How History Had It Wrong

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had heard the knock but not looked it. Rosa didn't knock--at least not when she knew she was expected as there was no reason too. The bed dipped more then it would for Rosa's weight and when she opened her eyes, it was not Rosa's face that greeted her but her husband's eyes. Blinking back the tears that the sightly of summoned she took a slow breath to calm her emotions so she could explain. "I have to break my promise too you," To make it up to him later, for clearly this meant they could not be together.

She moved to sit up a little and her feet curled under her. Her hand lifted to wipe her cheeks clean, and she tried to smile at him but it failed. Looking at his face now she wondered what their son would have looked at had she gotten with child now. "I wanted him to look like you," She said tears in her tone and knowing she was an emotional mess right now. She had wanted their son to have her color but his jawline and height and eyes. She'd wanted him to walk tall be be strong like this father. "I had gotten my hopes up but . . . . " It wasn't meant to be.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at her as she looked at him, seeing the tears in her eyes and the redness of them -- signs that she had been crying for some time. He hated seeing her like this; seeing her so upset, knowing that there was nothing he could do to fix this. For it was circumstances that were beyond his control. Her words made him want to immediately tell her not to even think of any such promise she made to him. but he remained silent, just watching her as she sat up a little. She didn't seem entirely unwelcoming of his company, and he would take that as a sign that she was alright with him staying. She spoke of a child, wanting one, having raised her hopes. He too wanted a child to call their own . . . but he also knew it was different for women. He had told her her he wanted her to be happy, and he hated that he couldn't do that. That this was something he could not just automatically give her.

Instead of saying anything right away, he moved forward a little, putting an arm around her to pull her close to him. With her head resting against his chest, he placed a hand over the back of her head as he titled his own downward, kissing the top of her head. "We have the rest of our lives to create a child together," he assured her in a soothing voice, as he just held her. Though he knew that it was not easy to cope with not having one . . . knowing that they would not have one for the next while. "I want to give you all that you desire," he added in a softer voice. "And I promise I won't stop trying until I do," he said, a partial jest and playful comment in the hopes of attempting to cheer her up, for there were obviously implications in his words . . . in terms of what he meant by 'trying' and not stopping until her womb was filled with a child.

[Guinevère]

Arthur pulled her into his embrace and she was surprised at how that seemed to ease the pain and lighten the sadness. All he needed to do was hold her and it was both easing the sadness and making her wish harder for a child His words brought her hope. He wanted a child too! That he would help her gain her desire! She longed for it! She wanted to had been able to tell him in just a few weeks that he would be a father! Yet now she knew that it would be longer!

She wrapped her arms around him and let him hold her silently for a while before she sniffled slightly from her light tears. "I do not mean to cry on so, but I . . . I seem to never be able to control them when I am like this." She was often emotional when this time came. Yet never before had she cried over the lack of a child. "I had so looked forward to just spending the day with you."And now she could not! Men did not wish to spend time with a woman who had her 'womanly time'. At home she never left her chambers when this happened, for that was just how it was done.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur didn't want her to feel bad for crying, nor feel the need to apologize for being emotional. He didn't know if he could be of any help . . . but she did not appear to be rejecting of his touch. Not with the way her arms wrapped around him in return. "Do not ever feel bad for expressing your emotions," he told her. It was different with women. With men, they could not. Or well, as a king . . . he could not. He'd always been told that it was a sign of weakness. But for women, for his wife . . . he never wanted her to feel unable to be honest about how she felt. He'd told her that before, when she had grown angry with him for jousting when he was injured. And he would always stand by those words, regardless of any disagreements they would have. "I had so looked forward to just spending the day with you." He slightly looked back when she said this, knowing what she meant but . . . what was breaking yet another tradition. "And why can't we?" He asked with genuine curiosity. If she would permit him to stay, then he wanted to stay.

He hoped she knew that he didn't just come to her for physical needs, and if she didn't already know that . . . then if nothing else, today and however many days they were unable to make love, would prove it to her. That it was not just physical desires and lust that brought him to her. The relationship building between them was deeper and stronger. "I just happen to have a clear schedule for the rest of the afternoon," he explained, knowing that he'd planned it that way and it was not pure coincidence. "Unless you have suddenly grown too busy for me?" He asked teasingly, turning it around on her though he knew that wasn't exactly it. "Perhaps we can not go to the market, but that does not mean we can't sit here and spend time together. Maybe we can not picnic in the gardens, but we can share a meal together in here." He wanted to show her that he wasn't disappointed . . . that this afternoon wasn't just about being physically intimate. It was about him wanting to spend time with her, despite her condition, emotional and/or physical.

[Guinevère]

Arthur spoke of how she might not be able to go out places but how they could spend the day together. She left him speak and finish speaking before she pulled back enough to look up at him. There was clear surprise in her eyes and she found herself wishing that she could at least give him his gift today. Yet she wished to see him when he saw it. Yet today they could just spend the day together. "You would still stay here?" She asked, "With me." Like this, was the unspoken words that she did not say.

Men should not wish to spend time with women like this but Arthur seemed to think it changed their plans instead of ruined them. They could spend the afternoon here? Talking and speaking of things. She suddenly had so many questions to ask him and these were not even the sort of ones meant to drive him to be with her but honest ones. She wanted to know more about his life before he married her. Why a man of so much charm and . . . . . he could have any woman! Why marry a princess sight unseen when surely there had to be better ways to gain a bride? "We could get to know each other," She whispered as if that was suddenly what she wanted most in the world.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at her when she asked that he would stay here . . . something in her tone that made it sound so unnatural. And perhaps it was. For women did not often gain company when like this, but growing up with a different upbringing, he did not follow such traditions and expectations. And he didn't want her to think she was in a poor state; one that he would never want to see her in. "I will spend the day with my wife, as I planned to," he said smiling, wanting it to sound like something so casual, rather than draw so much attention to her state.

She then seemed to slowly accepting his suggestions, saying that they could get to know each other. "I would like nothing more than that," he said as he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "I'll even let you keep my shirt," he teased, trying to help lighten the mood. Though his concern for her was still great. "Have you eaten yet? Or shall we have lunch together?" He would spare her from any of Gaius remedies for it did not seem she needed that as much as . . . well, some company and someone to help her ease her mind. He wondered if she preferred Rosa to be here as her maid and friend was more accustomed to helping her during this time. Though perhaps . . .it was time for a new tradition.

[Guinevère]

"I did not feel much like eating," She admitted with a look down, KNOWING that if he would be in the room she could not wear only his shirt! Not only for obvious reasons but also because she had stole it for comfort. Perhaps she could wear if over a dark gown or something. While she still wasn't very hungry, she knew he would not have dined yet and she wanted him to be at ease with eating rather then holding off for her shake.

"If you would order a luncheon, then I will step behind the screen for a moment." She would eat a little, but she wasn't hungry enough or anything heavy. "Perhaps just some bread and fruit for me?" Nothing with meat and bulk. Waiting for him to arise, and leave her for the moment so she could step behind the screen, Guinevère thought to add one last thing, "Thank you, Arthur, for . . . . for today."

[Arthur Pendragon]

When she said to order lunch, Arthur hoped that meant she would at least eat a little something. And was further assured that she would when she said she would have some bread and fruit; something light. He gave a short nod as he rose to his feet and was about to turn to leave when he paused at her words. She was thanking him . . . for today. When he had done nothing but kept his promise. "This is something you never need thank me for," he assured her softly. For he was not granting her a favor. He was her husband, and he wanted to be here for her whenever she wanted him to be. Circumstances that she had no control over should not prevent them from being together. Perhaps it could in more physically intimate ways, but it certainly should not deprive them of one another's company. "I will return shortly," he said as he went out in the hall to find a servant.

Luckily, one was walking around and Arthur stopped him to order lunch. Some meat, bread, fruit and potatoes. The servant gave a small bow and hurried off to take the king's orders to the kitchen. Arthur then returned to her chambers, making a mental note to send for Cabal and Bohrs later so that the pups could join them for the afternoon. "Lunch should be ready in a little while," he explained. "Is there anything I can do?" To . . . help her? She she feeling unwell? Should he get Gaius? He wasn't sure the details of what happened to a woman at this time for it was seldom spoken of . . . but if she needed something, anything, from him then he wanted her to feel comfortable enough to ask.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched him walk out before arising and turning to make sure the bed was clean and then walking behind the screen. She put on one of her thick black and plain dresses that was meant to be worn for such times. She had three clean and ready for to be able to change into 'in case' she might need too. Then Arthur's shirt went over the top, allowing her to wear it but still be dressed.

When Arthur came back she stepped out from behind the screen and smiled at him. He was so unlike noble men, for they just assumed people would be fine around them, and cared not for comfort of others like he did. "I need nothing in this moment," She told him, "Everything I need is here." Him. He was here. She was grateful for that.

"I thought perhaps you might tell me of your home . . . before you came here." She explained. "Did you live in Camelot? Or out side her borders?" While others might know of where he was raised she knew nothing. Only that he had came and taken over the kingdom. Whom he was before, was a mystery to her. "You lived near you friends? The ones whom are now knights?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled when she said that everything she needed was here . . . and forced his smile to remain when she asked about his home. His home before coming to the city and taking over the castle. He never spoke of his past, unless it was reminiscing with his fellow knights of how things were before and exchanging fond childhood memories. But Guinevère was his wife, and he wanted to be able to tell her what he could about himself . . . for she had suggested they get to know each other better. And this was how they could do it. "I lived in the country, near the borders." As far away from the city as possible, as the king preferred. So it was lucky that his mother's estate was so far from the castle.

"The men who are now knights were workers on the farm and the estate." They worked the land and it had not taken long for Arthur to form a bond with them. One that had become unbreakable, even now. Though he also did not want to go into detail of his past, for while it had been somewhat peaceful in the beginning, it was far from glorious. He went over to the fireplace and held his hand out for her to take, so that they could sit on the larger pillows set out in front of it. "Tell me of Carmelide, and your childhood years," he asked, hoping she would join him in such an informal setting, and tell him tales of when she was younger.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère reached out for his hand when he held it out but there was something felt more then saw. Perhaps it was in his smile. Nothing changed, and his tone was even almost normal but she felt as if there was a shift or pause when she asked about his home. "An answer for an answer?" She asked, noticing that he was not let the conversation linger on him but shifted things to her.

Letting Arthur help her sit and rest on the pillows, Guinevère answers his question. "It's hard to explain," She admitted, not knowing how to explain what she thought was normal to someone whom it wasn't normal too. "It was . . . . happy." Was that the right word? Did that one word cover her whole childhood? "I like to think that we were happy. My father is a king and because of that there were many expectations but most of them on my brother. He is the heir, so he had to be perfect. With my mother gone . . . I had a nanny and I think that is why . . . I am how I am . . " She tried to tease, but knew what she meant.

She was too nice sometimes, and before she had let other nobles whom were more stronger in speech in manner intimidate her. Now that she was queen, everyone sort of just jumped to hear her every word. "Your friends were farm boys? Did they welcome you into their group, or . . . how did you meet them?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur joined her on the pillows when she was settled, rather enjoying this casual and informal position. He listened to her explain her childhood, saying that it was happy which brought a smile to his lips. He was glad to hear that; that she had a happy childhood, despite the lack of a mother in her life. He could only imagine the pressure that her brother must be under . . . for Arthur had never had such pressure when he was a child. Only when he got older and things grew increasingly intense in the kingdom. "Well I think your nanny did an excellent job," he said, thinking she turned out wonderful even if she had no mother to guide her. It was no easy loss to cope with, and such a strong presence would always be missed in ones's life -- Arthur knew all too well -- so he was glad to hear she still was surrounded by family, one that seemed to be loving. For it was clear that King Leodegrance did indeed love his daughter very much. "I have never had the pleasure of visiting Carmelide. What is it like?" He'd only made sure that good relations were maintained with it . . . but had never actually gone and spent time there.

Perhaps they could plan a trip in the future sometime. So that she could visit her family. She then asked about his friends, having grown up with them . . . how he had met them. Arthur knew that his upbringing was very different from hers, regardless of his title as king . . . he was not brought up as a king or heir. Not in the slightest bit. He paused for a moment, recalling how he'd first joined the group of the men that he called his family. "I used to enjoy going for horse rides in the surrounding land. If I remember correctly, one of them had accidentally hit me with an apple. Or well, they claim it was an accident," Arthur said jokingly. "We got along well from the beginning." Because . . . truth be told, Arthur had craved that companionship. Friends. Family. Someone he could talk to that wasn't being paid or ordered to be in his company. They had been what made everything feel less lonely, and was all too glad that they were still with him to this day. "They were the family I grew up with," he said, summarizing his thoughts.

[Guinevère]

Arthur had asked her a question but she waited for him to answer her own before she would tell him of her homeland. He seemed to find it easier to speak of his friends rather then his home. She wondered if he had bad memories or just sad memories attached there--or if shew as reading too much into this because she was already emotional. "It seems like they were a burst of trouble." She told him with a smile, liking that he seemed to find his own family, while she had been raised with a household full.

Knowing it was her turn to answer his question of, "I have never had the pleasure of visiting Carmelide. What is it like?" Guinevère thought for a moment. "It's colder there." Because it was more north. "The land is beautiful, and while our winters are harsh we have learned to make the most of our warmer summers. In the summers we will open the courtyard and have an outdoor ball. There is always a scandal during one of them . . . though normally from a farm boy brazen enough to sneak in and try to escape without being caught."

" . . . or from a lady whom let herself be taken away by the moment. . . . . In the winters the snow comes and travel becomes almost impossible. We spend the nights before large fires and gossip runs wild."

Fond memories made her smile soft but bright as she thought about all the moments she had. "Tell me of your adventures with your friends. What sort of trouble did you find them getting you into?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

He listened attentively to her describe her kingdom; that it was colder for it was north, and how they would spent the drastically different seasons. It sounded rather nice, and he truly hoped they would get an opportunity in the near future to visit it. "It sounds like a wonderful kingdom," he complimented. Though from knowing the family who ruled it . . . he was not the least bit surprised by that. "I hope you won't miss the cold and snow here. For while Camelot does receive some, it is probably not a great deal in comparison to Carmelide." Since as she said, it was further north from here. "What was it like growing up in court will all that gossi, rumors and scandals?" He asked curiously, wanting to hear more about the events of her kingdom. His first time in court, had been when he took over Camelot -- for his father never wished to see him. He did not have to be there to know what it was like. He'd caught glimpses of the nobles and such whenever he jousted as 'Sir William'. But he would love to hear how her own court life differed from Camelot. What sort of scandals and tales could she tell of it?

He however found himself pausing in thought when she asked about one of his adventures with his friends . . . knowing that they got in a great deal of mischief. Not so much now, but most certainly while growing up. "I recall one particular instance where a few of the men wanted to steal some crops from one of the neighbors, John." What a disaster that had been. "Galahad and I were meant to keep watch. By the time they were returning, arms full of corn and apples from his trees, John was returning from the market. They had to find a place to hide so split up. A couple went in the stables, a couple in the chicken coop and then the rest in the pigpen. Galahad and I tried to distract the man, talking to him so that the others could make a run for it. However their less that graceful entrance caused the animals to grow restless." This certainly wasn't the grandest adventure, but one of the more lighter and fun ones . . . and it was best to stick to that. "What a mess that had been. The horses kicked down the gates and were running all over the place, the chickens had gotten loose. It had taken us hours to help him regather his animals." He still remembered chasing the chickens, and had actually found it a rather good way of training and testing ones agility and reflexes.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère laughed at his story, as she imagined the chaos they caused that poor man! "I fear that any son's we might have shall need to be watched closely. For I have heard the curse in which many parents swear by, of how the children are just like the parents." Meaning she was sure their sons would find their own trouble. Just like their father! "That poor man! Was he horridly mad?" She asked, though that did not count as her question!

"What was it like growing up in court will all that gossip, rumors and scandals?" Like in court was not like how his life sounded. Far from it. "It was . . . formal." She said as best as she could. "I enjoyed court, and the scandals . . . if you were in favor of the court--and as a king's daughter I often was--then court is wonderful. Everyone laughs and teases and dances . . . . but if you are not then you can feel very . . . alone." There were times when she had felt very alone, with only her brother to keep her company, or her father when her brother was away.

"I never had a daringly grand adventure like yours. Other then Rosa I've never found a friend that I was even completely close to . . . . Growing up in court, with everyone watching your ever move and no one forgetting a single thing you ever did or said . . . "

"I envy you." She admitted and blushed for a moment, "I do think I would give up my life, for I did love it but . . . To make friends like you have, and to get into mischief . . . "

There was a long moment of silence before she spoke again, "I bet you broke allot of hearts?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled at her words, chuckling a little at the thought of their sons getting intro trouble as he did. "Well if that is true, that children are just like their parents . . . then I am quite relieved that you are their mother. For they would have a wise head on their shoulders, and a strong heart. So hopefully their troublesome ways will be, manageable." It felt so wonderful, to be able to talk of children they could one day have. Especially considering that the lack of a child was what had just upset her. And now, she was able to talk about it with a smile on her lips. For that, he was immensely relieved. "That poor man! Was he horridly mad?" A smile remained on Arthur's lips as he recalled the farmer's reaction. "He most certainly was. He managed to eventually forgive us, but every time he saw the lot of us together . . . he kept a rather watchful eye on us." He had known Arthur's mother, so Arthur had not gotten in too much trouble because of that.

His focus then shifted to her as she answered his question. He was intrigued by it all, hearing how formal it was and how if you were in favor it was fine. If you were not, it was difficult. He had instantly become king, so never had been raised in this sort of environment. To hear how she coped with it, was truly fascinating. But hearing her say it was lonely, was difficult. Rosa had told him that she had never seen Guinevère happier and he wondered if that was because of the companionship. "That sounds both fun and difficult," he said. It seemed like there was a great deal pressure on her, to always be perfect. And he wondered if she felt that way here . . . hoping she didn't. Her next words of envying his life surprised him . . . saying that she wanted what he had. When he would have wanted what she had: a loving and supportive family. He had made his own family, but it was still not the same. Though now, being married to her . . . it was starting to feel like a real family.

"Was it hard, being a princess that everyone looked to and admired?" She had spoken generally of court life but . . . he wanted to know specifically, for her, as a royal . . . was it very hard? "Ironic, for I envy you," he said in return, speaking in reference to her words about how she wished for a more adventurous life. "To be surrounded by a loving family is truly fortunate; a blessing." Something that he would never take for granted when their family expanded and they brought children into this world. After a long pause, she spoke once again . . . wondering if this was what counted as her question. "I bet you broke allot of hearts?" He knew that the last thing she probably wanted to hear was his past experiences with women. For there would never be another woman; just her. "Not really. The men came with me to be knights so I didn't have to leave them heartbroken," he said teasingly, knowing that was not what she meant but just joking around, continuing to build the mood.

"And you? Tell me truthfully how many suitors you've had," he asked in a bit of a teasing tone. He was curious as to how many had come to claim her hand, before -- or even still -- she had been committed to his champion. Arthur doubted he was the first, and wanted to ask in a way that would ensure it was not something so hard to talk of. It was normal was it not, for a princess -- and such a beautiful one -- to have men praise her. He knew he wasn't the first, but also could easily maintain calm while speaking of these things. Even if the subject of Lancelot arose. He knew now, and could understand for any man would be mad not to feel drawn to her. She had asked him to give her father's champion a chance, and would honor his promise to do so. "Since you asked me two questions, I get to ask you two," he added on with a bit of a cheeky smile.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère liked this, sitting here just talking with him about little nothings. Everything. Anything. Laughing at his adventures, and when he claimed it was her he envied she blushed looking down. He had made strangers turn to brothers, and farmers becomes the most well known knights in the kingdoms--Yet he envied her? "Family is not just blood." She told him softly, "Your father and sister are proof of that. Your friends--your brothers--are your family. They are you strength and family more so then the rest. You should not envy me because I have a small family."

"Yours is much larger then mine, and full of people who want to be family, rather then a few people who are just glad they happen to be." AND his family was growing, for she hoped he might one day see her as such, and she also hoped that soon she could give him a child and let him have the blood family he wished for.

Arthur had not answered her question--claiming the knights were not broken hearted--so when he asked her the same she only returned the favor. "Rosa came with me as well." She teased, not going to answer something he would not. Though his lack of answer made her wonder even more . . . had he loved another? Did he love another still? A farm girl, perhaps? Someone he could not have made a queen, or perhaps he needed the alliance with her father too much. He did not seem as if he would put a title over a person but . . . .

So many questions arose by his unanswered one. Was this girl beautiful? Was she strong willed, or more mothery? Did she love him back?

A knock at the door kept her from asking one of these questions, and after they were allowed to enter, Guinevère saw it was Rosa with lunch, and carrying the try for her was Rosa's favorite knight.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He softly smiled at her words, knowing they were true. For a family could also be of the heart. Perhaps he would not lament in the lack of his so much . . . had his family not been so, corrupt. Had he just been an orphan with no blood relatives, that would have been different. But she was right. He was fortunate to have the family he did . . . and should not be complaining about the lack of them. He had built is, as he had done with with her . . . and would continue to do so. Her teasing answer to his question made his smile grow with amusement, understanding why: because he had not properly answered her question either. Before he had the chance say anything however, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Arthur called to them, not bothering to stand up from his comfortable position.

The door opened and Rosa and Galahad stepped inside; Galahad carrying their tray for lunch. A smirk formed on the king's face at seeing such a sight: his friend, serving him. It was quite amusing indeed. "Lunch is here Sire," Galahad announced, saying the title with a playful tone rather than with formality. "But before you get started, I was hoping I could speak to you for a moment." Arthur grew curious as to what business had come up, but did not hesitate. "Excuse me," he said politely to Guinevère as he rose to his feet, giving a small nod of greeting and gratitude to Rosa, before stepping into the hall way with Galahad.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled as Rosa walked toward her, and Arthur left. It took a half moment however for Rosa to explain what was now happening! Guinevère's face broke into a bright smile, "Really?!" She asked, before standing up. Rosa helped her remove Arthur's shirt and slip a purple corset around her middle so it looked as if she was wearing a dress rather then a night dress.

Galahad had pulled Arthur to the hall and down toward a sitting room, meant for when the ladies of the court would join the queen for sewing or tea. Galahad gave a few teasing remarks about Arthur needing to see something, before opening the door and letting Arthur enter first.

There was a middle aged man there, clearly lower class, but strong looking. He stood next to a full armor set. This was no normal armor, for it was lighter in color, and slightly thinner. All down the arm and over the chest plate there were etched in curves to for a design over the metal. "My king," The man saw with a bow that almost made his top heavy form tip over.

Guinevère walked in behind them, and paused at the door while waiting to see what Arthur might think.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Galahad had asked a few questions about afternoon patrol . . . though his main objective seemed to be to usher Arthur into one of the sitting rooms. Reluctantly, he complied though he did not want to leave Guinevère for too long. However when Galahad opened the door, Arthur was immediately distracted. Not by the man inside, or by the need to get back to the queen's chambers . . . but by the metal armor that was on display. His eyes fixated on it, seeing the watch it glistened as the sun from the sky reflected on it through the window. He slowly stepped closer, fully admiring the armor. It was incredible! His fingers went over some of the rings. Just from looking at it, he could judge that it looked slightly lighter in its weight, yet durable.

And the design carved into it gave it an additional magnificence . . . incomparable to any other armor he'd ever seen. He wasn't sure how silent he was, in awe of this chainmail. Finally, his desire for it became too much to silently contain, and words broke from his lips. "How much would you sell this for?" He asked. Clearly, the man had come to sell him it, for the way it was displayed and how he'd just been waiting for him in here. There was no other explanation. And while Arthur did not frivolously squander his coin . . . he felt he would pay any amount the man charged for the most amazing armor he'd ever laid eyes on.