A Father's Daughter

[Guinevère]

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Guinevère started her morning in bed with her husband, which always started the day off perfectly. They always began their day at the same time, as when one woken they would awaken the other with a stolen kiss. She then went to the garden and brought up flowers to put in the Lord Markin's chambers as he was very old and had trouble leaving them much anymore. He was here for a visit to see the kingdom one last time before old age took him. Guinevère was trying to make his stay here special.

Then she had a meeting with Lady Marian about a charity, before her and Rosa took some time away from the bustle to tidy up her and Arthur's chambers. She knew she didn't have to do it any longer, but it wasn't in Guinevère to let other people work while she watched.

That was when the messenger came that the carriage was sighted along the road, and it was the guest they were expecting. Guinevère knew Arthur was still trying to rebuild the kingdom from Morgana's rule, and that while he would want to be here for the arrival--for the loss of knight never weighted lightly on him--that he had ridden out to check on the crops that had been burned. They were growing back, but it was taking time.

Walking out to the steps, Guinevère waited there as the carriage came into the courtyard, and circled around so it could come to a rest before the Queen of Camelot.

[Lady Elenora]

The past several days had been incredibly tough for Nora. Though her friend Caitrin -- who was well versed in Herbilism -- manged to ease her father's suffering, it wasn't long till he succumbed to the fever that had overcome him.

Even though Nora knew it was coming, she still found it hard to cope with losing her father. The last standing member of her family was gone and now she was truly alone. Of course Nora knew that this was not exactly true -- she still had some relatives, friends and people around her and she was grateful for this. Truly. But despite that, she still felt huge pangs in her heart knowing that now her mother, father and beloved sister were together in eternal afterlife, yet here she remained on Earth without them.

Her companion (her childhood governess and nurse) tried to engage her in some conversation as they made they way to the Castle. For it was tradition for a Knight of Camelot to have a memorial in the castle as a way of remembering all of his deeds and achievements whilst serving as a Knight of Camelot. But Nora continued glazing out of the carriage's window, too occupied in watching the scenery in front of her, wishing that her father was still here to enjoy it.

Finally after spending some time on the road travelling 5 miles from her estate, they arrived at the Castle, the carriage halting in the courtyard. Taking a deep breath, Nora accepted the footman's offered hand and began climbing down the step and then she saw the Queen standing before her personally to greet her. Trying to summon a smile, and only managing a small one, Nora made her way towards Guinevère, climbing up one step at a time before she curtsied and greeted the Queen "Your Royal Highness!"

[Guinevère]

Guinevère saw Lady Eleanora step out, and she moved forward to smile and greet her, though when she bows and called her 'royal highness' Guinevère had to fight the urge to not turn around and look behind her. That part of being Arthur's wife was taking time to get use too. While she could easily fall into the steps of wife--Queen was taking a bit more time to adjust too.

Reaching her hand out to take Eleanora's Guinevère gave it a light squeeze, for she knew all too well how much the girl had to be in pain at the loss of a father. She had lost her own five years ago. "Welcome to Camelot, Lady Eleanora." She said softly, "My heart breaks for you and your whole family, and if there is anything I can do to help you, please know I am here." For she remembered all too well Eleanora's kindness int he hall that one time.

"Starting with helping you get settled in your chambers, and something warm to drink, if you feel up to the company. If you wish to be alone, then I understand completely."

[Lady Elenora]

Nora could not help but feel comforted when Guinevère took her hands in hers -- giving them a light squeeze -- before she welcomed her to the castle. Nora smiled a little more warmly now -- most likely due to how sensitively the Queen was being towards her, giving her the confidence to show a little happiness. For she did rather like Gwen and wanted to truly spend some time getting to know her. Though, at the moment it was a tough time for her as she is grieving for her father.

"My heart breaks for you and your whole family, and if there is anything I can do to help you, please know I am here." Gwen told her softly and Nora appreciated it greatly, "Thank you, My Lady," and Nora meant it, though lately she had tried to shrug of people's offer of assistance and company. Too sadden and grieved to handle the attention and sympathies. "It truly makes it easier knowing that there are people I can turn to."

Nora knew that she probably should not be saying these types of things to anyone else, let alone the Queen for it was practice to accept these offers of assistance and emotional support, but in reality not to act upon them. For we must depend on ourselves to see through these times. But there was something about the way Gwen greeted Nora and conveyed her sympathies that made Nora feel like she could actually approach her.

"Starting with helping you get settled in your chambers, and something warm to drink, if you feel up to the company. If you wish to be alone, then I understand completely." Gwen asked her politely and kindly.

Nora smiled at her warmly, "That sounds great, My Lady. For I've been traveling for a while and in need of some refreshment and rest. And I would certainly appreciate you company, Your Highness. If you can be spared of course." Nora for some reason felt compelled to ask this for she knew that there were a lot of responsibilities that came with being Queen and she was glad that the Queen wanted to spend time with her.