One Day I Hope To Reign As You Have {Mithian/Gwen}

[441knightsofcamelot]

The morning sun was bright and refreshing to Mithian as she rode on her horse down the great road to Camelot. He father had been uneasy for her to make this journey in light of recent events but she had been persistent. Arthur deserved her thanks.

Her thoughts turned to the last time she had ridden this road; in the dead of night; with Morgana on her back. This time she appreciated the ride much more - in the sun and with the birds singing.
She had left her guard at the border to Camelot and taken the last part of the journey by herself - delighting in the opportunity to ride fast and free - forgetting for the briefest of times that this was not how the so called proper princess should act. And yet, who would mind? There was no one to see and no one to hear as she urged her horse on faster.

She reached the edge of the woodland and pulled the reigns of her horse in - her breath catching in her throat and her skin still tingling from the way the wind had raced past her. She adjusted her hair and looked up towards the great towering city of Camelot. It was so much bigger than Nemeth and even from here she could hear the sound of the people in the streets. So much life. Not so long ago her own city of Nemeth had been quiet and devoid of this life after Morgana and Odin's attack. But that was behind them now and Nemeth, whilst still not at its former strength, was still flourishing.

Riding slower now, Mithian joined the main road up to the gates of Camelot. People passed her carrying baskets vegetables or driving carts or leading horses. Most averted their gaze in respect as she passed, knowing she was royalty. Mithian knew she would never get used to this respect the people felt they needed to bestow on her. She wished she could reign and still be close to her people. Not some faceless monarch whom no one ever saw. She knew Arthur ruled at one with his people and Mithian wished one day, if and when she came to the throne of Nemeth that she could rule like Arthur.

She passed through the lower town, her horse's hooves clipping the cobbles until she reached the gates to the citadel. Upon recognising her, one of the guards rushed off to alert Arthur that she had arrived whilst the other led her horse through the gates and into the courtyard, where she dismounted.

Setting: Camelot (Initially the Castle)
Time of Day: Late Morning
Timeline: After Another's Sorrow
Characters: Queen Guinevère Pendragon and Princess Mithian

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was in the towns her own self, and talking--laughing even--with some of the local merchants. Since her marriage they had become slightly more formal in speaking to her, but they still liked to talk to her. Guinevère was a naturally happy woman, and loved to laugh. Her energy was contagious, and she liked that she could put people at ease and make them laugh, even while they were calling her their queen and bowing--something she was growing to accept. It was a sign of respect, not servitude.

When one of the knights came running toward, she felt her heart beat faster, but soon she learned that it was nothing to fear....they had a guest. Arthur was away hunting with his knights, leaving Guinevère the only one there to greet them. Turning toward the merchant she thanked them for the flowers they gave her, and they bowed as she walked away. She was talking tot he knight, laughing slightly at her on moment of panic and explaining to him what she thought; when they walked past the gate and into the courtyard.

A few of the town's people who were leaving the court yard bowed and Guinevère greeted them by name, pausing to ask them how they parents were, and smiling at the good news. It was then that she noticed there was no knights from Mithian's kingdom there with her. The last time she had arrived with no men it was because Morgana had taken her kingdom. Turning to the knight that was her escort for the day she asked, "Where are her men?" 'She arrived alone, my lady."

Walking forward, Guinevère's face took on a slightly worried appearance. "Are you alright?" She asked as she grew closer, looking around for signs of anyone with her.

[441knightsofcamelot]

The courtyard around her was buzzing with life as Mithian looked around, watching Arthur and Guinevère's subjects going about their daily lives – the farmers, the guards, the knights - so many people. She wondered how full their lives must be, and how different their lives must be to her own. Lives not ruled by the court and meetings with various dignitaries. Life not spent, endlessly wondering if what she was saying was the right thing to say. Casting these uncomfortable thoughts to the back of her mind, she looked up and spotted Guinevère coming through the citadel gates. Something about how the queen walked and interacted with the guard with her, made Mithian feel a dreadful longing. Longing to be at such an ease with one's people. Guinevère was laughing and then she looked towards Mithian, who abruptly looked away and started adjusting her horse's bridal. It was not the done thing to stare.
She heard Guinevère approach and turned to greet her with a slight curtsey.
“Are you alright?”Were Guinevère's words and they caught Mithian off-guard slightly.

A moment later she cursed herself for how this must seem. She had arrived alone, with no messenger sent ahead, with no guards and after last time she had ridden into Camelot … Suddenly the racing ride through the forest seemed silly and unreasonable. Anything could have happened … suddenly her father's cautions seemed entirely understandable.
“No, no,” she hastened to respond, “I mean yes, I am fine my lady.” She acknowledged Guinevère with a short bow of her head.
“I left my guard at the border and rode alone through your kingdom. I enjoy to ride alone.”
You're rushing Mithian, she told herself. Calm, composed, breathe …
“I wished to see Arthur,” she said, “is he here?”