Forbidden Love

[Arthur Pendragon]

She told him she should drink some water, but he did not reach for it nor showed interest in doing so. What was the point of keeping up his strength? What could he possibly do? He was no match for Morgause and her immortal army . . . and apparently no match for Morgana either. Because as easy as it may be for her to kill him, he doubted he could do the same. When faced with the opportunity, how could he raise his blade to the woman he'd called sister? Her next question, or questions, made that pain in his heart intensify. Family. He wasn't even sure he knew what the word meant. A father who betrayed his mother by bedding another woman and hiding his daughter from the world. Or a sister who betrayed her brother and father and try to destroy them.

What a family it was indeed. He fought back the tears that threatened to form in his eyes, keeping his gaze downcast and needing to not talk about his home that was destroyed and his father who may be dead. "None," he said in a low, barley audible voice. It was easier to deny the existence of his family than to speak of them. Forcing himself to remain composed, his eyes met hers once more. "And you? Is your family not concerned as to your whereabouts at a time like this?" She must have a family waiting and worried for her, and Arthur did not wish to be the reason they were either.

[Guinevère]

No family? Yet his tone held something. Had he lost them? Either before this or during. How hearting. Her hand reached out for his, and she gave it a soft, and what she hoped was comforting squeeze before pulling back. "Family can come in many forms. Some people claim twelve siblings, and some only claim friends. I am sure you have more family then you think, Morris." She could believe that, for he seemed like a good soul.

"I have a brother." Her family. "And Merlin." She teased with a soft smile. "My brother worries. Often. Every time I leave his sight, just as even now I worry what his adventurous heart will lead him into this time." Another joke but her smile was not as easy for a moment, before it became clear and strong. "Yet you cannot hide in fear of everything. You have to live. I will not draw back and hide--stop helping the people I can because there is evil or misguided people in this world. What sort of life would I lead, or others lead if we gave up when pushed down? If we backed down after a loss . . . "

Her eyes lowered as she was thinking of her father, whom had been killed by some of the king's knights. "Even when we loose love ones, we cannot stop living. We have to be true to our hearts, and do what it tells us . . . . " She remained silent for a moment before blinking a few times and looking up to his face. "I did not mean to lay all that at your feet. I'm sorry. Here," She lifted the water, "Drink it. You might be worried now, but Merlin will return. He's your friend. You will need your strength to keep up with him."