Echoes Of Who We Once Were

[Guinevère]

Four days. He would be able in four days. Surely that was enough time to clear their minds and let them think about how things would be happening, and the details of their lives. Yes, four days was time enough! She would make it time enough. No matter what. Yet she knew that four days would still not be enough to forget two and a half years.

He apologized and her heart beat painfully while she tried to force a smile but it fell after even a second of trying. "Then in four days I will meet you in the apple trees, were you found me today." She told him, "He likes it there. He likes to run." Or try too as he was still learning balance and speed. Arthur could play with him there, and she could peel apples or bring her sewing while watching them. She could not speak on his apology yet, for she wasn't sure what to say. " . . . . Until then."

[Arthur Pendragon]

She said nothing about his apology, but rather . . . solely focused on what seemed like the only thing that left her bonded to him. He forced a small smile on his lips upon hearing that their son liked running and exploring the outside. Her latter words made it clear that she was ready for him to leave . . . not that she had ever been ready for him to come. "I will see you then," he confirmed, wishing he could say more . . . wanting to say more . . . but could not pressure or push any conversation topic. Now was not the time, even if it was so hard to remain formal and not speak of more personal things with her. "Goodbye Guinevère," he said, as he turned to leave and forced himself not to look back.

Leaving her house, he went straight to his horse, quickly untying the reigns, swiftly mounting it and riding off back to the city, Amaren and Guinevère constantly on his mind for every second on the journey back.As suspected . . . the council had been in a panic as to the whereabouts of the king. Arthur assured them that all was well and left it at that: purposely ambiguous for he was not about to go into detail about how he had a son. Not when he didn't know what was going to happen. He had to protect Amaren, especially as he knew that the council would then go on to speak of how he should be named heir and . . . Arthur could not do that to Amaren nor Guinevère. Besides, the fact that Camelot had an heir was not remotely as important to Arthur as the fact that he had a son.

[Guinevère]

Arthur left and she left out the breath she had been holding. As she heard the horse taking him away she felt herself starting to cry, for she was finally alone with her thoughts and fears. Arthur. Back in her life as she had not expected. He was here and it was as if he had never changed. Kind and strong and understanding rather then the man whom had left her in her hope after giving her hope.

She made sure to hide her feelings when Amaren awoke and asked about Papa. He then played while she tried to not think, yet Arthur's name never left her mind. Not even for a single moment. Arthur.

When she went to put Amaren to bed, Guinevère could not help but to watch him and think of how he even slept like his father. Oh Arthur, if only things had been different. Reaching down under Amaren's pillow she went to remove the rock that he had found earlier--as this was an almost nightly habit now. He would find a rock (or worse a bug) and hide it under his pillow so his mother would not take it and return it outdoors.

Yet tonight it was different, for as she pulled out the 'rock' she saw it was not a stone--but a broken off bit of metal. Looking at it for a moment she reconzied a bit of a seal! Not a dragon! Her eyes moved to the window and and she wondered whom had passed by. Being on the far edge of a little town like this meant her home was in danger should a raid happen for she could be one of the first.

She decided to pack a bag just in case, hoping that it was a lone man and nothing would happen. She put Amaren some clothing and her some clothing into a bag, as well as a two toys that might keep him silent if they had to leave. A water skin as well. Guinevère walked to hang it by the door and paused to stare out the window.

Between her new worry, and Arthur back in her life she feared she would never sleep. She didn't know how long she stood there--long enough for the darkness to take the sky and with no candles lit she her house was in darkness. Yet she kept looking at the stars and thinking and thinking.

It was movement in the village that drew her eyes down from the stars and the fear filled her. Men. Many of them. She did not think, she only reacted by silently running to her son, wrapping him tightly and turning for the bag, before running for the woods with a sleeping Amaren tightly in her arms.

Camelot was half a day's ride and on foot it would take her nearly a whole day--but she knew Camelot had to be warned and that she could not stay. she had to make it to the city . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

The day went by slowly; painfully so. For all he could think about was his son and Guinevère. He never knew his son existed a day ago . . . but now . . . it was all he could think about. He missed him, and missed Guinevère and wished that they could just be a proper family so that he never had to be parted from them. But he knew better than to believe that everything could just go back to the wait it was. She was still so hurt, so upset . . . to the point that she could hardly even speak to him of it. She was keeping her distance from him, but not making him keep a distance from his son. He knew it was selfish, but he wanted them both in his life. These were all that occupied Arthur's thoughts. Even when night came, he just lay in bed . . . trying to sleep but finding it nearly impossible. He wondered what she and Amaren were doing. Was he up? Was she comforting him? Telling him a story? Was he smiling? Laughing? Yawning? Playing? Did she sing to him at night? How did he like to be held?

Eventually, Arthur drifted into a very light sleep, which was only disrupted when he heard a knock at his door. "Sire! Sorry for the disturbance but a woman is here and requires to speak to you." Arthur knew that the knight would have not disturbed him unless it was important. He quickly got out of bed and even more quickly dressed in his chain mail. When he went to the throne room however, his eyes slightly widened with worry as he saw Guinevère and Amaren clutched closely to her. "Guinevère?!" He asked as his heart suddenly filled with fear. Something was not right. "What happened?" He asked, his voice filled with concern as he hurried toward her . . . though even in this moment, knew better than to get too close. He noticed his son sleeping and hoped his voice had not woken him but . . . she looked tired and worn. Had she walked all this way? Why? What happened?!

[Guinevère]

She had walked all night, all day and into the night again before reaching Camelot. Too afraid to hide or stop, she had barely even let Amaren walk near her for she wanted to keep moving quickly. The fear that someone could be behind her, following her, had kept her going. Upon reaching the city, many had recognized her and helped her get here quickly and even summoned the king for her.

Her arms hurt from carrying Amaren for so long and she feared they were break but until she knew he was safe she would put him down. He had only been asleep for a few hours before she reached the city. "Guinevère?!" She turned at the voice, feeling tears swell up at the knowlage that they were now completely safe. Her dress was dirty, and her hair a mess. "What happened?" He demanded looked very worried. Had he not shown up yesterday--or was it now the day before?--then he would have been in for a rather shocking surprise.

"The village was attacked." She told him, "I have . . . " She tried to reach in her bag for the broken seal but her arms were not strong enough to hold Amaren and reach at the same time. "I have apart of a seal, but I know whom it was."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Concern filled him even more when she said that the village was attacked. She said she had part of a seal and seemed to try and reach in her back to get it . . . but she looked tired. And weak. Without a second thought he reached for the strap on her bag and gently pulled it off of her shoulder. Not to rummage through it for the seal, but to ease some of the burden. "It's alright. You're safe now," he whispered, wanting to say so much more to her but knew that this wasn't the time. Turning to a couple of servants near by he passed them a bag. "Take them up to the guest chambers and inform the kitchens to have a meal prepared as well as warm water to be sent up." So that she could freshen up. Then turning to one of the guards, he gave a separate order.

"Gather a few dozen men and prepare the horses. We are to ride to Longstead as soon as we are able." For they could not waste a moment. Turning back to Guinevère as the servant spoke to another to deliver a message to the kitchen, Arthur looked back at Guinevère and their sleeping son. He wished he could just wrap his arms around her and show her how relieved he was that she was alright. "I'll be up shortly," he assured her in a low voice. Not suggestively but . . . because he wanted to make sure she was well. And so that they could have a conversation in private.

[Guinevère]

Arthur reached out and took her bag from her, Guinevère's eyes scanned the room as he gave orders and people hurried to obey and help. Her brother had not yet appeared in the room, but it mattered not. Her secret was reviled. She had a child, and everyone would be wondering if she had left a husband int he village. When none appeared to claim his wife they would learn she was unwed and had a child. For now there was no judgment in their gazes but she knew when no husband ever showed, that they would start to wonder of the father.

With her and Arthur having been public before he left her, she feared that in time others might wonder whom the father was, before her or Arthur were ready for others to know. "I'll be up shortly," He told her and she gave a shaken nod, and a small bow of her head to the king before turning to follow someone to a room they were ready for her.

She sat Amaren on the bed once there, and sat there beside him, her arms hurting from the weight, which had not seemed so much until she carried him so far and so long. Brushing his hair back she felt tears fall over her cheeks for she knew not what had happened to her neighbors nor friends. Were they alive? Harmed? . . . worse?

The door had been left open and when she heard someone enter it she stood quickly and turned to look at it. Arthur.

[Arthur Pendragon]

As soon as Guinevère was escorted upstairs, Arthur went to speak to a few councilmen to explain what happened, and then went quickly to check on the preparations. Olaf offered some of his men to go with Arthur, for which the young king was extremely appreciative of. Arthur then went to his chambers to prepare himself, wearing his formal battle attire rather than solely his chaimail. He didn't know who the attackers were and at the moment, that was not what was most important. What mattered more than anything was that Guinevère and Amaren were alright . . . though that did not mean his concern was not great for those villagers who may be falling victim to the attackers wrath. It was why they could waste no time; and why Guinevère had potentially saved them. For had she not come when she did . . . then news would not have reached Arthur until it was too late. Once he was ready to go, he first went to the guest chambers that Guinevère was in.

The door was left open and so without thinking, he just walked in . . . quickly glancing around to make sure that no one else was present. He walked straight toward her and for the moment, didn't care that she did not want him touching her, or that she was still so angry and hurt at him for all the wrong he had done to her. Right now, he just needed to feel her in his arms. So with that desperate need, his wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him. He closed his eyes, deeply exhaling from relief that she was alright. Basking in this feeling, for several moments he slowly pulled away, his hands on either side of her as one went to her cheek. Looking at her face, his eyes looked over her, searching for any sign of injury. "Are you alright?" He asked softly. He may have already asked this question, but this time . . . he needed to be sure. For it was different, asking her in a room where there was no other eyes to watch and ears to listen.

[Guinevère]

Arthur walked forward she tried to brace herself for speaking with him or seeing him or---Arthur took her into his arms and she felt both safer and more torn. Her hands came up to rest over his arms as she held him for a moment, absorbing in the feeling of being safe while she could. When Arthur moved and looked into her face, she did the same, nodding while he asked her if she was unharmed.

"Amaren's rock," She said with a whisper, knowing it was int he bag he took from her. "I did not look at it like I would have . . . " Had Arthur not been there. She had ignored it, because Arthur was there. "It wasn't a rock. I've seen enough armor to know a bit of one when I see it." She was explaining things so he would know his son . . . and her, were unharmed. "I readied a bag but nothing happened for hours. When the men arrived they were on the other end of the village and . . . I just grabbed him and ran."

She wished she could have helped her friends, SHOULD HAVE WARNED THEM and not just assumed it was nothing! She'd failed them. "I didn't warn anyone." Just took her son and ran. Turning a little she looked down at their sleeping son and knew that her silence might have saved his life, but the price had been high. So very high.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur listened attentively as she spoke of what happened . . . the fear of what they had endured so strong in his heart, that he may as well have been the one running for his life. It wasn't until she said that she didn't warn the others, and just ran that he realized she felt guilty for not having told other people about it. When in actuality, she had provided them with more hope than ever. "You did the right thing Guinevère," he said in a sure and confident voice, for he held no doubt about that. "Had you stayed . . . no one would have stood a chance." Whoever the raiders were would be on horseback and the people would not have had time to flee. She would have been caught and suffered the same fate as them. Or well, what they would have been fully subject to without warning. "Because of you, we can get to them far sooner than would have otherwise been possible." For she had come as soon as she could to warn them.

Arthur's gaze then followed hers to their son, forcing himself to step away from her, he stepped closer to Amaren, looking down at the sleeping child as he lowered his head to kiss him on the forehead. Words could not describe how relieved he was that they both arrived safely and had not been in the midst of whatever the attack was. After a few moments, he looked back at Guinevère. "I'm glad you're alright," he said softly, unsure as to what was permitted between them . . . though he longed for nothing more than to kiss her, for he had long missed the feeling of her lips on his. And in moments like this, where he had come so close to losing her, the need was stronger than ever before.

[Guinevère]

Arthur assured her that she did the right thing, but her heart still knew better then he that she could have warned everyone hours before the attack had she not dismissed the seal as more then nothing. She had not thought there would be a full scale attack but had she warned them then a look out could have been placed and a warning cry could have been sounded. SOMETHING could have been done!

He moved to kiss their son, and she watched as Amaren lifted his arm for a moment, as if to stir but it only feel back near his head. "He spoke of you," She whispered, "When he awoken he looked for you before asking if you were there." Her voice held so much emotion as they looked at each for a moment. She knew he had to go, and she had to find a safe place for their son to sleep--as there was no crib here, and he could roll from the bed to the stone floor.

She wasn't sure why she keep speaking, but she could not stop the words from her lips, "The whole way here, I knew that if I could just make it to the city . . . to you . . . that he would be safe." Because Arthur would let nothing happen to his son, and Amaren was the most important person in both their lives.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"He spoke of you." Had he? It was such a bittersweet thing to hear because on the one part . . . he was so happy to hear that this presence was missed -- or at least noticed -- in their son's life. On the other hand, he shouldn't be missed in his son's life. He wanted to be there, all the time. He wanted to help raise him. Yet even though she was here, he knew that there was still so much between them. Though he could not focus on what was between them right now, when he was all too glad that she had made it safe. Speaking of which, her next words surprised him. For . . . she had come, knowing that if she got to the city -- specifically to him -- that they would be safe. While he knew that her trust for him was surely lost after that night, it meant a great deal to him to know that she still felt safe when he was near. Even if it was only in terms of their son.

"You are both safe now," he assured her, not wanting her to think that he wouldn't protect her with his life. Regardless of what he said to her that night, he still loved her more than anyone . . . and the only person who compared to such an extent of love, was their son. Keeping his gaze on her, he knew he could not stay as long as he wished. "I must go." If they were to catch up to the attackers and save who they could. "Should you need anything, all you have to do is ask." He had already asked for food and water to be brought up, but if she needed blankets or anything for their son . . . then he hoped she felt comfortable enough asking for it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère nodded as he said he should go and her hand came up to rest on her uneasy belly, knowing that whatever he found there was her fault for not giving the warning. "Will . . . . will you or someone come to me when you return and . . . . tell me of what you find?" She needed to know what had happened and needed to know it as soon as they returned, or as soon as she could.

She moved to sit on the edge of the bed and look up at Arthur knowing he should leave. She just stared at hi for the longest of moments before she whispered, "Be careful," Hoping that nothing ill fell upon him while there--him or the other knights. She wasn't even sure whom was attacking for she had been unable to give Arthur the seal. She had seen him give it to a servant but they had not returned with it yet.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She asked if he or someone would update her on what they found, and it was easy to make such a promise. "I will come to you as soon as I return," he promised. Unsure if his promises meant anything but made them none the less. She told him to be careful and he couldn't help but feel comfort in the words . . . even if it was just habit to say them, he could feel their sincerity. For the first time in years, he had more reason than ever to return home. "I will," he reassured, looking at her, wishing he could ask -- beg -- for her forgiveness but also knew that it was increidbly unfair to do that. So instead he just gave a slight smile, unsure how much emotion was conveyed in his gaze upon her. He then forced himself to turn and leave the room, using all his strength not to turn around for he knew that he would rush toward her, kiss her and then never leave.

By the time he arrived at the courtyard, everyone was prepared to go. Olaf waited at the stairs, wishing him luck and a swift return. Arthur thanked him for his words and his aid, before leading the men off to Longstead. They did not stop, moving as quickly as they could to the village. Soon enough, they saw the smoke from the burned land and moved even faster. By the time they got there, the damage was done. There were no villagers present and most of the homes were destroyed. Arthur ordered a few men to stay behind and check for survivors, while the rest of them followed the horse tracks. Slave traders perhaps, for there were too many people missing.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched Arthur leave and reached over to put her hand down on their son while staring at the door. A short time later and old friend of Guinevère's enter with the bag she needed and some pillows. Rosa! They embraced and Rosa stayed to help Guinevère settle in, and use the pillows to help pin Amaren in a place so he could not roll off until a make shift crib could be found for him.

As it was late, Rosa left to seek out her own bed, and Guinevère curled on the safest bed she had been on in years, while holding her son to her. Her mind however was on his father. As the night turned to day, she awoke to Amaren jumping on the bed, and realized he did not even know what was happening at home. Perhaps that was for the best. He saw this as an adventure. Guinevère decided to let him enjoy it.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Vivian was strolling down the hallway with a little skip in her steps. What a glorious day this was! Just as it was any day in Camelot when she was so close to her love! And this time, she would marry him. For even her father was unable to deny the king's charm. Charm . . . or political position, same difference! Vivian had heard that a woman from a village -- a refugee -- had come to seek shelter. Or well, something along those lines. She didn't pay attention to the boring details. She only decided to stop by and see her for the sake of it. And because her beloved was off fighting and being brave. She would properly greet him when he came home. Arriving at the guest chambers, she gave a small knock before opening it and entering. A young woman was there, one who looked strangely familiar . . . but not enough for Vivian to pay attention to. "Good morning!" She said in an overly jovial tone. "You must be that village woman that everyone is speaking of. Gertrude, isn't it? Well I am Princess Vivian."

While she expected the woman to cursty, she didn't wait for it. Instead, he started walking around her room, poking about the area. "You may know me as the daughter of King Olaf," she said, speaking needlessly, as she walked about, before sharply turning to look at Gertrude, an overly large smile on her face as she went on. "But one day soon, you will know me as Queen of Camelot; Queen Vivian Pendragon!" He let out a high pitched girly giggle at the thought as she sighed and twirled in a circle. "Its true!" She exclaimed, though it hadn't exactly been questioned. "My father makes all the arrangements for the wedding!" A slight exaggeration, but the woman didn't seem excited . . . and then Vivian noticed the child and realized why. "Oh don't worry. I'm sure The King . . . My Love, will bring your husband back!" And then they would both have their husbands near!

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had just changed Amaren into something clean and brushed back his hair from his face, while leaning down to kiss his forward when the knock came. Yet before she could say enter, the door opened and the princess entered. "Good morning!" Guinevère sat down on the bed beside where her son stood and felt surprise at seeing Vivian here. Amaren sat down in her lap while watching the princess move about. "Gertrude, isn't it?" "Guinevère, my lady." She corrected too shocked to express more.

"But one day soon, you will know me as Queen of Camelot; Queen Vivian Pendragon!" AND now more surprised then ever! Goodness! What she still under that horrid spell?!! Her jaw fell open a little bit as Vivian continued and Guinevère tried to keep up with the active woman's speech. "My father makes all the arrangements for the wedding!" Wh-what? Her father was a very sane man and not under a spell--she hoped. If he was readying a wedding then . . . . . Arthur was to marry her?

He was to be married?! She could not think, nor speak at the shock finding out this way. "My Love, will bring your husband back!" Her husband? Oh! Her 'husband'. "I . . . . I should . . . . " She was too shocked to speak for a long moment, "I should congratulate you my lady on your up coming wedding."

Guinevère held Amaren closer to her, looking down at the top of his head. This woman could NOT be his step-mother. She wasn't sure she wanted him to have anything to do with Vivian, yet . . . . how did she speak up for 'her son' when the truth was . . . she was jealous. Arthur had really found his true princess then?

[Arthur Pendragon]

When the woman congratulated her, Vivian gave a giddy giggle, feeling the excitement build up. "Thank you! One day we too will have children! Arthur Junior or Arthurita!" She exclaimed, sighing at the perfect names. "And our wedding shall be so grand! You will be attending, won't you?" Because she wanted everyone to see how extravagant the celebration would be! "It will be the greatest celebration that Camelot has ever hosted! In fact, the greatest within all five kingdoms!" She said with another excited and high pitched squeal of excitement! That was what gave her presence away to her father, for soon enough, Olaf entered their chambers.

"Vivian. I have been looking for you. Come with me," he urged, needing to keep an eye on her and make sure no other man tried to take advantage of his angel "Father! I was just telling Giselle here of my wedding to King Arthur Pendragon!" She said with a dreamy sight. Olaf clearly didn't like the idea of her advertising this when the arrangements weren't finalized yet. "Yes, well . . . tell her later. Come with me daughter," he said, giving a bit of a bow to Guinevère as he took Vivian arm and urged her out of the room. "I'm sure we'll meet again!" She called out as she was being dragged from the chambers. "When I am queeeeeeeeeeeeen!" And with that, Vivian and Olaf made their exit and returned to their own guest quarters.

[Guinevère]

Vivian was as energetic as she always was, seemingly speaking and controlling the environment around her. When her voice would hit high notes, Amaren covered his ears, and Guinevère stood, holding him tighter to her. "Arthur Junior or Arthurita!" Guinevère wasn't sure the sound she made was meant to be a gasp or a gag, but she ended up choking and coughing slightly to attempt to be able to breathe.

"Won't you?" No. No she would not. Guinevère however gave the princess an awkward smile to try to hide the building emotions. When the visiting king entered, Guinevère bowed her head out of respect--for this man she did. While his daughter might not be the most kind of women, the king was highly spoken of and she wished no disrespect toward him.

Though he seemed to be displeased with something his daughter said. Guinevère wondered if it was speaking to a commoner or even bragging about the wedding perhaps? "When I am queeeeeeeeeeeeen!" Or doing so loudly? She stood there and counted to ten to make sure they were gone before hurrying forward and shutting the door and pulling the lock. No more visitors for a while, she thought, for her heart could not take more 'joyous' news.

[Arthur Pendragon]

It had not taken too long for them to catch up to the attackers. Guinevère's warning had indeed saved the lives of the prisoners that the raiders had managed to capture. The battle was not long, for these men were no match for knights. They attacked vulnerable villages and used their numbers and weapons to their advantage. They managed to defeat them and bring the villagers back, deciding to take them to the city rather than their destroyed homes. Just until they could arrange for their homes to be rebuilt. But because they were traveling with so many the journey back took a little longer. Eventually they returned to the city and Arthur told the servants to quickly arrange accommodations for all the refugees. For he had something to do right away, as he had promised.

He went straight to Guinevère's room, wanting to check on her and make sure that she was alright. Noticing that the door was half open, he stood at the threshold for a moment, watching inside, a smile forming on his lips at the sight in front of him. Amaren was jumping on the bed and Guinevère was trying to get him off. It was such a wonderful scene to behold; so natural, so domestic. He wished he could be a part of it, but didn't say anything for he did not want to spoil it. Within moments, he would be reminded how things were between them. right now, he just wanted to watch Guinevère and his son.