The Dark Knight

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur was born as the product of an affair between his mother Ygraine and the very king himself, Uther Pendragon. To protect her son, Ygraine removed him far from the castle, raising him in her estate so that the king would never know that he had an heir to the throne. Or, at least a son. Morgana was born as the only child to the king and Ygraine sought to keep it this way. At a young age, Arthur displayed strong skills in combat, starting his training earlier than most, and excelling through the ranks. It was not long until he became leader of the knights, showing very strong loyalty to the Pendragon family. He was close to the King, and close friends to his daughter, Morgana.

This loyalty was what kept him bound to the Pendragon name even after the king's passing. When Morgana took over however, things drastically change. Her magic corrupted her and the people fell into a more intense tyrannical rule than when Uther was king. Arthur was commanded to do things that questioned his moral compass, weighing heavily on his conscience but alas . . . he did them anyway. Amidst all this, he found the companionship in an unexpected individual: personal maid to the once princess and now queen, Guinevère. The two started an affair that would be kept secret -- considering their ranks.

As time went forward, it would seem that Arthur was sent on more dangerous missions. More trying times. Little did he know, it was due to the fact that Morgana discovered the blood that runs in his veins, and wished to remove any threat of him taking over the throne. Arthur has yet to discover this . . . but when he does, it is certain that he will strive to change the kingdom for the better, and to bring an end to tyranny so that Camelot can enter a new era of peace.

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He didn't understand it. Nor could he erase the image of her face upon his return. Arthur was sent for a routine patrol on the border of Camelot . . . far away from the castle. But instead of what was meant to be an simple task, a small but big enough army was waiting for him, ready to attack. An ambush, as if they had been set up. Following the first battle, Arthur's mind thought over the possibility of a traitor in Camelot, sent to weaken the knights. But he would not have it so. He sent word to the queen that they would require reinforcements, and she promised them to him. Only . . . they never came. The battle was fought and so many of Arthur's brothers of heart fell. Men that he trained. Men that he grew up with. Men that were willing to die for the love of Camelot. For their queen.

It was not done in vain for they were indeed victorious, but that did not mean the loss did not devastate him. He was determined to get to the bottom of how they knew to wait for them . . . and the reason as to why the reinforcements had not come. Did someone intercept them? Arthur wanted to believe that. But instinct was starting to piece things together. Morgana was sending him on more and more dangerous missions, further and further from the capital of the kingdom. And the only reason that occurred him . . . was that she discovered his affair with Guinevère. Should he speak to the queen of such a thing? Perhaps she was so adverse to it, laden with disapproval, that this was her way of telling him to end it. To be rid of it. And yet, Arthur did not. He would not.

But it was the queen's expression upon his return that was enough to send a chill down his spine. She looked . . . disappointed. He knew her well enough to tell that she feigned relief, and that was disturbing in itself. Surely, she had not wished for them to fall. For him to fall. Had she also become intolerant of his questioning of her orders? Ones that became more and more detrimental to the people? Arthur didn't know. All he did know was that he wished to find his peace and solace in this kingdom, and that was encompassed by one person and one person only: Guinevère.

The hour was late and most the castle was asleep. Arthur quickly saw to the survivors, ensuring they were settled and went to quickly change out of his chainmail, clad in more casual attire. Dark. Guinevère had not been in the throne room upon his return, but he knew her schedule well enough to know which halls she would be passing. Most likely, tending to the queen before returning to her home. So Arthur took advantage of his. He hid behind one of the hall's pillars, her footsteps so familiar to him. His heart longing -- aching -- to see her and just hold her in his arms.

At the perfect moment, he reached out, gently taking hold of her arm and swinging her to the room close by. One that was vacant and granted them the necessary privacy. Quickly closing the door behind them, he smiled as he made eye contact with her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," he teased. Though, it was hardly the first time. Due to the . . . delicate nature of their relationship, they had to be careful. And with his growing misgivings of the queen, he could not help but fear what she would do if she were to ever find out about their relationship . . . unless she already knew and that was the reason for her treatment of him as of late.

[Guinevère]

Camelot was the only home she had ever known. She was born in the city, and raised in it's lower town. She had seen it at it's glory, and she was now seeing it at it became a place of peace to a place of fear. Guinevère, daughter to a blacksmith and lady's maid, had been with Morgana since she was much younger. They'd almost grown up together, expect for the fact that Guinevère had the job of looking after Morgana. It had been a dream job for a long time. Morgana had been kind, and she loved working in the citadel. Yet, as Morgana grew older there was a darkness in her. Once that only festered since Uther died.

Guinevère had watched her once friend, becomes distant and keep secrets. Watched her friend go from wanting to protect the people from Uther (who in hindsight, wasn't as bad as his daughter), to ruling harshly. As if punishing the people sometimes, for some unknown reason. Morgana, who once cared nothing about power, now craved more at all cost. Over everyone it seemed.

Yet, not everything was dark. Guinevère still found joys in the world, and the people around her. Her dearest friends, her fellow servants . . . even a man she'd fallen in love with. She hadn't planned it, she hadn't even known it was happening until it was too late. Yet, she'd fallen in love with a someone and it was the best thing int he world--and the worst. He was a knight. A lord of the releam. Far above a black smith's daughter. Yet by some mirical, he loved her too.

They both knew if they were ever caught it could end badly for them both. Yet nothing could keep them apart . . . except for his duties. Right now, Morgana had sent him to the far corners of the kingdom on a pointless patrol. One more fitting to a knight who was newer, not one of her finest fighters. Guinevère knew it was punishment, what else could it be?? Yet she wasn't sure what for. '

"Good night, your highness," Guinevère said with a bow, before turning to leave Morgana's chambers, and heading down the same hall toward the kitchens as she did every night. Yet tonight, she felt a hand on her arm! She gasped in surprise as she was pulled from the hall and into a room. Looking up at who'd grabbed her, she felt her smile explode over her face. As he shut the door she stood up on her toes to wrap her arms around him in and embrace! He was home! Arthur was finally home! "I am so glad to see you returned, and safe!" She had no fear that he would have been harmed, there was nothing out that way. She could never have imagined he had seen fighting and lost men. Pulling back she looked at his face, just smiling up at him! "Welcome home, my lord," The title wasn't spoken out of his station, but in greeting to the man she loved.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur smiled in return, wrapping his arms around her smaller frame and just basking in the comfort of holding her. Of being with her. Everything about her granted him instant peace; one that could not be found any other way. By anyone else. Drawing his head back to meet her gaze, his smile remained, taking in her words. "Why thank you," he said teasingly in return.

Not wanting to think of how the patrol had turned into something so . . . intense. It was so easy to forget all the darkness in the kingdom when Guinevère represented all the light and what was good of it. "I had every reason to return safely," he told her. Unable to resist the urge, he leaned forward to lightly touch his lips against hers, letting the moment linger for a few moments. Eventually drawing back, he placed his forehead against hers, soaking in the moment. "Are you finished your duties for the night?" He asked, hoping he wasn't going to keep her from anything.

[Guinevère]

"Why thank you," He teased, and she smiled brightly up at how in these moments everything else faded away. She could be worried about much, but in his arms, there was nothing she feared. "I had every reason to return safely," He moved to kiss her, a too soft, and too short kiss; before resting his forehead on hers. She tiled her face to let their skin brush as she rubbed her nose on his, basking the the ability to just touch him after so long away. "I missed you," she told him, breathing the words more then saying them; her hand moving from his neck to rest over the scare that was there, under his clothes. The one she was to blame for, yet couldn't bring herself to fully regret--it was the beginning for them.

It took her back to the memory, of when she thought him too arrogant, and wanted nothing to do with him. She stayed close to Morgana, and was grateful their paths didn't cross much. 'WHo's want to marry Arthur?" she once jested, when someone suggested he might one day marry Morgana. How wrong she'd been. Right now she'd give up everything for the chance to just hold his hand while walking down the hall. To be his. "Are you finished your duties for the night?" His words pulled her from the memory, and Guinevère smiled up at him. "I am," She admitted, sliding her hands up to rest on his shoulders, "Unless, there is something you need?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur couldn't keep the smile from his lips. "And I you," he breathed against her, enjoying the feel of her hands on hims as his own slipped down to her waist, one hand moving up her back to span his hand over it. He was glad to hear that she was done for the night for as his suspicions of Morgana grew, he felt more uneasy about the time Guinevère spent with her.

Especially if she knew about them. Something that he knew he would eventually have to tell Guinevère. "Something I need . . . " He said a bit teasingly, tilting his head ever so slightly do the side. He leaned forward as if to kiss her, yet paused hardly an inch before their lips would touch. "Does it count if I say you?" He breathed once more. Because tonight, he wanted to spend it in her company. He wanted to enjoy what stolen moments they had which were becoming too far and few.

[Guinevère]

"Something I need . . . " he pretended to think, as he moved to kiss her--but kept his lips away from hers. Guinevère exhaled in pretend disappoint, and waited for him to finish speaking. She could feel the heat from his strong, and larger hands through her thin dress, and it caused a shiver of anticipation slip up her spine in the best of ways. "Does it count if I say you?" She laughed at his tease, and bit her lip to hold in the sound to not let it travel far. "It does."

It always counted, not matter what he wanted. Her eyes moved to his lips, as she thought about kissing him, but there was something she needed to ask first. "Have you eaten?" Because he'd just came home from a long journey, she she wanted to make sure he was fed. "Would you like to supper with me?" he could go to the kitchens and get him something, and no one would question her going to his chambers then. She often worried that he didn't eat enough while gone. Or sleep enough.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur was ready for her to kiss him; to close that distance between them . . . when she asked him if he had eaten. It always caused his heart to swell, with how she took care of him. Made sure he had eaten, rested, drank enough . . . it meant the world. It was after all, how they initially bonded. Her nursing him when he was wounded. "I would love to," he told her sincerely. He moved as if to finally seal their lips, but instead, abruptly turned his head to kiss her cheek instead. "I will await you in my chambers." They would be far more comfortable there and besides, they couldn't spend all night in this room.

There would be guards patrolling the hallway, and it wasn't the most practical place. Not when they could find comfort in chairs . . . and a bed. "I'll step out first," he told her, reluctantly lowering his hands from where they were touching her and moved them towards the door. Creaking it open a bit, he peeked outside, quickly exiting the room while the halls were clear and making his way to his room. Upon entering it, he briefly glanced around to make sure nothing was a mess. The last thing he wanted was for Guinevère to pick up after him -- even if it was just from habit. So he quickly folded his dirtied cape, and attempted to wipe down his sword, before throwing everything into the wardrobe. With his hands on his hips he gave a nod of approval and the now fairly clean room.

[Guinevère]

Arthur leaned in to kiss her, and Guinevère closed her eyes, tilting her face up toward his lips, and---only to be kissed on the cheek. Once again she exhaled in pretend disappointment, before smiling up at him. "I will be there shortly," she promised, taking his hand as he let her go, and holding it until he was too far away for her to touch him any longer; even with her arms stretched out as far as she could. When the door closed, she shut her eyes and whispered 'thank you' in to the empty room. He was home! And she was grateful!

Guinevère left to hurry to the kitchens, and checked to make sure that others knights would be checked on. She wanted to make sure they all had food, and drink. Taking the try for Arthur, she turned and walked out. Forcing her steps to close and appear normal, unhurried, so anyone watching would think nothing of her doing her job. Guinevère paused to look in a mirror on the wall, and wished she'd known he was riding up. She could have made sure she looked nicer for him. Int he early days of their love, she had once or twice worried he would see the beautiful ladies in their gowns of silk and change his mind. Yet, she had come to see he wasn't the shallow boy she had once thought him to be. He was a man who had honor, and loyalty, and . . . and yes, some arrogance, but the charming sort. He was kind.

And she loved him. Moving to enter his chambers, not knocking since no one was int he halls at this hour, Guinevère shut the door and carried the try to the table. "You are in luck, the food is still hot. Cook heard of your return and heated it up!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur looked to the door when he heard it open, a small part of him fearing it might be someone else. He smiled as he watched her approach, meeting her half way so that he could take the tray from her. She had taught him the value of others, and while his mother had instilled some morals in him, Guinevère truly opened his eyes to another world. To another perspective. Which made him far more mindful of all the work she did . . . and how he wished to help her with it.

"I thought we could eat in front of the fireplace," he said, walking over to where a few large pillows were set on a rug in front of the fire . . . smaller ones next to them for additional comfort. He set the tray down and moved to his knees. "Thank you Guinevère," he added, also having learned the importance of pleases and thank yous, extending his hand to help her sit down. "It looks delicious," he added on, realizing that it had indeed been quite some time since he had properly eaten. His appetite was not substantial . . . until he saw and smelled the tray that Guinevère brought in.

[Guinevère]

Arthur came over and tookt he try from her, and Guinevère let him. "Thank you," for more then just taking the try. It showed that he didn't see her as a servant. There had been no hesitation, not moment where he had just been going to let it happen. He just did it. "I thought we could eat in front of the fireplace," Her face lit up at the wonderful idea! "That sounds perfect!" a romantic supper, a firelight night. Two people in love there close to each other. "Thank you Guinevère, it looks delicious," Kneeling near him, she tucked her legs beside her, making sure her dress stayed down. Not that she worried he'd see something, but habit for a woman in their world.

"I wish I'd heard that you'd arrived sooner," she began, "Yet, I cannot not enjoy the welcome home you'd given me." A stolen moment, the kiss, an embrace. "I hope your journey was uneventful?" Though she didn't see why it wouldn't be. He had been sent to the middle of no where. Knights didn't often patrol there. Yet she assumed that Morgana had her reasons--even if they were shared with her.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur couldn't help but smile with pride, hearing that she liked his idea . . . that he could still make her excited over such things. Smile so brightly. As he made a plate for her, he listened as she commented that she wished she'd heard he returned. There was a reason he didn't inform her before hand. With the nature of their return, he did not want her to worry. But her questions may bring up the conversation, and he was not one to keep such things from her. "If it is any comfort, I was not back for long before I sought you out. Just long enough to change out of my armour," he told her, passing her a plate before making one for himself.

Her next inquiry however, made it difficult to deviate from the incidents. A direct comment on the journey being uneventful. Besides, she would most likely hear it within the castle tomorrow. Looking at her, a soft smile formed on his lips. "What would make you enjoy it more?" He said, offering the slight tease before his expression began to sober a little. Casually, as he made his plate, he answered her question. "We were ambushed at the border," he began to explain, trying not to make it sound a big ordeal even though he knew, technically it was. For it was very calculated. "A small army awaited us," he added on, thinking of all the men they had lost. How he would need to inform their families.

[Guinevère]

"What would make you enjoy it more?" He asked, teasing her. Guinevère took her plate, and set it in her lap, smiling over at him. "I think we shall find out," she teased him back, knowing that he would understand. She didn't plan to leave him here tonight. She missed him too much while he was away to be able to walk away tonight. The teasing kiss was not enough to--"We were ambushed at the border. A small army awaited us," Her thoughts ceased as his words came out.

She could only stare at him in surprise for a moment before she sat her plate down and turned to be more before him, and closer to him. "Waited for you?" How did they know you were coming?" She asked, not quite knowing why he was even going out there. "Who?" Which kingdom had dared do this? "You were still in Camelot! No wonder Morgana was so ill tonight, if someone was attacking her men, that could lead to war." She watched his face looking for sign of anger, but there was something else. She couldn't see it at first but now with the topic at hand she noticed little things. "Are you alright?" she asked calmer. Fighting meant loss. The knights were his brothers. His friends. Moving closer still, she moved so her knees were tucked beside him, and she could face him, with little space between them.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur slowly nodded in answer to her first question. They waited for them. It was very clear that they were prepared for battle. And this . . . was not the way to engage in war. It was more than just political unrest. There was no reason for them to be against Camelot. While there were tensions with Escetir . . . certainly not to this extent. "I fear, we have a traitor in Camelot," he told her. "They knew we were going to be there." They knew he was going to be there. The way they had attacked . . . Arthur was not new to battle. He knew strategy. He knew skills. He knew warfare. This, was something different. It felt as if it was a personal attack. Granted, it could just be that they wanted the general of the army to fall . . . but instincts told Arthur something else. And he tended to trust his gut.

Averting eye contact with Guinevère, he thought over her words, asking who it was . . . and mentioning the queen feeling ill. He knew he could not accuse Morgana of anything until he had concrete proof. And an interpretation of an expression was not enough. "It was Escetir," he explained, answering the who part to her question; a far easier one to answer than comments of Morgana. He clenched his jaw when she asked if he was ok, falling silent before forcing a small smile upon his lips though it was far from jovial as he made eye contact with her. Noticing her close proximity. "I am unharmed," he answered. "But we lost a lot of good men." He reached out to hold her hand in his, just for the additional comfort of her touch.

"I will have to inform their families tomorrow." Sons. Brothers. Fathers. Husbands. Cousins. It was one part of his duties that Arthur absolutely despised. "But we do not need to think of such things tonight," he told her, in attempt to change the mood as he raised her hand to his lips, and kissed the back of it. "We will deal with tomorrow when it comes, and just enjoy tonight in each other's company." But he knew . . . he would not able to keep his thoughts of Morgana quiet for long. Especially not from Guinevère. "Was the queen quite ill tonight then?" He asked casually, taking a small bite of the grape upon his plate.

[Guinevère]

They were the words no kingdom wished to hear, but they all knew were near. Traitor. Guinevère watched him avoid looking at her, and knew that this weighted on him.. "Arthur," she said his name softly, while he spoke and kissed her hand. She used that same hand to pull his to her chest, and cradle it there. "She was very cross. Angry. She threw her quill at the wall. . . and if someone was attacking her men who could blame her?" For once her anger seemed normal.

"And, Arthur, You are right." She waited for him to look at her, before finishing, "We will deal with it tomorrow." Because she would make sure that he wasn't alone. She would find a way to make sure she was near, and able to help him. These were not just his men, but his brothers. Fellow knight who fought for their kingdom and queen. Moving forward Guinevère kissed his lips, giving him comfort. If he wished to not think of the hard day ahead, then she would give him peace tonight--even though she had a million questions, and wished to ask about it all. She knew that sometimes others just needed a hug, rather then to talk. She could do more then hug the man she loved. The kiss deepened and lingered, before she pulled back to look into the blue eyes, "Arthur, I'm in love with you," Something she'd said before, many times, but she always made sure he knew it. Because in times like this she was reminded that he could be taken from her--and she'd have to morn him in silence.

Because she wasn't allowed to love him . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Hearing that she had been cross, left Arthur uneasy. Had she not displayed suspicious behavior, had she not been sending him on futile and dangerous missions, had there not been a traitor in their midst . . . perhaps Arthur would not have been as questioning of what exactly prompted her anger. The fact that the army had attacked, or the fact that they had failed. He just focused on the warm sensation of where she held his hand, trying to push thoughts of the queen out of his mind.

But he was scared. So very scared. For Guinevère. For the kingdom. He had sworn loyalty to the Pendragon name . . . yet he feared what would become of them. But as always, Guinevère allowed these thoughts and stresses to ebb, first with words of agreement to deal with it tomorrow . . . and then with a kiss. She closed his eyes, breathing into the embrace. This time, it was a proper kiss. The one he had longed for. He embraced it fully, slightly parting his lips before he slowly pulled back, but did not go far. Telling him that she loved him. The words warmed his entire body, made his heart burst with emotions every time he heard it. He opened his eyes, looking at her with heavily lidded eyes, filled with emotion. He kept his forehead against hers, his hands moving the plate from his lap to the ground, before settling on her waist once more.

"I love you too, Guinevère." His words filled with the utmost sincerity. He feared what position his love for her would put her in, yet he couldn't deny himself her. It was impossible to stay away from her. "With all my heart," he added, kissing her lips once more as he lifted her a little so that she was comfortably on his lap. Easing out of the kiss, he just looked at her with soft longing. He didn't know what he would ever do without her. He loved her so much, and wished he could protect her better. With the secret nature of their relationship . . . it made it difficult. And he feared what all this would lead to. "I wish . . . " He paused, trying to form words as he kissed the corner of her lips. "I could make such a declaration to all." He wished he could make her his wife. Say it to everyone that he loved Guinevère, and the fact that she was a blacksmith's daughter, meant nothing, just as his knighthood mattered not.

[Guinevère]

Arthur pulled her into his lap, and she smiled at the new closeness of their bodies. She was enjoying the feeling of touching him after so many days and nights alone. "I love you too, Guinevère." He told her the words, and Guinevère parted her lips to speak, but he kissed her again--and she was alright with that. Her hand came up to rest on his neck, her fingers brushing his hair in the back. "With all my heart," These were the magic words to her. The knowlage that he loved her, was worth more to her then gold. Guinevère found herself giving a breathy laugh out of the joy of his words. She was so happy in his arms, and she hoped that spending this time together to helped ease the troubles on his mind.

"I wish . . . " Anything. She'd give him anything he'd asked for, for he had given her everything. "I could make such a declaration to all." She pulled back slightly to stare at him, "I want nothing more then be able to walk by your side and and be able to welcome you home. Sometimes I dream you ride in, and I am on the steps waiting for you, and I don't have to hide the fact that I love you." Sometimes, thought she'd never admit it, she dreamed they went away and lived simply, just to be with each other. Yet his loyalty to this kingdom kept her from saying, for she would never ask him to leave it. Besides, the city was all she'd ever known. Very rarely did she leave the city.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur smiled at the mental image that she described. Her waiting on the steps, him riding into the courtyard; a public reunion. Secrets no longer needed. It was ironic . . . for Arthur had thought that when Morgana became queen, things would be different for them. She would display an understanding and somehow, alter the laws of status. Yet, her reign held a far different result than he'd anticipated. Quite the opposite in fact considering recent events. And Arthur no longer knew when the day would come that they could be together. How long could he ask her to wait for him?

But he kept such thoughts silenced, as he played along with her dream . . . a shared dream, for he had it too. "Where we would then live in our estate. Have lunch in the gardens." Knowing how much Guinevère enjoyed gardens and flowers. "Perhaps with a couple of dogs . . . as we build a family together." Thoughts of marriage, pets, children . . . it was all Arthur's heart longed for. But with the reality of the situation, he was so afraid it would remain only a dream. Though, still determined to make it a reality somehow. "Perhaps we should just runaway somewhere," he suggested. "I can become a farmer," he said with a smile. Words meant to be ones of jest . . . yet fleeing with her was indeed a tempting thought.

[Guinevère]

"Where we would then live in our estate. Have lunch in the gardens." He spoke, and Guinevère could see it now. Almost, she never been to his estate. How would se explain it? It would be too telling. Yet, she'd heard him speak of it enough to imagine walking down the hall in her bare feet on a warm summer morning to look for her husband. "Perhaps with a couple of dogs," She could see finding him in the common room, the dogs at his heels. She would smile and walk over toward him, and he would kiss her there, not caring if anyone was about and might see. No hiding.

". . . as we build a family together." Guinevère closed her eyes and moved her hand from his neck, to pull his own toward her belly. She wished for that. The dream she fear to dream for how badly she'd want it. A child with him. Yet if she did so without his name then the child would suffer for it. Yet the knowledge he thought of it too was heady.

"Perhaps we should just runaway somewhere," As if he pulled the thought from her head, he spoke the words she'd been thinking. "I can become a farmer," Lifting her fingers she placed them over his lips. "We cannot." She spoke what they both knew, and the words were hard, but true. She believed they were true. "You protect the people from Morgana." She was not always fair and just, and she was growing worse. "You are needed here. This is our home." Yet she knew home is where he was.

"I wish I could see your home." She whispered, moving in to kiss his lips. "I want to be there one day." To have that dream of the family, int he family home. "Do you think one day . . . We say maybe one day things will change. Do you think it really will?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur's eyes followed her hand, as she led his own to her stomach. The thought of a child growing in there . . . the thought of creating a life; a product of their love for one another. Arthur wanted that. More than he could ever possibly express. But not until things were settled. Not until he called her his wife, and built a future for her that she deserved. Far better than these trysts and stolen nights in secrecy. She deserved far better than that. And Arthur wanted to provide her with such a life. He knew she was right; they couldn't. Yet it did not diminish the temptation he felt at times. His eyes met hers, taking in her words. Ones that spoke of how he protected the people from Morgana . . . yet he couldn't.

Despite any protests, Morgana still carried out orders that filled the people with fear. "Home is where the heart is," he told her. "And as my heart is with you, home is wherever you are." Whether it was in Camelot, or somewhere far away. He softly smiled as she spoke of wishing to see his home, closing his eyes for the brief kiss, yet one that still provided him with such strong sensations, until she spoke more. "You will Guinevère. You will see it one day. It will be our home." He did not spend a great deal of time there. While it was filled with his childhood memories, it also held painful ones . . . a constant reminder of his mother's death. He could not properly reside in it until it held new purpose; until it was renewed with joy, and being with Guinevère could certainly provide that. Her next question made his heart ache. He would not lie to her. Nor would he destroy the only hope that kept him going.

"I fear . . . Morgana's reign is not what we expected it to be." That was putting it lightly. As she had spoken of her father's tyranny, it seemed that the daughter was like the man she so loathed. Arthur moved a hand to rest on her cheek, gently caressing it with his thumb and letting the soft smile remain upon his lips. "I believe it will though." He had to believe that. "Just, promise me to be careful. These are dangerous times Guinevère. And I can not bare the thought of anything happening to you." With these frequent missions he was being sent on, it limited his time in the castle and thus, from seeing that she was safe. If Morgana was truly behind this, for whatever reasons, he feared what could happen should find out about Guinevère -- if Morgana didn't already know about them.

[Guinevère]

He made a promise that she hoped would one day come true. Yet the longer Morgana rules, the easier it was for the dark thoughts of it never happening to take over her. However, the moments here in his arms--she believed it more! Anything was possible in this shared place where it was just them. "One day," She echoed his promise, "I will wait for that day for forever." Because one day they could be together. No matter how long they had to wait.

"There is a hate growing with in her. I don't understand where is comes from. She grows angry at everything, and secretive. I fear she will only grow worse with time." Power was making her desperate. She wanted more, and any threat to that power was dealt with in death. Guinevère was glad she had no siblings, for one was enough to deal with.

His last words though, mirrored her thoughts from earlier. "I think words, and you speak them" She said, with a bittersweet smile. "I had thought how I feared something happening to you. You'd be gone from my reach, and I'd be alone . . . and no one would understand my sadness. I'd have to moron in secret, because I am not allow to love as I do. And I do love you. More then I ever thought that I could."