Written In The Stars

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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King Arthur Pendragon was a father of 3: Alymere, Galahad and Mirela. As arranged by their fathers, he married Princess Elena of Gawant and they started a life together. After several miscarriages and heartache, she finally gave birth to their first child, son and heir to the throne of Camelot. Three years later another son would follow, and two years after that, a daughter.

It would be the last child Elena brought into this world, for she was a victim of Morgana's wrath, and died under her hand. The loss of Elena was heartbreaking to not only the kingdom . . . but to Arthur and his children. He has not married since the five years she passed away, raising the children on his own, but now, suggestions of finding another queen are upon him. He personally has no interest but at the same time . . . does not wish for his children to be without a mother, and be left orphaned should something happen to him. Thus . . . his story continues . . .

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Arthur hated his birthday. To many, it was a celebration of one's birth; rejoicing in another year of achievements. To Arthur . . . it only reminded him of his parents' deaths. His mother died on the day he was born -- because of him. And his father was killed on Arthur's birthday as well. He found no cause of celebration on such a day. Only painful memories of being the one responsible for both his mother and father's death. But alas, his close friends, the council, and most importantly, his children wished to celebrate the upcoming date. Because Arthur would be turning 40. His brothers he could deny. The council he could deny. But when it came to his children . . . that was what made it impossible to say no to.

The three of them were overjoyed and excited for the celebration and grand feast as well as festivities that would follow. Friends and allies from neighbouring kingdoms were even invited. It was getting to be too much. It was going over board, but Arthur simply saw the excitement in his children's face, and did not wish to dampen that. Without a mother, he knew he had much to make up for. But as his children were currently with their tutors, Arthur decided to take a breather from the castle. His tasks as king were never ending and it seldom gave Arthur a moment to himself. But right now, he felt the need to visit the market.

To check on whether all was well, finding the importance of having a presence among not only those within the castle, but among the people of Camelot. He gave nods and smiles to those who acknowledged him, though with the business, he was glad for being able to blend in some. Truth be told, there was another reason he was to market today of all days. He had heard word that Guinevère had returned to the city and . . . well, it had been quite some time since he saw her. Even more since he'd actually spoken to her. The woman that he thought he could one day marry . . . only to be separated from her due to politics.

There was indeed a great deal of history between them and he knew, though it was never fair to Elena, that a part of him would always love her. But today, he wished to see if the rumours were true . . . and he didn't have to wait long to find out. He would recognize her anywhere, despite the amount of time that had passed. He paused, seeing her from behind as she was conversing with a vendor. Watching her for a few moments, he somehow summonsed the . . . courage -- if that was even the right word -- to approach her. When he was standing close enough to her, he finally spoke. "Guinevère." A name he had not said in a long time. A very, very long time.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère, or Gwen to most as it was less formal, had an both interesting, and uninteresting life. Parts of her life, she was sure, would make others jaws hang out in surprise--the other parts of her life would not hold any attention. For the later, it was because farm life wasn't adventurous. It was honest, and busy, and she'd enjoyed it; but other then a amusing story of animals getting lose in random ways, or that ONE time royalty showed up; there wasn't much to tell. For the former . . . .

That was all together different. She'd loved a prince, and been loved by a prince. She'd seen him fight dragons, and small armies while being the only one left standing. She'd seen him at his best, and during times when he struggled to know what his best was. And then, she'd lost him. To his wife.

Guinevère had always known it would happen, but having it happen had hurt. Eventually, she'd taken a husband who was a farmer, and they'd gone out into the kingdom and taken their own land. His name was Auden, and he had been kind. They'd worked well together, and Gwen had been happy. Eventually she'd given him a daughter, Lunete. Lunete was Gwen's whole world! The small farm had been the only life her daughter had ever known, and might have ever known. Until her husband died during an outbreak of the sickness. Lunete had caught it too, but by grace, had recovered.

The loss of her husband had been hard, and keeping a farm going wasn't something she could do alone. So Guinevère decided it was time to return to the city, where she could find work and be closer to the better doctors. Everything was different here. The food, the life, the clothes! Which was how she ended up in the market, catching up with an old friend and buying fabric to make a few dress for her daughter, when it happened.

'Oh! The king is in the market today!' her friend Rosa said in a hushed whisper, and Gwen's breathing slowed. She'd not seen him in years, and the idea that she could be walking and catch sight of him made her heart work a little harder. Arthur. Arthur Pendragon, king of Camelot! She was so lost in her thoughts of MAYBE seeing it, that when she heard her name, goosebumps broke over her skin, and her eyes closed for a moment. Only Arthur called her that. Only he said her name like that. Opening them, she turned to look at him, her face breaking into a bright smile. "Arthur," she returned . . . to the KING, "Your highness," She corrected giving him a bow that she might not have had they'd not been in public. "It's been forever," since she'd seen him. Since . . . . since everything! He looked so handsome! Older and more . . . more everything! She was at a lost of words, while standing here in his gaze.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Seeing her in all her beauty . . . well, it never failed to take his breath away. He remembered it well. When they had passed in the halls, when he'd stolen a glance -- or two -- where he good. And now, perhaps the absence of seeing her in all these years only added to it. For she did indeed look beautiful, and Arthur genuinely smiled back at her. The expression slightly faltered when she corrected herself, using his title and bowing before him. It was always unsettling to see her do that, but . . . he also knew that this was the way things were. No matter how much he had wished to change them.

He took a couple of steps towards her, his hands casually linked together behind him. He leaned towards her, though there was still a significant distance between them so that it did not look too intimate. "There's no need for that," he said almost teasingly, words he had once said to her a long time ago. It had been so many years and still . . . he remembered every conversation he'd ever had with her. But, he would continue to add another reason as to why it was not necessary. "I am among the people today." So formalities were not necessary as he strolled the marketplace. Besides, he always preferred Arthur from her. "How are you, Guinevère?" He asked, knowing the question entailed so much and yet . . . he wanted to know.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère felt herself smiling, and trying to stop herself from laughing at his teasing. She only just was able to keep herself from doing it. He'd said that before too her, and the memory of their youth together warmed her. She hadn't known what to expect when seeing him again; the years that past could have made things slightly awkward, or perhaps to protect themselves from being hurt they'd be friendly but not easy--yet with a handful of well chosen words, she felt like she was a young girl again, and no time at past.

Yet, there had been time, and lives between them. She'd lost a husband, and he a wife. "Among the people? She asked, trying (AND FAILING) to imagine his father doing that. He was making his own way as king, and she'd loved hearing about it. SEEING it, made her heart swell with pride. She wanted to step closer, but held her place. "I am . . . " Guinevère smiled, knowing that he had asked the simplest, and hardest question first. "I am well," She settled with, a bright smile still on her face as she looked over him. His hair had the same disheveled look, but everything else had filled out wonderfully. She wished she'd had been able to see the change, but seeing him now was wonderful.

"The city has changed so much under your rule, and in some ways not at all." Things looked the same, but there was a wellness to it that Uther could never have given it. "I feel wonderful to be back." Perhaps a little sad sometimes, knowing why she moved her, but seeing the city, the people, the wellness . . . the king! It warmed her, and made her ever so glad she came. "And yourself?" Was he as well as he looked? "How are you?" Returning his simple, yet heavy question.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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She questioned his words, implying for further explanation. He remembered once telling his father that they were as much the people's servants as the people were theirs. Uther had . . . strongly disagreed. But Arthur still to this day believed it. Ironically, it had been Guinevère who led him on the path to believe that. To humble himself. She had done so much for him, shaped him to be a future king at the time, even if she had not been with him every step of the way to his kingship.

"Indeed," he confirmed. "It is important, to see how they fare first hand. Rather than just hear reports of it." To be one with them. To show that a king was not, unreachable in his guarded castle. Hearing that she was well kept the smile upon his lips, adding that the city had changed under his rule and hadn't changed at the same time. "I hope that is a good thing," he teased, knowing he couldn't go deeper into the words. He refused to let discomfort linger between them, though speaking to her, hearing her . . . brought back so much nostalgia from the years they were younger.

"I am, well," he answered, using the same words. He wanted to carry on talking to her, to elaborate, to just . . . spend time with her, even if it was just as old friends, but he was far too mindful of the eyes upon him. Guinevère's friend sneaking glances while trying not to be nosy. "If I am not intruding, would you care to walk through the marketplace in my company?" He would not force his presence upon her, all too aware of their past, though he found his heart beating heavier in his chest, hoping she'd accept. Years of learning to keep his emotions in check, to keep himself composed, was a fortune in a moment like this.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère's smile softed as she explained why he was walking int he market, and as his words sank in her chin slowly rose up, and her smile became approving as well as bright. She'd seen 3 Pendragons on the thrown, and she clearly had a favorite, but he was the best one. "That sounds wise," She told him, proud that he had lived up to what she'd hoped he would when they were young. He was a great king, and she liked that he was her king! "It is a very good thing, I was trying to complement you." She teased him, knowing Arthur had always liked to be complemented--not in a vain way, and sometimes not even on things that really mattered. It had been more teasing.

"If I am not intruding, would you care to walk" "I'd love too!" "through the marketplace in my company?" Guinevère laughed softly, before nodding her head and blushing slightly. She seemed very earger there, and that might not have been good. "I'd loved to." She told him, trying again, "I've missed . . . " Him. Oh, she missed him. "The city and would like to catch up on--" Him. "Everything."

She knew others would be watching, and wasn't sure ho much freedom citizen had with kings, so she would follow his lead on touching, and walking. Turning she smiled at her friend. "Could I come back and pick this up tonight?" She asked, paying for the fabric. 'I'll drop it by your house for you!' Rosa said, and Guinevère thanked her before turning to go with Arhur.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Her response made him smile with amusement, noticing the colour that touched her cheeks and . . . it reminded him. Of how he loved doing that to her. Flattering her. And seeing it now, made him realize that he still liked doing that. He knew wasn't fair of him, but how could he not admit that seeing her once more . . . talking to her, made his heart beat in ways that he had not felt in so long. He often wondered if Elena had known, that he loved another. Not letting the thoughts dampen the mood, he gave a nod to her friend and turned to wait for Guinevère.

She missed . . . the city. I missed you he longed to say. But the words remained unspoken. Suppressed, just like so much had. "There is indeed a great deal to catch up on," he agreed. Arthur kept his hands behind his back, a casual stance as he began to walk but . . . one that he did with reason. For he feared that instinct would take over, and he would reach out to touch her. Whether it was a gentle touch on the arm, or . . . a caress on the cheek. He suddenly felt like he was not in control of his actions so he felt it best to keep his hands interlocked behind him. "What brings you back to the city?" He asked with a continued smile, wondering what drew her presence here, not that he had any complaints about it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère fell into step beside him, feeling an hard to describe feeling. During Uther's rein this never would have happened, yet in Arthur's there was no fear of something bad happening over an conversation. "There is! I fear I will ask too many questions, and you'll think me a troublesome child," She teased, knowing they both had children so they'd both understand. When a king had a child, everyone knew. They were always bitter-sweet times for Guinevère, as she was glad he had a family, and wished him all the happiness. That didn't keep her from thinking of him. Of that the fact to have a family, he had to be with his wife. There was always an unsettled feeling she had. Not quite jealously, but perhaps loss? Knowing that their lives were moving more and more part, and that there was nothing--not even magic--that could change things. 

"Work, actually," she told him, "The farm was too much for myself I've come here. I plan to begin taking orders and making clothes soon. I'm just taking time to adjust." The money from selling the farm would let her take her time doing this. "I hadn't realized how much I missed the city until I came back." Looking over at him she smiled, "It feels like home." And a large part was because he was there. Which was also why she had not spoken about Auden dying. She wasn't sure if he knew, Merlin knew so perhaps Arthur did, but she didn't want to have anything ruin this moment. There was this light, almost magical (in a good way) feeling of kinship. A reminder of why they'd been apart might disrupt that feeling. "How is Merlin?" She asked, looking up at him, wondering if they still tormented each other like brothers.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur chuckled as her fear and wished to immediately discourage any reluctance she may have out of worry of irritating him. "You once dealt with me when I was acting as a child," he reminded, wondering if was dangerous to go too far into the past. She had even used such words. That he didn't need to be told to think of someone else, he was not a child. Fond memories. Bittersweet memories. Painful memories. "I doubt any number of questions will compare to that," he teased, focusing on the playfulness of the comment, not in delving too far into the past. But as he had already established, his way of governing Camelot was done very much in mind of Guinevère's words.

Whether she realized all the counsel she had given him or not. He listened intently to her explain why she had come. Looking for work. Merlin had told him that her husband had passed and he was truly saddened by the news. Part of him wanted to go to her to see how she was . . . but he knew he couldn't. It would not serve as any purpose other than pain her further. "You come at a good time then," he told her. "There are celebrations in only a few days time. The people will be looking for a good seamstress, and you were after all, one of Camelot's finest." A compliment on her skills. That was what he needed to focus on. At least he could say it without . . . implications of past intimacies and emotional ties.

He looked at her as she said that it felt like home. "It's doors are always open to you, Guinevère." He still remembered the day she left. He could not even say goodbye the way he wished. He had been married. And . . . it would have been incredibly inappropriate. It would not have been fair. But he had felt it. The moment she stepped out fo the city . . . he had felt it. Grateful for the next question, Arthur slightly shook his head and averted his gaze to nothing in particular in front of him . . . not even having realized he'd been staring at her. Fearing, what expression she drew from him . . . that she always seemed to draw from him.

"Still as useless as ever," he joked, making it clear that his words were that of humour. It had take some time for Arthur to adjust to Merlin having magic . . . but recognizing that the kingdom -- and his own life -- had been saved by magic, he could not deny its significance. He had lifted the ban, and elevated Merlin's position. With that said, he still served Arthur as a servant in some ways. "He is well," Arthur answered more seriously. His children were incredibly fond of him and vice versa. They considered him to be an uncle, as they did other select knights. "It was he who mentioned you were returning to the city," he explained. "He wouldn't shut up about it in his excitement," Arthur said in playful teasing towards his brother of heart. "How is Elyan?" Arthur had never formally met her brother, though Merlin had made mention of him a couple of times.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère did laugh out loud then as she turned part of her body to even look at him, "That--" She turned back to walk with him, her hand resting on her belly in effort to not laugh. When she spoke again it was not as loud but still amused. "That was different!" She reminded him, and shook her head slightly, "I cannot believe you remembered that." She'd told him he wasn't a child and he could do some things on his own, such as think about other people. Her face turned slightly red at the memory, "That was . . . 20 years ago!" And he still hung onto her words!

To be fair, she had held onto them as well. Tightly. Every promise that never was, ever glaze held from across the room, every stolen moment in the hall . . . every kiss . . .

He spoke of the celebration. Yes! His birthday! "I have heard faint whispers that something might be happening." Teasing him so more fun then she remembered. She also knew Arthur, and she knew how he felt about his mother's death. She could only imagine what it was like to become king after his father had died on his birthday as well. She wished she could have been there, and offered support; just as she knew it had not been her place.

Merlin was a safer topic! "Not from what I've heard." She told him, "From what he has spoke, he is the only reason the kingdom stands" Merlin and Arthur's brotherly squabbles were something she was glad had not changed. "Though, it as good of you to lift the ban on magic. I could have been knocked over with a feather when I found out he had it." And unlike Morgana, used it for good. Morgana . . . another topic to avoid to keep the mood from being sour. "I'm---I'm proud of you. That could not have been easy." Because of his father, his father's hate of magic, and Morgana's use of it. It was bold of her to say that, but she couldn't not say it. "It meant the world to Merlin, even if he would never tell you that."

[Arthur Pendragon]

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Just as Arthur enjoyed making her smile, he enjoyed making her laugh. The melodic sound making his heart swell . . . as she expressed her surprise that he remembered that. Something that was over 20 years ago. "I remember a great deal," he stated, his words holding more depth to them than . . . mere playful remarks made from the past. And he knew he shouldn't go there. He knew he shouldn't say anything that would carry that weight. They were enjoying each other's company. Speaking as if nothing had happened. And Arthur knew, it would not last if he said such things, in the way he said them . . . avoiding looking at her for that would only add to it. So he slightly cleared his throat, and with relief, moved onto the next subject.

"Will you be attending?" He asked, suddenly wanting her to come. And yet . . . knew it was not fair of him to want her to. He did hope she knew that the invitation was there. That the castle had been her home for so long and . . . still was in a sense. Just, not in the way that they had both once hoped. The subject of Merlin seemed to be a far safer one. Arthur rolled his eyes a little hearing Merlin speak of him being the reason the kingdom stands. "Now that he is able to take credit, I fear he is overcompensating." He would tell his children stories of how he used magic and Arthur would often defend himself in such tales.

He knew it was all in good fun . . . but Arthur had learned of all the times Merlin had truly saved his life. It had once caused a rift between them, for Arthur had been hurt. With his father keeping secrets, and Morgana . . . he had been hurt. But the two had long since made amends. And now, it was almost as if nothing had changed, even though everything had. He turned to look at her when she spoke of how she was proud of him. He didn't know why, but it meant a great deal. It made his heart swell with emotion. She was proud of him. Why . . . did that mean so much to him?

"It wasn't," he agreed in a soft voice. "But it was necessary. Magic is woven in the fabrics of this kingdom. I could not deny the good it has done while only accepting the evils." It worked both ways, depending on who was using it. His father had not seen that, and how Arthur wished Morgana could have shown him a lighter path, rather than the dark one she took. He faintly smiled at Guinevère expressing how much it meant to Merlin. "It's strange, isn't it? To think that Merlin of all people . . . holds so much, power." As she had said, she too had been shocked. "

[Guinevère]

His words suggested that he too remembered more then just their times teasing each other, yet they both knew it could not be said allowed. Right now, they were two old friends sharing a light word with each other. Going down that road wasn't something either of them were ready for.

Going!? To the king's birthday? "Are you inviting me?" She asked her tone kept neutral, as she wondered if this was something everyone could go to, or if he was asking her to come. "It would be wonderful to see everyone," She 'reasoned' though he had once knew her well enough to know that wasn't her real reason. She wanted to go, and see him. She wanted to spend more time around him. She wanted to smile at him and laugh with him. Yet she knew that it had been well over 15 years since she was in the castle for almost any reason. To go in now, and see him there . . . with his children . . .

"Yet you did what was right," She spoke softly, liking that he did. "I keep thinking of how he used to take on so much, and wonder how hard it was for him. To befriend you, when he knew that being in Camelot was dangerous. I felt as if I didn't know him at first, and yet . . . knew him better all the same."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Was he inviting her. Yes. He was. But would that sound too . . . personal if he said a simple yes? "I am," he stated, deciding to say it like that. Overthinking. Though, surely there was no harm in it. A friend inviting a friend. "They would be glad to see you," And . . . he would be glad to see her. As he was now. But he knew making it sound more general was safer. She told him he did what was right and . . . once again, he felt proud. That he could make her proud. Something that he had strove to do. And, even in her absence, there would be decisions he'd make, with Guinevère's advice in mind.

With thoughts of whether she would approve or not. He'd felt guilty for it, yet he could not change the thought process. No matter how long it had been since they had seen each other. No matter how they had both moved on. "I know the feeling," he told her, when she stated that she felt as if he didn't know him, and yet knew him all the better. "He often spoke of destiny and prophecies," Arthur continued. "It wasn't until I learned of his magic, that I began to understand what I otherwise thought was gibberish." Another tease, for he knew Merlin's words had often been wise ones. "Have you seen him yet?" Arthur asked, going back to his earlier words of how excited he would be for Guinevère to return to the city. Suddenly, another thought occurred to him. "Where are you staying?"

[Guinevère]

"Well when a king invites you, I think it is the law for one to attend." She said, lightly knowing he'd not expect it if she said she couldn't go. "Can I bring someone?" She wanted to make sure it was alright before she did. She felt the first real hesitancy in her over asking. "My daughter," who would love to see a real celebration in the castle. Besides, she had yet to make friends enough to have someone watch her. Elyan was here for now, but she didn't know what his plans were. He favored Lunete, and she hoped that might keep him near for longer.

He spoke of Merlin and she smiled up at him. "He has always been a true friend to you." She told him, her eyes lingering over his face before looking back to where she was going. "He always let me know . . . . he spoke of you often." She would long to hear of what he was doing, and how he was. She had missed him greatly. Thankfully, her husband had never caught on she she must of hid it well--but when Merlin came around, the first thing she did was think of Arthur. Think of the man she loved.

"I have bought a home here," She explained, since her father's forge was long since gone. Arthur had once told her that her home was her for life, but when she married she had not kept it. She had tried to leave Camelot (Arthur) here; and that had only worked physically--mentally he never left her. "It's not far from the market, and I can almost still see my father's forge from the window. Though, another owns it now, I cannot seem to call it anything else."

[Arthur Pendragon]

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Arthur softly smiled as she spoke of a king inviting her, and it being law to attend. He knew -- or at least hoped -- that it was a tease. But he also knew that it was his rank which separated them. Which had pulled them apart. When she asked if she could bring someone, he turned his head to look at her . . . the mention of her daughter making him realize it was the first vocal reminder of the way their lives had grown apart. Though it did not stop Arthur's smile from growing at the mention of her.

"Lunete," he stated. He still recalled how he felt when Merlin told her of Guinevère's daughter. Bittersweet. He was so happy for her that she knew the joys of a mother, as he knew she would be an amazing one. Yet . . . the other part of him -- the part that knew he had no right -- thought of what it would have been like to father her child. He had Alymere at the time which only made him feel even more guilty for having such thoughts. "Of course, Guinevère. She is most welcome. As is Elyan if he too is in the city." Her family. A family that was not his. His own children would be there and . . . well, he knew it should all go well. But the thought of it, was still odd. Perhaps because they had never met the other's children; children that came from separate wives and husbands.

"He has," Arthur agreed. "He, spoke of you often as well," Arthur admitted. Enough for him to know when Guinevère got married. When she had a daughter. Where she was. When her husband passed. She then answered that she bought a home here, explaining that it gave her a view of her father's old forge. "I'm glad to hear that you are settling in well," he told her. "Should you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask." He had made a similar offer in the past, when her father died. But now, it was for different reasons. Completely different ones.

[Guinevère]

He said her daughter's name, and Guinevère felt herself feel things that she couldn't explain. She couldn't even identify what they were. It was a reminder of their lives apart. He had three children, and she knew their names and birthdays, and details that Merlin had given her without meaning too about them. She could tell Merlin had done the same too him, for he knew her daughter's name. Merlin had always liked them together, and she had been grateful that he was there for her during the hard times.

Merlin was a safe topic, but there was only so much to say about someone they both saw often. "Merlin helped find me the house," She told him, to answer the question from a moment go, about if she had seen Merlin yet, and the one about needing anything. "I was just in the market looking for fabric, trying to fill the days until I can begin working." She had to get a booth, some fabric, some people who needed things--and she knew she would, but these things took time. Besides, she still was trying to move things around in her house to be just were she wanted it. Looking over at him, she smiled, "I am glad you happened to be here today." She told him, thinking of how today seemed like the best day she had on forever.

"I knew I'd seen you if I moved back, but I hadn't thought it would be so soon. And I am glad to be wrong." As yet, as if it was meant to be, here they were! Her step slowed as she realized they weren't even pretending to look at the vendors around here. They just looked at each other. And yet, she would not try to put distance between them. She'd missed him. "Has anyone asked about Dir William, since?" She asked, knowing there had been no reason to ask it, other then to make him linger more with her and to keep things slight. "Last I heard there was still a wager on which one of you would win in a joust." She teased, looking up at him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

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Arthur wasn't surprised to hear that. Merlin had been eager for Guinevère to come and . . . it was strange. He would make comments about fate when it came to them. Arthur had always shrugged it off yet, it was odd. How . . . Guinevère was now here. Arthur knew he had to rid his mind of such thoughts. Yet it was difficult. With her standing here. Moving back to the city. And this was only the first time he had seen her. But perhaps that was just it. Because it was the first time he'd seen her in so long, it had reignited all these emotions. He parted his lips to tell her that he had been here to find her; to see her . . . but he knew such a revelation would not serve as holding any purpose.

"As am I." Fate. Surely, Merlin couldn't be right about this. "Perhaps, a part of me expected to see you at the market today." It was as close to the truth as he could get; that while he was here to be with the people, he also had other motivations. Ones that involved her. Once again, he was grateful for the subject change. He couldn't help but chuckle when she brought up Sir William. And a wager of who would win. "Unfortunately, he has not made an appearance. Perhaps he knew he would not win again and decided to leave on a high note," he said in teasing. Sir William. It was, such an important time in his life. Not because he had won. Not because he had learned humility. But because . . . of what happened between them. Because of how it had shaped him. He was getting lost in thought.

Not even realizing his hands having moved from the safe position of being behind his back. One hand reached for her hair, gently taking one of the locks from the bottom in his hand, touching it, slightly curling it around his finger. "You grew it out," he said with a soft smile . . . too soft. Such as was his gaze. And by the time he realized it, it was too late. But the moment he did . . . he quickly dropped his hand back to his side, cleared his throat and took a step back, suddenly not trusting himself. "I'm sorry," he quickly apologized. The last thing he wanted, was to make things awkward between them. "I just meant . . . " What did he mean? He didn't even know. "It's been a while," he said dumbly. Lamely. Inwardly cursing himself. "Since Sir William." Since them.

[Guinevère]

"Perhaps, a part of me expected to see you at the market today." His words brought a flush of pleasure to her face, and she knew that it didn't mean that he was only here to see her, but that he could have hoped to see her. Maybe even look forward to seeing her. She smiled up at him, enjoying the idea and was about to say something--when his hand lifted. Lifted and lingered. Lifted and lingered and let her hair curl nearly perfectly around his hand. His very strong looking, very muscle hand. Her face tilted just slightly as if to turn into his touch, and she only just managed not too. "You grew it out," he said, and she felt it. Arthur was touching her. 20 years since their last kiss, and Arthur touched her.

Her heart beat so rapidly, that she could FEEL it. Her skin felt hot and alive and almost as if it was reaching for him to touch more then her hair. "I'm sorry," He let her go, and the loss made her head swim as her heart slowed back down very slowly. "I just meant . . . " Yes? Her eyes looked up at him, and were slightly too wide, and lingered in placed they shouldn't glace at. His lips, and skin; before reaching his eyes. "It's been a while," Yes. Since she felt his aware of anyone, especially a man. Especially Arthur. "Since Sir William." Oh, yes! It had been. A long while.

Guinevère took a few slow breaths, trying to ease everything he pulled up and out of her. "Yes, it's been a long time," She said, sounding just slightly off. Not since William, but since THIS. "And yet, it feels . . . " as if they were still there. In that first kiss. "Yes," to what she wasn't sure. YES, I felt it too, she wanted to say. Yes do it again!

Yet they were in the middle of the market. Had they not been, she might have embarrassed herself!

Trying to shake out of it, she smiled up at him, and used her fingers to gesture to his own hair. "You should try it," she said, still in a husky almost breathless voice. "Merlin can use his magic to take of it." Staring up at him she couldn't help but to admit more, and there was no laughter in her voice, there was something else. Something soft, and stronger then magic. "There's no need for that," it was a tease to his words, the ones that he said before and just moments ago. The ones that always held a deeper meaning for them. One of love.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
Note: Better layout coming soon!

for the love

OF CAMELOT

A long time. It indeed had and Arthur knew that it was what brought forth all these feelings that he'd long locked away. Seeing her, was causing them to surface. She spoke yes and Arthur wanted to ask her to elaborate . . . yet also knew that he shouldn't. He figured he should explain something though. "I feel like, I'm twenty years younger," he admitted with a smile. 20 years ago. When they had . . . hope. And yet, not enough to keep them together. But he felt like that prince again, seeing her, falling so easily into her company. He didn't feel like he had the weight of a kingdom, or a wife who passed on, 3 children who he lived for . . . and so many other responsibilities.

No. Being with Guinevère, just felt like being a man. Unburdened with ruling a kingdom. It was ironic though, as it was the very reason they were pulled apart. His smile grew into one of more amusement when she told him that he should try it; let Merlin use his magic to cut it. "I wouldn't trust Merlin with such an important task," he said teasingly towards his friend. A tease; because Merlin had been trusted with far more. Though the mention of his hair had Arthur running his hand through it as if to remember what it looked like . . . or how different it was from those, twenty years ago. He hand fell to his side, her words sinking in. There's no need for that. He almost told her that there was every need . . . words she'd once said to him, when using his title. But, he refrained. Not wanting to voice the reminder of why he shouldn't be doing it, even if they both knew.

"Familiar words," he teased, trying to keep the mood light . . . but there was just too much history between them. And it was growing increasingly difficult to keep himself guarded. "It is good to see you, Guinevère. Truly." His words holding a softness to them, a reminder of who they once were. Much had changed and yet . . . everything still felt comfortable. "I just . . . " What, he didn't even know what he was trying to say. "Am reminded. Of . . . how things once were. Twenty years ago." He knew he couldn't say more than that, but he used it as a reason as to why he touched her hair. Of why he had extended his hand to touch her. He shouldn't have, and while he wasn't quite sure he regretted, he had owed her the reason for it. A reason . . . which also kept him a safe distance from her, to ensure he didn't do it again.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched as he tried to explain things, and she only smiled softly, and warmly up at him. She understood. Some things felt so apart of her that 20 years later they still felt only natural. Like breathing, but it was emotional. Loving him, staring at him and basking in the idea that he had chosen to spent time with her. "It actually makes me feel a little better," She told him, "knowing . . . that it's not one sided."

They never really received a proper ending, and it felt like they'd just stepped back into the middle of things. Perhaps it might have been different if they had. "I thought it would be hard to see you again, yet it feel almost too easy." Too good. She was agreeing with him that this was just echos of what was--when she didn't agree with him at all. She knew she loved him. She knew she would always love him. Just as she knew he wasn't her's to love. He was a king now. A good king, with a family that wasn't hers.

Guinevère looked up at him and her hands folded before her. "Perhaps 20 years wasn't that long ago," She tried to tease, keeping everything light and showing that his touching hadn't rocked her to her toes (when it had). "Especially if Merlin is still having trouble cutting your hair." That felt a little easier.