A Cry Of Warning [Guinevère & Her Arthur]

[Guinevère]

Guinevère's life had not gone as planned. She had betrayed the man she loved for a moment in the arms of a man she only saw as a dear friend. She had lost him that night, lost them both. Banished from the only home and people she knew, Guinevère had traveled for weeks before she found a family to take her in and give her a bed in return for tending the pigs. It had been good to make friends, and lonely at the same time.

Then, Helios came. The women and children were killed, the men of fighting age taken, and she would have joined them had Helios not see her and though her pretty. She became his 'guest' and he had her taken to his dwellings, dressed as he pleased, and brought to dinner. He was charming in his own way, but in an dangerous way. His gentleman manner veiled an violent underside she had seen that day.

Then Morgana had shown her face, and Helios' reason for needing an army and been reviled. Hiding her face she had been able to walk past Morgana unnoticed, and then she ran away. Getting past the guards had been hard, but with a jar she picked up, she had claimed to need water to bathe. Thinking Helios had been done with her they allowed it, and when they did not watch . . .

She ran.

And ran, and ran. Using the river to hide, and not sleeping--to afraid to try--she ran toward Camelot. Knowing she had to warm everyone of the coming plan. If she could even make it there alive.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Everyone had woken up especially early to start the day of hunting. Arthur was still surprised to hear that the Princess Mithian enjoyed hunting, and realized it was because of her many brothers. He and the princess of Nemeth seemed to have a great deal in common, sharing similar interests and hobbies. She would be a good match, and one that would bring an end the dispute of the lands. Anything he could do to avoid war, he would do it. So this seemed to make the most sense. And yet . . . he would never love her in the way he had loved another. He knew what true love was, and he knew that he could only grow to love her as a dear friend. They would be married, and perhaps have children . . . but it would not be the same. And yet, this was what his life had come down to. This was a choice that he had to make. He needed to think with his mind, rather than his heart. For he had done the latter before, and his heart had broken from it. Now, was the chance for a new start; with Lady Mithian.

They were moving along the forest, looking for anything that would be good sport to hunt. Merlin was on his feet, others were with the dogs, and the remainder of the hunting party had their own horses to ride on. Arthur rode next to Mithian, as the pair exchanged teasing remarks. It was incredible how comfortable they both seemed to be in each other's presence . . . yet maintained that respectful formality. His flustered ways in asking her out for breakfast did not seem to put her off from him. Nor did his dropping of the soup, or burping . . . which truly was unusual for he was never so, impolite or clumsy. Oh well. If anything it gave them something to laugh over and help move past that initial awkward stage. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting when inviting his bride to be to Camelot . . . but he was pleasantly surprised to see what she was like: beautiful and well suited to his personality. Arthur could tell Merlin did not approve, but he did not bother himself with it. He had warned Merlin repeatedly never to bring up her name and he meant it. For Arthur could not think of her. They had tried to start a life together and she had betrayed him. That was all there was to it.

[Guinevère]

She was nearing the city, that much she knew. While she had not spent much time in the woods, she was beginning to recognize a few of the places she and known while playing with Elyan in the woods as a child, and even the place that Arthur had taken her to on their ill fated date once. She didn't even dare look back at this point, for the men were closing in on her.

She had barely slept since escaping them, not eaten anything in the two full days of running, and her shoes were not meant for this use. Every step was almost too painful to step down on. Mud was in her hair from the river crossing, now dried making her skin feel as if it had a layer over it, a layer of dirt.

That was when she heard the dogs. Dog! A hunting party of some sort! Guinevère knew that if she came to find one of Agravaine's men then he could order her dead, and everything would be for nothing! She ran, pushing herself to try to run faster just for a little while longer. She could see some red up ahead, though some bushes and low trees. Not daring to yell out, she hurried while gasping for air. Breaking though the bushes, she saw Sir Leon a few dozen feet away, and for a moment he looked shocked and dumbfounded before his eyes widened in and he started running forward.

Guinevère soon learned why, for the moment she broke though the bushes--tripping as she did so--she found herself in the path of a large horse who was moments from trampling her.

[Arthur Pendragon]

One moment Arthur was looking at Mithian and joking with her . . . the next, his horse was letting out noises and rearing up. Arthur quickly grabbed onto the reigns and managed to maintain his balance on the horse. Had he been any less experienced of a rider, he would have fallen on. But thankfully, he didn't embarrass himself too badly in front of his soon to be wife. "Woah, woah!" Arthur said in hopes to calm whatever had startled the horse. Mithian's own steed had become slightly anxious itself, but was not too difficult to calm down. Arthur's on the other was keeping its legs up and moving about, shielding Arthur's vision of being able to see what had come in front of him. An animal? A fox? A deer perhaps? Arthur leaped off his horse, pulling down the reigns and soothingly patting it on the neck. "It's alright," he said in a low, calming voice to help calm the horse's nerves.

When it seemed to work, Arthur turned his head forward and . . . that was when he would need some calming down. It . . . no. It couldn't be! Were his eyes deceiving him? Was he hallucinating?! How . . . she . . . when . . . what was she wearing?! So many questions and emotions rushed through Arthur and yet none could voice themselves nor caused him to act. He stared, dumbfounded at the very woman he never thought he would see again. The woman who he had banished for betraying him. The woman . . . that he would always love. He needed to say something, anything . . . but words failed him. He could only stare at her, and knew that it was no hallucination, for he certainly wouldn't be hallucinating her in that outfit. He couldn't even focus on her wardrobe right now, for the fact that she was in his presence was shocking enough. He didn't even look to Mithian. His eyes were locked on Guinevère.

"My Lord! Riders in the distance!" It had even taken Arthur a few additional moments to snap out of whatever trance he was in by her sudden appearance, to hear Leon's words. That was when rationality was slowly hitting him and he was taking notice of everything. She was dirty, she was out of breath, she had been running . . . something was chasing her. He may not know what or who, but he had seen someone running for their lives before. And even then, he could not speak. He opened his mouth to try . . . but . . . still, silence. He had forgotten all about Mithian until he noticed that she had dismounted from her horse and began to slowly approach the woman. "Are you alright?" She asked concerned, reaching a hand out to her. She didn't know who Guinevère was to him . . . just as Guinevère might not know who Mithian was to him.

[[ Permission to god mod Mithian was given!]]

[Guinevère]

"My Lord! Riders in the distance!" Guinevère pushed from the ground and stumbled a few feet from the horse only to stand and stare. Arthur. It was Arthur. An odd feeling of both fear for his reaction to seeing her, and the greatest amount of relive to ever hit her surged with in her, filling her. She was safe physically. Nothing could hurt her now for she knew--KNEW--that Arthur would let no harm harm come to her. She could not even think of his reaction, for she could only stare at him. She almost reached for the ring around her neck, but before she could, a hand touched her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Breaking her eyes from Arthur she looked over at the woman, whom she did not know. It hurt to suck in much needed air in this moment, for while looking at the man that she had given her heart, soul and body too . . . she had forgotten to breathe.

Blinking back tears Guinevère nodded, knowing that she had made it and her warning could be delivered. Then she would leave again, and would not make Arthur repeat his order. Looking back at the men who had chased her for days, Guinevère noticed something flying at her, and then she felt the pain. Crying out, she fell, and the lack of food, sleep and proper water combined with the pain of whatever at hit her in the leg made the world spin, but she someone did not faint. She would not let herself fail in giving the warning cry.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been so distracted by just staring at her, the shock numbing his body and senses . . . that he didn't notice the men gathering, nor the weapon being raised . . . not until he heard her cry out and fall to the ground. That immediately snapped him out of it calling out her name as he rushed toward her, falling to his knees next to her. No no no! This wasn't supposed to happen! He had sent her away so that she would not be executed for her crime! Despite how hurt he was, despite the pain between them . . . he did not want to see her dead. He would never want to see her dead. Holding her, he felt his hand tremble as it hovered over where the arrow had hit her. He could not lose her. Emotionally, he may have lost her . . . but losing her physically, being here and watching her die . . . no. She was not dying. Because he would make sure of it! He would make sure that this arrow did not claim his life. He hastily unclasped his cape and wrapped it around her to give her that extra warmth for an injury may cause a chill. "Leon!" He called out, needing him to take her back to Camelot. Now, more than ever he had forgotten about Mithian.

He had not heard her gasp when the arrow struck Guinevère, nor did he think of her surprise over the fact that he knew this woman. Nor did he notice her approach the two of them, feeling immense concern over the situation. All he could think of right now was how imperative it was that they needed to get her back to Camelot, to Gaius. He slowly and gently lifted the upper half of her body in his arms, holding her close to his chest as he looked down at her. "Stay with me." Such words were spoken when asking a wounded man or woman . . . begging them to stay conscious. "LEON!" He called out again, his voice sounding more strained than ever before . . . since he had held his father in his arms while he died. He would not hold Guinevère in his arms while she died. He absolutely refused. He fought back tears, unable to even bare the thought that these could be their last moments. If the arrow was poisoned . . . if . . . he leaned forward whispering in her ear. "Just stay with me, please." That was what he needed right now. For her to live, whether it be with him or without. He just needed her to remain alive.

[Guinevère]

"Stay with me." Guinevère's world was fading in and out, and she knew that she must be dreaming. Had she gone mad, or was Arthur holding her? No! No she had to stay awake! She had to warn them. "LEON!" Arthur! She knew the voice, and she needed to stay away. "Morgana," She breathed, trying to tell him that Morgana was planning to attack the city! Though her voice was so soft, she doubted anything could be heard.

"Just stay with me, please." Arthur whispered, and it gave her strength. No. She would not fail him! Not this time! "Helios." She forced out, "Building an army." Why was it so hard to inhale? "Traitor. I--" She sucked in more air, "--warn you." It was easier to whisper back to him but she still could not breathe, as her fist balled and held to him as best it could over his armor. She was so tired. So very, very tired. "Give her some air, Arthur." The voice came, along with a hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur. The woman called him Arthur.

'Princess you need to take cover!' Another voice came out, and Guinevère knew. She knew every well, but her mind would not stay it. She could only stare, as the edges of her vision turned darker, and moved to the center, "You're safe now, y--" Before everything went black completely.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Morgana." Morgana? Had she seen her? Was she near? Is that who was hunting her? "Helios." Now that was a name he had not expected to hear. He had heard of the warlord but that was not where his concerns lay. Not even when she spoke of how he was building an army, or that there was a traitor, or that she came to warn him . . . she had come to warn him. That was why she was here? She risked her life in such a way? "Give her some air, Arthur." No he would not. He wanted to keep her close to him, knowing it was a foolish thing to need right now -- considering he had banished her and was engaged to another woman . . . never the less, how could he just step away from her. "Don't speak Guinevère," he whispered. "Save your strength." Arthur felt Guinevère hand hardly able fist into his chainmail, more than he felt Mithian's hand on his shoulder.

One he could physically feel more, but the other . . . he could emotionally feel. He heard the princess whisper words of reassurement to Guinevère . . . but he saw her eyes close and panic filled Arthur. He leaned forward to check if she was steal breathing, and could barley hear it . . . but it was there. She was alive. When Leon approached them, he said that it was not safe for the princess, and paused when he saw who was in the king's arms. The shock filled him too, but he was handling it a hell of a lot better than Arthur had. Lifting Guinevère up in his arms, making sure the cape remained around her, he carefully passed her to Leon. "Take Guinevère and Princess Mithian back to the city, along with a few men." Guards. "Leon, ride as fast as you can." Because Guinevère needed a physician right away and Arthur didn't have to tell him for he could see the arrow in her leg.

As Leon waited for Mithian, Arthur turned to the princess of Nemeth. "I'm sorry about all of this Princess," he told her sincerely. Sorry that a hunting trip had turned into her running for her life. "I will return to the city as soon as I am able," he added, mounting on his horse, and speaking to Leon, Mithian and Guinevère . . . if she could hear him. "Go!" He added as a further demand to Leon, as Arthur rode to where his men were. "You men, come with me," he instructed, motioning to a group of half of them and without waiting, knowing they would be right behind him, Arthur rode quickly toward the men who had been hunting Guinevère. And would make them pay . . . especially the one who had dared fire an arrow at her.

[Guinevère]

He was going to be married soon. Guinevère lie there, awake on the bed used for the sick. She had been awake for an hour now, and Gaius had pushed a bit of soup in her, and Rosa, a dear old friend, had answered the question that Guinevère knew didn't have to be asked. Gaius left to do some rounds since he felt she would be fine with rest. He ordered her to not get out of bed for a few days, but said she would be alright.

Guinevère then asked Rosa to tell the king that she needed to speak with him. She had to give the warning. While Rosa was gone, Guinevère took the time to let her mind have a small moment of weakness, to accept--try to--that she had lost Arthur. That he had moved on from the damage that she had done to his life. Then she could be strong for him. For when he came to see her. When she broke more of what was left of his heart, after her betrayal.

@~}~~~@~}~~~@~}~~~@~}~~~

Rosa, a friend of Guinevère's from when they were both servants, knocked on the king's chamber door. When she was bid to enter, she pushed slightly and peeked her face on, only half stepping him. "My lord, I came to tell you she has awakened."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had been so set in what he was going to do . . . yet a single moment changed everything. He had once believed that he was going to spend the rest of his life with Guinevère, the woman he loved. That they would be happily married, become a family, have children . . . and live he rest of their lives in perpetual bliss for they had waited so long for that time to come. And a single moment had changed everything. He'd banished her, never to see her again, never to be with her . . . and he had come to terms with that. Because he had no other choice. Then, he had arranged a marriage with Mithian to bring about peace and stabilize an alliance with a kingdom. He had fully expected to marry her, to be with her, to have changed his future for he knew it was not about being in love, but making a wise decision. He would have to love her as a wife and she had been so easy to get along with -- not to mention beautiful -- so everything was ready to go.

But again . . . a single moment had changed everything. Guinevère had returned, clad in a rather revealing outfit and speaking words that confused him. He had hunted down the men, but could not get to Helios himself. He had long escaped. So the threat of him was still out there, and . . . apparently Guinevère knew of it. But that was just something else he would have to deal with. Right now, he needed to figure out what to do, with two women. He had used excuse upon excuse on Mithian, apologizing for everything but explaining to her ambiguously about what was going on. He did not tell her who Guinevère was to him, only that they would have to postpone their wedding . . . if they could even have it at all. Because right now, Arthur could not settle his emotions. He didn't know what he wanted, who he wanted, how he wanted to do this, what he wanted his future to be . . . should it even be about what he wants, or should it be about what the kingdom needs? A strong king and queen. He was strong with Guinevère, but she had also broken him. How could he just ignore that? How could he ---

A knock pulled him from his thoughts. "Enter," he announced. He had used the excuse that he needed to do paper work and hence would be spending a few hours in his chambers . . . but in actuality, he was looking out the window, his mind unable to focus on such tasks. The woman explained that Guinevère was awake . . . and Arthur knew that he had to speak to her. His uncle had been trying to convince him to put her to death; that he should prove to be a man of his word because he had declared that she was to return on pain of death. But . . . how could he do that? He knew that without a man's honor, without his word, he was nothing. But . . . he couldn't execute her. He had not nearly lost her, only to have his hand be the one to put her to death. Though Agravaine had made valid points. All the more reason that Arthur was left conflicted. He thanked Rosa for giving him this news, and exited his chambers.

This time, he was not clad in his usual armor and chainmail. He had on a white shirt, with his sword always attached to him around his belt. Making his way to Gaius' chambers, he lightly knocked on the door before opening it, noticing that she was alone. Gaius had informed him that she would be alright, and ordinarily . . . Arthur would be sitting at her bedside waiting for the moment she awoke. But this time, he had not . . . he could not. "Guinevère," he greeted, unable to mask the relief in his voice. Hearing that she was going to be alright and seeing it with his own two eyes were two different things. He stepped further into the room, closing the door behind him, as he moved to stand next to where she was lying. "How are you feeling?" He asked, taking a seat on the chair nearby so that he wouldn't have to tower over her. Despite everything, all that happened between them . . . he still loved her. He still cared about her. And that was what made all of this so much harder.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère heard the steps coming and she felt a small shiver of fear. It could be Argavaine, or it could be Arthur. Or another man who's steps fell loud enough to hear. If it was the first, then her life could be in danger, if it was the second then just her heart. She stared at the door and the person who walked in . . . .

Broke her heart all over again.

She had done the damage to them, but it did not mean she had not hurt herself while hurting him. Arthur who had never wronged her, and her who had proved to everyone just how common she really was. Unfaithful. Weak. Stupid! She called herself, how foolish could she had been to go there that night? "Guinevère," He spoke her name, and she felt it. In her chest there was an painful beat of her heart at the memories.

He belonged to another now, and unlike her, Arthur was capable of being faithful. "How are you feeling?" Arthur was wearing his white shirt, and she remembered it from their time together. He looked well. He looked very well. It did her heart good to know he was alright, for she had worried abut it. "I am well." She answered, after a short moment of silence between them. She wasn't sure if she should call him my lord, or if that would be hurtful to him. How did she make this easier for him?

"Gaius said I will be able to travel in a few days." Though he asked her to rest for the week, to let her leg heal. After learning he was to be married however, Guinevère knew she could not stay. She needed to leave him to peace. "I had to come warn you, and the others. Morgana is planning to attack the city, and she has a friend close to you, as a spy."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I am well." He looked at her, knowing that she was not. She looked weak, drained . . . she was injured and . . . had she been eating properly at all? It looked like she had lost weight, only making him wish all the more that . . . that what? What should he have done? Should he have made sure she had escorts? Should he not have banished her? She spoke of Gaius telling her that she could travel in a few days, and he wasn't sure that was a good idea. He had sent her away once, and she nearly died. And been captured and . . . forced to wear whatever she was wearing. It just made him inwardly shudder to think of what else she was forced to do. And like the coward he was, he was too afraid to ask the question of it. She spoke of a spy, and this was something Arthur had known . . . well, partially. He knew that there was a traitor in their midst. He just didn't know who.

"I know that there is a traitor here within these walls," he said, aware that he or she had not yet been caught. "Do you know of a name?" Because discussing this was far easier than talking about everything else. Talking about emotions associated with seeing her; talking of how he would be getting married in a few days time; talking of how she should stay in the city . . . though at the same time, knew he would have to explain to his uncle why he refused to execute her. There were so many things that were difficult to say, so may as well start off with talking about business. Talking about the warning she had risked her life to give him . . . a deed that he could never thank her enough for. Even if seeing her caused him so much pain. It served as a reminder of all that they had . . . and thus, all that they lost.

[Guinevère]

She watched his face, unable to look away. He might belong to another, but her eyes were hungry for the sight of him, knowing that soon she would never see him again. This time for ever. Soon she would leave, and she would not know where to go this time, but she knew it needed to be somewhere safe--both from men like Helios and from news of Camelot. If Arthur were to wed, she would not wish to hear of heirs. It would break her, every time she heard of such things--knowing they could have been her sons to give him and her love to hold them all close with. There would never be any children for her--with any man--for no man was Arthur, and there was only he for her.

"I know that there is a traitor here within these walls," Yes, she recalled being here when they had assumed it was Gaius. When Argavaine had said it was so. "Do you know of a name?" Yes. She had a name, but he would not wish to hear it. "Yes. I was with Helios when Morgana came to confirm their plans, and give him a map her spy gave to her of Camelot's siege plans." She had ran then.

"Arthur," She began, "I'm sorry, but she spoke of your uncle giving it to her. Helios said he would not attack with out her source being sure. She reviled her source to him. It was your uncle."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Siege plans? No. They had not gotten them because . . . they were secured. They had been moved. They had caught the spy from Odin's court and he was dead. So, what did she mean? It was not so much her first words, than her next ones which disturbed him. "She revealed her source to him. It was your uncle." That was not right. No. It was impossible! His mind went back to when Merlin had also accused Agravaine of being a traitor and Arthur had confronted him and . . . "You're wrong," he said bluntly, shaking his head in pure disbelief. Never before would he have questioned her like this but he did not appreciate the accusation against his mother's brother. He rose from his chair, unable to remain seated after receiving this upsetting news. One that was false. It had to be false! He just began pacing, completely disbelieving of her words.

"He would not betray me," Arthur protested stubbornly. He had once said the same of Morgana . . . but no. Not Agravaine. "I confronted him many months ago, thinking he was the traitor. And he swore to me; he swore on my mother's life that it was not him." And that was why Arthur had believed him. Because he would not dare use Ygraine's name if he was lying. He just . . . he wouldn't dare! "We found someone trying to steal the siege plans, and he was dead before he was caught," Arthur explained. Perhaps it was to frame Odin, and Helios and Morgana were really behind it. But that was the spy; NOT Agravaine. NOT his uncle. NOT the man who was his mother's brother. NOT the man who he had known since he was a child. And certainly NOT the man who swore on her life, and swore to take care of Arthur since he was a child.

[Guinevère]

"You're wrong,"Guinevère blinked, surprised that he would so quickly dismiss her words. Yet she knew she had betrayed him, and his trust in her was shaken. She only hoped that she could at least give him reason to doubt his uncle, and therefore see out his own truth. She knew then that Arthur would find it. "I know what I heard." She told him softly, watching move about the room.

"I confronted him many months ago, thinking he was the traitor. And he swore to me; he swore on my mother's life that it was not him." "If he was lying about being loyal to you, then perhaps he would lie about even her." His mother. She knew this would not be easy to hear, but she had to make him believe! Help him see! Before it cost everyone everything! She knew how Morgana would rule! And she could not let it happen again.

"We found someone trying to steal the siege plans, and he was dead before he was caught," Another life lost to cover up the plans to take over a kingdom so Morgana could kill some more? She was no better then Cenred, or Lot but at least they did not pointless kill. She was no better--for she was far worse. "I know this is hard hear, and I wish there was another name to tell you." But their was not. "Helios refused to move against Camelot without plans, and without knowing where they came from and how Morgana got them. They have a map, they spoke of plans to attack. Helios is building an army with the goal of coming for you."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I know what I heard." "Then you heard wrong." He couldn't believe this. It was bad enough he had lost a sister, and the woman he loved but now . . . this? His uncle? How many would betray him? How many people that he loved so much, would turn against him? What had he done so wrong to them? Surely he had been doing something. He had tried to offer nothing but love and devotion and instead, their loyalties constantly lay with another. He could not accept this. He couldn't stand here and listen to words against his beloved uncle, one who had supported him for nearly two years. "He would not use my mother's name like that," Arthur stubbornly objected, being sure not to raise his voice, though it was firm in its tone. He would NOT swear upon his mother! What kind of monster did that?! And yet he knew . . . that in manipulation, that would be the strongest tool. That was what Morgause had attempted to do: use a false illusion of his mother to turn him against his father. Surely . . . his uncle would not do that? Why should he? He loved his sister, and Arthur was his mother's son.

Why would he choose loyalty to Morgana? Arthur shook his head, turning away from her as she spoke of how they had a map, and how Helios was not building an army. That was impossible! His uncle had moved the plans to make them more secure and --- . . . his uncle had moved the plans to a more secure] location. His . . . "He wouldn't do that to me," Arthur added in a weaker voice. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew deep deep down . . . it could be true. He needed to be strong! He needed to not doubt his mother's brother! How ashamed she would be of her son if she saw him now, doubting a man that had been loyal to him and the du Bois family all his life! Arthur turned to look at Guinevère again. "Did he come here to see you?" Did he threaten her, as he kept pushing Arthur to put her to death. "Is that why you speak against him? Because of his hostile words?" He knew his uncle could be blunt at times, and he had always encouraged Arthur to put Guinevère to death since she betrayed the king . . . just as he told Arthur that Lancelot should die a slow and painful death.

[Guinevère]

"He would not use my mother's name like that," Guinevère disagreed but knew she could do nothing to gainsay him on that aspect of things until he was doubting his uncle. "He wouldn't do that to me," And if his tone was anything, his mind was already looking at the flaws in his uncle's life of lies. Guinevère remained silent, letting Arthur convince himself rather then her words. He was a smart man, he would see the lies, he would know the truth. He wou--

"Is that why you speak against him? Because of his hostile words?" Guinevère stared at him for a long moment, her face filled with surprise and and then hurt. "Do you think so little of me now?" She asked, knowing that it was her own doing, "That you think I would ruin a man's life to spare my own?" Had she really ruined so much of herself in his eyes? She could only stare at him in silence for a few moments before she spoke again, her voice not as strong this time, but still sure.

"I might be any things, but I am not a liar." She wasn't an liar. No. That wasn't her sin in life. "Your uncle rides out often, more so in times of trouble. Where does he go? We once thought Morgana to be our friend, and she turned out to be anything but. You cannot dismiss this because it comes from me. No matter what you think of me, you need to at least look into this! If you do not then all could be lost."

"Please."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Do you think so little of me now?" He didn't know what to think! He didn't trust his own judgment half the time! It was all shattered by the lies, by the betrayal, by the cost of his actions, or inactions. What was he to think?! She was accusing his uncle of betraying him . . . how could he just accept this information and move on? He knew that Guinevère was a good person . . . but to say that he trusted her completely right now would be a lie. And yet, she spoke of how she was not a liar. Not a liar? What had happened that night then? Had he not walked in, wouldn't she have lied about? She had lied enough to not tell him of any feelings she had for Lancelot during the days they were engaged! . . . But no. This was not about them, yet everything seemed to be about them. What did he do? He was losing his family, and losing them still.

He tried so hard to keep them all together, and they constantly slipped through his grasp, breaking his heart in the process. And now, Agravaine. The last relative that he had believed he had a strong relationship with . . . was the one being accused -- and not for the first time -- of being a traitor. How could he trust anyone ever again after this?! He turned away from her once more, trying to process her words . . . trying to think of what he should do. Who could he seek the council of? No one. Guinevère had once been his most trusted confidant, and now he couldn't even ask her what she thinks he should do. He would have to make that decision on his own. "When did they say they would attack?" Arthur asked, trying to get a better idea of what he was up against. He would need more proof from his uncle, so knew he would probably have to follow him out at some point. But right now . . . if the kingdom would truly be under attack, then he needed to know when.

[Guinevère]

"When did they say they would attack?" When was not him believing her, but perhaps it was him taking in her words and would at least make sure that he was on the look out for a plan. "I do not know." She admitted, "I had to stand on some rocks to see, when I slipped I gained their attentions. I did not dare stay." Meaning because she had fallen, she failed to gain more information for him. "Helios' army was not complete. He attacks towns, takes men who can be trained to fight and kills the others so no one can give the warning cry."

"He has taken many men, but they are not trained, and I think he need more before he would dare risk everything to come here." Because Camelot was strong, and he knew it. "I cannot say what they will do, but surely then know if I got this far, I would tell you what I know. I pray it alters their plans, and they do not push forward." Instead she hoped Helios grew smart and left Morgana alone in her efforts. While she held no favor for the man, she knew if Morgana was armyless, no attack would come.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She said that she did not know, and Arthur wasn't disappointed . . . for she had offered a great deal of information in the first place. While he may have his migivings about his uncle being the traitor, he doubted she would concoct this elaborate story to . . . what? Return to Camelot? No. She would not do that. Or at least he liked to believe she didn't. But as he realized before, he didn't know what to believe. He'd heard of Helios' reputation; a typical warlord. Had she fallen into his grasp whilst she was at a village? Is that how she had acquainted herself with him? Again, he wanted to ask about how . . . if Helios had touched her inappropriately. It was bad enough that she was forced to wear the clothing she was, for he knew without having to ask that that was Helios' doing. In additional to being a warlord, he was also know for his appetite for women. The thought alone made Arthur cringe and fill with disgust . . . to think of how he took women against their will, and possibly forced them to do things against their will as well. Arthur turned his head, half looking at her for as upset as he was, as hurt by this potential betrayal . . . and hurt even more by her own, his gratitude was sincere.

"Thank you," he said in a low appreciative voice. "You took a great risk coming here. And I promise you will be well protected." He knew his words could have many meanings, but for the time being . . . he would leave it at that. He would make sure no further harm came to her . . . but also knew that in a few days time, he would have a wife. And if they were to be attacked, then the solid treaty with Nemeth would strengthen their army tenfolds. That was the purpose of marrying her after all, for politics. Yet . . . if his heart wasn't truly in it, could he go through with it? That, he did not know. "I don't know how you crossed paths with Helios--" And he was almost afraid to hear it. "But perhaps . . . it would be safer for you in Camelot. With your brother and friends here." He could no longer look at her, and averted his gaze forward once again. He had said he couldn't look upon her every day, and even now it was difficult. But knowing only a semblance of all she had been through . . . if he sent her out there on her own again, he may as well execute her himself, for either way he would be signing her death warrant.