You Are Loved

[Guinevère]

If was fine, because he told the king in which he was a guest of that he was hunting. Was this a sudden choice then? Or had he thought about coming to find her? She wondered but she didn't ask. There would be time for that later. So many questions filled her mind, and she wasn't even sure where to begin, or if she should be questioning things.

"When do you leave for Camelot?" She asked, trying to see where she would be going. She knew that Elyan would have their father's home still, and she knew she could stay there. It was then that the question arose of what she would be doing with herself. Somehow, facing everyone seemed daunting and frightening but she would take the results of her foolishness, because she had earned it.

Perhaps she could take up sewing, and use that for income rather then relying on Elyan. While he made good money as a knight, she would not be depend it on him. Yes, she was good at sewing.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"When do you leave for Camelot?" Hopefully as soon as possible. He certainly didn't want to over stay his welcome with Alined . . . not that Arthur felt particularly welcomed by him. "If you're ready tomorrow, then we will leave tomorrow." It all depended on her, since that was why he'd come here. Not for Alined, not for the scenic ride . . . but for her. To see her. To bring her home. "I came here only to see you," he told her. It was easier to tell her this now for she had said that she would come home with him. Before her answer, he would not have told her this because he didn't want to place pressure on her.

Even if he had come here and she had said no, he wouldn't have thought it a wasted journey. It would have just answered that What If question. What if, he could see her again. What if he asked her to come home. Thankfully, she had given the answer he desired to hear more and so he felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Though he recalled his earlier thoughts; it would take time and work for everything to heal. But it had healed enough to at least give it a try.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled softly, when he said he had only came here for her. It had answered her thoughts of just moment's ago of wondering if he had come here looking for her, or found her and ask this of her. She was grateful that it was the former rather then the later. "I am grateful." She told him, meaning it with all her heart, that she was grateful for this new chance at trying with him.

"And I will be ready for the morning." She promised, knowing she had much to do from now and then, and if he was pretending to be hunting then he could not stay long. She thought about asking to see the others, for she missed then greatly but she was covered in mud. While she was not ashamed to work for her living, she rather they not see her so dirty and unkept.

She was afraid to let him go, but she knew she had to have faith that he would come back. Not that he would lie to her, but she still felt this to be a dream. "What time should I be ready for?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

He gave another small smile when she said that she was grateful, with unmistakable sincerity in her voice. He knew they all had a great deal to be grateful for. For him, he was grateful that she was willing to try . . . though still wasn't quite sure of what had gone so wrong the last time. He knew that eventually, it would be a subject that they were forced to broach, and quite frankly, he was dreading it. Right now was too early to ask such questions, for there would be time. And with his uncle no longer with him, there would be no pressure from him to uphold the law. Not that Arthur would have ever invited Guinevère home if he had doubts as to whether he could put her to death or not. That was something that he could not, and would not ever be able to do. Which was why he wasn't quite sure he could apologize to her for banishing her. Only for being inadequate.

But now, he would be given the opportunity to make it up to her, and correct whatever mistakes he'd made in the past that had caused the events of that horrid night. "We'll leave at first light," he explained. So that they would have more time to travel before they would have to set up camp for the night. "If you like, I'm sure Elyan would wish to stay to help you gather your belongings and prepare for the journey." Arthur could not stay, for his absence would be noticed. And Elyan was her brother, one who had visited her here before. Besides, who knows how long it had been since they'd seen each other and he was fairly certain that Elyan would want to spend time with her, and her time with him.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère nodded a little, yes, her brother would be welcome to help. "It would be nice to see him again. If you are you will be safe enough without him, then I would like that." For Arthur was a king, and these were dangerous times. She did not wish any harm to befall on him at all. Not when her brother could have helped keep them all alive. The knights and their king were a set.

Alone they could be over taken--but together she had never seen anything like them. They keep each other alive, and did the impossible together. They were brothers and friends. A team. Arthur at their head. She had missed sights such as that, and look forward to seeing them tomorrow. "I will see you tomorrow then." She said, and forced herself to let him go, though she felt her heart beat once in an almost painful way when she let him go. "Thank you, for coming here today." For his offer. For everything!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur knew that in banishing her, it had separated her from her brother. But he would never have gone to the extent of forbidding Elyan from visiting Guinevère. They were brother and sister and just because his own relationship with his sister was beyond dysfunctional . . . didn't mean that everyone else's was. He was glad that she was able to have that comfort from family, however rare. Though now, it would be more common as she would be returning home. "We'll manage without him," Arthur assured her. "Besides, he's missed you terribly and is eager to see you." The others seemed to be in approval of this decision, especially Merlin and Elyan in particular. She stepped away from him and spoke of seeing him tomorrow. It felt so odd, to see her now and then know he would see her the next day, and the days after.

It all felt so surreal; he had never gotten used to being without her, but having her back in his life was something that was so easy to adapt to. He gave a small nod when she thanked him, aware that this kind of first step had to have come from him. But also hadn't given her words of a promised future . . . until now. "will see you in the morning then," he assured her, fully intending to come at the time he specified. With a final glance and these parting words, he slowly turned to walk back from the woods he came from, telling Elyan that he could go see his sister for the rest of the day. With those words, he and the other knights -- and Merlin -- rode back to the castle to prepare for their journey home tomorrow . . . and make sure another horse was readied.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère stood there and watch him leave, and she stayed there for the longest time. Until Elyan finally found her and she knew this wasn't a dream. She had a single night to be ready for the dawn. Elyan helped her pack, and she helped cook a good meal for her friends there to say goodbye. She promised to write but knew that letters were hard to post. Even still, she would always be on the lookout for riders who might come this way, and ask them to deliver a letter.

Hours before dawn she dressed in some travel pants a a sewn shirt that she had made. Boots that she had once wore in Eldor years ago when she first went, and Elyan had brought her a furred lined vest that she would put on later. She had a few boxes and a few bags, but no where near the amount of things she had when she left Camelot. What she could not carry with her on this trip, her brother promised to send someone back to retrieve.

When dawn arose she was waiting outside, feeling like an over eager and nervous child. Surely she could have waited inside but she wanted to be ready. She was ready to go. Her brother put her up on his horse and then handed her the small wooden cage made out of sticks from the woods. It was then she noticed Arthur riding in. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him looking dashing in his chainmail. She could hear a few people start to talk and wonder at his chainmail, but with no cape to show who he was, then he could be anyone.

Her brother pulled the reins to lead her to meet Arthur half way, as her bunny 'Layla' rested in the wooden cage in her lap. "Hullo." She said, feeling a bit unsure as to how they stood but was ready to find out and try again.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was rather eager to leave the kingdom for so many reasons. The strongest being that Guinevère would be coming home with him. Camelot would feel more like home again; be a place of comfort. He would not be as haunted by the memories, or as worried as to where she was and if she was alright. Though Elyan knew her exact locations and was in contact with her . . . it was different being able to see her for himself every day. As he rode in he saw Elyan lead her to him, and told the knight that his horse was with the others, subtly asking for a moment . . . so that he could greet her and get a sense for what the mood would be like between them. It may be awkward for a while, but he hoped that with time, that awkwardness would start to decline. He already had an idea as to where he wanted to take her for a small date.

"Guinevère," he greeted in a soft tone, some of the formality slipping from it. Which was good . . . for he did not want things to remain formal between them for long. But again, maybe that was also something else that would vanish over time. His eyes fell from her face to the small cage that she had with her. "What's that?" He asked curiously, unable to see properly through the wooden bars that confined it. Some sort of small animal or critter? Had she taken a pet while she was here? His curiosity was great to ask her as soon as he noticed it, wondering who -- or what -- else would be joining them on the journey.

[Guinevère]

"Guinevère," He greeted and she found herself smiling softly at him. Arthur. He was here. And real. And not dream!! "What's that?" What was what? It took her a moment to realize he meant her bunny. "Oh," Looking down at the cage, she put one hand on top of it to keep it balanced. "I found a baby rabbit a few months ago, and I took her in."

She assumed a fox or hunters might have gotten the mother. She had taken some milk from one of the neighbors and feed it until she could get her bunny to eat solids. "I've intrusted Elyan to tell the others they are not allow to hunt her." She jested, knowing they would never hunter her pet but she also knew that rabbit was often a quick meal on the travel. She was mostly trying to test the ground between them. Trying to see if they could be at ease talking about something that had nothing to do with her betrayal of him . . . of them.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur moved his horse closer to her, slightly turning it so that they were alongside each other, rather than one in front of the other. So that they could ride out together, rather than her follow him out. He looked at the bunny -- apparently -- and gave a small smile when she explained that she had taken her in, and further more had already told Elyan that they weren't allowed to hunt her. Somehow, the casual talk felt more comfortable now as oppose to yesterday. "Then I will be sure Merlin does not mistake her for dinner either," he told her, not wanting her to lose something she was clearly attached to. Enough for her to take it back to Camelot. "Ready?" he asked before lightly digging his heels into the side of his horse to make it start walking, hers moving next to his.

"Does she have a name?" He further inquired, keeping to the casual small talk. It may have to remain like this for the trip at least . . . or it really depended on how things progressed. While the knights knew of what happened between him and Guinevère, and knew they were trying to repair their relationship . . . Arthur did not want to delve into the deeper and intense conversations during the journey, or in front of the men. He wanted to do it in privacy, and when both he and Guinevère were comfortable and ready for such conversations. Right now, they had just been reunited after two years and all the intensity that would eventually come . . . well, it was far too soon for that right now.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère used one hand on her reins and the other hands rested on the cage to keep it balanced. As long as they were at a casual walk she would be fine like this. She did have a plan however for when they moved faster. "One of the girls in the village picked a name, Layla." That was her bunny's name, and it had been chosen for her by a girl whom's birthday it was. Guinevère had teased her and said she would make clothes for the bunny, but never had.

"I am not worried about Merlin," She teased, "Unless he has become a better hunter . . . " Since she had been away. Merlin was good with medicines, and lighting up the room, and being a good friend. He could read maps, and even fight some. But he had never been a good hunter. Fisher yes, but hunting had not seemed his strong suit. "Besides, she does not hop from me. I think she thinks I am her mother."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Layla the mind. It sounded like a soft and feminine name. The only animals that Arthur had ever named were his dogs and horses of course. Never a bunny. Though that didn't mean he would ever say he was not in favor of it. He was glad she would have the company in her home . . . for it would be far too soon to make plans of marriage. Last she was here, they had been moving her belongings into his room . . . and after the banishment, Merlin had shifted everything back . . . for it was too painful for Arthur to do so. "You've got nothing to worry about there. Merlin is still a dismal hunter," he said in a slight teasing tone toward his friend. While the words were made in jest -- sort of -- he knew that the full magnitude of teasing wasn't in his voice. For he and Guinevère were still trying to get used to being in one another's company.

"That is good that she does not stray from you. You won't have to worry about her running away in the city." Since the city was often busy and full of people. At her small companion would stay close to her. Plus, should things work out between them and they one day were able to call each other husband and wife . . . Arthur would have to train his dogs not to eat the bunny. "How long have you had her for?" Arthur asked, still trying to make small conversation where he good. Focusing on the smaller things, rather than the more intense subjects.

[Guinevère]

His tease at Merlin made her smile but she knew that this wasn't as it used to be. They used to be able to enjoy conversation with ease, as well as be around each other in just casual silence should they not be in conversation. Now she felt herself trying to think of things to say to fill the silence. Something to say to make them feel at ease rather then this unsure awkwardness that haunted them.

"That is good that she does not stray from you." "Yes, it makes her easier to keep inside." So she did not get mixed in with the other wild bunnies as Layla could not take care of herself if she did get out into the wild. It was why Guinevère brought her with herself. "How long have you had her for?" "Just a few months," She told him, trying not to think on why she had not been near him when she had found the bunny. "Not very long, she is young still. I think I will just leave her in my home, and not let her adventure out."

That might be best for her pet. "How are you dogs? Still into trouble?" She tried to jest again, but this time her tone dropped as she hoped they were still well and not had any mistidings happen to them that would make her joke seem cold and harsh.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur tried to look at the rabbit through the cage again to see the size of it only being a few months . . . but it was difficult to see. He didn't doubt that eventually, he would see the small animal, just not now. "That's probably safest, since the city if busy and she may get lost." He knew Guinevère was already aware of the logic if making sure her pet was kept in the house . . . but it was still his attempt to make conversation. And she was of course aiding in the attempt, asking about Cabal and Bohrs. "They're good," he answered, a small smile on his lips as she teased about them getting into trouble. Truth be told, they had noticed her absence.

For where she had once been in his chambers so frequently, and she had seen them enough times for them to have grown used to her . . . he could tell that sometimes they wandered around, searching for the other that spend so much time in his room."Still up to their same old tricks," he assured her. "Despite their size and their age, they will always be young pups at heart." Sometimes they tended to act far more young than they should, lying on top of Arthur when they were the size of a small horse. But still, they were his canine companions . . . and he couldn't imagine life without them.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère knew his dogs were growing older, she thought for a moment of their age. Eight years. A good life for a dog. She knew that with good care dogs could live for ten or more years. She hoped for the more for his 'pups'. "I would like to see them some time. I missed them." Surprising almost being she not been frighten of them at first, but in the end they won her over with how sweet they really could be. She could recall moments when she would sneak them treats, when it was just her and them in Arthur's chambers.

She would do such when Arthur was away and she knew they might miss him or the play he often gave them. Besides, the dogs would not look at her with judgment, and that was something she was a little nervous about. Not enough to stay away, but enough to weigh on her mind. "We heard some rumors," She said to fill any silence, "About Camelot and the knights and . . . . things." Events that had past. "I heard what you for the Druids." Freed them. Some people thought him mad and too bold for a young kind. "That was a very brave thing." One she approved of, but could not yet voice how her made her feel.

Even when it was pride.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a slight smile when she spoke of how she missed his dogs. He recalled the first time she had met them, and like anyone else, was intimidated by the size and their hyperness. But it did not take too long for her to warm up to them. His thoughts were distracted when she changed the subject. "We heard some rumors . . ." Arthur subconsciously held his breath, the first thought popping in mind being Mithian. And wondering how to explain that to her . . . but she went on to talk of his actions toward the druids, freeing them. She told him it was brave and he thought the words over. No matter how hurt he'd been by her actions, to know that she seemed to approve of what he had done, complimenting it by describing it with the word 'brave' . . . made him feel relieved. And while he did not doubt his choice, it gave him that much more confidence. All the five kingdoms would tell him he was mad . . . but he valued Guinevère's council above all others. And if she told him it had been the right thing to do . . . then he would no longer feeling insecure.

To reach that same level of giving advice to one another -- mostly her to him -- would take time. It was just one of the many things he had missed about her: her wisdom. "It was long overdue," he told her, not about to glorify his actions when he was utterly ashamed of what he had done in the past. A secret he'd told no one, but one that haunted him at night. "The druids have been nothing but peaceful; they deserve to live free of persecution." His mind went to a conversation he'd had with Guinevère about not knowing if stepping out of the dark shadow of magic and accepting that it was not all evil, was foolish or brave. She had told him he was no fool, and that it was courageous words he spoke . . . and to trust his instincts. Such words had never left his mind or heart, and that was how he'd ruled: based on his instinct and what his heart told him. He wanted to ask her if she believed it was the right thing to do, but did not want to make the conversation too intense.

[Guinevère]

"It was long overdue," He saw it as such? Guinevère did not comment on if she thought so as well or not, for she was uncertain if such words would be welcome to pushing. She however was glad to know that the people whom had helped Sir Leon, and done nothing wrong were not free to live with their families with out fear of anyone touching them in Camelot. Perhaps with time other kingdoms would follow suit.

"The news traveled swiftly I think, many were shocked." But she was surprised and proud and . . . and homesick, for she wished she had been there to see such a change and watch him do this. "They saved Sir Leon a few years back, and I have been grateful to them since. To save one that sound have been their enemy." For Leon was an old and dear friend.

On her travels to this village, she had meet a small group of them. They had been kind, and she was glad to know they no longer had to fear for their lives. "How did Alistair receive the news?" Did he know.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She spoke of how quickly the news traveled, and Arthur wasn't surprised to hear it. He knew that for something so uncommon -- especially coming from a kingdom that was so strong in its laws against magic -- was extremely shocking to say the least. But Arthur would never change his mind about it. For as Guinevère gave example of, the druids had proved to be helpful in the past . . . and even compassionate, dare he say. For they had no obligation to save Sir Leon, yet they had. The only time he had seen a less timid side to them was when they had kidnapped Morgana . . . but with all her deception, Arthur wasn't sure if he could trust what he saw that day. So did not use that as evidence against an otherwise peaceful group of people. "How did Alistair receive the news?" Alistair. He and Arthur had not gotten along for many reasons . . . until that day when one proclamation had changed the entire nature of their friendship.

"I had never seen him in such a state," Arthur began to explain, the memory of Alistair's reaction to his news fresh in his mind. "He is forced to hide his true self in the kingdom he now calls home. So for him to know that Camelot welcomes his people with open arms . . . I think it truly impacted him in the strongest of ways." In the best of ways really. For Arthur had truly seen a different side of that man. "I had asked his assistance to spread the word to the druids." Since they were a secretive folk, but the news did not take long to touch them. "He took me to a few druid camps to personally meet them." Arthur knew he was explaining it far too much, but this was the first time he was able to talk to someone about such things. Or perhaps it was the first time he felt comfortable enough to talk about it . . . it was Guinevère after all.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère did not know the man well, but she knew enough that he showed little to no emotion. This however, she imagined was hard for him to take him. Arthur's last words however, surprised Guinevère. He'd gone to visit camps? He was working with Alistair? That man whom had been the self proclaimed terrorist of Camelot?

She looked at him with ope surprise, but one that looked approving before she looked down and she could pull her emotions back in close to her. "He must trust you a great deal, to go from wishing you ill to taking you to his people." Yet this did not surprise her, for Arthur drew people to him like the sun drew people. You didn't even think about it, you just found yourself growing closer to him. Drawn to his greatness. For Arthur might be young, but you could see that even in his youth he was destined for greatness. He had even already done more then most kings has in his time on the throne.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"He must trust you a great deal, to go from wishing you ill to taking you to his people." Arthur could only assume so. For he knew that with his and Alistair's past, it would have indeed taken a great deal of trust for him to take him to the druids, without that fear that he was endangering them. "I think he is just relieved that his people can finally live in peace." For if Alistair knew what it had taken for Arthur to reach this decision . . . he wondered if the druid would be so willing to forgive him. "He stayed a little longer in Camelot, before he had to return to Gwent. Though I suspect we will be having frequent visits from him." In a place where he did not have to hide. Well, sort of. Since he still had to pretend to be a knight for the sake of Isadora and Gwent.

Arthur's mind also went to Elyan, and his possession by a druid that had served as further cause for Arthur to free the druids when he did. Though that would be a story that Elyan could tell his sister if he so wished. It was not Arthur's place to tell her, and plus . . . he didn't want to worry her. Perhaps she already knew, as Elyan had visited her every now and then. Still. He was not going to bring it to voice. "Apart from that, Camelot remains the same," he added. The same place she had left it. Well . . . then again, apart from the druids, there was the matter of his uncle . . . but again, that was not something that needed to be brought up right now. Generally, the kingdom was the same. The people continued to thrive, and Camelot continued to grow in strength through treaties and the people's loyalty.