Every Ten Years

[Guinevère]

Guinevère could--still to this day--recall what it was like to sit with her friends during the famous fight between Arthur Pendragon and Uther Pendragon almost ten years ago when the torment that is held year ten years last was hosted in Camelot. The father and the son fought--and Arthur had given his father the win.

It had been a hard day for her to watch, for apart of her wished Arthur would best his father, and the other part of her wished Arthur never had to face the man he loved so much. Pride was a dangerous thing, and the Pendragon men held it in folds.

Yet, Arthur proved his love for his father was stronger then pride, and gave the win to the king unknowing it would be the last time Uther lived to see such a event.

The years since then had been both hard and kind to the Pendragons. A father lost, a wife gained with children to follow. The the since the young king has taken a wife, many dangers and foes have found it's wya to Camelot's doors and even more friends had been gained.

Yet once again the contest makes an appearance, and this time it comes with even more danger . . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur had just finished a rather long meeting with a few of the councilmen to confirm details about the upcoming tournament . . . which was most definitely happening. It would require a great deal of planning, and with him as king now -- this being the first tournament this grand with Arthur as king -- it was up to him to oversee everything. Well, not entirely alone. He of course had Guinevère to assist him, for they ruled united. Which was exactly why he would need to tell her that everything was confirmed at the specific date was established: a couple months from now. He would also have to make sure that there was extra security, for he would take no risks of random people that would be swarming the city and potentially posing a risk to his wife and children. There was a great deal that needed to be done, though Arthur was not overly worried about it. Somehow, he knew it would all get done in time.

But for now, he wanted to tell his wife personally before she heard from the council. Deciding to first check their chambers, he walked toward it, opening the door to see her arranging flowers. He paused for a moment, just watching her in all her perfection. Even though they have been together for almost a decade, she never ceased to take his breath away and make his heart race everything he saw her. Taking advantage of the fact that she was on the other side of the room and thus didn't seem to hear him, he quietly walked toward her, her back facing him as she arranged the flowers. He crept up to her until he was standing directly behind her and then suddenly put his arms around her and lowered his head so that his cheek was resting against the side of her head. "Good morning," he greeted, looking at the flowers she was arranging, before kissing her temple.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had spent her early morning helping organized some of the spare food to be given out, and now she was spending her limited free time before lunch by taking some flowers up to her chambers. After lunch she had to meet with some of the council members to help work out the how much gain they should store for the winter, so they knew how much they would need to get farmers to grow, how much to use over the next few months and then how much they could sell to other kingdoms.

Feeling arms around her caused her hands to pause and a small gasp to escape her lips before they were replaced with a smile almost right away. Arthur! "It never fails . . . one touch from your hand, and my heart still beats a little quicker, and I feel myself growing warmer . . . . just because you are near." She turned her head to give him a kiss, before moving to turn in his arms and face him. "It really is a pity that we both have plans for after lunch . . . or I would suggest a meeting between us to speak of . . . gravely important matters." That they would speak of with their lips.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur's smile grew when she spoke of how one touch for him never failed to fill her with the same emotions that one glance of her filled him with. Her next words intrigued him -- especially spoke after that kiss -- and he found himself wishing for nothing more than to spend the entire afternoon with her. A desire that he would always have though most of the time would have to wait until night time. And even then, they weren't always alone for one, two or all four of their children sometimes joined them. He looked at her with playful seriousness as he spoke. "Well if they are gravely important matters that can not wait, then I must put everything else on hold," he told her, leaning forward to kiss her again. This time longer, and more deeply.

Keeping his arms wrapped around her he held her closer to him before pulling from their kiss. "Do you have a few moments to spare for your husband?" He asked, wondering if he should wait to tell her, or if this was a good time. For he did not want it to be rushed and then just part ways with her. Not that he ever wished for their conversations to be such. Kissing her briefly once more, he then continued with his tease. "Or is the queen too busy for her king?" He asked playfully.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled between the kisses at her husband's teasing before letting her hands move to his shoulders to hold him closer for a longer kiss. "What woman could deny her husband anything--especially if he happens to be king." She teased before the kiss, and let it linger for even after all these years she loved her husband's attentions.

However, today was a rather busy one. Breaking the kiss her head fell back for a moment, before she sighed and then looked back up at him. "However, today the king must wait until after supper. For his wife has the meeting of the gain storage today and it cannot be put off too long. I fear I can spare him an hour if he lunches with me, but then I must go." She did not just play with flowers all day, but helped him better the kingdom. She might not know politics, but she knew about how people needed to live, and how to help them live better.

[Arthur Pendragon]

With these kisses between their conversation . . . Arthur was really wishing they both had more time to spare to be together. But he also loved how involved Guinevère was in the governing of the kingdom. He had once said that he didn't want an idle queen who floated around the castle agreeing with his every word . . . and Guinevère was far from such a woman. She had proven to be a strong queen and ruler, and the people loved her for it -- as he knew they would. "Then I am grateful for that hour," he told her, kissing her once more before regrettably lowering his arms from around her. "I will have some lunch sent up, and then I do have something to discuss with you," he said, keeping his voice clear from any teasing flirtation or suggestiveness.

With the tournament, he knew that the primary concern was the safety of her and the children, and he wanted her to be reassured that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure they were as protected as possible. Especially with him not there but rather, taking part in the tournament. So with that, he hurried to the hall and stopped a servant walking by, asking them to tell the kitchens to send up lunch as soon as they could. Once the order was made, Arthur returned to the small table they had been standing at and pulled out the chair for her, waiting for her to be seated before he did the same.

[Guinevère]

"That would perfect," She agreed as he left and she took the moment to clear the table so there would be a clean place for all the trays to be sat down, as well as two to dine. With the children growing she often found their table cluttered with their things that seemed to get left in her and Arthur's chambers.

Upon his return, Arthur held the chair out for her and Guinevère smiled. "Such a gentleman." She teased softly, taking her seat and waiting for him to take his before asking about his words. "You said you wish to discuss something with me?" He had not sounded serious so she was not worried, but also knew that anything dealing with the kingdom was on some level serious. She'd learned that balance when before she had not known there was a difference.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Once Arthur was seated and they were both settled, she inquired to the purpose of him having sought her out at this time. Not that he ever needed a valid reason to seek out his wife apart from the reason that he just wanted to see her. But this was something that they keep busy with in the weeks to come for the preparations and such. "I had a short meeting with the council," he began to explain, not wanting her to feel that it was something of extreme importance for otherwise, he would have most certainly included her. She was often, if not always, present during council meetings, but this one had been unplanned short, and quick.

"The date for the tournament that takes place every ten years has been set." The tournament that was tradition in Camelot and it was one tradition that he planned on keeping. "We thought that two months from tomorrow would be a good time to hold the tournament," he went on to say, giving details of the timing before he knew they would have to discuss security and keeping their children safe and guarded. He didn't want them watching the violence of this particular tournament for there were no rules, and no regulations or limitations. It was completely open to those who wished to join, and the only thing that was not permitted, was magic.

[Guinevère]

He spoke of the large contest that was coming up and she had known it would be sometime this year but knowing it was close brought back some unease. It was a good time for Morgana or Odin to attempt to get to Arthur as there would be too many unknown faces to stop everyone. At least he would be safe from the royal box with his men around him.

She was of course, assuming her husband would not fight as he had nothing to prove, and unlike the last time--kings normally did not partake. Or did they? She recalled everyone being shocked at Uther's joining but that could have been his age as well. She could only hope Arthur knew that joining would give everyone and open attempt on his life and that he would not join. "Do we have plans to protect the city with more men, or should we be looking at adding more guards on staff?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was glad that the topic of security was immediately brought up. Though it was no surprise that they were of the same mind and had the same priorities. It was why their rule was so strong together, because they mostly agreed on decisions that would affect the kingdom. |"Both," he answered, not wanting to take any risks. "I will be making sure that you and the children are securely protected, as well as hiring more guards for the time being." There was no such thing as too much protection. He had seen what the city was like the last time: filled with men of all types . . . including less than honorable behavior. He wanted to be sure that despite the sudden crowd that would fill the city, that it would remain safe from their enemies.

Last time, the tournament had seemed to go well without any assassins or magic users, or anything of the sort. Hopefully this time would be the same. The last competition, Arthur's greatest fear had been harming his father. He recalled Morgana's words about how he should not throw the fight and he almost shivered at the thought, now knowing her motives for saying that: for she wished for Uther's humiliation, or for them to turn on each other. Arthur didn't regret his decision in letting his father win, nor would he ever. He only regretted actually considering Morgana's words, even if in the end, he did not heed them.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was glad he had plans for both, for out of the two of them, Arthur was better at being able to handle the planning to keep everyone safe. She was finding she brought many things to their marriage--more then she thought she would have been able too--but in this defensive move, Arthur held the strenght.

She could manage the castle workings, food supplies, housing of the needy whom came to them for help, and keep visiting royals happy. She could even help plan the polictic aspect of the crown by aiding in peace talks and trade agreements. Yet battles and defending the kept was something Arthur would always be better at. "You mean the children, myself and my husband." she corrected. "Because you will be by our sides, will you not?" Though she had the feeling she knew his answer and she would not be pleased with it.

"You're not saying you plan to fight in this . . . . are you?" She sounded worried and at same time there was a hint of 'no' in her tone. While she knew she could nto stop him--and she had never before when she tried--it did not mean she would not stop trying to keep him safe.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"You mean the children, myself and my husband." He was all too aware of aware of where this conversation was going. And her next questions confirmed it. He knew his wife well enough to know that tone of disapproval in her voice. Not that it was something foreign to him . . . it was after all that tone of disapproval and brutal honestly that had drawn him to her in the first place. Ever since she first scolded him when he was staying with her in secret. He looked at her, trying to figure out the best way to phrase it . . . but decided on a simple answer, rather than try to talk his way out of it. "I am," he said, almost hesitantly only because he did not want to do something she seemed to be against. Which was why he continued with his next words.

"I must," he added. It was out of obligation rather than arrogant pride. He had matured from that, but he needed to do this as king to the people. Of course that wasn't to say that it wouldn't feel good to win the competition, he simply knew that his motives were more than just glory and pride. "If you would rather stay with the children for the duration of the tournament, I completely understand," he said, slightly changing the subject, but also not wanting her to feel that same obligation of watching. This tournament that entailed these matches were a bit more messy, violent and intense than most others. So he would understand entirely if she rather not witness it. Even though she had been present for the last one, that was different. They had four children now, and . . . well, everything was just different.

[Guinevère]

"I am," He was?! "I must," Did he now? "If you would rather stay with the children for the duration of the tournament, I completely understand," What she wanted was HIM with their children! Not in the field every day fighting men they both knew he was more talented then to prove something to the knights, or his people! Morgana or Odin both were without honor and could get close to him with ease while he was there!

"Arthur," She began carefully, "Everyone knows you are a strong king, and a mighty warrior." She could tell from his tone that this wasn't about proving anything, so that was why it was a bit harder for her to find a reason to ask him not to. "Morgana and Odin's hate is strong, and they lack the honor to come to you personally. They could see this--your entering in the contest--as a way to get to you, and to kill you."

She could not lose him. "While I have fear for my children, I also know they will have scores of protectors and men between them and whatever might come our way. My greater worry, and fear would be for my husband, who will be giving any man--or woman--with a bit of boldness in them to have a change to bring that hate and dishonor or him on a field with everyone watching . . . . I fear the temptation of the ones who are displeased with us will be too great."

"And I fear anything happening to you."

[Arthur Pendragon]

The moment she said his name, he knew what was coming. She did not approve of his decision to enter the competition, not that he had ever thought he shouldn't. She spoke words that he knew were true, of this being an opportune time for Morgana or even Odin to strike. For the city would be bustling with activity and crowded with people . . . and anyone was welcomed. Regardless of how dark and shady they appeared to be. He knew it was in Guinevère's nature to worry, as any wife and husband did for each other . . . and it was also in her nature to remain rational and explain things from a logical perspective. He would forever respect that, even if in this particular instance he was not inclined to change his mind. He gave a soft smile, hoping to reassure her worried mind. "I would tell you that you needn't worry, but I know that such words would be trivial to say," he told her teasingly. "I can not let the fear of Morgana and Odin striking, control every aspect of our lives." For if he did, then he would never let Guinevère and the children outside the castle walls.

It was different to take safety precautions-- such as extra security and making sure the queen and their children were guarded at all times. And another to live in a totally sheltered world. "This is not something I can exempt myself from," he continued to explain to her, wanting her to know that he wasn't doing this for foolish pride or reckless arrogance. "As a king, I must participate." As his father had in the years before. Arthur had not been able to prove himself to the people last time and this time . . . he wanted to show them. Of course he could not say that he would be the undefeated champion -- he was even past that arrogant predetermined claim -- but he was confident. "Besides, I will have Excalibur with me," he said on a lighter note, as she was well aware of his never diminishing fascination with his sword that was pulled from the stone all those years ago. "I think that gives me a fairly good chance to get fair in the competition," he said, again in the same joking tone -- though not completely without truth.

[Guinevère]

"I would tell you that you needn't worry, but I know that such words would be trivial to say," It would for she would forever worry about his well being. Arthur was her husband and the father to her children. She wanted him alive and safe and well--and near her! "I can not let the fear of Morgana and Odin striking, control every aspect of our lives." Something she had told him often, and her own views given back to her wasn't something she missed.

"This is not something I can exempt myself from," Surely he could, surely giving his knights a chance to prove themselves would be a show if respect to them? "As a king, I must participate." She hoped that he could be persuaded, but she also knew when his mind was made up. "Besides, I will have Excalibur with me," He would jest? She knew he was trying to help her relax and embrace the idea, but she still feared the temptation could get him attacked. "I think that gives me a fairly good chance to get fair in the competition,".

"I think to be fair, no mythical swords should be allowed." She teased, but the worry was in her tone. She wasn't doing to enjoy this tournament. She also knew he would know she was joking and that he sword would be by his side. " . . . . I do not like this . . . I will not rest easy until it's done with."

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled with a bit of amusement when she tried to encourage the tease, though knew he mind was not yet fully at rest . . . and her next words confirmed that. "I do not do this to cause you worry and unrest," he told her, wanting her to know that he wasn't trying to worry her. That he wasn't doing this for any other reason apart from necessity. He had a wife and children; a family and more of a reason than ever to live. For it was no longer just for the kingdom, but for his family. "Although I think I would be worried if I was not permitted to use my sword," he said jokingly, trying to find that balance between having the serious part of this conversation, and the lighter one meant to ease her troubled mind.

"And as I said, if you prefer to stay with the children, I would completely understand." Because . . . this competition could turn bloody indeed. While he could never kill an opponent -- unless it was strictly self defense and they had ill intentions toward him -- he knew that others were not as merciful. This was not a competition with just knights and honorable men. Some were men from the darkest corners of the earth. But of course saying all this would not help her right now. And it wasn't something that everyone didn't already know. "We will have to get quarters ready, for visiting royals and nobles who wish to either participate or watch the tournament," he said, trying to give them both something else to focus on.

[Guinevère]

"And as I said, if you prefer to stay with the children," No," "I would completely understand." "No," She would be there watching him fight, and with him in his tent when he was not fighting. Her place, as always, was by her husband's side. She also knew their eldest son would be hard kept from the excitement. She would have to make sure he only came to watch the ones they knew would not go too far. The ones were the knights fought each other and knew it was just sport, rather then strangers they did not trust.

"I will be wit my husband." Where she belonged. "We will have to get quarters ready," She could do that. While she did not get the rooms ready herself, she could make sure everything was made ready, and flowers were in chambers and families were close to each other. "I will see about getting some extra help from trusted places to make sure all the rooms are cleaned daily." Family members of current servants whom could use the extra coin. "You will have to find a way to keep your son from seeing most of it."

Amaren could watch some of the fighting, but she wasn't ready for him to see blood yet. Perhaps the ones were Arthur fought men like Leon, Elyan, Percival and Gwaine or his other knights who entered. She knew they would not take it too far!

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled when she said she would be there, knowing that seeing her would be a great comfort to him . . . great encouragement. This was one of the many reasons that he loved her. Because he knew no one who was as supportive as Guinevère. Even disapproving of his decision to join, she would still be there to watch, supporting him. He would need to think of a way to make it up to her. Somehow. "That sounds perfect," he told her when she said she would get extra help. When it came to the people, Guinevère would always be able to relate to them and thus able to help them in ways him and others could not. For she would know exactly what they needed, and how to approach them. It was part of why Camelot was so strong, because no other queen or king in all this world held such strengths that the Queen of Camelot did. Nor did any other people love their queen as much as Camelotians did theirs.

Amaren. When the topic was brought to one of their sons, Arthur had not entirely forgotten how excited the young boy would be. She was right though; he could not watch the entire thing for it was too early for him to be exposed to such violence. Arthur may have had a different childhood, but he wanted Amaren to enjoy his and be a child for as long as he could. For soon, the pressures of being heir would fall heavily on him and he knew that that was something Guinevère and Arthur were trying to ease and protect from him as long as possible. "When the order of the matches are organized, it will be easier to determine which ones he can watch and which ones he cannot." For right now, it was too soon to tell. "I think it would be safe for him to see fights only when knights face each other." For even if a knight faced a darker foe, and while they may be honorable, their opponent may not share that same sense of honor and who's to say that the knight would win.

[Guinevère]

She was glad that Arthur and her were of the same mind when it came to what or which fights that Amaren, a child of six years now, would be allowed to see. The ones were no blood was shed and he could watch with adventure and not fear. Even when her and Arthur disagreed they agreed on their children. How odd that two people from two worlds could have their hearts and minds so much as one.

"I will let you be the one to tell him then," She told her husband, "I think he will be too excited to sleep for days." She wondered how Arthur had felt with his first one, watching his own father fight and win. At least this time Morgana would not be here to play both men against each other. "Shall I send invitations to our friends and ask they help spread the word in their kingdoms?" So everyone would have time to ready for the upcoming events.