Honour Bound

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur's heart ached at hearing her say that she didn't want him to go. When he had fallen in love with her, and married her, he had vowed to make her happy. To do everything within his power to make her happy. And he knew that these decisions now, went against that. Doing something that directly went against what she wanted. He took a slow breath, fighting to remain composed. Taking in her words that . . . hurt, upon the truth of them. Perhaps deep down, he knew. But, how had Morgana turned to that? She used to be so kind. So compassionate. What if it was still within her. What if he could remind her of who she used to be? "You could be right," he said quietly, agreeing with her that they may not be the people he knew. And perhaps, even that it wasn't his kingdom anymore. He had after all been disinherited.

"Perhaps it is too late," he added on in the same tone of voice, finding it impossible to keep the emotion from it. "But . . . I could never forgive, if I didn't at least try." He had been filled with so much hatred in himself for how things had happened in Camelot. "We are blessed here Guinevère. We do not live in fear for each other, or for our son." They were happy. The royal family was good and kind, and the kingdom prosperous. "Yet, so many are deprived of that happiness. Families who long for nothing more than to live in peace and have a sovereign they are proud of. That they feel safe and protected with." They had lost that since his father and Catrina imposed taxes that they could not pay. "They do not deserve what is happening to them. Just because of a broken family." A broken Pendragon family. With a father who disowned his son, a corrupt queen, and a daughter who held no moral compass. "Just because of what my family there has done to them." A family of blood.

[Guinevère]

"I fell in love with you and your honor," She began, thinking back to how she used to think he had so much honor, and grace in him. He was good for her father, and it was what drew her toward him. He was kind and they fit so well. He was a simple blacksmith then, and he had made her feel like this was what she was waiting for. It was easy to fall in love, and began planning for 'the rest of their lives'. To plan for children, and a home.

Now she was standing in the kitchen with a broken heart because he was not a simple blacksmith. He was a prince of a kingdom far away, and his honor was making him go fight for it. That same honor was now taking him from her. Once he went back, once he was there, he'd be there. He couldn't walk away again! He would be there for them. If he did reach the queen, then he'd need to stay to help her--and if he didn't then he'd . . . . what?

Fight her for power? He had no army, no armor, no coin for either! His honor would take him from his family, and get him killed if he trust the wrong person! "Now it is what is breaking my heart." She couldn't talk him out of this. "What will you tell you son?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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for the love

OF CAMELOT

He hated hearing that he had broken her heart, as he never wanted to do that. He never, ever wanted to hurt her, in any way. Yet, as he previously acknowledged . . . this was inevitable. He only wished the truth could have come out in circumstances that did not demand he need act on them. Circumstances where Camelot was prosperous and safe. He clenched his jaw, unsure what to say . . . the same nagging fear that he had destroyed his marriage, just as he had destroyed ties to his father and sister.

"That I must leave for a few days," he told her simply. Leaving them would be difficult, as he never had before. But he had every intention to return. "I'm sorry, Guinevère," he told her, truly meaning it. Truly wishing things could be different. "But I can not be the man you fell in love with, nor a father that Amaren would be proud of . . . if I ignore the cries of the people of Camelot." He had lived in ignorant bliss. He had been happy. And now, fate decided that his happiness could no longer be without consequence for his past failures.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère hated his words, because she knew that they were true. Yet she was unable to just let him go with grace. Reaching over and picked up some cloth, and put some bread and dried meat. "You are not the same man I fell in love with," She told him softly, her voice shaken with emotion while she was tieing the food up in the cloth. "You're a prince," she walked the sack over to him and held it out. "I know nothing about your past. About who you are."

She loved him though, because while she didn't know him--she knew him. And the difference hurt. "You didn't give me that chance to know who that is. You kept yourself from me for our whole marriage. You let me believe things that were untrue." To know the real him. To know what pushed him here, and about his life. He had only let her live in the present, and plan for a future that he should have known wouldn't last forever. That one day he'd have to go back. "But, I will pray that you do come back, and that I will get that chance." He'd lied, but she didn't want this lie to kill them. She wasn't ready to forgive, but she wanted to know he would be there to give them a chance. For their marriage, for their children.

She still felt this hurt, and this anger inside her. She wasn't ready to hug him goodbye and let him go be a prince. Yet he was giving her no choices. Accept this -- or hate me while I do it anyway. She didn't want the last conversation to be one of anger--even if that was what she felt. "When do you leave?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

He remained silent when she spoke of how he was not the same man she fell in love with. That he was a prince. He looked at the cloth with food for his journey, slowly taking it from her with gratitude. "I have never been my truer self, than when I was with you." Words that he meant. "Because, with you, I could be myself." Unhindered. Unburdened. Until now. He could be the carefree man who just wanted someone to love him as he did them. The man who's focus was to make the woman he loved happy, and who would welcome a son into this world. The man who bared no responsibilities, or pressures. Who did not have to constantly leave his family, or fight wars.

Perhaps it was selfish of him . . . to embrace this life for all these years. But he didn't regret it. How could he? It had been the happiest years of his life. "You saw the real me." More than anyone else had. "My true rank does not change that." If anything, he would be forced to put on appearances, and hide the real him. Play the part of king, if that was what it came down to. "But you're right. I did mislead you. I did keep this from you. And . . . as you pray I return, I pray that you will give me a chance to earn your forgiveness." Unlike his father had. Unlike he feared Morgana would.

And Guinevère's own words, filled him with hope that she had not completely given up on him. That she would get the chance to learn of whatever she wished to learn. He took a small step towards her, looking directly into her eyes. "No more secrets," he promised her. He vowed to her. Her next question however, brought reality back upon them. Letting out a slow breath he answered. "Now." The sooner he went, the sooner he could return, he moved to reach for his pack, tucking the food inside and making sure he had all that he needed before reaching for his cloak, slipping it over his shoulders and facing his wife once again. "I just, have to say goodbye to our son." And to her.

[Guinevère]

"It wasn't the real you, Arthur, it was half of you." She only knew half of the man she married. "I don't know anything about your past. You have scars that I still don't know how you've got them. I don't know anything about your life there. I didn't even know where you were from!" He had kept so much from her, deciding it was easier to never tell her, rather then trust her. "I've been given a single night to see a glimpse of who you are, accept this, and watch you walk away!"

Guinevère watched him, not wanting to fight with him in case he didn't come back--which was her greatest fear right now. That he'd die and she'd have only memories of this tense goodbye. Apart of her was even angry that this was all she had! Her hand went to her belly, and she inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself so they wouldn't fight. So she could be strong until he came back--and she would pray he did come back. "I want to know you. I am just not sure I know how too know you." He was a prince, and she was a seamstress. He didn't know how to be apart of his world.

He and moved closer to her, and Guinevère now stepped closer. "What do I do, if you don't come back?" Did she look for him? Did she wait forever? never knowing? She knew she'd never love another, but she didn't want to live alone. She wanted her husband here. How long did she wait before trying to find out what happened? Would news travel this far? Would riders bring news, and she hear it in the streets as gossip?

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur wished he could explain that it was all of him. But he also knew he couldn't do that without elaborating what his life was like in Camelot. So that she would understand that this was the freest he had ever been. The happiest he had ever been. For over 20 years he had always thought he'd be forced to marry for politics, yet he had married for love. That in itself, made him more happy that he thought possible. He listened to her talk about how she didn't know anything of his past. That he had scars she still didn't understand. That she hadn't known where he was from. He wanted to tell her everything. He wanted to answer all her questions. Everything that he had brushed off for over 6 years. "You know me, Guinevère," he told her; assured her. "You know the man I am inside, not the one who holds title." With her shifting closer, so had he.

"You know my heart, more than any other person in this world." He wanted -- needed -- her to know that. Whatever scars or memories of Camelot . . . it did not lessen who he was with her. Who he really was. Now standing directly in front of her, she asked him a question that he knew was hurting her at the hypothetical. "I will come back," he said confidently. "I promise, you will not mourn a husband. Amaren will not mourn a father." He swore this, for he would not take foolish risks and let his family pay the price. Though he knew she was upset with him, that she was so very angry with him . . . but that did not stop his hand from going to her chin to tilt her head up as he lowered his own to meet her lips. The light was soft, tender, yet he let it linger. Eventually, easing out of it, his forehead hovered near hers, slowly opened his eyes. "I will return," he told her again in a whispered voice; words from the core of his heart.

[Guinevère]

He told her that she did know him, and she knew they'd only disagree on this. She didn't know him. She didn't know or understand this connection to a place, and people she'd never seen. "I want to believe you," She said instead, because she didn't. She had not idea what made him feel the need for this--and if this was even a part of who he was, then she didn't yet know him.

He told her that he would come back, and she wanted to believe that too! Yet she had seen the people yesterday, and wondered at how welcoming a place would be when they had let him got he first time? No one had ever come looking for him. Would they welcome him? Or would they see him as another royal trying to take over?

He lifted her face to his, and kissed her. Guinevère's eyes closed, and she just breathed in the kiss as it lingered there. When he broke the kiss, she felt tears running over her cheeks, and knew she was crying. That this would not be her strong good bye. "Be safe," she asked of him. Reaching up to touch his cheek, hoping it wasn't for the last time. "Come home." And know this would always be home.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur was relieved when she didn't pull from his touch, from the kiss. Instead, she reached up to place a hand on his cheek, and he based in the warm sensation of it. "I will," he said in reply to both things. He would be safe. He would come home. He had more reason than ever to do both things that she asked of him. He raised his own hand to brush away some of her tears before leaning forward to place a light kiss on her forehead. "I love you," he told her, hoping that despite everything, the lies and withholding of information . . . she knew that.

Forcing his hand to lower and to step back, Arthur reached for his pack and made his way out of the house, to say another goodbye that would only add to his already breaking heart. As he closed the door behind him, he could hear it. He could hear Guinevère. He paused, his hand resting on the door, wishing he was not the cause of her tears. And wishing, he could tell her he didn't have to go. Bracing himself, using whatever ounce of strength he had, he walked away. Towards his son. Saying goodbye to Amaren was no easier.

His son was insisting on going with him, and Arthur told him that he needed him to stay here and look after his mother. He assured him he would be back in a few days and when hugging him tightly, it felt impossible to let him go. He had never left his family for this long and it was breaking his heart to do so. Eventually, he parted ways with him, and made way to his horse which was saddled and ready to go. That was it then. He mounted, and rode quickly out of the city, not looking back for he knew that if he did, he would lose all resolve to leave.

[Guinevère]

He said he loved her, and she whispered it back. Needing that to be the words she spoke rather then the angry ones. When the door closed, and she relized this was really happening she begin to cry, and had t sit at the table when her body shook. She had just said goodbye to her husband, and she feared nothing else above that he would not come back. That the politics of another kingdom would keep him from returning. It was teping to tell him of the baby, again, but again she did not.

It was hours before she gave up trying to work, or do anything but think of what could happen. She went to get her son, and took him to get boots. The thought that Arthur should be here was never far from her mind. She knew that even now he was riding into danger. She couldn't even be openly worried about her husband, because she wanted her son to know nothing about what was happening. Yet, was that fair to Arthur? She told Arthur that he had kept half of himself hidden, and she would not keep it from his son?

There was too much to think of, and she wasn't even sure what would happen. All she knew was that she had to be ready for when her hudband returned. And she had to believe that he would indeed return. When he came back, she needed to be ready to decide what she would do with it. It was clear he would want to go back. Would she go? Would he want them to go or wait? What would they tell their son?

On the fourth morning, she could wait no longer! He said a few days; and she knew this could take time, but she would give it no longer! She went to her brother, and Arthur's friends. SHe told them he went to face someone from his past, and that they needed to go and find him! Knowing they were days behind him, she gave them food, and they hurried to go find their friend . . . while Guinevère prayed for them all to return safe . . . and quickly!!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur only stopped when the horse required rest. Other than that, he did not find reason to stop. The sooner he went, the sooner he could return, and he would not waste a single moment. Nearing the borders, he was flooded with emotions. The memories of stepping out of the kingdom. Yet, he did not cross that line. Instead, he dismounted and tied the horse, venturing forward so that the steed would remain concealed. He knew full well that what he found, may be Morgana's men and not Leon. So he waited. The first day, they did not come. Perhaps he had missed them. So Arthur just made camp, still hidden, still far too aware of what was around him. It was in the early light that he heard it.

All the skills he'd learned as a knight and prince, for years had been dormant yet now they surfaced. He quickly arose and hid himself, watching the knights of Camelot patrol the area. And that was when he saw him. Sir Leon. A wave of relief washed over him to see that his friend was safe. But now came the ultimate test. He managed to go to Leon when the man was alone and revealed himself. The heartfelt reunion was enough to assure Arthur that Leon's loyalties had not shifted. He spoke to him about Morgana, and it was when Leon said the words "The queen wants you dead" that Arthur knew there was no more hope. The more Leon told him, the more that hope to reach out to Morgana faded.

He knew they could talk long, but Leon seemed to hold faith that Arthur would return, telling him that there are those who are still loyal to him. That was when it was decided upon. In two days time, they would meet Arthur as a discussed upon sight, and ride to form plans to retake Camelot and overthrow the tyrant queen. That was all he and Leon had time for. Arthur hugged his friend goodbye and told him he would meet them were they had discussed. As Arthur left, he wished he could send word to Guinevère that his journey would be prolonged, but he could not risk it. Instead, he went to where they had discussed and waited for his friend, and to see how many knights could escape the wrath of Morgana.

[Guinevère]

It was in the days that came after that Guinevère had to begin making some hard choices. She continued to help care for some of the people running from Morgana--and more came, passing through. She watched as the knights from this kingdom came to seek word about what was happening in Camelot. Guinevère knew she needed to work, for while they had some coins saved up they'd not last forever, yet she could not. She needed to be here.

She tried to think of what he was doing this for. Why he left. Who he was--and they loved to talk about him. It was almost too easy to get them talking about their once prince. They loved him still, and blamed a toll for using magic to send him away. They had many stories of the young prince, and spoke as if they waited for him?? Arthur hadn't been there in YEARS, and yet they waited for him??

"Do you really think he will come back?" she asked one of the men who was holding his sleeping son. 'My people need hope. Maybe he wont, but knowing there is a chance . . . it's worth holding on too.' Guinevère looked down at the ground, and his words soaked into her heart, and mind. "Maybe he will then," she told him, before moving on to another person and offering some water. Pausing she watched her son play with some of the children was had just came from there. They laughed, and pretended to fight with sticks. That night, when she cried it was for a whole new reason.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur waited in the spot and those who came first, were not who he expected. Elyan. Gwaine. Percival. "What the hell are you doing here?!" He questioned. That was when Elyan explained that Gwen had sent them. Arthur inquired about how she was and they filled him in, saying she was fine, as was his son. They then started questioning what he was doing. Why he was here. Where he was going. Arthur didn't have time to fill them in, for soon enough, Leon rode in, along with the knights he was able to get out of Camelot. Arthur smiled but his friends drew their swords in preparation. Leon and the knights did the same. "Wait," Arthur said, standing between both sides. It was as if he was standing between both his worlds.

Yet, now, there was no longer a separation. They were overlapped, forever. It took some explaining but he did so, telling his brothers of heart his true status. The shock on their face, the questions they had. Even Gwaine was shocked into silence and that was no easy task to do. And so together, they made a plan. A quick one. For a scout hurried towards them and told him that Morgana was sending her knights. Leon told Arthur to leave, that she could not see him alive. Arthur never ever run from a fight in all his years of being a prince, so he drew his sword and demanded to stay in place. They would just have to make sure there were no survivors.

The battle was quick, and they were victorious. But Arthur knew it would be the first of many she would send out, especially when they did not return. Arthur disclosed the kingdom he was in and told Leon to meet him there as he would ride ahead. His friend assured him he would come with the others, and then passed Arthur a sack. It was heavy, and Arthur knew what it was before he looked inside. It drew a smile, a nod of respect, and he added it to his travel pack, before riding back for his home, with Gwaine, Percival and Elyan immediately at his side. And Leon, would join him with the others.

He returned nearly as quickly as he had come. Despite the questions his friends had for him, Arthur explained that he would tell them all in due time. But this was not it. He needed to return home to his family as he was already far later than he should have been. As he rode into the city, he could see the crowd of people. More people fleeing. Taking a slow breath, he dismounted, grabbed his pack and sword, and went through the city to look for his wife.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère handed one of the men some water, and sat down. "When do you leave?" He looked at his son, and Guinevère glanced over to see him playing with her own son. 'On the morning. We need to find a place to live. I need to find work.' Guinevère nodded, "Will you return to your home one day? . . . If the prince ever returns." He looked at her again, and she knew he was torn. "Yes, I think I would. I don't know if it will happen, but I think I would.' Guinevère wished she could tell him she knew where Arthur was now, but she wouldn't ever tell anyone. SHe didn't know if that would lead others too him. 'I've never been to Camelot, but from the stories I've heard, I hear it's beautiful. I hope you get to go home soon."

They kids squeeled in delight from one of them 'killing' a griffin. "I am not even sure what that is," Guinevère aditted with a small laugh at the children. 'We had one attack the kingdom once! My son loves the story!' Guinevère looked back at the man. "I don't think I am ready to hear that one." She laughed. And still to the day she died, she didn't know what made her look back behind her. And yet, she did, and that was when she saw her husband in the city!

She didn't even excuse herself, she just stood and begin hurring over to him! When he got to her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him to her. "You're home!" She whispered with tears in her voice--happy ones this time. THe baby made her cry at everything, but she'd have cried at his return no matter what. "You're here!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur felt a burst of both relief and joy when he saw Guinevère, who hurried to him and embraced him in a hug. Arthur immediately returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around her, nestling his face in the crook of her neck and even slightly lifting her feet off the ground in the reunited hug. "I told you I would come back," he said almost teasingly speaking close to her ear. It was as if all else ceased to exist in this moment as he just hugged her. That was when he heard another voice.

"PAPA!" A cry of excitement as Arthur freed one arm so that he could scoop up Amaren as his son ran towards him for a big hug. Lifting him up, Arthur kissed his son in the cheek, as Amaren started going on about the events of the day, the friends he made, the games they played. Arthur chuckled, sorry that he missed it all but was so glad to be home. He knew that remaining out here would risk exposure for those who may recognize him. For, there were far many more people from Camelot than when he had left. Besides, the knights would be here soon. Setting Amaren down he crouched in front of him. "Go play with your friends," he encouraged. "And I will join you shortly," he told him, ruffling his hair a little.

Amaren gave him another quick hug before excitedly returning to his game. That was when Arthur turned to Guinevère. "May we speak?" The tone in his voice hinting that he wanted it to be in private. He was still dressed in the attire he wore in this life. But in the bag that Leon had given him . . . was his chainmail, armor, and cape. His formal, regal attire. That, was how he would make his reveal but this time . . . he would speak to his wife first. This time, he would ask for her thoughts before simply stepping out as Arthur Pendragon.

[Guinevère]

Holding her husband, Guinevère didn't want to let go. The only reason she did not complain when he did was because he was picking up their son! She was smiling for the first time since that night when he came home and told her, and she wanted to hold on to this a little longer.

Yet, he sent their son to play, and asked to speak with her. Guinevère nodded, her smile faltering. "My brother?" She asked as they turned toward the house, unease settling in her. She had sent her brother after him, and Arthur was alone. Had Elyan found him? If so then where was he? If not then where was he?

Guinevère reached their door, and opened it, stepping so so Arthur could follow. After shutting it, she took a breath. "I need to say something. Before you begin." She didn't know what he was about to say, but she needed him to know something first. Before they begin anything else she needed to say her's first. "I should not have said that you shouldn't go back. I was---I am afraid of what might happen. It was a lot to hear in one night. I still wish you've told me years ago, but I understand why you had to go back."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur glanced behind him, knowing that Elyan, Percival and Gwaine should be entering soon. "They're safe," he assured her, moving with her towards their house. "They should be here any moment." Along with the other knights which, Arthur needed to tell her about. Once inside, and the door closed behind him, Arthur parted his lips to speak but she then said that she had to say something. He paused, looking at her intently. Her words . . . meant more to him than he could say. He softly smiled, moving closer to her. Perhaps there was still tension among them, and he knew he still had a great deal to apologize for but in this moment, he just needed her to know how much she meant to him.

"I should have told you," he agreed, knowing that he could not change that now, but wished he could have spared her of the hurt she felt. "I have much to make up for, Guinevère," he told her, this time, making it clear that he meant her, not the kingdom. "But, I can not do this without you." For she was his greatest strength. "There are knights of Camelot, riding to the city as we speak." Supporters. People willing to fight for Camelot to free it of the persecution it was under. "There are those among the city who may recognize me." Another risk of exposure. Moving up to her, he slowly reached for her hands, taking them in his own, knowing that it could be overreaching in this moment, uncertain as to where her emotions lay, but it was a risk he was willing to take.

"I am forever Arthur. Your Arthur." He wanted that much to be known. "In this pack is a Pendragon cape," he said, piecing together everything. "Tell me Guinevère, if I should wear it." This time, he was asking for her opinion. This time, he was asking her what she wanted. Once he put it on, he would expose himself to everyone as Arthur Pendragon, rightful heir to the throne. If he kept it off, it would give them a bit more time of concealment, where Arthur could secretly make plans with the knights, without revealing his true identity to everyone here. And this was a decision, he would not make alone. Not this time.

[Guinevère]

He admitted he should have told her, and she knew that sooner than later they needed to deal with that. She needed to know he wouldn't hold things from her. She needed to be able to trust him, like she had before for this to work. Yet right now they had to work on something else first. "But, I can not do this without you." Even though his lie had rocked them, she knew it wouldn't break them. She'd have to give him the chance to prove to her that he could tell her all about his past. "I meant what I said that night. We are stronger together, Arthur. You don't have too do this alone." She knew what she was saying, but she didn't yet know what that would mean for her. How did one love a prince?

"There are knights of Camelot, riding to the city as we speak." What! She looked around, feeling a slight panic. Were they friends or foes?! Did they run? "There are those among the city who may recognize me." Arthur took her hands, and she looked back at him, seeming to understand now that they were friends, because he wasn't worried. She tried to relax some but their were KNIGHTS coming to their PRINCE to and they were coming to her HOUSE! SHE'D NOT CLEANED IT YET! "I am forever Arthur. Your Arthur." She smiled, trying to keep her mind clear of all else.

He told her of what was in the bag, and Guinevère looked down at it. This was it. This would be the moment he was no longer a blacksmith. He would belong to them as well as to her. "Tell me Guinevère, if I should wear it." Slowly, her face lifted to his, as she stared at him. She had wanted a choice in this, and he was finally giving her one--and yet she didn't feel ready to make it. She wasn't even sure what he was asking. If he should wear it now, or later, or even at all? He was giving her this choice, and she had to stick to her words and honor them. "I don't think you have a choice. The people out there, Arthur, are your people. I didn't understand until I spoke with them. They have no hope. They need you."

AND YET, "However, before you do, there is something you need to do first." She squeezed his hand, "Tell our son." Because he deserved to know before he found out by others. She thought it would be easier to tell him then her, as he wouldn't quite understand all this meant. "Together." Because that was what they would do this as. "If your k--knights are coming here," she felt a bit of panic over that, "Then we should tell him now."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

To hear that he didn't have to do this alone, meant the world to him. For Guinevère to stand by his side, despite the lies . . . well, it was all the more reason he loved her. Her strong heart. Her compassion. Everything about her, encompassed all that was good in the world. He then listened to her answer, telling him that he had no choice. That the people needed hope. Needed him. She had spoken to them, learned of their plight. And now . . . she was encouraging him to do what he knew he had to. They could not keep this a secret any longer. Instead of saying anything, he merely raised one of her hands to his lips, kissing the back of it in gratitude. In silent praise.

"Anything," he answered when she said there was something he needed to do first. And that something, was indeed a very important thing. To tell their son. To explain to him what was happening for today, everything would change. His entire world would change, just as Guinevère's had the moment he told her about his past. He nodded, in full agreement. "Together," he repeated. "Please Guinevère, will you bring our son home?" He requested, so that they may tell him of what was happening. Of what was to come. Arthur gave her a light kiss on the lips before she agreed and went to get Amaren. It was then, that Arthur knew what he had to do. Simply telling his son wasn't enough; he knew that Amaren would not fully understand. He needed to show him. So while waiting, Arthur began to pull out the clothing from the bag. He changed into the pants and shirt. Slipping on the padded jacket. Tied up the laces. And then, the chainmail. He swallowed as he put it on, the weight so unfamiliar to him yet years of being a blacksmith seemed to strengthen him further. And have an increased knowledge of such things.

He then began to put on the various pieces of armour. Once again, his new trade allowing him to put it on himself. He wrapped the sword belt around his waist, sheathing his weapon. He swallowed at the last piece. The cape. He had not even realized he was just holding it in his hands for several moments. Several emotional moments. Tears moistened his eyes but he refused to let them fall. He clenched his jaw, fighting back any tears. His expression changing, remembering how he was expected to be as Prince. And now king. And so he draped it around his shoulders, clasping it so that it flowed down his back. He stood a little straight, closed his eyes for a moment as he soaked in the moment, and only opened his eyes, and turned towards the door when he heard it open, and saw his son and Guinevère standing there.

[Guinevère]

He kissed her hand, and and she smiled up at him. "I will go and get our son." At least the next baby would already know by the time they were old enough to understand. She wondered if that would mean they were still at war (how long did they last?) or if it would be over by then?

Guinevère went to get her son, and found the man still sitting there. "You spoke of needing hope, and I think I have some for you." She told him, and he looked up at her. "There are knights of Camelot coming this way. You might wish to hear what they have to say." She knew it confused the man, but she smiled at home. Collecting her son, she walked with hm home, his small hand in her own. When they got to near, she paused and bent down to look at him. "Amaren, you know I love you, right?" He nodded his little head, his curls bouncing as he did. "No matter what, I want you to know how much I love you!" Because everything changed in this moment. Guinevère kissed her son's head, and then took him to the door.

Pushing it open to walk in first, Guinevère looked for Arthu---Her heart and body jerked to a stop, at the sight of him like this. She gasped, and felt the room spin--that was a lot of red he was wearing, and it was REALLY bright! Her hand grabbed the door, but it swung open more--causing her to fall tot he side a little.

Arthur. Arthur Pendragon. Was. Standing. There. Looking. LIKE. A KNIGHT! Amaren stood there staring at his father. Arthur was going to have to do all the talking because Guinevère couldn't speak.