A Reason For Treason [A Retelling of a Legend]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur was not sure he had ever felt this nervous before . . . for the fate of a kingdom rested in this moment. It had been his idea after all, to challenge her. His instincts told him that she would not be able to do it, but that made it no less nerve wrecking to watch. What if he was wrong? What if she could pull it out somehow? If that was the case, it would only solidify her rule. It would only create a reign that would practically be impossible to break. What if somehow, she was pure of heart after all? Arthur tried to guard all his emotions, watching every single detail. Every step she took. Every extension of her hand. Not even realizing that he gave Guinevère's hand a gentle squeeze, trying to keep his nerves from exploding. His throat dried and he just watched, knowing full well that this decision, could condemn the kingdom.

But then, as he watched . . . he saw. She could not pull it out. She was struggling. The sword was not budging. Arthur's eyes slightly widened, as the nerves were soon replaced with relief. To say the least, for perhaps relief didn't even begin to cover how he felt. The look of defeat just added to the moment as she was forced to step away from the stone. Yes. YES! Camelot would be saved! All would be well! He looked at Guinevère, a smile upon his face. It had worked! Challenging her, had worked! Arthur could not be happier for where he had failed in assuming the role of king, he had found yet another way to help them. He could practically feel the air fill with rejoice, murmurs erupting within the crowd. This planted that seed of doubt and within no time, it would grow and Morgana's reign would not longer be legitimate. Arthur was so relieved . . . that he nearly forgot the second part, until the voice spoke it.

"As per part of the conditions, the challenger must now make attempt to draw the sword from the stone. Arthur Pendragon."

Arthur's head spun to where the druid elder spoke. Ah yes. He had forgotten this part. Well, he would surely look foolsih but not as much as the queen for he would not reign. He didn't want to drag this out either. He looked at Guinevère with a small smile. "Let's get this over with," he whispered almost jokingly, only so that it was Guinevère who could hear. He already hated being the center of attention and now, he could feel all eyes on him. Reluctantly letting go of her hand, he turned towards the stone, straightened himself up and walked towards it. Yes, all eyes were on him and he had to force a confident stride . . . as he felt one pair in particular practically burning through his core.

[Guinevère]

Morgana couldn't pull the sword!! Guinevère was so relived to hear it that she almost missed what came next!

"As per part of the conditions, the challenger must now make attempt to draw the sword from the stone. Arthur Pendragon."

Guinevère's head spun to where the druid elder spoke. Arthur Pendragon! Turning to look up at Arthur, her lips parted and her eyes were wide. HE HAD TO TRY!? HE WAS GOING TO TRY!! "Let's get this over with," He teased, but nothing about this moment felt like a jest! Arthur was going to try and pull the sword from the stone! He left go of her hand, and walked toward it, and Guinevère took a few steps to follow him (more from surprise) until a hand touched her arm. Leon gently but firmly pulled her back a step, not letting her go up with him.

She hadn't even known she was walking closer. Once again her heart forgot to beat, and her breath stilled. He'd left this part out last night! She'd assumed they'd try and let Morgana go, and when it failed then all would be well--but now something else was there. What if Arthur pulled it?! What if he was the one true king? What if he proved himself here--before two armies--that he was the king NOT because he was the son of Uther, but because he was the man who'd lead them to peace and greatness!??

Guinevère was afraid to blink, as she could only stare at him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

It was strange. Each step towards the stone felt heavy, yet at the same time he felt . . . drawn to it. He could not explain it. Perhaps that was part of the sword's power. Drawing people towards it, only to fail. But at this point, Arthur didn't even care. What they had set out to do, was done. The tyranny had come to an end. All he need to now was fulfil his part of the challenge and then they go home. Or well, find a new home. Arthur paused at the stone, standing before it. He turned his head to look at the crowd. Silence. Everywhere. He could see his friends watching -- even Gwaine for once had no smirk on his face. He saw Guinevère, standing next to Sir Leon. And . . . he saw all the people. Two armies, watching. Waiting. Expecting this not to last long, Arthur meant what he said. Let's get it over with.

But then he turned to look at the sword. The hilt was incredible, the part of the blade that was not immersed in the stone was beautiful. A golden strip with inscriptions upon it. Yes. The sword was mesmerizing and Arthur found it impossible to look away. He just stared at it in wonder, in awe, before somehow snapping out of it. Or maybe he didn't at all, as he raised a hand towards it. Strange, that the sword seemed to have him in some sort of trance. But never the less, he did not question it.

His fingers curled around the hilt and something compelled him to close his eyes. He did not fail to recognize, just how perfectly the handle of it fit around his hand. The grooves and grip seeming to perfectly align with his fingers. His eyes were closed, and suddenly . . . he felt one with the blade. He didn't even try to explain it or understand. Not even when he heard it talking to him. He felt it, and when he broke out of this trance, perhaps he would ask anyone else if they heard it to. The sword, was telling him it's name.

Excalibur

The name was unfamiliar for he had never heard it referred to as such. If the druids knew it, they had left that part out. If they didn't . . . then Arthur did not know what that meant. He only knew that he was embracing this moment. That all else seemed to disappear around him. That, as he previously acknowledged, he became one with the sword. And such oneness, such unity, had him take a slow breath -- as if the sword moved with his inhalation. In sync with his breathing for as he took that slow breath, he effortlessly pulled out the sword, feeling it shift. Feeling it loosen. Feeling it come out, as if it was lodged in butter and now solid stone.

When he let out the breath, the sword had come out and Arthur opened his eyes to see the gleam of gold. Holding it high up in the air he just stared at it in the same wonder. Unable to let it go, as if . . . it was made for him. Or he was made for it. The only thing that broke him from the trance was when he heard the words. "Long live the king!" That, was when he realized it. He realized what had happened. He turned around to look at the crowd who were all suddenly upon their knees before him. Arthur's eyes widened as he just stared, sword still gripped in his hand, held up for all to see. The chant erupted through the crowd and Arthur froze. This, had not gone according to plan.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère forgot that Morgana was there, she forgot there was two armies. She could only watch as Arthur walked up to the sword. She watched as he wrapped his fingers around the hilt and paused. For a moment he closed his eyes, and everything was quite. She held her breath, and waited. The anticipation was madding! She wasn't even sure what to think in this moment other then the silent prayer that he would pull it! EVEN knowing that he didn't want this.

ANd then, he did! HE PULLED THE SWORD FROM THE STONE THAT HAD KEPT IT SAFE FOR LONGER THEN SHE KNEW! Before the knights of two armies, and before his FORMER queen of a sister he pulled it!! Before the druids that had kept it safe through Uther's rule, he had pulled it--ending their long guardianship of it!

Guinevère felt, more then saw Leon kneel; and then saw some of Morgana's army kneel! First it was one or two, then handfuls, and then dozens and then more and more! Guinevère knelt down with them, her eyes still wide, and surprised! Not form doubt, but from this even happening at all! Everyone but Morgana knelt as the chant started 'Long live the king!' THE KING OF CAMELOT! The one true king! The once and future king! Arthur Pendragon!

This changed everything!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

The more he heard the words, the more reality began to set in. The more the, meaning of them was clear. He looked at Guinevère who was also now kneeling, and seeing everyone in a bow . . . was highly unsettling. It made him want to tell everyone to stand up but he had no voice. He felt silenced in the moment, and all he was able to do was stare. Part of him wanted to just, turn and try to push the sword back in. But the other part of him -- the more dominant part -- suddenly felt like he could not be parted from it. Those of the enemy's army was also kneeling and the former blacksmith did not miss what this meant. It was only a disturbance that finally shifted the moment as he heard the muttering of ancient words. He turned to see a hand extended but before anything could be done, his attacker was sent flying back. She wasn't dead, but distanced.

Arthur turned towards the source. One of the druid elders. She had tried to use magic and they had stopped her. "You, Arthur Pendragon, are the one true heir." No he wasn't! He was a blacksmith! He spoke something of being pure of heart, of how the sword -- Excalibur -- was now entrusted to him and with it, he would unite the lands of Albion. No. No! This was . . . wrong! He couldn't possibly be this king they spoke of. When the druid elder stopped, and people began to rise to their feet, Arthur took the few steps towards Guinevère, and Leon who was still standing close to her. "What the hell just happened?" He asked, clearly worried, clearly . . . panicked. He was still holding the sword though. Maybe he should . . . what? Give it back? He couldn't exactly do that. "What . . . exactly happens now?" He asked, looking between Guinevère and the knight. His friends were approaching and he just . . . "I can't do this," he whispered to Guinevère, knowing that she -- more than anyone else -- would understand his feelings about this.

[Guinevère]

One moment, Guinevère was kneeling, staring that the new king, and the next, Leon jumped forward, but then stepped--She hadn't even noticed that Morgana had moved to try something, but Leon had. The druids that stopped her. Guinevère rose to her feet as Arthur came over, and he spoke--he wasn't right! This wasn't what he wanted. Leon was watching Morgana, so Guinevère felt someone to come stand hear her, and looked to see his friends there. Her brother!

Turning back to him, she spoke, "Follow your heart, Arthur. It will not fail you. What do you want to do? You always have a choice. Even if it sometimes does not feel like you might." She wouldn't make this choice for him, but would stand behind him in whichever he choose. Leon moved closer and ended up stepping slightly between Guinevère and Arthur. Not with disrespect, but he was a knight addressing his king, and she was a servant--even if she was a valued one. 'We need to leave, Morgana will not be allowed to follow. She's lost her army, and we need to use this to take back the citadel, and the kingdom.' Guinevère stepped to the side, so she could still see Arthur around Leon. "He is right, in that we cannot stay here." She pointed out, needing him safely away from Morgana--be it as a king or blacksmith.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

A choice. Did he actually have one now? He did before. He had a choice and he had chose to challenge Morgana and now that choice had led him to grip a sword that made him king! So yes. A choice. A choice made. It was too late to turn back now. He felt his head spinning, everything happening so fast. He wanted only security for the kingdom, not to rule it! Yet, the people were already addressing him. Sire. Bowing. This was . . . too much. He was but a mere blacksmith! He looked at Leon as he spoke of needing to get back, then looked at Guinevère, then back at Leon.

"Alright," he decided, not even realizing he spoke for he was still trying to process what had just happened. "Let's . . . go back to the city then." The news was going to spread quickly and Arthur hoped it would for that could be in their favour. He had no desire to fight, or harm anyone. He wanted to end this peacefully . . . or well, as peacefully as could be expected.

He looked towards the druids with a nod, before stepping towards Guinevère, wanting to be alongside her. He saw his friends approach, and could practically predict Gwaine's words before he said them in that teasing way. "Your Majes--" "Don't," Arthur immediately interrupted. He was still Arthur. Just, Arthur. "Let's go," he urged, needing to get away from this crow, waiting for Guinevère more than the knights that seemed ready to follow.

[Guinevère]

Arthur agreed, and his friend tried to be funny--she had the feeling he was always trying to be funny. Arthur moved closer to her, and Leon looked between them. "Then we will go." She promised, and looked to the knight. Leon gave a bow, and turned to give orders--the king's orders. Reaching to pull Arthur's hand toward her, she held it tight. To her brother and this friends, "We need to keep him safe, until we get there." Morgana would try anything. His friends seemed to be in agreement, for they crowded him, and they wall went together.

It was a long ride to the citadel, and took them 2 days. They didn't speak much on the ride there. Everyone, Leon and the knights and Arthur and his friends, all seemed to know that nothing would be decided until they reached the city. It was just after dawn then the flags could be seen. Shortly after when the towers came to view. And shortly after when the walls that protected it where larger and larger. Guinevère rode beside him, and watched him closely. While they had a moment away from the knights, she tried to help. "Tell them they should see the city settled before you meet with them. It will give you time to before you have to decide anything." A few hours, MAYBE, but still time.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Arthur felt like he was in some sort of daze. Where everything was happening around him and he was just . . . here. Somehow here, in the middle of all this chaos. Yet, perhaps it would not be chaos. Perhaps everything would be settled. Yet, that was not the issue at hand. This was not at all what Arthur thought would happen. He hadn't even considered it and thus, he had not prepared for it. He was quiet for most of the journey, but he did not miss the way the knights looked to him. The way they remained close to . . . protect him, he supposed. He appreciated it but at the same time, was not ready for the magnitude of what this all meant. He was supposed to only help the city settle and then leave with Guinevère. Yet it all seemed so . . . complicated now. Didn't it?

As he rode next to Guinevère he was glad for a quiet moment alone, and she spoke of a way to buy him some time. Though he feared he would need days rather than hours. "I have no idea what I'm going to do," he admitted to her in a low voice, only to be heard by her. "These men look to me and I . . . " He glanced around them for a moment, seeing the sea of red. He still refused to wear armour or the Pendragon cape. "Don't know what to tell them," he said, looking back at Guinevère. He was exposed now, and he had done something that granted him the kingship. "I thought only to free Camelot of tyranny. Not . . . to assume the throne." And yet, that seemed to be exactly what happened. For while Guinevère said he had a choice . . . did he truly?

[Guinevère]

Even days later, Arthur was struggling under the weight of what has happened. Guinevère knew this was the last thing he wanted--and she felt torn. He was fated to be this, but he wanted to be something else. She wouldn't make this choice for him. Not after everything she'd put him through last time. She wanted him to follow his heart . . . even if it took him away from her.

Kings and servants still were unheard of, and IF he took the crown he would have enough of trouble. She wouldn't add too it by making him explain that choice to people who would be looking at him for everything else.

"It will be a hard choice, but your friends are here with you. As long as you do what feels right, they will follow you anywhere." Just as she would. She'd serve him as king faithfully, and always help. She had seen him honor in the small moments, and in the big moments. She didn't doubt that he would be a great king. It would take him time to learn the role, but he would always put the people first; and that was something the people hadn't seen in a long time.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

He knew that her words were true. His friends had followed him thus far, and the others . . . they just assumed he wasn't as bad as the queen. Or well, former queen. Arthur remained silent as he thought over her words, still trying to decide what to do. He had pulled a sword that deemed him king; was there truly any walking away from that now? He had a feeling that no matter where he went, or what he did . . . he would not be able to leave this behind him. What if all that talk of destiny and fate was true? What if this was the role he was meant to fulfil?

He turned to look at Guinevère, not failing to remember the plans they had to leave. He did not forget that he had kissed her, and that they had spoke of being together, away from all this. "Will you stay?" With me was the implied addition to his words, knowing they were evident in his gaze and hope she knew exactly what he was asking. That if he decided to assume the role of king, that she would still be here. With him. By his side. For surely, if a blacksmith could be king, then a former servant could ascend through the ranks.

[Guinevère]

Arthur looked over at her, and Guinevère held the reins tighter sine she didn't want to look away. He only asked one thing of her, and she wondered if that hinted to what he was thinking about. Was he thinking of staying and being king? Did he believe in the legend of the sword? That he was destined to be the once and future king? That he would bring peace and prosperity to the land? -- Because she did.

Would she stay? She knew the answer without thinking about it. "If you do," she told him, meaning it. She wanted to see him do it. Had since they met. Yet she wasn't going to put that on him. This would need to be his choice. The hardest one he would ever make; or the first of many hard choices. "Or if you go, I go with you." She promised. "We are friends, are we not?" She teased him, trying to ease his mind, "and as I said, your friends are with you no matter your choice."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Her words provided him with unimaginable relief. To hear her say that she would stay if he did; that she would leave if he did. He wasn't certain what he had ever done to deserve her loyalty, or the loyalty of anyone else. It had to be earned, surely. Yet her unwavering faith in him left the former blacksmith in awe. Somehow, it allowed him to believe in himself, when she believed in his so strongly.

He couldn't quite explain it, but it was felt none the less. He just, stood by what he had said before . . . in that he never wished to be a disappointment, to anyone. Her question of them being friends, brought him back to the moment as he gave a bit of a smile. "Well, I'm not in the habit of kissing my friends," he said teasingly, hoping that they were . . . more than friends. He couldn't quite define it, but he wished to explore it. That if he were to be king, nothing would change that desire. "Thank you, Guinevère. I would not have been able to do this, any of this without you." And he hoped she knew that, as well as just how much he appreciated her.

[Guinevère]

He spoke of kissing her, and she smiled knowing that once he made his choice they'd have to have that conversation. The one where she would have to tell him she'd be his friend, always, but when he was a king he would need to find a real princess. One would would build an alliance with, and give the kingdom something to help it. Coin, lands, a friend in times of need.

Yet his other words were the ones she spoke of, "You pulled a sword from a stone that had kept it locked in place since before my grandfather." She reminded him, "You were born to make this choice. I had nothing to do with it. You'd have been here with or without me." She believed that, that he was born to do this. "Whither it is only ending Morgana's rein, or taking the throne; I believe that you were meant to pull the sword from the stone.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Born to pull the sword from the stone. "Perhaps," he said thoughtfully, but he could not fully believe it. He did not believe he was destined for greatness. How he managed to do what he did . . . he hadn't the faintest idea. But surely, a mere blacksmith was not meant for such things. "But I would not have been alive to make that choice had it not been for you," he added on, knowing that she had saved his life on more than one occasion. And he did not wish for her to minimize her role in all this. Arthur would have continued but Leon quickly rode up to him, saying that they were nearing the city. Arthur took a slow breath, the nerves returning as they drew closer. What would be waiting for him there? It seemed he was able to find out.

And it didn't take long to do so, for the city was rejoicing. Free from tyranny, and curious to see their new king. Arthur felt all eyes on him, and this time, he didn't have a sword to distract him. He just looked back at all the people, hearing that same daunting chant of Long live the king! echoing through the city. It made Arthur's heart beat heavier in his chest, until they reached the courtyard. It was at that point that he felt it was going to leap out of his chest. The others gathered, as Arthur just took in the sight of the castle, gazing up at it. The last time he was here, he had been sneaking around the dungeons to help free the knights. Now . . . he was expected to be king. Voices distracted him as elder men came out -- who Arthur presumed to be councilmen -- welcoming the new king.

Leon was also explaining things, but Arthur just felt everything spinning around him. He did as Guinevère suggested, telling them that they should make sure everything was secure and that he would inform them of his decision. A few of them looked confused -- as if this was something that Arthur needed to decide, but he used that excuse to sneak away, asking for a moment alone. Where he would go, Arthur hadn't the faintest clue. Anywhere he wouldn't be found, which landed him in a storage closet that he had found while wandering around the castle halls. He leaned against the wall with his eyes closed, trying to control the heavy beating of his heart. Trying to tell himself to calm down. Trying . . . to figure out what to do.

His mother had kept him away from all this, so not to corrupt him. But, had she wanted this for him? He knew the answer already for if she didn't . . . she never would have written that letter. She never would have left it for him to find. He knew that should be enough to make the decision, but . . . he was still uncertain. And yet . . . maybe there was no uncertainty. For if Arthur searched his heart, if he truly looked deep within it, he knew the answer. He knew the choice. There was never any choice. Every decision he had made, every encounter he had, every event that occurred . . . led him on this path. It was destined. And, one could not escape their own destiny.

Thus, the decision was made, and as soon as Arthur emerged from his secluded spot, he could feel every awaiting the answer. He told them, he would be king. They wasted no time. Ushering him to get ready for his coronation. Arthur still refused to wear a cape, but he was given fresh clothes and chainmail. He did not have too much time for once things were settled . . . the coronation was that evening. Everything seemed to happen in a flash, for one moment he was hiding in a closet . . . the next, he was standing before the now opened doors where a throne and crown awaited him.

[Guinevère]

Arthur had disappeared somewhere into the castle. With everything else that had happened of late it did worry her--you never knew where Morgana would find a way in. Yet she trusted that he was taking whatever time he needed to make a choice. A choice that would define his future, and the rest of his life. So to give him space, Guinevère spent time with her brother. They walked the city, looked at their childhood home . . . . let Gwaine find the tavern, and the pretty barmaid. Guinevère decided she liked Gwaine. He had a way of taking the seriousness of life and making it humorious. He also flirted with everything! It was good to smile when things were so . . . . big right now.

They were returning to the castle when Percival, who had stayed behind to talk with some knights that he'd befriended, came running to tell them that there would be a coronation. Arthur was going to be king. Apparently Percival had tried to talk to his friend but with everything happening to fast and with Arthur being king now, he couldn't get to see him. "How long do we have?" asked Guinevère, who was used to things happening in the castle, far more then they were. She had just over an hour! So she sent each man off with a mission!

It helped that Arthur had so many friends. It helped that she was used to getting ready for grand events and knew just what needed to be done. It helped that because of her postilion with Morgana people still listened to her--though they hesitated for a moment before doing so. She looked unloyal, she knew. Everyone had saw her as Morgana's handmaiden and loyal friend. She'd stood by Morgana when Morgana had ruler with crass and hate. Now she readied for a knew king, with ease. They didn't know she'd aided Leon. Not many did. Yet they still did as she asked, and she realized that some did it out of habit, some did it because they didn't know what else to do; but many did it because they trusted her---and that humbled her. To know that others, while not told what she was doing, had seen she wasn't like Morgana.

At the end of the hour, the room was readied, the crown was polished, and Arthur's friends were clean (a job she'd given Gwaine was to find them clothes that didn't smell like they'd lived in them for days) . . . . (She wasn't going to ask WHERE he found them on such short notice). The sunlight came into the room from the wide open windows to the sides, and the room had a brightness that it never had with Morgana. The red banners were clean, and bright with new fabric (a job she'd given Percival since he could help get them up). Sefa and Rosa, two friends of Guinevère's, had helped him by quickly sewing them together. The throne, which was made of gold and red, had been cleaned, with garlands of flowers draped around the single chair; on the right (the king's powerful side) was the Pendragon seal. On the left (the side of the king's heart) was his mothers--Thank you Elyan, a blacksmith who made it from memory!

They were in the back, since only knights were allowed in the front. As Leon entered, Guinevère stepped out toward him and spoke in a low voice. Leon looked behind her at Arthur's friends, and then nodded; moving his friends (and her!) toward the front. When another questioned it, Leon told him that these people were personal guests of the king's! No one questioned it after that!

Everything was ready! Now they just needed the Once and Future King!

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Intimidation didn't even begin to cover how Arthur felt right now. The doors opened and the room was filled with people. All eyes on him. Arthur hated being the centre of attention! And yet, he kept finding himself in situations where it was inevitable. And . . . this was just the start. He took in the sights, the Pendragon flags, the thrones that were in the front of the room. The man who held a crown. A crown for him. Arthur felt his heart beating so heavy in his chest he feared it would explode. He took a slow breath . . . and all he could do was start walking forward. Each step forward was one closer to the decision he had made. These were final moments to back out. His final chance to step away from all this. To leave with Guinevère and his friends. To be a blacksmith. Temptation was there, yet there was a draw. The same draw he felt when he was walking towards the sword in the stone. As if there was where he was meant to be. As if this was what his future was meant to be. His destiny.

So he stepped forward, trying not to look at the crowd, though trying to see the people he cared for in his peripheral vision. He didn't see them until he reached the front. Because they were right there. That certainly gave him strength, to know that he was not alone . . . in any of this. He knelt down in front of where the elder man held the crown, speaking words that Arthur never thought he'd ever hear. Hell, he didn't even think he would step foot inside the castle! A castle that was now meant to be his home. What did he even day in response? Yes? I do? I will? What was the proper response? It was now that he realized just how ill prepared he was for all this. He knew nothing of politics and regions and ruling! How was he going to do this? The panic was starting to set in, yet he made no show of it because there was also this overarching, calmness. A contradiction in itself, to experience both feelings at the same time. Yet, just like everything else that was happening and that he felt . . . he could not explain it.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?"

"I solemnly swear so to do."

"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?"

"I will."

"Then by the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot!"

The responses had come out so naturally, and Arthur closed his eyes for a brief moment when he felt the crown upon his head. Fit perfectly, strangely perfectly. The weight of it felt yet left him unhindered. He opened his eyes and rose to his feet, slowly turning to face the crowd and actually look at them for the first time since stepping inside. It was then that he heard the familiar chant, spoken by a familiar face. "Long live the king!" And just like it had at the stone . . . the chant erupted through the hall. Arthur gazed around at the people. People who were now looking at him to rule, as if he had any knowledge on how to do so. Yet, as his eyes scanned the crowd, it rested upon one group of people. The people that would be his greatest strength. Looking at them, seeing their lips move with the chant . . . it felt unsettling. And encouraging all the same. He locked eyes with them, finding it easier to breathe to see them. To see her.

[Guinevère]

This was it! This was it! This was it! The chant in her mind came over and over as the doors opened! Arthur walked in and and she found her face smiling! He would be king! He was already a king, but this would proclaim to everyone that Arthur Pendragon was the king of Camelot; and he was king by destiny and blood! He had the sword from the stone to prove it!

Her skin broke out into goosebumps and she watched as he walked down, and keeled before someone for the last time! He spoke the words, and then . . . . he was king! Leon's voice rose out to begin the chant, and then the room filled with a chorse of words that filled the halls with a wonderful sound! "Long live the king!" Arthur's eyes found her's and she smiled, her chin going up in pride as he stood there with the crown! She blinked away the tears that prickled her eyes and clapped her hands together once, before holding them to her heart that beat so hard!

This was everything she'd wanted for him, but would never had (again) asked it of him! Yet seeing him there now, a king, she also knew this was where she had to let him go.

The room grew quite, and everyone began staring at him. It was time for his first words as king! She could see his face, and knew he wasn't comfortable with this, even though he hid it well. Everyone looked at him now, waiting to see if he would give them hope, as she knew he would! Guinevère smiled up at him, with more an understanding smile at his discomfort, then an expectant one. It was time to be the light int he darkness.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur stood there as the chanting continued, and hoped that soon enough, the chanting would stop and he could step down from this elevated position and be with the people once more. But . . . only half of that happened. The chanting eventually eased and then there was silence. Nothing but silence. All eyes were on him and there was an, expectancy in the air. He could feel it. Was he to make a speech? Was he to just step down? What was the protocol of being king?! What did one do on their coronation?! Wasn't this something that prince's were taught at a young age? He was not raised to make eloquent speeches and yet, everyone seemed to be just . . . staring at him. Waiting for him to give words of . . . what? Hope? He felt like he was going to be sick as his stomach turned, realization continuing to hit him like the weight of stones. Almost as hard as Morgana had stuck him.

The silence lingered and the people did not move. He could have sworn they weren't even blinking! Though perhaps that was more his nerves. He to Guinevère and the others again, trying to think of what he should say that would not make him a fool. And looking at her, he knew what the best course to take was. He knew, he had to speak from the heart, rather than offer practiced words and say only what the people wanted to hear. He needed to be sincere. Guinevère made him feel like he had a good heart, so now, he needed to earn the people's respect. It would take more than a few words, but at least this would be a start.

"I do not seek power," he began to say, knowing the contradiction because alas, here he was being crowned king. But, from what he heard of Uther and Morgana . . . power was a big part of their rule. It was why Arthur still refused to wear the Pendragon seal; why he refused the cape. "I . . . " He paused, voice slightly catching as he was trying to figure out what it was he sought. He eyed the crowd again, figuring he must sound utterly foolish and idiotic right now. Speak from the heart he kept reminding himself. "Seek only peace." That was all he had ever wanted.

"And it is my sincerest hope, that together, we can all achieve peace and prosperity in Camelot once more." Because this was not just about him. Surely, it wasn't. It was about each and every person in Camelot. He would need their help, no matter if they were a noble, knight, servant, civilian, or peasant. "We stand united," he added on, that same churning in his stomach only intensifying the longer he stood there. "For the love of Camelot." Arthur felt he was going to pass out but fortunately, thank goodness for Leon who belted out "For the love of Camelot!" The rest of the knights joined in and Arthur finally was able to breathe. Was it over?! Was it done? He certainly hoped so! And just to add to it's certainty, he descended the stairs and went straight to Guinevère and his brothers of heart.

"What happens now?" He practically mouthed to them, not daring speak it too loud, but before any answer, Leon extended his hand for Arthur to shake. Arthur returned the gesture, a small smile on his lips. The crowd was starting to mingle, and . . . well good! This meant that not everyone would be staring at him but . . . what else was expected of him during this ceremony? People were approaching him, wishing to meet their king and it was all a blur. But Arthur could not help fail to notice, the rank that majority of the people held.

He wanted to go outside. He wanted to be among the people that he had come from. His mother was a civilian, and he held more roots with that than with being a royal. He leaned towards Guinevère, speaking in a low voice. "Would you like to come outside with me?" He asked, knowing it was more of a favour to him. She was from here. This was her home. She would have a better understanding of the people here than he would and if he was to address them, he preferred doing it with her by his side.

[Guinevère]

"For the love of Camelot!" She echoed the others, smiling at his speech because he spoke openly, and honestly, and it was everything the people needed to hear! It was the best speech a king had given, and she'd heard many! Short, but one that was honest rather then one that was trying to serve a hidden goal!

Arthur walked over to his friends, but they weren't given his attention as knights, and nobles and so many others all came up to speak to him. Guinevère stayed close, talking to her friends--especially the new ones and her brother! It was not long after everyone was beginning to enjoy themselves when she heard him ask, "Would you like to come outside with me?" in a low voice. Smiling, she agreed. Deciding to give as good as she got, Guinevère teased her knew friends before leaving. "You're in charge of babysitting him while I gone. Keep him from the women and the ale," she teased making the men laugh, while Gwaine put his hand over his heart and swore she was the only woman he saw!

Turning to walk beside Arthur, Guinevère smiled up at him. "I like your friends," she told him, loving their playfulness. After so long of darkness, this was the happiest she'd been in forever!

Arthur Pendragon