A Reason For Treason [A Retelling of a Legend]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur gave a nod to them, and was quite glad to see them smiling. To see that they were seemingly unaffected by this. Not that he ever doubted their loyalty, but seeing them embrace these changes was a relief. Besides, Arthur had a plan of what he wished to do. He would of course ask them first if it was something they wanted, and then he would have to do an abundance of research to find a loophole. If there was none, then he would break the traditions of knights. For he refused to serve Camelot without the support of his brothers. "They're good men," Arthur told her, glad to see that she was also getting along with them. "It was unsettling to see them on their knees bowing," he admitted. It was unsettling to see everyone bowing before him. They were all equals yet such a position did not indicate as such.

He tried to make his way through the crowd, getting stopped occasionally, one knight asked him where he was going and Arthur practically asked "Out?" Yet without protection, that did not seem to be wise. He didn't care. He just, needed a moment out of this room and couldn't explain his relief when they got to the doors that led to the hallway. Arthur finally let out a heavy breath, a strong exhalation as if he had been holding it in this entire time. Part of him wanted to remove the crown but he knew it was too late, for the weight of it would always remain. "Did everything go alright in there?" He asked her, wondering if everything was . . . normal. If this was how a typical coronation was meant to be, for he was far from a typical king. And, Arthur wasn't certain that was a good thing.

[Guinevère]

"There are there because they want to be. Because they believe in you, and what they know you can do for the kingdom." Guinevère reminded him, knowing that this was new, and happening so quickly for him; yet it was what he was born for. Even if he didn't believe it, yet. They believed it. Even if all he did was work toward peace, it was more then what the people had seen from a ruler in a while.

A guard stopped him, and Arthur ignored the warning. As they walked out she saw a few follow at a distance behind them, just in case. "Their job is to protect you," she told him, knowing it would take him for him begin giving orders. As they walked the halls, and out of the castle, she wondered where he was taking them. People bowed and stared as they walked past. Looking up at his crown, then down at his face she finally answered, "You were brilliant! You could feel the hope growing in the room!" Looking back where she was walking, Guinevère clapped her hands before her as they moved. "Morgana was . . . . a hard ruler. Uther took the kingdom by force, and kept a strong hold on it. He did a lot of good for the kingdom, but he was swift with punishment. Morgana learned from that, I think. She only knew that people obeyed fear."

"Knowing you seek peace, and given time to see you honor life will make the people love you. It will take time, but they will see the good you can do!" Which brings her to a question, "What will be the king's first order?" She asked, a slight tease in her voice.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur knew her words to be true. His friends were there because they wanted to be. They had come to the gathering army, because they chose to. They had left their lives in the city because . . . they had faith in him. He wanted to honour that. To honour them. And he was planning to do so the only way he knew how he could. Give them the highest honour. For they were his brothers. He grew distracted by noticing the men that followed, Guinevère explaining that their job was to protect him. He thought back to those who may have died to protect him. It was . . . just as unsettling as so many other things. To know that these people would place their lives in danger, for him. He knew it was more for the crown but still.

"I wish they wouldn't," he said in a low voice. He knew that sounded ungrateful and quickly clarified. "I only mean I wish no one felt they had to . . . endanger themselves." But there was an army of knights that fought for the their sovereign and protection of the kingdom. He hoped to prove that he would do the same for everyone here. Arthur couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him when she explained that he had been . . .brilliant. Brilliant! "I feared I sounded ridiculous," he admitted with amusement. He listened to her explain Morgana and Uther's rule; both laden with power and ruling through fear. "I hope so," he admitted quietly. "I still can not bring myself to wear it," he said, hoping she knew what he meant.

"I feel no pride in it, until I rightfully earn their respect and loyalty is deserved from the people." He would not wear it. There was so much more he wished to say, but then she asked him what his first order as king was. Had her tone been different, he would have felt the weight of the question. But considering they were now in the courtyard and in each other's company, Arthur felt ease in answering. "Not so much an order, as it is a debt owed," he said the same tease in his voice. "I seem to remember giving you a tour in the town I lived," he told her with a continued smile.

"I believe it time you repay the favour," he added playfully. He knew this was not going to be his life: casual strolls through the city. He also did not want it for the eyes that would be upon him and his crown. In fact, he had considered taking off the crown. But . . . he could no longer hide. He had his coronation and everyone now knew. He wanted to learn the city, walk the streets, be among the people and have them know . . . that he was just like them. "Perhaps starting with where we first met." His once forge, and a forge once owned by her father.

[Guinevère]

"It will take time for everyone to build faith in the Pendragon name," she corrected herself, knowing what he meant about the cape. He had refused to wear it that night before he left. He refused to wear it now. The color or the seal, or the cape. Yet he wore the crown, and that was the first step to changing the minds of everyone--the people and himself.

"You owe a debt?" She asked, while trying to think of how since he'd not been to the city other then the once before. Oh! "I owe a debt!" She corrected, again with a small laugh at realizing what he meant. He wanted to see the market, and the town, and the people. Her chin lifted with pride as she looked over at him; "Well then, I better make sure to pay my debts."

Looking around she decided which way would be best, and then gestured at a path they'd almost just passed. "Lets go down this way," Moving with him there, she explained, "It will keep us from going through the market. We can save that for last since everyone will wish to speak with you!" Especially while he walked with the crown on! Though she wasn't going to let him remove it until everyone knew who he was! "This is a path used by the tavern there, and the baker there, to move their supplies in and out without filling the street. However, during mid-day it's a short cut I used to take to the citadel for work."

They were out from prying eyes for the moment, in the shadowed back way, so she spoke freely. "You know, our last one was cut short," she reminded of how they'd ended it swiftly, when she realized who he was. "I never did apologize for how I handled that. I hadn't expected to find you."

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Yes. It would indeed take time. And action. He still considered himself more of his mother's son, than his father's son. He did not wish to be like Uther or Morgana. He wanted to take after his mother, and rule with the values and morals she had instilled within him. As far as he knew, he had only one parent. He smiled as he followed her lead, taking in the sight of every path. Every building. Every detail that he could take in at this moment. He also quite liked the sound of them going through a quieter path, wanting to greet the people but also . . . wanting to spend this time with her first.

He knew it would be limited in the days to come, and familiarizing himself with the city was secondary; a convenient -- though legitimate -- excuse to spend time with Guinevère. She spoke of a short cut to work and, part of him wanted to ask her what she would do in Morgana's absence. Would she remain a servant? With him being king and his friends knights . . . surely there was a way to elevate her, as she deserved. Fortunately, her last statement distracted him for he did not wish to dampen the moment with talk of work and status. He smiled when she told him that their last one was cut short. "I don't blame you," he said with a slight chuckle. "But, just means I'll have to make it up to you," he said teasingly, perhaps with flirtation in his voice as well.

"Of all places to find the one you were looking for," he said with a chuckle and slight shake of his head. So much had felt like fate . . . destiny. Perhaps that was too. "I hope to return to that town soon," he admitted. The house he was raised in was still there, and he wished to collect what he could. "Perhaps you could accompany me? And I can give you a proper tour," he suggested smiling. He wanted to show her his home. His real home. Not this, extravagant castle. But rather . . . where he came from. For she knew the path he was set on now, but not his roots. To him, that was just as -- if not more -- important.

[Guinevère]

"So the king is in my debt now," she teased him, as they walked, since he had teased her saying she was in his debt. Not that she believed either owed a debt to the other. It was all in fun, just like it was before at his village . . . Which made her remember she needed to stop flirting with him. He was the king after all. She was a servant, and this couldn't be.

He was going back!? For a visit she hoped. "Arthur," she hesitated, slowing her step while they were alone. "I'd love to go, but . . . you're a king now. People will judge you by who you are seen with." And she was Morgana's servant, turned his servant? Or a servant in the castle maybe. "I am not sure that I would be appropriate." Though she wanted nothing more then to be his friend. TO be more then his friend. "I promised to follow you whenever you went, and I will. However that might be."

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur may have only known her a short while, but he could tell with her tone that something was coming. Her steps slowed and something in the air shifted, even if it was just slightly. She spoke of how people would judge him by who he was seen with. He stopped his own steps when she then referred to herself as . . . inappropriate. He understood what she was saying and yet, didn't at the same time. "And yet, is it appropriate for a blacksmith to be king?" He asked, the question a bit rhetorical for he knew it was not. He was a blacksmith far longer than a royal and . . . he knew that status just didn't disappear. Or at least, he assumed as such.

"Is it appropriate for me to be seen with the men who I considered my brothers?" Another rhetorical question . . . considering one of those men was her own brother. And the fact that he was going to find a way to knight them. "I don't know how the people will see me as king, but I know the people who see me as Arthur. And I would much rather they stand with me, than follow me." She was included in that category. His thoughts of her, his growing feelings did not change because he was king. If anything, they grew. For it was her strength that helped bring him here. "People should be judged for their heart and actions, not their blood and titles." Because blood and titles were nothing if one did not have the strength of heart. That was how Arthur wished to rule. With his heart. Not just his head. "And you Guinevère, have a good heart." Words filled with sincerity as he looked at her, wanting her to see that he truly meant it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled at his words, seeming to doubt her earlier thoughts but not quite ready to let it go. "Are you sure?" She asked, not wanting to feel as if she expected anything to happen. She hadn't pushed him to be king to give herself an advantage. She did it because she believed he'd be a better king then Morgana--and then believed he'd be the best king for the kingdom!

Stepping closer, she looked up at him. "You don't wish to marriage a princess?" She asked, wanting to be with him, but knowing that he might have pressures or something might change. "A princess might bring you more. Land, or coin, and an alliance you might need?" Guinevère hadn't kissed him since the sword was pulled, and that was because she was waiting for him to make his choice--and apparently he had? With her in mind too? It humbled her, and she needed to be sure before she let hope bloom.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Was he sure. Arthur didn't think he was sure of anything. Except, for the bonds he had created. But then she spoke of marrying a princess and his eyes slightly widened at the thought of it. "I definitely don't wish for that," he told her. The thought of marrying a princess was . . . daunting. Would they try force that upon him? Surely they couldn't make him. "Land and coin does not mean happiness." He knew what happiness was. Happiness was being surrounded by the people you loved.

People that you found joy with. His life had been simple, but he had been happy with his mother. With his friends. Giving that up for the sake of gold and land was . . . not something Arthur was willing to do. "And I would rather have a happy marriage, then a forced one." For surely, any princess forced in such a position would not be happy either. "Are they going to try to make me marry a princess?" He asked her, voicing aloud his earlier thoughts. He didn't know how much control the council had but he assumed that he as king, had the final word and that was certainly something he was not going to agree to.

[Guinevère]

She liked his response, but fouces on the end of it before the beginning of it. Were they going to make him? Surely he knew that as king, there wasn't anything anyone would make him do? She tried not to smile at his words. "Arthur, you are a king now. No one can make you do anything you do not wish to do." She told him.

Stepping closer still she reached out to touch his arm. "I only spoke of it because I know being a king is something I couldn't imagine. You will get to define what the laws are, and how the kingdom will grow. If you do that by seeking out an marriage that would help it, I wouldn't . . . .I would understand." However, "Yet I too think that happiness is worth more then coin and land." That the chance of love was worth the risk.

"I'd like . . . I'd like to still---I mean if you still---" How did one ask a king to fall in love with her? "I'd like to go with you them." To his village. "I'd like a tour." And so much more.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

He supposed that was true. But to still realize that was the . . . ultimate authority was rather, nerve wrecking. A feeling that only grew more daunting as she spoke of how he would create the laws and how the kingdom would prosper. But he focused on the other part of her words. The part that he liked. The part where . . . she told him she would like a tour. She may have said she understood, but Arthur doubted he could ever marry someone he didn't love. He took her hand that touched his harm, holding it in his own as he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of it.

"I may be king, but as you said, I have a choice in how I choose to . . . be one." To rule as one. "And being in an unhappy marriage would not make for a very strong king." Because he had learned the value of having loved ones around. How it made one stronger. He knew his mother loved his father, and she had been heartbroken with how things had turned out. Arthur had never forgiven his father for it . . . knowing he had been king, didn't change that. "I don't want to marry a princess or queen, or anyone that I do not love." These were perhaps the most confident words he had said in a long time.

"I've always intended to marry for love, and that has not changed." And . . . with how his feelings for her were developing . . . well, he was looking forward to seeing where this went. He smiled, taking in her words of liking a tour, and found himself excited to give her one. He also was very aware that he was still holding her hand. "I don't know how kings court a woman," he said almost in teasing. "But if I'm doing it wrong, feel free to correct me." Another playful jest, to celebrate the fact that she was agreeing to explore this incredible connection they had.

[Guinevère]

He lifted her hand and kissed it. He spoke of only marrying for love--and Guinevère knew she was beginning to fall for him. Not all at once, but each little amazing thing he did she fell a little bit more. Like missing a step, and almost falling to the next one; her heart jumped and even when she safely handed on the next step--she knew she'd fallen a little bit.

"My father raised me and my brother after my mother died. He never really moved on from her. I've always thought that, I want a love like that when I marry. I can see why you'd wait to find love." She wanted that too, and it was something she was going to hold out for, then she couldn't blame him for doing it as well. THEN he spoke of courting her, and she felt her face heat while she looked down for a moment. He was courting her! Looking up, she twisted her hand in his so their palms touched, and linked their fingers. "I think you are doing wonderful so far." She told him, before leaning in to kiss him. Before their kisses has been in reconnection; but it was just a kiss. One that was for the enjoyment of the moment.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur smiled when she spoke of her father, and how he had not moved on when her mother died. Yes. He wanted a love like that too. A love unlike any other. One that did not compare so when it was lost, you never truly recovered. While the loss of it was heavy, the time spent with each other was incredible. It was a love his mother had for his father. Perhaps, more the man than the king. Though, he understood now why it could never be. And yet . . . he did not want to live like that. Love should know no bounds. Certainly not the bounds of rank or status. "It is worth waiting for, a love like that," he stated, speaking aloud his thoughts.

He did not miss the way a blush touched her cheek, and he found himself wanting to do that more often. Making her blush. Making her shyly look away. All he could do was smile in return, feeling a sense of pride and honour that she thought he was doing a good job. "Good," he said with relief. Truth was, he didn't know how many men had 'courted' Guinevère before. He wasn't even sure this was how one formally did it. But, he was just enjoying the moment. Not over thinking it. Just . . . being himself, with her. For it was so easy to do so. Before he thought to say anything else, she leaned toward him in a kiss, one that he instantly reacted to as he closed his eyes, and wrapped his free arm around her to gently pull her close. To hold her close. A kiss of promise. Of a future.

It was different than their first, yet equally strong. A kiss that robbed him of all sensations, consumed him utterly. And one, that reached its inevitable conclusion as he slowly eased out of it, eyes belatedly opening while one hand still held hers, and the other still wrapped around her. "So this is what courting is like," he said in a playful tone, a somewhat jest in his voice. He smiled, resting his forehead against hers, as the rest of the world disappeared the moment their lips had touched. "How long do you think we have?" He asked quietly, suddenly not wanting to return to all that would be waiting for them once they stepped from their stolen moment of seclusion.

[Guinevère]

And then he kissed her!

And it was a wonderful kiss! His stronger hand moved around her and pulled her in close, making her blood warm in her body. She forgot for a moment they were near the market, with people going about their daily loved just a stone's throw away from their hidden place. Any moment, someone could look down and see her--kissing the newly crowned king! The only thing she did think about was his kiss; the scent of him and then way the heat from his hand on her back made her feel.

He broke the kiss, and she stayed frozen in place for a moment, looking up at him until he spoke about courting her again, which made her blush and smile down at his chest to hide her reaction. She looked over toward the allyway, and then up at the king. "Before we are found here, or before they look for you?" She asked knowing he could mean either.

Guinevère began their walking toward her father's forge, taking the ally as the shortcut. "Someone else has worked it since he died." By the order of Uther, Arthur's father, but she didn't voice that. "So it's not the same as I remember, but I still like knowing the forge is there."

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur briefly thought over the question before replying. "Both," he answered with a smile. He imagined that soon enough, his time would not be his own. He may as well enjoy it when he could. With someone he cared for. He walked alongside Guinevère as she explained that someone else was running the force since her father passed. It made Arthur think about the forge he had back home. If someone would take it over. Or if it would just . . . sit there.

"Was he the first to have one here in the city?" He asked curiously, wanting to know more about her family; about her. Elyan had not spoken much of his background and Arthur had respected that. He assumed from Guinevère's words though, she had more of a readiness to speak of her father and the memories that she held with him. "It must indeed be a comfort. To know that someone carries on his legacy in their work," he told her.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère thought about her words for a moment, not because she didn't know the answer but because they took her into her memories for a moment. "No, the city has always had a few blacksmiths. The royal one has a forge closer to the knight's training arena. My father has one closer to the market." She looked back at him with a smile as they came to the end of the ally. "Though he wasn't in the city at first. My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. I was there until she died, and my father came here to find coin enough to raise two children on his own."

Once they were out of the ally, she made sure that they were the proper distance, even if they were courting. Right now everything was still new, and EVERYONE looked at him as he walked out of the ally with the crown on. As they past people would stare or bow. She knew it was a lot for him, but she wanted this for him too. She wanted him to see the people welcome him, and slowly get to love him. She wanted the people to embrace him, and she knew that they would!

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

Arthur listened to her explain about the forge, and knew that he was going to have to familiarize himself with this entire place. Especially the knight's training area, and the castle and-- they wouldn't expect him to train anyone, would they?! He may know combat but training men was an entirely different skill set, wasn't it? He knew that was not the topic at hand so tried to push it out of his mind but still. The thought, just as this entire kinship, was quite daunting. "It's no wonder you and Leon are close," he said with a smile. "Considering you've known him since you were children." And he quite admired that. He was glad for her, to have a friend such as him. It had been evident in their interactions and Arthur knew that he would be working closely with the man.

And, perhaps even relying on him for a few things. "Who runs the forge now?" He asked, wondering if she held any expectation that Elyan would. Which, brought Arthur's mind to what he hoped to do to honour his brothers. It would leave Elyan little opportunity to become a blacksmith. As they reached the inevitable end, Arthur took a deep breath, knowing they were going to return to the crowd. And once they did, the bowing began. As before, it left Arthur unsettled. Uncomfortable. He tried not to show it, but couldn't help the tension of his shoulders, and the clenching of his jaw. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this," he admitted in an incredibly low voice, meant only for Guinevère's ears. But still, he nodded to them, smiled at them, even shook their hands where he could as a gesture of good faith. These people were where he was from. He would never lose sight of that, no matter what his rank was.

[Guinevère]

Yes, that was a large part of why Leon had trusted her. Yet there was something more to it. Leon was a man of honor, and found always fight for what was best for the kingdom. Had he believed it to be Morgana, then they'd not have crossed paths as they did. He didn't and they'd worked together to help keep the kingdom safe.

"There is a man named Tybalt who runs it now." She explained. She missed being able to visit there, but she'd used it before. He didn't mind her visiting, and they were friends.

Guinevère smiled up at him, as he told her he would never get used to this. "Not soon, but one day it will not seem so different. Perhaps not expected, but not as strange." She told him, following as he stopped to speak to people. She paused outside the forge, and let him speak to others. Guinevère leaned on the pole and just smiled proudly as the one older woman was offering him samples of her baked goods. She wondered if he had realized yet that he was the single riches man in the kingdoms now. All of them. He had his father's money now.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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OF CAMELOT

Not as strange. Arthur wondered how long it would take him to get to that point. Because right now, it all felt incredibly strange. He watched as the people spoke to him, and . . . yes. It was indeed strange. To hear them talk to him with titles, to simply want to shake his hand and yet seem shocked to do so as well. One woman was even offering him baked goods! How different this all was. Where he had worked for every meal back in his home town, here, people were offering him goods . . . for free! His mind went to the boy who was stolen bread, and there was this . . . guilt for taking it now freely. But he could not reject the woman's kind offer. He thanked her profusely, accepting other small tokens such as flowers, and other random things. It touched Arthur's heart. Knowing that these people didn't have a great deal, and yet, they offered it to him. It was both touching and unsettling, for he did not expect this kind of attention.

He turned his head to look for -- at -- Guinevère, smiling as he nodded to her, before turning his attention back to the people. He noticed a group of knights approaching, only able to assume what they were here for. Arthur politely excused himself and wanted to mazimized these last few moments with Guinevère before he was going to be dragged off for whatever . . . kingly duties were expected of him. "You must try this," he said excitedly, offering one of the baked goods that the woman had made. Genuine excitement in the former blacksmith's voice as he smiled at all that was collected in his hands -- which he had conveniently put in a basket. There was a strange irony, for it had been a baked good that prompted him to meet Guinevère back in the other town.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère smiled as he hurried over to and offered her a basket to pick something out to try. Guinevère didn't miss the excitement in his tone, and how he wasn't so tense now. She knew it wasn't because he was comfortable, but more because he was seeing people he was used too rather then knights and nobles, and pressures. "Hmmmm," Guinevère pretended to pick out one and broke off a bit to taste. "It's wonderful!" She agreed! She'd had it before, but it was wonderful!!

Their time in the market was growing to a close, and she knew he would need to do many important things today. They spent some more time together int he market before they parted ways, and she went home. He to him new home. While she wanted to spend time with him, and help him explore the castle--she was a servant. He would welcome her, but for his first day it might be best to not begin by breaking the rules. Having the chance to see him be crowed was enough for her today! After so much darkness, the hope was almost frightening! There was so much she held hope for! He could make choices based on what he knew of the people, and make lives better!

Arthur Pendragon