Take The Hindmost

[mpend]

As the carriage drew over the cobblestones that met with the bridge into Camelot, Morgana's heart raced a little with excitement, happiness and relief. Finally she would be home; finally she would be somewhere safe, if only for a small while. It had been so long since she had been here - far too long for her liking. Nearly three years, by her count.

Shifting a little uncomfortably in her seat, the brunette glanced over at her sleeping husband, feeling the familiar hatred for him rise inside. It was because of him that she had missed so much. He had refused to let her travel without him, and he hated Camelot with a passion. The only reason he had married her -- well, they would not go into that. The very thought made her feel ill. Silently Morgana wondered what Arthur would think of her, when he saw her. Her brother of heart was no fool, and he above anyone else in the land would be able to tell how much had changed; by Morgana's countenance if nothing else. She was meeker, barely ever answered back or raised her tone, very rarely offered her opinion on anything... and all this was due to her husband, Gods curse him.

Even if she did not say anything, she feared Arthur would notice. And if not him, then Gwen. But if they did notice, woudl they care? For she had not been able to respond to their letters thanks to her husband, and thus they had eventually stopped writing altogether. It had broken her heart to lose contact with them, but what else could she do? Besides, the news she had to share was not news they would ever wish to hear. If Arthur knew what was happening... the lady sighed, shaking her head. He could not know, ever.

A glance out the window showed Morgana they were nearing the Castle and - oh ! It was almost in sight! Her heart raced happily, and for the first time she felt as though she belonged somewhere. The brunette almost smiled, then she caught sight of her own reflection in the mirror, and the threat of such a thing faded. She did not belong here, and she was not fit to be here. They would not recognise her. Her face was drawn and gaunt, her skin pale where once it had been healthy. She was so much skinnier now; thanks to many attempts at producing an heir, and failing. The continuous hemmorages and miscarrages had taken their toll on the young woman. And she feared what her friend's reactions would be when they realised just how changed she was.

As the carriage drew to a stop outside the Castle, Morgana swallowed, grateful to see her husband had still not yet awoken. She nodded to the carriagman, who opened the door for her, though he did not bow. None of her husband's men bowed to her, nor would they ever. Morgana offered the man a soft nod of thanks, though he did not deserve it, and descended the steps. As she was about to, though, a hand reached out, and grabbed her by the wrist.

"Whores do not go before Kings," She flinched at the harshness, though not at the name. She was used to being called such things by now. "Show me some respect, or so help me Morgana, we will return home and you will woe the day you came here."

"Yes, my Lord." Morgana shied back into the carriage, watching Charles stand. Though the now-King was handsom, the facade was only a cover for the bitterness and hate within. He was a pompous, arrogant man with no respect for anyone but himself. He hated the Pendragon dynasty with a passion, and he made no secret of it. It had not helped when he had found out that Arthur had married a servant. For her part, Morgana had been thrilled. Her brother-of-heart had gone against tradition, but she rejoiced for him. He deserved to be happy, and Guinevère was the perfect choice for him. They would make a good couple, a happy couple. Better that than Arthur be unhappy with a bride of someone else's choice.

Morgana watched her husband descend the steps of the carriage, and move toward the small procession waiting for them. "Arthur of Camelot," his voice sounded out, loud and clear, and she shuddered a little. "We thank you for your gracious welcome to your country." She knew this was her cue to join his side, but she could not find the courage to do so. What had she been thinking? She no longer held the pride she once had, she was too different, and Arthur and his wife would know that in seconds. She was not fit to be among them.

Setting: Camelot
Timeline: Three years after "Here Comes the Bride"
Time of Day: Midday
Tag: Arthur Pendragon, Guinevère Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

It had been nearly three years since Arthur had last seen his sister of heart. She had married a man that Arthur did not approve of in the least, but as his father had wanted peace . . . an allegiance was created out of the marital union between Morgana and Prince Charles. Arthur had no say in the matter, and the deed was done. Little did he know how rare it would be to see her. She had not come when Uther had passed away; she had not come for Arthur's coronation as king; she had not come when he and Guinevère got married; and she had not come to her best friend's coronation as queen. Nor had she come for the birth of their first child which was not too long ago. It saddened Arthur greatly, that she was missing these pivotal moments of his life. Not only his, but Guinevère's too. As the two women were close friends and these past years they all seemed like strangers.

Arthur was happily married to the woman he loved above all others, and could not call himself a proud father. He wished he could continue to call himself a proud brother too, but Charles had taken that liberty away. He didn't doubt it was the prince who repeatedly sent letters back to their invitations, stating that they had to politely and respectfully decline. But now, today, Morgana would come. And Arthur planned to make sure her stay was longer than before. He stood in the courtyard next to his beautiful wife, queen and mother to their new born son Amaren. They had waited so many years to be together, and now he could not imagine his life without Guinevère. He could not think back to a time where he had not loved her, for his true years of life and happiness came from her . . . the time he spent with her. And now, they could explore the joys of parenthood together. He watched at Morgana made her way from the carriage. She did not look well. Far more gaunt and drained than when he had last seen her and he was well aware of who was responsible for that too.

Charles. A man who was abusing his wife for there were far more ways to abuse a woman that physically. He was depriving her of her family and friends. Which was part of the reason Arthur had insisted that they come here. Plus he wanted her to meet their son. Charles greeted him and Arthur gave a small nod, remaining polite even if he disapproved. "Prince Charles," he greeted in return, remaining formal. He turned to look at Morgana, a smile on his lips. "Morgana," he greeted, his tone more warm and welcoming to her than the one for her husband. "I am glad you were able to come. It is a tripe far overdue." Years over due. But what mattered was that they were here now. "May I introduce my wife Guinevère, and our son, Amaren," he said, motioning to Guinevère. The former introduction was for the benefit of Charles who had never quite met Guinevère when she was queen. The latter was an introduction to benefit them both for neither Morgana or her husband had met Amaren.

[Guinevère]

.

Life was perfect. Guinevère woke up in bed alone this morning, the second time. The first time she had been awoken by her husband's loving attentions. While it was still too soon to became being his wife in truth at the moment, it did not stop them from expressing their love in other ways. When she awoke a bit later, her husband was dressed and done and her son was waking and wanting to be feed.

The mornings were falling into that pattern, and she could not help but the smile the radiant smile on her face from the feelings of pure euphoria from it. Sometime later, she joined her husband on the steps to greet her old friend and his almost sister. When Morgana exited the carriage Guinevère feared the travel was hard on her, or that she was unwell. She would not dwell on this for long for she knew right how to fit Morgana up and make her feel well again. She had after all, been Morgana's confidant and best friend since the age when Morgana became Uther's ward.

When Arthur introduced her and their new son, Guinevère smiled politely and turned him slightly so the new guest could see her baby boy. "Perhaps if you are not too tried from your travel, you will join us in the private parlors for some refreshments? It is apple season, and Camelot holds the claim of the best apple cider in the five kingdoms." A drink made of mushed apple, and some wine laced cider. Guinevère only drank half cups when hosting parties for the wine went too close to her head but she wanted the guest to be able to get warm and feel comfortable with Camelot's best.

[mpend]

As they stepped out of the carriage, Morgana's heart lifted at the sight of Arthur standing next to Guinevère. They looked so peaceful, so at home together! Her heart swelled with happiness for the couple, and as Arthur greeted them by name, the brunette sank into a graceful curtsey, for despite the King being her brother-of-heart, all those around her were now royalty, whilst she was only a Lady. Thus decorum was, surely, somewhat expected? A sharp tug of her husband's hand on her arm almost had Morgana losing foot, and she stumbled a little before rising again, feeling her cheeks go red.

Charles' hand on her grew tighter. "King Arthur, Queen Guinevère. We thank you for your kind welcome to your country. It has indeed been too long, but alas my wife has been unable to travel." Morgana almost protested at the outright lie, but shut her mouth quickly - now was not the time for conflict. If she was only to have a few days with Arthur and Guinevère, then she would make them count, and not spend them arguing over petty things with her husband. Her eyes widened, however, as Arthur revealed the boy in his Queen's arms, saying that he was their son. She shot her husband an accusationary glance - she had known nothing of this! If she had, then nothing, nothing would have stopped her from coming to Camelot! "We congratulate you on the birth of your child," Her husband spoke for her, his hand still on Morgana's arm, warningly.

"Your Highnesses' should know," Morgana stated quietly, for she would not let this pass! "that I knew nothing of your son's birth. Had I known, then not even the Gods could keep me from coming here. It is indeed a happy time for you both, and I know no one else who deserves such a joy more than you." Her words were heartfelt, and once again she bowed her head in respect to both of them. Guinevère's offer of refreshments brought a smile to the brunette's face - if Charles were tired, he could retire alone! For she would spend whatever time she could to make up for all these lost years. Everything that she had missed... She opened her mouth to reply, but Charles beat her to it, his voice tight with agitation and anger.

"You must forgive my Lady, King Arthur. She knows not of such matters, for she has yet to produce such a joy for me," he glanced over at Morgana, and the woman shuddered a little. "Perhaps this is what one should expect when their wife is not of... appropriate stock," he smirked softly, pulling Morgana to him, his hand sliding down to clench her butt, possessivly. "Still, time may yet prove her able." The Prince paused, then turned to Guinevère. "We must politely decline, Queen Guinevère," he said cooly. "My wife has a delicate temprement, and the travelling has left her wary and tired. Too much excitement is not good for her." Morgana clenched her teeth, wanting to argue back at this, but knowing the punishment if she did so. The brunette gently inclined her head.

"We thank you both for your hospitality, though," she stated quietly.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked between them, as Charles spoke firstly of congratulations to their newborn son. That was something that was easy to smile about -- whether the prince was sincere in his words or not. Regardless, Arthur was a proud father. He had first experienced the joy of marriage and now, Guinevère had given him the greatest gift in all this world. A child: a product of the love they shared. When Morgana spoke of not knowing about it, this both surprised Arthur and did not at the same time. The letters that had been sent back, declining their invitations . . . were without a doubt written by Charles' hand. Arthur knew this, and did not overly dispute the falsity in the prince's words right now. It was not the time nor place to start such arguments. "That is quite alright Morgana. What matters is that you are able to meet him now," Arthur assured her, not wanting her to feel that he felt hurt at her inability to attend their child's christening.

Charles then apologized on her behalf, saying that she still had yet to produce an heir. The young king was well aware of how the pressure could be great for any woman married to a prince or king. He never wanted Guinevère to feel such pressures, but he knew that it took more than a husband's words to ease them. "Perhaps this is what one should expect when their wife is not of... appropriate stock." Arthur just looked at Charles as he spoke these words, a small polite smile remaining on his lips. The words were of course of great offense. But Arthur also knew why Charles would be foolish enough to say such words in front of the king: to provoke a reaction out of him. To push his buttons. And if that was his desire, then he was speaking to the wrong king. Arthur had grown quite a lot, as marriage and fatherhood matured him to be the man he was now.

He would not engage in such juvenile bantering. It was an act of the better man to let such comments slide, for Arthur did indeed have a plan for their arrival here. And it was not to lash out at the foreign prince. So he ignored his words. Not that it was difficult. For he turned his head to look at his wife when she offered them refreshments. Looking at Guinevère and Amaren always brought a smile to Arthur's lips and it was easier to keep one in place. He looked back between the visiting couple as Charles declined the offer. "The refreshments are already prepared," he told Charles and Morgana. "I'm afraid we'll have to insist." And by insisting . . . it was really a subtle way of leaving them no other choice. He knew Morgana well enough to know that she'd prefer to be in Guinevère and his company than solely the company of the prince.

"Or if you wish to rest Prince Charles, then Morgana can join as and we will speak to you at the dinner hour." Meaning, either way Morgana would be with them. Besides, no prince was stupid -- nor had the freedom -- to decline a King's invitation. Especially when he was in the home of that kingdom. Arthur then motioned his hand forward, allowing Charles and Morgana to move in front of him before he took Guinevère's hand in his own, and gave it a gentle squeeze, following Charles and Morgana inside the castle. "Is he alright to join us?" Arthur asked Guinevère, of course referring to their son. He didn't know what his mood was today, or if he needed to be changed or fed soon. Arthur just wanted to make sure before they were all settled in the parlor area.