was unsure of what to do. Acting as if he had never held a woman before . . . even though this was untrue. Hell, he had even held her before when his mind was as delirious as hers. Poor girl. Poor, bloody annoying, girl. Arthur suppressed a groan of annoyance and just stood there. Like a status. As she snuggled up against him. Good god! This was so very wrong! And on top of that, she was going on and on about . . . well, what she always went on about! Hearing her was so very embarrassing.

Embarrassing because he had once been exactly like her. So seeing and hearing her now was only a reminder of how ridiculous he had been. Would the spell ever be broken? Would she ever be able to think back and realize how utterly insane they both had been? Dear god he hoped so. He hoped with all that was holy that the spell would be broken . . . for it would be beneficial to them both. He never thought he would miss the Vivian that she was before . . . the one who was rude and a bit spoiled. But he did. By god he wanted her back! He finally was able to put and put each of his hands on her upper arms, pulling her back and slightly lowering himself so that he was somewhat on the same eye level. Looking directly at her. "You can't be here Vivian. You need to go back to your chambers. What if someone were to find us like this? What if your father were to walk in, or notice your absence?" In her chambers. Arthur could not take that risk! How did he get rid of her now?!

[[ WOOOOO!!!! AM SO HAPPY THAT SHE'S BACK!!!!! ]]